Synthesis and intramolecular and interionic structural characterization of half-sandwich (arene)ruthenium(II) derivatives of bis(pyrazolyl)alkanes

Arene ruthenium(II) complexes containing bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands have been prepared by reacting the ligands L' (L' in general; specifically L(1) = H(2)C(pz)(2), L(2) = H(2)C(pz(Me2))(2), L(3) = H(2)C(pz(4Me))(2), L(4) = Me(2)C(pz)(2) and L(5) = Et(2)C(pz)(2) where pz = pyrazole) with [(arene)RuCl(mu-Cl)](2) dimers (arene = p-cymene or benzene). When the reaction was carried out in methanol solution, complexes of the type [(arene)Ru(L')Cl]Cl were obtained. When L(1), L(2), L(3), and L(5) ligands reacted with excess [(arene)RuCl(mu-Cl)](2), [(arene)Ru(L')Cl][(arene)RuCl(3)] species have been obtained, whereas by using the L(4) ligand under the same reaction conditions the unexpected [(p-cymene)Ru(pzH)(2)Cl]Cl complex was recovered. The reaction of 1 equiv of [(p-cymene)Ru(L')Cl]Cl and of [(p-cymene)Ru(pzH)(2)Cl]Cl with 1 equiv of AgX (X = O(3)SCF(3) or BF(4)) in methanol afforded the complexes [(p-cymene)Ru(L')Cl](O(3)SCF(3)) (L' = L(1) or L(2)) and [(p-cymene)Ru(pzH)(2)Cl]BF(4), respectively. [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))(H(2)O)][PF(6)](2) formed when [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))Cl]Cl reacts with an excess of AgPF(6). The solid-state structures of the three complexes, [(p-cymene)Ru{H(2)C(pz)(2)}Cl]Cl, [(p-cymene)Ru{H(2)Cpz(4Me))(2)}Cl]Cl, and [(p-cymene)Ru{H(2)C(pz)(2)}Cl](O(3)SCF(3)), were determined by X-ray crystallographic studies. The interionic structure of [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))Cl](O(3)SCF(3)) and [(p-cymene)Ru(L')Cl][(p-cymene)RuCl(3)] (L' = L(1) or L(2)) was investigated through an integrated experimental approach based on NOE and pulsed field gradient spin-echo (PGSE) NMR experiments in CD(2)Cl(2) as a function of the concentration. PGSE NMR measurements indicate the predominance of ion pairs in solution. NOE measurements suggest that (O(3)SCF(3))(-) approaches the cation orienting itself toward the CH(2) moiety of the L(1) (H(2)C(pz)(2)) ligand as found in the solid state. Selected Ru species have been preliminarily investigated as catalysts toward styrene oxidation by dihydrogen peroxide, [(p-cymene)Ru(L(1))(H(2)O)][PF(6)](2) being the most active species.     

Palladium(II) and platinum(II) organometallic complexes with the model nucleobase anions of thymine, uracil, and cytosine: antitumor activity and interactions with DNA of the platinum compounds

Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes with the anions of the model nucleobases 1-methylthymine (1-MethyH), 1-methyluracil (1-MeuraH), and 1-methylcytosine (1-MecytH) of the types [Pd(dmba)(mu-L)]2 [dmba = N,C-chelating 2-((dimethylamino)methyl)phenyl; L = 1-Methy, 1-Meura or 1-Mecyt] and [M(dmba)(L)(L')] [L = 1-Methy or 1-Meura; L' = PPh(3) (M = Pd or Pt), DMSO (M = Pt)] have been obtained. Palladium complexes of the types [Pd(C6F5)(N-N)(L)] [L = 1-Methy or 1-Meura; N-N = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda), 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), or 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (Me2bpy)] and [NBu4][Pd(C6F5)(1-Methy)2(H2O)] have also been prepared. The crystal structures of [Pd(dmba)(mu-1-Methy)]2, [Pd(dmba)(mu-1-Mecyt)]2.2CHCl3, [Pd(dmba)(1-Methy)(PPh3)].3CHCl3, [Pt(dmba)(1-Methy)(PPh3)], [Pd(tmeda)(C6F5)(1-Methy)], and [NBu4][Pd(C6F5)(1-Methy)2(H2O)].H2O have been established by X-ray diffraction. The DNA adduct formation of the new platinum complexes synthesized was followed by circular dichroism and electrophoretic mobility. Atomic force microscopy images of the modifications caused by the platinum complexes on plasmid DNA pBR322 were also obtained. Values of IC50 were also calculated for the new platinum complexes against the tumor cell line HL-60. All the new platinum complexes were more active than cisplatin (up to 20-fold in some cases).     

Dynamics of a cis-dihydrogen/hydride complex of iridium

Insertion of CS2 into one of the Ir-H bonds of [Ir(H)5(PCy3)2] takes place to afford the dihydrido dithioformate complex cis-[Ir(H)2(eta2-S2CH)(PCy3)2] accompanied by the elimination of H2. Protonation of the dithioformate complex using HBF4.Et2O gives cis-[Ir(H)(eta2-H2)(eta2-S2CH)(PCy3)2][BF4] wherein the H atom undergoes site exchange between the dihydrogen and the hydride ligands. The dynamics was found to be so extremely rapid with respect to the NMR time scale that the barrier to exchange could not be measured. Partial deuteration of the hydride ligands resulted in a J(H,D) of 6.5 and 7.7 Hz for the H2D and the HD2 isotopomers of cis-[Ir(H)(eta2-H2)(eta2-S2CH)(PCy3)2][BF4], respectively. The H-H distance (d(HH)) for this complex has been calculated to be 1.05 A, which can be categorized under the class of elongated dihydrogen complexes. The cis-[Ir(H)(eta2-H2)(eta2-S2CH)(PCy3)2][BF4] complex undergoes substitution of the bound H2 moiety with CH(3)CN and CO resulting in new hydride derivatives, cis-[Ir(H)(L)(eta2-S2CH)(PCy3)2][BF4] (L = CH3CN, CO). Reaction of cis-[Ir(H)2(eta2-S2CH)(PCy3)2] with electrophilic reagents such as MeOTf and Me3SiOTf afforded a new hydride aquo complex cis-[Ir(H)(H2O)(eta2-S2CH)(PCy3)2][OTf] via the elimination of CH4 and Me3SiH, respectively, followed by the binding of a water molecule (present in trace quantities in the solvent) to the iridium center. The X-ray crystal structures of cis-[Ir(H)2(eta2-S2CH)(PCy3)2] and cis-[Ir(H)(H2O)(eta2-S2CH)(PCy3)2][OTf] have been determined.     

Structural properties and dissociative fluxional motion of 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline in platinum(II) complexes

A dynamic 1H NMR study has been carried out on the fluxional motion of the symmetric chelating ligand 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Me2-phen) between nonequivalent exchanging sites in a variety of square-planar complexes of the type [Pt(Me)(Me2-phen)(PR3)]BArf, 1-14, (BArf = B[3,5-(CF3)2C6H3]4). In these compounds, the P-donor ligands PR3 encompass a wide range of steric and electronic characteristics [PR3 = P(4-XC6H4)3, X = H 1, F, 2, Cl 3, CF3 4, MeO 5, Me 6; PR3 = PMe(C6H5)2 7, PMe2(C6H5) 8, PMe3 9, PEt3 10, P(i-Pr)3 11, PCy(C6H5)2 12, PCy2(C6H5) 13, PCy3 14]. All complexes have been synthesized and fully characterized through elemental analysis, 1H and 31P{1H} NMR. X-ray crystal structures are reported for the compounds 8, 11, 14, and for [Pt(Me)(phen)(P(C6H5)3)]PF6 (15), all but the last showing loss of planarity and a significant rotation of the Me2-phen moiety around the N1-N2 vector. Steric congestion brought about by the P-donor ligands is responsible for tetrahedral distortion of the coordination plane and significant lengthening of the Pt-N2 (cis to phosphane) bond distances. Application of standard quantitative analysis of ligand effects (QALE) methodology enabled a quantitative separation of steric and electronic contributions of P-donor ligands to the values of the platinum-phosphorus 1J(PtP) coupling constants and of the free activation energies DeltaG++ of the fluxional motion of Me2-phen in 1-14. The steric profiles for both 1J(PtP) and DeltaG++ show the onset of steric thresholds (at cone angle values of 150 degrees and 148 degrees , respectively), that are associated with an overload of steric congestion already evidenced by the crystal structures of 11 and 14. The sharp increase of the fluxional rate of Me2-phen can be assumed as a perceptive kinetic tool for revealing ground-state destabilization produced by the P-donor ligands. The mechanism involves initial breaking of a metal-nitrogen bond, fast interconversion between two 14-electron three-coordinate T-shaped intermediates containing eta1-coordinated Me2-phen, and final ring closure. By use of the results from QALE regression analysis, a free-energy surface has been constructed that represents the way in which any single P-donor ligand can affect the energy of the transition state in the absence of aryl or pi-acidity effects.     

Use of the tetrahydroborate ligand as "gate-keeper" and protected hydride ligand: preparation and study of alkyl hydride and acyl hydride complexes of ruthenium(II)

Complex 3, [Ru(eta2-BH4)(CO)(Et)L2] (L = PMe2Ph) can be converted by nucleophiles L' {a, PMe2Ph; b, P(OMe)3; c, Me3CNC; d, CO} to alkyl and acyl complexes [Ru(eta1-BH4)(CO)(Et)L2L'] (4a), [Ru(eta2-BH4)(COEt)L2L'] (5a-d), and [Ru(eta1-BH4)(COEt)L2L'2] (7d and isomers 7c and 10c). Deprotection can then be achieved under conditions mild enough to allow study of the resulting alkyl hydride complexes [Ru(CO)(Et)HL2L'] (1a, 1b) and acyl hydride complexes [Ru(COEt)HL2L'2] (8c, 8d) prior to elimination of ethane and propanal respectively, with formation of ruthenium(0) complexes [Ru(CO)L2L'2] (6a, 6b, 6d). With Me3CNC, however, the final product is (depending on the solvent used) [Ru(CNCMe3)2{C(H)NCMe3}(COEt)L2] (9c) or [Ru(CNCMe3)3(COEt)L2]+ (11c). Successive treatment of [Ru(eta2-BH4)(CO)HL2], , with ethene and then CO yields propanal, but turning this into a catalytic cycle is hindered by the greater readiness of to yield propanal non-catalytically (reacting with CO) than catalytically (reacting with H2).     

Synthesis, reactivity, spectroscopic characterization, X-ray structures, PGSE, and NOE NMR studies of (eta5-C5Me5)-rhodium and -iridium derivatives containing bis(pyrazolyl)alkane ligands

Rhodium(III) and iridium(III) complexes containing bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands (pz = pyrazole, L' in general; specifically, L1 = H2C(pz)2, L2 = H2C(pzMe2)2, L3 = H2C(pz4Me)2, L4 = Me2C(pz)2), have been prepared in a study exploring the reactivity of these ligands toward [Cp*MCl(mu-Cl)]2 dimers (M = Rh, Ir; Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl). When the reaction was carried out in acetone solution, complexes of the type [Cp*M(L')Cl]Cl were obtained. However, when L1 and L2 ligands have been employed with excess [Cp*MCl(mu-Cl)]2, the formation of [Cp*M(L')Cl][Cp*MCl3] species has been observed. PGSE NMR measurements have been carried out for these complexes, in which the counterion is a cyclopentadienyl metal complex, in CD2Cl2 as a function of the concentration. The hydrodynamic radius (rH) and, consequently, the hydrodynamic volume (VH) of all the species have been determined from the measured translational self-diffusion coefficients (Dt), indicating the predominance of ion pairs in solution. NOE measurements and X-ray single-crystal studies suggest that the [Cp*MCl3]- approaches the cation, orienting the three Cl-legs of the "piano-stool" toward the CH2 moieties of the bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands. The reaction of 1 equiv of [Cp*M(L')Cl]Cl or [Cp*M(L')Cl][Cp*MCl3] with 1 equiv of AgX (X = ClO4 or CF3SO3) in CH2Cl2 allows the generation of [Cp*M(L')Cl]X, whereas the reaction of 1 equiv of [Cp*M(L')Cl] with 2 equiv of AgX yields the dicationic complexes [Cp*M(L')(H2O)][X]2, where single water molecules are directly bonded to the metal atoms. The solid-state structures of a number of complexes were confirmed by X-ray crystallographic studies. The reaction of [Cp*Ir(L')(H2O)][X]2 with ammonium formate in water or acetone solution allows the generation of the hydride species [Cp*Ir(L')H][X].     

Vinyl and carbene ruthenium(II) complexes from hydridoruthenium(II) precursors

The reactions of the hydrido compounds [RuHCl(CO)(L)2][L = PiPr3 (1), PCy3 (2)] with HC(triple bond)CR (R = H, Ph, tBu) afforded by insertion of the alkyne into the Ru-H bond the corresponding vinyl complexes [RuCl(CHCHR)(CO)(L)2], 3-8, which upon protonation with HBF4 gave the cationic five-coordinated ruthenium carbenes [RuCl(CHCH2R)(CO)(L)2]BF4, 9-14. Subsequent reactions of the carbene complexes with PR3(R = Me, iPr) and CH3CN led either to deprotonation and re-generation of the vinyl compounds or to cleavage of the ruthenium-carbene bond and the formation of the six-coordinated complexes [RuCl(CO)(CH3CN)2(PiPr3)2]BF4, 17, and [RuH(CO)(CH3CN)2(PiPr3)2]X, 18a,b. The acetato derivative [RuH(2-O2CCH3)(CO)(PCy3)2], 19, also reacted with acetylene and phenylacetylene by insertion to yield the related vinyl complexes [Ru(CHCHR)(kappa2-O2CCH3)(CO)(PCy3)2], 20, 21, of which that with R = H was protonated with HBF4 to yield the corresponding cationic ruthenium carbene 22. With [RuHCl(H2)(PCy3)2], 25, as the starting material, the five-coordinated chloro(hydrido)ruthenium(II) compounds [RuHCl(PCy3)(dppf)], 26(dppf = [Fe(eta5-C5H4PPh2)2]), [RuHCl[Sb(CH2Ph)3](PCy3)2], 27, and [RuHCl(CH3CN)(PCy3)2], 30, were prepared. The reactions of 27 with HCCR (R = H, Ph) gave the hydrido(vinylidene) complexes [RuHCl(CCHR)(PCy3)2], 28 and 29, whereas treatment of 30 with HC(triple bond)CPh afforded the vinyl compound [RuCl(CHCHPh)(CH3CN)(PCy3)2], 31. The molecular structures of 11(R = tBu, L = PiPr3) and 26 were determined crystallographically.     

Oxidative addition of iodo-acetonitrile and of elemental halogens to [Pt3(mu-CO)3(PCy3)3

The reaction of [Pt3(mu-CO)3(PCy3)3](1) with one mole-equivalent of iodo-acetonitrile was quantitative at -70 degrees C giving the oxidative addition product [Pt3(mu-CO)3(PCy3)3(I)(CH2CN)](2). Fragmentation of was observed in solution giving [Pt2I(CH2CN)(CO)2(PCy3)2](3) which is the major product at room temperature if the starting cluster/reactant ratio is equal to or less than 1 to 1.5. Dimer 3 decomposes slowly in solution giving [Pt2I2(CO)2(PCy3)2](4a) and succinonitrile. Monomer [PtI(CH2CN)(CO)(PCy3)] was the final product of the reaction when using excess of iodo-acetonitrile. The reactions of with one mole-equivalent of halogens X2 gave the new 44-electron clusters [Pt3X(micro-CO)2(micro-X)(PCy3)3](X = I2(7a) or Br2(7b)) by oxidative addition followed by substitution of CO by X-. Fragmentation of and took place in solution when using one and a half mole-equivalents of X2 giving dimers 4a and [Pt2Br2(CO)2(PCy3)2](4b) as well as [Pt2X2(mu-X)2(CO)2(PCy3)2]. Monomers cis-[PtX2(CO)(PCy3)] were the final products of the reaction of with excess of halogens. Insertion of SnCl2 was observed into the Pt-Pt bond but not into the Pt-X bond, when equimolar amounts of SnCl2 x 2H2O were added to a solution of 4a or its chloro-analogue giving [Pt2X2(micro-SnCl2)(CO)2(PCy3)2]. The Pt(I) dimers have unusually small J(Pt-Pt) values as observed by 195Pt NMR and calculated by DFT. These values showed periodic changes comparing 4a and its analogues with other halides and mixed halide dimers.     

Square-planar rhodium(I) complexes partnered with [arachno-6-SB(9)H(12)]- : a route toward the synthesis of new rhodathiaboranes and organometallic/thiaborane salts

Treatment of [RhCl(eta4-diene)]2 (diene = nbd, cod) with the N-heterocyclic ligands 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (Me2bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), and pyridine (py) followed by addition of Cs[arachno-6-SB9H12] affords the corresponding salts, [Rh(eta4-diene)(L2)][SB9H12] [diene = cod, L2 = bpy (1), Me2bpy (3), phen (5), (py)2 (7); diene = nbd, L2 = bpy (2), Me2bpy (4), phen (6), (py)2 (8)]. These compounds are characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, and in addition, the cod-Rh species 1 and 3 are studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. These saltlike reagents are stable in the solid state, but in solution the rhodium(I) cations, [Rh(eta4-diene)(L2)]+, react with the polyhedral anion [SB9H12]- leading to a chemistry that is controlled by the d8 transition element chelates. The nbd-Rh(I) complexes react faster than the cod-Rh(I) counterparts, leading, depending on the conditions, to the synthesis of new rhodathiaboranes of general formulas [8,8-(L2)-nido-8,7-RhSB9H10] [L2 = bpy (9), Me2bpy (10), phen (11), (py)2 (12)] and [8,8-(L2)-8-(L')-nido-8,7-RhSB9H10] [L' = PPh3, L2 = bpy (13), Me2bpy (14), phen (15); L' = NCCH3, L2 = bpy (16), Me2bpy (17), phen (18)]. Compound 13 is characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis confirming the 11-vertex nido-structure of the rhodathiaborane analogues 14-18. In dichloromethane, 1 and 3 yield mixtures that contain the 11-vertex rhodathiaboranes 9 and 10 together with new species. In contrast, the cod-Rh(I) reagent 5 affords a single compound, which is proposed to be an organometallic rhodium complex bound exo-polyhedrally to the thiaborane cage. In the presence of H2(g) and stoichiometric amounts of PPh3, the cod-Rh(I) reagents, 1, 3, and 5, afford the salts [Rh(H)2(L2)(PPh3)2][SB9H12] [L2 = bpy (19), Me2bpy (20), phen (21)]. Similarly, in an atmosphere of CO(g) and in the presence of PPh3, compounds 1-6 afford [Rh(L2)(PPh3)2(CO)][SB9H12] (L2 = bpy (22), Me2bpy (23), phen (24)]. The structures of 19 and 24 are studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. The five-coordinate complexes [Rh(L2)(PPh3)2(CO)]+ undergo PPh3 exchange in a process that is characterized as dissociative. The observed differences in the reactivity of the nbd-Rh(I) salts versus the cod-Rh(I) analogues are rationalized on the basis of the higher kinetic lability of the nbd ligand and its faster hydrogenation relative to the cod diene.     

Synthesis and characterisation of alkaline earth bis(diphenylphosphano)metallocene complexes and heterobimetallic alkaline earth metal/platinum(II) complexes [Ae(thf)(x)(η5-C5H4PPh2)2Pt(Me)2] (Ae = Ca, Sr, Ba)

A series of alkaline earth metallocene complexes carrying the diphenylphosphanocyclopentadienyl ligand, [Ae(L)(x)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)PPh(2))(2)] (Ae = Ca, L = thf, x = 1 (6a); Ae = Ca, L = dme, x = 1 (6b); Ae = Sr, L = thf, x = 1 (7); Ae = Ba, L = thf, x = 1 (8a); Ae = Ba, L = dme, x = 2 (8b)), were prepared by redox transmetallation/protolysis from the free metals, diphenylmercury and diphenylphosphanocyclopentadiene. These complexes were characterised using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and two by single crystal X-ray diffraction. [Ca(dme)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)PPh(2))(2)] (6b) is a discrete neutral monomeric eight coordinate molecule in which the phosphorus atoms are not coordinated to the calcium ion and the larger barium analogue, ten-coordinate [Ba(dme)(2)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)PPh(2))(2)] (8b), has an extremely bent sandwich structure due to the two dme ligands attached to the metal. Bimetallic complexes, [Ae(thf)(x)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)PPh(2))(2)Pt(Me)(2)].(solv) (Ae = Ca, L = thf, x = 2, solv = 1.5thf (9); Ae = Sr, L = thf, x = 3, solv = 1.5thf (10); Ae = Ba, L = thf, x = 3, solv = thf (11)) were obtained by reaction of the homometallic complexes with [Pt(cod)(Me)(2)]. The crystal structures of [Ca(thf)(2)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)PPh(2))(2)Pt(Me)(2)].1.5thf (9), [Sr(thf)(3)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)PPh(2))(2)Pt(Me)(2)].1.5thf (10) and [Ba(thf)(3)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)PPh(2))(2)Pt(Me)(2)].thf (11) show the eight (calcium) and nine coordinate (strontium and barium) fragments acting as a chelating metalloligand attached to the square planar platinum through the phosphorus donor atoms. The solution chemistry of these bimetallic complexes has been investigated by NMR spectroscopy, electro-spray ionisation mass spectrometry and conductivity experiments which indicate that the bimetallic compounds persist in solution.     

Molybdenum(VI) dioxo and oxo-imido complexes of fluorinated β-ketiminato ligands and their use in OAT reactions

Substitution of a methyl by a trifluoromethyl moiety in well-known β-ketimines afforded the ligands (Ar)NC(Me)CH(2)CO(CF(3)) (HL(H), Ar = C(6)H(5); HL(Me), A r= 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3); HL(iPr), Ar = 2,6-(i)Pr(2)C(6)H(3)). Subsequent complexation to the [MoO(2)](2+) core leads to the formation of novel complexes of general formula [MoO(2)(L(R))(2)] (R = H, 1; R = Me, 2; R = iPr, 3). For reasons of comparison the oxo-imido complex [MoO(N(t)Bu)(L(Me))(2)] (4) has also been synthesized. Complexes 1-4 were investigated in oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reactions using the substrate trimethylphosphine. The respective products after OAT, the reduced Mo(IV) complexes [MoO(PMe(3))(L(R))(2)] (R = H, 5; R = Me, 6; R = iPr, 7) and [Mo(N(t)Bu)(PMe(3))(L(Me))(2)] (8), were isolated. All complexes have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and 1-4 also by cyclic voltammetry. A positive shift of the Mo(VI)-Mo(V) reduction wave upon fluorination was observed. Furthermore, molecular structures of complexes 2, 4, 5, and 8 have been determined via single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 8 represents a rare example of a Mo(IV) phosphino-imido complex. Kinetic measurements by UV-vis spectroscopy of the OAT reactions from complexes 1-4 to PMe(3) showed them to be more efficient than previously reported nonfluorinated ones, with ligand L' = (Ar)NC(Me)CH(2)CO(CH(3)) [MoO(2)(L')(2)] (9) and [MoO(N(t)Bu)(L')(2)] (10), respectively. Thermodynamic activation parameters ΔH(?) and ΔS(?) of the OAT reactions for complexes 2 and 4 have been determined. The activation enthalpy for the reaction employing 2 is significantly smaller (12.3 kJ/mol) compared to the reaction with the nonfluorinated complex 9 (60.8 kJ/mol). The change of the entropic term ΔS(?) is small. The reaction of the oxo-imido complex 4 to 8 revealed a significant electron-donating contribution of the imido substituent.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of cyclometalated platinum(II) 1,2-benzenedithiolate complexes and heterometallic derivatives obtained from the addition of [Au(PCy3)]+ units

The cyclometalated compounds [Pt(C^N)(HC^N)Cl] [HC^N = 2-phenylpyridine (Hppy; 1a), 1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)isoquinoline (Htbpiq; 1b)] react with 1,2-benzenedithiol, t-BuOK, and Bu(4)NCl in a 1:1:2:1 molar ratio in CH(2)Cl(2)/MeOH to give the complexes Bu(4)N[Pt(C^N)(bdt)] [bdt = 1,2-benzenedithiolate; C^N = ppy (Bu(4)N2a), tbpiq (Bu(4)N2b)]. In the absence of Bu(4)NCl, the same reactions afford solutions of K2a and K2b, which react with [AuCl(PCy(3))] to give the neutral heterometallic derivatives [Pt(C^N)(bdt){Au(PCy(3))}] [C^N = ppy (3a), tbpiq (3b)]. The cationic derivatives [Pt(C^N)(bdt){Au(PCy(3))}(2)]ClO(4) [C^N = ppy (4a), tbpiq (4b)] are obtained by reacting 3a and 3b with acetone solutions of [Au(OClO(3))(PCy(3))]. The crystal structures of 3b and 4b reveal the formation of short Pt···Au metallophilic contacts in the range 2.929-3.149 ?. Complexes 3b, 4a, and 4b undergo dynamic processes in solution that involve the migration of the [Au(PCy(3))](+) units between the S atoms of the dithiolate. Complexes Bu(4)N2a and 2b display a moderately solvatochromic band in their electronic absorption spectra that can be ascribed to a transition of mixed ML'CT/LL'CT character (M= metal; L = bdt; L' = C^N; CT = charge transfer), while their emissions are assignable to transitions of the same orbital parentage but from triplet excited states. The successive addition of [Au(PCy(3))](+) units to the anions 2a and 2b results in an increase in the absorption and emission energies attributable to lower highest occupied molecular orbital energies. Additionally, the characteristics of the absorption and emission spectra of the heterometallic derivatives indicate a gradual loss of LL'CT character in the involved electronic transitions, with a concomitant increase of the L'C and ML'CT contributions.     

Carbene stabilization of highly reactive main-group molecules

This article highlights recent efforts of this laboratory in the stabilization of highly reactive, low-oxidation-state, main-group molecules using bulky N-heterocyclic carbene ligands [L: = :C{N(2,6-Pr(i)(2)C(6)H(3))CH}(2); L': = :C{N(2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2))CH}(2); L': = :C{(i-Pr)NC(Me)}(2)]. The syntheses, structures, and computational studies of carbene-stabilized neutral diborenes [L:(H)B═B(H):L and L':(H)B═B(H):L'], a neutral Ga(6) octahedron (L':Ga[Ga(4)Mes(4)]Ga:L'), disilicon (L:Si═Si:L), bis-silylene [L:(Cl)Si-Si(Cl):L], dipnictogens (L:E-E:L, E = P, As; L':P-P:L'), and parent phosphinidene (L:PH) are discussed. Some of the unique challenges associated with this "carbene-stabilization" strategy are also presented.     

Rhenium chemistry of diazabutadienes and derived iminoacetamides spanning the valence domain II-VI. Synthesis, characterization, and metal-promoted regiospecific imine oxidation

The reaction of diazabutadienes of type R'N=C(R)-C(R)=NR', L (R = H, Me; R' = cycloalkyl, aryl) with Re(V)OCl(3)(AsPh(3))(2) has furnished Re(V)OCl(3)(L), 1, from which Re(III)(OPPh(3))Cl(3)(L), 2, and Re(V)(NAr)Cl(3)(L), 3, have been synthesized. Chemical oxidation of 2(R = H) by aqueous H(2)O(2) and of 3(R = H) by dilute HNO(3) has yielded Re(IV)(OPPh(3))Cl(3)(L'), 5, and Re(VI)(NAr)Cl(3)(L'), 4, respectively, where L' is the monoionized iminoacetamide ligand R'N=C(H)-C(=O)-NR'(-). Finally, the reaction of Re(V)O(OEt)X(2)(PPh(3))(2) with L has furnished bivalent species of type Re(II)X(2)(L)(2), 6(X = Cl, Br). The X-ray structures of 1 (R = Me, R' = Ph), 3 (R = H, R' = Ph, Ar = Ph), and 4 (R = H, R' = cycloheptyl, Ar = C(6)H(4)Cl) are reported revealing meridional geometry for the ReCl(3) fragment and triple bonding in the ReO (in 1) and ReNAr (in 3 and 4 ) fragments. The cis geometry (two Re-X stretches) of ReX(2)(L)(2) is consistent with maximized Re(II)-L back-bonding. Both ReX(2)(L)(2) and Re(NAr)Cl(3)(L') are paramagnetic (S = (1)/(2)) and display sextet EPR spectra in solution. The g and A values of Re(NAr)Cl(3)(L') are, respectively, lower and higher than those of ReX(2)(L)(2). All the complexes are electroactive in acetonitrile solution. The Re(NAr)Cl(3)(L) species display the Re(VI)/Re(V) couple near 1.0 V versus SCE, and coulometric studies have revealed that, in the oxidative transformation of 3 to 4, the reactive intermediate is Re(VI)(NAr)Cl(3)(L)(+) which undergoes nucleophilic addition of water at an imine site followed by induced electron transfer finally affording 4. In the structure of 3 (R = H, R' = Ph, Ar = Ph), the Re-N bond lying trans to the chloride ligand is approximately 0.1 A shorter than that lying trans to NPh. It is thus logical that the imine function incorporating the former bond is more polarized and therefore subject to more facile nucleophilic attack by water. This is consistent with the regiospecificity of the imine oxidation as revealed by structure determination of 4 (R = H, R' = cycloheptyl, Ar = C(6)H(4)Cl).     

Ruthenium alkylidenes: modulation of a new class of catalysts for controlled radical polymerization of vinyl monomers

Air-stable and readily available ruthenium benzylidene complexes of the general type [RuCl2(=CHPh)(L)(L')] (L, L' = PCy3 and/or N-heterocyclic carbene) constitute a new class of catalyst precursors for atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate and styrene, and provide an unprecedented example for the involvement of ruthenium alkylidenes in radical reactions. They promote the polymerization of various monomers with good to excellent yields, and in a controlled way with methyl methacrylate and styrene. Variations of their basic structural motif provide insights into the essential parameters responsible for catalytic activity. The ligands L (PCy3 and/or N-heterocyclic carbene) turned out to play a particularly important role in determining the rate of the polymerizations. A similarly pronounced influence is exerted by the substituents on the N-heterocyclic carbene. Our results indicate that the catalysts decompose quickly under ATRP conditions, and polymerizations are mediated by both [RuCl2(=CHPh)(L)(L')] complexes and ruthenium species bereft of the benzylidene moiety, through a pathway in which both tricyclohexylphosphane and/or N-heterocyclic carbene ligands remain bound to the metal center. Polymerization of n-butyl acrylate and vinyl acetate is not controlled and most probably takes place through a redox-initiated free-radical process.     

Preparation and characterization of ruthenium(II) monophosphaferrocene complexes. Reactivity, dynamic solution behavior, and X-ray structure of [RuH(2)(eta(2)-H(2))(PCy(3))2(2-phenyl-3,4-dimethylphosphaferrocene)

The bis(dihydrogen) complex RuH(2)(H(2))(2)(PCy(3))(2) (1) reacts with 2-phenyl-3,4-dimethylphosphaferrocene (L(1)) to give RuH(2)(H(2))(PCy(3))(2)(L(1)) (2). This dihydride-dihydrogen complex has been characterized by X-ray crystallography and variable-temperature (1)H and (31)P NMR spectroscopy. The exchange between the dihydrogen ligand and the two hydrides is characterized by a DeltaG() of 46.2 kJ/mol at 263 K. H/D exchange is readily observed when heating a C(7)D(8) solution of 2 (J(H-D) = 30 Hz). The H(2) ligand in 2 can be displaced by ethylene or carbon monoxide leading to the corresponding ethylene or carbonyl complexes. The reaction of 1 with 2 equiv of 3,4-dimethylphosphaferrocene (L(2)) yields the dihydride complex RuH(2)(PCy(3))(2)(L(2))(2) (5).     

Multimetallic complexes of group 10 and 11 metals based on polydentate dithiocarbamate ligands

The ligands KS(2)CN(Bz)CH(2)CH(2)N(Bz)CS(2)K (K(2)L(1)), N(CH(2)CH(2)N(Me)CS(2)Na)(3) (Na(3)L(2)), and the new chelates {(CH(2)CH(2))NCS(2)Na}(3) (Na(3)L(3)) and {CH(2)CH(2)N(CS(2)Na)CH(2)CH(2)CH(2)NCS(2)Na}(2) (Na(4)L(4)), react with the gold(I) complexes [ClAu(PR(3))] (R = Me, Ph, Cy) and [ClAu(IDip)] to yield di-, tri-and tetragold compounds. Larger metal units can also be coordinated by the longer, flexible linker, K(2)L(1). Thus two equivalents of cis-[PtCl(2)(PEt(3))(2)] react with K(2)L(1) in the presence of NH(4)PF(6) to yield the bimetallic complex [L(1){Pt(PEt(3))(2)}(2)](PF(6))(2). The compounds [NiCl(2)(dppp)] and [MCl(2)(dppf)] (M = Ni, Pd, Pt; dppp = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane, dppf = 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) also yield the dications, [L(1){Ni(dppp)}(2)](2+) and [L(1){Ni(dppf)}(2)](2+) in an analogous fashion. In the same manner, reaction between [(L'(2))(AuCl)(2)] (L'(2) = dppm, dppf; dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) and KS(2)CN(Bz)CH(2)CH(2)N(Bz)CS(2)K yield [L(1){Au(2)(L'(2))}(2)]. The molecular structures of [L(1){M(dppf)}(2)](PF(6))(2) (M = Ni, Pd) and [L(1){Au(PR(3))}(2)] (R = Me, Ph) are reported.     

Syntheses of mono- and dinuclear diiodoboryl complexes of platinum

Treatment of [Pt(PCy(3))(2)] (Cy = cyclohexyl) with BI(3) afforded trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt(I)(BI(2))] by the oxidative addition of a B-I bond. The title compound represents the first diiodoboryl complex and was fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The latter revealed a very short Pt-B distance, thus indicating a pronounced pi contribution to this bond. By the addition of another 1 equiv of BI(3) to trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt(I)(BI(2))], a new Pt species [(Cy(3)P)(I(2)B)Pt(mu-I)](2) was formed with concomitant buildup of the phosphine borane adduct [Cy(3)P-BI(3)]. The former is obviously obtained by abstraction of PCy(3) from trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt(I)(BI(2))] and the subsequent dimerization of two remaining fragments. Interestingly, the dimerization is reversible, and the dinuclear compound can be converted to trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt(I)(BI(2))] upon the addition of PCy(3).     

The effect of micro-CN linkage isomerism and ancillary ligand set on directional metal-metal charge-transfer in cyanide-bridged dimanganese complexes

The reaction of [Mn(CN)L'(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)R(4)Me)] with cis- or trans-[MnBrL(CO)(2)(dppm)], in the presence of Tl[PF(6)], gives homobinuclear cyanomanganese(i) complexes cis- or trans-[(dppm)(CO)(2)LMn(micro-NC)MnL'(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)R(4)Me)](+), linkage isomers of which, cis- or trans-[(dppm)(CO)(2)LMn(micro-CN)MnL'(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)R(4)Me)](+), are synthesised by reacting cis- or trans-[Mn(CN)L(CO)(2)(dppm)] with [MnIL'(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)R(4)Me)] in the presence of Tl[PF(6)]. X-Ray structural studies on the isomers trans-[(dppm)(CO)(2){(EtO)(3)P}Mn(micro-NC)Mn(CNBu(t))(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)Me)](+) and trans-[(dppm)(CO)(2){(EtO)(3)P}Mn(micro-CN)Mn(CNBu(t))(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)Me)](+) show nearly identical molecular structures whereas cis-[(dppm)(CO)(2){(PhO)(3)P}Mn(micro-NC)Mn{P(OPh)(3)}(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)Me)](+) and cis-[(dppm)(CO)(2){(PhO)(3)P}Mn(micro-CN)Mn{P(OPh)(3)}(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)Me)](+) differ, effectively in the N- and C-coordination respectively of two different optical isomers of the pseudo-tetrahedral units (NC)Mn{P(OPh)(3)}(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)Me) and (CN)Mn{P(OPh)(3)}(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)Me) to the octahedral manganese centre. Electrochemical and spectroscopic studies on [(dppm)(CO)(2)LMn(micro-XY)MnL'(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)R(4)Me)](+) show that systematic variation of the ligands L and L', of the cyclopentadienyl ring substituents R, and of the micro-CN orientation (XY = CN or NC) allows control of the order of oxidation of the two metal centres and hence the direction and energy of metal-metal charge-transfer (MMCT) through the cyanide bridge in the mixed-valence dications. Chemical one-electron oxidation of cis- or trans-[(dppm)(CO)(2)LMn(micro-NC)MnL'(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)R(4)Me)](+) with [NO][PF(6)] gives the mixed-valence dications trans-[(dppm)(CO)(2)LMn(II)(micro-NC)Mn(I)L'(NO)(eta(5)-C(5)R(4)Me)](2+) which show solvatochromic absorptions in the electronic spectrum, assigned to optically induced Mn(I)-to-Mn(II) electron transfer via the cyanide bridge.     

Theoretical insights into the ferromagnetic coupling in oxalato-bridged chromium(III)-cobalt(II) and chromium(III)-manganese(II) dinuclear complexes with aromatic diimine ligands

Two novel heterobimetallic complexes of formula [Cr(bpy)(ox)(2)Co(Me(2)phen)(H(2)O)(2)][Cr(bpy)(ox)(2)]·4H(2)O (1) and [Cr(phen)(ox)(2)Mn(phen)(H(2)O)(2)][Cr(phen)(ox)(2)]·H(2)O (2) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, and Me(2)phen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) have been obtained through the "complex-as-ligand/complex-as-metal" strategy by using Ph(4)P[CrL(ox)(2)]·H(2)O (L = bpy and phen) and [ML'(H(2)O)(4)](NO(3))(2) (M = Co and Mn; L' = phen and Me(2)phen) as precursors. The X-ray crystal structures of 1 and 2 consist of bis(oxalato)chromate(III) mononuclear anions, [Cr(III)L(ox)(2)](-), and oxalato-bridged chromium(III)-cobalt(II) and chromium(III)-manganese(II) dinuclear cations, [Cr(III)L(ox)(μ-ox)M(II)L'(H(2)O)(2)](+)[M = Co, L = bpy, and L' = Me(2)phen (1); M = Mn and L = L' = phen (2)]. These oxalato-bridged Cr(III)M(II) dinuclear cationic entities of 1 and 2 result from the coordination of a [Cr(III)L(ox)(2)](-) unit through one of its two oxalato groups toward a [M(II)L'(H(2)O)(2)](2+) moiety with either a trans- (M = Co) or a cis-diaqua (M = Mn) configuration. The two distinct Cr(III) ions in 1 and 2 adopt a similar trigonally compressed octahedral geometry, while the high-spin M(II) ions exhibit an axially (M = Co) or trigonally compressed (M = Mn) octahedral geometry in 1 and 2, respectively. Variable temperature (2.0-300 K) magnetic susceptibility and variable-field (0-5.0 T) magnetization measurements for 1 and 2 reveal the presence of weak intramolecular ferromagnetic interactions between the Cr(III) (S(Cr) = 3/2) ion and the high-spin Co(II) (S(Co) = 3/2) or Mn(II) (S(Mn) = 5/2) ions across the oxalato bridge within the Cr(III)M(II) dinuclear cationic entities (M = Co and Mn) [J = +2.2 (1) and +1.2 cm(-1) (2); H = -JS(Cr)·S(M)]. Density functional electronic structure calculations for 1 and 2 support the occurrence of S = 3 Cr(III)Co(II) and S = 4 Cr(III)Mn(II) ground spin states, respectively. A simple molecular orbital analysis of the electron exchange mechanism suggests a subtle competition between individual ferro- and antiferromagnetic contributions through the σ- and/or π-type pathways of the oxalato bridge, mainly involving the d(yz)(Cr)/d(xy)(M), d(xz)(Cr)/d(xy)(M), d(x(2)-y(2))(Cr)/d(xy)(M), d(yz)(Cr)/d(xz)(M), and d(xz)(Cr)/d(yz)(M) pairs of orthogonal magnetic orbitals and the d(x(2)-y(2))(Cr)/d(x(2)-y(2))(M), d(xz)(Cr)/d(xz)(M), and d(yz)(Cr)/d(yz)(M) pairs of nonorthogonal magnetic orbitals, which would be ultimately responsible for the relative magnitude of the overall ferromagnetic coupling in 1 and 2.