A simple synthesis of trans-RuCl(CCR)(dppe)2 complexes and representative molecular structures

The five-coordinate complex [RuCl(dppe)₂]OTf ([2]OTf) is obtained in high yield by the sequential reduction of RuCl₃ · nH₂O to RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃, subsequent phosphine substitution to give trans-RuCl₂(dppe)₂ (trans-1) and finally chloride abstraction (AgOTf, CH₂Cl₂). The use of [2]OTf as an entry point to mono-acetylide complexes trans-RuCl(CCC₆H₄R-4)(dppe)₂ (3) is described, and represents an alternative route to the long-standing methods based on cis-RuCl₂(dppe)₂ (cis-1), which is always prepared as a mixture with the more thermodynamically stable trans isomer when prepared by phosphine substitution reactions of RuCl₂(dmso)₄. The molecular structures of [2]OTf, trans-RuCl(CCC₆H₄OMe-4)(dppe)₂ (3b), trans-RuCl(CCC₆H₄Me-4)(dppe)₂ (3c) and trans-RuCl(CCC₆H₄CO₂Me-4)(dppe)₂ (3e) are described. A facile and reproducible synthesis of cis-1 is also reported.     

Synthesis and complexation of dichalcogenoethers with cyclopropyl backbones, (CH2EMe)2 (E = Se or Te)

The reaction of LiTeMe with C(CH₂Br)₄ in thf gives (CH₂TeMe)₂ irrespective of the ratio of reactants, in contrast to the reaction with LiSeMe, which gives either C(CH₂SeMe)₄ or (CH₂SeMe)₂ depending upon the reaction conditions. The synthesis and properties of [(CH₂TeMe₂)₂]I₂, (CH₂TeMeI₂)₂, [Mn(CO)₃Cl{(CH₂EMe)₂}] (E = Se or Te) and [MCl(η⁶-p-cymene){(CH₂EMe)₂}]PF₆ (M = Ru or Os) are described. X-ray crystal structures are reported for [(CH₂TeMe₂)₂]I₂, [Mn(CO)₃Cl{(CH₂TeMe)₂}], [MCl(η⁶-p-cymene){(CH₂TeMe)₂}]PF₆ (M = Ru, E = Se or Te and M = Os, E = Se). The effect of the cyclopropyl ring in the ligand backbone is to open up the C-C-C angle within the chelate ring, compared with trimethylene linked analogues. Selenium-carbon bond fission occurs on attempted quaternisation of o-C₆H₄(CH₂SeMe)₂ or (CH₂SeMe)₂ with MeI yielding [Me₃Se]I.     

Some complexes containing carbon chains end-capped by M(CO)2Tp′ [M = Mo, W; Tp′ = HB(pz)3, HB(dmpz)3] groups

Complexes M(CCCSiMe₃)(CO)₂Tp′ (Tp′ = Tp [HB(pz)₃], M = Mo 2, W 4; Tp′ = Tp^∗ [HB(dmpz)₃], M = Mo 3) are obtained from M(CCCSiMe₃)(O₂CCF₃)(CO)₂(tmeda) (1) and K[Tp′].Reactions of 2 or 4 with AuCl(PPh₃)/K₂CO₃ in MeOH afforded M{CCCAu(PPh₃)}(CO)₂Tp′ (M = Mo 5, W 6) containing C₃ chains linking the Group 6 metal and gold centres.In turn, the gold complexes react with Co₃(μ₃-CBr)(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ to give the C₄-bridged {Tp(OC)₂M}CCCC{Co₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₇} (M = Mo 7, W 8), while Mo(CBr)(CO)₂Tp^∗ and Co₃{μ₃-C(CC)₂Au(PPh₃)}(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ give {Tp^∗(OC)₂Mo}C(CC)₂C{Co₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₇} (9) via a phosphine-gold(I) halide elimination reaction. The C₃ complexes Tp′(OC)₂MCCCRu(dppe)Cp^∗ (Tp′ = Tp, M = Mo 10, W 11; Tp′ = Tp^∗, M = Mo 12) were obtained from 2-4 and RuCl(dppe)Cp^∗ via KF-induced metalla-desilylation reactions. Reactions between Mo(CBr)(CO)₂Tp^∗ and Ru{(CC)_nAu(PPh₃)}(dppe)Cp^∗ (n = 2, 3) afforded {Tp^∗(OC)₂Mo}C(CC)_n{Ru(dppe)Cp^∗} (n = 2 13, 3 14), containing C₅ and C₇ chains, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations of 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 12 are reported.     

Ruthenium (II) complexes of the chelating phosphine borane H2ClB · dppm

Reaction of H₂ClB · PPh₂CH₂PPh₂ (H₂ClB · dppm) with results in displacement of all three acetonitrile ligands and the formation of (1), which has been characterised crystallographically. Reaction with carbon monoxide results in a change from η² to η¹ of the borane ligand to afford (2). Compound 1 undergoes H/D exchange under a D₂ atmosphere to afford , while 2 does not.     

Synthesis and coordinating properties of the facultative Sb2O- and As2O-donor ligands O{(CH2)2ER2}2 (E = Sb or As; R = Ph or Me)

The new mixed Sb₂O-donor ligands O{(CH₂)₂SbR₂}₂ (R = Ph, 1; R = Me, 2) with flexible backbones have been prepared in good yields as air-sensitive oils from reaction of NaSbR₂ with 0.5 mol equivalents of O(CH₂CH₂Br)₂ in thf solution. The As₂O-donor analogues, O{(CH₂)₂AsR₂}₂ (R = Ph, 3; R = Me, 4) were obtained similarly from LiAsPh₂ or NaAsMe₂, respectively and O(CH₂CH₂Br)₂, although ligand 4 appears to be considerably less stable with respect to C-O bond fission under some conditions than the other ligands. Using O(CH₂CH₂Cl)₂ leads only to partial substitution by the SbPh₂⁻ or AsPh₂⁻ nucleophile. These ligands behave as bidentate chelating Sb₂- or As₂-donors in the distorted tetrahedral [M(L-L)₂]BF₄ (M = Cu or Ag; L-L = 1-4) on the basis of solution ¹H and ⁶³Cu NMR spectroscopic studies, mass spectrometry and microanalyses. Crystal structures of three representative examples with Cu(I) and Ag(I) confirm the distorted tetrahedral Sb₄ or As₄ coordination at the metal and allow comparisons of geometric parameters. The crystallographic identification of an unexpected Cu(I)-Cu(I) complex, [Cu₂{Me₂As(CH₂)₂OH}₃](BF₄)₂, obtained as a by-product via C-O bond fission within ligand 4 is also reported. The distorted octahedral [RhCl₂(L-L)₂]Cl and the distorted square planar cis-[PtCl₂(L-L)] (L-L = 1 or 2) are also described. The ether O atoms are not involved in coordination to the metal ion in any of the late transition metal complexes isolated.     

Group 15 ligand migration in the heteronuclear clusters RuOs3(μ-H)2(CO)12(EPh3) (E = P, As, Sb)

The monosubstituted clusters RuOs₃(μ-H)₂(CO)₁₂(EPh₃) (where E = P, As, Sb) exhibit isomers in which the group 15 ligand is on an Os or an Ru vertex. Evidence is presented for hydride fluxionality and EPh₃ ligand migration. These processes have been examined by variable temperature NMR studies, and the kinetic parameters estimated.     

Alkaline earth metal poly(hydrogen fluorides) hexafluoroarsenates(V) and hexafluorophosphate(V): M2(H2F3)(HF2)2(AF6) (M = Ca, A = As; M = Sr, A = As, P)

New compounds of the type M₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(AF₆) with M = Ca, A = As and M = Sr, A = As, P) were isolated. Ca₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(AsF₆) was prepared from Ca(AsF₆)₂ with repeated additions of neutral anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF). It crystallizes in a space group P4₃22 with a = 714.67(10) pm, c = 1754.8(3) pm, V = 0.8963(2) nm³ and Z = 4. Sr₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(AsF₆) was prepared at room temperature by dissolving SrF₂ in aHF acidified with AsF₅ in mole ratio SrF₂:AsF₅ = 2:1. It crystallizes in a space group P4₃22 with a = 746.00(12) pm, c = 1805.1(5) pm, V = 1.0046(4) nm³ and Z = 4. Sr₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(PF₆) was prepared from Sr(XeF₂)_n(PF₆)₂ in neutral aHF. It crystallizes in a space group P4₁22 with a = 737.0(3) pm, c = 1793.7(14) pm, V = 0.9744(9) nm³ and Z = 4. The compounds M₂(H₂F₃)(HF₂)₂(AF₆) gradually lose HF at room temperature in a dynamic vacuum or during being powdered for recording IR spectra or X-ray powder ray diffraction patterns. All compounds are isotypical with coordination of nine fluorine atoms around a metal center forming a distorted Archimedian antiprism with one face capped. This is the first example of the compounds in which H₂F₃⁻ and HF₂⁻ anions simultaneously bridge metal centers forming close packed three-dimensional network of polymeric compounds with low solubility in aHF. The HF₂⁻ anions are asymmetric with usual F?F distances of 227.3-228.5 pm. Vibrational frequency (ν₁) of HF₂⁻ is close to that in NaHF₂. The anion H₂F₃⁻ exhibits unusually small F?F?F angle of 95.1°-97.6° most probably as a consequence of close packed structure.     

Synthesis of [Ni(η-CH2C6H4R-4){PPh(CH2CH2PPh2)2}] (R = H, Me or MeO) and protonation reactions with HCl

The complexes [Ni(η²-CH₂C₆H₄R-4)(triphos)]BPh₄ {R = H, Me or MeO; triphos = PhP(CH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂} have been prepared and characterised by spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. In all cases the coordination geometry of the nickel is best described as square-planar with an η²-benzyl ligand occupying one of the positions. The orientation of the η²-benzyl ligand is dictated by the steric restrictions imposed by the phenyl groups on the triphos ligand, so that the phenyl group on the unique secondary phosphorus and the aromatic group of the benzyl ligand (which are trans to one another) are oriented in the same direction. [Ni(η²-CH₂C₆H₄R-4)(triphos)]⁺ react with an excess of anhydrous HCl in MeCN to form [NiCl(triphos)]⁺ (characterised as the [BPh₄]⁻ salt by X-ray crystallography) and the corresponding substituted toluene. The kinetics of the reaction of all [Ni(η²-CH₂C₆H₄R-4)(triphos)]⁺ and HCl in the presence of Cl⁻ have been determined using stopped-flow spectrophotometry. All reactions exhibit a first-order dependence on the concentration of complex and a first-order dependence on the ratio [HCl]/[Cl⁻]. Varying the 4-R-substituent on the benzyl ligand shows that electron-withdrawing substituents facilitate the rate of the reaction. It is proposed that the mechanism involves initial rapid protonation at the nickel to form [NiH(η²-CH₂C₆H₄R-4)(triphos)]²⁺, followed by intramolecular proton migration from nickel to carbon to yield the products.     

Reactivity of ZrCl4 and HfCl4 with silylamines and thermal decomposition of the compounds [MCl4{NH(R)(SiR′3)}] (M = Zr,Hf, R = tBu,R′ = Me; R = SiR′3 = SiMe3, SiMe2H)

The Lewis acid/base adducts [MCl₄{NH(R)(SiR′₃)}] (M = Zr, Hf; R = tBu, R′ = Me; R = SiR′₃ = SiMe₃, SiMe₂H) were synthesized by the 1:1 reaction of MCl₄ with NH(R)(SiR′₃) in dichloromethane solution at room temperature. The decomposition of [MCl₄{NH(R)(SiR′₃)}] proceeds with the elimination of R′₃SiCl, as shown by thermogravimetric analysis. Pyrolysis of the compounds at 620 °C under inert conditions (N₂, vacuum) afforded powders of composition [ClMN] or [Cl₂MNH]. Preliminary low pressure chemical vapour deposition experiments show that [MCl₄{NH(R)(SiR′₃)}] deposits thin films of metal nitride contaminated with metal oxide.     

Preparation, crystal structures, EPR and reflectance spectra of two new charge-transfer salts, [CpFeCpCH2N(CH3)3]4[XMo12O40] · nCH3CN (n = 0 for X = P or n = 1 for X = Ge)

Two new charge-transfer salts, [CpFeCpCH₂N(CH₃)₃]₄[PMo₁₂O₄₀] · CH₃CN (1) and [CpFeCpCH₂N(CH₃)₃]₄[GeMo₁₂O₄₀] (2), were synthesized by the traditional solution synthetic method and their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Salt 1 belongs to the triclinic space group P1, and salt 2 belongs to the triclinic space group . There exist the complex interactions of the cationic ferrocenyl donor and Keggin polyanion in the solid state. The solid state UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra indicate the presence of a charge-transfer band climbing from 450 nm to well beyond 900 nm for 1, a charge-transfer band from 460 to 850 nm with λ_max = 630 nm for 2.The EPR spectra of salts 1 and 2 at 77 K show a signal at g = 2.0048 and 1.9501, respectively, ascribed to the delocalization of one electron in reduced Keggin ion in salt 1 and the Mo^VI in [GeMo₁₂O₄₀]⁴⁻ is partly reduced to Mo^V owing to the charge-transfer transitions taking place between the ferrocenyl donors and the POM acceptors. The two compounds were also characterized by IR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.     

Reductive elimination of halogens assisted by phosphine ligands in Fe(CO)4X2 (X = I, Br) complexes

Fe(CO)₄X₂ complexes [X = I (1), Br(1′)] react with phosphine ligands L (L = PMe₃, PEt₃, PMe₂Ph, PMePh₂, PPh₃) via a two-step mechanism: in the first step fac-Fe(CO)₃LX₂ complexes are formed; in the second step two parallel pathways, a and b, are observed; in pathway a, reductive elimination with formation of equimolar amounts of Fe(CO)₃L₂ (5) and phosphonium salts [LX]⁺X⁻ is observed; in pathway b, disubstituted dihalide complexes cis,trans,cis-Fe(CO)₂L₂X₂ are formed. The relative weights of pathways a and b depend on the basicity, steric hindrance and concentration of ligand L, on the nature of the halogen and on temperature. A radical mechanism which accounts for most of the experimental results is proposed.     

Nucleophilic properties of Ru(CCH)(dppe)Cp∗: Synthesis and structure of Ru{c-CCArC(O)C(O)O}(dppe)Cp∗ [Ar = 2,4-(NO2)2C6H3]

The complex Ru{c-CCArC(O)C(O)O}(dppe)Cp∗ [Ar = 2,4-(NO₂)₂C₆H₃] 2, containing a dihydrofuran-3,4-dione ligand, was obtained from a reaction between the strong nucleophile Ru(CCH)(dppe)Cp∗ 1 and bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl) oxalate. The X-ray determined molecular structure of 2 is reported, together with a plausible route for its formation.     

Synthesis and characterization of metal diselenophosphates: M[Se2P(OR)2]2 (M = Pd,Pt; R = Et,Pr, Pr)

The first Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes incorporating diselenophosphate (dsep) ligands are presented. Treatment of M(II) (M = Pd, Pt) salts with two equivalents of the dsep ligand in CH₂Cl₂ yielded square-planar compounds of the type M[Se₂P(OR)₂]₂ (M = Pd, Pt; R = Et, ⁱPr, ⁿPr) (1a–2c). These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (1b and 2b). The dsep ligands coordinate to the metal in an approximately isobidentate fashion and form four-membered Se–P–Se–M chelate rings. Structural elucidations indicated that minute differences exist in the M–Se bond distances and these were observed from solution ³¹P NMR studies, which exhibited two sets of satellites arising from one-bond coupling to ⁷⁷Se nuclei. A packing diagram showed a chain-like motif which was composed of square-planar M[Se₂P(OR)₂]₂ units and occurred via non-covalent Se?Se secondary interactions.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA-binding and DNA-photocleavage studies of [Ru(bpy)2(pmip)] and [Ru(phen)2(pmip)] (pmip = 2-(2′-pyrimidyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline

Two new Ru(II) complexes, [Ru(bpy)₂(pmip)]²⁺ (1) and [Ru(phen)₂(pmip)]²⁺ (2), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ESI-MS and ¹H NMR spectra. Their DNA-binding properties were studied by means of UV–VIS, emission and CD spectra, thermal denaturation and viscosity measurements as well as their DNA-photocleavage properties. The experimental results show that both 1 and 2 can bind to DNA in an intercalative mode; the DNA-binding affinity of 2 is greater than that of 1, which suggests that the ancillary ligands have a significant effect on the spectroscopic properties and DNA-binding behavior of the Ru(II) complexes. Under irradiation with UV light, the Ru(II) complexes show excellent efficiency of cleaving DNA. This research may provide valuable insight into the interactions of metal complexes with DNA, knowledge that is an excellent backdrop for the rational design of promising drugs.     

2D hydrogen bond networks in the crystals of [(NH4 · H2O)2][(RO)(Fc)P(S)2]2 (R = 3-(BzO)-Bz, 4-(n-Bu)-Bz, Bz = benzyl)

Herein we report on the preparation of hydrated ammonium salts of the dithiophosphonic acids (RO)(Fc)P(S)(SH) (R = derivative of benzyl) featuring [(NH₄ · H₂O)₂]²⁺ cations formed by N-H?O hydrogen bonds. Interaction of these cations with the PS₂⁻ units gives rise to unprecedented 2D networks, formed solely by hydrogen bonds. These unique networks containing two- and three centered hydrogen bonds are valuable examples of the acceptor properties of sulfur atoms.     

Selective formation of trans and cis(CH3CN) isomers of [Ru(bpy)(CO)2(CH3CN)2] (bpy=2,2-bipyridine) from [Ru(CO)2(CH3CN)3]2(PF6)2 using an electrochemical oxidation step

The selective in situ synthesis of trans and cis(CH₃CN)-[Ru(bpy)(CO)₂ (CH₃CN)₂]²⁺ isomers from the same [Ru(CO)₂ (CH₃CN)₃]₂²⁺ dimer precursor but using either an electrochemical-chemical or chemical-electrochemical process is described.     

Reaction of [CpRu(CH3CN)3]PF6 with bidentate ligands: structural characterization of [{CpRu(CH3CN)2}2(μ-η-dppe)](PF6)2 [dppe=1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane]

The reaction of [CpRu(CH₃CN)₃]PF₆ with the bidentate ligands L-L=1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, dppe, and (1-diphenylarsino-2-diphenylphosphino)ethane, dpadppe, affords mononuclear or dinuclear complexes of formula [CpRu(η²-L-L)(CH₃CN)]PF₆, [{CpRu(CH₃CN)₂}₂(μ-η^1:1-L-L)](PF₆)₂ and [{CpRu(CH₃CN)}₂(μ-η^1:1-L-L)₂](PF₆)₂ (L-L=dppe, dpadppe). All of the compounds are characterized by microanalysis and NMR [¹H and ³¹P{¹H}] spectroscopy. The crystal structure of [{CpRu(CH₃CN)₂}₂(μ-η^1:1-dppe)](PF₆)₂ has been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The complex exhibits a dppe ligand bridging two CpRu(CH₃CN)₂ fragments.