Insertion Reactions of 1,2‐Disubstituted Olefins with an α‐Diimine Palladium(II) Complex

The migratory insertions of cis or trans olefins CH(X)?CH(Me) (X = Ph, Br, or Et) into the metal–acyl bond of the complex [Pd(Me)(CO)(ⁱPr₂dab)]⁺ [B{3,5‐(CF₃)₂C₆H₃}₄]^? ( 1 ) (ⁱPr₂dab = 1,4‐diisopropyl‐1,4‐diazabuta‐1,3‐diene = N,N′‐(ethane‐1,2‐diylidene)bis[1‐methylethanamine]) are described (Scheme 1). The resulting five‐membered palladacycles were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray analysis. Experimental data reveal some important aspects concerning the regio‐ and stereochemistry of the insertion process. In particular, the presence of a Ph or Br substituent at the alkene leads to the formation of highly regiospecific products. Moreover, in all cases, the geometry of the substituents in the formed palladacycle was the same as in the starting olefin, as a consequence of a cis addition of the Pd–acyl fragment to the C?C bond. Reaction with CO and MeOH of the five‐membered complex derived from trans‐β‐methylstyrene (= [(1E)‐prop‐1‐enyl]benzene) insertion, yielded the 2,3‐substituted γ‐keto ester 9 with an (2RS,3SR)‐configuration (Scheme 3).     

Transition‐Metal‐Mediated Cleavage of a SiSi Double Bond

Reaction of carbene‐stabilized disilicon ( 1 ) with Fe(CO)₅ gives the 1:1 adduct L:Si?Si[Fe(CO)₄]:L (L:=C{N(2,6‐Prⁱ₂C₆H₃)CH}₂) ( 2 ) at room temperature. At raised temperature, however, 2 may react with another equivalent of Fe(CO)₅ to give L:Si[μ‐Fe₂(CO)₆](μ‐CO)Si:L ( 3 ) through insertion of both CO and Fe₂(CO)₆ into the Si₂ core, which represents the first experimental realization of transition metal‐carbonyl‐mediated cleavage of a Si?Si double bond. The structures and bonding of both 2 and 3 have been investigated by spectroscopic, crystallographic, and computational methods.     

Transition‐Metal‐Mediated Cleavage of Fluoro‐Silanes under Mild Conditions

Si?F bond cleavage of fluoro‐silanes was achieved by transition‐metal complexes under mild and neutral conditions. The Iridium‐hydride complex [Ir(H)(CO)(PPh₃)₃] was found to readily break the Si?F bond of the diphosphine‐ difluorosilane {(o‐Ph₂P)C₆H₄}₂Si(F)₂ to afford a silyl complex [{[o‐(iPh₂P)C₆H₄]₂(F)Si}Ir(CO)(PPh₃)] and HF. Density functional theory calculations disclose a reaction mechanism in which a hypervalent silicon species with a dative Ir→Si interaction plays a crucial role. The Ir→Si interaction changes the character of the H on the Ir from hydridic to protic, and makes the F on Si more anionic, leading to the formation of H^δ+???F^δ? interaction. Then the Si?F and Ir?H bonds are readily broken to afford the silyl complex and HF through σ‐bond metathesis. Furthermore, the analogous rhodium complex [Rh(H)(CO)(PPh₃)₃] was found to promote the cleavage of the Si?F bond of the triphosphine‐monofluorosilane {(o‐Ph₂P)C₆H₄}₃Si(F) even at ambient temperature.     

Effect of chelating agent on the oxidation rate of PCP in the magnetite/H2O2 system at neutral pH

The complex [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ reacts with two molar equivalent of pyridine carboxylic acids ligands Py-2-COOH(a), Py-3-COOH(b) and Py-4-COOH(c) to yield rhodium(I) dicarbonyl chelate complex [Rh(CO)₂(L^/)](1a) {L^/ = η²-(N,O) coordinated Py-2-COO⁻(a^/)} and non-chelate complexes [Rh(CO)₂ClL^//](1b,c) {L^// = η¹-(N) coordinated Py-3-COOH(b), Py-4-COOH(c)}. The complexes 1 undergo oxidative addition (OA) reactions with different electrophiles such as CH₃I, C₂H₅I, C₆H₅CH₂Cl and I₂ to give penta coordinated Rh(III) complexes of the types [Rh(CO)(CORⁿ)XL^/], {n = 1,2,3; R¹ = CH₃(2a); R² = C₂H₅(3a); X = I and R³ = CH₂C₆H₅ (4a); X = Cl}, [Rh(CO)I₂L^/](5a), [Rh(CO)(CORⁿ)ClXL^//] {R¹ = CH₃(6b,c); R² = C₂H₅(7b,c); X = I and R³ = CH₂C₆H₅ (8b,c); X = Cl} and [Rh(CO)ClI₂L^//](9b,c). The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Kinetic data for the reaction of 1a–b with CH₃I indicate a first order reaction. The catalytic activity of 1a–c for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid and its ester is evaluated and a higher turn over number (TON = 810–1094) is obtained compared with that of the well-known commercial species [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ (TON = 653) at mild reaction conditions (temperature 130 ± 5 °C, pressure 35 ± 5 bar).     

Fluoroalkyl Radical Generation by Homolytic Bond Dissociation in Pentacarbonylmanganese Derivatives

Thermal decarbonylation of the acyl compounds [Mn(CO)₅(COR_F)] (R_F=CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂CF₃, CF₂CH₃) yielded the corresponding alkyl derivatives [Mn(CO)₅(R_F)], some of which have not been previously reported. The compounds were fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods and by several single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The solution-phase IR characterization in the CO stretching region, with the assistance of DFT calculations, has allowed the assignment of several weak bands to vibrations of the [Mn(¹²CO)₄(eq-¹³CO)(R_F)] and [Mn(¹²CO)₄(ax-¹³CO)(R_F)] isotopomers and a ranking of the R_F donor power in the order CF₃<CHF₂<CH₂CF₃≈CF₂CH₃. The homolytic Mn−R_F bond cleavage in [Mn(CO)₅(R_F)] at various temperatures under saturation conditions with trapping of the generated R_F radicals by excess tris(trimethylsilyl)silane yielded activation parameters ΔH^≠ and ΔS^≠ that are believed to represent close estimates of the homolytic bond dissociation thermodynamic parameters. These values are in close agreement with those calculated in a recent DFT study (J. Organomet. Chem. 2018 , 864, 12–18). The ability of these complexes to undergo homolytic Mn−R_F bond cleavage was further demonstrated by the observation that [Mn(CO)₅(CF₃)] (the compound with the strongest Mn−R_F bond) initiated the radical polymerization of vinylidene fluoride (CH₂=CF₂) to produce poly(vinylidene fluoride) in good yields by either thermal (100 °C) or photochemical (UV or visible light) activation.     

A Cobalt(I) Pincer Complex with an η2‐Caryl−H Agostic Bond: Facile C−H Bond Cleavage through Deprotonation,Radical Abstraction,and Oxidative Addition

The synthesis and reactivity of a Co^I pincer complex [Co(ϰ³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ featuring an η²‐ C_aryl−H agostic bond is described. This complex was obtained by protonation of the Co^I complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]. The Co^III hydride complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)₂(H)]⁺ was obtained upon protonation of [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)₂]. Three ways to cleave the agostic C−H bond are presented. First, owing to the acidity of the agostic proton, treatment with pyridine results in facile deprotonation (C−H bond cleavage) and reformation of [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]. Second, C−H bond cleavage is achieved upon exposure of [Co(ϰ³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ to oxygen or TEMPO to yield the paramagnetic Co^II PCP complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺. Finally, replacement of one CO ligand in [Co(ϰ³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ by CNtBu promotes the rapid oxidative addition of the agostic η²‐C_aryl−H bond to give two isomeric hydride complexes of the type [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)(CO)(H)]⁺.     

A Cobalt(I) Pincer Complex with an η2‐Caryl−H Agostic Bond: Facile C−H Bond Cleavage through Deprotonation,Radical Abstraction,and Oxidative Addition

The synthesis and reactivity of a Co^I pincer complex [Co(?³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ featuring an η²‐ C_aryl?H agostic bond is described. This complex was obtained by protonation of the Co^I complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]. The Co^III hydride complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)₂(H)]⁺ was obtained upon protonation of [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)₂]. Three ways to cleave the agostic C?H bond are presented. First, owing to the acidity of the agostic proton, treatment with pyridine results in facile deprotonation (C?H bond cleavage) and reformation of [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]. Second, C?H bond cleavage is achieved upon exposure of [Co(?³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ to oxygen or TEMPO to yield the paramagnetic Co^II PCP complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺. Finally, replacement of one CO ligand in [Co(?³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ by CNtBu promotes the rapid oxidative addition of the agostic η²‐C_aryl?H bond to give two isomeric hydride complexes of the type [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)(CO)(H)]⁺.     

Insight into the structures of [M(C5H4I)(CO)3] and [M2(C12H8)(CO)6] (M = Mn and Re) containing strong I...O and π(CO)–π(CO) interactions

The compounds tricarbonyl(η⁵‐1‐iodocyclopentadienyl)manganese(I), [Mn(C₅H₄I)(CO)₃], (I), and tricarbonyl(η⁵‐1‐iodocyclopentadienyl)rhenium(I), [Re(C₅H₄I)(CO)₃], (III), are isostructural and isomorphous. The compounds [μ‐1,2(η⁵)‐acetylenedicyclopentadienyl]bis[tricarbonylmanganese(I)] or bis(cymantrenyl)acetylene, [Mn₂(C₁₂H₈)(CO)₆], (II), and [μ‐1,2(η⁵)‐acetylenedicyclopentadienyl]bis[tricarbonylrhenium(I)], [Re₂(C₁₂H₈)(CO)₆], (IV), are isostructural and isomorphous, and their molecules display inversion symmetry about the mid‐point of the ligand C[triple‐bond]C bond, with the (CO)₃M(C₅H₄) (M = Mn and Re) moieties adopting a transoid conformation. The molecules in all four compounds form zigzag chains due to the formation of strong attractive I...O [in (I) and (III)] or π(CO)–π(CO) [in (I) and (IV)] interactions along the crystallographic b axis. The zigzag chains are bound to each other by weak intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds for (I) and (III), while for (II) and (IV) the chains are bound to each other by a combination of weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds and π(Csp²)–π(Csp²) stacking interactions between pairs of molecules. The π(CO)–π(CO) contacts in (II) and (IV) between carbonyl groups of neighboring molecules, forming pairwise interactions in a sheared antiparallel dimer motif, are encountered in only 35% of all carbonyl interactions for transition metal–carbonyl compounds.     

Kinetic Destabilization of Metal–Metal Single Bonds: Isolation of a Pentacoordinate Manganese(0) Monoradical

The 17e⁻ monoradical [Mn(CO)₅] is widely recognized as an unstable organometallic transient and is known to dimerize rapidly with the formation of a Mn Mn single bond. As a result of this instability, isolable analogues of [Mn(CO)₅] have remained elusive. Herein, we show that two sterically encumbering isocyanide ligands can destabilize the Mn Mn bond leading to the formation of the isolable, manganese(0) monoradical [Mn(CO)₃(CNAr^Dipp2)₂] (Ar^Dipp2=2,6‐(2,6‐(iPr)₂C₆H₃)₂C₆H₃). The persistence of [Mn(CO)₃(CNAr^Dipp2)₂] has allowed for new insights into nitrosoarene spin‐trapping studies of [Mn(CO)₅].     

Access to Stable Metalloradical Cations with Unsupported and Isomeric Metal–Metal Hemi‐Bonds

Metalloradical species [Co₂Fv(CO)₄]^.+ ( 1 ^.+, Fv=fulvalenediyl) and [Co₂Cp₂(CO)₄]^.+ ( 2 ^.+, Cp=η⁵‐C₅H₅), formed by one‐electron oxidations of piano‐stool cobalt carbonyl complexes, can be stabilized with weakly coordinating polyfluoroaluminate anions in the solid state. They feature a supported and an unsupported (i.e. unbridged) cobalt–cobalt three‐electron σ bond, respectively, each with a formal bond order of 0.5 (hemi‐bond). When Cp is replaced by bulkier Cp* (Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅), an interchange between an unsupported radical [Co₂Cp*₂(CO)₄]^.+ (anti‐ 3 ^.+) and a supported radical [Co₂Cp*₂(μ‐CO)₂(CO)₂]^.+ (trans‐ 3 ^.+) is observed in solution, which cocrystallize and exist in the crystal phase. 2 ^.+ and anti‐ 3 ^.+ are the first stable thus isolable examples that feature an unsupported metal–metal hemi‐bond, and the coexistence of anti‐ 3 ^.+ and trans‐ 3 ^.+ in one crystal is unprecedented in the field of dinuclear metalloradical chemistry. The work suggests that more stable metalloradicals of metal–metal hemi‐bonds may be accessible by using metal carbonyls together with large and weakly coordinating polyfluoroaluminate anions.     

Ru and Sm catalyzed polyaddition of dialdehydes to give polyesters. Application of Tishchenko type reactions to polymer synthesis

RuH₂(PPh₃)₄ catalyzed Tishchenko type polyaddition of terephthal-aldehyde gives aromatic polyester ( 1 ), which contains three structural units, [OCH₂ C₆H₄ CH₂O] ( 1a ), [OCH₂ C₆H₄ CO] ( 1b ), and [CO C₆H₄ CO] ( 1c ). ¹H-NMR spectrum shows the presence of the three units in a 1 : 2 : 1 ratio. Isophthalaldehyde also undergoes similar polyaddition to give another aromatic polyester ( 2 ), while 1,12-dodecanedial gives an aliphatic polyester ( 3 ) containing the following structural units: [OCH₂ (CH₂)₁₀ CH₂O] ( 3a ), [OCH₂ (CH₂)₁₀ CO] ( 3b ), and [CO (CH₂)₁₀ CO] ( 3c ). The above polymers have M_n of 2.7 × 10³−5.4 × 10³ and M_w of 4.3 × 10³ − 9.7 × 10³, respectively. Mixtures of terephthalaldehyde and 1,12-dodecanedial produce copolymers, which contain the units 1a–1c and 3a–3c in a random sequence. In the copolymerization, terephthalaldehyde shows a strong tendency to give 1c units, whereas 1,12-dodecanedial predominantly affords 3a units. SmI₂ also catalyzes polyaddition of terephthalaldehyde to give the corresponding polyester with M_n of 1.7 × 10³ and M_w of 3.7 × 10³, respectively. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 1265–1273, 1997     

Synthese und dynamisches Verhalten von [Rh2(μ-H)3H2(PiPr3)4]+. Beiträge zur Reaktivität des Tetrahydridodirhodium-Komplexes [Rh2H4(PiPr3)4]

Synthesis and Dynamic Behaviour of [Rh₂(μ-H)₃H₂(PiPr₃)₄]⁺. Contributions to the Reactivity of the Tetrahydridodirhodium Complex [Rh₂H₄(PiPr₃)₄] An improved synthesis of [Rh₂H₄(PiPr₃)₄] ( 2 ) from [Rh(η³-C₃H₅)(PiPr₃)₂] ( 1 ) or [Rh(η³-CH₂C₆H₅)(PiPr₃)₂] ( 3 ) and H₂ is described. Compound 2 reacts with CO or CH₃OH to give trans-[RhH(CO)(PiPr₃)₂] ( 4 ) and with ethene/acetone to yield a mixture of 4 and trans-[RhCH₃(CO)(PiPr₃)₂] ( 5 ). The carbonyl(methyl) complex 5 has also been prepared from trans-[RhCl(CO)(PiPr₃)₂] ( 6 ) and CH₃MgI. Whereas the reaction of 2 with two parts of CF₃CO₂H leads to [RhH₂(η²-O₂CCF₃) · (PiPr₃)₂] ( 8 ), treatment of 2 with one equivalent of CF₃CO₂H in presence of NH₄PF₆ gives the dinuclear compound [Rh₂H₅(PiPr₃)₄]PF₆ ( 9a ). The reactions of 2 with HBF₄ and [NO]BF₄ afford the complexes [Rh₂H₅(PiPr₃)₄]BF₄ ( 9b ) and trans-[RhF(NO)(PiPr₃)₂]BF₄ ( 11 ), respectively. In solution, the cation [Rh₂(μ-H)₃H₂(PiPr₃)₄]⁺ of the compounds 9a and 9b undergoes an intramolecular rearrangement in which the bridging hydrido and the phosphane ligands are involved.     

Gas-phase chemistry of electron deficient organometallic anions: the reactions of [Cr(CO)3]− ˙ and [Cr(CO)4]− ˙ with aldehydes,ketones, esters and ethers

Reactions in the gas phase of the 13- and 15-electron radical anions [Cr(CO)₃]^{? ˙} and [Cr(CO)₄]^{? ˙} with a series of 27 aldehydes, ketones, esters and ethers have been examined. Sequential alkane eliminations and metal-bonded CO ligand displacements were the principal reactions identified for the RCHO/[Cr(CO)₃]^{? ˙} systems with the latter reaction also common to the RCHO/[Cr(CO)₄]^{? ˙} systems. While [Cr(CO)₄]^{? ˙} was generally unreactive towards ketones R · R'CO, the principal products identified for [Cr(CO)₃]^{? ˙}/ketone reactions were the metal-decarbonylated species, respectively [R · R'CO · Cr(CO)_x]^{? ˙} with x = 0–3, and [R · (R' - H₂)CO · Cr(CO)₂]^{? ˙}. The reaction of [Cr(CO)₃]^{? ˙} with esters RCOOR' proceeds via metal insertion into the alkoxy C? O bond to give end products of the type [R'O · Cr · R(CO)₂]^? and [R'O? Cr(CO)₃]^? while the sole ionic products of dialkyl ether/[Cr(CO)₃]^{? ˙} reactions were identified as the alkoxytricarbonylchromium species [RO · Cr(CO)₃]^?.     

A Systematic Investigation of Coinage Metal Carbonyl Complexes Stabilized by Fluorinated Alkoxy Aluminates

The reaction of Cu^I, Ag^I, and Au^I salts with carbon monoxide in the presence of weakly coordinating anions led to known and structurally unknown non‐classical coinage metal carbonyl complexes [M(CO)_n][A] (A=fluorinated alkoxy aluminates). The coinage metal carbonyl complexes [Cu(CO)_n(CH₂Cl₂)_m]⁺[A]^? (n=1, 3; m=4?n), [Au₂(CO)₂Cl]⁺[A]^?, [(OC)_nM(A)] (M=Cu: n=2; Ag: n=1, 2) as well as [(OC)₃Cu???ClAl(OR^F)₃] and [(OC)Au???ClAl(OR^F)₃] were analyzed with X‐ray diffraction and partially IR and Raman spectroscopy. In addition to these structures, crystallographic and spectroscopic evidence for the existence of the tetracarbonyl complex [Cu(CO)₄]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^? (R^F=C(CF₃)₃) is presented; its formation was analyzed with the help of theoretical investigations and Born–Fajans–Haber cycles. We discuss the limits of structure determinations by routine X‐ray diffraction methods with respect to the C? O bond lengths and apply the experimental CO stretching frequencies for the prediction of bond lengths within the carbonyl ligand based on a correlation with calculated data. Moreover, we provide a simple explanation for the reported, partly confusing and scattered CO stretching frequencies of [Cu^I(CO)_n] units.     

d6 and d8 Metal Carbonyl Complexes of 7,7-Dimethoxy-5,6-dimethylidenebicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene. Stereoselective Hydroformylation of an [Fe(CO)4(olefin)] Complex

Reaction of 7,7-dimethoxy-5,6-dimethylidenebicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene ( 2 ) with various metal carbonyls and their derivatives gave the η²-M(CO)₄ (M = Fe ( 17 ), Ru ( 18 )), η⁴-M(CO)₃ (M = Fe ( 19x, 19n ), Ru ( 20n )), and η²-M(CO)₅ and η⁶-M(CO)₃ (M = Cr, Mo, W) complexes. The trigonal bipyramidal η²-M(CO)₄ complexes present an exceptional C_3v symmetry at the metal with the C,C-double bond in an axial position. In all the η²-complexes, this double bond is stereospecifically coordinated by its exo-vs. endo-η⁴-Fe(CO)₃ configuration was established by chemical correlation (hydrolysis, hydrogenation) with the corresponding complexes ( 24x, 24n ) of 7,7-dimethoxy-2,3-dimethylidenebicyclo[2.2.1]heptane ( 5 ). The relative rates of hydrolysis (AcOH/H₂O 2:1, 50°C) of ligands 2 and 5 and of complexes 19x, 19n, 24x , and 24n to the corresponding ketones showed an acceleration effect only when the metal is coordinated to the exo-face. This was attributed to an F-strain effect on the leaving group of the substrate. Compound 17 was further metallated by [Fe₂(CO)₉] giving the bimetallic isomers 21xn and 21xx . The endocyclic C,C-double bond of the latter can be stereospecifically hydroformylated (1 atm CO, AcOH/H₂O, 25°C) giving 29x (49%). Hydroformylation of 17 gave the corresponding uncoordinated aldehydes 30x/30n in better yields (76%) but with lower selectivity (3:1). These are the first examples of hydroformylation of an isolated [Fe(CO)₄(olefin)] complex.     

Chemical Bonding in Homoleptic Carbonyl Cations [M{Fe(CO)5}2]+ (M=Cu,Ag, Au)

Syntheses of the copper and gold complexes [Cu{Fe(CO)₅}₂][SbF₆] and [Au{Fe(CO)₅}₂][HOB{3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃}₃] containing the homoleptic carbonyl cations [M{Fe(CO)₅}₂]⁺ (M=Cu, Au) are reported. Structural data of the rare, trimetallic Cu₂Fe, Ag₂Fe and Au₂Fe complexes [Cu{Fe(CO)₅}₂][SbF₆], [Ag{Fe(CO)₅}₂][SbF₆] and [Au{Fe(CO)₅}₂][HOB{3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃}₃] are also given. The silver and gold cations [M{Fe(CO)₅}₂]⁺ (M=Ag, Au) possess a nearly linear Fe-M-Fe’ moiety but the Fe-Cu-Fe’ in [Cu{Fe(CO)₅}₂][SbF₆] exhibits a significant bending angle of 147° due to the strong interaction with the [SbF₆]⁻ anion. The Fe(CO)₅ ligands adopt a distorted square-pyramidal geometry in the cations [M{Fe(CO)₅}₂]⁺, with the basal CO groups inclined towards M. The geometry optimization with DFT methods of the cations [M{Fe(CO)₅}₂]⁺ (M=Cu, Ag, Au) gives equilibrium structures with linear Fe-M-Fe’ fragments and D₂ symmetry for the copper and silver cations and D_4d symmetry for the gold cation. There is nearly free rotation of the Fe(CO)₅ ligands around the Fe-M-Fe’ axis. The calculated bond dissociation energies for the loss of both Fe(CO)₅ ligands from the cations [M{Fe(CO)₅}₂]⁺ show the order M=Au (D_e=137.2 kcal mol⁻¹)>Cu (D_e=109.0 kcal mol⁻¹)>Ag (D_e=92.4 kcal mol⁻¹). The QTAIM analysis shows bond paths and bond critical points for the M−Fe linkage but not between M and the CO ligands. The EDA-NOCV calculations suggest that the [Fe(CO)₅]→M⁺←[Fe(CO)₅] donation is significantly stronger than the [Fe(CO)₅]←M⁺→[Fe(CO)₅] backdonation. Inspection of the pairwise orbital interactions identifies four contributions for the charge donation of the Fe(CO)₅ ligands into the vacant (n)s and (n)p AOs of M⁺ and five components for the backdonation from the occupied (n-1)d AOs of M⁺ into vacant ligand orbitals.     

Intramolecular Dynamics of Five-coordinate iron Carbonyl Complexes with olefinic ligands as studied by variable-pressure 1H-NMR spectroscopy

Variable-pressure ¹H-NMR Spectroscopy has been used to study the fluxionality of some five-coordinated Fe complexes in solution. For [Fe(CO)₂ 1,3-cyclooctadiene (PPh₃)], the CO site exchange is known (by analogy with [Fe(CO)₃(1,3-cyclooctadiene)]) to be a non-dissociative process, and an activation volume of ca. 0 cm³.mol^?1 was indeed obtained. However, for [Fe(CO₂){2,3-η:O-σ-(7,7-dimethoxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene)}(PPh₃)], the activation volume of +5 cm³ mol^?1 suggests that an unprecedented dissociation process is responsible for the CO site exchange. The molecular structure of [Fe(CO)₂(1,3-cyclooctadiene)(PPh₃)] was ascertained by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. The crystals are triclinic, space group P1 , a = 9.606(3), b = 16.795(2), c = 7.743(8) Å, α = 97.83(4), β = 109.63(4), γ = 83.37(2)°. The structure determination has shown that the complex possesses a tetragonal pyramidal coordination, with the endocyclic C?C bond and PPh₃ occupying basal sites.     

Monoolefin and Diene Cycloaddition Induced by Transition-Metal Carbonyls. Cyclodimerization of 5,6-Dimethylidene-7-oxabicyclo[2.21]hept-2-ene Catalyzed by Dodecacarbonyltriosmium

The products generated by heating 5,6-dimethylidene-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene (1) with Fe₂(CO)₉, Ru₃(CO)₁₂, Os₃(CO)₁₂, Cr(CO)₃(MeCN)₃, (or W(CO)₅(MeCN) or by treatment with Fe-atoms have been characterized by spectroscopic methods. Apart from the expected η²- and η⁴-complexes of the triene 1 , condensation products are formed which arise from the formal [4 + 2]-cyclodimerization of 1 involving the endocyclic double bond of one molecule and the diene moiety of a second. The [4 + 2]-cyclodimerization is catalyzed by Os₃(CO)₁₂ in MeOH and gives 1,4-epoxy-7-methoxy-2,3-dimethylidene-1,2,3,4,4a,9,9a,10-octahydroanthracene (15) ). Fe-Atoms induce a stereoselective [2 + 2]-cyclodimerization pf 1 which involves its endocyclic double bond and produces the dimer 8 .     

A theoretical study of the bonding capabilities of the zinc-zinc double bond

The theoretical knowledge about the zinc-zinc bond has been recently expanded after the proposal of a zinc-zinc double bond in several [Zn₂(L)₄] compounds (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017 , 56, 10151-10155). Prompted by these results, we have selected the [Zn₂(CO)₄] species, isolobally related to ethylene, and theoretically investigated the possible η²-Zn₂-coordination to several first-row transition metal fragments. The [Zn₂(CO)₄] coordination to the metal fragment produces an elongation of the dizinc bond and a concomitant pyramidalization of the [Zn(CO)₂] unit. These structural parameters are indicative of π-backdonation from the metal to the coordinated dizinc moiety, as occurred with ethylene ligand. A quantum theory of atoms in molecules study of the Zn Zn bond shows a decrease of ρ_BCP, ∇²ρ_BCP ∫_Zn∩Znρ and delocalization indexes δ(Zn,Zn), relative to corresponding values in the parent [Zn₂(CO)₄] molecule. The Zn Zn and M Zn bonds in these [(η²-Zn₂(CO)₄)M(L)_n] complexes can be described as shared interactions with an important covalent component where the Zn Zn bond is preserved, albeit weakened, upon coordination.     

A Metal-Metal Bonded Dinuclear Ruthenium Ketene Complex

We report the synthesis of metal-metal bonded dinuclear ruthenium ketene complex [CpRu(CO)]₂(μ-CH₂CO)(μ-CO), 3 , (Cp=η⁵-C₅H₅) which contains the unique structural feature, of a μ-η²(C,C) ketene group bridging two metal centers. Complex 3 is prepared by a rare intramolecular CO insertion to the methylene group of a Ru complex [CpRu(CO)₂]₂(μ-CH₂), 1 , in the absence of CO or any donor ligand. The cis and trans isomers of 3 originating from the arrangement of the Cp groups and the unsymmetrically bridging ketene group, are observed in the NMR spectra. Unlike a ketene complex without a metal-metal bond [CpRu(CO)₂]₂(μ-CH₂CO), 2 , complex 3 exhibits the chemistry of a ketene molecule and might be used as a stoichiometric ketene precusor in organic reactions.