Mononuclear hydridocarbonyl ruthenium complexes incorporating N2O2 bis-chelating ligands

The reactions of [RuH(CO)Cl(PPh₃)₃] with N,N^′-bis(salicylidine)-hydrazine (H₂bsh) and N,N^′-bis(salicylidine)-p-phenylene diammine (H₂bsp) in presence of KOH in methanol led in the formation of neutral mononuclear complexes with the formulations [RuH(CO)(PPh₃)₂(L)] (LHbsh or Hbsp). These present the first examples where the ligands H₂bsh or H₂bsp provide only two of its available donor sites for interaction with the metal centre. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, FAB-MS, IR, ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P NMR and electronic spectral studies. Molecular structure of the representative complex [RuH(CO)(PPh₃)₂(Hbsh)] have been determined by single crystal X-ray analysis.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of manganese(II) complexes with high-denticity ligands derived from azacrowns

The hepta- and octa-dentate ligands N,N′-bis(2-aminobenzyl)-1,10-diaza-15-crown-5 (L¹) and N,N′-bis(2-aminobenzyl)-1,10-diaza-18-crown-6 (L²), respectively, form stable mononuclear Mn(II) complexes. Spectrophotometric titrations performed in acetonitrile solution indicate the formation of mononuclear Mn(II) complexes with both ligands, and no evidence for the formation of binuclear complexes was obtained. The optimal architecture of L¹ allows it to impose the less usual pentagonal bipyramidal geometry on the Mn(II) guest, and the X-ray crystal structure of [Mn(L¹)](ClO₄)₂ shows that the Mn(II) ion is deeply buried in the receptor cavity, coordinated to the seven available donor atoms, with the perchlorate anions remaining outside the metal coordination sphere. In spite of its higher denticity, the receptor L² is unable to form the expected binuclear complexes. The X-ray crystal structure of [Mn(L²)](NO₃)₂ consists of the [Mn(L²)]²⁺ cation and nitrate anions involved in hydrogen-bonding interactions with the aniline groups. In [Mn(L²)]²⁺ the metal ion is also placed in the crown hole, but as a result of the large size of the macrocyclic cavity only six of the eight available donor atoms of the receptor form part of the Mn(II) coordination sphere, with the Mn(II) ion found in a distorted octahedral coordination environment.     

A correlation study of bisphosphine ligand bite angles with enantioselectivity in Pd-catalyzed asymmetric transformations

Among the bisphosphine ligands, we have previously developed C_n-TunePhos (n = 1-6) as a family of ligands with tunable bite angles. The increase in spacer -CH₂- groups in this family of ligands causes changes in ligand dihedral angle, which in turn causes P-Pd-P bite angle variation. Pd-catalyzed asymmetric alkylations and cycloadditions have been tested with C_n-TunePhos ligands. This study aims at a possible correlation between ligand bite angles with enantioselectivity of the Pd-catalyzed asymmetric products.     

X-ray structure and spectroscopic characterization of doubly-bridged binuclear copper(II) complexes in symmetric and asymmetric coordination environments

μ-1,3-Acetamide or acetate bridged, symmetric and asymmetric dicopper(II) complexes viz [Cu₂(P1-O⁻)(NHAc⁻)](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Cu₂(P2-O⁻)(OAc⁻)](ClO₄)₂ (2) and [Cu₂(P2′-O⁻)(OAc⁻)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂ (3) were synthesized by employing classic dinucleating ligands; P1-OH, P2-OH (symmetric), and P2′-OH (asymmetric) having trivial differences in their ligand frame work. Solid state structures of these complexes were determined by X-ray crystallography. In solution, they were also characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, which includes ESI-MS, FT-IR, optical, solution magnetic moment, paramagnetic ¹H NMR and EPR. The solution magnetic moment of these complexes at room temperature suggests a weak magnetic interaction between the two Cu(II) centers.     

Preparation, characterization and structure of ruthenium phosphine complexes containing non-innocent ligands

Phosphine ruthenate complexes containing the non-innocent ligands 4-chloro-1,2-phenylenediamine (opda-Cl) and 3,3′,4,4′-tetraamminebiphenyl (diopda) were synthesized and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, electrochemistry, ³¹P{¹H} NMR and electronic spectroscopies. Crystals of cis-[RuCl₂(dppb)(bqdi-Cl)] complex were isolated as a mixture of two conformational isomers due to different positions of the chlorine atoms of the o-phenylene ligand in relation to the P1 atom of the phosphine moiety.     

Synthesis and characterization of new Rh complexes bearing CO, PPh3 and chelating P,O- or Se,Se-ligands: Application to hydroformylation of styrene

The complexes [Rh(CO)(PPh₃){Ph₂PNP(O)Ph₂-P,O}] (3), [Rh(CO)₂{Ph₂P(Se)NP(Se)Ph₂-Se,Se′}] (5), and [Rh(CO)(PPh₃){Ph₂P(Se)NP(Se)Ph₂-Se,Se′}] (6), were synthesised by stepwise reactions of CO and PPh₃ with [Rh(cod){Ph₂PNP(O)Ph₂-P,O}] (2) and [Rh(cod){Ph₂P(Se)NP(Se)Ph₂-Se,Se′}] (4), respectively. The complexes 3, 5 and 6 have been studied by IR, as well as ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. The ν(CO) bands of complexes 3 and 6 appear at approximately 1960 cm⁻¹, indicating high electron density at the Rh^I centre. The structure of complexes 3 and 6 has been determined by X-ray crystallography, and the ³¹P NMR chemical shifts have been resolved via low temperature NMR experiments. Both complexes exhibit square planar geometry around the metal centre, with the five-membered ring of complex 3 being almost planar, and the six-membered ring of complex 6 adopting a slightly distorted boat conformation. The C-O bond of the carbonyl ligand is relatively weak in both complexes, due to strong π-back donation from the electron rich Rh^I centre. The catalytic activity of the complexes 2, 3 and 6 in the hydroformylation of styrene has been investigated. Complexes 2 and 3 showed satisfactory catalytic properties, whereas complex 6 had effectively no catalytic activity.     

Spectroscopic and structural characterization of O,O′-(diphenylphosphineoxide)amidate and acetylacetonate complexes of pentacoordinate nickel(II)

Heteroleptic nickel pentacoordinate complexes with the macrocyclic ligands 2,4,4-trimethyl-1,5,9-triazacyclododec-1-ene (Me₃-mcN₃) or its 9-methyl derivative (Me₄-mcN₃), as ancillary ligands, and O,O′-(diphenylphosphineoxide)amidate ligands, [RC(O)NP(O)Ph₂]^¯ (R = C₆H₆ (1), C₅H₄N (2), C₄H₃S (3)), have been prepared as well as related acetylacetonate derivatives. The complexes have been studied by spectroscopic methods (IR, UV-Vis and ¹H NMR). In acetone solution, the complexes exhibit isotropically shifted ¹H NMR resonances. The full assignment of these resonances has been achieved using one- and two-dimensional ¹H NMR techniques. The single-crystal structures of {(Me₄-mcN₃)Ni[OP(Ph₂)NC(Tf)O]}[PF₆] (9) and {(Me₃-mcN₃)Ni(acac)}[PF₆] (10) have been established by X-ray diffraction.     

3,3-Bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)propionic acid: A tripodal N,N,O ligand for manganese and rhenium complexes - Syntheses and structures

The tripodal N,N,O ligands 3,3-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)propionic acid (Hbdmpzp) (1) and 3,3-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)propionic acid (Hbpzp) (2) form the “missing link” between the well-known bis(pyrazol-1-yl)acetic acids and related ligands with a longer “carboxylate arm”. To illustrate the reactivity of this ligand, manganese and rhenium complexes bearing the ligand bdmpzp are reported. The complexes are compared to related compounds bearing other tripod ligands such as bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate (bdmpza) and 3,3-bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)propionate (bmip). Spectroscopic and structural data are used as a basis for comparison, as well as DFT calculations. Both ligands 1 and 2 and the complexes fac-[Mn(bdmpzp)(CO)₃] (3) and fac-[Re(bdmpzp)(CO)₃] (4) were characterised by X-ray crystallography.     

Half-sandwich para-cymene ruthenium(II) naphthylazophenolato complexes: Synthesis,molecular structure,light emission,redox behavior and catalytic oxidation properties

A series of conformationally rigid half-sandwich organoruthenium(II) complexes with the general formula [(η⁶-p-cymene)RuCl(L)] (where L = mono anionic 2-(naphthylazo)phenolato ligands) have been synthesized from the reaction of [{(η⁶-p-cymene)RuCl}₂(μ-Cl)₂] with a set of 2-(naphthylazo)phenolato O,N-donor ligands. All the ruthenium complexes were fully characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis. In dichloromethane solution all the metal complexes exhibits characteristic metal-to-ligand charge transfer bands (MLCT) and emission bands in the visible region. The molecular structure of one of the complexes [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(Cl)(L2)] (2) was determined by X-ray crystallography. Electrochemical data of all the ruthenium complexes show a two metal centered voltammetric responses with respect to Ag/AgCl at scan rate 100 mV s⁻¹. Further, the complex (2) efficiently catalyzes the oxidation of a wide range of alcohols to their corresponding carbonyl compounds in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMO) up to 97%.     

Synthesis of rhodium N-heterocyclic carbene complexes and their catalytic activity in the hydrosilylation of alkenes in ionic liquid medium

Rhodium complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands were prepared from bis(η⁴-1,5-cyclooctadiene) dichlorodirhodium and 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium-2-carboxylate, and the catalytic properties of rhodium complexes prepared in the hydrosilylation of alkenes in ionic liquid media were investigated. It was found that both the catalytic activity and selectivity of the rhodium complexes bearing NHC ligands were influenced by the attached substituents of the imidazolium cation. Additionally, rhodium complexes bearing NHC ligands in ionic liquid BMimPF₆ could be reused without noticeable loss of catalytic activity and selectivity.     

Rhodium(I) complexes with κP coordinated ω-phosphinofunctionalized alkyl phenyl sulfide, sulfoxide and sulfone ligands and their reactions with sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide and Ag[BF4]

Reactions of ω-diphenylphosphinofunctionalized alkyl phenyl sulfides Ph₂P(CH₂)_nSPh (n = 1, 1a; 2, 2a; 3, 3a), sulfoxides Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)Ph (n = 1, 1b; 2, 2b; 3, 3b) and sulfones Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)₂Ph (n = 1, 1c; 2, 2c; 3, 3c) with dinuclear chlorido bridged rhodium(I) complexes [(RhL₂)₂(μ-Cl)₂] (L₂ = cycloocta-1.5-diene, cod, 4; bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, dppe, 5) afforded mononuclear Rh(I) complexes of the type [RhCl{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)_xPh-κP}(cod)]¹ (n/x = 1/0, 6a; 1/1, 6b; 1/2, 6c; 2/0, 8a; 2/1, 8b; 2/2, 8c; 3/0, 10a; 3/1, 10b; 3/2, 10c) and [RhCl{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)_xPh-κP}(dppe)] (n/x = 1/0, 7a; 1/1, 7b; 1/2, 7c; 2/0, 9a; 2/1, 9b; 2/2, 9c; 3/0, 11a; 3/1, 11b; 3/2, 11c) having the P^S(O)_x ligands κP coordinated. Addition of Ag[BF₄] to complexes 6-11 in CH₂Cl₂ led with precipitation of AgCl to cationic rhodium complexes of the type [Rh{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)_xPh-κP,κS/O}L₂][BF₄] having bound the P^S(O)_x ligands bidentately in a κP,κS (13a-18a, 15b-18b) or a κP,κO (13b, 14b, 13c-18c) coordination mode. Unexpectedly, the addition of Ag[BF₄] to 6a in THF afforded the trinuclear cationic rhodium(I) complex [Rh₃(μ-Cl)(μ-Ph₂PCH₂SPh-κP:κS)₄][BF₄]₂·4THF (12·4THF) with a four-membered Rh₃Cl ring as basic framework. Addition of sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide to complexes 6-11 led to a selective deprotonation of the carbon atom neighbored to the S(O)_x group (α-C) yielding three different types of organorhodium complexes: a) Organorhodium intramolecular coordination compounds of the type [Rh{CH{S(O)_xPh}CH₂CH₂PPh₂-κC,κP}L₂] (22a-c, 23a-c), b) zwitterionic complexes [Rh{Ph₂PCHS(O)_xPh-κP,κS/O}L₂] having κP,κS (21a, 21b) and κP,κO (20b/c, 21c) coordinated anionic [Ph₂PCHS(O)_xPh] ligands, and c) the dinuclear rhodium(I) complex [{Rh{μ-CH(SPh)PPh₂-κC:κP}(cod)}₂] (19). All complexes were fully characterized spectroscopically and complexes 15b, 15c, 12·4THF and 19·THF additionally by X-ray diffraction analysis. DFT calculations of zwitterionic complexes gave insight into the coordination mode of the [Ph₂PCHS(O)Ph] ligand (κP,κS versus κP,κO).     

Asymmetric epoxidation of cis-1-propenylphosphonic acid (CPPA) catalyzed by chiral tungsten(VI) and molybdenum(VI) complexes

In the presence of 5.0 mol% chiral tungsten(VI) and molybdenum(VI) complexes, the catalytic asymmetric epoxidation of cis-1-propenylphosphonic acid (CPPA) with 30% aqueous H₂O₂ affording (1R,2S)-(−)-(1, 2)-epoxypropyl phosphonic acid (fosfomycin) was first described. The enantioselectivities of the tungsten and molybdenum catalysts depend strongly on the ligands, reaction temperature and solvent. In CH₂Cl₂ at 0 °C for 72 h, complex MoO₂[(+)-campy]₂ catalyzed the asymmetric epoxidation in a 100% conversion of CPPA with the highest 80% ee. The mechanism of the present epoxidation could be described as direct oxygen transfer occurred on the interface of the biphasic H₂O-nonprotic system.     

Coordination of N-methylpyrrolidone to iron(II)

The use of NMP (N-methylpyrrolidone) as a cosolvent has been shown to improve the yield of iron-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, but surprisingly there are no iron complexes of NMP in the literature. This paper reports two novel NMP complexes of iron(II): Fe₃Cl₆(NMP)₈ and L^tBuFe(NMP)Cl (L^tBu = bulky β-diketiminate ligand). The X-ray crystal structure of Fe₃Cl₆(NMP)₈ shows an octahedral cation and two tetrahedral FeCl₃(NMP)⁻ anions. ¹H NMR spectra show that the NMP ligands are labile, exchanging rapidly on the NMR time scale. The β-diketiminate complex has a trigonal pyramidal geometry with the NMP in an axial position. The use of NMP improves the yield of the catalytic cross-coupling of methyl 4-chlorobenzoate and 1-hexylmagnesium bromide using these and other iron complexes as precatalysts.     

Redox-active antifungal cobalt(II) and copper(II) complexes with sterically hindered o-aminophenol derivatives

Co(II) complexes with 4,6-di(tert-butyl)-2-aminophenol (HL^I) and 2-anilino-4,6-di(tert-butyl)phenol (HL^II) have been synthesized and characterized by means of physico-chemical methods. The compounds HL^I and HL^II coordinate in their singly deprotonated forms and behave as bidentate O,N-coordinated ligands; their low-spin Co(II) complexes are characterized by CoN₂O₂ coordination modes and square planar geometry. Both the free ligands and their Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes (we have produced and characterized the latter before) exhibit a pronounced antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp., Mucor spp., Penicillium lividum, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Monilia spp., which in a number of cases is comparable with that of Nystatin and Terbinafine or even higher. The reducing properties of the ligands and their metal(II) complexes, as well as their antifungal activities, were found to decrease in the order: Cu(L^I)₂ > Cu(L^II)₂ ? Co(L^I)₂ > Co(L^II)₂ > HL^I > HL^II.     

Redox-active metal(II) complexes of sterically hindered phenolic ligands: Antibacterial activity and reduction of cytochrome c

The synthesis and physico-chemical characterization of Fe(II) and Mn(II) complexes of 4,6-di-tert-butyl-3[(2-hydroxyethyl)sulphanyl]-1,2-dihydroxybenzene (HL^I) and 2-amino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol (HL^II) were carried out. Antibacterial activity of the Co(II), Fe(II) and Mn(II) complexes was evaluated in comparison with Cu(II) complexes and three common antibiotics; it was found to follow the order: (1) Сu(L^I)₂ > Сo(L^I)₂ > Fe(L^I)₂ ? Mn(L^I)₂ > HL^I; (2) Сu(L^II)₂ > Сo(L^II)₂ > HL^II > Fe(L^II)₂ ? Mn(L^II)₂; and their reducing ability (determined electrochemically) followed the same order. Spectrophotometric investigation was carried out in order to estimate the rate of the reduction of bovine heart сytochrome c with the ligands and their metal(II) complexes. NADPH:cytochrome P450-reductase was found to increase the rate of сytochrome c reduction with HL^I and HL^II ligands, while adrenodoxin in couple with NAD(P)H: adrenodoxin reductase had no substantial effect thereon. It was shown that the reduction of сytochrome c with these compounds cannot be related solely to the facility of their oxidation оr ionization.     

N-(Pyridin-2-yl)picolinamide tetranickel clusters: Synthesis,structure and ethylene oligomerization

A series of N-(pyridin-2-yl)picolinamide derivatives was synthesized and characterized. Tetranickel complexes were obtained by stoichiometric reaction of NiBr₂ and corresponding ligands, and characterized by elemental and spectroscopic analysis. Moreover, the coordination pattern of complex 3a was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the structure, two ligands linked two nickel atoms to form a unit, and two units were bridged via μ₃-OMe and μ₂-Br to form a tetranickel cluster. These Ni(II) complexes were investigated in ethylene oligomerization and found to exhibit remarkable catalytic activities upon activation with MAO. Reaction conditions as well as ligand environment significantly affected the catalytic performance of the nickel complexes; the highest activity could be achieved to be 2.7 × 10⁶ g mol⁻¹ Ni h⁻¹.     

Olefin insertion in Pd-acyl complexes modified with 1,4-Cs-symmetrical diphosphine ligands

The insertion of ethene and propene was investigated in palladium(II) acyl complexes of the type [PdC(O)CH₃(P^∧P′)(CH₃CN)](OTf) modified with the C_s-symmetric diphosphines 2-4 and the parent ligand 1, described by C_2v-symmetry and taken as a reference.Ethene insertion was investigated for acyl complexes containing the ligands 2 and 3. Two insertion products formed in a ratio of approximately 1:1 for both systems, irrespective of the electronic properties of the ligands.Propene as an α-olefin can insert according to a 1,2- or 2,1-insertion mode into a palladium acyl bond, arising regioselectivity issues. Moreover, due to the C_s-symmetry of the ligands, two stereoisomers can result upon insertion, as the alkyl group of the formed five-membered metallacycle can be cis or trans to each non-equivalent moiety. Propene insertion was indeed neither stereo- nor regioselective in the cases of 3 and 4, in which the products arising from both 1,2- and 2,1-insertion were observed. 2 displayed total control of stereo- and regioselectivity, with the formation of one primary insertion product. Similar regioselectivity was observed for the reference ligand 1. The regioisomeric distribution was different from equimolar for propene insertion, where the ratio of the products might be controlled by a combination of steric and electronic factors.     

γ-Selective allylic substitution reaction with Grignard reagents catalyzed by copper N-heterocyclic carbene complexes and its application to enantioselective synthesis

The reaction of allylic compounds with alkyl Grignard reagents in the presence of a catalytic amount of copper N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes proceeded predominantly in an S_N2′ reaction pathway to give γ-substituted product in excellent yield. The method was applied to asymmetric reaction by using optically active NHC ligands.     

Complexes derived from the copper(II)/succinamic acid/N,N′,N″-chelate tertiary reaction systems: Synthesis,structural and spectroscopic studies

The use of succinamic acid (H₂sucm) in Cu^II/N,N′,N″-donor [2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (terpy), 2,6-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (dmbppy)] reaction mixtures yielded compounds [Cu(Hsucm)(terpy)]_n(ClO₄)_n (1), [Cu(Hsucm)(terpy)(MeOH)](ClO₄) (2), [Cu₂(Hsucm)₂(terpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ (3), [Cu(ClO₄)₂(terpy)(MeOH)] (4), [Cu(Hsucm)(dmbppy)]_n(NO₃)_n·3nH₂O (5^.3nH₂O), and [CuCl₂(dmbppy)]·H₂O (6·H₂O). The succinamate(−1) ligand exists in four different coordination modes in the structures of 1–3 and 5, i.e., the μ₂-κO:κO′:κO″ in 1 and 5 which involves asymmetric chelating coordination of the carboxylato group and ligation of the amide O-atom leading to 1D coordination polymers, the μ₂-κ²O:κO′ in 3 which involves asymmetric chelating and bridging coordination of the carboxylato group, and the asymmetric chelating mode in 2. The primary amide group, either coordinated in 1 and 5, or uncoordinated in 2 and 3, participate in hydrogen bonding interactions, leading to interesting crystal structures. Characteristic IR bands of the complexes are discussed in terms of the known structures and the coordination modes of the Hsucm⁻ ligands. The thermal decomposition of complex 5·3nH₂O was monitored by TG/DTG and DTA measurements.     

Imidazole-based bifunctional chelates for the “fac-[Re(CO)3]” core

Three monocationic rhenium(I) complexes of the type [Re(CO)₃(L)]Br, containing the bis-imidazole tridentate ligands bis-(2-(1-methylimidazolyl)methyl)amine (L¹), bis-(2-(1-methylimidazolyl)methyl)aminoethanol (L²) and bis-(2-(benzimidazolyl)ethyl)sulfide (L³), were prepared and characterized by ¹H NMR and IR spectroscopy. The complex salt [Re(CO)₃(L²)]Br (2) was also characterized by X-ray crystallography. The structure consists of discrete monocationic monomers with a fac-[Re(CO)₃]⁺ coordination unit, and the remaining three sites are occupied by one amine and two imidazolyl nitrogen donor atoms.