Oxidative condensation reactions of (diethylenetriamine)cobalt(III) complexes with substituted bis(pyridin-2-yl)methane ligands

The synthesis and characterisation of Co(III) complexes derived from a condensation reaction with a central or terminal nitrogen of a dien ligand and the -carbon of a range of substituted bis(pyridin-2-yl)methane ligands are described. Aerial oxidation of bpm {bis(pyridin-2-yl)methane with Co(II)/dien or direct reaction with Co(dien)Cl₃ provided in low yield a single C–N condensation product 1 (at the primary terminal NH₂) after the pyridyl –CH₂– is formally oxidised to –CH⁺–. The methyl substituted ligand bpe {1,1-bis(pyridin-2-yl)ethane} behaves likewise, except both terminal (prim) and central (sec) amines condense to yield isomeric products 2 and 3. Two of these three materials have been characterised by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The corresponding reactions for the bis(pyridyl) ligand bpk {bis(pyridin-2-yl)ketone} provided C–N condensation products without the requirement for oxidation at the -C center; two carbinolamine complexes in different geometrical configurations resulted, mer-anti-[Co(dienbpc)Cl]ZnCl₄, 5, and unsym-fac-[Co(dienbpc)Cl]ZnCl₄, 6, {dienbpc=[2-(2-aminoethylamino)-ethylamino]-di-pyridin-2-yl-methanol}. In addition, a novel complex, [Co(bpk)(bpd-OH)Cl]ZnCl₄, 4, in which one bidentate N, N-bonded bpk ligand and one tridentate N, O, N-bonded bpd (the diol from bpk+OH⁻) were coordinated, was obtained via the Co(II)/O₂ synthetic route. When the bpc ligand (bpc=bis(pyridin-2-yl)methanol) was employed directly as a reagent along with dien, no condensation reactions were observed, but rather a single isomeric complex [Co(dien)(bpc)]Cl.ZnCl₄, 7, in which the ligand bpc acted as a N,N,O-bonded tridentate ligand rather than as a N,N-bidentate ligand was isolated. ¹³C, 1D and 2D ¹H NMR studies are reported for all the complexes; they establish the structures unambiguously.     

Photochemical reactions of the isostructural 17- and 18-electron complexes (η-C5H5)M(Me)PPh3 (M=Co, Ni)

The photochemical reactions of the title complexes were studied in air-free benzene solution. In both cases photolysis leads to the production of complexes of the formula (η⁵-C₅H₅)M(PPh₃)₂. Both reactions are the result of the initial loss of a methyl radical from the excited state. The primary photoproduct, (η⁵-C₅H₅)MPPh₃ (M=CO, Ni), then scavenges neutral ligands from the solution to yield, in the case of PPh₃, (η⁵-C₅H₅)M(PPh₃)₂. In the absence of uncoordinated ligand in the reaction solution, the cobalt derivative reacts with the starting material to yield (η⁵-C₅H₅)Co(PPh₃)₂, a methyl radical and (η⁵-C₅H₅)Co(solvent)_n.     

Synthesis and electrochemistry of organometallic ethanethiolato bridged complexes of ruthenium(IV)

Reaction of the ruthenium(IV) chloro-bridged dimer [{Ru(η³ : η³-C₁₀H₁₆)Cl(μ-Cl)}₂], 1, with ethanethiol (EtSH) in CH₂Cl₂ gives the bridged-cleaved adduct [Ru(η³ : η³-C₁₀H₁₆)Cl₂(SHEt)], 2. Stirring of two molar equivalents of 2 in methanol with one equivalent of 1 gives the binuclear, mixed chloro/thiolato bridged compound [{Ru(η³ : η³-C₁₀H₁₆)Cl} ₂(μ-SEt)], 3. The related doubly thiolato bridged complex [{Ru(η³ : η³-C₁₀H₁₀)Cl(μ-SEt)}₂], 4, is formed by treatment of 1 with an excess of EtSH, or by prolonged stirring of 2 alone in methanol. Compounds 2–4 have been studied by cyclic voitammetry. Compound 2 undergoes only irreversible oxidation, whereas in the case of both 3 and 4 the observation of significant return waves is consistent with a greater stability of the primary redox products.     

Iron carbonyl complexes from 2-[2,3-diaza-4-(2-thienyl)buta-1,3-dienyl]thiophene: N---N bond cleavage and cyclometalation

When thienyl Schiff base 1, derived from 2-formylthiophene and hydrazine, reacted with Fe₂(CO)₉ in n-hexane, three major complexes were obtained: (1) a diironhexacarbonyl complex with two 2-thienylmethylideneamido bridging ligands 2, which resulted from the =N---N= bond cleavage of ligand 1; (2) a doubly cyclometalated di-μ-di-(η¹:η²-thienyl; η¹:η¹(N))bis(hexacarbonyldiiron) complex (3); and (3) a cyclometalated (μ-η¹:η²-thienyl; η¹:η¹(N))hexacarbonyldiiron complex (4). Molecular structures of compounds 1a, 1c, and 2a have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis and structure of ansa-cyclopentadienyl pyrrolyl titanium complexes: [(η-C5H4)CH2(2-C4H3N)]Ti(NMe2)2 and [1,3-{CH2(2-C4H3N)}2(η-C5H3)]Ti(NMe2)

Reaction of ansa-cyclopentadienyl pyrrolyl ligand (C₅H₅)CH₂(2-C₄H₃NH) (2) with Ti(NMe₂)₄ affords bis(dimethylamido)titanium complex [(η⁵-C₅H₄)CH₂(2-C₄H₃N)]Ti(NMe₂)₂ (3) via amine elimination. A cyclopentadiene ligand with two pendant pyrrolyl arms, a mixture of 1,3- and 1,4-{CH₂(2-C₄H₃NH)}₂C₅H₄ (4), undergoes an analogous reaction with Ti(NMe₂)₄ to give [1,3-{CH₂(2-C₄H₃N)}₂(η⁵-C₅H₃)]Ti(NMe₂) (5). Molecular structures of 3 and 5 have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Carbonylation of 2-bornenyl(methyl)zirconocene

The reaction of methylzirconocenechloride with 2-bornenyllithium yields (2-bornenyl)methylzirconocene (10a). Carbonylation of 10a takes place exclusively by CO-insertion into the Zr-C(sp²) bond to give Cp₂ZrMe(η²-OC-C₁₀H₁₅) (16a). The corresponding hafnium complex 10b reacts analogously to give 16b. Complex 16a was characterized by X-ray diffraction, and found to contain an η²-acyl ligand bonded to zirconium in the thermodynamically favored “O-inside” arrangement with the following bonding parameters: d Zr-C(acyl) = 2.192(7) Å, d Zr-O(acyl) = 2.258(6) Å, d C=O = 1.246(9) Å, angles O(acyl)---Zr---C(acyl) = 32.5(2)°, Zr---C(acyl)---O(acyl) = 76.7(4)°.     

Dimerization of methyl acrylate by homogeneous transition metal catalysis. Part II. Activation of dihydridoruthenium(II) phosphane complexes by CF3 3H

The tail-to-tail dimerization of methyl acrylate (MA) in the presence of H₂Ru(PPh₃)₄ (1) or H₂(CO)Ru(PPh₃) ₃ (2) and CF₃SO₃H to give a mixture of linear dimers is described. In neat methyl acrylate at 85°C the reaction shows turnover numbers of 300 in 20 h and 640 in 7 d. Mechanistic studies show that the initial step of the reaction is the reduction of H₂Ru(PPh₃)₄ (1) by MA to form Ru(MA)₂ (PPh₃)₂ (5). After activation with CF₃SO₃H the catalytically active species contains only one phosphane ligand. The basic mechanistic features of the dimerization reaction have been revealed by ²H NMR spectroscopy involving the use of CF₃SO₃D. The deuterium-labelling studies indicate the intermediate formation of a ruthenium(II) hydride complex. Subsequent olefin insertions in this complex, followed by β-hydride elimination,lead to the linear dimeric products.     

Acetylen-Komplexe von Di(η-cyclopentadienyl)molybdän: Synthesen und Protonierung. Struktur von [Cp2MoH{η-C2(SiMe3)2}]PF6

Cp₂MoH₂ reacts with methyl acrylate in the presence of acetylenes (L = C₂H₂, C₂Me₂, HCC^tBu, HCCSiMe₃, C₂(SiMe₃)₂, HCCCH₂OMe, HCCCH₂NMe₂) to form acetylene complexes Cp₂Mo(L) 5. Protonation takes place with CF₃CO₂H at −80°C to give short-lived cations [Cp₂MoH(L)⁺ (8) (L = C₂Me₂, HCCSiMe₃, C₂(SiMe₃)₂). The structure of [Cp₂MoH{η²-C₂(SiMe₃)₂}]PF₆(9) was determined by an X-ray diffraction study.     

Rhenium(I) methoxo carbonyl complexes containing tetraphosphine or triphosphine ligands; facile separation and X-ray crystallographic studies of d/l- and meso-[{Re2(μ-OMe)2(CO)6}2(μ,μ′-1,1,4,7,10,10-hexaphenyl-1,4,7,10-tetra-phosphadecane)]

Reaction of the activated mixture of Re₂(CO)_10, Me₃NO and MeOH with a 1:1 mixture of rac (d/l)- and meso-1,1,4,7,10,10-hexaphenyl-1,4,7,10-tetraphosphadecane (hptpd) yields a mixture of (d/l)- and meso-[{Re₂(μ-OMe)₂(CO)₆}₂(μ,μ′-hptpd)] 1. The diastereomers can be easily separated by selective dissolution of d/l-1 in benzene, and give clearly distinguishable ¹H- and ³¹P-NMR spectra. The fluxional behavior of d/l-1 in solution has been studied by variable-temperature ¹H- and ³¹P-{¹H}-NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of both d/l- and meso-1 have been determined. Both molecules consist of two {Re₂(μ-OMe)₂(CO)₆} moieties which are bridged by the two P---CH₂---CH₂---P moieties of the hptpd ligand. Whilst the molecules of meso-1 possess crystallographic i-symmetry, those of d/l-1 do not have any crystallographic symmetry. These diastereomers therefore give clearly distinguishable Raman spectra in the solid state. Reaction of tris[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]phosphine (tdppep) with the activated mixture affords the complex [{Re₂(μ-OMe)₂(CO)₆}(μ,η²-tdppep)] 2, and the analogous reaction involving bis[2-diphenylphospinoethyl)phenylphosphine (triphos) gives [{Re₂(μ-OMe)₂(CO)₆}(μ,μ′,η³-triphos){Re₂(CO)₉}] 3 and [{Re₂(μ-OMe)₂(CO)₆}(μ,η²-triphos)] 4.     

The chemistry of compounds of the type Ru(η---C5Me4Et)(CO)2X (X=Cl, Br or I)

The title compounds react with unidentate ligands, L, containing either phosphorus or arsenic donor atoms to yield the corresponding compounds of the type Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)LX; with didentate phosphorus donor ligands the major species formed is the bridged complex {Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)X}₂{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh ₂} n = 1, X = Br; n = 2, X = Cl). In contrast, unidentate ligands containing nitrogen donor atoms such as pyridine did not react with Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂Cl although reaction with 1,10-phenanthroline or diethylenetriamine yielded the ionic products [Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)L]⁺Cl⁻ (L = phen or (NH₂CH₂CH₂)₂NH). Reaction of Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂Br with AgOAc yielded the corresponding acetato complex Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂0Ac. Ru(η⁵--- C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂X reacts with AgY (Y = BF₄ or PF₆) in either acetone or dichloromethane to give the useful solvent intermediates [Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂(solvent)]⁺Y⁻, which readily react with ligands L to yield ionic derivatives of the type [Ru(η⁵---C₅Me₄Et)(CO)₂L]⁺Y⁻ (where L = CO, NCMe, py, C₂H₄ or MeO₂CCCCO₂Me).     

Preparation of novel aluminohydride complexes of ruthenium(II)

Treatment of (η⁵-C₅Me₅)RuCl₂(PR₃) (1) with LiAlH₄ in diethyl ether gives the ruthenium(II) tetrahydroaluminate complexes, (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ru(AlH₄)(PR₃) (2) (R₃ = Me₃, Et₃, ⁱPr₃, Ph₂Me, Ph₃), which can be quantitatively converted to the trihydriodurthenium(IV) complexes (η⁵-C₅Me₅)RuH₃(PR₃) (4), via protonolysis either by reaction with ethanol or by filtration through alumina. Low-temperature ¹H NMR studies suggest the fluxionality of complexes 2 in solution at ambient temperature.     

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.     

Multiple bonds between main group elements and transition metals, 155. (Hexamethylphosphoramide) methyl(oxo) bis(η-peroxo)rhenium(VII), the first example of an anhydrous rhenium peroxo complex: crystal structure and catalytic properties

Methyl(oxo)bis(η²-peroxo)rhenium(VII)1, the active species of the system CH₃ReO₃/H₂O₂ in the catalytic oxidation of different organic and organometallic compounds, is stabilized by a water molecule attached to the rhenium center. This water molecule can be removed and substituted by hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) to yield (hexamethylphosphoramide)methyl(oxo)bis(η²-peroxo rhenium(VII) (3). The synthesis, crystal structure (X-ray difraction study), and catalytic properties of which compound are reported. Crystal data are as follows: monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, A = 900.76(7) pm, B = 1229.80(11) pm, C = 1318.57(11) pm, β = 90.251(7)°, R_w = 0.034 for 1878 reflections. The catalytic properties of compound 3 in the oxidation of olefins with H₂O₂ are similar to those of 1.     

Preparation and characterization of ruthenium(II), rhodium(III) and iridium(III) complexes of isocyanide bearing the azo group

Reactions of [(η⁶-arene)RuCl₂]₂ (1) (η⁶-arene=p-cymene (1a), 1,3,5-Me₃C₆H₃ (1b), 1,2,3-Me₃C₆H₃ (1c) 1,2,3,4-Me₄C₆H₂(1d), 1,2,3,5-Me₄C₆H₂ (1e) and C₆Me₆ (1f)) or [Cp*MCl₂]₂ (M=Rh (2), Ir (3); Cp*=C₅Me₅) with 4-isocyanoazobenzene (RNC) and 4,4′-diisocyanoazobenzene (CN–R–NC) gave mononuclear and dinuclear complexes, [(η⁶-arene)Ru(CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₅)Cl₂] (4a–f), [Cp*M(CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₅)Cl₂] (5: M=Rh; 6: M=Ir)_, [{(η⁶-arene)RuCl₂}₂{μ-CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₄NC}] (8a–f) and [(Cp*MCl₂)₂(μ-CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₄NC)}] (9: M=Rh; 10: M=Ir)_, respectively. It was confirmed by X-ray analyses of 4a and 5 that these complexes have trans-forms for the ---N=N--- moieties. Reaction of [Cp*Rh(dppf)(MeCN)](PF₆)₂ (dppf=1,1′-bis (diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) with 4-isocyanoazobenzene gave [Cp*Rh(dppf)(CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₅)](PF₆)₂ (7), confirmed by X-ray analysis. Complex 8b reacted with Ag(CF₃SO₃), giving a rectangular tetranuclear complex 11b, [{(η⁶-1,3,5-Me₃C₆H₃)Ru(μ-Cl}₄(μ-CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₄NC)₂](CF₃SO₃)₄ bridged by four Cl atoms and two μ-diisocyanoazobenzene ligands. Photochemical reactions of the ruthenium complexes (4 and 8) led to the decomposition of the complexes, whereas those of 5, 7, 9 and 10 underwent a trans-to-cis isomerization. In the electrochemical reactions the reductive waves about −1.50 V for 4 and −1.44 V for 8 are due to the reduction of azo group, [---N=N---]→[---N=N---]²⁻. The irreversible oxidative waves at ca. 0.87 V for the 4 and at ca. 0.85 V for 8 came from the oxidation of Ru(II)→Ru(III).     

The lively chemistry of the di-μ-methylene-bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium) complexes, analogues of surface reactions in heterogeneous catalysis

The chemistry of the di-μ-methylene-bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium) complexes is reviewed. The complex [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)RhCl₂}₂] (1a) reacted with MeLi to give, after oxidative work-up, blood-red cis-[{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)₂], 2. This has the two rhodiums in the +4 oxidation state (d⁵), and linked by a metal-metal bond (2.620 Å). Trans-2 was formed on isomerisation of cis-2 in the presence of Lewis acids, or by direct reaction of 1a with Al₂Me₆, followed by dehydrogenation with acetone. The Rh-methyls in [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)₂] were readily replaced under acidic conditions (HX) to give [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(X)₂] (X = Cl, Br or I); these latter complexes reacted with a variety of RMgX to give [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)₂] (R = alkyl, Ph, vinyl, etc.). Trans-2 also reacted with HBF₄ in the presence of L to give first [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)(L)]⁺ and then [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(L)₂]²⁺ (L = MeCN, CO, etc.). The {(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂ core is rather kinetically inert and also forms a variety of complexes with oxy-ligands, both cis-, e.g. [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(μ-OAc)]⁺ and trans-, such as [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺. The complexes [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)L]⁺ (R = Me or aryl) in the presence of CO, or [{(η⁵-C₄Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)₂] (R = Me, Ph or CO₂Me) in the presence of mild oxidants, readily yield the C---C---C coupled products RCH=CH₂. The mechanisms of these couplings have been elucidated by detailed labelling studies: they are more complex than expected, but allow direct analogies to be drawn to C---C couplints that occur during Fischer-Tropsch reactions on rhodium surfaces.     

Synthesis and characterization of hydroxo, pyrazolato and carboxylato derivatives of the PdR(PPh3)moiety (R = C6F5 or C6Cl5)

The hydroxo-complexes [{PdR(PPh₃)(μ-OH)}₂] (R = C₆F₅ or C₆Cl₅) have been obtained by reaction of the corresponding [{PdR(PPh₃)(μ-Cl)}2] complexes with NBu₄OH in acetone. In this solvent, the reaction of the hydroxo-bridged complexes with pyrazole (Hpz) and 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (Hdmpz) in 1:2 molar ratio leads to the formation of the new complexes [{Pd(C₅F₅)(PPh₃)(μ-azolate)}2] and [{Pd(C₆Cl₅)(PPh₃)}₂(μ-OH)(μ-azolate)] (azolate = pz or dmpz). The reaction of the bis(μ-hydroxo) complexes with Hpz and Hdmpz in acetone in 1:1 molar ratio has also been studied, and the resulting product depends on the organic radical (C₆F₅ or C₆Cl₅) as well as the azolate (pz or dmpz). The identity of the isomer obtained has been established in every case by NMR (¹H, ¹⁹F and ³¹P) spectroscopy. The reaction of the bis(μ-hydroxo) complexes with oxalic (H₂Ox) and acetic (HOAc) acids yields the binucle ar complexes [{PdR(PPh₃)}2(μ-Ox)] (R = C₆F₅ or C₆Cl₅) and [{Pd(C₆F₅)(PPh₃)(μ-OAc)}2], respectively. [{Pd(C₆F₅)(PPh₃)(μ-OH)}₂] reacts with PPh₃ in acetone in 1:2 ratio giving the mononuclear complex trans-[Pd(C₆F₅) (OH)(PPh₃)₂], whereas the pentachlorophenylhydroxo complex does not react with PPh₃, even under forcing conditions.     

Pericyclic organometallic reactions. Cycloaddition reactions of (η-cycloheptatriene)Ru(CO)3. Crystal structure of tricarbonyl[(2,3,4,9-η)-bicyclo[4.2.1]non-2-ene-4,9-diyl-7,7,8,8-tetracarbonitrile]ruthenium

(η⁴-Cycloheptatriene)Ru(CO)₃ reacts with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE), 4-phenyltriazoline-3,5-dione (PTAD) and (carbomethoxy)maleic anhydride (CMA) to give stable 3 + 2 σ,π-allylic adducts. The 3 + 2 adduct with TCNE equilibrates via a [4,4]-sigmahaptotropic rearrangement with the less stable 6 + 2 adduct, which decomposes under the reaction conditions to the demetallated 6 + 2 adduct. It is concluded that σ,π-allylic adducts are in general more stable than their isomeric η⁴-π counterparts. The structure of the 3 + 2 TCNE adduct was determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study.     

Versatile reactions of a para-bromophenylacetylide iron(II) derivative and X-ray structure of the fluoro analogue. Synthesis of new redox-active organoiron(II) synthons

The synthesis of the new (η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC---1,3-(C₆H₄X) (m-2a/2b; X=F/Br) and (η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC---1,4-(C₆H₄I) (2c) complexes, as well as the solid-state structure of the known (η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC---1,4-(C₆H₄F) (2a) complex are described. The catalytic coupling reactions of the bromo complexes with various alkynes were next investigated. Starting from the known (η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC---1,4-(C₆H₄Br) complex (2b), the synthesis of the (η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC---1,4-(C₆H₄)---CC---H complex (6d) and of the corresponding silyl-protected precursors (η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC---1,4-(C₆H₄)CC---SiR₃ (6b/6c; R=ⁱPr/Me) are reported. By use of lithium---bromine exchange reactions on 2b, the silyl- (7a; E=Si; R=Me) and tin- (7b–7d; E=Sn; R=Me, Bu, Ph) substituted analogues (η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC---1,4-(C₆H₄)ER₃ are also isolated. The spectroscopic and electrochemical characterisations of all these new Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox-active building blocks are presented and the electronic substituent parameters for the “(η²-dppe)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe---CC” group are determined by means of ¹⁹F-NMR.     

Synthesis and derivative chemistry of [Ru2(μ-PPh2) (μ-OH) 2(μ-p-cymene) 2]

The cationic diphenylphosphido-bridged compound [Ru₂(μ-PPh₂)(μ-OH)₂(η⁶-p-cymene)₂][PF₆) (2) has been prepared by reaction of the tri-μ-hydroxo complex [Ru₂(μ-OH)₃(η-p-cymene)₂][PF₆] (1) with diphenylphosphine. Complex 2 eliminates water on reaction with protic acids, incorporating the conjugate base of the added acid as a bridging ligand. Formic acid, acetic acid, phenol, and aniline react with 2 to give the monosubstituted compounds [Ru₂(μ-PPh₂)(μ-OH)(μ-L)(η⁶-p-cymene)₂]PF₆] (L = HCO₂, MeCO₂, OPh, or NHPH), whereas methanol, thiophenol, 1,2-benzenedithiol, hydrochloric acid and isopropanol afford the disubstituted derivatives [Ru₂(μ-PPh₂)(μ-L)₂(η⁶-p-cymene)₂]PF₆] (L = OMe, SPh, S₂C₆H₄, Cl, or H).     

Synthesis and crystal structure of the complex [MoW(OEt)(μ-CH2){μ-C(C6H4Me-4)C(Me)O}(η-C7H7)(η-C2B9H10Me)]

The complex [MoW(μ-CC₆H₄Me-4)(CO)₂(η⁷-C₇H₇)(η⁵-C₂B₉H₁₀Me)] reacts with diazomethane in Et₂O containing EtOH to afford the dimetal compound [MoW(OEt)(μ-CH₂){μ-C(C₆H₄Me-4)C(Me)O}(η⁷-C₇H₇)(η⁵-C₂B₉H₁₀Me)]. The structure of this product was established by X-ray diffraction. The Mo---W bond [2.778(4) Å] is bridged by a CH₂ group [μ-C---Mo 2.14(3), μ-C---W 2.02(3) Å] and by a C(C₆H₄Me-4)C(Me)O fragment [Mo---O 2.11(3), W---O 2.18(2), Mo---C(C₆H₄Me-4) 2.41(3), W---C(C₆H₄Me-4) 2.09(3), Mo---C(Me) 2.26(3) Å]. The molybdenum atom is η⁷-coordinated by the C₇H₇ ring and the tungsten atom is η⁵-coordinated by the open pentagonal face of the nido-icosahedral C₂B₉H₁₀Me cage. The tungsten atom also carries a terminally bound OEt group [W---O 1.88(3) Å]. The ¹H and ¹³C-{¹H} NMR data for the dimetal compound are reported and discussed.