The synthesis and spectroscopic properties of some but-2-yne tungsten complexes of the type [WIX(CO){Ph2P(CH2)PPh2}(η-MeC2Me)] (X = Cl, Br, I, NO2, NO3, NCS or OH)

Reaction of the cationic complex [WI(CO)(NCMe){Ph₂P(CH₂)PPh₂}(η²-MeC₂ME)][BF₄] with an equimolar amount of MX (MX = NaCl, NaBr, NaI, KNO₂, KNO₃, NaNCS or KOH) in acetone at room temperature gave the neutral complex [WIX(CO){Ph₂P(CH₂)PPh₂}(η²-MeC₂Me)] (1–7) in good yield. Complexes 1–7 have been characterized by elemental analysis (C, H and N), IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis and reactivity towards tetrafluoroboric acid of a new family of heterobimetallic polyhydride complexes [(CO)(PPh3)2HRe(μ-H)3RhL2] (L = PPh3, 1,2,5-triphenylphosphole, or P(OMe)3)

The reaction of K[ReH₆(PPh₃)₂] with [RhCl(CO)L₂] [L= PPh₃, 1,2,5-triphenylphosphole (TPP), or P(OMe)₃] leads to the new electronically unsaturated heterobimetallic polyhydride complexes [(CO)(PPh₃)₂HRe(μ-H)₃RhL₂] in moderate-to-good yields. The structures of these complexes have been established on the basis of spectroscopic data, especially ¹H and ³¹P NMR. The bridging hydride ligands are fluxional but there is either a slow or nonexistent exchange between terminal and bridging hydrides. For L = PPh₃ or TPP, protonation with tetrafluoroboric acid affords quantitatively the cationic complexes [(CO)(PPh₃)₂HRe(μ-H)₃RhHL₂]⁺, isolated as the BF₄⁻ or the BPh₄⁻ salts.     

Some additional aspects of versatile starting compounds for cationic organoiron complexes: molecular structure of the aqua complex [(η-C5Me4Et)Fe(CO)2(OH2)]BF4 and solution behavior of the THF complex [(η---C5R5)Fe(CO)2(THF)]BF4

The structures of the versatile starting compounds for organoiron complexes, the cationic aqua complex [(η⁵-C₅Me₄Et)Fe(CO)₂(OH₂)]BF₄ (1b) and the halide complexes (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe(CO)₂-I (2a), (η⁵-C₅Me₄Et)Fe(CO)₂-I (2b) and (η⁵-C₅Me₄Et)Fe(CO)₂-Cl (3b), are characterized by X-ray crystallography. Complex 1b [Fe---O: 2.022(8) Å and 2.043(9) Å, two independent molecules] is the first structurally characterized example of organoiron aqua complexes. Details of the synthetic procedures for the above complexes and the labile cationic THF complexes [η⁵-C₅R₅)Fe(CO)₂(THF)]BF₄ (4) are disclosed, and the dissociation equilibrium of 4 is confirmed by means of variable temperature ¹H-NMR as well as saturation transfer experiment.     

Reactions of metalloalkynes VII. Protonation of ruthenium ethyne-1,2-diyl complexes

The acid–base chemistry of some ruthenium ethyne-1,2-diyl complexes, [{Ru(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄R)}₂(μ₂-CC)] (R=H, Me) has been investigated. Initial protonation of [{Ru(CO)₂{η-C₅H₄R}}₂(μ₂-CC)] gave the unexpected complex cation, crystallised as the BF₄ salt, [{Ru(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄R}}₃(μ₃-CC)][BF₄] (R=Me structurally characterised). This synthesis proved to be unreliable but subsequent, careful protonation experiments gave excellent yields of the protonated ethyne-1,2-diyl complexes, [{Ru(CO)₂{η-C₅H₄R)}₂(μ₂-η¹:η²-CCH)](BF₄) (R=Me structurally characterised) which could be deprotonated in high yield to return the starting ethyne-1,2-diyl complexes.     

Metal complexes of sterically hindered pyrzolylpyridines. The single crystal X-ray structure of [Cu(L)2]BF4 (L = 1-{pyrid-2-yl}-3-{2′,5′-dimethoxyphenyl}pyrazole)

Reaction of potassium 3{5}-(3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl)pyrazolide with 2-bromopyridine in diglyme at 130°C for 3 days followed by an aqueous quench, affords 1-{pyrid-2-yl}-3-{3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl}pyrazole (L²) in 69% yield after recrystallization from hot hexanes. Complexation of [Cu(NCMe)₄]BF₄ by 2 molar equivalents of 1-{pyrid-2-yl}-3-{2′,5′-dimethoxyphenyl}pyrazole (L¹) or L² in MeCN at room temperature, followed by concentration and crystallisation with Et₂O, gives [Cu(L)₂]BF₄ L = L¹, L²) in good yields. Treatment of AgBF₄ with L¹ or L² in MeNO₂ similarly gives [Ag(L)₂]BF₄ L = L¹, L²); reaction of AfBF₄ with L² in MeCN gives a product of stoichiometry [Ag(L²)(NCMe)]BF₄. The ¹H NMR spectra of the [M(L)₂]BF₄ complexes show peaks arising from a single coordinated environment. The single crystal X-ray structure of [Cu(L¹)₂]BF₄ shows a tetrahedral complex cation with Cu---N = 2.011(8), 2.036(8), 2.039(8), 2.110(8) Å. The Cu^I centre is close to tetrahedral, the dihedral angle between the least-squares planes formed by the Cu atom and the N donor atoms of the two ligands being 88.3(3)°. Complexation of hydrated Cu(BF₄)₂ by L² in MeCN at room temperature yields [Cu(L₂)₂](BF₄)₂. The cyclic voltammograms of the three Ag^I complexes in MeCN/0.1 M Bu₄ⁿ NPF₆ are suggestive of extensive ligand dissociation in this solvent.     

Attempts at stepwise reduction of the carbon-nitrogen triple bond of a nitrile at two metal centres: study of the reactivity of [(CO)(PPh3)2Re( (μ-NCHPh)Ru(PPh3) 2(PhCN)] towards tetrafluoroboric acid and dihydrogen

The reaction of [(CO)PPh₃)₂Re(μ-H)₂(μ-NCHPh)Ru(PPh₃)₂(PhCN)] (2) with HBF₄-Me₂O generates [(CO)PPh₃)₂Re(μ- H)₂(μ,η¹,η²HNCHPh)Ru(PPh₃)₂(PhCN)][BF₄] (3). Monitoring the reaction by NMR spectroscopy shows the intermediate formation of [(CO)(PPh₃)₂ HRe(μ-H)₂(μ-NCHPh)Ru(PPh₃)₂(PhCN)][BF₄] (4). Attempted reduction of the imine ligand by a nucleophile (H⁻ or CN⁻) failed, regenerating 2. Under dihydrogen at 50 atm, 3 is slowly transformed into [(CO)(PPh₃)₂HRe(μ-H)₃Ru(PPh₃)₂(PhCN)][BF₄] (5) with liberation of benzyl amine.     

Homo- and hetero-bridged mixed-valence dinuclear complexes which contain the fragment ‘Rh(C6F5)3’

The reaction of the anionic mononuclear rhodium complex [Rh(C₆F₅)₃Cl(Hpz)]^t- (Hpz = pyrazole, C₃H₄N₂) with methoxo or acetylacetonate complexes of Rh or Ir led to the heterodinuclear anionic compounds [(C₆F₅)₃Rh(μ-Cl)(μ-pz)M(L₂)] [M = Rh, L₂ = cyclo-octa-1,5-diene, COD (1), tetrafluorobenzobarrelene, TFB (2) or (CO)₂ (4); M = Ir, L₂ = COD (3)]. The complex [Rh(C₆F₅)₃(Hbim)]⁻ (5) has been prepared by treating [Rh(C₆F₅)₃(acac)]⁻ with H₂bim (acac = acetylacetonate; H₂bim = 2,2′-biimidazole). Complex 5 also reacts with Rh or Ir methoxo, or with Pd acetylacetonate, complexes affording the heterodinuclear complexes [(C₆F₅)₃Rh(μ-bim)M(L₂)]⁻ [M = Rh, L₂ = COD (6) or TFB (7); M = Ir, L₂ = COD (8); M = Pd, L₂ = η³-C₃H₅ (9)]. With [Rh(acac)(CO)₂], complex 5 yields the tetranuclear complex [{(C₆F₅)₃Rh(μ-bim)Rh(CO)₂}₂]₂₋. Homodinuclear Rh^III derivatives [{Rh(C₆F₅)₃}₂(μ-L)₂]^·- [L₂ = OH, pz (11); OH, S^tBu (12); OH, SPh (13); bim (14)] have been obtained by substitution of one or both hydroxo groups of the dianion [{Rh(C₆F₅)₃(μ-OH)}₂]²⁻ by the corresponding ligands. The reaction of [Rh(C₆F₅)₃(Et₂O)_x] with [PdX₂(COD)] produces neutral heterodinuclear compounds [(C₆F₅)₃Rh(μ-X)₂Pd(COD)] [X = Cl (15); Br (16)]. The anionic complexes 1–14 have been isolated as the benzyltriphenylphosphonium (PBzPh₃⁺) salts.     

The chemistry of compounds of the type Ru(η---C5Me4Et)(CO)2X (X=Cl, Br or I)

The title compounds react with unidentate ligands, L, containing either phosphorus or arsenic donor atoms to yield the corresponding compounds of the type Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)LX; with didentate phosphorus donor ligands the major species formed is the bridged complex {Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)X}₂{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh ₂} n = 1, X = Br; n = 2, X = Cl). In contrast, unidentate ligands containing nitrogen donor atoms such as pyridine did not react with Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂Cl although reaction with 1,10-phenanthroline or diethylenetriamine yielded the ionic products [Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)L]⁺Cl⁻ (L = phen or (NH₂CH₂CH₂)₂NH). Reaction of Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂Br with AgOAc yielded the corresponding acetato complex Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂0Ac. Ru(η⁵--- C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂X reacts with AgY (Y = BF₄ or PF₆) in either acetone or dichloromethane to give the useful solvent intermediates [Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂(solvent)]⁺Y⁻, which readily react with ligands L to yield ionic derivatives of the type [Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂L]⁺Y⁻ (where L = CO, NCMe, py, C₂H₄ or MeO₂CCCCO₂Me).     

First examples of η- and η --- η-coordination in triphosphorus analogues of ferrocene. Crystal structure of the iron sandwich complex [Fe(η-C5H5) (η-C2R2P3)W (CO)5] (R = Bu)

Syntheses of the novel sandwich compounds [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵-C₂R₂P₃)] and [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵-C₂R₂P₃)W(CO)₅], (R = Bu^t), are described. The mode of attachment of the [W(CO)₅] fragment in the latter compound has been determined by NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Synthesis and X-ray structure of (η-C5H5)2W2Ir2(CO)7(CHCO2Et)2, a tetrahedral heterometal cluster with two different environments for ethylcarboxylatocarbene ligands

The tetrahedral heteronuclear cluster complex (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂W₂Ir₂(CO)₁₀ reacts with N₂CHCO₂R (R = Et, Me) at room temperature to form the dicarbene species (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂W₂Ir₂(CO)₇(CHCO₂R)₂. An X-ray diffraction study (R = Et) shows an intact tetrahedral metal framework with two distinct sites for the CHCO₂Et ligands. The first uses its carbon atom to bridge the Ir---Ir bond; the second uses its carbon atom to bridge an Ir---W bond and, additionally, forms a donor bond from a carbonyl oxygen atom to the second tungsten atom.     

Reactions of the cationic diruthenium carbonyl complex [Ru2(μ-dppm)2(CO)4(μ,η-O2CMe)] with bidentate ligands; intramolecularly assisted stereospecific synthesis via the second-sphere face-to-face π–π stacking interactions

The reactions of the diruthenium carbonyl complexes [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₄(μ,η²-O₂CMe)]X (X=BF₄⁻ (1a) or PF₆⁻ (1b)) with neutral or anionic bidentate ligands (L,L) afford a series of the diruthenium bridging carbonyl complexes [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-(L,L))₂]X_n ((L,L)=acetate (O₂CMe), 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), acetylacetonate (acac), 8-quinolinolate (quin); n=0, 1, 2). Apparently with coordination of the bidentate ligands, the bound acetate ligand of [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₄(μ,η²-O₂CMe)]⁺ either migrates within the same complex or into a different one, or is simply replaced. The reaction of [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₄(μ,η²-O₂CMe)]⁺ (1) with 2,2′-bipyridine produces [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-O₂CMe)₂] (2), [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-O₂CMe)(η²-bpy)]⁺ (3), and [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-bpy)₂]²⁺ (4). Alternatively compound 2 can be prepared from the reaction of 1a with MeCO₂H–Et₃N, while compound 4 can be obtained from the reaction of 3 with bpy. The reaction of 1b with acetylacetone–Et₃N produces [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-O₂CMe)(η²-acac)] (5) and [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-acac)₂] (6). Compound 2 can also react with acetylacetone–Et₃N to produce 6. Surprisingly [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-quin)₂] (7) was obtained stereospecifically as the only one product from the reaction of 1b with 8-quinolinol–Et₃N. The structure of 7 has been established by X-ray crystallography and found to adopt a cis geometry. Further, the stereospecific reaction is probably caused by the second-sphere π–π face-to-face stacking interactions between the phenyl rings of dppm and the electron-deficient six-membered ring moiety of the bound quinolinate (i.e. the N-included six-membered ring) in 7. The presence of such interactions is indeed supported by an observed charge-transfer band in a UV–vis spectrum.     

Dimethylchalkogenide als liganden in kationischen cyclopentadienyleisen-bis(phosphin)-komplexen: synthese, reaktivität und kristallstruktur von [C5H5Fe(P(OCH3)3)2(S(CH3)2)]PF6

Thermal displacement of coordinated nitriles RCN (R = CH₃, C₂H₅ or n-C₃H₇) in [C₅H₅Fe(L₂)(NCR)]X complexes (L₂ = P(OCH₃)₃)₂, (P(OC₆H₅)₃)₂ or (C₆H₅)₂PC₂H₄P(C₆H₅)₂ (DPPE)) by E(CH₃)₂ affords high yields of [C₅H₅Fe(L₂)(E(CH₃)₂)]X compounds (E = S, Se and Te; X = BF₄ or PF₆). Spectroscopic data and ligand displacement reactions are presented and discussed together with related observations on [C₅H₅Fe(CO)₂(E(CH₃)₂)]BF₄ compounds. The molecular structure of [C₅H₅Fe(P(OCH₃)₃)₂(S(CH₃)₂)]PF₆ was determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study: monoclinic, space group P2₁/n-C⁵_2h (No. 14) with a = 8.4064(12), b = 11.183(2), c = 50.726(8) Å, β = 90.672(13)° and Z = 8 molecules per unit cell. The coordination sphere of the iron atom is pseudo-tetrahedral with an Fe---S bond distance of 2.238 Å.     

Synthesis, structure and hydrogenation catalytic activity of [Ru3(μ3,η-ampy)(μ,η:η-PhC=CHPh)(CO)6(PPh3) (Hampy = 2-amino-6-methylpyridine)

The compound [RU₃(μ₃,η²- -ampy)(μ₃η¹:η²-PhC=CHPh)(CO)₆(PPh₃)₂] (1) (ampy = 2-amino-6-methylpyridinate) has been prepared by reaction of [RU₃(η-H)(μ₃,η²- ampy) (μ,η¹:η²-PhC=CHPh)(CO)₇(PPh₃)] with triphenylphosphine at room temperature. However, the reaction of [RU₃(μ-H)(μ₃, η² -ampy)(CO)₇(PPh₃)₂] with diphenylacetylene requires a higher temperature (110°C) and does not give complex 1 but the phenyl derivative [RU₃(μ₃,η²-ampy)(μ,η ¹:η² -PhC=CHPh)(μ,-PPh₂)(Ph)(CO)₅(PPh₃)] (2). The thermolysis of complex 1 (110°C) also gives complex 2 quantitatively. Both 1 and 2 have been characterized by0 X-ray diffraction methods. Complex 1 is a catalyst precursor for the homogeneous hydrogenation of diphenylacetylene to a mixture of cis- and trans -stilbene under mild conditions (80°C, 1 atm. of H₂), although progressive deactivation of the catalytic species is observed. The dihydride [RU₃(μ-H)₂(μ ₃,η²-ampy)(μ,η¹:η²- PhC=CHPh)(CO)₅(PPh₃)₂] (3), which has been characterized spectroscopically, is an intermediate in the catalytic hydrogenation reaction.     

Synthesis and characterisation of the methylene-inserted mixed-chalcogenide compounds Fe2(CO)6(μ-SeCH2Te) and Fe2(CO)6(μ-SCH2Te)

The methylene-bridged, mixed-chalogen compounds Fe₂(CO)₆(μ-SeCH₂Te) (1) and Fe₂(CO)₆(μ-SCH₂Te) (3) have been synthesised from the room temperature reaction of diazomethane with Fe₂(CO)₆(μ-SeTe) and Fe₂(CO)₆(μ-STe), respectively. Compounds 1 and 3 have been characterised by IR, ¹H, ¹³C, ⁷⁷Se and ¹²⁵Te NMR spectroscopy. The structure of 1 has been elucidated by X-ray crystallography. The crystalsare monoclinic,space group P2₁/n, A = 6.695(2), B = 13.993(5), C = 14.007(4)Å, β = 103.03(2)°, V = 1278(7) ų, Z = 4, D_c = 2.599 g cm⁻³ and R = 0.030 (R_w = 0.047).     

A homodinuclear complex of manganese containing novel ligand, Mn2(CO)6(μ-H){μ-S(SC3H5)C=C(PPr3)S}

The title complex Mn₂(CO)₆(μ-H){μ-S(SC₃H₅)C=C(PPr₃ⁱ)S} was synthesized by allyation of the homobinuclear anion [Mn₂(CO)₆(μ-H){μ-S(SC₃H₅)C=C(PPr₃ⁱ)S}]⁻¹, and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR and ³¹P NMR spectra. The molecular structure shows that it contains a novel fairly planar ligand S(S)C=C(PPr₃ⁱ)S, and the two Mn(CO)₃ fragments are symmetrically placed at both sides of the plane of the ligand.     

Synthesis and characterization of hydroxo, pyrazolato and carboxylato derivatives of the PdR(PPh3)moiety (R = C6F5 or C6Cl5)

The hydroxo-complexes [{PdR(PPh₃)(μ-OH)}₂] (R = C₆F₅ or C₆Cl₅) have been obtained by reaction of the corresponding [{PdR(PPh₃)(μ-Cl)}2] complexes with NBu₄OH in acetone. In this solvent, the reaction of the hydroxo-bridged complexes with pyrazole (Hpz) and 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (Hdmpz) in 1:2 molar ratio leads to the formation of the new complexes [{Pd(C₅F₅)(PPh₃)(μ-azolate)}2] and [{Pd(C₆Cl₅)(PPh₃)}₂(μ-OH)(μ-azolate)] (azolate = pz or dmpz). The reaction of the bis(μ-hydroxo) complexes with Hpz and Hdmpz in acetone in 1:1 molar ratio has also been studied, and the resulting product depends on the organic radical (C₆F₅ or C₆Cl₅) as well as the azolate (pz or dmpz). The identity of the isomer obtained has been established in every case by NMR (¹H, ¹⁹F and ³¹P) spectroscopy. The reaction of the bis(μ-hydroxo) complexes with oxalic (H₂Ox) and acetic (HOAc) acids yields the binucle ar complexes [{PdR(PPh₃)}2(μ-Ox)] (R = C₆F₅ or C₆Cl₅) and [{Pd(C₆F₅)(PPh₃)(μ-OAc)}2], respectively. [{Pd(C₆F₅)(PPh₃)(μ-OH)}₂] reacts with PPh₃ in acetone in 1:2 ratio giving the mononuclear complex trans-[Pd(C₆F₅) (OH)(PPh₃)₂], whereas the pentachlorophenylhydroxo complex does not react with PPh₃, even under forcing conditions.     

Metallorganische lewissäuren : XX. Reaktionen von (π-C5H5)(CO)2LM-X (L = CO, PR3; M = Mo, W; X = BF4, PF6, AsF6, SbF6) mit Schwefel-haltigen liganden

The compounds (π-C₅H₅)(CO)₂LM-X (L = CO, PR₃; M = Mo, W; X = BF₄, PF₆, AsF₆, SbF₆) react with H₂S, p-MeC₆H₄SH, Ph₂S and Ph₂SO(L′) to give ionic complexes [(π-C₅H₅)(CO)₂LML′]⁺ X⁻. Also sulfur-bridged complexes, [(π-C₅H₅)(CO)₃W---SH---W(CO)₃(π-C₅H₅)]⁺ AsF₆⁻ and [(π-C₅H₅)(CO)₃M-μ-S₂C=NCH₂Ph-M(CO)₃(π-C₅H₅)], have been obtained. Reactions with SO₂ and CS₂ have been examined.     

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.     

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.     

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.