An evaluation of monovalent osmium supported by the PNP ligand environment

Nitrogen is essential to reaction of (PNP)OsI (PNP is N(SiMe(2)CH(2)P(t)Bu(2))(2)) and Mg powder in THF, to give equimolar (PNP)OsH(N(2)) and hydrido carbene [((t)Bu(2)PCH(2)SiMe(2))N(SiMe(2)CH(2)P(t)Bu(CMe(2)CH)]OsH. This reaction is attributed to H(2) evolution from solid magnesium, rather than high energy H atom transfer between molecules, but relies also on the strong π-basicity of Os in favoring α-H migration from the metallated (t)Bu group on Os to form the second product, the hydrido carbene species. The path to two different products begins because the simple N(2) adduct of (PNP)OsI undergoes spontaneous heterolytic H-C splitting of the (t)Bu methyl group, to produce a secondary amine intermediate [((t)Bu(2)PCH(2)SiMe(2))N(H)(SiMe(2)CH(2)P(t)Bu(CMe(2)CH(2))]OsI(N(2)) which can then be dehydrohalogenated by Mg. The analogous reaction for (PNP)RuCl shows production of only (PNP)RuH(N(2)), with none of the hydride carbene dehydrogenation product. Comparative (Ru vs. Os) DFT calculations reveal the reaction steps where the Os analog is much more exothermic, accounting for certain reaction selectivities.     

Spin state, structure, and reactivity of terminal oxo and dioxygen complexes of the (PNP)Rh moiety

[Rh(III)H{(tBu(2)PCH(2)SiMe(2)NSiMe(2)CH(2)PtBu{CMe(2)CH(2)})}], ([RhH(PNP*)]), reacts with O(2) in the time taken to mix the reagents to form a 1:1 eta(2)-O(2) adduct, for which O--O bond length is discussed with reference to the reducing power of [RhH(PNP*)]; DFT calculations faithfully replicate the observed O-O distance, and are used to understand the oxidation state of this coordinated O(2). The reactivity of [Rh(O(2))(PNP)] towards H(2), CO, N(2), and O(2) is tested and compared to the associated DFT reaction energies. Three different reagents effect single oxygen atom transfer to [RhH(PNP*)]. The resulting [RhO(PNP)], characterized at and above -60 degrees C and by DFT calculations, is a ground-state triplet, is nonplanar, and reacts, above about +15 degrees C, with its own tBu C--H bond, to cleanly form a diamagnetic complex, [Rh(OH){N(SiMe(2)CH(2)PtBu(2))(SiMe(2)CH(2)PtBu{CMe(2)CH(2)})}].     

O/C bond cleavage of CO2 by NiI

Reaction of (PNP)Ni, where PNP is [((t)Bu2PCH2SiMe2)2N](-1), with CO2 occurs rapidly even at -60 degrees C to form exclusively the product of transposition of the amide N and one CO2 oxygen: [((t)Bu2PCH2SiMe2)2O]Ni(NCO). DFT(B3LYP) evaluation of several candidate intermediates for breaking two Si/N and one C/O bond and forming two Si/O and one N/C bond reveal species at and below the energy of the separated particles, and establish the location of the spin densities in each.     

Intermolecular C-H bond activation reactions promoted by transient titanium alkylidynes. Synthesis, reactivity, kinetic, and theoretical studies of the Ti[triple bond]C linkage

The neopentylidene-neopentyl complex (PNP)Ti=CH(t)Bu(CH2(t)Bu) (2; PNP(-) = N[2-P(CHMe2)(2-)4-methylphenyl]2), prepared from the precursor (PNP)Ti[triple bond]CH(t)Bu(OTf) (1) and LiCH2(t)Bu, extrudes neopentane in neat benzene under mild conditions (25 degrees C) to generate the transient titanium alkylidyne, (PNP)Ti[triple bond]C(t)Bu (A), which subsequently undergoes 1,2-CH bond addition of benzene across the Ti[triple bond]C linkage to generate (PNP)Ti=CH(t)Bu(C6H5) (3). Kinetic, mechanistic, and theoretical studies suggest the C-H activation process to obey pseudo-first-order in titanium, the alpha-hydrogen abstraction to be the rate-determining step (KIE for 2/2-d(3) conversion to 3/3-d(3) = 3.9(5) at 40 degrees C) with activation parameters DeltaH = 24(7) kcal/mol and DeltaS = -2(3) cal/mol.K, and the post-rate-determining step to be C-H bond activation of benzene (primary KIE = 1.03(7) at 25 degrees C for the intermolecular C-H activation reaction in C6H6 vs C6D6). A KIE of 1.33(3) at 25 degrees C arose when the intramolecular C-H activation reaction was monitored with 1,3,5-C6H3D3. For the activation of aromatic C-H bonds, however, the formation of the sigma-complex becomes rate-determining via a hypothetical intermediate (PNP)Ti[triple bond]C(t)Bu(C6H5), and C-H bond rupture is promoted in a heterolytic fashion by applying standard Lewis acid/base chemistry. Thermolysis of 3 in C6D6 at 95 degrees C over 48 h generates 3-d(6), thereby implying that 3 can slowly equilibrate with A under elevated temperatures with k = 1.2(2) x 10-5 s(-1), and with activation parameters DeltaH = 31(16) kcal/mol and DeltaS = 3(9) cal/mol x K. At 95 degrees C for one week, the EIE for the 2 --> 3 reaction in 1,3,5-C6H3D3 was found to be 1.36(7). When 1 is alkylated with LiCH2SiMe3 and KCH2Ph, the complexes (PNP)Ti=CHtBu(CH2SiMe3) (4) and (PNP)Ti=CHtBu(CH2Ph) (6) are formed, respectively, along with their corresponding tautomers (PNP)Ti=CHSiMe3(CH2tBu) (5) and (PNP)Ti=CHPh(CH2tBu) (7). By means of similar alkylations of (PNP)Ti=CHSiMe3(OTf) (8), the degenerate complex (PNP)Ti=CHSiMe3(CH2SiMe3) (9) or the non-degenerate alkylidene-alkyl complex (PNP)Ti=CHPh(CH2SiMe3) (11) can also be obtained, the latter of which results from a tautomerization process. Compounds 4/5 and 9, or 6/7 and 11, also activate benzene to afford (PNP)Ti=CHR(C6H5) (R = SiMe3 (10), Ph (12)). Substrates such as FC6H5, 1,2-F2C6H4, and 1,4-F2C6H4 react at the aryl C-H bond with intermediate A, in some cases regioselectively, to form the neopentylidene-aryl derivatives (PNP)Ti=CHtBu(aryl). Intermediate A can also perform stepwise alkylidene-alkyl metatheses with 1,3,5-Me3C6H3, SiMe4, 1,2-bis(trimethylsilyl)alkyne, and bis(trimethylsilyl)ether to afford the titanium alkylidene-alkyls (PNP)Ti=CHR(R') (R = 3,5-Me2C6H2, R' = CH2-3,5-Me2C6H2; R = SiMe3, R' = CH2SiMe3; R = SiMe2CCSiMe3, R' = CH2SiMe2CCSiMe3; R = SiMe2OSiMe3, R' = CH2SiMe2OSiMe3).     

Ni(Et2PCH2NMeCH2PEt2)2]2+ as a functional model for hydrogenases

The reaction of Et(2)PCH(2)N(Me)CH(2)PEt(2) (PNP) with [Ni(CH(3)CN)(6)](BF(4))(2) results in the formation of [Ni(PNP)(2)](BF(4))(2), which possesses both hydride- and proton-acceptor sites. This complex is an electrocatalyst for the oxidation of hydrogen to protons, and stoichiometric reaction with hydrogen forms [HNi(PNP)(PNHP)](BF(4))(2), in which a hydride ligand is bound to Ni and a proton is bound to a pendant N atom of one PNP ligand. The free energy associated with this reaction has been calculated to be -5 kcal/mol using a thermodynamic cycle. The hydride ligand and the NH proton undergo rapid intramolecular exchange with each other and intermolecular exchange with protons in solution. [HNi(PNP)(PNHP)](BF(4))(2) undergoes reversible deprotonation to form [HNi(PNP)(2)](BF(4)) in acetonitrile solutions (pK(a) = 10.6). A convenient synthetic route to the PF(6)(-) salt of this hydride involves the reaction of PNP with Ni(COD)(2) to form Ni(PNP)(2), followed by protonation with NH(4)PF(6). A pK(a) of value of 22.2 was measured for this hydride. This value, together with the half-wave potentials of [Ni(PNP)(2)](BF(4))(2), was used to calculate homolytic and heterolytic Ni-H bond dissociation free energies of 55 and 66 kcal/mol, respectively, for [HNi(PNP)(2)](PF(6)). Oxidation of [HNi(PNP)(2)](PF(6)) has been studied by cyclic voltammetry, and the results are consistent with a rapid migration of the proton from the Ni atom of the resulting [HNi(PNP)(2)](2+) cation to the N atom to form [Ni(PNP)(PNHP)](2+). Estimates of the pK(a) values of the NiH and NH protons of these two isomers indicate that proton migration from Ni to N should be favorable by 1-2 pK(a) units. Cyclic voltammetry and proton exchange studies of [HNi(depp)(2)](PF(6)) (where depp is Et(2)PCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)PEt(2)) are also presented as control experiments that support the important role of the bridging N atom of the PNP ligand in the proton exchange reactions observed for the various Ni complexes containing the PNP ligand. Similarly, structural studies of [Ni(PNBuP)(2)](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(PNP)(dmpm)](BF(4))(2) (where PNBuP is Et(2)PCH(2)N(Bu)CH(2)PEt(2) and dmpm is Me(2)PCH(2)PMe(2)) illustrate the importance of tetrahedral distortions about Ni in determining the hydride acceptor ability of Ni(II) complexes.     

Yttrium complexes incorporating the chelating diamides [ArN(CH2)xNAr]2- (Ar = C6H3-2,6-iPr2, x= 2, 3) and their unusual reaction with phenylsilane

Novel yttrium chelating diamide complexes [(Y[ArN(CH(2))(x)NAr](Z)(THF)(n))(y)] (Z = I, CH(SiMe(3))(2), CH(2)Ph, H, N(SiMe(3))(2), OC(6)H(3)-2,6-(t)Bu(2)-4-Me; x = 2, 3; n = 1 or 2; y = 1 or 2) were made via salt metathesis of the potassium diamides (x = 3 (3), x = 2 (4)) and yttrium triiodide in THF (5,10), followed by salt metathesis with the appropriate potassium salt (6-9, 11-13, 15) and further reaction with molecular hydrogen (14). 6 and 11(Z = CH(SiMe(3))(2), x = 2, 3) underwent unprecedented exchange of yttrium for silicon on reaction with phenylsilane to yield (Si[ArN(CH(2))(x)NAr]PhH) (x = 2 (16), 3) and (Si[CH(SiMe(3))(2)]PhH(2)).     

Probing the reactivity and electronic structure of a uranium(V) terminal oxo complex

Treatment of the U(III)-ylide adduct U(CH(2)PPh(3))(NR(2))(3) (1, R = SiMe(3)) with TEMPO generates the U(V) oxo metallacycle [Ph(3)PCH(3)][U(O)(CH(2)SiMe(2)NSiMe(3))(NR(2))(2)] (2) via O-atom transfer, in good yield. Oxidation of 2 with 0.85 equiv of AgOTf affords the neutral U(VI) species U(O)(CH(2)SiMe(2)NSiMe(3))(NR(2))(2) (3). The electronic structures of 2 and 3 are investigated by DFT analysis. Additionally, the nucleophilicity of the oxo ligands in 2 and 3 toward Me(3)SiI is explored.     

Reactivity at the beta-diketiminate ligand Nacnac- on titanium(IV) (Nacnac- = [Ar]NC(CH3)CHC(CH3)N[Ar], Ar = 2,6-[CH(CH3)2]2C6H3). Diimine-alkoxo and bis-anilido ligands stemming from the Nacnac- skeleton

The reaction of ketene OCCPh(2) with the four-coordinate titanium(IV) imide (L(1))Ti[double bond]NAr(OTf) (L(1)(-) = [Ar]NC(CH(3))CHC(CH(3))N[Ar], Ar = 2,6-[CH(CH(3))(2)](2)C(6)H(3)) affords the tripodal dimine-alkoxo complex (L(2))Ti[double bond]NAr(OTf) (L(2)(-) = [Ar]NC(CH(3))CHC(O)[double bond]CPh(2)C(CH(3))N[Ar]). Complex (L(2))Ti[double bond]NAr(OTf) forms from electrophilic attack of the beta-carbon of the ketene on the gamma-carbon of the Nacnac(-) NCC(gamma)CN ring. On the contrary, nucleophiles such as LiR (R(-) = Me, CH(2)(t)Bu, and CH(2)SiMe(3)) deprotonate cleanly in OEt(2) the methyl group of the beta-carbon on the former Nacnac(-) backbone to yield the etherate complex (L(3))Ti[double bond]NAr(OEt(2)), a complex that is now supported by a chelate bis-anilido ligand (L(3)(2)(-) = [Ar]NC(CH(3))CHC(CH(2))N[Ar]). In the absence of electrophiles or nucleophiles, the robust (L(1))Ti[double bond]NAr(OTf) template was found to form simple adducts with Lewis bases such as CN(t)Bu or NCCH(2)(2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)). Complexes (L(2))Ti[double bond]NAr(OTf), (L(3))Ti[double bond]NAr(OEt(2)), and the adducts (L(1))Ti[double bond]NAr(OTf)(XY) [XY = CN(t)Bu and NCCH(2)(2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2))] were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Influence of the metal orbital occupancy and principal quantum number on organoazide (RN3) conversion to transition-metal imide complexes

The reaction of phenyl azide with (PNP)Ni, where PNP = ( (t)Bu 2PCH 2SiMe 2) 2N (-), promptly evolves N 2 and forms a P=N bond in the product (PNP=NPh)Ni (I). A similar reaction with (PNP)FeCl proceeds to form a P=N bond but without N 2 evolution, to furnish (PNP=N-N=NPh)FeCl. An analogous reaction with (PNP)RuCl occurs with a more dramatic redox change at the metal (and N 2 evolution), to give the salt composed of (PNP)Ru(NPh) (+) and (PNP)RuCl 3 (-), together with equimolar (PNP)Ru(NPh). The contrast among these results is used to deduce what conditions favor N 2 loss and oxidative incorporation of the NPh fragment from PhN 3 into a metal complex.     

Osmabenzenes from the reactions of a dicationic osmabenzyne complex

Treatment of the osmabenzyne Os([triple bond]CC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)Cl(2)(PPh(3))(2) (1) with 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) and thallium triflate (TlOTf) produces the thermally stable dicationic osmabenzyne [Os([triple bond]CC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)](OTf)(2) (2). The dicationic osmabenzyne 2 reacts with ROH (R = H, Me) to give osmabenzene complexes [Os(=C(OR)CH=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf, in which the metallabenzene ring deviates significantly from planarity. In contrast, reaction of the dicationic complex 2 with NaBH(4) produces a cyclopentadienyl complex, presumably through the osmabenzene intermediate [Os(=CHC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf. The higher thermal stability of [Os(=C(OR)CH=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf relative to [Os(=CHC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf can be related to the stabilization effect of the OR groups on the metallacycle. A theoretical study shows that conversion of the dicationic osmabenzyne complex [Os([triple bond]CC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)](OTf)(2) to a carbene complex by reductive elimination is thermodynamically unfavorable. The theoretical study also suggests that the nonplanarity of the osmabenzenes [Os(=C(OR)CH=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf is mainly due to electronic reasons.     

Influence of the d-Electron Count on CO binding by three-coordinate [(tBu2PCH2SiMe2)2N]Fe, -Co, and -Ni

Reduction of (PNP)MCl [PNP = ((t)Bu(2)PCH(2)SiMe(2))(2)N] with Mg gives three-coordinate, T-shaped (PNP)M for M = Fe(S = 3/2) and Ni. Their reactivity was tested toward CO; Ni binds one CO, but only reversibly (i.e., CO is completely lost in vacuum), and has a CO stretching frequency showing effective back-donation by NiI. The structure of (PNP)Ni(CO) is intermediate between planar and tetrahedral, in contrast to the planar d8 analogue, (PNP)Co(CO). This structural reorganization on carbonylation changes the singly occupied molecular orbital from having negligible phosphorus character [no P hyperfine structure in the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of (PNP)Ni] to having enough P character to have a triplet structure in the EPR spectrum of the CO. The presence of one fewer electron in (PNP)Fe (vs the Co analogue) leads to binding of two CO, and (PNP)Fe(CO)(2) is characterized as a spin doublet with square-pyramidal structure. Density functional theory calculations strengthen the understanding of the structural and spectroscopic changes along this dn series (n = 7-9).     

N2 provides insight into the mechanism of H-C(sp3) bond cleavage

Exchange of deuterium in d6-benzene with all C-H sites in (PNP)Ru(OTf), where PNP is N(SiMe2CH2PtBu2)2 and OTf is OSO2CF3, is rapid at 22 degrees C. Although intact planar triplet (PNP)Ru(OTf) binds N2 only very weakly, these reagents are observed to react rapidly to give a diamagnetic 1:1 adduct whose structure has one tBu C-H bond cleaved: the carbon binds to Ru but the hydrogen is on the PNP nitrogen, creating a secondary amine ligand bound to RuII. It is suggested that the benzene C-D cleavage and the N2 product of tBu C-H bond heterolysis both derive from a common intermediate, [HN(SiMe2CH2PtBu2)(SiMe2CH2PtBuCMe2CH2)] Ru(OTf); the formation energy and structure of this species are discussed on the basis of DFT results.     

High-valent uranium alkyls: evidence for the formation of U(VI)(CH2SiMe3)6

Oxidation of [Li(DME)(3)][U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(5)] with 0.5 equiv of I(2), followed by immediate addition of LiCH(2)SiMe(3), affords the high-valent homoleptic U(V) alkyl complex [Li(THF)(4)][U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(6)] (1) in 82% yield. In the solid-state, 1 adopts an octahedral geometry as shown by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Addition of 2 equiv of tert-butanol to [Li(DME)(3)][U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(5)] generates the heteroleptic U(IV) complex [Li(DME)(3)][U(O(t)Bu)(2)(CH(2)SiMe(3))(3)] (2) in high yield. Treatment of 2 with AgOTf fails to produce a U(V) derivative, but instead affords the U(IV) complex (Me(3)SiCH(2))Ag(μ-CH(2)SiMe(3))U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(O(t)Bu)(2)(DME) (3) in 64% yield. Complex 3 has been characterized by X-ray crystallography and is marked by a uranium-silver bond. In contrast, oxidation of 2 can be achieved via reaction with 0.5 equiv of Me(3)NO, producing the heteroleptic U(V) complex [Li(DME)(3)][U(O(t)Bu)(2)(CH(2)SiMe(3))(4)] (4) in moderate yield. We have also attempted the one-electron oxidation of complex 1. Thus, oxidation of 1 with U(O(t)Bu)(6) results in formation of a rare U(VI) alkyl complex, U(CH(2)SiMe(3))(6) (6), which is only stable below -25 °C. Additionally, the electronic properties of 1-4 have been assessed by SQUID magnetometry, while a DFT analysis of complexes 1 and 6 is also provided.     

Reducing power of three-coordinate cobalt(I)

Carbon monoxide adds easily to (PNP)Co, PNP = N(SiMe2CH2PtBu2)2, to give (PNP)Co(CO), whose nuco value of 1885 cm-1 suggests much back-donation, and thus an easily oxidized Co(I) in (PNP)Co. However, Co(III) is inaccessible from (PNP)Co by oxidation with I2, the products being first (PNP)CoI, then the zwitterion [ItBu2PCH2SiMe2NSiMe2CH2PtBu2]CoI2. The potential two-electron oxidant N2CH(SiMe3) reacts with (PNP)Co to form a 1:1 "adduct", whose crystal structure is most consistent with oxidation of Co(I), but not fully to Co(III).     

Solution structures and dynamic properties of chelated d(0) metal olefin complexes [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(+) (R = H, Me): Models for the [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(R')(olefin)(+) intermediates in "constrained geometry" catalysts.

To model the Ti-olefin interaction in the putative [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(R')(olefin)(+) intermediates in "constrained geometry" Ti-catalyzed olefin polymerization, chelated alkoxide olefin complexes [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(+) have been investigated. The reaction of [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]TiMe(2) (1a,b; R = H, Me) with HOCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2) yields mixtures of [eta(5)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)NH(t)Bu]TiMe(2)(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2)) (2a,b) and [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]TiMe(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2)) (3a,b). The reaction of 2a/3a and 2b/3b mixtures with B(C(6)F(5))(3) yields the chelated olefin complexes [[eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))][MeB(C(6)F(5))(3)] (4a,b; 71 and 89% NMR yield). The reaction of 2b/3b with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] yields [[eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (5b, 88% NMR yield). NMR studies establish that 4a,b and 5b exist as mixtures of diastereomers (isomer ratios: 4a/4a', 62/38; 4b/4b', 75/25; 5b/5b', 75/25), which differ in the enantioface of the olefin that is coordinated. NMR data for these d(0) metal olefin complexes show that the olefin coordinates to Ti in an unsymmetrical fashion primarily through C(term) such that the C=C pi bond is polarized with positive charge buildup on C(int). Dynamic NMR studies show that 4b/4b' undergoes olefin face exchange by a dissociative mechanism which is accompanied by fast inversion of configuration at Ti ("O-shift") in the olefin-dissociated intermediate. The activation parameters for the conversion of 4b to 4b' (i.e., 4b/4b' face exchange) are: DeltaH = 17.2(8) kcal/mol; DeltaS = 8(1) eu. 4a/4a' also undergoes olefin face exchange but with a lower barrier (DeltaH = 12.2(9) kcal/mol; DeltaS = -2(3) eu), for the conversion of 4a to 4a'.     

Redox chemistry of the triplet complex (PNP)Co(I)

Reaction of PNPCo, where PNP is (tBu2PCH2SiMe2)2N-, with the persistent radical galvinoxyl, G, gives PNPCoIIG, a nonplanar S = 3/2 species. Reaction with PhCH2Cl or with 0.5 mol I2 gives PNPCoX (X = Cl or I, respectively), but additional I2, seeking CoIII, gives instead oxidation at phosphorus: (tBu2P(I)CH2SiMe2NSiMe2CH2PtBu2)CoI2. Hydrogen-atom transfer reagents fail to give PNPCoH, but H2 gives instead PNPCo(H)2, a result rationalized thermodynamically based on DFT calculations. Multiple equiv of PhSiH3 give a product of Co(V), where N/SiPh and P/Si bonds have formed. N2CH(SiMe3) gives a 1:1 adduct of PNPCo, whose metric parameters suggest partial oxidation above CoI; N2CHPh gives a 1:1 adduct but with very different spectroscopic features. PhN3 reacts fast, via several intermediates detected below 0 degrees C, to finally release N2 and form a CoI product where one phosphorus has been oxidized, PN(P=NPh)Co. Whereas PNPCo(N3) resists loss of N2 on heating, one electron oxidation gives a rapid loss of N2, and the remaining nitride nitrogen is quickly incorporated into the chelate ligand, giving [tBu2PCH2SiMe2NSiMe2NP(tBu2)=CH2Co]. O2 or PhI=O generally gives products where one or both phosphorus centers are converted to its oxide, bonded to cobalt.     

Lithiation of (tBuNH)3PNSiMe3 and formation of tetraimidophosphate complexes containing M3O3 rings (M = Li, K): X-ray structure of the stable radical [(Me3SiN)P(mu3-N(t)Bu)3[mu3-Li(THF)]3(OtBu))

The reaction of ((t)BuNH)(3)PNSiMe(3) (1) with 1 equiv of (n)BuLi results in the formation of Li[P(NH(t)Bu)(2)(N(t)Bu)(NSiMe(3))] (2); treatment of 2 with a second equivalent of (n)BuLi produces the dilithium salt Li(2)[P(NH(t)Bu)(N(t)Bu)(2)(NSiMe(3))] (3). Similarly, the reaction of 1 and (n)BuLi in a 1:3 stoichiometry produces the trilithiated species Li(3)[P(N(t)Bu)(3)(NSiMe(3))] (4). These three complexes represent imido analogues of dihydrogen phosphate [H(2)PO(4)](-), hydrogen phosphate [HPO(4)](2)(-), and orthophosphate [PO(4)](3)(-), respectively. Reaction of 4 with alkali metal alkoxides MOR (M = Li, R = SiMe(3); M = K, R = (t)Bu) generates the imido-alkoxy complexes [Li(3)[P(N(t)Bu)(3)(NSiMe(3))](MOR)(3)] (8, M = Li; 9, M = K). These compounds were characterized by multinuclear ((1)H, (7)Li, (13)C, and (31)P) NMR spectroscopy and, in the cases of 2, 8, and 9.3THF, by X-ray crystallography. In the solid state, 2 exists as a dimer with Li-N contacts serving to link the two Li[P(NH(t)Bu)(2)(N(t)Bu)(NSiMe(3))] units. The monomeric compounds 8 and 9.3THF consist of a rare M(3)O(3) ring coordinated to the (LiN)(3) unit of 4. The unexpected formation of the stable radical [(Me(3)SiN)P(mu(3)-N(t)Bu)(3)[mu(3)-Li(THF)](3)(O(t)Bu)] (10) is also reported. X-ray crystallography indicated that 10 has a distorted cubic structure consisting of the radical dianion [P(N(t)Bu)(3)(NSiMe(3))](.2)(-), two lithium cations, and a molecule of LiO(t)Bu in the solid state. In dilute THF solution, the cube is disrupted to give the radical monoanion [(Me(3)SiN)((t)BuN)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)Li(THF)(2)](.-), which was identified by EPR spectroscopy.     

Nitrogen-ligated iron complexes: photolytic approach to the FeN+ moiety

The synthesis of (PNP)FeCl, (PNP)Fe[NH(xylyl)], and (PNP)FeN3 are reported(PNP = (tBu2PCH2SiMe2)2N-). While the azide is thermally stable, it is photosensitive to lose N2 and form [(PNPN)Fe]2,in which the nitride ligand has formed a double bond to one phosphorus, and this N bridges to a second iron to form a 2-fold symmetric dimer. The reaction energy to form the (undetected) monomeric [eta3- tBu2PCH2SiMe2NSiMe2CH2PtBu2N]Fe is -15.9 kcal/mol, so this PIII --> PV oxidation is favorable. The eta2 version of this same species is less stable by 23.7 kcal/mol, which shows that the loss of one P--> Fe bond is caused by dimerization, and therefore, it does not precede and cause dimerization. A comparison is made to Ru analogs.     

Aggregation of [(tBu3SiS)MX]: structures of {[Br2Fe(mu-SSitBu3)2)FeBr(THF)]Na(THF)4}infinity, cis-[(THF)FeI]2(mu-SSitBu3)2, [(tBu3SiS)Fe]2(mu-SSitBu3)2, and comparative structure and magnetism studies of [(tBu3SiS)MX]n (M = Fe, Co, X = Cl, n = 12; M = Fe, Ni, X = Br, n = 12; M = Fe, X = I, n = 14)

A convenient synthesis of (t)Bu(3)SiSH and (t)Bu(3)SiSNa(THF)(x)() led to the exploration of "(t)Bu(3)SiSMX" aggregation. The dimer, [((t)Bu(3)SiS)Fe](2)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))(2) (1(2)), was formed from [{(Me(3)Si)(2)N}Fe](2)(mu-N(SiMe(3))(2))(2) and the thiol, and its dissolution in THF generated ((t)Bu(3)SiS)(2)Fe(THF)(2) (1-(THF)(2)). Metathetical procedures with the thiolate yielded aggregate precursors [X(2)Fe](mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))(2)[FeX(THF)]Na(THF)(4) (3-X, X = Cl, Br) and cis-[(THF)IFe](2)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))(2) (4). Thermal desolvations of 3-Cl, 3-Br and 4 afforded molecular wheels [Fe(mu-X)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))](12)(C(6)H(6))(n) (5-FeX, X = Cl, Br) and the ellipse [Fe(mu-I)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))](14)(C(6)H(6))(n) (6-FeI). Related metathesis and desolvation sequences led to wheels [Co(mu-Cl)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))](12)(C(6)H(6))(n) (5-CoCl) and [Ni(mu-Br)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))](12)(C(6)H(6))(n) (5-NiBr). The nickel wheel disproportionated to give, in part, [((t)Bu(3)SiS)Ni](2)(mu-SSi(t)Bu(3))(2) (7), which was also synthesized via salt metathesis. X-ray structural studies of 1(2) revealed a roughly planar Fe(2)S(4) core, while 1-(THF)(2), 3-Br, and 4 possessed simple distorted tetrahedral and edge-shared tetrahedral structures. X-ray structural studies revealed 5-MX (MX = FeCl, FeBr, CoCl, NiBr) to be wheels based on edge-shared tetrahedra, but while the pseudo-D(6)(d) wheels of 5-FeCl, 5-CoCl, and 5-FeBr pack in a body-centered arrangement, those of pseudo-C(6)(v)() 5-NiBr exhibit hexagonal packing and two distinct trans-annular d(Br...Br). Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements were conducted on 5-FeCl, 5-CoCl, 5-FeBr, and 6-FeI, and the latter three are best construed as weakly antiferromagnetic, while 5-FeCl exhibited modest ferromagnetic coupling. Features suggesting molecular magnetism are most likely affiliated with phase changes at low temperatures.     

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.