Re(2)(CO)(10)-promoted S-binding, C-S bond cleavage, and hydrogenation of benzothiophenes: organometallic models for the hydrodesulfurization of thiophenes

In hydrodesulfurization model reactions of dinuclear metal complexes with thiophenes, we observe that ultraviolet photolysis of Re(2)(CO)(10) and benzothiophenes (BT) in hexanes solution produces the ring-opened BT complexes Re(2)(CO)(7)(mu-BT) (1a-d) (BT = benzothiophene (BT) 1a, 2-methylbenzothiophene (2-MeBT) 1b, 3-methylbenzothiophene (3-MeBT) 1c, and 3,5-dimethylbenzothiophene (3,5-Me(2)BT) 1d). The eta(1)(S)-bound BT complexes Re(2)(CO)(9)(eta(1)(S)-BT) (2a-d), prepared from Re(2)(CO)(9)(THF) and BT, are readily converted into 1a-d in good yields (40-60%) during UV photolysis in hexanes solution, which suggests that the eta(1)(S)-bound complexes 2a-d are precursors to 1a-d in the reactions of Re(2)(CO)(10) with BT. Irradiation of Re(2)(CO)(10) and 3,5-Me(2)BT with UV light in decane solution under an atmosphere of H(2) produces complex 1d and the partially hydrogenated BT complex Re(2)(CO)(7)(mu-3,5-Me(2)BT-H)(eta-H) (3d). Reactions of 1a with phosphines yield further ring-opened BT-Re complexes of the types Re(2)(CO)(7)(PMe(3))(3)(mu-BT) (4) and Re(2)(CO)(7)(PR(3))(2)(mu-BT) (R = Me (5), (i)Pr (6), Cy (7), and bis(diethylphosphino)ethane (8)). Structures of 1d, 2c, 3d, and 6, which demonstrate various bonding modes of benzothiophene and its C-S cleaved derivatives to two metal centers, were determined by X-ray crystallographic studies.     

Chemistry of constrained dioxocyclam ligands with Co(III): unusual examples of C-H and C-N bond cleavage

The reactions between H(2)dc3 and Co(acac)(3) have been studied in the presence and absence of base. In the presence of base, a complex with an intramolecular Co-C bond, Co(dc3-C-(8))(H(2)O), 1, is formed, presumably through heterolytic C-H bond activation. An X-ray crystallographic study demonstrates the presence of a Co-C bond and shows that the diazacyclooctane (daco) subunit adopts the chair-boat conformation with respect to the metal. The cobalt-carbon bond induces strain in the macrocycle as demonstrated by bond angles significantly deviating from tetrahedral. The (13)C NMR resonance of the carbon atom bound to cobalt (-10.5 ppm) suggests significant ionic character in the cobalt-carbon bond. However, we were unable to cleave this bond in the presence of strong acid. In the absence of base, the reaction of Co(acac)(3) with H(2)dc3 resulted in C-N cleavage of the ligand and the formation of a complex of dioxocyclam, Co(dc)(acac), 2. This complex has subsequently been prepared in high yield by the reaction of Co(acac)(3) with dioxocyclam. An X-ray crystallographic study demonstrates that dioxocyclam adopts the heretofore unreported cis configuration, having folded along a N-Co-N axis that is perpendicular to the Co-acac plane.     

Reactions of 1,8-bis(diphenylphosphino)naphthalene with Os3(CO)12: C-H and C-P bond cleavage reactions

Reactions of Os₃(CO)₁₂ with 1,8-bis(diphenylphosphino)naphthalene (dppn) are described. Crystallographically characterised complexes isolated from a reaction carried out in refluxing toluene are Os₃(μ-H)₂{μ-PPh₂(nap)PPh(C₆H₄)}₂(CO)₆ (1), Os₃(μ-H){μ₃-PPh₂(nap)PPh(C₆H₄)}(CO)₈ (2) and Os₂(μ-PPh₂){μ-PPh₂(nap)}(CO)₅ (3) (nap=1,8-C₁₀H₆), while at r.t. in the presence of ONMe₃, only Os₃(CO)₁₁{PPh₂(1-C₁₀H₇)} (4) was isolated. While 1 and 2 contain ligands formed by metallation of a Ph group of dppn, as found also in complexes obtained from dppn and Ru₃(CO)₁₂, ligands in 3 and 4 are formed by cleavage of a P-nap bond, not found in the Ru series.     

Comparative reactivity of TpRu(L)(NCMe)Ph (L = CO or PMe3): impact of ancillary ligand l on activation of carbon-hydrogen bonds including catalytic hydroarylation and hydrovinylation/oligomerization of ethylene

Complexes of the type TpRu(L)(NCMe)R [L = CO or PMe3; R = Ph or Me; Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate] initiate C-H activation of benzene. Kinetic studies, isotopic labeling, and other experimental evidence suggest that the mechanism of benzene C-H activation involves reversible dissociation of acetonitrile, reversible benzene coordination, and rate-determining C-H activation of coordinated benzene. TpRu(PMe3)(NCMe)Ph initiates C-D activation of C6D6 at rates that are approximately 2-3 times more rapid than that for TpRu(CO)(NCMe)Ph (depending on substrate concentration); however, the catalytic hydrophenylation of ethylene using TpRu(PMe3)(NCMe)Ph is substantially less efficient than catalysis with TpRu(CO)(NCMe)Ph. For TpRu(PMe3)(NCMe)Ph, C-H activation of ethylene, to ultimately produce TpRu(PMe3)(eta3-C4H7), is found to kinetically compete with catalytic ethylene hydrophenylation. In THF solutions containing ethylene, TpRu(PMe3)(NCMe)Ph and TpRu(CO)(NCMe)Ph separately convert to TpRu(L)(eta3-C4H7) (L = PMe3 or CO, respectively) via initial Ru-mediated ethylene C-H activation. Heating mesitylene solutions of TpRu(L)(eta3-C4H7) under ethylene pressure results in the catalytic production of butenes (i.e., ethylene hydrovinylation) and hexenes.     

Ru3(CO)12-catalyzed silylation of benzylic C-H bonds in arylpyridines and arylpyrazoles with hydrosilanes via C-H bond cleavage

Ruthenium-catalyzed silylation of sp3 C-H bonds at a benzylic position with hydrosilanes gave benzylsilanes. For this silylation reaction, Ru3(CO)12 complex showed high catalytic activity. This silylation proceeded at the methyl C-H bond selectively. For this silylation reaction, pyridyl and pyrazolyl groups, and the imino group in hydrazones, can function as a directing group. Several hydrosilanes involving triethyl-, dimethylphenyl-, tert-butyldimethyl-, and triphenylsilanes can be used as a silylating reagent. Coordination of an sp2 nitrogen atom to the ruthenium complex is important for achieving this silylation reaction.     

C-C, C-O and C-N bond formation via rhodium(III)-catalyzed oxidative C-H activation

Rhodium(III)-catalyzed direct functionalization of C-H bonds under oxidative conditions leading to C-C, C-N, and C-O bond formation is reviewed. Various arene substrates bearing nitrogen and oxygen directing groups are covered in their coupling with unsaturated partners such as alkenes and alkynes. The facile construction of C-E (E = C, N, S, or O) bonds makes Rh(III) catalysis an attractive step-economic approach to value-added molecules from readily available starting materials. Comparisons and contrasts between rhodium(III) and palladium(II)-catalyzed oxidative coupling are made. The remarkable diversity of structures accessible is demonstrated with various recent examples, with a proposed mechanism for each transformation being briefly summarized (critical review, 138 references).     

Hydrogen-deuterium exchange between TpRu(PMe3)(L)X (L = PMe3 and X = OH, OPh, Me, Ph, or NHPh; L = NCMe and X = Ph) and deuterated arene solvents: evidence for metal-mediated processes

At elevated temperatures (90-130 degrees C), complexes of the type TpRu(PMe3)2X (X = OH, OPh, Me, Ph, or NHPh; Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate) undergo regioselective hydrogen-deuterium (H/D) exchange with deuterated arenes. For X = OH or NHPh, H/D exchange occurs at hydroxide and anilido ligands, respectively. For X = OH, OPh, Me, Ph, or NHPh, isotopic exchange occurs at the Tp 4-positions with only minimal deuterium incorporation at the Tp 3- or 5-positions or PMe3 ligands. For TpRu(PMe3)(NCMe)Ph, the H/D exchange occurs at 60 degrees C at all three Tp positions and the phenyl ring. TpRu(PMe3)2Cl, TpRu(PMe3)2OTf (OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate), and TpRu(PMe3)2SH do not initiate H/D exchange in C6D6 after extended periods of time at elevated temperatures. Mechanistic studies indicate that the likely pathway for the H/D exchange involves ligand dissociation (PMe3 or NCMe), Ru-mediated activation of an aromatic C-D bond, and deuteration of basic nondative ligand (hydroxide or anilido) or Tp positions via net D+ transfer.     

Studies of C-S bond cleavage reactions of Re(V) dithiolates: synthesis, reactivity, and mechanism

A series of rhenium(V) complexes, [(X)(ReO)(dt)(PPh(3))] and [(o-SC(6)H(4)PPh(2))(ReO)(mtp)], were prepared to explore electronic effects on the C-S cleavage reaction that occurs upon reaction with PAr(3) at ambient temperature [where X = S(C(6)H(4)-p-Z) (Z = OMe, Me, H, F, Cl), OPh, Cl, and SC(2)H(5), and dt is the chelating dithiolate ligand derived from 2-(mercaptomethyl)thiophenol, 1,2-ethanedithiol, 1,3-propanedithiol, 1,3-butanedithiol, and 2,4-pentanedithiol]. The scope and selectivity of the C-S activation were examined. The C-S bond cleavage to form metallacyclic Re(V) complexes with a ReS core occurs only for the complexes with mtp and pdt frameworks and X = SAr and SC(2)H(5). The difference in reactivity is due to the different donating abilities of ancillary and dithiolate ligands, especially their pi-donating ability, which plays a critical role in C-S activation. The kinetics of the C-S activation process was determined; nucleophilic attack of PPh(3) on the oxo group of the Re(V)O core appears to be the rate-controlling step. The reaction is accelerated by electron-poor ArS ligands, but is unaffected by the substituents on phosphines. A detailed mechanistic study is presented. The results represent a rare example of migration of alkanethiolate leading to the formation of alkylthiolato complexes.     

Relative efficiencies of CpM(CO)(n)CH(3) and CpM(CO)(n)Ph (M = Cr,Mo, W,and Fe) complexes in photoinduced DNA cleavage

The relative efficiencies of photoinduced DNA cleavage by complexes of the type CpM(CO)(n)()R (M = Cr, Mo, or W, n = 3, R = CH(3) or Ph; M = Fe, n = 2, R = CH(3) or C(6)H(5)) have been investigated using a plasmid relaxation assay. Only the tungsten and iron complexes reproducibly caused single strand scission, in addition to which the iron systems efficiently gave double strand cleavage. The iron complexes gave strand scission at lower concentrations than the corresponding tungsten systems, with the phenyl complexes producing more damage than the methyl systems.     

Reactivity of TpRu(L)(NCMe)R (L = CO, PMe3; R = Me, Ph) systems with isonitriles: Experimental and computational studies toward the intra- and intermolecular hydroarylation of isonitriles

The Ru(II) phenyl complex TpRu(PMe₃)(NCMe)Ph {Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate} reacts with isonitriles to form complexes of the type TpRu(PMe₃)(CNR)Ph (R = ^tBu, CH₂Ph, CH₂CH₂Ph). Neither thermal nor photolytic reactions of these systems with excess isonitrile and benzene resulted in the production of corresponding imines. DFT studies that probed the energetics of the desired catalytic transformations revealed that (Tab)Ru(PH₃)(CNCH₂CH₂Ph)Ph {Tab = tris(azo)borate} is the most stable species in a proposed catalytic cycle. Exclusive of calculated transition states, the highest points on the calculated free energy surface are 34 kcal/mol, for (Tab)Ru(PH₃)(o,η²-C,C-CNCH₂CH₂Ph)Ph {relative to the starting material (Tab)Ru(PH₃)(CNCH₂CH₂Ph)Ph}, and 27 kcal/mol for the C-H activation product (Tab)Ru(PH₃)(o-C₆H₄CH₂CH₂NC) and benzene. The substantial increases in free energy result primarily from the loss of the stable ruthenium-η¹-isonitrile interaction.     

Studies on activation of C-H bond and insertion reaction of CO,CO2 into M-C bond using (Ir(COD)(diphos))Cl complexes

Three new organoiridium complexes are prepared from (Ir(COD)(μ-Cl))₂ and diphosphine in 1:2 molar ratio, and characterized by means of IR, ¹H NMR electric conductivity and elemental analysis. Using acetonitrile as substrate. we investigated the abilities of these complexes to activate sp³ C-H bond and promote insertion reaction of CO, CO₂ into metal-carbon bond. The experimental results show that the activity of (Tr(COD)(diphos))Cl is correlated to the electronic property of diphosphine chelate ligand.     

Reactions of triosmium clusters with organic azides; x-ray crystal structures of [Os3(CO)10(NCMe)(N3COPh)], [Os3(μ-H)(CO)10(HN3Ph)], and [Os3(μ-H)2(CO)9(μ3-NPh)]

Organic azides [N₃R] react with [Os₃(CO)₁₁(NCMe)] and with [Os₃(μ-H)₂(CO)₁₀] to form [Os₃(CO)₁₀(NCMe)(N₃COR)] (R  Ph) and [Os₃(μ-H)(CO)₁₀(HN₃R)] (R  Ph, n-Bu, CH₂Ph, cyclo-C₆H₁₁), respectively; the latter may be converted to [Os₃(μ-H)₂(CO)₉(μ₃-NR)] by thermolysis; the molecular structure of the phenyl derivative of each class of compound has been confirmed by x-ray analysis.     

Synthesis of benzylpalladium complexes through C-O bond cleavage of benzylic carboxylates: Development of a novel palladium-catalyzed benzylation of olefins

Benzylic carboxylates were found to react with Pd(0) complexes bearing tertiary phosphines to give benzylpalladium(II) carboxylate complexes with cleavage of the benzyl-oxygen bond. The benzylpalladium complexes having the trifluoroacetato ligand react with olefins such as ethyl acrylate to give olefin benzylation products. On the basis of these studies a novel palladium-catalyzed benzylation of olefins was developed without using organic halides as the starting materials. The method has another advantage of requiring no base as in the conventional Mizoroki-Heck process using organic halides. The catalytic cycle is proposed to be constituted of elementary processes of (a) oxidative addition of a benzyl carboxylate with C-O bond cleavage to a Pd(0) complex to give a benzylpalladium carboxylate, (b) olefin insertion into the benzylpalladium bond to give an alkylpalladium complex, and (c) β-H abstraction to liberate the benzylated olefin.     

Reactions of thioethers with Mn(2)(CO)(7)(mu-S(2)) proceed with CO displacement and insertion of the sulfur atom into the Mn-Mn bond

The reaction of Mn(2)(CO)(7)(mu-S(2)) (2) with SMe(2) yielded the new complexes Mn(2)(CO)(6)(mu-S(2))(mu-SMe(2)) (3) and Mn(4)(CO)(14)(SMe(2))(mu(3)-S(2))(mu(4)-S(2)) (4) in 18 and 41% yields, respectively. The reaction of 2 with the cyclic thioether thietane SCH(2)CH(2)CH(2) yielded the new complexes Mn(2)(CO)(6)(mu-S(2))(mu-SCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)) (5) and Mn(4)(CO)(14)(SCH(2)CH(2)CH(2))(mu(3)-S(2))(mu(4)-S(2)) (6) in 12 and 52% yields, respectively, and the reaction of 2 with 1,4,9-trithiacyclododecane (12S3) yielded Mn(2)(CO)(6)(mu-12S3)(mu-S(2)) (7) and Mn(4)(CO)(14)(12S3)(mu(3)-S(2))(mu(4)-S(2)) (8) in 8 and 24% yields, respectively. Compounds 3 and 5-7 were characterized crystallographically. Compounds 3, 5, and 7 have similar structures in which the thioether ligand has replaced the bridging carbonyl ligand of 2 and its sulfur atom has been inserted into the manganese-manganese bond. The two manganese atoms are not mutually bonded, and two Mn(CO)(3) groups are held together through the bridging disulfido ligand and the bridging sulfur atom of the thioether ligand. Compound 6 contains a Mn(4)(mu(3)-S(2))(mu(4)-S(2)) moiety without metal-metal bonds. On the basis of spectroscopic data, compounds 4 and 8 are believed to have similar structures.     

Reactivity of mononuclear alkylperoxo copper(II) complex. O-O bond cleavage and C-H bond activation

A detailed reactivity study has been carried out for the first time on a new mononuclear alkylperoxo copper(II) complex, which is generated by the reaction of copper(II) complex supported by the bis(pyridylmethyl)amine tridentate ligand containing a phenyl group at the 6-position of the pyridine donor groups and cumene hydroperoxide (CmOOH) in CH3CN. The cumylperoxo copper(II) complex thus obtained has been found to undergo homolytic cleavage of the O-O bond and induce C-H bond activation of exogenous substrates, providing important insights into the catalytic mechanism of copper monooxygenases.     

A RuH(2)(CO)(PPh(3))(3)-catalyzed regioselective arylation of aromatic ketones with arylboronates via carbon-hydrogen bond cleavage

When the reaction of aromatic ketones with arylboronates (arylboronic acid esters) using RuH(2)(CO)(PPh(3))(3) (3) as a catalyst was conducted in toluene, the corresponding arylation product was obtained in moderate yields. In this case, a nearly equivalent amount of a benzyl alcohol derived from a reduction of an aromatic ketone was also formed. The use of aliphatic ketones, such as pinacolone and acetone, as an additive or a solvent dramatically suppressed the reduction of the aromatic ketones and, as a result, ortho-arylation products were obtained in high yield based on the aromatic ketones. In these reactions, the aliphatic ketone functioned as a scavenger of ortho-hydrogens of the aromatic ketones and the B(OR)(2) moiety of the arylboron compound (HB species). A variety of aromatic ketones, such as acetophenones, acetonaphthones, tetralones, and benzosuberone, could also be used in this coupling reaction. Several arylboronates containing electron-donating (NMe(2), OMe, and Me) and -withdrawing (CF(3) and F) groups were also applicable to this coupling reaction. Intermolecular competitive reaction using pivalophenone-d(0)() and -d(5) and intramolecular competitive reaction using pivalophenone-d(1) were carried out using 3 as a catalyst. The k(H)/k(D) value for the intermolecular competitive reaction was substantially different, compared with intramolecular competitive reaction. This strongly suggests the production of an intermediate where the ketone carbonyl is coordinated to the ruthenium involved in this catalytic reaction. (1)H and (11)B NMR studies using 2'-methylacetophenone, phenylboronate (2), and pinacolone (6) indicate that 6 functions effectively as a scavenger of the HB species.     

Reaction of [Os3(CO)10(NCMe)2] with amides and aldehydes; X-ray crystal structure of [Os3(CO)10(μ-H)(COCH2Ph)]

Reaction of [OS₃(CO)₁₀(NCMe)₂] with amides and aldehydes has provided a high-yield route to clusters of the type [OS₃(CO)₁₀H(NHCOR)] (R  H, Me, Ph, Et, Pr) and [OS₃(CO)₁₀H(COR)] (R  Me, Ph, CH₂Ph, C₆H₁₃), respectively; the molecular structure of [OS₃(CO)₁₀H(COCH₂Ph)] has been established by a single-crystal X-ray analysis.     

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.     

RhCl3-assisted C-H and C-S bond scissions: isomeric self-association of organorhodium(iii) thiolato complex. synthesis, structure, and electrochemistry

The ligating properties of alkyl 2-(phenylazo)phenyl thioether 1 (HL(R); R = Me, CH(2)Ph) toward Rh(III) have been examined. A novel hexacoordinated orthometalated rhodium(III) thiolato complex trans-[Rh(L)Cl(PPh3)2] 5 has been synthesized from 1 and RhCl(3).3H(2)O in the presence of excess PPh(3) via in situ C(sp(2))-H and C(sp(3))-S bond scissions, which is the first example for a coordination compound of [L](2-). We were also able to isolate the intermediate organothioether rhodium(III) compound trans-[Rh(L(R))Cl(2)(PPh(3))] 6 with 1 equiv of PPh(3) relative to both 1 and RhCl(3).3H2O in the course of the synthesis of the S-dealkylated product. PPh(3) plays a crucial role in the C(sp(3))-S cleavage process. A plausible mechanistic pathway is presented for C-S bond cleavage, and reductive cleavage by single-electron transfer mechanism is likely to be operative. The electronically and coordinatively saturated thiolato complex 5, indefinitely stable in the solid state, undergoes spontaneous self-dimerization in solution via dissociation of one coordinated PPh3 molecule to afford edge-shared bioctahedral anti-[Rh(L)Cl(PPh(3))]2 7 and syn-[Rh(L)Cl(PPh(3))]2 8 isomers. All the synthesized organosulfur rhodium(III) compounds were isolated as both air- and moisture-stable solids and spectroscopically characterized in both solution and solid states. In addition, all the representative members have been authenticated by single-crystal X-ray structure analyses. Availability of the isomeric dimers provides an opportunity to recognize the presence of noncovalent intramolecular "metallochelate-metallochelate" interaction in the sterically encumbered syn isomer. Unlike other organosulfur rhodium complexes, the monomeric thiolato complex 5 exhibits a fully reversible oxidative wave at 0.82 V vs Ag/AgCl, which is supposed to be primarily centered on the thiolato sulfur atom, and such perception is consistent with the DFT study. Formation of rhodium-bound thiyl radical cation 5(*+) by electrochemical oxidation was scrutinized by EPR spectroscopy.