Rh(I) and Ir(i) derivatives of a P(S),N-substituted indene ligand: synthetic, structural, and catalytic alkene hydrosilylation studies

Treatment of 1-PiPr2-indene or 1-PiPr2-2-NMe2-indene (1a) with elemental sulfur afforded 3-iPr2P(S)-indene or 1-iPr2P(S)-2-NMe2-indene (4a) in 81% and 85% isolated yield, respectively. Addition of 4a to [(COD)M(THF)2]+BF4- afforded the corresponding [(COD)M(kappa2-N,S-4a)]+BF4- complexes (M = Rh, 5a, 76%; M = Ir, 5b, 59%; COD = eta4-1,5-cyclooctadiene), which were found to exhibit temperature-dependent NMR spectral features that were rationalized in terms of a dynamic process involving M-NMe2 dissociation, rotation about the indenyl-NMe2 bond, inversion at nitrogen, and re-coordination to M. Analysis of variable-temperature NMR data collected for 5a and 5b each yielded a value for DeltaG(double dagger) of ca. 14 kcal/mol for this process. Exposure of 5a or 5b to NaN(SiMe3)2 generated the corresponding (COD)M(kappa2-C,S-1-iPr2P(S)-2-NMe2-(C1-indenyl)) complex (M = Rh, 6a, 70%; M = Ir, 6b, 86%) in which the metal is incorporated into an M-C-P-S ring via coordination to the indenyl ring in an eta1-fashion, as well as to sulfur. Alternatively, complex 6b was prepared cleanly via lithiation of 4a followed by treatment with 0.5 equiv of [(COD)IrCl]2. The ability of 5a,b and 6a,b to mediate the addition of triethylsilane to styrene was also explored, and their performance was compared with that of Wilkinson's Catalyst ((PPh3)3RhCl) and Crabtree's catalyst ([(COD)Ir(PCy3)(Py)]+PF6-; Cy = cyclohexyl; Py = pyridine). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data are provided for 4a, 2-NMe2-3-iPr2P(S)-indene (4b), 6a, and 6b.     

Intervalent Bis(μ‐aziridinato)MII?MI Complexes (M=Rh,Ir): Delocalized Metallo‐Radicals or Delocalized Aminyl Radicals?

Reactions of the methoxo complexes [{M(mu-OMe)(cod)}(2)] (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene, M=Rh, Ir) with 2,2-dimethylaziridine (Haz) give the mixed-bridged complexes [{M(2)(mu-az)(mu-OMe)(cod)(2)}] [(M=Rh, 1; M=Ir, 2). These compounds are isolated intermediates in the stereospecific synthesis of the amido-bridged complexes [{M(mu-az)(cod)}(2)] (M=Rh, 3; M=Ir, 4). The electrochemical behavior of 3 and 4 in CH(2)Cl(2) and CH(3)CN is greatly influenced by the solvent. On a preparative scale, the chemical oxidation of 3 and 4 with [FeCp(2)](+) gives the paramagnetic cationic species [{M(mu-az)(cod)}(2)](+) (M=Rh, [3](+); M=Ir, [4](+)). The Rh complex [3](+) is stable in dichloromethane, whereas the Ir complex [4](+) transforms slowly, but quantitatively, into a 1:1 mixture of the allyl compound [(eta(3),eta(2)-C(8)H(11))Ir(mu-az)(2)Ir(cod)] ([5](+)) and the hydride compound [(cod)(H)Ir(mu-az)(2)Ir(cod)] ([6](+)). Addition of small amounts of acetonitrile to dichloromethane solutions of [3](+) and [4](+) triggers a fast disproportionation reaction in both cases to produce equimolecular amounts of the starting materials 3 and 4 and metal--metal bonded M(II)--M(II) species. These new compounds are isolated by oxidation of 3 and 4 with [FeCp(2)](+) in acetonitrile as the mixed-ligand complexes [(MeCN)(3)M(mu-az)(2)M(NCMe)(cod)](PF(6))(2) (M=Rh, [8](2+); M=Ir, [9](2+)). The electronic structures of [3](+) and [4](+) have been elucidated through EPR measurements and DFT calculations showing that their unpaired electron is primarily delocalized over the two metal centers, with minor spin densities at the two bridging amido nitrogen groups. The HOMO of 3 and 4 and the SOMO of [3](+) and [4](+) are essentially M--M d-d sigma*-antibonding orbitals, explaining the formation of a net bonding interaction between the metals upon oxidation of 3 and 4. Mechanisms for the observed allylic H-atom abstraction reactions from the paramagnetic (radical) complexes are proposed.     

New cationic and zwitterionic Cp*M(kappa2-P,S) complexes (M = Rh, Ir): divergent reactivity pathways arising from alternative modes of ancillary ligand participation in substrate activation

Treatment of 0.5 equiv of [Cp*IrCl(2)](2) with 1/3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S(t)Bu-indene afforded Cp*Ir(Cl)(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-indene) (1) in 95% yield (Cp* = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)). Addition of AgOTf or LiB(C(6)F(5))(4) x 2.5 OEt(2) to 1 gave [Cp*Ir(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-indene)](+)X(-) ([2](+)X(-); X = OTf, 78%; X = B(C(6)F(5))(4), 82%), which represent the first examples of isolable coordinatively unsaturated [Cp'Ir(kappa(2)-P,S)](+)X(-) complexes. Exposure of [2](+)OTf(-) to CO afforded [2 x CO](+)OTf(-) in 91% yield, while treatment of [2](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) with PMe(3) generated [2 x PMe(3)](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) in 94% yield. Treatment of 1 with K(2)CO(3) in CH(3)CN allowed for the isolation of the unusual adduct 3 x CH(3)CN (41% isolated yield), in which the CH(3)CN bridges the Lewis acidic Cp*Ir and Lewis basic indenide fragments of the targeted coordinatively unsaturated zwitterion Cp*Ir(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-indenide) (3). In contrast to the formation of [2 x CO](+)OTf(-), exposure of 3 x CH(3)CN to CO did not afford 3 x CO; instead, a clean 1:1 mixture of (kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-indene)Ir(CO)(2) (4) and 1,2,3,4-tetramethylfulvene was generated. Treatment of [2](+)OTf(-) with Ph(2)SiH(2) resulted in the net loss of Ph(2)Si(OTf)H to give Cp*Ir(H)(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-indene) (5) in 44% yield. In contrast, treatment of [2](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) with Ph(2)SiH(2) or PhSiH(3) proceeded via H-Si addition across Ir-S to give the corresponding [Cp*Ir(H)(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S(SiHPhX)-indene)](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) complexes 6a (X = Ph, 68%) or 6b (X = H, 77%), which feature a newly established S-Si linkage. Compound 6a was observed to effect net C-O bond cleavage in diethyl ether with net loss of Ph(2)Si(OEt)H, affording [Cp*Ir(H)(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-SEt-indene)](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) (7) in 77% yield. Furthermore, 6a proved capable of transferring Ph(2)SiH(2) to acetophenone, with concomitant regeneration of [2](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-); however, [2](+)X(-) did not prove to be effective ketone hydrosilylation catalysts. Treatment of 1/3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S(t)Bu-indene with 0.5 equiv of [Cp*RhCl(2)](2) gave Cp*Rh(Cl)(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-indene) (8) in 94% yield. Combination of 8 and LiB(C(6)F(5))(4) x 2.5 Et(2)O produced the coordinatively unsaturated cation [Cp*Rh(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-indene)](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) ([9](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-)), which was transformed into [Cp*Rh(H)(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S(SiHPh(2))-indene)](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) (10) via net H-Si addition of Ph(2)SiH(2) to Rh-S. Unlike [2](+)X(-), complex [9](+)B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) was shown to be an effective catalyst for ketone hydrosilylation. Treatment of 3 x CH(3)CN with Ph(2)SiH(2) resulted in the loss of CH(3)CN, along with the formation of Cp*Ir(H)(kappa(2)-3-P(i)Pr(2)-2-S-(1-diphenylsilylindene)) (11) (64% isolated yield) as a mixture of diastereomers. The formation of 11 corresponds to heterolytic H-Si bond activation, involving net addition of H(-) and Ph(2)HSi(+) fragments to Ir and indenide in the unobserved zwitterion 3. Crystallographic data are provided for 1, [2 x CO](+)OTf(-), 3 x CH(3)CN, 7, and 11. Collectively, these results demonstrate the versatility of donor-functionalized indene ancillary ligands in allowing for the selection of divergent metal-ligand cooperativity pathways (simply by ancillary ligand deprotonation) in the activation of small molecule substrates.     

A trinuclear bright red luminophore containing cyclometallated Ir(III) motifs

The trinuclear complex [{Ir(ppy)(2)}(3)(L(1))(2)](OTf)(3) (1) is a bright red luminophore whereas the monomer [Ir(ppy)(2)L(2)](OTf) (2) exhibits emission in the green region.     

Silylene extrusion from organosilanes via double geminal Si-H bond activation by a Cp*Ru(kappa2-P,N)+ complex: observation of a key stoichiometric step in the glaser-tilley alkene hydrosilylation mechanism

Treatment of Cp*RuCl(kappa2-P,N-2b) (2b = 2-NMe2-3-PiPr2-indene) with TlSO3CF3 produced the cyclometalated complex [4]+SO3CF3- in 94% isolated yield. Exposure of [4]+X- (X = B(C6F5)4 or SO3CF3) to Ph2SiH2 (10 equiv) or PhSiH3 afforded the corresponding [Cp*(mu-P,N-2b)(H)2Ru=SiRPh]+X- complexes, [5]+X- (R = Ph; X = B(C6F5)4, 82%; X = SO3CF3, 39%) and [6]+X- (R = H; X = B(C6F5)4, 94%; X = SO3CF3, 95%). Notably, these transformations represent the first documented examples of Ru-mediated silylene extrusion via double geminal Si-H bond activation of an organosilane-a key step in the recently proposed Glaser-Tilley (G-T) alkene hydrosilylation mechanism. Treatment of [5]+B(C6F5)4- with KN(SiMe3)2 or [6]+SO3CF3- with NaN(SiMe3)2 afforded the corresponding zwitterionic Cp*(mu-2-NMe2-3-PiPr2-indenide)(H)2Ru=SiRPh complex in 69% (R = Ph, 7) or 86% (R = H, 8) isolated yield. Both [6]+X- and 8 proved unreactive toward 1-hexene and styrene and provided negligible catalytic turnover in the attempted metal-mediated hydrosilylation of these substrates with PhSiH3, thereby providing further empirical evidence for the required intermediacy of base-free Ru=Si species in the G-T mechanism. Isomerization of the P,N-indene ligand backbone in [6]+X-, giving rise to [Cp*(mu-1-PiPr2-2-NMe2-indene)(H)2Ru=SiHPh]+X- ([9]+X-), was observed. In the case of [9]+SO3CF3-, net intramolecular addition of the Ru=Si-H group across the styrene-like C=C unit within the ligand backbone to give 10 (96% isolated yield) was observed. Crystallographic characterization data are provided for [4]+X-, [5]+X-, [6]+X-, 8, and 10.     

Solution and solid-state dynamics of metal-coordinated white phosphorus

The dynamic behavior in solution of eight mono-hapto?tetraphosphorus transition metal-complexes, trans-[Ru(dppm)(2) (H)(η(1) -P(4) )]BF(4) ([1]BF(4) ), trans-[Ru(dppe)(2) (H)(η(1) -P(4) )]BF(4) ([2]BF(4) ), [CpRu(PPh(3) )(2) (η(1) -P(4) )]PF(6) ([3]PF(6) ), [CpOs(PPh(3) )(2) (η(1) -P(4) )]PF(6) ([4]PF(6) ), [Cp*Ru(PPh(3) )(2) (η(1) -P(4) )]PF(6) ([5]PF(6) ), [Cp*Ru(dppe)(η(1) -P(4) )]PF(6) ([6]PF(6) ), [Cp*Fe(dppe)(η(1) -P(4) )]PF(6) ([7]PF(6) ), [(triphos)Re(CO)(2) (η(1) -P(4) )]OTf ([8]OTf), and of three bimetallic Ru(μ,η(1:2) -P(4) )Pt species [{Ru(dppm)(2) (H)}(μ,η(1:2) -P(4) ){Pt(PPh(3) )(2) }]BF(4) ([1-Pt]BF(4) ), [{Ru(dppe)(2) (H)}(μ,η(1:2) -P(4) ){Pt(PPh(3) )(2) }]BF(4) ([2-Pt]BF(4) ), [{CpRu(PPh(3) )(2) )}(μ,η(1:2) -P(4) ){Pt(PPh(3) )(2) }]BF(4) ([3-Pt]BF(4) ), [dppm=bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane; dppe=1,2-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane; triphos=1,1,1-tris(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)ethane; Cp=η(5) -C(5) H(5) ; Cp*=η(5) -C(5) Me(5) ] was studied by variable-temperature (VT) NMR and (31) P{(1) H} exchange spectroscopy (EXSY). For most of the mononuclear species, NMR spectroscopy allowed to ascertain that the metal-coordinated P(4) molecule experiences a dynamic process consisting, apart from the free rotation about the M?P(4) axis, in a tumbling movement of the P(4) cage while remaining chemically coordinated to the central metal. EXSY and VT (31) P?NMR experiments showed that also the binuclear complex cations [1-Pt](+) -[3-Pt](+) are subjected to molecular motions featured by the shift of each metal from one P to an adjacent one of the P(4) moiety. The relative mobility of the metal fragments (Ru vs. Pt) was found to depend on the co-ligands of the binuclear complexes. For complexes [2]BF(4) and [3]PF(6) , MAS, (31) P?NMR experiments revealed that the dynamic processes observed in solution (i.e., rotation and tumbling) may take place also in the solid state. The activation parameters for the dynamic processes of complexes 1(+) , 2(+) , 3(+) , 4(+) , 6(+) , 8(+) in solution, as well as the X-ray structures of 2(+) , 3(+) , 5(+) , 6(+) are also reported. The data collected suggest that metal-coordinated P(4) should not be considered as a static ligand in solution and in the solid state.     

Potassium S2N-heteroscorpionates: structure and iridaboratrane formation

The potassium salts of the new S(2)N-heteroscorpionate ligand hydrobis(methimazolyl)(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate [HB(mt)(2)(pz(3,5-Me))](-) and its known analogue hydrobis(methimazolyl)(pyrazolyl)borate [HB(mt)(2)(pz)](-) (prepared from KTp' or KTp and methimazole, Hmt), and the adduct KTp·Hmt have polymeric structures in the solid state (the first a ladder and the other two chains). The iridaboratranes [IrHLL'{B(mt)(2)X}] (X = pz(3,5-Me) or pz), prepared from the heteroscorpionate anion and [{Ir(cod)(μ-Cl)}(2)] (LL' = cod), subsequent carbonylation [LL' = (CO)(2)] and then reaction with phosphine [LL' = (CO)(PR(3)), R = Ph or Cy], have a pendant pyrazolyl ring and a bicyclo-[3.3.0] cage formed by an S(2)-bound B(mt)(2) fragment. The binuclear species [(cod)HIr{μ-B(mt)(3)}IrCl(cod)], the only isolated product of the reaction of KTm with [{Ir(cod)(μ-Cl)}(2)], also has an S(2)-bound iridaboratrane unit but with the third mt ring linked to square planar iridium(I).     

Synthesis, structures and reactivity of ruthenium nitrosyl complexes containing Kläui's oxygen tripodal ligand

Ruthenium nitrosyl complexes containing the Kl?ui's oxgyen tripodal ligand L(OEt)(-) ([CpCo{P(O)(OEt)(2)}(3)](-) where Cp = η(5)-C(5)H(5)) were synthesized and their photolysis studied. The treatment of [Ru(N^N)(NO)Cl(3)] with [AgL(OEt)] and Ag(OTf) afforded [L(OEt)Ru(N^N)(NO)][OTf](2) where N^N = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (dtbpy) (2·[OTf](2)), 2,2'-bipyridyl (bpy) (3·[OTf](2)), N,N,N'N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (4·[OTf](2)). Anion metathesis of 3·[OTf](2) with HPF(6) and HBF(4) gave 3·[PF(6)](2) and 3·[BF(4)](2), respectively. Similarly, the PF(6)(-) salt 4·[PF(6)](2) was prepared by the reaction of 4·[OTf](2) with HPF(6). The irradiation of [L(OEt)Ru(NO)Cl(2)] (1) with UV light in CH(2)Cl(2)-MeCN and tetrahydrofuran (thf)-H(2)O afforded [L(OEt)RuCl(2)(MeCN)] (5) and the chloro-bridged dimer [L(OEt)RuCl](2)(μ-Cl)(2) (6), respectively. The photolysis of complex [2][OTf](2) in MeCN gave [L(OEt)Ru(dtbpy)(MeCN)][OTf](2) (7). Refluxing complex 5 with RNH(2) in thf gave [L(OEt)RuCl(2)(NH(2)R)] (R = tBu (8), p-tol (9), Ph (10)). The oxidation of complex 6 with PhICl(2) gave [L(OEt)RuCl(3)] (11), whereas the reduction of complex 6 with Zn and NH(4)PF(6) in MeCN yielded [L(OEt)Ru(MeCN)(3)][PF(6)] (12). The reaction of 3·[BF(4)](2) with benzylamine afforded the μ-dinitrogen complex [{L(OEt)Ru(bpy)}(2)(μ-N(2))][BF(4)](2) (13) that was oxidized by [Cp(2)Fe]PF(6) to a mixed valence Ru(II,III) species. The formal potentials of the RuL(OEt) complexes have been determined by cyclic voltammetry. The structures of complexes 5,6,10,11 and 13 have been established by X-ray crystallography.     

Dimethylsulfoxide as a ligand for RhI and IrI complexes--isolation, structure, and reactivity towards X-H bonds (X=H, OH, OCH3)

Novel neutral and cationic Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes that contain only DMSO molecules as dative ligands with S-, O-, and bridging S,O-binding modes were isolated and characterized. The neutral derivatives [RhCl(DMSO)(3)] (1) and [IrCl(DMSO)(3)] (2) were synthesized from the dimeric precursors [M(2)Cl(2)(coe)(4)] (M=Rh, Ir; COE=cyclooctene). The dimeric Ir(I) compound [Ir(2)Cl(2)(DMSO)(4)] (3) was obtained from 2. The first example of a square-planar complex with a bidentate S,O-bridging DMSO ligand, [(coe)(DMSO)Rh(micro-Cl)(micro-DMSO)RhCl(DMSO)] (4), was obtained by treating [Rh(2)Cl(2)(coe)(4)] with three equivalents of DMSO. The mixed DMSO-olefin complex [IrCl(cod)(DMSO)] (5, COD=cyclooctadiene) was generated from [Ir(2)Cl(2)(cod)(2)]. Substitution reactions of these neutral systems afforded the complexes [RhCl(py)(DMSO)(2)] (6), [IrCl(py)(DMSO)(2)] (7), [IrCl(iPr(3)P)(DMSO)(2)] (8), [RhCl(dmbpy)(DMSO)] (9, dmbpy=4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), and [IrCl(dmbpy)(DMSO)] (10). The cationic O-bound complex [Rh(cod)(DMSO)(2)]BF(4) (11) was synthesized from [Rh(cod)(2)]BF(4). Treatment of the cationic complexes [M(coe)(2)(O=CMe(2))(2)]PF(6) (M=Rh, Ir) with DMSO gave the mixed S- and O-bound DMSO complexes [M(DMSO)(2)(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) (Rh=12; Ir=in situ characterization). Substitution of the O-bound DMSO ligands with dmbpy or pyridine resulted in the isolation of [Rh(dmbpy)(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) (13) and [Ir(py)(2)(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) (14). Oxidative addition of hydrogen to [IrCl(DMSO)(3)] (2) gave the kinetic product fac-[Ir(H)(2)Cl(DMSO)(3)] (15) which was then easily converted to the more thermodynamically stable product mer-[Ir(H)(2)Cl(DMSO)(3)] (16). Oxidative addition of water to both neutral and cationic Ir(I) DMSO complexes gave the corresponding hydrido-hydroxo addition products syn-[(DMSO)(2)HIr(micro-OH)(2)(micro-Cl)IrH(DMSO)(2)][IrCl(2)(DMSO)(2)] (17) and anti-[(DMSO)(2)(DMSO)HIr(micro-OH)(2)IrH(DMSO)(2)(DMSO)][PF(6)](2) (18). The cationic [Ir(DMSO)(2)(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) complex (formed in situ from [Ir(coe)(2)(O=CMe(2))(2)]PF(6)) also reacts with methanol to give the hydrido-alkoxo complex syn-[(DMSO)(2)HIr(micro-OCH(3))(3)IrH(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) (19). Complexes 1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, and 19 were characterized by crystallography.     

Chelating dialkoxide titanium complex: a versatile building block for the construction of heterometallic derivatives

The heterometallic complex [TiCp*(O(2)Bz)(2)AlMe(2)] (2) has been synthesised by reaction of [TiCp*(O(2)Bz)(OBzOH)] (1) with AlMe(3) (Cp*=eta(5)-C(5)Me(5); Bz=benzyl). Complex 1 reacts with HOTf to yield the cationic derivative [TiCp*(OBzOH)(2)]OTf (3) (HOTf=HSO(3)CF(3)). Compound 3 reacts with [{M(mu-OH)(cod)}(2)] (M=Rh, Ir; cod=cyclooctadiene) to render the early-late heterometallic complexes [TiCp*(O(2)Bz)(2){M(cod)}(2)]OTf (M=Rh (4); Ir (5)). The molecular structure of complex 4 has been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Electrophilic attack on trinuclear titanium imido-nitrido systems

Alkylation of [{Ti(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(μ-NH)}(3)(μ(3)-N)] with MeOTf occurs at the imido ligands to produce the methylamido derivative [Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-N)(μ-NH)(2)(μ-NHMe)(OTf)] which readily rearranges to form the methylimido complex [Ti(3)(η(5)-C(5)Me(5))(3)(μ(3)-N)(μ-NH)(μ-NH(2))(μ-NMe)(OTf)].     

The preparation and characterisation of bimetallic iridium(II) complexes containing derivatised bridging naphthalene-1,8-disulfur or 4,5-dithiolato acephenanthrylene ligands

Oxidative addition of the disulfide compounds naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole, 2-tert-butylnaptho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole, 2,7-di-tert-butylnaphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole, 4,5-dithiaacephenanthrylene and the thio/sulfinyl and thio/sulfonyl compounds naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole 1-oxide, and naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole 1,1-dioxide respectively to [[Ir(mu-Cl)(cod)](2)] give dinuclear Ir-Ir bonded Ir(II) compounds [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-nap)] 1, [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-2-(t)Bu-nap)] 2, [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-2,7-di-(t)Bu-nap)]] 3, [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-4,5-S(2)-phenan)] 4, [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1-S,8-[S(O)]-nap)] 5 and [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1-S,8-[S(O)(2)]-nap)] 6 where the di-sulfur ligands act as bridges between the two Ir(II) metal centres. The compounds were obtained in moderate to good yields as orange or deep red powders or crystalline solids. Five of the new complexes have been structurally characterised and were found to have Ir-Ir bond lengths in the range 2.7630(8) to 2.8113(11) A.     

Hydride mobility in trinuclear sulfido clusters with the core [Rh3(μ-H)(μ3-S)2]: molecular models for hydrogen migration on metal sulfide hydrotreating catalysts

The treatment of [{Rh(μ-SH){P(OPh)(3)}(2)}(2)] with [{M(μ-Cl)(diolef)}(2)] (diolef=diolefin) in the presence of NEt(3) affords the hydrido-sulfido clusters [Rh(3)(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(diolef){P(OPh)(3)}(4)] (diolef=1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod) for 1, 2,5-norbornadiene (nbd) for 2, and tetrafluorobenzo[5,6]bicyclo[2.2.2]octa-2,5,7-triene (tfb) for 3) and [Rh(2)Ir(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(cod){P(OPh)(3)}(4)] (4). Cluster 1 can be also obtained by treating [{Rh(μ-SH){P(OPh)(3)}(2)}(2)] with [{Rh(μ-OMe)(cod)}(2)], although the main product of the reaction with [{Ir(μ-OMe)(cod)}(2)] was [RhIr(2)(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(cod)(2){P(OPh)(3)}(2)] (5). The molecular structures of clusters 1 and 4 have been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The deprotonation of a hydrosulfido ligand in [{Rh(μ-SH)(CO)(PPh(3))}(2)] by [M(acac)(diolef)] (acac=acetylacetonate) results in the formation of hydrido-sulfido clusters [Rh(3)(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(CO)(2) (diolef)(PPh(3))(2)] (diolef=cod for 6, nbd for 7) and [Rh(2)Ir(μ-H)(μ(3)-S)(2)(CO)(2)(cod)(PPh(3))(2)] (8). Clusters 1-3 and 5 exist in solution as two interconverting isomers with the bridging hydride ligand at different edges. Cluster 8 exists as three isomers that arise from the disposition of the PPh(3) ligands in the cluster (cis and trans) and the location of the hydride ligand. The dynamic behaviour of clusters with bulky triphenylphosphite ligands, which involves hydrogen migration from rhodium to sulfur with a switch from hydride to proton character, is significant to understand hydrogen diffusion on the surface of metal sulfide hydrotreating catalysts.     

The preparation and characterisation of hetero- and homobimetallic complexes containing bridging naphthalene-1,8-dithiolato ligands

Homo- and heterobimetallic complexes of the form [(PPh(3))(2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-nap){ML(n)}] (in which (1,8-S(2)-nap)=naphtho-1,8-dithiolate and {ML(n)}={PtCl(2)} (1), {PtClMe} (2), {PtClPh} (3), {PtMe(2)} (4), {PtIMe(3)} (5) and {Mo(CO)(4)} (6)) were obtained by the addition of [PtCl(2)(NCPh)(2)], [PtClMe(cod)] (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene), [PtClPh(cod)], [PtMe(2)(cod)], [{PtIMe(3)}(4)] and [Mo(CO)(4)(nbd)] (nbd=norbornadiene), respectively, to [Pt(PPh(3))(2)(1,8-S(2)-nap)]. Synthesis of cationic complexes was achieved by the addition of one or two equivalents of a halide abstractor, Ag[BF(4)] or Ag[ClO(4)], to [{Pt(mu-Cl)(mu-eta(2):eta(1)-C(3)H(5))}(4)], [{Pd(mu-Cl)(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))}(2)], [{IrCl(mu-Cl)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}(2)] (in which C(5)Me(5)=Cp*=1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl), [{RhCl(mu-Cl)(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}(2)], [PtCl(2)(PMe(2)Ph)(2)] and [{Rh(mu-Cl)(cod)}(2)] to give the appropriate coordinatively unsaturated species that, upon treatment with [(PPh(3))(2)Pt(1,8-S(2)-nap)], gave complexes of the form [(PPh(3))(2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-nap){ML(n)}][X] (in which {ML(n)}[X]={Pt(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))}[ClO(4)] (7), {Pd(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))}[ClO(4)] (8), {IrCl(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}[ClO(4)] (9), {RhCl(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}[BF(4)] (10), {Pt(PMe(2)Ph)(2)}[ClO(4)](2) (11), {Rh(cod)}[ClO(4)] (12); the carbonyl complex {Rh(CO)(2)}[ClO(4)] (13) was formed by bubbling gaseous CO through a solution of 12. In all cases the naphtho-1,8-dithiolate ligand acts as a bridge between two metal centres to give a four-membered PtMS(2) ring (M=transition metal). All compounds were characterised spectroscopically. The X-ray structures of 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 reveal a binuclear PtMS(2) core with PtM distances ranging from 2.9630(8)-3.438(1) A for 8 and 5, respectively. The napS(2) mean plane is tilted with respect to the PtP(2)S(2) coordination plane, with dihedral angles in the range 49.7-76.1 degrees and the degree of tilting being related to the PtM distance and the coordination number of M. The sum of the Pt(1)coordination plane/napS(2) angle, a, and the Pt(1)coordination plane/M(2)coordination plane angle, b, a+b, is close to 120 degrees in nearly all cases. This suggests that electronic effects play a significant role in these binuclear systems.     

First complexes of scandium and yttrium with NNO and NNS heteroscorpionate ligands

The reaction of ScCl(3)(THF)(3) or YCl(3) in a 1:1 molar ratio under reflux for 8 h with [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)] [bdmpza = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate], [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)] [bdmpzdta = bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)dithioacetate], and (Hbdmpze) [bdmpze = 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)ethoxide] affords the corresponding complexes [MCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzx)(THF)] (x = a, M = Sc (1), Y (2); x = dta, M = Sc (3), Y (4); x = e, M = Sc (5), Y (6)). However, when the reaction was carried out for 1 h under reflux between ScCl(3)(THF)(3) and [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)], a new anionic complex [Li(THF)(4)][ScCl(3)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)] (7) was obtained. Reaction of [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)] with YCl(3) in a 2:1 molar ratio under reflux for 8 h gave the complex [YCl(kappa(3)-bdmpza)(2)] (8). The same reaction, but with the lithium compound [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)], led to the formation of an anionic complex [Li(THF)(4)][YCl(3)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)] (9). The X-ray crystal structures of 7 and 9 were established. Finally, the addition of 1 equiv of [{Li(bdmpza)(H(2)O)}(4)] or [{Li(bdmpzdta)(H(2)O)}(4)] to a solution of YCl(3) in THF under reflux, followed by the addition of 1 equiv of 1,10-phenanthroline, resulted in the formation of the corresponding complexes [YCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzx)(phen)] (x = a (10), x = dta (11)). These complexes are the first examples of group 3 metals stabilized by heteroscorpionate ligands. In addition, we have explored the reactivity of some of these complexes with alcohols and amides. For example, the direct reaction of [YCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpza)(THF)] (2) with several alcohols gave the alkoxide complexes [YCl(kappa(3)-bdmpza)(OR)] (R = Et (12), iPr (13)). Finally, the reaction between [ScCl(2)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)(THF)] (3) or [Li(THF)(4)][ScCl(3)(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta)] (7) and LiN(SiMe(3))(2).Et(2)O in 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios gave rise to the complexes [ScCl(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta){N(SiMe(3))(2)}] (14) and [Sc(kappa(3)-bdmpzdta){N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)] (15), respectively.     

Quasi-octahedral complexes of pentamethylcyclopentadienyliridium(III) bearing bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)phenylphosphine (dpmp)

Reaction of [Cp*IrCl2]2 (1) with dpmp in the presence of KPF6 afforded a binuclear complex [Cp*IrCl(dpmp-P1,P2;P3)IrCl2Cp*](PF6) (2) (dpmp =(Ph2PCH2)2PPh). The mononuclear complex [Cp*IrCl(dpmp-P1,P2)](PF6) (4) was generated by the reaction of [Cp*IrCl2(BDMPP)](BDMPP =PPh[2,6-(MeO)2C6H3]2) with dpmp in the presence of KPF6. These mono- and binuclear complexes have four-membered ring structures with a terminal and a central P atom of the dpmp ligand coordinated to an iridium atom as a bidentate ligand. Since there are two chiral centers at the Ir atom and a central P2 atom, there are two diastereomers that were characterized by spectrometry. Complexes anti-4 and syn-4 reacted with [Cp*RhCl2]2 or [(C6Me6)RuCl2]2, giving the corresponding mixed-metal complexes, anti- and syn- [Cp*IrCl(dppm-P1,P2;P3)MCl2L](PF6) (6: M = Rh, L = Cp*; 7: M = Ru, L = C6Me6). Treatment with AuCl(SC4H8) gave tetranuclear complexes, anti- and syn-8 [[Cp*IrCl(dppm-P1,P2;P3)AuCl]2](PF6)2 bearing an Au-Au bond. Reaction of anti- with PtCl2(cod) generated the trinuclear complex anti-9, anti-[[Cp*IrCl(dppm-P1,P2;P3)]2PtCl2](PF6)2. These reactions proceeded stereospecifically. The P,O-chelated complex syn-[Cp*IrCl(BDMPP-P,O)] (syn-10)(BDMPP-P,O = PPh[2,6-(MeO)2C6H3][2-O-6-(MeO)C6H3]2) reacted with dpmp in the presence of KPF6, generating the corresponding anti-complex as a main product as well as a small amount of syn-complex, [Cp*Ir(BDMPP-P,O)(dppm-P1)](PF6) (11). The reaction proceeded preferentially with inversion. The reaction processes were investigated by PM3 calculation. anti- was treated with MCl2(cod), giving anti-[Cp*Ir(BDMPP-P,O)(dppm-P1;P2,P3)MCl2](PF6)(14: M = Pt; 15: M = Pd), in which the MCl2 moiety coordinated to the two free P atoms of anti-11. The X-ray analyses of syn-2, anti-2, anti-4, anti-8 and anti-11 were performed.     

Hydrolytic behaviour and chloride ion binding capability of [Ru(η6-p-cym)(H2O)3]2+: a solution equilibrium study

Hydrolysis of an organometallic cation, [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(3)](2+) (p-cym = 1-isopropyl-4-methylbenzene), in the presence of 0.20 M KNO(3) or KCl as supporting electrolyte was studied in detail with the combined use of pH-potentiometry, (1)H-NMR, UV-VIS and ESI-TOF-MS. Stoichiometry and stability constants of chlorido, hydroxido and mixed chlorido-hydroxido complexes formed in aqueous solution have been determined. At pH < 4.0 where hydrolysis of [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(3)](2+) is negligible with increasing chloride ion concentration two chlorido complexes, [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(2)Cl](+) and [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-Cl)(3)](+), are detectable. At pH > 5.0, in chloride ion free samples the exclusive formation of [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-OH)(3)](+) is found. However, if chloride ion is present (in the range 0-3.50 M) novel mixed chlorido-hydroxido species, [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-OH)(2)(μ(2)-Cl)](+) and [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-OH)(μ(2)-Cl)(2)](+) can also be identified at pH > 4.0. The results obtained in this study may help in rationalizing the solution behaviour of half-sandwich [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(XY)Z] type complexes which, after dissociation of both the monodentate Z and the chelating XY, are capable of yielding the free aqua species [Ru(η(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(3)](2+). Our results demonstrate that different chloride ion concentrations can influence the speciation in the acidic pH range but at biologically relevant conditions (pH = 7.4, c(Cl(-)) = 0.16 M) and at c(M) = 1 μM [{Ru(η(6)-p-cym)}(2)(μ(2)-OH)(3)](+) is predominant in the absence of any coordinating ligands.     

Synthetic, structural and theoretical studies of amidinate and guanidinate stabilised germanium(I) dimers

The neutral germanium(i) dimers, [{Ge(Piso)}(2)] and [{Ge(Giso)}(2)], Piso = [(ArN)(2)CBu(t)](-), Giso = [(ArN)(2)CNPr(i)(2)](-), Ar = C(6)H(3)Pr(i)(2)-2,6, which are stabilised by bulky amidinate and guanidinate ligands respectively, have been prepared by reduction of the corresponding germanium(ii) chlorides, [Ge(Piso)Cl] and [Ge(Giso)Cl]; theoretical studies suggest that the Ge-Ge bonds of [{Ge(Piso)}(2)] and [{Ge(Giso)}(2)] are associated with their HOMOs, whilst their LUMOs have substantial Ge-Ge pi-bonding character.     

Iridium-imine and -amine complexes relevant to the (S)-metolachlor process: structures, exchange kinetics, and C-H activation by Iri causing racemization

Iridium complexes of DMA-imine [2,6-dimethylphenyl-1'-methyl-2'-methoxyethylimine, 1 a) and (R)-DMA-amine [(1'R)-2,6-dimethylphenyl-1'-methyl-2'-methoxyethylamine, 2 a] that are relevant to the catalytic imine hydrogenation step of the Syngenta (S)-Metolachlor process were synthesized: metathetical exchange of [Ir2Cl2(cod)2] (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene) with [Ag(1 a)2]BF4 and [Ag((R)-2 a)2]BF4 afforded [Ir(cod)(kappa2- -1 a)]BF4 (11) and [Ir(cod)(kappa2-(R)-2 a)]BF4 ((R)-19)), respectively. These complexes were then used in stopped-flow experiments to study the displacement of amine 2 a from complex 19 by imine 1 a to form the imine complex 11, thus modeling the product/substrate exchange step in the catalytic cycle. The data suggest a two-step associative mechanism characterized by k1=(2.6+/-0.3) x 10(2) M(-1) s(-1) and k2=(4.3+/-0.6) x 10(-2) s(-1) with the respective activation energies EA1=(7.5+/-0.6) kJ mol(-1) and EA2=(37+/-3) kJ mol(-1). Furthermore, complex 11 reacted with H2O to afford the hydrolysis product [Ir(cod)(eta(6-)-2,6-dimethylaniline)]BF4 (12), and with I2 to liberate quantitatively the DMA-iminium salt 14. On the other hand, the chiral amine complex (R)-19 formed the optically inactive eta6-bound compound [Ir(cod)(eta6-rac-2 a)]BF4 (rac-18) upon dissolution in THF at room temperature, presumably via intramolecular C-H activation. This racemization was found to be a two-step event with k'1=9.0 x 10(-4) s(-1) and k2=2.89 x 10(-5) s(-1), featuring an optically active intermediate prior to sp3 C-H activation. Compounds 11, 12, rac-18, and (R)-19 were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

Synthesis of paramagnetic tetranuclear rhodium and iridium complexes with the 2,6-pyridinedithiolate ligand. Redox-induced degradation to diamagnetic triiridium compounds

The tetranuclear complexes [M4(mu-PyS2)2(diolefin)4] [PyS2 = 2,6-pyridinedithiolate; M = Rh, diolefin = cod (1,5-cyclooctadiene) (1), tfbb (tetrafluorobenzo[5,6]bicyclo[2.2.2]octa-2,5,7-triene) (2); M = Ir, diolefin = cod (3), tfbb (4)] exhibit two one-electron oxidations at a platinum disk electrode in dichloromethane at potentials accessible by chemical reagents. The rhodium tetranuclear complexes were selectively oxidized to the monocationic complexes [Rh4(mu-PyS2)2(diolefin)4](+) (1(+), 2(+)) by mild one-electron oxidants such as [Cp2Fe](+) or [N(C6H4Br-4)3](+) and isolated as the PF6(-), BF4(-), and ClO4(-) salts. Silver salts behave as noninnocent one-electron oxidants for the reactions with the rhodium complexes 1 and 2 since they give sparingly soluble coordination polymers. The complex [Ir4(mu-PyS2)2(cod)4](+) (3(+)) was obtained as the tetrafluoroborate salt by reaction of 3 with 1 molar equiv of AgBF4, but the related complex 4(+) could not be isolated from the chemical oxidation of [Ir4(mu-PyS2)2(tfbb)4] (4) with AgBF4. Oxidation of 3 and 4 with 2 molar equiv of common silver salts resulted in the fragmentation of the complexes to give the diamagnetic triiridium cations [Ir3(mu-PyS2)2(diolefin)3](+). The molecular structure of [Ir3(mu-PyS2)2(cod)3]BF4, determined by X-ray diffraction methods, showed the three metal atoms within an angular arrangement. Both 2,6-pyridinedithiolate tridentate ligands bridge two metal-metal bonded d(7) centers in pseudo octahedral environments and one d(8) square-planar iridium center. An interpretation of the EPR spectra of the 63-electron mixed-valence paramagnetic tetranuclear complexes suggests that the unpaired electron is delocalized over two of the metal atoms in the complexes 1(+)-3(+).