Novel hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate ruthenium(II) complexes containing the water-soluble phosphane 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane: Synthesis and evaluation of DNA binding properties

A series of half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes containing κ³(N,N,N)-hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate (κ³(N,N,N)-Tp) and the water-soluble phosphane 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) [RuX{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)_2−n(PTA)_n] (n = 2, X = Cl (1), n = 1, X = Cl (2), I (3), NCS (4), H (5)) and [Ru{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(PTA)L][PF₆] (L = NCMe (6), PTA (7)) have been synthesized. Complexes containing 1-methyl-3,5-diaza-1-azonia-7-phosphaadamantane(m-PTA) triflate [RuCl{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(m-PTA)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ (8) and [RuX{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(m-PTA)][CF₃SO₃] (X = Cl (9), H (10)) have been obtained by treatment, respectively, of complexes 1, 2 and 5 with methyl triflate. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for complexes 1, 2 and 4 have been carried out. DNA binding properties by using a mobility shift assay and antimicrobial activity of selected complexes have been evaluated.     

Aminobis(phenolate)s of imidomolybdenum(VI) and -tungsten(VI)

The reactions of trans-[MoO(ONO^Me)Cl₂] 1 (ONO^Me = methylamino-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4,6-dimethylphenolate) dianion) and trans-[MoO(ONO^tBu)Cl₂] 2 (ONO^tBu = methylamino-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenolate) dianion) with PhNCO afforded new imido molybdenum complexes trans-[Mo(NPh)(ONO^Me)Cl₂] 3 and trans-[Mo(NPh)(ONO^tBu)Cl₂] 4, respectively. As analogous oxotungsten starting materials did not show similar reactivity, corresponding imido tungsten complexes were prepared by the reaction between [W(NPh)Cl₄] with aminobis(phenol)s. These reactions yielded cis- and trans-isomers of dichloro complexes [W(NPh)(ONO^Me)Cl₂] 5 and [W(NPh)(ONO^tBu)Cl₂] 6, respectively. The molecular structures of 4, cis-6 and trans-6 were verified by X-ray crystallography. Organosubstituted imido tungsten(VI) complex cis-[W(NPh)(ONO^tBu)Me₂] 7 was prepared by the transmetallation reaction of 6 (either cis or trans isomer) with methyl magnesium iodide.     

Ruthenium and rhodium nitrosyl complexes containing dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinate ligands

Interaction of [Ru(NO)Cl₃(PPh₃)₂] with K[N(R₂PS)₂] in refluxing N,N-dimethylformamide afforded trans-[Ru(NO)Cl{N(R₂PS)₂}₂] (R = Ph (1), Prⁱ (2)). Reaction of [Ru(NO)Cl₃(PPh₃)₂] with K[N(Ph₂PSe)₂] led to formation of a mixture of trans-[Ru(NO)Cl{N(Ph₂PSe)₂}₂] (3) and trans-[Ru(NO)Cl{N(Ph₂PSe)₂}{Ph₂P(Se)NPPh₂}] (4). Reaction of Ru(NO)Cl₃ · xH₂O with K[N(Ph₂PO)₂] afforded cis-[Ru(NO)(Cl){N(Ph₂PO)₂}₂] (5). Treatment of [Rh(NO)Cl₂(PPh₃)₂] with K[N(R₂PQ)₂] gave Rh(NO){N(R₂PQ)₂}₂] (R = Ph, Q = S (6) or Se (7); R = Prⁱ, Q = S (8) or Se (9)). Protonation of 8 with HBF₄ led to formation of trans-[Rh(NO)Cl{HN(Prⁱ₂PS)₂}₂][BF₄]₂ (10). X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the nitrosyl ligands in 2 and 4 are linear, whereas that in 9 is bent with the Rh–N–O bond angle of 125.7(3)°.     

Synthesis and reactivity of hydride and dihydrogen complexes of ruthenium with tris(pyrazolyl)borate and phosphite ligands

Chloro phosphite complexes RuClTpL(PPh₃) (1a, 1b) [L = P(OEt)₃, PPh(OEt)₂] and RuClTp[P(OEt)₃]₂ (1c) [Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate] were prepared by allowing RuClTp(PPh₃)₂ to react with an excess of phosphite. Treatment of the chloro complexes 1 with NaBH₄ in ethanol yielded the hydride RuHTpL(PPh₃) (2a, 2b) and RuHTp[P(OEt)₃]₂ (2c) derivatives. Protonation reaction of 2 with Brønsted acids was studied and led to thermally unstable (above 10 °C) dihydrogen [Ru(η²- H₂)TpL(PPh₃)]⁺ (3a, 3b) and [Ru(η²-H₂)Tp{P(OEt)₃}₂]⁺ (3c) complexes. The presence of the η²-H₂ ligand is indicated by short T_1 min values and J_HD measurements of the partially deuterated derivatives. Aquo [RuTp(H₂O)L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (4), carbonyl [RuTp(CO)L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (5), and nitrile [RuTp(CH₃CN)L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (6) derivatives [L = P(OEt)₃] were prepared by substituting H₂ in the η²-H₂ derivatives 3. Vinylidene [RuTp{CC(H)R}L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (7, 8) (R = Ph, ^tBu) and allenylidene [RuTp(CCCR1R2)L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (9-11) complexes (R1 = R2 = Ph, R1 = Ph R2 = Me) were also prepared by allowing dihydrogen complexes 3 to react with the appropriate HCCR and HCCC(OH)R1R2 alkynes. Deprotonation of vinylidene complexes 7, 8 with NEt₃ was studied and led to acetylide Ru(CCR)TpL(PPh₃) (12, 13) derivatives. The trichlorostannyl Ru(SnCl₃)TpL(PPh₃) (14) compound was also prepared by allowing the chloro complex RuClTpL(PPh₃) to react with SnCl₂ · 2H₂O in CH₂Cl₂.     

Synthesis, and characterization of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes containing α-amino acids and its DNA binding behavior

Reactivity of the ruthenium complexes [Ru(κ³-tptz)(PPh₃)Cl₂] (1) and [Ru(κ³-tpy)(PPh₃)Cl₂] (2) [tptz = 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine; tpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine] with several α-amino acids [glycine (gly); leucine (leu); isoleucine (isoleu); valine (val); tyrosine (tyr); proline (pro) and phenylalanine (phe)] have been investigated. Cationic complexes with the general formulations [Ru(κ³-L)(κ²-L″)(PPh₃)]⁺ (L = tptz or tpy; L″ = gly, leu, isoleu, val, tyr, pro, and phe] have been isolated as tetrafluoroborate salts. The resulting complexes have been thoroughly characterized by analytical, spectral and electrochemical studies. Molecular structures of the representative complexes [Ru(κ³-tptz)(val)(PPh₃)]BF₄ (6)_, [Ru(κ³-tpy)(leu)(PPh₃)]BF₄ (10) and [Ru(κ³-tpy)(tyr)(PPh₃)]BF₄ (13) have been determined crystallographically. The complexes [Ru(κ³-tptz)(leu)(PPh₃)]BF₄ (4), [Ru(κ³-tptz)(val)(PPh₃)]BF₄ (6), [Ru(κ³-tpy)(leu)(PPh₃)]BF₄ (10) [Ru(κ³-tpy)(tyr)(PPh₃)] BF₄·3H₂O (13) exhibited DNA binding behavior and acted as mild Topo II inhibitors (10-40%). The complexes also inhibited heme polymerase activity of the malarial parasite Plasmodium yoelii lysate.     

Syntheses and characterization of cyano-bridged homo and hetero bimetallic complexes containing η and η-cyclic hydrocarbons

The reactions of [(ind)Ru(PPh₃)₂CN] (ind = η⁵-C₉H₇) (1) and [CpRu(PPh₃)₂CN] (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅) (2) with [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(bipy)Cl]Cl (bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) (3) in the presence of AgNO₃/NH₄BF₄ in methanol, respectively, yielded dicationic cyano-bridged complexes of the type [(ind)(PPh₃)₂Ru(μ-CN)Ru(bipy)(η⁶-p-cymene)](BF₄)₂ (4) and [Cp(PPh₃)₂Ru(μ-CN)Ru(bipy)(η⁶-p-cymene)](BF₄)₂ (5). The reaction of [CpRu(PPh₃)₂CN] (2), [CpOs(PPh₃)₂CN] (6) and [CpRu(dppe)CN] (7) with the corresponding halide complexes and [(η⁶-p-cymene)RuCl₂]₂ formed the monocationic cyano-bridge complexes [Cp(PPh₃)₂Ru(μ-CN)Os(PPh₃)₂Cp](BF₄) (8), [Cp(PPh₃)₂Os(μ- CN)Ru(PPh₃)₂Cp](BF₄) (9) and [Cp(dppe)Ru(μ-CN)Os(PPh₃)₂Cp](BF₄) (10) along with the neutral complexes [Cp(PPh₃)₂Ru(μ-CN)Ru (η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₂] (11), [Cp(PPh₃)₂Os(μ-CN)Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₂] (12), and [Cp(dppe) Ru(μ-CN)Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₂] (13). These complexes were characterized by FT IR, ¹H NMR, ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy and the molecular structures of complexes 4, 8 and 11 were solved by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Bio-catalysts and catalysts based on ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes imparting diphenyl-(2-pyridyl)-phosphine as a co-ligand

Reactions of the ruthenium complexes [Ru(κ³-tpy)(PPh₃)Cl₂], [Ru(κ³-tptz)(PPh₃)Cl₂] and [Ru(κ³-tpy)Cl₃] [tpy = 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine; tptz = 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine] with diphenyl-(2-pyridyl)-phosphine (PPh₂Py) have been investigated. The complexes [Ru(κ³-tpy)(PPh₃)Cl₂] and [Ru(κ³-tptz)(PPh₃)Cl₂] reacted with PPh₂Py to afford [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂Cl]⁺ (1) and [Ru(κ³-tptz)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂Cl]⁺ (2), which were isolated as their tetrafluoroborate salts. Under analogous conditions, [Ru(κ³-tpy)Cl₃] gave a neutral complex [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-PPh₂Py)Cl₂] (3). Upon treatment with an excess of NH₄PF₆ in methanol, 1 and 2 gave [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)(κ²-P,N-PPh₂Py)](PF₆)₂ (4) and [Ru(κ³-tptz)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)(κ²-P,N-PPh₂Py)](PF₆)₂ (5) containing both monodentate and chelated PPh₂Py. Further, 4 and 5 reacted with an excess of NaCN and CH₃CN to afford [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂(CN)](PF₆) (6), [Ru(κ³-tpy)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂(NCCH₃)](PF₆)₂ (7), [Ru(κ³-tptz)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂(CN)]PF₆ (8) and [Ru(κ³-tptz)(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂(NCCH₃)](PF₆)₂ (9) supporting hemi labile nature of the coordinated PPh₂Py. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (IR, NMR, electronic absorption, FAB-MS), electrochemical studies and structures of 1, 2 and 3 determined by X-ray single crystal analyses. At higher concentration level (40 μM) the complexes under investigation exhibit inhibitory activity against DNA-Topo II of the filarial parasite S. cervi and 3 catalyses rearrangement of aldoximes to amide under aerobic conditions.     

Diruthenium(I,I) saccharinate complexes: Synthesis, molecular structure, and evaluation as catalysts for carbenoid reactions of diazoacetates

The dinuclear ruthenium complexes [Ru₂(μ-sac)₂(CO)₆] (1), [Ru₂(μ-sac)₂(CH₃CN)₂(CO)₄] (3), [Ru₂(μ-sac)₂(CO)₅(PPh₃)] (4) and [Ru₂(μ-sac)₂(CO)₄(PPh₃)₂] (5) as well as the tetranuclear ruthenium complex [Ru₂(μ-sac)₂(CO)₅]₂ (2) (sac = saccharinate, C₇H₄NO₃S⁻) were synthesized starting from Ru₃(CO)₁₂ and saccharin. X-ray crystal structure analysis of 1, 3A × p-xylene, 4 × CH₂Cl₂ and 5 × 3CH₂Cl₂ showed that the core is bridged through the amidate moieties of the two saccharinate ligands, with a head-tail arrangement in complexes 1, 3A and 5, and a head-head arrangement in 4. For complex 3, an equilibrium mixture of the head-head regioisomer 3A and a second species 3b exists in solution. Complexes 1 and 2 are suitable catalysts for the cyclopropanation of nucleophilic alkenes (styrene, cyclohexene and 2-methyl-2-butene) with methyl diazoacetate.     

Nucleophilic substitution reactions at the Si-Cl bonds of the dichloro(methyl)silyl ligand in five- and six-coordinate complexes of ruthenium(II) and osmium(II)

Treatment of either RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₃ or MPhCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ with HSiMeCl₂ produces the five-coordinate dichloro(methyl)silyl complexes, M(SiMeCl₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (1a, M = Ru; 1b, M = Os). 1a and 1b react readily with hydroxide ions and with ethanol to give M(SiMe[OH]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (2a, M = Ru; 2b, M = Os) and M(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (3a, M = Ru; 3b, M = Os), respectively. 3b adds CO to form the six-coordinate complex, Os(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (4b) and crystal structure determinations of 3b and 4b reveal very different Os-Si distances in the five-coordinate complex (2.3196(11) Å) and in the six-coordinate complex (2.4901(8) Å). Reaction between 1a and 1b and 8-aminoquinoline results in displacement of a triphenylphosphine ligand and formation of the six-coordinate chelate complexes M(SiMeCl₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N)-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (5a, M = Ru; 5b, M = Os), respectively. Crystal structure determination of 5a reveals that the amino function of the chelating 8-aminoquinoline ligand is located adjacent to the reactive Si-Cl bonds of the dichloro(methyl)silyl ligand but no reaction between these functions is observed. However, 5a and 5b react readily with ethanol to give ultimately M(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (6a, M = Ru; 6b, M = Os). In the case of ruthenium only, the intermediate ethanolysis product Ru(SiMeCl[OEt])Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (6c) was also isolated. The crystal structure of 6c was determined. Reaction between 1b and excess 2-aminopyridine results in condensation between the Si-Cl bonds and the N-H bonds with formation of a novel tridentate “NSiN” ligand in the complex Os(κ³(Si,N,N)-SiMe[NH(2-C₅H₄N)]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃) (7b). Crystal structure determination of 7b shows that the “NSiN” ligand coordinates to osmium with a “facial” arrangement and with chloride trans to the silyl ligand.     

Synthesis and structural characterisation of rhodium hydride complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands

Addition of excesses of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) IEt₂Me₂, IⁱPr₂Me₂ or ICy (IEt₂Me₂ = 1,3-diethyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene; IⁱPr₂Me₂ = 1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene; ICy = 1,3-dicyclohexylimidazol-2-ylidene) to [HRh(PPh₃)₄] (1) affords an isomeric mixture of [HRh(NHC)(PPh₃)₂] (NHC = IEt₂Me₂ (cis-/trans-2), IⁱPr₂Me₂ (cis-/trans-3), ICy (cis-/trans-4) and [HRh(NHC)₂(PPh₃)] (IEt₂Me₂(cis-/trans-5), IⁱPr₂Me₂ (cis-/trans-6), ICy (cis-/trans-7)). Thermolysis of 1 with the aryl substituted NHC, 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene (IMesH₂), affords the bridging hydrido phosphido dimer, [{(PPh₃)₂Rh}₂(μ-H)(μ-PPh₂)] (8), which is also the reaction product formed in the absence of carbene. When the rhodium precursor was changed from 1 to [HRh(CO)(PPh₃)₃] (9) and treated with either IMes (=1,3-dimesitylimidazol-2-ylidene) or ICy, the bis-NHC complexes trans-[HRh(CO)(IMes)₂] (10) and trans-[HRh(CO)(ICy)₂] (11) were formed. In contrast, the reaction of 9 with IⁱPr₂Me₂ gave [HRh(CO)(IⁱPr₂Me₂)₂] (cis-/trans-12) and the unusual unsymmetrical dimer, [(PPh₃)₂Rh(μ-CO)₂Rh(IⁱPr₂Me₂)₂] (13). The complexes trans-3, 8, 10 and 13 have been structurally characterised.     

Syntheses and properties of Re(III) complexes derived from hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)methanes: molecular structure of [ReCl2(HCpz3)(PPh3)][BF4]

The complexes [ReCl₂{N₂C(O)Ph}(Hpz)(PPh₃)₂] (1) (Hpz = pyrazole), [ReCl₂{N₂C(O)Ph}(Hpz)₂(PPh₃)] (2), [ReCl₂(HCpz₃)(PPh₃)][BF₄] (3) and [ReCl₂(3,5-Me₂Hpz)₃(PPh₃)]Cl (4) were obtained by treatment of the chelate [ReCl₂{η²-N,O-N₂C(O)Ph}(PPh₃)₂] (0) with hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)methane HCpz₃ (1,3), pyrazole Hpz (1,2), hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane HC(3,5-Me₂pz)₃ (4) or dimethylpyrazole 3,5-Me₂Hpz (4). Rupture of a C(sp³)-N bond in HCpz₃ or HC(3,5-Me₂pz)₃, promoted by the Re centre, has occurred in the formation of 1 or 4, respectively. All compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR and NMR spectroscopy, FAB-MS spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry and, for 1 · CH₂Cl₂ and 3, also by single crystal X-ray analysis. The electrochemical E_L Lever parameter has been estimated, for the first time, for the HCpz₃ and the benzoyldiazenide NNC(O)Ph ligands.     

Pyridine- and pyrimidine-2-thiolate complexes of ruthenium

A series of mononuclear ruthenium complexes containing pyridine- and pyrimidine-2-thiolato ligands was prepared and characterized. The new compounds of general formula CpRu(PPh₃)(κ²S,N-SR) (1) (SR = pyridine-2-thiolate (a), pyrimidine-2-thiolate (b)) were prepared directly by reacting the thiolato anions (RS⁻) with CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl. Complexes 1 readily react with NOBF₄ or CO in THF at room temperature to give [CpRu(PPh₃)(NO)(κ¹S-HSR)][BF₄]₂ (2) and CpRu(PPh₃)(CO)(κ¹S-SR) (3), respectively. The one-pot reaction of CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl, thiolato anions and bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) gave CpRu(dppe)(κ¹S-SR) [dppe: Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂ (4)]. The complex salts, [CpRu(PPh₃)₂(κ¹S-HSR)]BPh₄ (5) are prepared by mixing CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl, HSR and NaBPh₄ at room temperature. The structures of CpRu(PPh₃)(κ²S,N-Spy) (1a), [CpRu(PPh₃)(NO)(κ¹S-HSpy)][BF₄]₂ (2a) and CpRu(PPh₃)(CO)(κ¹S-Spy) (3a), (py = C₅H₄N) have been determined.     

Chiral C1-symmetric 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine ligands: Synthesis,characterization, complexation with copper(II), rhodium(III) and ruthenium(II) ions and use of the complexes in catalytic cyclopropanation of styrene

Three new optically pure C₁-terpyridine ligands (L1–3) were prepared and the copper(II) complexes, of formula [Cu(L)Cl₂], the rhodium(III) complexes, of formula [Rh(L)Cl₃], and the ruthenium(II) complexes, of formula cis- or trans-[Ru(L)(X)Cl₂] (X = DMSO or CO), were synthesized. Structures of a chiral C₁-ligand, a copper complex, a rhodium complex and a ruthenium DMSO complex were analysed using X-ray crystal structure analysis. The copper, rhodium and ruthenium complexes were shown to be precursors of catalysts for cyclopropanation. Reaction of [Cu(L)Cl₂], [Rh(L)Cl₃] or cis- or trans-[Ru(L)(X)Cl₂] with AgOTf converted the complex to catalyst, which in the case of trans-[Ru(L)(CO)Cl₂] gave enantioselectivities of up to 67% ee for the cis-isomers of styrene cyclopropanes with t-butyl diazoacetate. Comparisons with C₂-analog of copper, rhodium and ruthenium catalysts were made.     

Molecular and spectroscopic properties of hydridecarbonyl ruthenium complexes with pyrazine carboxylic acid ligands

The hydride carbonyl ruthenium(II) [RuH(CO)(pyzCOO)(PPh₃)₂] (1), [RuH(CO)(pyz-2,3-COO[CH₃])(PPh₃)₂]·H₂O (2) and dinuclear Ru(II)/Ru(III) [RuH(CO)(PPh₃)(pyz-2,3-COO)Ru(CO)Cl₂(PPh₃)₂] (3) complexes were synthesized and characterized by IR, ¹H, ³¹P NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The experimental studies were complemented by quantum chemical calculations, which were used to identify the nature of the interactions between the ligands and the central ion, and the orbital composition in the frontier electronic structure. Based on a molecular orbital scheme, the calculated results allowed the interpretation of the UV-Vis spectra obtained at an experimental level. The luminescence property of the complex 2 was determined. The ac magnetic susceptibility measurements showed a residual magnetism evidenced by the small values of the molar susceptibility, not exceeding 0.5 emu/mol at 2 K, a lack of a Curie-Weiss region and weak magnetic interactions below 20 K.     

Ruthenium vinylidene and carbyne complexes containing a multifunctional tridentate ligand with a PNN donor set

The neutral, octahedral ruthenium vinylidene complexes mer,trans-[(PNN)Cl₂Ru(CCHR)] (PNN = N-(2-diphenylphosphinobenzylidene)-2-(2-pyridyl)ethylamine; R = Ph, 1a; R = ^tBu, 1b) are reported. An X-ray crystallographic study of 1a confirms the tridentate, meridional coordination mode of the PNN ligand. Compounds 1a and 1b undergo regioselective electrophilic addition with HBF₄ · Et₂O at C_β of the vinylidene ligand at low temperatures, and are cleanly and quantitatively converted to the ruthenium carbynes mer,trans-[(PNN)Cl₂Ru(CCH₂R)][BF₄] (R = Ph, 2a; R = ^tBu, 2b). Carbynes 2a and 2b are stable only at low temperatures (<−50 °C). Complex 1a undergoes ligand substitution with L to yield mer,trans-[(PNN)Cl₂Ru(L)] (L = MeCN, 3a; L = CO, 3b).     

Synthesis, X-ray crystal structure and cytotoxicity of a new tetranuclear ruthenium arene complex

The tetranuclear ruthenium arene compound [(cym)₄Ru₄(2)Cl₆]Cl₂ (3) (cym = η⁶-p-cymene, 2 = 1,2-bis(di-N-methylimidazol-2-ylphosphino)ethane) was prepared and characterised by one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques. Its cytotoxicity against four different cell lines was determined and, with an approximate IC₅₀ of >100 μM 3 can be regarded as non-toxic. Its partition coefficient in n-octanol/water (log D_7.4) was also determined. The structures of complex 3 as well as of the related compound [(cym)₂Ru₂(4)Cl₂]Cl₂ (5) (4 = 1,2-bis(di-N-methylimidazol-2-ylphosphino)ethane dioxide) were determined by single crystal structure analysis. Upon oxidation in protic solvents, ligand 2 shows P-C bond cleavage reactions to yield P,P′-bis(N-methylimidazol-2-yl)ethylene diphosphinic acid (6).     

Dimerization of terminal alkynes catalyzed by chloro(η-pentadienyl) bis(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(II) and kinetics of phosphine substitution

Exchange of PMe₂Ph for PPh₃ in (η⁵-pentadienyl)ruthenium{bis(triphenylphosphine)}chloride, (η⁵-C₅H₇)Ru(PPh₃)₂Cl (1) under first order conditions proceeds rapidly in THF at room temperature. A pseudo-first order rate constant of 17 ± 2 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ is obtained for the reaction at 21 °C. The rate constant is essentially independent of the phosphine concentration. The activation parameters, ΔH^† = 16.1 ± 0.4 kcal mol⁻¹ and ΔS^† = −16 ± 1 cal K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ differ from those reported for phosphine exchange in CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl (2) and (η⁵-indenyl)Ru(PPh₃)₂Cl (3). The reaction of 1 with PMe₂Ph is about 70 times faster than the reaction of 2 at 30 °C and some 40 times faster than the reaction of 3 at 20 °C. (η⁵-C₅H₇)Ru(PPh₃)₂Cl(1) is more active than the ruthenium(II) complexes 2, 3, and TpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl (4) in the catalytic dimerization of terminal alkynes with nearly quantitative conversion of PhCCH and FcCCH at ambient temperature in 24 h. The enhanced substitution rate is accompanied by >50% conversion of phenylacetylene to oligomeric products. Reaction of 1 with NaPF₆ in acetonitrile yields the cationic ruthenium(II) complex [(η⁵-C₅H₇)Ru(PPh₃)₂(CH₃CN)][PF₆] (7). The latter complex is much less active in reactions with phenylacetylene than 1 but avoids the formation of oligomeric products.     

1-Methyl-4-ferrocenylmethyl-3,5-diphenylpyrazole: A versatile ligand for palladium(II) and platinum(II)

The syntheses and characterization of two novel ferrocene derivatives containing 3,5-diphenylpyrazole units of general formula [1-R-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc] {Fc = (η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄) and R = H (2) or Me (3)} together with a study of their reactivity with palladium(II) and platinum(II) salts or complexes under different experimental conditions is described. These studies have allowed us to isolate and characterize trans-[Pd{1-Me-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc]}₂Cl₂] (4a) and three different types of heterodimetallic complexes: cis-[M{1-Me-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc]}Cl₂(dmso)] {M = Pd (5a) or Pt (5b)}, the cyclometallated products [M{κ²-C,N-[3-(C₆H₄)-1-Me-5-Ph-(C₃N₂)]-CH₂-Fc}Cl(L)] with L = PPh₃ and M = Pd (6a) or Pt (6b) or L = dmso and M = Pt (8b) and the trans-isomer of [Pt{1-Me-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc]}Cl₂(dmso)] (7b). In compounds 4a, 5a, 5b and 7b, the ligand behaves as a neutral N-donor group; while in 6a, 6b and 8b it acts as a bidentate [C(sp²,phenyl),N(pyrazole)]⁻ group. A comparative study of the spectroscopic properties of the compounds, based on NMR, IR and UV-Visible experiments, is also reported.     

Half sandwich platinum group metal complexes containing tetradentate N-donor ligand bearing two pyrazolyl-pyridine units linked by an aromatic spacer

Reaction of the bis-bidentate ligand, 1,3-bis((3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene (NN∩NN), containing two chelating pyrazolyl-pyridine units connected by an aromatic spacer with platinum group metal complexes results in a series of cationic binuclear complexes, [(η⁶-arene)₂Ru₂(NN∩NN)Cl₂]²⁺ (arene = C₆H₆, 1; p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, 2; C₆Me₆, 3), [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂M₂(NN∩NN)Cl₂]²⁺ (M = Rh, 4; Ir, 5), [(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂M₂(NN∩NN)(PPh₃)₂]²⁺ (M = Ru, 6; Os, 7), [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂Ru₂(NN∩NN)(PPh₃)₂]²⁺ (8) and [(η⁵-C₉H₇)₂Ru₂(NN∩NN)(PPh₃)₂]²⁺ (9). All these complexes have been isolated as their hexafluorophosphate salts and fully characterized by use of a combination of NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The solid state structures of three complexes, [2][PF₆]₂, [4][PF₆]₂ and [6][PF₆]₂, has been determined by X-ray crystallographic studies.     

Heterocyclic thioamides of copper(I): Synthesis and crystal structures of copper complexes with 1,3-imidazoline-2-thiones in the presence of triphenyl phosphine

Reaction of copper(I) chloride with 1,3-imidazoline-2-thione (imzSH) in the presence of Ph₃P in 1:2:2 or 1:1:2 (M:L:PPh₃) molar ratios yielded a compound of unusual composition, [Cu₂(imzSH)(PPh₃)₄Cl₂] · CH₃OH (1), whose X-ray crystallography has shown that its crystals consist of four coordinated [CuCl(1κS-imzSH)(PPh₃)₂] (1a), and three coordinated [Cu(PPh₃)₂Cl] (1b) independent molecules in the same unit cell. In contrast, crystals of complexes of copper(I) bromide/iodide are formed by single molecules of [CuBr(1κS-imzSH)(PPh₃)₂] · H₂O (2) and [CuI(1κS-imzSH)(PPh₃)₂] (3), respectively, similar to molecule 1a. The related ligand, 1,3-benzimidazoline-2-thione (bzimSH) formed a complex [CuBr(1κS-bzimSH)(PPh₃)₂] · CH₃COCH₃ (4), similar to 2. The formation of 1a and 1b has been also revealed by NMR spectroscopy. The NMR spectra of 2–4 also showed weak signals indicating formation of compounds similar to 1b. It reveals that the lability of the Cu–S bond varies in the order: Cl ? Br ∼ I. Weak interactions {e.g. C–H?π electrons of ring, –NH?halogens/oxygen, C–H?halogens/oxygen, π?π (between rings)} have played an important role in building 2D chains of complexes 1–4.