Syntheses of ketonated disulfide-bridged diruthenium complexes via C-H bond activation and C-S bond formation

The alpha-C-H bonds of 3-methyl-2-butanone, 3-pentanone, and 2-methyl-3-pentanone were activated on the sulfur center of the disulfide-bridged ruthenium dinuclear complex [(RuCl(P(OCH3)3)2)2(mu-S2)(mu-Cl)2] (1) in the presence of AgX (X = PF6, SbF6) with concomitant formation of C-S bonds to give the corresponding ketonated complexes [(Ru(CH3CN)2(P(OCH3)3)2)(mu-SSCHR1COR2)(Ru(CH3CN)3(P(OCH3)3)2)]X3 ([5](PF6)3, R1 = H, R2 = CH(CH3)2, X = PF6; [6](PF6)3, R1 = CH3, R2 = CH2CH3, X = PF6; [7](SbF6)3, R1 = CH3, R2 = CH(CH3)2, X = SbF6). For unsymmetric ketones, the primary or the secondary carbon of the alpha-C-H bond, rather than the tertiary carbon, is preferentially bound to one of the two bridging sulfur atoms. The alpha-C-H bond of the cyclic ketone cyclohexanone was cleaved to give the complex [(Ru(CH3CN)2(P(OCH3)3)2)(mu-SS-1- cyclohexanon-2-yl)(Ru(CH3CN)3(P(OCH3)3)2)](SbF6)3 ([8](SbF6)3). And the reactions of acetophenone and p-methoxyacetophenone, respectively, with the chloride-free complex [(Ru(CH3CN)3(P(OCH3)3)2)2(mu-S2)]4+ (3) gave [(Ru(CH3CN)2(P(OCH3)3)2)(mu-SSCH2COAr)(Ru(CH3CN)3(P(OCH3)3)2)](CF3SO3)3 ([9](CF3SO3)3, Ar = Ph; [10](CF3SO3)3, Ar = p-CH3OC6H4). The relative reactivities of a primary and a secondary C-H bond were clearly observed in the reaction of butanone with complex 3, which gave a mixture of two complexes, i.e., [(Ru(CH3CN)2(P(OCH3)3)20(mu-SSCH2COCH2CH3)(Ru(CH3CN)3(P(OCH3)3)2)](CF3SO3)3 ([11](CF3SO3)3) and [(Ru(CH3CN)2(P(OCH3)3)2)(mu-SSCHCH3COCH3)(Ru(CH3CN)3(P(OCH3)2)](CF3SO3)3 ([12](CF3SO3)3), in a molar ratio of 1:1.8. Complex 12 was converted to 11 at room temperature if the reaction time was prolonged. The relative reactivities of the alpha-C-H bonds of the ketones were deduced to be in the order 2 degrees > 1 degree > 3 degrees, on the basis of the consideration of contributions from both electronic and steric effects. Additionally, the C-S bonds in the ketonated complexes were found to be cleaved easily by protonation at room temperature. The mechanism for the formation of the ketonated disulfide-bridged ruthenium dinuclear complexes is as follows: initial coordination of the oxygen atom of the carbonyl group to the ruthenium center, followed by addition of an alpha-C-H bond to the disulfide bridging ligand, having S=S double-bond character, to form a C-S-S-H moiety, and finally completion of the reaction by deprotonation of the S-H bond.     

C-H cleavage and double alkyl additions to the disulfido ligand in dicyanido-bridged Ru2S2 complexes

Novel dicyanido-bridged dicationic RuIIISSRuIII complexes [{Ru(P(OCH3)3)2}2(mu-S2)(mu-X)2{mu-m-C6H4(CH2CN)2}](CF3SO3)2 (4, X=Cl, Br) were synthesized by the abstraction of the two terminal halide ions of [{RuX(P(OCH3)3)2}2(mu-S2)(mu-X)2] (1, X=Cl, Br) followed by treatment with m-xylylenedicyanide. 4 reacted with 2,3-dimethylbutadiene to give the C4S2 ring-bridged complex [{Ru(P(OCH3)3)2}2{mu-SCH2C(CH3)=C(CH3)CH2S}(mu-X)2{mu-m-C6H4(CH2CN)2}](CF3SO3)2 (6, X=Cl, Br). In addition, 4 reacted with 1-alkenes in CH3OH to give alkenyl disulfide complexes [{Ru(P(OCH3)3)2}2{mu-SS(CH2C=CHR)}(mu-Cl)2{mu-m-C6H4(CH2CN)2}](CF3SO3) (7: R=CH2CH3, 9: R=CH2CH2CH3) and alkenyl methyl disulfide complexes [{Ru(P(OCH3)3)2}2{mu-S(CH3)S(CH2C=HR)}(mu-Cl)2{mu-m-C6H4(CH2CN)2}](CF3SO3)2 (8: R=CH2CH3, 10: R=CH2CH2CH3) via the activation of an allylic C-H bond followed by the elimination of H+ or condensation with CH3OH. Additionally, the reaction of 4 with 3-penten-1-ol gave [{Ru(P(OCH3)3)2}2{mu-SS(CH2C=CHCH2OH)}(mu-Cl)2{mu-m-C6H4(CH2CN)2}](CF3SO3) (11) via the elimination of H+ and [{Ru(P(OCH3)3)2}2(mu-SCH2CH=CHCH2S)(mu-Cl)2{mu-m-C6H4(CH2CN)2}](CF3SO3)2 (12) via the intramolecular elimination of a H2O molecule. 12 was exclusively obtained from the reaction of 4 with 4-bromo-1-butene.     

Facile allylic C-H bond activation on the bridging disulfide ligand in the Ru(III) dinuclear complex having a conjugated RuSSRu core

Treatment of [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)(mu-S(2))](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (1), which is prepared by the reaction of [[RuCl(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)](2)(mu-S(2))(mu-Cl)(2)] (2) with 4 equiv of AgCF(3)SO(3), with terminal alkenes such as 1-pentene, allyl ethyl ether, allyl phenyl ether, 1,4-hexadiene, and 3-methyl-1-butene, resulted in the formation of complexes carrying a C(3)S(2) five-membered ring, [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-SCH(2)CH(2)CR(1)R(2)S]](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (3, R(1) = CH(2)CH(3), R(2) = H, 40%; 4, R(1) = OCH(2)CH(3), R(2) = H, 60%; 5, R(1) = OC(6)H(5), R(2) = H, 73%; 6, R(1) = CH=CHCH(3), R(2) = H, 48%; 7, R(1) = R(2) = CH(3), 40%). Reaction of 1 with methylenecycloalkanes was found to give several different types of products, depending on the ring size of the substrates. A trace of [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-SCH(CH(2)CH(2))CH(CH(3))S]](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (9) having a C(2)S(2) four-membered ring to bridge the two Ru atoms was obtained by the reaction of 1 with methylenecyclobutane, whereas the reaction with methylenecyclohexane gave [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-S(CH(2)(C=CHCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH(2))S)](CF(3)SO(3))(3) (10) in 69% yield via C-S bond formation and elimination of a proton. Throughout these reactions with alkenes giving a variety of products, the activation of the allylic C-H bond is always the essential and initial key step.     

Dehydration reaction of hydroxyl substituted alkenes and alkynes on the Ru(2)S(2) complex

A variety of inter- and intramolecular dehydration was found in the reactions of [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)(mu-S(2))](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (1) with hydroxyl substituted alkenes and alkynes. Treatment of 1 with allyl alcohol gave a C(3)S(2) five-membered ring complex, [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-SCH(2)CH(2)CH(OCH(2)CH=CH(2))S]](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (2), via C-S bond formation after C-H bond activation and intermolecular dehydration. On the other hand, intramolecular dehydration was observed in the reaction of 1 with 3-buten-1-ol giving a C(4)S(2) six-membered ring complex, [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2) [mu-SCH(2)CH=CHCH(2)S]](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (3). Complex 1 reacts with 2-propyn-1-ol or 2-butyn-1-ol to give homocoupling products, [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-SCR=CHCH(OCH(2)C triple bond CR)S]](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (4: R = H, 5: R = CH(3)), via intermolecular dehydration. In the reaction with 2-propyn-1-ol, the intermediate complex having a hydroxyl group, [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-SCH=CHCH(OH)S]](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (6), was isolated, which further reacted with 2-propyn-1-ol and 2-butyn-1-ol to give 4 and a cross-coupling product, [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-SCH=CHCH(OCH(2)C triple bond CCH(3))S]](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (7), respectively. The reaction of 1 with diols, (HO)CHRC triple bond CCHR(OH), gave furyl complexes, [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-SSC=CROCR=CH]](CF(3)SO(3))(3) (8: R = H, 9: R = CH(3)) via intramolecular elimination of a H(2)O molecule and a H(+). Even though (HO)(H(3)C)(2)CC triple bond CC(CH(3))(2)(OH) does not have any propargylic C-H bond, it also reacts with 1 to give [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-SCH(2)C(=CH(2))C(=C=C(CH(3))(2))]S](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (10). In addition, the reaction of 1 with (CH(3)O)(H(3)C)(2)CC triple bond CC(CH(3))(2)(OCH(3)) gives [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][mu-S=C(C(CH(3))(2)OCH(3))C=CC(CH(3))CH(2)S][Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)]](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (11), in which one molecule of CH(3)OH is eliminated, and the S-S bond is cleaved.     

Trans ruthenium(II) complexes with NH-bridged tetradentate symmetric and asymmetric polypyridyl ligands

NH-Bridged tetradentate ligands were synthesized to achieve stable trans Ru(II) bis(polypyridyl) complexes. The polypyridyl part of the ligand was either symmetric, as in N,N-bis(1,10-phenanthroline-2-yl)amine (phen-NH-phen), or asymmetric, as in N-(1,10-phenanthroline-2-yl)-N-(6-yl-dipyridyl[2,3-a:2',3'-c]phenazine)amine (dppz-NH-phen). Protonation of phen-NH-phen with trifluoroacetic acid and the subsequent reaction with RuCl3 yield trans-[Ru(phen-NH-phen)Cl2]. The chloro ligands in this compound can easily be replaced by stronger ligands, such as CH3CN and DMSO. In this way, complexes trans-[Ru(phen-NH-phen)(CH3CN)(DMSO)](PF6)2 (1), trans-[Ru(phen-NH-phen)(DMSO)2](PF6)2 (2), and trans-[Ru(phen-NH-phen)(CH3CN)2](PF6)2 (3) were obtained. X-ray structures were determined for 1 and 3. Following a procedure similar to that used with phen-NH-phen, the complex trans-[Ru(dppz-NH-phen)(CH3CN)2](PF6)2 (4) was obtained. To our knowledge, this is the first reported trans ruthenium(II) bis(polypyridyl) complex with two different polypyridyl ligands in the equatorial plane.     

Synthesis of nitrosylruthenium complexes containing 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine by reactions of alkoxo complexes with acids

Nitrosylruthenium complexes containing 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine (terpy) have been synthesized and characterized. The three alkoxo complexes trans-(NO, OCH3), cis-(Cl, OCH3)-[RuCl(OCH3)(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([2]PF6), trans-(NO, OC2H5), cis-(Cl, OC2H5)-[RuCl(OC2H5)(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([3]PF6), and [RuCl(OC3H7)(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([4]PF6) were synthesized by reactions of trans-(Cl, Cl), cis-(NO, Cl)-[RuCl2(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([1]PF6) with NaOCH3 in CH3OH, C2H5OH, and C3H7OH, respectively. Reactions of [3]PF6 with an acid such as hydrochloric acid and trifluoromethansulforic acid afford nitrosyl complexes in which the alkoxo ligand is substituted. The geometrical isomer of [1]PF6, trans-(NO, Cl), cis-(Cl, Cl)-[RuCl2(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([5]PF6), was obtained by the reaction of [3]PF6 in a hydrochloric acid solution. Reaction of [3]PF6 with trifluoromethansulforic acid in CH3CN gave trans-(NO, Cl), cis-(CH3CN, Cl)-[RuCl(CH3CN)(NO)(terpy)]2+ ([6]2+) under refluxing conditions. The structures of [3]PF6, [4]PF6.CH3CN, [5]CF3SO3, and [6](PF6)2 were determined by X-ray crystallograpy.     

Synthesis, structures, and properties of ruthenium(II) complexes of N-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)imidazolylidenes

Mononuclear ruthenium complexes [RuCl(L1)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6)) (2a), [RuCl(L2)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6)) (2b), [Ru(L1)(CH(3)CN)(3)](PF(6))(2) (4a), [Ru(L2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](PF(6))(2) (4b), [Ru(L2)(2)](PF(6))(2) (5), [RuCl(L1)(CH(3)CN)(PPh(3))](PF(6)) (6), [RuCl(L1)(CO)(2)](PF(6)) (7), and [RuCl(L1)(CO)(PPh(3))](PF(6)) (8), and a tetranuclear complex [Ru(2)Ag(2)Cl(2)(L1)(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](PF(6))(4) (3) containing 3-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)-1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)imidazolylidene (L1) and 3-butyl-1-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)imidazolylidene (L2) have been prepared and fully characterized by NMR, ESI-MS, UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Both L1 and L2 act as pincer NNC donors coordinated to ruthenium (II) ion. In 3, the Ru(II) and Ag(I) ions are linked by two bridging Cl(-) through a rhomboid Ag(2)Cl(2) ring with two Ru(II) extending to above and down the plane. Complexes 2-8 show absorption maximum over the 354-428 nm blueshifted compared to Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) due to strong σ-donating and weak π-acceptor properties of NHC ligands. Electrochemical studies show Ru(II)/Ru(III) couples over 0.578-1.274 V.     

Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3(NO2)]PF6, a synthon for [Ru(bpy)(L3)NO2] complexes

We report a high yield, two-step synthesis of fac-[Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 from the known complex [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)Cl]PF6 (p-cym = eta(6)-p-cymene). [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 is prepared by reacting [(p-cymene)Ru(bpy)Cl]PF6 with AgNO3/KNO2 or AgNO2. The 15NO2 analogue is prepared using K15NO2. Displacement of p-cymene from [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 by acetonitrile gives [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6. The new complexes [(p-cym)Ru(bpy)NO2]PF6 and fac-[Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 have been fully characterized by 1H and 15N NMR, IR, elemental analysis, and single-crystal structure determination. Reaction of [Ru(bpy)(CH3CN)3NO2]PF6 with the appropriate ligands gives the new complexes [Ru(bpy)(Tp)NO2] (Tp = HB(pz)3-, pz = 1-pyrazolyl), [Ru(bpy)(Tpm)NO2]PF6 (Tpm = HC(pz)3), and the previously prepared [Ru(bpy)(trpy)NO2]PF6 (trpy = 2,2',6',2' '-terpyridine). Reaction of the nitro complexes with HPF6 gives the new nitrosyl complexes [Ru(bpy)TpNO][PF6]2 and [Ru(bpy)(Tpm)NO][PF6]3. All complexes were prepared with 15N-labeled nitro or nitrosyl groups. The nitro and nitrosyl complexes were characterized by 1H and 15N NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and single-crystal structure determination for [Ru(bpy)TpNO][PF6]2. For the nitro complexes, a linear correlation is observed between the nitro 15N NMR chemical shift and 1/nu(asym), where nu(asym) is the asymmetric stretching frequency of the nitro group.     

Primary and secondary phosphine complexes of iron porphyrins and ruthenium phthalocyanine: synthesis, structure, and P-H bond functionalization

Reduction of [Fe(III)(Por)Cl] (Por = porphyrinato dianion) with Na2S2O4 followed by reaction with excess PH2Ph, PH2Ad, or PHPh2 afforded [Fe(II)(F20-TPP)(PH2Ph)2] (1a), [Fe(II)(F20-TPP)(PH2Ad)2] (1b), [Fe(II)(F20-TPP)(PHPh2)2] (2a), and [Fe(II)(2,6-Cl2TPP)(PHPh2)2] (2b). Reaction of [Ru(II)(Pc)(DMSO)2] (Pc = phthalocyaninato dianion) with PH2Ph or PHPh2 gave [Ru(II)(Pc)(PH2Ph)2] (3a) and [Ru(II)(Pc)(PHPh2)2] (4). [Ru(II)(Pc)(PH2Ad)2] (3b) and [Ru(II)(Pc)(PH2Bu(t))2] (3c) were isolated by treating a mixture of [Ru(II)(Pc)(DMSO)2] and O=PCl2Ad or PCl2Bu(t) with LiAlH4. Hydrophosphination of CH2=CHR (R = CO2Et, CN) with [Ru(II)(F20-TPP)(PH2Ph)2] or [Ru(II)(F20-TPP)(PHPh2)2] in the presence of (t)BuOK led to the isolation of [Ru(II)(F20-TPP)(P(CH2CH2R)2Ph)2] (R = CO2Et, 5a; CN, 5b) and [Ru(II)(F20-TPP)(P(CH2CH2R)Ph2)2] (R = CO2Et, 6a; CN, 6b). Similar reaction of 3a with CH2=CHCN or MeI gave [Ru(II)(Pc)(P(CH2CH2CN)2Ph)2] (7) or [Ru(II)(Pc)(PMe2Ph)2] (8). The reactions of 4 with CH2=CHR (R = CO2Et, CN, C(O)Me, P(O)(OEt)2, S(O)2Ph), CH2=C(Me)CO2Me, CH(CO2Me)=CHCO2Me, MeI, BnCl, and RBr (R = (n)Bu, CH2=CHCH2, MeC[triple bond]CCH2, HC[triple bond]CCH2) in the presence of (t)BuOK afforded [Ru(II)(Pc)(P(CH2CH2R)Ph2)2] (R = CO2Et, 9a; CN, 9b; C(O)Me, 9c; P(O)(OEt)2, 9d; S(O)2Ph, 9e), [Ru(II)(Pc)(P(CH2CH(Me)CO2Me)Ph2)2] (9f), [Ru(II)(Pc)(P(CH(CO2Me)CH2CO2Me)Ph2)2] (9g), and [Ru(II)(Pc)(PRPh2)2] (R = Me, 10a; Bu(n), 10b; Bn, 10c; CH2CH=CH2, 10d; CH2C[triple bond]CMe, 10e; CH=C=CH2, 10f). X-ray crystal structure determinations revealed Fe-P distances of 2.2597(9) (1a) and 2.309(2) A (2bx 2 CH2Cl2) and Ru-P distances of 2.3707(13) (3b), 2.373(2) (3c), 2.3478(11) (4), and 2.3754(10) A (5b x 2 CH2Cl2). Both the crystal structures of 3b and 4 feature intermolecular C-H...pi interactions, which link the molecules into 3D and 2D networks, respectively.     

Phosphaallyl complexes of Ru(II) derived from dicyclohexylvinylphosphine (DCVP)

The complexes [(eta5-RC5H4)Ru(CH3CN)3]PF6(R = H, CH3) react with DCVP (DCVP = Cy2PCH=CH2) at room temperature to produce the phosphaallyl complexes [(eta5-C5H5)Ru(eta1-DCVP)(eta3-DCVP)]PF6 and [(eta5-MeC5H4)Ru(eta1-DCVP)(eta3-DCVP)]PF6. Both compounds react with a variety of two-electron donor ligands displacing the coordinated vinyl moiety. In contrast, we failed to prepare the phosphaallyl complexes [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(eta1-DCVP)(eta3-DCVP)]PF6, [(eta5-MeC5H4)Ru(CO)(eta3-DCVP)]PF6 and [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(CO)(eta3-DPVP)]PF6(DPVP = Ph2PCH=CH2).The compounds [(eta5-MeC5H4)Ru(CO)(CH3CN)(DPVP)]PF6 and [(eta5-C5Me5)Ru(CO)(CH3CN)(DPVP)]PF6 react with DMPP (3,4-dimethyl-1-phenylphosphole) to undergo [4 + 2] Diels-Alder cycloaddition reactions at elevated temperature. Attempts at ruthenium catalyzed hydration of phenylacetylene produced neither acetophenone nor phenylacetaldehyde but rather dimers and trimers of phenylacetylene. The structures of the complexes described herein have been deduced from elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy, 1H, 13C{1H}, 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy and in several cases by X-ray crystallography.     

Monometallic and dimetallic ruthenium(II)-terpyridine complexes employing the tetradentate ligands dipyridylpyrazolyl,dipyridyloxadiazole, and their dimethyl derivatives

The tetradentate ligands, 2,2'-(1H-pyrazole-3,5-diyl)bis(4- methylpyridine) (4,4'-Me2dppzH), 2,2'-(1H-pyrazole-3,5-diyl)bis(6-methylpyridine) (6,6'-Me2dppzH), 3,5-di(pyrid-2-yl)pyrazole (dppzH), and dipyridyloxadiazole (dpo) react with either Ru(trpy)Cl3 or trans-Ru(trpy)Cl2(NCCH3), where trpy is 2,2',2'-terpyridine, to form a variety of Ru(II) complexes. Among these are the symmetrical chloro-bridged Ru(II) dimer and the "in" and "out" geometric isomers of the monometallic Ru(II) containing species where "in" and "out" refer to the orientation of the Ru-Cl vector relative to the centroid of the ligand backbone. Thirteen complexes were prepared and painstakingly purified by careful recrystallization and/or exhaustive column chromatography. These complexes were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, electronic absorption, and infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, [Ru2(tryp)2(6,6'-Me2dppz)mu-Cl](BF4)2 (3b(BF4)2), [Ru2(trpy)2(4,4'-Me2dppz)mu-Cl](PF6)2.0.5MeOH (3c), [Ru2(trpy)2(6,6'-Me2dppz)(CH2C(O)CH3)](PF6)2.0.5(CH3)2CO (9b), "in"-[Ru(trpy)(4,4'-Me2dppz)Cl](PF6).(CH3)2CO (1c), and "out"-[Ru(trpy)(dpo)Cl](PF6).(CH3)2CO (2d) were characterized by X-ray crystallography. Several ligand substitution reactions were attempted. For example, [Ru2(trpy)2(6,6'-Me2dppz)mu-Cl](BF4)2 (3b) was reacted with hydroxide ion to produce [Ru2(trpy)2(6,6'-Me2dppz)mu-OH](PF6)2 (6b). Complex 6b reacts with benzyl bromide to produce [Ru2(trpy)2(6,6'-Me2dppz)mu-Br](PF6)2 (7b) or with (CH3)3Sil to produce [Ru2(trpy)2(6,6'-Me2dppz)mu-I](PF6)2 (8b). of 6b with acetone forms the methyl enolate complex [Ru2(trpy)2(6,6'-Me2dppz)(CH2COCH3)](PF6)2 (9b) while, analogously to a Cannizarro reaction, the reaction with benzaldehyde forms the bridging benzoate complex [Ru2(trpy)2(6,6'-Me2dppz)(C6H4CO2)](PF6)2 (11b). The bridging azide complex [Ru2(trpy)2(6,6'-Me2dppz)mu-N3](PF6)2 (10b) is formed by reaction of 6b with (CH3)3-SiN3. Additionally, the chloride ligands of the monometallic complexes of "in"-[Ru(trpy)(dpo)Cl](PF6) (1d), "in"-[Ru(trpy)(4,4'-Me2dpo)Cl](PF6)] (1e), and "out"-[Ru(trpy)(dpo)Cl](PF6) (2d) were substituted with water to form their respective aqua complexes, 4d, 4e, and 5d. All of the complexes exhibit broad unsymmetrial absorption bands in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The dimetallic complexes 3b and 3c exhibit two, 1e- reversible oxidation waves at +0.72 and +1.15 V, and at +0.64 and +1.13 V, respectively. These complexes were not emissive.     

Synthesis and characterization of ethylbis(2-pyridylethyl)amineruthenium complexes and two different types of C-H bond cleavage at an ethylene arm

Ruthenium complexes bearing ethylbis(2-pyridylethyl)amine (ebpea), which has flexible -C(2)H(4)- arms between the amine and the pyridyl groups and coordinates to a metal center in facial and meridional modes, have been synthesized and characterized. Three trichloro complexes, fac-[Ru(III)Cl(3)(ebpea)] (fac-[1]), mer-[Ru(III)Cl(3)(ebpea)] (mer-[1]), and mer-[Ru(II)Cl(3){η(2)-N(C(2)H(5))(C(2)H(4)py)═CH-CH(2)py}] (mer-[2]), were synthesized using the Ru blue solution. Formation of mer-[2] proceeded via a C-H activation of the CH(2) group next to the amine nitrogen atom of the ethylene arm. Reduction reactions of fac- and mer-[1] afforded a triacetonitrile complex mer-[Ru(II)(CH(3)CN)(3)(ebpea)](PF(6))(2) (mer-[3](PF(6))(2)). Five nitrosyl complexes fac-[RuX(2)(NO)(ebpea)]PF(6) (X = Cl for fac-[4]PF(6); X = ONO(2) for fac-[5]PF(6)) and mer-[RuXY(NO)(ebpea)]PF(6) (X = Cl, Y = Cl for mer-[4]PF(6); X = Cl, Y = CH(3)O for mer-[6]PF(6); X = Cl, Y = OH for mer-[7]PF(6)) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. A reaction of mer-[2] in H(2)O-C(2)H(5)OH at room temperature afforded mer-[1]. Oxidation of C(2)H(5)OH in H(2)O-C(2)H(5)OH and i-C(3)H(7)OH in H(2)O-i-C(3)H(7)OH to acetaldehyde and acetone by mer-[2] under stirring at room temperature occurred with formation of mer-[1]. Alternative C-H activation of the CH(2) group occurred next to the pyridyl group, and formation of a C-N bond between the CH moiety and the nitrosyl ligand afforded a nitroso complex [Ru(II)(N(3))(2){N(O)CH(py)CH(2)N(C(2)H(5))C(2)H(4)py}] ([8]) in reactions of nitrosyl complexes with sodium azide in methanol, and reaction of [8] with hydrochloric acid afforded a corresponding chloronitroso complex [Ru(II)Cl(2){N(O)CH(py)CH(2)N(C(2)H(5))C(2)H(4)py}] ([9]).     

Reactions of acetonitrile coordinated to a nitrosylruthenium complex with H2O or CH(3)OH under mild conditions: structural characterization of imido-type complexes

The reaction of cis-[Ru(NO)(CH(3)CN)(bpy)(2)](3+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) in H(2)O at room temperature proceeded to afford two new nitrosylruthenium complexes. These complexes have been identified as nitrosylruthenium complexes containing the N-bound methylcarboxyimidato ligand, cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(O)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](2+), and methylcarboxyimido acid ligand, cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(OH)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](3+), formed by an electrophilic reaction at the nitrile carbon of the acetonitrile coordinated to the ruthenium ion. The X-ray structure analysis on a single crystal obtained from CH(3)CN-H(2)O solution of cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(O)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(3) has been performed: C(22)H(20.5)N(6)O(2)P(2.5)F(15)Ru, orthorhombic, Pccn, a = 15.966(1) A, b = 31.839(1) A, c = 11.707(1) A, V = 5950.8(4) A(3), and Z = 8. The structural results revealed that the single crystal consisted of 1:1 mixture of cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(O)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](2+) and cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(OH)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](3+) and the structural formula of this single crystal was thus [Ru(NO)(NH=C(OH(0.5))CH(3))(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(2.5). The reaction of cis-[Ru(NO)(CH(3)CN)(bpy)(2)](3+) in dry CH(3)OH-CH(3)CN at room temperature afforded a nitrosylruthenium complex containing the methyl methylcarboxyimidate ligand, cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(OCH(3))CH(3))(bpy)(2)](3+). The structure has been determined by X-ray structure analysis: C(25)H(29)N(8)O(18)Cl(3)Ru, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 13.129(1) A, b = 17.053(1) A, c = 15.711(1) A, beta = 90.876(5) degrees, V = 3517.3(4) A(3), and Z = 4.     

Structural and functional characteristics of rhenium clusters derived from redox chemistry of the triangular [ReIII3(mu-Cl)3] core unit

The present study investigates structural and functional aspects of the redox chemistry of rhenium(III) chloride [Re3Cl9] (1) in aqueous and organic solvents, with emphasis on the dioxygen-activating capabilities of reduced rhenium clusters bearing the Re3(8+) core. Dissolution of 1 in HCl (6 M) generates [Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl9]3- (2a), which can be isolated as the tetraphenylphosphonium salt (2b). Anaerobic one-electron reduction of 1 by Hg in HCl (6-12 M) produces [(C6H5)4P]2[Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl7(H2O)2].H2O (3), the structure of which features a planar [Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl3] framework (Re3(8+) core), involving two water ligands that occupy out-of-plane positions in a trans arrangement. Compound 3 dissociates in the presence of CO, yielding [(C6H5)4P]2[ReIII2Cl8] (4) and an unidentified red carbonyl species. In situ oxidation (O2) of the reduced Re3(8+)-containing cluster in HCl (6 M) produces quantitatively 2a, whereas oxidation of 3 in organic media results in the formation of [(C6H5)4P]4[(Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl7(mu-OH))2].2CH2Cl2 (5). The structure of 5 reveals that two oxygen ligands (hydroxo units) bridge asymmetrically two Re3(9+) triangular clusters. The origin of these hydroxo units derives from the aquo ligands, rather than O2, as shown by 18O2 labeling studies. The hydroxo bridges of 5 can be replaced by chlorides upon treatment with Me3SiCl to afford the analogous [(C6H5)4P]4[(Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl7(mu-Cl))2].10CH2Cl2 (6). The reaction of 5 with Hg in HCl (6 M)/tetrahydrofuran regenerates compound 3. Complexes 1-3 exhibit nitrile hydratase type activity, inducing hydrolysis of CH3CN to acetamide. The reaction of 3 with CH3CN yields [(C6H5)4P]2[Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl6.5(CH3CN)1.5(CH3C(O)NH)0.5] (7), the structure of which is composed of [Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl7(CH3CN)2]2- (7a) and [Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl6(CH3CN)(CH3C(O)NH)]2- (7b) (Re3(8+) cores) as a disordered mixture (1:1). Oxidation of 7 with O2 in CH3CN affords [(C6H5)4P]2[Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl7(CH3C(O)NH)].CH3CN (8) and small amounts of [(C6H5)4P][ReO4] (9). Compound 8 is also independently isolated from the reaction of 2b with wet CH3CN, or by dissolving 5 in CH3CN. In MeOH, 5 dissociates to afford [(C6H5)4P]2[Re3(mu-Cl)3Cl8(MeOH)].MeOH (10).     

New dicarboxylic acid bipyridine ligand for ruthenium polypyridyl sensitization of TiO2

An ambidentate dicarboxylic acid bipyridine ligand, (4,5-diazafluoren-9-ylidene) malonic acid (dfm), was synthesized for coordination to Ru(II) and mesoporous nanocrystalline (anatase) TiO(2) thin films. The dfm ligand provides a conjugated pathway from the pyridyl rings to the carbonyl carbons of the carboxylic acid groups. X-ray crystal structures of [Ru(bpy)(2)(dfm)]Cl(2) and the corresponding diethyl ester compound, [Ru(bpy)(2)(defm)](PF(6))(2), were obtained. The compounds displayed intense metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption bands in the visible region (ε > 11,000 M(-1) cm(-1) for [Ru(bpy)(2)(dfm)](PF(6))(2) in acetonitrile). Significant room temperature photoluminescence, PL, was absent in CH(3)CN but was observed at 77 K in a 4:1 EtOH:MeOH (v:v) glass. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed quasi-reversible Ru(III/II) electrochemistry. Ligand reductions were quasi-reversible for the diethyl ester compound [Ru(bpy)(2)(defm)](2+), but were irreversible for [Ru(bpy)(2)(dfm)](2+). Both compounds were anchored to TiO(2) thin films by overnight reactions in CH(3)CN to yield saturation surface coverages of 3 × 10(-8) mol/cm(2). Attenuated total reflection infrared measurements revealed that the [Ru(bpy)(2)(dfm)](2+) compound was present in the deprotonated carboxylate form when anchored to the TiO(2) surface. The MLCT excited states of both compounds injected electrons into TiO(2) with quantum yields of 0.70 in 0.1 M LiClO(4) CH(3)CN. Micro- to milli-second charge recombination yielded ground state products. In regenerative solar cells with 0.5 M LiI/0.05 M I(2) in CH(3)CN, the Ru(bpy)(2)(dfm)/TiO(2) displayed incident photon-to-current efficiencies of 0.7 at the absorption maximum. Under the same conditions, the diethylester compound was found to rapidly desorb from the TiO(2) surface.     

Spectroelectrochemistry and DFT analysis of a new {RuNO}n redox system with multifrequency EPR suggesting conformational isomerism in the {RuNO}7 state

The compound [Ru(NO)(bpym)(terpy)](PF6)3, bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine and terpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine, with a {RuNO}6 configuration (angle Ru-N-O 175.2(4) degrees ) was obtained from the structurally characterized precursor [Ru(NO2)(bpym)(terpy)](PF6), which shows bpym-centered reduction and metal-centered oxidation, as evident from EPR spectroscopy. The relatively labile [Ru(NO)(bpym)(terpy)](3+), which forms a structurally characterized acetonitrile substitution product [Ru(CH3CN)(bpym)(terpy)](PF6)2 upon treatment with CH3OH/CH3CN, is electrochemically reduced in three one-electron steps of which the third, leading to neutral [Ru(NO)(bpym)(terpy)], involves electrode adsorption. The first-two reduction processes cause shifts of nu(NO) from 1957 via 1665 to 1388 cm(-1), implying a predominantly NO-centered electron addition. UV-vis-NIR Spectroscopy shows long-wavelength ligand-to-ligand charge transfer absorptions for [Ru(II)(NO(-I))(bpym)(terpy)]+ in the visible region, whereas the paramagnetic intermediate [Ru(NO)(bpym)(terpy)](2+) exhibits no distinct absorption maximum above 309 nm. EPR spectroscopy of the latter at 9.5, 95, and 190 GHz shows the typical invariant pattern of the {RuNO}7 configuration; however, the high-frequency measurements at 4 and 10 K reveal a splitting of the g1 and g2 components, which is tentatively attributed to conformers resulting from the bending of RuNO. DFT calculations support the assignments of oxidation states and the general interpretation of the electronic structure.     

Elimination of HX (X = Cl,Br) from haloalkenes on the Ru2Q2 (Q = S,Se) core complex

Treatment of [[Ru(P(OCH3)3)2(CH3CN)3]2(mu-Q2)](CF3SO3)4 (1, Q = S; 2, Q = Se) with haloalkenes resulted in the formation of complexes carrying unsaturated C3Q2 five-membered or C4Q2 six-membered rings via elimination of HX (X = Cl, Br). The reactions of 1 and 2 with allyl bromide gave the corresponding addition products, [[Ru(P(OCH3)3)2(CH3CN)3]2(mu-QCH=CHCH2Q)](CF3SO3)4 (3, Q = S; 4, Q = Se), via elimination of HBr. The elimination process seems to be thermodynamically controlled and takes place at the final stage of the reaction. The steric effect of the halogen atoms seems more operative than the electronic one.     

Mononuclear and dinuclear complexes with a [Ru(tBu2PCH2CH2PtBu2)(CO)] core

Thermolysis of solid [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)2Cl2](2, d(t)bpe =(t)Bu2PCH2CH2P(t)Bu2) under vacuum affords the five-coordinate complex [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)Cl2] (4), which was shown by X-ray crystallography to contain a weak remote agostic interaction. In solution, 4 can be readily trapped by CO, CH3CN or water to give [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)(L)Cl2](L = CO, 2; L = CH3CN, 6; L = H2O, 7). Reaction of 4 with AgOTf/H2O yields the tris-aqua complex [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)(H2O)3](OTf)2 (8), which has been structurally characterised and probed in solution by pulsed-gradient spin echo (PGSE) NMR spectroscopy. The water ligands in 8 are labile and easily substituted to give [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)(NCCH3)3](OTf)2 (10) and [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)(DMSO)3](OTf)2 (11). In the presence of CO, the tris-aqua complex undergoes water-gas shift chemistry with formation of the cationic hydride species [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)3H](OTf) (12) and CO2. X-Ray crystal structures of complexes 2, 4, 6, 8 and 11-12 are reported along with those for [{Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)}2(mu-Cl)2(mu-OTf)](OTf) (3), [{Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)}2(mu-Cl)3][Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)Cl3](5) and [Ru(d(t)bpe)(CO)(H2O)2(OTf)](OTf)(9).     

Synthesis of ruthenium(II) complexes of tetradentate bis(N-pyridylimidazolylidenyl)methane and their reactivities towards N- donors

A family of hexa-coordinated ruthenium(II) complexes of bis(N-pyridylimidazolylidenyl)methane (L) were prepared and structurally characterized. Carbene transfer reactions of [Ru(p-cymene)Cl(2)](2), [Ru(CO)(2)Cl(2)](n) and RuHCl(CO)(PPh(3))(3) with silver-NHC complexes in situ generated from [H(2)L](PF(6))(2) and Ag(2)O afforded [RuL(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6))(2) (1), [Ru(2)L(p-cymene)(2)Cl(2)](PF(6))(2) (2), [RuL(CO)(2)](PF(6))(2) (3) and [RuL(PPh(3))(2)](PF(6))(2) (4), respectively. The reactions of 1 towards several N- and P-donors were studied. The treatment of 1 with 1,10-phenanthroline resulted in the substitution of one pyridine and one acetonitrile molecule affording [RuL(phen)(CH(3)CN)](PF(6))(2) (5) as a mixture of two isomers. Reaction of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) and 1 gave [RuL(dppe)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6))(2) (7), in which two pyridines were substituted by a dppe ligand trans to two NHC groups. In contrast, reactions of 1 with ethane-1,2-diamine, propane-1,3-diamine and 3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole led to the substitution of acetonitrile and subsequent N-H addition of the C≡N bond of the coordinated acetonitrile yielding [RuL(ethane-1,2-diamine)(N-(2-aminoethyl)acetimidamide)](PF(6))(2) (8), [RuL(propane-1,3-diamine)(N-(3-aminopropyl)acetimidamide)](PF(6))(2) (9) and RuL(1-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethanimine)(CH(3)CN)](PF(6))(2) (10), respectively.     

A photocycle for hydrogen production from two-electron mixed-valence complexes

Dihydrides of the formula Rh2(II,II)(tfepma)3H2Cl2 (tfepma = (bis[bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphino]methylamine, MeN(P[OCH2CF3]2)2), have been prepared by the addition of H2 to the two-electron mixed-valence complex, Rh2(0,II)(tfepma)3Cl2 (1). Three isomeric forms with hydrides in syn (2), anti (3), and cis (4) conformations have been characterized by X-ray diffraction. Photolysis of 2 results in prompt formation of a short-lived blue photoproduct (lambda(max) = 600 nm) and a stoichiometric quantity of H2, as determined by Toepler pump and isotopic labeling experiments. The blue photoproduct was identified as a Rh2(I,I) complex resulting from the reductive elimination of H2, as determined from the examination of bimetallic cores coordinated by tfepm (tfepm = (bis[bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphino]methane, CH2(P[OCH2CF3]2)2), for which complexes of the formula M2(I,I)(tfepm)3Cl2 (5, M = Rh and 6, M = Ir) have been isolated. The d8...d8 dimer of 5 converts to Rh2(0,II)(tfepm)3Cl2CN(t)Bu (8) upon the addition of 1 equiv of tert-butylisonitrile, a result of halogen migration and disproportionation of the valence symmetric core of 5, which is structurally compared to its two-electron mixed-valence analogue, Rh2(0,II)(dfpma)3Cl2CN(t)Bu (9) (dfpma = bis(difluorophosphino)methylamine, MeN(PF2)2). The halogen migration is captured in Ir2(I,I)(tfepm)3(mu-Cl)Cl (7), which is distinguished by the presence of a chloride that bridges the diiridium centers. Taken together, complexes 1-9 permit the construction of a complete photocycle for the photogeneration of H2 by dirhodium dfpma complexes in homogeneous solutions of hydrohalic acids.