A new approach to the synthesis of carbon chains capped by metal clusters

Reactions of Co₃(μ₃-CBr)(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ with {Au[P(tol)₃]}₂{μ-(CC)_n} (n=2–4) have given {Co₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₇}{μ₃:μ₃-C(CC)_nC} [n=2 (1), 3 (2), 4 (3)] containing carbon chains capped by the cobalt clusters. Tetracyanoethene reacts with 2 to give {Co₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₇}₂{μ₃:μ₃-C(CC)₂C[=C(CN)₂]C[=C(CN)₂]C} (4). X-ray structural characterisation of 1, 3 and 4 are reported, that for 3 being the first of a cluster-capped C₁₀ chain.     

Stabile Bis(η-alkin)MCl2-komplexe; Darstellung und reaktivität

The synthesis and reactivity of {(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CCSiMe₃)₂} MCl₂ (M = Fe: 3a; M = Co: 3b; M = Ni: 3c) is described. The complexes 3 are accessible by the reaction of (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃) ₂Ti(CSiMe₃)₂ (1) with equimolar amounts of MCl₂ (2) (M = Fe, Co, Ni). 3a reacts with the organic chelat ligands 2,2′-dipyridyl (dipy) (4a) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) (4b) in THF at 25°C to afford in quantitative yields (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CSiMe₃)₂ (1) and [Fe(dipy)₂]Cl₂ (5a) or [Fe(phen)₂]Cl₂ (5b). 1/n[Cu^IHal]_n (6) or 1/n[Ag^IHal]_n (7) (Hal = Cl, Br) react with {(η⁵ -C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CCSiMe₃)₂}FeCl₂ (3a), by replacement of the FeCl₂ building block in 3a, to yield the compounds {(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(C CSiMe₃)₂}Cu^IHal (8) or {(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CSiMe₃)₂}Ag^IHal (9) (Hal = Cl, Br), respectively. In 8 and 9 each of the two Me₃SiCC-units is η²-coordinated to monomeric Cu^I Hal or Ag^IHal moieties. Compounds 8 and 9 can also be synthesized by the reaction of (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂ Ti(CSiMe₃)₂ (1) with 1/n[Cu^IHal]_n (6) or 1/n [Ag^IHal]_n (7) in excellent yields. All new compounds have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic data (IR, ¹H-NMR, MS). The magnetic moments of compounds 3 were measured.     

Solid-state static Cu and P CP/MAS NMR, and liquid-state EXAFS studies on copper(I) O,O′-dialkyldithiophosphate cluster compounds: Formation of the copper(I) O,O′-di-iso-amyldithiophosphate cluster compound on the surface of synthetic chalcocite

Polycrystalline octa-nuclear copper(I) O,O′-di-i-propyl- and O,O′-di-i-amyldithiophosphate cluster compounds, {Cu₈[S₂P(OR)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} where R = ⁱPr and ⁱAm, were synthesized and characterized by ³¹P CP/MAS NMR at 8.46 T and static ⁶⁵Cu NMR at multiple magnetic field strengths (7.05, 9.4 and 14.1 T). The symmetries of the electronic environments around the P sites were estimated from the ³¹P chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) parameters, δ_aniso and η. Analyses of the ⁶⁵Cu chemical shift and quadrupolar splitting parameters for these compounds are presented with the data being compared to those for the analogous octa-nuclear cluster compounds with R = ⁿBu and ⁱBu. The ⁶⁵Cu transverse relaxation for the copper sites in {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱPr)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} and {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱAm)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} was found to be very different, with a relaxation time, T₂, of 590 μs (Gaussian) and 90 μs (exponential), respectively. The structures of {Cu₄[S₂P(OⁱPr)₂]₄} and {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱPr)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} cluster compounds in the liquid- and the solid-state were studied by Cu K-edge EXAFS. The disulfide, [S₂P(OⁱAm)₂]₂, was obtained and characterized by ³¹P{¹H} NMR. The interactions of the disulfide and of the potassium O,O′-di-i-amyldithiophosphate salt with the surfaces of synthetic chalcocite (Cu₂S) were probed using solid-state ³¹P NMR spectroscopy and only the presence of copper(I) dithiophosphate species with the {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱAm)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} structure was observed.     

Ab initio molecular orbital study of Fe2Cl6 and FeAlCl6

Ab initio molecular orbital theory was used to determine the equilibrium structure and vibrational frequencies of Fe₂Cl₆ and FeAlCl₆. The equilibrium structure the Fe₂Cl₆ dimer has D_2h symmetry with a planar arrangement of the four membered {FeCl_brFeCl_br} ring, similar to the Al₂Cl₆ dimer. The calculated bond distances and vibrational frequencies are in good agreement with experiment. The potential energy surface for the puckering of the {FeCl_brFeCl_br} ring is extremely flat. This prevents an unambiguous assignment of either D_2h or C_2v symmetry to the Fe₂Cl₆ structure in electron diffraction measurements. The FeAlCl₆ molecule is found to have a C_2v structure similar to Fe₂Cl₆ with vibrational frequencies in good agreement with experiment.     

Square planar diphosphinoazine rhodium(I) amido carbonyl complexes with an unsymmetrical PNP′ pincer-type coordination

A series of novel diphosphinoazine rhodium amido carbonyl complexes [{R₂PCHC(Bu^t)–NNC(Bu^t)CH₂PR₂}Rh(CO)] (R = Ph, Prⁱ, c-C₆H₁₁, Bu^t) was prepared by deprotonation of cationic diphosphinoazine rhodium amino carbonyl complexes. The complexes were characterized by NMR as were also their precursors. The crystal structures of two cationic and one neutral deprotonated complex were determined by X-ray diffraction showing the complexes to be essentially planar with mutual trans arrangement of phosphine groups and nitrogens trans to carbonyl ligands. Measurement of valence vibration frequencies of carbonyl groups in the complexes allowed to estimate the electron density on the rhodium centre. The ene-hydrazone ligand backbone (nitrogen covalently bonded) is more electron donating than the azine backbone (nitrogen bonded by electron pair donation) as expected. In the neutral series of complexes electron donation increases with phosphine substitution in the order Ph < Prⁱ = c-C₆H₁₁ < Bu^t with the corresponding decrease of carbonyl valence vibration frequency. The tert-butyl cationic complex undergoes in a low yield an unusual diphosphinoazine bond cleavage with simultaneous oxidation of the metal resulting in a binuclear bis(iminophosphine)dirhodium complex [{(Bu^t)₂PCH₂C(Bu^t)NH}Rh(Cl)₂(μ-Cl)]₂ the structure of which was also determined by X-ray diffraction.     

Oxovanadium(IV) based coordination polymers and their catalytic potentials for the oxidation of styrene, cyclohexene and trans-stilbene

Reaction between 5,5′-methylenebis(salicylaldehyde) or 5,5′-dithiobis(salicylaldehyde) and 1,2-diaminocyclohexane in equimolar ratio leads to the formation of new polymeric chelating ligands [–CH₂(H₂sal-dach)–]_n (I) and [–S₂(H₂sal-dach)₂–]_n (II). These ligands react with [VO(acac)₂] in DMF to give coordination polymers [–CH₂{VO(sal-dach)·DMF}–]_n (1) and [–S₂{VO(sal-dach)·DMF}–]_n (2). Both complexes are insoluble in common solvents and exhibit a magnetic moment value of 1.74 and 1.78μ_B, respectively. IR spectral studies confirm the coordination of ligands through the azomethine nitrogen and the phenolic oxygen atoms to the vanadium. These complexes exhibit good catalytic activity towards the oxidation of styrene, cyclohexene and trans-stilbene using tert-butylhydroperoxide as an oxidant. Concentration of the oxidant and reaction temperature has been optimised for the maximum oxidation of these substrates. Under the optimised conditions, oxidation of styrene gave a maximum of 76% (with 1) or 85% (with 2) conversion having following products in order of selectivity: benzaldehyde > styreneoxide > 1-phenylethane-1,2-diol > benzoic acid. A maximum of 98% conversion of cyclohexene was obtained with both the catalysts where selectivity of cyclohexeneoxide varied in the order: 2 (62%) > 1 (45%). With the conversion of 33% (with 1) and 47% (with 2), oxidation of trans-stilbene gives benzaldehyde, benzil and trans-stilbeneoxide as major products.     

On the multiple peaks in charge-transfer probability versus laser frequency in the theory of laser assisted surface ion neutralization

Some aspects of the theory of LASIN (laser assisted surface ion neutralization) are discussed, with emphasis on the physical origins of the so-called double-peak structures found in some calculations of the charge-transfer (neutralization) probability, P, as a function of the laser frequency η. These two peaks have been called the first peak at η ≈ η_m = _O − _m (in a.u.), where _o(_m) is the electronic energy level of the ion/atom (middle of the solid's valence band) and the second peak, a much larger peak at η ≈ 1.3 η_m, respectively.

We show that these double-peak structures are all special cases of multiple-peak structures which result from quantum interference effects, and that, in fact, the second peak is to be regarded as the main resonance peak. This result is interesting in itself, because it is the first peak which has heretofore been considered the main resonance peak.

To simplify the discussion, a two-level model is adapted, which represents the solid valence band by a single level at _m. Clarification of the physical reason for the multiple peaks is based on the semiclassical theory of nonadiabatic transitions, in which the peaks are due to the phase difference between the two adiabatic paths that arise from the diagonalization of the two-level hamiltonian.

With the electronic hopping potential modelled by V(t) = V_osech(λt), and the laser potential by W(t) = W_osech(λt) cos(πt + δ), in the usual notation, an approximate analytical expression for P(η) is presented for the case W_o/V_o < 1, which covers most of the previous treatments, and is in good agreement with the exact results.     

A case study in performance evaluation of Density Functional Tight Binding method in two-layer ONIOM method

A performance evaluation of Density Functional Tight Binding (DFTB) in the two-layer ONIOM method is presented in an effort to estimate DFTB effectiveness as an inexpensive low level quantum mechanical layer. Ground state geometries, geometry error, S-values and energy error for: (H₂O)_x(MeOH)_y, [(η⁵-C₅Me_nH_5−n)₂Ti]₂(μ₂, η²,η²-N₂), n = 4, and complexes of Cu⁺ with tyrosine, were compared to target calculations at B3LYP level of theory for all three of the systems and second order Moller-Plesset (MP2) target level of theory for the first two systems. The calculated root-mean-square errors (RMS) of the ONIOM optimized geometries relative to the target are found to be small. The DFTB level of theory was unable to reproduce the target geometry structure for one of the isomers of tyrosine–Cu⁺ complex, while the ONIOM combinations were able to reproduce all target structures. The absolute value of the geometry error was determined to be smaller then the corresponding energy error except for the (H₂O)_x(MeOH)_y system at the ONIOM(MP2/6-31G(d,p):DFTB) level of theory. The S-values were relatively small and close in value contributing to relatively small energy errors. Both method combinations ONIOM(MP2:DFTB) and ONIOM(DFT:DFTB) show similar performance compared to the corresponding target level of theory. The results also suggest that it is safe to use ONIOM(DFT:DFTB) for investigations of [(η⁵-C₅Me_nH_5−n)₂Ti]₂(μ₂, η²,η²-N₂) complexes.     

Three interpenetrated frameworks constructed by long flexible N,N′-bipyridyl and dicarboxylate ligands

Three interpenetrated polymeric networks, {[Co(bpp)(OH-BDC)] · H₂O}_n (1) [Ni(bpp)_1.5(H₂O)(OH-BDC)]_n (2) and {[Cd(bpp)(H₂O)(OH-BDC)] · 2H₂O}_n (3), have been prepared by hydrothermal reactions of 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (bpp), 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid (OH-H₂BDC), with Co(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O, Ni(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O and Cd(NO₃)₂ · 4H₂O, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that the three compounds all exhibit interpenetrated but entirely different structures. Compound 1 is a fourfold interpenetrated adamantanoid structure with water molecules as space fillers, in which bpp adopts a TG conformation (T = trans, G = gauche). Compound 2 is an interdigitated structure from the interpenetrated long arms of one-dimensional molecular ladders, while bpp in 2 adopts both TT and TG conformations. Compound 3 is a twofold interpenetrated three-dimensional network from a one-dimensional metal-carboxylate chain bridged by TG conformational bpp. The hydrogen bonding interactions in 1–3 further stabilize the whole structural frameworks and play critical roles in their constructions.     

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.     

Mercury(II) halide adducts of an olefinic double betaine: [{Hg2L2X4·6HgX2}n] [X = Cl, Br; L = cis-(p-Me2NC5H4N)2C2(COO)2]

Two polymeric mercury(II) halide adducts of an olefinic double betaine, cis-(p-Me₂NC₅H₄N⁺)₂C₂(COO⁻)₂ (L), have been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography. [{Hg₂L₂Cl₄·6HgCl₂}_n] (1) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with Z = 4, and [{Hg₂L₂Br₄·HgBr₂}_n] (2) in the triclinic space group P with Z = 1. Complexes 1 and 2 are structurally similar, being composed of centrosymmetric fourteen-membered rings and nearly linear HgX₂ (X = Cl, Br) moieties that are further inter-linked by weak HgX [HgCl = 2.930–3.136(9) Å, HgBr = 3.057–3.310(6) Å] and HgO [2.64, 2.75(3) Å] bonds to generate a two-dimensional polymeric network.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic behavior of two cobalt coordination polymers with 1,2-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethane and dicyanamide

Two cobalt(II) coordination polymers formed from bte (bte = 1,2-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethane), namely [Co(bte)₂(dca)₂]_n (1) and {[Co(bte)(dca)₂] · H₂O}_n (2), have been synthesized and characterized by elementary analyses, IR, thermogravimetric analyses, X-ray diffraction analyses and magnetic measurements. Compound 1 is a double-chain with Co(II) centers bridged by bte, containing metallocycles of [Co₂(bte)₂] and trans dca as termination ligands. In 2, each Co(II) center is bonded by two bridging bte ligands and four dca as μ-1,5-dca in different orientations in the 3D network.     

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.     

Preparation, properties, and reactions of metal-containing heterocycles: Part CVI. Three-dimensional water-soluble platinacyclophanes

Trifunctional primary phosphines of the type 1,3,5-[PH₂(CH₂)_n]₃C₆H₃ (3b–d) were obtained via an Arbusov reaction between the 1,3,5-tris(bromoalkyl)benzenes 1b–d and P(OEt)₃ followed by a reaction of the trisphosphonates 1,3,5-[(EtO)₂P(O)(CH₂)_n]₃C₆H₃ (2b–d) with LiAlH₄. A straightforward conversion of these sensitive key phosphines 3b–d to the corresponding water-soluble ligands 1,3,5-tris[bis(hydroxymethyl)phosphinylalkyl]benzenes 4b–d and 1,3,5-tris[bis(2′-diethylphosphonatoethyl)phophinylalkyl]benzenes 5b–d was achieved by formylation with formaldehyde and hydrophosphonation with diethyl vinylphosphonate, respectively. A five component self-assembly consisting of three equivalents of the platinum(II) complex Cl₂Pt(NCPh)₂ and two equivalents of the ligands 5b–d under high dilution conditions resulted in the formation of the nanoscaled, water-soluble triplatinacyclophanes 6b–d in high yields. However, comparable reactions with the ligands 4b–d led only to polymeric materials, which are insoluble in all organic solvents and water. The structures of the metallacyclophanes 6b–d were elucidated by ³¹P{¹H}-, ¹³C{¹H}-, and ¹⁹⁵Pt{¹H}-NMR spectroscopic investigations.     

Aromatic hydrocarbons, carbocyclic ligands spanning several oxidation states in both Main Group and transition elements. Recent advances with early transition d elements

In this paper some synthetic procedures to obtain (η⁶-arene)metal derivatives are reviewed. The metal-atom-arene-vapor co-condensation technique is the most appropriate to generate complexes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or heterocycles. As far as the aluminium halide-mediated synthesis is concerned, two classes of reaction are observed. When AlX₃ is used with a metal halide in the presence of an aromatic hydrocarbon in the absence of any reducing agent, AlX₃ can function as a dehalogenating agent, to give ionic compounds of general formula [M(η⁶-arene)n](AlX₄)_m, or it can add across the M---X bond with formation of M(μ-X)_nAlX_4−n systems. In both cases the metal displays its typical oxidation state. However, the use of AlX₃ in combination with aluminium (the Fischer-Hafner reducing system) affords ionic or covalent low-oxidation-state metal(η⁶-arene) complexes. Attention is focused on our most recent results concerning the synthesis, properties and reactivity of η⁶-arene derivatives of Group 4 and 5 elements, showing, inter alia, the first example of a tetraarylborate anion behaving as a 12-electron donor to one metal atom and low-valent η⁶-arene compounds as useful reagents in the inorganic and coordination chemistry of the corresponding metal in nonaqueous systems.     

A molecular mechanics study on novel Ln(0) π-arene compounds

To examine the steric effects on the stability of Ln(0) π-arene compounds, molecular mechanics (MMP2) calculations are performed on Gd(η-C₆H₆)₂ and Ln(η-Bu^t₃C₆H₃)₂ (where Ln is Gd, Yb and Y ). The small potential-well depth ( ≈ 2 kcal mol⁻¹) and the large Gd-C equilibrium distance ( > 3.3 Å) explains the instability of Gd(η-C₆H₆)₂, while the difference in the stability between Gd(η-Bu^t₃C₆H₃)₂ and Yb(η-Bu^t₃C₆H₃)₂ can be attributed to the difference in the van der Waalsradii of the two metals and the more contracted 5d orbitals on the Yb atom.     

Diastereoselective synthesis of a resolved secondary arsine complex: asymmetric synthesis of (R-(−)589-ethylmethylphenylarsine

The reaction of [R-(R,R)]-(+)₅₈₉-[(η⁵-C₅H₅){1,2-C₆H₄(PMePh)₂}Fe(NCMe)]PF₆ with (±)-AsHMePh in boiling methanol yields crystalline [R-[(R)-(R,R)]-(+)_{589)-[(η⁵-C5H5){1,2-C6H4(PMePh)2}Fe(AsHMePH)}PF₆, optically pure, in ca. 90% yield, in a typical second-order asymmetric transformation. This complex contains the first resolved secondary arsine. Deprotonation of the secondary arsine complex with KOBu^t at −65°C gives the diastereomerically pure tertiary arsenido-iron complex [R-[(R),(R,R)]]-[((η⁵-C₅H₅){1,2-C₆H₄(PMePh)₂}FeAsMePh] · thf, from which optically pure [R-[(S),(R,R)]]-(+)₅₈₉-[(η⁵-C₅H₅){1,2-C₆H₄(PMePh)₂}Fe(AsEtMePh)PF₆ is obtained by reaction with iodoethane. Cyanide displaces (R)-(−)₅₈₉-ethylmethylphenylarsine from the iron complex, thereby effecting the asymmetric synthesis of a tertiary arsine, chiral at arsenic, from (±)-methylphenylarsine and an optically active transition metal auxiliary.     

Dinuclear molybdenum complexes derived from diphenols: electrochemical interactions and reduced species

The new diphenolato complexes [{Mo(NO){HB(dmpz)₃}Cl}₂Q] where dmpz = 3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl and Q = OC₆H₄(C₆H₄O (n = 1 or 2), OC₆H₄CR=CRC₆H₄O (R = H or Et), and OC₆H₄CH=CHC₆H₄CH=CHC₆H₄O have been prepared and their electrochemical properties (cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry) compared with previously reported analogues where Q = OC₆H₄O, OC₆H₄EC₆H₄O (E = SO₂, CO and S), OC₆H₄ (CO)C₆H₄ C₆H₄(CO)C₆H₄O and 1,5- and 2,7-O₂C₁₀H₆. The electrochemical interaction between the redox centres in the new complexes is very weak, in contrast to that in the 1,4-benzenediolato and naphthalendiolato species. The EPR spectra of the reduced mixed-valence species [{Mo(NO){HB(dmpz)₃}Cl}₂Q]⁻ where Q = 1,3- and 1,4-OC₆H₄O and OC₆H₄SC₆H₄O shows that they are valence-trapped at room temperature, whereas those of the dianions [{Mo(NO){HB(dmpz)₃}Cl}₂Q]²⁻ where Q = 1,4-OC₆H₄O, OC₆H₄EC₆H₄O (E = CO or S) and OC₆H₄CH=CHC₆H₄CH=CHC₆H₄O shows that the unpaired spins on each molybdenum centre are strongly correlated (J, the spin exchange integral A_Mo, the metal-hyperfine coupling constant). The electrochemical properties and the comproportionation constants for the reaction [{Mo(NO){HB(dmpz)₃} Cl}₂Q] + [{Mo(NO){HB(dmpz)₃}Cl}O]₂]²⁻2[{Mo(NO) {HB(dmpz)₃}Cl}₂Q]⁻ where Q = diphenolato bridge, are compared with related compounds containing benzenediamido and dianilido bridges.     

Azo-containing phosphine complexes of palladium(II) and platinum(II) and their effectiveness in the Heck reaction: crystal and molecular structure of [PdCl2{PPh2{1-(4-MeC6H4N2)-2-OC(O)Me---C10H5}]·2EtOH

Reaction of Na[MCl₄] (M=Pd or Pd) with the azo-containing phosphines Ph₂P{1-(4-RC₆H₄N₂)-2-OR′-C₁₀H₅} {R=Me (I), NMe₂ (II); R′=C(O)Me} affords the complexes [MCl₂L₂] (1–4) in good yield. Complexes 1–4 have all been fully characterised by elemental analysis, ¹H-, ¹³C{¹H}-, and ³¹P{¹H}-NMR spectroscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy. The use of 1 in the Heck reaction has been investigated and shown to effect up to 1000 turnovers.     

Preparation, structures, and haptotropic rearrangement of novel dinuclear ruthenium complexes, (μ2,η:η-guaiazulene)Ru2(CO)4(CNR)

Novel isonitrile derivatives of a diruthenium carbonyl complex, (μ₂,η³:η⁵-guaiazulene)Ru₂(CO)₅ (2), were synthesized by substitution of a CO ligand by an isonitrile, and were subjected to studies on thermal and photochemical haptotropic interconversion. Treatment of 2 (a 45:55 mixture of two haptotropic isomers, 2-A and 2-B) with RNC at room temperature resulted in coordination of RNC and alternation of the coordination mode of the guaiazulene ligand to form (μ₂,η¹:η⁵-guaiazulene)Ru₂(CO)₅(CNR), 5d–5f, [5d; R=^tBu, 5e; 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂, or 5f; 2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃] in moderate to good yields. Thermal dissociation of a CO ligand from 5 at 60 °C resulted in quantitative formation of a desirable isonitrile analogue of 2, (μ₂,η³:η⁵-guaiazulene)Ru₂(CO)₄(CNR), 4d–4f, [4d; R=^tBu, 4e; 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂, or 4f; 2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃], as a 1:1 mixture of the two haptotropic isomers. A direct synthetic route from 2 to 4d–4f was alternatively discovered; treatment of 2 with one equivalent of RNC at 60 °C gave 4d–4f in moderate yields. All of the new compounds were characterized by spectroscopy, and structures of 5d (R=^tBu) and 4d-A (R=^tBu) were determined by crystallography. Thermal and photochemical interconversion between the two haptotropic isomers of 4d–4f revealed that the isomer ratios in the thermal equilibrium and in the photostatic state were in the range of 48:52–54:46.