Catalytic and stoichiometric reactivity of β-silylamido agostic complex of Mo: intermediacy of a silanimine complex and applications to multicomponent coupling

The reaction of complex (ArN═)(2)Mo(PMe(3))(3) (Ar = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) with PhSiH(3) gives the β-agostic NSi-H···M silyamido complex (ArN═)Mo(SiH(2)Ph)(PMe(3))(η(3)-ArN-SiHPh-H) (3) as the first product. 3 decomposes in the mother liquor to a mixture of hydride compounds, including complex {η(3)-SiH(Ph)-N(Ar)-SiHPh-H···}MoH(3)(PMe(3))(3) characterized by NMR. Compound 3 was obtained on preparative scale by reacting (ArN═)(2)Mo(PMe(3))(3) with 2 equiv of PhSiH(3) under N(2) purging and characterized by multinuclear NMR, IR, and X-ray diffraction. Analogous reaction of (Ar'N═)(2)Mo(PMe(3))(3) (Ar' = 2,6-dimethylphenyl) with PhSiH(3) affords the nonagostic silylamido derivative (Ar'N═)Mo(SiH(2)Ph)(PMe(3))(2)(NAr'{SiH(2)Ph}) (5) as the first product. 5 decomposes in the mother liquor to a mixture of {η(3)-PhHSi-N(Ar')-SiHPh-H···}MoH(3)(PMe(3))(3), (Ar'N═)Mo(H)(2)(PMe(3))(2)(η(2)-Ar'N═SiHPh), and other hydride species. Catalytic and stoichiometric reactivity of 3 was studied. Complex 3 undergoes exchange with its minor diastereomer 3' by an agostic bond-opening/closing mechanism. It also exchanges the classical silyl group with free silane by an associative mechanism which most likely includes dissociation of the Si-H agostic bond followed by the rate-determining silane σ-bond metathesis. However, labeling experiments suggest the possibility of an alternative (minor) pathway in this exchange including a silanimine intermediate. 3 was found to catalyze dehydrogenative coupling of silane, hydrosilylation of carbonyls and nitriles, and dehydrogenative silylation of alcohols and amines. Stoichiometric reactions of 3 with nitriles proceed via intermediate formation of η(2)-adducts (ArN═)Mo(PMe(3))(η(2)-ArN═SiHPh)(η(2)-N≡CR), followed by an unusual Si-N coupling to give (ArN═)Mo(PMe(3))(κ(2)-NAr-SiHPh-C(R)═N-). Reactions of 3 with carbonyls lead to η(2)-carbonyl adducts (ArN═)(2)Mo(O═CRR')(PMe(3)) which were independently prepared by reactions of (ArN═)(2)Mo(PMe(3))(3) with the corresponding carbonyl O═CRR'. In the case of reaction with benzaldehyde, the silanimine adduct (ArN═)Mo(PMe(3))(η(2)-ArN═SiHPh)(η(2)-O═CHPh) was observed by NMR. Reactions of complex 3 with olefins lead to products of Si(ag)-C coupling, (ArN═)Mo(Et)(PMe(3))(η(3)-NAr-SiHPh-CH═CH(2)) (17) and (ArN═)Mo(H)(PMe(3))(η(3)-NAr-SiHPh-CH═CHPh), for ethylene and styrene, respectively. The hydride complex (ArN═)Mo(H)(PMe(3))(η(3)-NAr-SiHPh-CH═CH(2)) was obtained from 17 by hydrogenation and reaction with PhSiH(3). Mechanistic studies of the latter process revealed an unusual dependence of the rate constant on phosphine concentration, which was explained by competition of two reaction pathways. Reaction of 17 with PhSiH(3) in the presence of BPh(3) leads to agostic complex (ArN═)Mo(SiH(2)Ph)(η(3)-NAr-Si(Et)Ph-H)(η(2)-CH(2)═CH(2)) (24) having the Et substituent at the agostic silicon. Mechanistic studies show that the Et group stems from hydrogenation of the vinyl substituent by silane. Reaction of 24 with PMe(3) gives the agostic complex (ArN═)Mo(SiH(2)Ph)(PMe(3))(η(3)-NAr-Si(Et)Ph-H), which slowly reacts with PhSiH(3) to furnish silylamide 3 and the hydrosilylation product PhEtSiH(2). A mechanism involving silane attack on the imido ligand was proposed to explain this transformation.     

Nonhydride mechanism of metal-catalyzed hydrosilylation

A 1:1:1 reaction between complex (Tp)(ArN═)Mo(H)(PMe(3)) (3), silane PhSiD(3), and carbonyl substrate established that hydrosilylation catalyzed by 3 is not accompanied by deuterium incorporation into the hydride position of the catalyst, thus ruling out the conventional hydride mechanism based on carbonyl insertion into the M-H bond. An analogous result was observed for the catalysis by (O═)(PhMe(2)SiO)Re(PPh(3))(2)(I)(H) and (Ph(3)PCuH)(6).     

Hydride transfer reactivity of tetrakis(trimethylphosphine)(hydrido)(nitrosyl)molybdenum(0)

The tetrakis(trimethylphosphine) molybdenum nitrosyl hydrido complex trans-Mo(PMe(3))(4)(H)(NO) (2) and the related deuteride complex trans-Mo(PMe(3))(4)(D)(NO) (2a) were prepared from trans-Mo(PMe(3))(4)(Cl)(NO) (1). From (2)H T(1 min) measurements and solid-state (2)H NMR the bond ionicities of 2a could be determined and were found to be 80.0% and 75.3%, respectively, indicating a very polar Mo--D bond. The enhanced hydridicity of 2 is reflected in its very high propensity to undergo hydride transfer reactions. 2 was thus reacted with acetone, acetophenone, and benzophenone to afford the corresponding alkoxide complexes trans-Mo(NO)(PMe(3))(4)(OCHR'R') (R' = R' = Me (3); R' = Me, R' = Ph (4); R' = R' = Ph (5)). The reaction of 2 with CO(2) led to the formation of the formato-O-complex Mo(NO)(OCHO)(PMe(3))(4) (6). The reaction of with HOSO(2)CF(3) produced the anion coordinated complex Mo(NO)(PMe(3))(4)(OSO(2)CF(3)) (7), and the reaction with [H(Et(2)O)(2)][BAr(F)(4)] with an excess of PMe(3) produced the pentakis(trimethylphosphine) coordinated compound [Mo(NO)(PMe(3))(5)][BAr(F)(4)] (8). Imine insertions into the Mo-H bond of 2 were also accomplished. PhCH[double bond, length as m-dash]NPh (N-benzylideneaniline) and C(10)H(7)CH=NPh (N-1-naphthylideneaniline) afforded the amido compounds Mo(NO)(PMe(3))(4)[NR'(CH(2)R')] (R' = R' = Ph (9), R' = Ph, R' = naphthyl (11)). 9 could not be obtained in pure form, however, its structure was assigned by spectroscopic means. At room temperature 11 reacted further to lose one PMe(3) forming 12 (Mo(NO)PMe(3))(3)[N(Ph)CH(2)C(10)H(6))]) with agostic stabilization. In a subsequent step oxidative addition of the agostic naphthyl C-H bond to the molybdenum centre occurred. Then hydrogen migration took place giving the chelate amine complex Mo(NO)(PMe(3))(3)[NH(Ph)(CH(2)C(10)H(6))] (15). The insertion reaction of 2 with C(10)H(7)N=CHPh led to formation of the agostic compound Mo(NO)(PMe(3))(3)[N(CH(2)Ph)(C(10)H(7))] (10). Based on the knowledge of facile formation of agostic compounds the catalytic hydrogenation of C(10)H(7)N=CHPh and PhN=CHC(10)H(7) with 2 (5 mol%) was tested. The best conversion rates were obtained in the presence of an excess of PMe(3), which were 18.4% and 100% for C(10)H(7)N=CHPh and PhN=CHC(10)H(7), respectively.     

An unexpected mechanism of hydrosilylation by a silyl hydride complex of molybdenum

Carbonyl hydrosilylation catalyzed by (ArN)Mo(H)(SiH(2)Ph)(PMe(3))(3) (3) is unusual in that it does not involve the expected Si-O elimination from intermediate (ArN)Mo(SiH(2)Ph)(O(i)Pr)(PMe(3))(2) (7). Instead, 7 reversibly transfers β-CH hydrogen from the alkoxide ligand to metal.     

Catalytic hydroboration by an imido-hydrido complex of Mo(IV)

The imido-hydrido complex (ArN)Mo(H)(Cl)(PMe(3))(3) catalyses a variety of hydroboration reactions, including the first example of catalytic addition of HBCat to nitriles to form the bis(borylated) amines RCH(2)N(BCat)(2). The latter species easily undergoes chemoselective coupling with aldehydes R'C(O)H to yield imines RCH(2)N=C(H)R'.     

Coordination chemistry of 4-methyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo[2,2,1]heptane: preparation and characterization of Ru(II) complexes

The complexes TpRu[P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)](PPh(3))Cl (2) [Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate; P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) (1) = (4-methyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo[2,2,1]heptane] and TpRu(L)(PPh(3))Cl [L = P(OCH(2))(3)CEt (3), PMe(3) (4) or P(OMe)(3) (5)], (η(6)-C(6)H(6))Ru(L)Cl(2) [L = PPh(3) (6), P(OMe)(3) (7), PMe(3) (8), P(OCH(2))(3)CEt (9), CO (10) or P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) (11)] and (η(6)-p-cymene)Ru(L)Cl(2) [L = P(OCH(2))(3)CEt (12), P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3))P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) (13), P(OMe)(3) (14) or PPh(3) (15)] have been synthesized, isolated, and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, mass spectrometry, and, for some complexes, single crystal X-ray diffraction. Data from cyclic voltammetry and solid-state structures have been used to compare the properties of (1) with other phosphorus-based ligands as well as carbon monoxide. Data from the solid-state structures of Ru(II) complexes show that P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) has a cone angle of 104°. Cyclic voltammetry data reveal that the Ru(II) complexes bearing P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) have more positive Ru(III/II) redox potentials than analogous complexes with the other phosphorus ligands; however, the Ru(III/II) potential for (η(6)-C(6)H(6))Ru[P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3))]Cl(2) is more negative compared to the Ru(III/II) potential for the CO complex (η(6)-C(6)H(6))Ru(CO)Cl(2). For the Ru(II) complexes studied herein, these data are consistent with the overall donor ability of 1 being less than other common phosphines (e.g., PMe(3) or PPh(3)) or phosphites [e.g., P(OCH(2))(3)CEt or P(OMe)(3)] but greater than carbon monoxide.     

Photoinduced Ligand Redistribution Chemistry of Quadruply Bonded Mo(2)Cl(2)(6-mhp)(2)(PR(3))(2) Complexes

The quadruply bonded metal-metal complexes cis-Mo(2)Cl(2)(6-mhp)(2)(PR(3))(2) (R(3) = Et(3), Me(3), Me(2)Ph, MePh(2); 6-mhp = 2-hydroxy-6-methylpyridinato) photoreact when their solutions are irradiated with visible and near-UV light. The primary photoprocess leads to the ligand redistribution products Mo(2)Cl(3)(6-mhp)(PR(3))(3) and Mo(2)Cl(6-mhp)(3)(PR(3)). In THF at room temperature, these photoproducts are stable and over time they back-react completely to the starting material. Photolysis of cis-Mo(2)Cl(2)(6-mhp)(2)(PR(3))(2) in DMF results in the same products; however, Mo(2)Cl(3)(6-mhp)(PR(3))(3) rapidly decomposes, leaving Mo(2)Cl(6-mhp)(3)(PR(3)) as the only isolable photoproduct. Conversely, when the reaction is carried out in benzene, Mo(2)Cl(6-mhp)(3)(PR(3)) undergoes a slow secondary photoreaction and Mo(2)Cl(3)(6-mhp)(PR(3))(3) is the photoproduct that is isolated. At a given wavelength, the photolysis quantum yield (Phi(p)) increases along the solvent series C(6)H(6) < THF < DMF (Phi(p)(405) = 0.00042, 0.00064, and 0.00097, respectively, for cis-Mo(2)Cl(2)(6-mhp)(2)(PMe(2)Ph)(2)). For a given solvent, Phi(p) increases with decreasing excitation wavelength (Phi(p)(546) = 0.00012, Phi(p)(436) = 0.00035, Phi(p)(405) = 0.00042, Phi(p)(366) = 0.0022, and Phi(p)(313) = 0.0079 in C(6)H(6)). This wavelength dependence of the photoreaction quantum yield in conjunction with the excitation spectrum establishes that the photoreaction does not originate from the lowest energy deltadelta excited state, which possesses a long lifetime and an appreciable emission quantum yield in C(6)H(6), CH(2)Cl(2), THF, and DMF. The photochemistry is instead derived from higher energy excited states with the maximum photoreactivity observed for excitation wavelengths coinciding with absorption features previously assigned to ligand-to-metal charge transfer transitions.     

Octahedral Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NHR) (Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate; L = L' = P(OMe)3 or PMe3 or L = CO and L' = PPh3; R = H,Ph, or tBu): synthesis,characterization, and reactions with weakly acidic C-H bonds

The octahedral Ru(II) amine complexes [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)R)][OTf] (L = L' = PMe(3), P(OMe)(3) or L = CO and L' = PPh(3); R = H or (t)Bu) have been synthesized and characterized. Deprotonation of the amine complexes [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(3))][OTf] or [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][OTf] yields the Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)) and TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu). Reactions of the parent amido complexes or TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu) with phenylacetylene at room temperature result in immediate deprotonation to form ruthenium-amine/phenylacetylide ion pairs, and heating a benzene solution of the [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][PhC(2)] ion pair results in the formation of the Ru(II) phenylacetylide complex TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(C[triple bond]CPh) in >90% yield. The observation that [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)(t)Bu)][PhC(2)] converts to the Ru(II) acetylide with good yield while heating the ion pairs [TpRu(L)(L')(NH(3))][PhC(2)] yields multiple products is attributed to reluctant dissociation of ammonia compared with the (t)butylamine ligand (i.e., different rates for acetylide/amine exchange). These results are consistent with ligand exchange reactions of Ru(II) amine complexes [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)R)][OTf] (R = H or (t)Bu) with acetonitrile. The previously reported phenyl amido complexes TpRuL(2)(NHPh) [L = PMe(3) or P(OMe)(3)] react with 10 equiv of phenylacetylene at elevated temperature to produce Ru(II) acetylide complexes TpRuL(2)(C[triple bond]CPh) in quantitative yields. Kinetic studies indicate that the reaction of TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NHPh) with phenylacetylene occurs via a pathway that involves TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(OTf) or [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(2)Ph)][OTf] as catalyst. Reactions of 1,4-cyclohexadiene with the Ru(II) amido complexes TpRu(L)(L')(NH(2)) (L = L' = PMe(3) or L = CO and L' = PPh(3)) or TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(t)Bu) at elevated temperatures result in the formation of benzene and Ru hydride complexes. TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(H), [Tp(PMe(3))(2)Ru[double bond]C[double bond]C(H)Ph][OTf], [Tp(PMe(3))(2)Ru=C(CH(2)Ph)[N(H)Ph]][OTf], and [TpRu(PMe(3))(3)][OTf] have been independently prepared and characterized. Results from solid-state X-ray diffraction studies of the complexes [TpRu(CO)(PPh(3))(NH(3))][OTf], [TpRu(PMe(3))(2)(NH(3))][OTf], and TpRu(CO)(PPh(3))(C[triple bond]CPh) are reported.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of M(PMe3)3(O2CR)2(OH2)H2 (M = Mo, W): aqua-hydride complexes of molybdenum and tungsten

Mo(PMe(3))(6) and W(PMe(3))(4)(eta(2)-CH(2)PMe(2))H undergo oxidative addition of the O-H bond of RCO(2)H to yield sequentially M(PMe(3))(4)(eta(2)-O(2)CR)H and M(PMe(3))(3)(eta(2)-O(2)CR)(eta(1)-O(2)CR)H(2) (M = Mo and R = Ph, Bu(t); M = W and R = Bu(t)). One of the oxygen donors of the bidentate carboxylate ligand may be displaced by H(2)O to give rare examples of aqua-dihydride complexes, M(PMe(3))(3)(eta(1)-O(2)CR)(2)(OH(2))H(2), in which the coordinated water molecule is hydrogen-bonded to both carboxylate ligands.     

Reactivity of Mo(PMe3)6 towards benzothiophene and selenophenes: new pathways relevant to hydrodesulfurization

Mo(PMe(3))(6) cleaves a C-S bond of benzothiophene to give (kappa(2)-CHCHC(6)H(4)S)Mo(PMe(3))(4), which rapidly isomerizes to the olefin-thiophenolate and 1-metallacyclopropene-thiophenolate complexes, (kappa(1),eta(2)-CH(2)CHC(6)H(4)S)Mo(PMe(3))(3)(eta(2)-CH(2)PMe(2)) and (kappa(1),eta(2)-CH(2)CC(6)H(4)S)Mo(PMe(3))(4). The latter two molecules result from a series of hydrogen transfers and are differentiated according to whether the termini of the organic fragments coordinate as olefin or eta(2)-vinyl ligands, respectively. The reactions between Mo(PMe(3))(6) and selenophenes proceed differently from those of the corresponding thiophenes. For example, whereas Mo(PMe(3))(6) reacts with thiophene to give eta(5)-thiophene and butadiene-thiolate complexes, (eta(5)-C(4)H(4)S)Mo(PMe(3))(3) and (eta(5)-C(4)H(5)S)Mo(PMe(3))(2)(eta(2)-CH(2)PMe(2)), selenophene affords the metallacyclopentadiene complex [(kappa(2)-C(4)H(4))Mo(PMe(3))(3)(Se)](2)[Mo(PMe(3))(4)] in which the selenium has been completely abstracted from the selenophene moiety. Likewise, in addition to (kappa(1),eta(2)-CH(2)CC(6)H(4)Se)Mo(PMe(3))(4) and (kappa(1),eta(2)-CH(2)CHC(6)H(4)Se)Mo(PMe(3))(3)(eta(2)-CH(2)PMe(2)), which are counterparts of the species observed in the benzothiophene reaction, the reaction of Mo(PMe(3))(6) with benzoselenophene yields products resulting from C-C coupling, namely [kappa(2),eta(4)-Se(C(6)H(4))(CH)(4)(C(6)H(4))Se]Mo(PMe(3))(2) and [mu-Se(C(6)H(4))(CH)C(CH)(2)(C(6)H(4))](mu-Se)[Mo(PMe(3))(2)][Mo(PMe(3))(2)H].     

The radical trap in atom transfer radical polymerization need not be thermodynamically stable. A study of the MoX(3)(PMe(3))(3) catalysts

The molybdenum(III) coordination complexes MoX(3)(PMe(3))(3) (X = Cl, Br, and I) are capable of controlling styrene polymerization under typical atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) conditions, in conjunction with 2-bromoethylbenzene (BEB) as an initiator. The process is accelerated by the presence of Al(OPr(i))(3) as a cocatalyst. Electrochemical and synthetic studies aimed at identifying the nature of the spin trap have been carried out. The cyclic voltammogram of MoX(3)(PMe(3))(3) (X = Cl, Br, I) shows partial reversibility (increasing in the order Cl < Br < I) for the one-electron oxidation wave. Addition of X(-) changes the voltammogram, indicating the formation of MoX(4)(PMe(3))(3) for X = Cl and Br. On the other hand, I(-) is more easily oxidized than the MoI(3)(PMe(3))(3) complex; thus, the putative MoI(4)(PMe(3))(3) complex is redox unstable. Electrochemical studies of MoI(3)(PMe(3))(3) in the presence of X(-) (X = Cl or Br) reveal the occurrence of facile halide-exchange processes, leading to the conclusion that the MoI(3)X(PMe(3))(3) products are also redox unstable. The oxidation of MoX(3)(PMe(3))(3) with (1)/(2)Br(2) yields MoX(3)Br(PMe(3))(3) (X = Cl, Br), whose molecular nature is confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analyses. On the other hand, the oxidation of MoI(3)(PMe(3))(3) by I(2) slowly yields a tetraiodomolybdate(III) salt of iodotrimethylphosphonium, [Me(3)PI][MoI(4)(PMe(3))(3)], as confirmed by an X-ray study. This product has no controlling ability in radical polymerization. The redox instability of MoI(3)X(PMe(3))(3) can be reconciled with its involvement as a radical trapping species in the MoI(3)(PMe(3))(3)-catalyzed ATRP, given the second-order nature of its decomposition rate.     

Tantalizing chemistry of the half-sandwich silylhydride complexes of niobium: identification of likely intermediates on the way to agostic complexes

Reactions of the compound [NbCp(ArN)(PMe3)2] with chlorosilanes HSiRR'Cl give a series of silyl complexes [NbCp(ArN)(PMe3)(H)-(SiRR'Cl)] and [NbCp(ArN)(PMe3)(Cl)(SiRR'H)] which are likely intermediates to the agostic complexes [NbCp(ArN(RR'2Si-H...))-(PMe3)(Cl)].     

Hydricities of BzNADH, CH5Mo(PMe3)(CO)2H, and C5Me5Mo(PMe3)(CO)2H in acetonitrile

The thermodynamic hydride donor abilities of 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BzNADH, 59 +/- 2 kcal/mol), C(5)H(5)Mo(PMe(3))(CO)(2)H (55 +/- 3 kcal/mol), and C(5)Me(5)Mo(PMe(3))(CO)(2)H (58 +/- 2 kcal/mol) have been measured in acetonitrile by calorimetric and/or equilibrium methods. The hydride donor abilities of BzNADH and C(5)H(5)Mo(PMe(3))(CO)(2)H differ by 13 and 24 kcal/mol, respectively, from those reported previously for these compounds in acetonitrile. These results require significant revisions of the hydricities reported for related NADH analogues and metal hydrides. These compounds are moderate hydride donors as compared to previously determined compounds.     

Stoichiometric and catalytic reactivity of the N-heterocyclic carbene ruthenium hydride complexes [Ru(NHC)(L)(CO)HCl] and [Ru(NHC)(L)(CO)H(eta2-BH4)] (L=NHC, PPh3)

Thermolysis of [Ru(AsPh3)3(CO)H2] with the N-aryl heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) IMes (1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene), IPr (1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) or the adduct SIPr.(C6F5)H (SIPr=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene), followed by addition of CH2Cl2, affords the coordinatively unsaturated ruthenium hydride chloride complexes [Ru(NHC)2(CO)HCl] (NHC=IMes , IPr , SIPr ). These react with CO at room temperature to yield the corresponding 18-electron dicarbonyl complexes . Reduction of and [Ru(IMes)(PPh3)(CO)HCl] () with NaBH4 yields the isolable borohydride complexes [Ru(NHC)(L)(CO)H(eta2-BH4)] (, L=NHC, PPh3). Both the bis-IMes complex and the IMes-PPh3 species react with CO at low temperature to give the eta1-borohydride species [Ru(IMes)(L)(CO)2H(eta1-BH4)] (L=IMes , PPh3), which can be spectroscopically characterised. Upon warming to room temperature, further reaction with CO takes place to afford initially [Ru(IMes)(L)(CO)2H2] (L=IMes, L=PPh3) and, ultimately, [Ru(IMes)(L)(CO)3] (L=IMes , L=PPh3). Both and lose BH3 on addition of PMe2Ph to give [Ru(IMes)(L)(L')(CO)H2](L=L'=PMe2Ph; L=PPh3, L'=PMe2Ph). Compounds and have been tested as catalysts for the hydrogenation of aromatic ketones in the presence of (i)PrOH and H2. For the reduction of acetophenone, catalytic activity varies with the NHC present, decreasing in the order IPr>IMes>SIMes.     

Aggregation of PMe3-stabilized molybdenum sulfides and the catalytic dehydrogenation of H2S

The reactivity of [MoS(4)](2-) (1) toward PMe(3) was explored in the presence and absence of proton donors. Whereas MeCN solutions of (Et(4)N)(2)[MoS(4)] and PMe(3) are stable, in the presence of H(2)S such solutions catalyze formation of H(2) and SPMe(3). Addition of NH(4+) to such solutions afforded MoS(2)(PMe(3))(4) (2), which can be prepared directly from (NH(4))(2)[1]. Compound 2 is reactive toward thiols via a process proposed to involve the initial dissociation of one PMe(3) ligand, a hypothesis supported by the relative inertness of trans-MoS(2)(dmpe)(2). Benzene solutions of 2 react with EtSH to give Mo(2)(mu-S)(mu-SH)(PMe(3))(4)(SEt)(3) (3Et). Analogous reactions with thiocresol (MeC(6)H(4)SH) and H(2)S gave Mo(2)(mu-S)(mu-SH)(PMe(3))(4)(SR)(3) (R = tol, H). Crystallographic analyses of 3Et, 3H, and 3tol indicate dinuclear species with seven terminal ligands and a Mo(2)(mu-SR)(mu-S) core (r(Mo)(-)(Mo) = 2.748(1) A). From reaction mixtures leading to 3Et from 2, we obtained the intermediate Mo(IV)(2)(mu-S)(2)(SEt)(4)(PMe(3))(2) (4), an edge-shared bis(trigonal pyramidal) structure. Compounds 3H and 3Et react further with H(2)S to give Mo(4)(mu(2)-S)(4)(mu(3)-S)(2)(PMe(3))(6)(SH)(2) (5H) and Mo(4)(mu(2)-S)(4)(mu(3)-S)(2)(PMe(3))(6)(SEt)(2) (5Et), respectively. Analogously, W(4)(mu(2)-S)(4)(mu(3)-S)(2)(PMe(3))(6)(SH)(2) was synthesized from a methanol solution of (NH(4))(2)WS(4) with H(2)S and PMe(3). A highly accurate crystallographic analysis of (NH(4))(2)MoS(4) (R(1) = 0.0193) indicates several weak NH.S interactions.     

Mixed phosphine and group-13 metal ligator complexes [(PR3)(a)M(ECp*)b] (M = Mo, Ni; E = Ga, Al; R = C6H5, cyclo-C6H11, CH3)

Treatment of [Mo(N(2))(PMe(3))(5)] with two equivalents GaCp* (Cp* = η(5)-C(5)(CH(3))(5)) leads to the formation of cis-[Mo(GaCp*)(2)(PMe(3))(4)] (1), while AlCp* did not react with this precursor. In addition, [Ni(GaCp*)(2)(PPh(3))(2)] (2a), [Ni(AlCp*)(2)(PPh(3))(2)] (2b), [Ni(GaCp*)(2)(PCy(3))(2)] (3a), [Ni(GaCp*)(2)(PMe(3))(2)] (3b), [Ni(GaCp*)(3)(PCy(3))] (4) and [Ni(GaCp*)(PMe(3))(3)] (5) have been prepared in high yields by a direct synthesis from [Ni(COD)(2)] and stoichiometric amounts of the ligands PR(3) and ECp* (E = Al, Ga), respectively. All compounds have been fully characterized by (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Effects of Cyclopentadienyl and Phosphine Ligands on the Basicities and Nucleophilicities of Cp'Ir(CO)(PR(3)) Complexes

Basicities of the series of complexes CpIr(CO)(PR(3)) [PR(3) = P(p-C(6)H(4)CF(3))(3), P(p-C(6)H(4)F)(3), P(p-C(6)H(4)Cl)(3), PPh(3), P(p-C(6)H(4)CH(3))(3), P(p-C(6)H(4)OCH(3))(3), PPh(2)Me, PPhMe(2), PMe(3), PEt(3), PCy(3)] have been measured by the heat evolved (DeltaH(HM)) when the complex is protonated by CF(3)SO(3)H in 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) at 25.0 degrees C. The -DeltaH(HM) values range from 28.0 kcal/mol for CpIr(CO)[P(p-C(6)H(4)CF(3))(3)] to 33.2 kcal/mol for CpIr(CO)(PMe(3)) and are directly related to the basicities of the PR(3) ligands in the complexes. For the more basic pentamethylcyclopentadienyl analogs, the -DeltaH(HM) values range from 33.8 kcal/mol for the weakest base CpIr(CO)[P(p-C(6)H(4)CF(3))(3)] to 38.0 kcal/mol for the strongest CpIr(CO)(PMe(3)). The nucleophilicities of the Cp'Ir(CO)(PR(3)) complexes were established from second-order rate constants (k) for their reactions with CH(3)I to give [Cp'Ir(CO)(PR(3))(CH(3))](+)I(-) in CD(2)Cl(2) at 25.0 degrees C. There is an excellent linear correlation between the basicities (DeltaH(HM)) and nucleophilicities (log k) of the CpIr(CO)(PR(3)) complexes. Only the complex CpIr(CO)(PCy(3)) with the bulky tricyclohexylphosphine ligand deviates dramatically from the trend. In general, the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl complexes react 40 times faster than the cyclopentadienyl analogs. However, they do not react as fast as predicted from electronic properties of the complexes, which suggests that the steric size of the Cp ligand reduces the nucleophilicities of the CpIr(CO)(PR(3)) complexes. In addition, heats of protonation (DeltaH(HP)) of tris(2-methoxyphenyl)phosphine, tris(2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)phosphine, and tris(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)phosphine were measured and used to estimate pK(a) values for these highly basic phosphines.     

Modeling the Formation of Molybdenum Oxides from Alkoxides: Crystal Structures of [Mo(4)O(4)Cl(4)(&mgr;(2)-OEt)(4)(HOEt)(2)(&mgr;(3)-O)(2)] and [PPN](+)[Et(3)NH](+)[Cl(2)(O)Mo(&mgr;(2)-O)(2)Mo(O)Cl(2)](2)(-)

The reactions of the binuclear oxomolybdenum(V) complex [Cl(2)(O)Mo(&mgr;-OEt)(2)(&mgr;-HOEt)Mo(O)Cl(2)] (1) with Me(3)Si(allyl) and SbF(3) produce the compounds [Mo(6)O(6)Cl(6)(&mgr;(3)-O)(2)(&mgr;(2)-OEt)(6)(&mgr;(2)-Cl)(2)] (2) and [Mo(8)O(8)Cl(6)(&mgr;(3)-O)(4)(OH)(2)(&mgr;(2)-OH)(4)(&mgr;(2)-OEt)(4)(HOEt)(4)] (3), respectively. Treatment of 1 with the Lewis base PMe(3) affords the tetrameric complex [Mo(4)O(4)Cl(4)(&mgr;(2)-OEt)(4)(HOEt)(2)(&mgr;(3)-O)(2)] (4), which represents another link in the chain of clusters produced by the reactions of 1 and simulating the build-up of polymeric molybdenum oxides by sol-gel methods. The crystal structure of 4 has been determined [C(12)H(32)Cl(4)Mo(4)O(12), triclinic, P&onemacr;, a = 7.376(2) ?, b = 8.807(3) ?, c = 11.467(4) ?, alpha = 109.61(1) degrees, beta = 92.12(3) degrees, gamma = 103.75(2) degrees, Z = 1]. By contrast, reaction of 1 with the nitrogen base NEt(3), followed by treatment with [PPN]Cl.2H(2)O ([PPN](+) = [Ph(3)P=N=PPh(3)](+)), gives the complex [PPN](+)[Et(3)NH](+)[Cl(2)(O)Mo(&mgr;(2)-O)(2)Mo(O)Cl(2)](2)(-) (6) in 90% yield. Its crystal structure [C(36)H(30)Cl(4)MoNOP(2), triclinic, Pna2(1), a = 21.470(6) ?, b = 16.765(2) ?, c = 9.6155(14) ?, alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 90 degrees, gamma = 90 degrees, Z = 16] includes the anion [Cl(2)(O)Mo(&mgr;(2)-O)(2)Mo(O)Cl(2)](2)(-), which is a charged derivative of the species forming the gels in sol-gel processes starting from chloromolybdenum ethoxides. Furthermore, compound 1 is found to be catalytically active in esterification and dehydration reactions of alcohols.     

Osazone anion radical complex of rhodium(III)

One electron paramagnetic parent osazone complex of rhodium of type trans-Rh(L(NHPh)H(2))(PPh(3))(2)Cl(2) (1), defined as an osazone anion radical complex of rhodium(III), trans-Rh(III)(L(NHPh)H(2)(?-))(PPh(3))(2)Cl(2), 1((t-RhL?)), with a minor contribution (～2%) of rhodium(II) electromer, trans-Rh(II)(L(NHPh)H(2))(PPh(3))(2)Cl(2), 1((t-Rh?L)), and their nonradical congener, trans-[Rh(III)(L(NHPh)H(2))(PPh(3))(2)Cl(2)]I(3) ([t-1](+)I(3)(-)), have been isolated and are substantiated by spectra, bond parameters, and DFT calculations on equivalent soft complexes [Rh(L(NHPh)H(2))(PMe(3))(2)Cl(2)] (3) and [Rh(L(NHPh)H(2))(PMe(3))(2)Cl(2)](+) (3(+)). 1 is not stable in solution and decomposes to [t-1](+) and a new rhodium(I) osazone complex, [Rh(I)(L(NHPh)H(2))(PPh(3))Cl] (2). 1 absorbs strongly at 351 nm due to MLCT and LLCT, while [t-1](+) and 2 absorb moderately in the range of 300-450 nm, respectively, due to LMCT and MLCT elucidated by TD-DFT calculations on 3((t-RhL?)), [t-3](+), and Rh(I)(L(NHPh)H(2))(PMe(3))Cl (4). EPR spectra of solids at 295 and 77 K, and dichloromethane-toluene frozen glass at 77 K of 1 are similar with g = 1.991, while g = 2.002 for the solid at 25 K. The EPR signal of 1 in dichloromethane solution is weaker (g = 1.992). In cyclic voltammetry, 1 displays two irreversible one electron transfer waves at +0.13 and -1.22 V, with respect to Fc(+)/Fc coupling, due to oxidation of 1((t-RhL?)) to [t-1](+) at the anode and reduction of rhodium(III) to rhodium(II), i.e., [t-1](+) to electromeric 1((t-Rh?L)) at the cathode.     

A normal equilibrium isotope effect for oxidative addition of H2 to (eta6-anthracene)Mo(PMe3)3

Oxidative addition of H2 and D2 to the anthracene complex (eta6-AnH)Mo(PMe3)3 giving (eta4-AnH)Mo(PMe3)3X2 (X = H, D) is characterized by a normal equilibrium isotope effect (KH/KD > 1) at temperatures close to ambient; calculations on (eta4-AnH)Mo(PH3)3H2 indicate that this is a consequence of relatively low energy Mo-H vibrational modes.