Chemoselective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated ketones to allylic alcohols, catalyzed by a mononuclear ruthenium complex containing trans PBu3 and PPh3 ligands

The ruthenium(II) bis(acetate) complex Ru(CO)₂(OAc)₂(PⁿBu₃)(PPh₃) (OAc = acetate) containing two different trans phosphine ligands, has been employed as pre-catalyst for the chemoselective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated ketones to allylic alcohols. Analogous catalytic reactions with the homodiphosphine pre-catalysts Ru(CO)₂(OAc)₂(PⁿBu₃)₂ and Ru(CO)₂(OAc)₂(PPh₃)₂ gave lower conversions and selectivities. Batch catalytic reactions and operando high-pressure NMR experiments have contributed to establish that the hydrogenation of the CO group is performed by the heterodiphosphine monohydride RuH(CO)₂(OAc)(PⁿBu₃)(PPh₃) generated in situ by hydrogenation of the bis(OAc) precursor. PPh₃ unfastening from this monohydride complex is an essential condition for the occurrence of catalytic activity.     

Synthesis, characterization and electrochemistry of ferrocenylselenolate bridged palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes

The dimeric ferrocenyl-selenolate complexes of Pd and Pt, [{μ-η¹-Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄Se)₂}M(PⁿBu₃)]₂ (M = Pd 2, Pt 3), and the monomeric ferrocenyl(bis-selenolate) complex of platinum, [{η²-Fe(C₅H₄Se)₂}Pt(PⁿBu₃)₂] (4), have been prepared from 1,1′-bis(trimethylsilylseleno)ferrocene 1 and trans-MCl₂(PⁿBu₃)₂ and cis-PtCl₂(PⁿBu₃)₂, respectively. Complexes 2 and 3 contain two edge-sharing, square-planar metal centres forming a planar M₂Se₂ four-membered ring and exhibit two one-electron redox waves indicating electronic communication between the two Fe centers.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of [Bu3SbCr(CO)5], [Bu3BiM(CO)5] (M = Cr, W), and [Bu3BiMnCp′(CO)2] (Cp′ = η-C5H4CH3)

Syntheses and crystal structures of [^tBu₃SbCr(CO)₅] (1), [^tBu₃BiM(CO)₅] [M = Cr (2), W (3)] and [^tBu₃BiMnCp′(CO)₂] (4) (Cp′ = η⁵-C₅H₄CH₃) are reported.     

Synthesis of arene ruthenium triazolato complexes by cycloaddition of the corresponding arene ruthenium azido complexes with activated alkynes or with fumaronitrile

The neutral arene ruthenium azido complexes [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(LL)(N₃)], [LL = acetylacetonato (acac) (4), benzoylacetonato (bzac) (5) diphenylbenzoyl methane (dbzm) (6)] undergo [3+2] cycloaddition reaction with a series of activated alkynes and fumaronitrile to produce the arene ruthenium triazolato complexes: [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(LL){N₃C₂(CO₂R)₂}] [LL = (acac), R = Me (7); LL = (bzac), R = Me (8); LL = (dbzm), R = Me (9); LL = (acac), R = Et (10); LL = (bzac), R = Et (11); LL = (dbzm), R = Et (12) and [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(LL)(N₃C₂HCN)]; LL = acac (13), bzac (14); dbzm (15). However, cationic azido complexes, [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(dppe)(N₃)]⁺ and [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(dppm)(N₃)]⁺ do not undergo such cycloaddition reactions. The complexes were characterized on the basis of microanalyses, FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic data. Crystal structures of representative complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Rhenium carbonyl complexes with monodentate-coordinated diphosphines: activation of terminal phosphino groups towards amine-oxide oxidation

Terminal phosphino groups of [Re₂(CO)₉(η¹-P-P)] (P-P = diphosphines) are activated towards oxidation by Me₃NO. The respective reactions of Me₃NO with [Re₂(CO)₉{η¹-P(o-anisyl)₂(CH₂)₃PPh₂}], [Re₂(CO)₉{η¹-PPh₂(CH₂)₃P(o-anisyl)₂}] and [Re₂(CO)₉(η¹-trans-PPh₂CHCHPPh₂)] were studied to investigate the mechanism of this oxidation. The results are consistent with an intramolecular pathway involving a cyclic intermediate, without exchange of the coordinated and terminal phosphino groups. A mechanism which involves an interaction of the terminal phosphino group with a carbonyl ligand is proposed. In sharp contrast to eq-[Re₂(CO)₉(η¹-P-P)] (P-P = Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂, n = 1-6), eq-[Re₂(CO)₉(η¹-trans-PPh₂CHCHPPh₂)] appears to be indefinitely stable towards equatorial → axial isomerization at room temperature, thus, allowing its crystal structure to be determined.     

Self-assembly of diorganotin(IV) 2-{[(E)-1-(2-oxyaryl)alkylidene]amino}acetates: An investigation of structures by X-ray diffraction, solution and solid-state tin NMR, and electrospray ionization MS

The diorganotin(IV) compounds, [Me₂SnL²(OH₂)]₂ (1), [ⁿBu₂SnL²(OH₂)]₂ (2), [ⁿBu₂SnL¹]₃ · 0.5C₃H₆O (3), [ⁿBu₂SnL³]₃ · 0.5C₆H₆ (4) and [Ph₂SnL³]_n · 0.5C₆H₆ (5) (L = carboxylic acid residue, i.e., 2-{[(E)-1-(2-oxyaryl)alkylidene]amino}acetate), were synthesized by treating the appropriate diorganotin(IV) dichloride with the potassium salt of the ligand in anhydrous methanol.The reaction of Ph₂SnL² (L = 2-{[(E)-1-(2-oxyphenyl)ethylidene]amino}acetate) with 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) yielded a 1:1 adduct of composition, [Ph₂SnL²(Phen)] (6).The crystal structures of 1-6 were determined.The crystal of 1 is composed of centrosymmetric dimers of the basic Me₂SnL²(OH₂) moiety, where the two Sn-centres are linked by two asymmetric Sn-O?Sn bridges involving the carboxylic acid O atom of the ligand and a long Sn?O distance of 3.174(2) Å.The dimers are further linked into columns by hydrogen bonds.The coordination geometry about the Sn atom is a distorted pentagonal bipyramid with the two methyl groups in axial positions.The structure of 2 is similar.The same Sn atom coordination geometry is observed in compound 3, which is a cyclic trinuclear[ⁿBu₂SnL¹]₃ compound. Each Sn atom is coordinated by the phenoxide O atom, one carboxylate O atom and the imino N atom from one ligand and both the exo- and endo-carboxylate O atoms (mean Sn-O(exo): 2.35 Å; Sn-O(endo): 2.96 Å) from an adjacent ligand to form the equatorial plane, while the two butyl groups occupy axial positions. Compound 4 was found to crystallize in two polymorphic forms. The Sn-complex in both forms has a trinuclear [ⁿBu₂SnL³]₃ structural motif similar to that found in 3. In compound 5, distorted trigonal bipyramidal Ph₂SnL³ units are linked into polymeric cis-bridged chains by a weak Sn?O interaction (3.491(2) Å) involving the exocyclic O atom of the tridentate ligand of a neighboring Sn-complex unit. This interaction completes a highly distorted octahedron about the Sn atom, where the weakly coordinated exocyclic O atom and one phenyl group are trans to one another. In contrast, a monomeric distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry is found for adduct 6 where the Sn-phenyl groups occupy the axial positions. The solution and solid-state structures are compared by using ¹¹⁹Sn NMR chemical shift data. Compounds 1-6 were also studied using ESI-MS and their positive- and negative-ions mass fragmentation patterns are discussed.     

Preparation of imine complexes of ruthenium and osmium stabilised by [MCl(η -p-cymene)(PR3)] fragments

Imine complexes [MCl(η ⁶-p-cymene){η¹-NHC(H)Ar}(PR₃)]BPh₄ (1-3) [M = Ru, Os; PR₃ = PPh(OEt)₂, PPh₂OEt; Ar = Ph, p-tolyl] were prepared by reacting MCl₂(η ⁶-p-cymene)(PR₃) precursors with benzyl azide ArCH₂N₃ in the presence of NaBPh₄. Benzophenone-imine complexes [MCl(η ⁶-p-cymene){η¹-NHCPh₂}(PR₃)]BPh₄ (4-6) [M = Ru, Os; PR₃ = PPh(OEt)₂, PPh₂OEt] were also prepared by allowing MCl₂(η ⁶-p-cymene)(PR₃) to react with Ph₂CNH in the presence of NaBPh₄. The complexes were characterised spectroscopically (IR, ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P, ¹⁵N NMR) and by X-ray crystal structure determination of [RuCl(η ⁶-p-cymene){η¹-NHC(H)-p-tolyl}{PPh(OEt)₂}]BPh₄ (1b).     

Preparation, structure and some chemistry of FcCCCCCCRu(dppe)Cp

The synthesis of Fc(CC)₃Ru(dppe)Cp (2) from Fc(CC)₃SiMe₃ and RuCl(dppe)Cp is described, together with its reactions with tcne to give the tetracyano-dienyl FcCCCC{C[C(CN)₂]}₂Ru(dppe)Cp (3) and -cyclobutenyl FcCCCC{CCC(CN)₂C(CN)₂}Ru(dppe)Cp (4), with Co₂(μ-dppm)_n(CO)_8−2n (n = 0, 1) to give FcC₂{Co₂(CO)₆}C₂{Co₂(CO)₆}CCRu(dppe)Cp (5) and FcCCCCC₂{Co₂(μ-dppm)(CO)₄}Ru(dppe)Cp (6), respectively, and with Os₃(CO)₁₀(NCMe)₂ to give Os₃{μ₃-C₂CCCC[Ru(dppe)Cp]}(CO)₁₀ (7). On standing in solution, the latter isomerises to the cyclo-metallated derivative Os₃(μ-H){μ₃-C[Ru(dppe)Cp]CCC[(η-C₅H₃)FeCp]}(CO)₈ (8). X-ray structural determinations of 1, 2, 6 and 7 are reported.     

Synthesis, structure, and bridge-terminal alkyl exchange kinetics of pyrazolate-bridged dialuminum complexes containing bridging n-alkyl groups

Treatment of triethylaluminum with 3,5-diphenylpyrazole in a 2:1 stoichiometry afforded the ethyl-bridged complex Et₂Al(μ-Ph₂pz)(μ-Et)AlEt₂ (79%) as a colorless crystalline solid. Treatment of tri-n-propylaluminum with 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazole in a 2:1 stoichiometry afforded the n-propyl-bridged complex (nPr)₂Al(μ-tBu₂pz)(μ-nPr)Al(nPr)₂ (63%) and the dimeric complex [(nPr)₂Al(μ-tBu₂pz)]₂ (3%), respectively, as colorless crystalline solids. Treatment of tri-n-propylaluminum (1 equiv.) or triisobutylaluminum (1 or 2 equiv.) with 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazole afforded exclusively the dimeric complexes [(nPr)₂Al(μ-tBu₂pz)]₂ (68%) or [(iBu)₂Al(μ-tBu₂pz)]₂ (96%), respectively, as colorless crystalline solids. The solid state structures of Et₂Al(μ-Ph₂pz)(μ-Et)AlEt₂ and (nPr)₂Al(μ-tBu₂pz)(μ-nPr)Al(nPr)₂ consist of 3,5-disubstituted pyrazolato ligands with a di-n-alkylalumino group bonded to each nitrogen atom. An ethyl or n-propyl group acts as a bridge between the two aluminum atoms. The kinetics of the bridge-terminal exchange was determined for the bridging n-alkyl complexes by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and afforded ΔH^‡ = 1.5 ± 0.1 kcal/mol, ΔS^‡ = −46.8 ± 39.0 cal/K mol, and for Et₂Al(μ-Ph₂pz)(μ-Et)AlEt₂ and ΔH^‡ = 1.7 ± 0.1 kcal/mol, ΔS^‡ = −46.6 ± 43.4 cal/K mol, and for (nPr)₂Al(μ-tBu₂pz)(μ-nPr)Al(nPr)₂. The negative values of ΔS^‡ imply ordered transition states relative to the ground states, and rotation along the N-AlR₃ vector without aluminum-nitrogen bond cleavage is proposed.     

Syntheses and molecular structures of some compounds containing many-atom chains end-capped by tricobalt carbonyl clusters

Several complexes containing Co₃ carbonyl clusters end-capping carbon chains of various lengths are described. Pd(0)/Cu(I)-catalysed reactions between {Co₃{μ₃-C(CC)₂Au(PPh₃)}(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ and I(CC)₂SiMe₃ or FcCCI gave {Co₃{μ₃-C(CC)_xR}(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ [x = 4, R = SiMe₃3; x = 3, R = Fc 8]; treatment of 3 with NaOMe and AuCl(PPh₃) gave 4 [x = 4, R = Au(PPh₃)]. Related preparations of Co₃{μ₃-C(CC)₂[Ru(PP)Cp′]}(μ-dppm)_n(CO)_9−2n [PP = (PPh₃)₂, Cp’ = Cp, n = 1, 5; PP = dppe, Cp′ = Cp^∗, n = 1, 6; 0, 7] are also described. Syntheses of bis-cluster complexes {Co₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₇}₂(μ-C_x) (x = 14, 12; 16, 9; 18, 11; 26, 10) - the latter being the longest cluster-capped C_x chains so far described - and the mercury-bridged compounds Hg{(CC)_xC[Co₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₇]}₂ (x = 1, 13; 2, 14) are reported. The molecular structures of 7, 12, 13 and 14, as well as of Co₃(μ₃-CCCSiMe₃)(μ-dppm)(CO)₆(PPh₃) (15) and Co₃{μ₃-CC(O)OEt}(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ (16), are reported.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of ruthenium(II) complexes bearing phosphine-pyrazolyl based tripod ligands

Phosphine-pyrazolyl based tripod ligands ROCH₂C(CH₂Pz)₂(CH₂PPh₂) (R = H, Me, allyl; Pz = pyrazol-1-yl) were efficiently synthesized and characterized. Reactions of these ligands with [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₂]₂ afforded complexes of the type [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₂](L) (6-8) in which the ligands exhibit κ¹-P-coordination to the metal center. Complex [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₂{Ph₂PCH₂C(CH₂OH)(CH₂Pz)₂}] (6) underwent chloride-dissociation in CH₂Cl₂/MeCN to give complex [RuCl(η⁶-p-cymene){κ²(P,N)-Ph₂PCH₂C(CH₂OH)(CH₂Pz)₂}][Cl] (9). Complexes 6-9 demonstrated poor to moderate catalytic activity in the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone. All these complexes were fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods and their molecular structures were determined by X-ray crystallographic study.     

Nucleophilic substitution reactions at the Si-Cl bonds of the dichloro(methyl)silyl ligand in five- and six-coordinate complexes of ruthenium(II) and osmium(II)

Treatment of either RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₃ or MPhCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ with HSiMeCl₂ produces the five-coordinate dichloro(methyl)silyl complexes, M(SiMeCl₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (1a, M = Ru; 1b, M = Os). 1a and 1b react readily with hydroxide ions and with ethanol to give M(SiMe[OH]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (2a, M = Ru; 2b, M = Os) and M(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (3a, M = Ru; 3b, M = Os), respectively. 3b adds CO to form the six-coordinate complex, Os(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (4b) and crystal structure determinations of 3b and 4b reveal very different Os-Si distances in the five-coordinate complex (2.3196(11) Å) and in the six-coordinate complex (2.4901(8) Å). Reaction between 1a and 1b and 8-aminoquinoline results in displacement of a triphenylphosphine ligand and formation of the six-coordinate chelate complexes M(SiMeCl₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N)-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (5a, M = Ru; 5b, M = Os), respectively. Crystal structure determination of 5a reveals that the amino function of the chelating 8-aminoquinoline ligand is located adjacent to the reactive Si-Cl bonds of the dichloro(methyl)silyl ligand but no reaction between these functions is observed. However, 5a and 5b react readily with ethanol to give ultimately M(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (6a, M = Ru; 6b, M = Os). In the case of ruthenium only, the intermediate ethanolysis product Ru(SiMeCl[OEt])Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (6c) was also isolated. The crystal structure of 6c was determined. Reaction between 1b and excess 2-aminopyridine results in condensation between the Si-Cl bonds and the N-H bonds with formation of a novel tridentate “NSiN” ligand in the complex Os(κ³(Si,N,N)-SiMe[NH(2-C₅H₄N)]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃) (7b). Crystal structure determination of 7b shows that the “NSiN” ligand coordinates to osmium with a “facial” arrangement and with chloride trans to the silyl ligand.     

Carbonylation of four-membered ruthenium and osmium metallacycles incorporating an orthometallated phenolic function: New acylruthenium and arylosmium complexes

The solution reaction of Ru(QL¹)(PPh₃)₂(CO)Cl (3) and Os(QL¹)(PPh₃)₂(CO)Br (4) with carbon monoxide at one atmosphere pressure has respectively afforded the orange acylruthenium system Ru(QL²)(PPh₃)₂(CO)Cl (5) and the yellow arylosmium dicarbonyl system Os(QL³)(PPh₃)₂(CO)₂Br (6) in excellent yields. (QL¹ is C₆H₂O-2-CHNHC₆H₄Q(p)-3-Me-5, QL² is C₆H₂(CO-1)O-2-CHNHC₆H₄Q(p)-3-Me-5 and QL³ is C₆H₂OH-2-CHNC₆H₄Q(p)-3-Me-5 and Q is Me, OMe and Cl.) It is proposed that in the case of 3 a dicarbonyl complex similar to 6 is formed as an intermediate which rapidly undergoes aryl migration with concomitant phenolato coordination furnishing 5. The stability of 6 is consistent with the greatly diminished ability of osmium in promotion of migratory reactions. In the reaction 4 → 6 the Os-O(phenolato) bond is cleaved and the Schiff base moiety undergoes iminium-phenolato → imine-phenol tautomerization. The observed cis geometry of 6 may arise by a concerted route involving edge displacement of the halide ligand. The crystal and molecular structure of 5(Q = Cl) has revealed the presence of a distorted octahedral RuC₂P₂OCl coordination sphere and a highly planar acyl chelate ring characterized by a Ru-C distance of 2.013(4) Å. In the hydrogen bonded zwitterionic iminium-phenolato ring the N ? O distance is 2.561(6) Å. The acyl complexes of type 5 display an MLCT band near 500 nm which is absent in 6. The Schiff base CN stretch in 5 (∼1630 cm⁻¹) is significantly higher than that in 6 (∼1600 cm⁻¹) which displays two strong CO stretches near 2020 and 1940 cm⁻¹ (cis-Os(CO)₂ configuration). A single ³¹P NMR signal occurs in both 5 and 6 near 37 and −6 ppm, respectively (trans-M(PPh₃)₂ configuration). The voltammetric reduction potentials of the M^III/M^II couple is observed near 1.0 and 0.8 V vs. SCE in 5 and 6, respectively. Both are significantly higher than those in parent complexes (3 and 4) due to stabilization of the bivalent state upon carbonylation.     

Reaction studies on some functionalized alkyl transition metal compounds and the crystal structure of [Cp(CO)3W{(CH2)3NO2}]

The reactions of the halogenoalkyl compounds [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)_nX}] (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅; n = 3-5; X = Br, I) and [Cp(CO)₂(PPhMe₂)Mo{(CH₂)₃Br}] with the nucleophiles Z = CN⁻ and gave compounds of the type [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)_nZ}] for the tungsten compounds, whilst cyclic carbene compounds were obtained from the reactions of the molybdenum compound. The reactions of [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)_nBr}] (n = 3, 4) and [Cp(CO)₂(PPhMe₂)Mo{(CH₂)₃Br}] with gave [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)_nONO₂}] and [Cp(CO)₂(PPhMe₂)Mo{(CH₂)₃ONO₂}], respectively. The reaction of [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)_nBr}] with AgNO₂ gave [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)_nNO₂}]. In the solid state the complex [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)₃NO₂}] crystallizes in a distorted square pyramidal geometry. In this molecule the nitropropyl chain deviates from the ideal, all-trans geometry as a result of short, non-hydrogen intermolecular N-O?O-N contacts. The reactions of the heterobimetallic compounds [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)₃}ML_y] {ML_y = Mo(CO)₃Cp, Mo(CO)₃Cp^∗ and Mo(CO)₂(PMe₃)Cp; Cp^∗ = η⁵-C₅(CH₃)₅} with PPh₃ and CO were found to be totally metalloselective, with the ligand always attacking the metal site predicted by the reactions of the corresponding monometallic analogues above with nucleophiles. Thus the compounds [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)₃}C(O)ML_z] {ML_z = Mo(CO)₂YCp, Mo(CO)₂YCp^∗ and Mo(CO)Y(PMe₃)Cp; Y = PPh₃ or CO} were obtained. Similarly, the reaction of [Cp(CO)₂Fe{(CH₂)₃}Mo(CO)₂(PMe₃)Cp] with CO gave only [Cp(CO)₂Fe{(CH₂)₃C(O)}Mo(CO)₂(PMe₃)Cp]. Hydrolysis of the bimetallic compound, [Cp(CO)₃W(CH₂)₃C(O)Mo(CO)(PPh₃)(PMe₃)Cp], gave the carboxypropyl compound [Cp(CO)₃W{(CH₂)₃COOH}]. Thermolysis of the compound [Cp(CO)₂Fe(CH₂)₃Mo(CO)₃(PMe₃)Cp] gave cyclopropane and propene, indicating that β-elimination and reductive processes had taken place.     

Some complexes containing carbon chains end-capped by M(CO)2Tp′ [M = Mo, W; Tp′ = HB(pz)3, HB(dmpz)3] groups

Complexes M(CCCSiMe₃)(CO)₂Tp′ (Tp′ = Tp [HB(pz)₃], M = Mo 2, W 4; Tp′ = Tp^∗ [HB(dmpz)₃], M = Mo 3) are obtained from M(CCCSiMe₃)(O₂CCF₃)(CO)₂(tmeda) (1) and K[Tp′].Reactions of 2 or 4 with AuCl(PPh₃)/K₂CO₃ in MeOH afforded M{CCCAu(PPh₃)}(CO)₂Tp′ (M = Mo 5, W 6) containing C₃ chains linking the Group 6 metal and gold centres.In turn, the gold complexes react with Co₃(μ₃-CBr)(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ to give the C₄-bridged {Tp(OC)₂M}CCCC{Co₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₇} (M = Mo 7, W 8), while Mo(CBr)(CO)₂Tp^∗ and Co₃{μ₃-C(CC)₂Au(PPh₃)}(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ give {Tp^∗(OC)₂Mo}C(CC)₂C{Co₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₇} (9) via a phosphine-gold(I) halide elimination reaction. The C₃ complexes Tp′(OC)₂MCCCRu(dppe)Cp^∗ (Tp′ = Tp, M = Mo 10, W 11; Tp′ = Tp^∗, M = Mo 12) were obtained from 2-4 and RuCl(dppe)Cp^∗ via KF-induced metalla-desilylation reactions. Reactions between Mo(CBr)(CO)₂Tp^∗ and Ru{(CC)_nAu(PPh₃)}(dppe)Cp^∗ (n = 2, 3) afforded {Tp^∗(OC)₂Mo}C(CC)_n{Ru(dppe)Cp^∗} (n = 2 13, 3 14), containing C₅ and C₇ chains, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations of 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 12 are reported.     

Ruthenium carboxylate complexes as easily prepared and efficient catalysts for the synthesis of β-oxopropyl esters

The easily prepared complex cis-[Ru(κ²-O₂CMe)₂(PPh₃)₂] is an effective catalyst for the addition of carboxylic acids to propargyl alcohols to afford β-oxopropyl esters. The reaction is tolerant to a range of functional groups on the propargyl alcohol and is effective in the case of the steroid ethisterone. An investigation into the ruthenium-containing products from the reaction involving benzoic acid revealed that rapid exchange between coordinated acetate and benzoate ligands occurs. The synthesis of crystallographically characterised cis-[Ru(κ²-O₂CPh)₂(PPh₃)₂] was developed. This benzoate-substituted complex was shown to react with HCCPh and HCCC(OH)PhH to give [Ru(κ²-O₂CPh)(κ¹-O₂CPh)(CCPhH)(PPh₃)₂] and [Ru(κ²-O₂CPh)(κ¹-O₂CPh)(CCC{OH}PhH)(PPh₃)₂] respectively. Reaction of cis-[Ru(κ²-O₂CPh)₂(PPh₃)₂] with CO affords [Ru(κ²-O₂CPh)(κ¹-O₂CPh)(CO)(PPh₃)₂] or [Ru(κ²-O₂CPh)₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂] depending on the conditions employed. Related carbonyl compounds are thought to be the ruthenium-containing products from the catalytic reactions and [Ru(κ²-O₂CMe)(κ¹-O₂CMe)(CO)(PPh₃)₂] was also shown to be a competent catalyst.     

Manganese cationic pyrazolylamidino complexes

The reactions of fac-[MnBr(CO)₃(NHC(CH₃)pz^∗-κ²N,N)] (pz^∗ = pz, dmpz; pzH = pyrazole; dmpzH = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole) with wet AgBF₄ in a 1:1 ratio lead to the cationic pyrazolylamidino complexes fac-[Mn(OH₂)(CO)₃(NHC(CH₃)pz^∗-κ²N,N)]BF₄. The aquo ligand is readily substituted by 2,6-xylylisocyanide (CNXyl) to give fac-[Mn(CNXyl)(CO)₃(NHC(CH₃)pz^∗-κ²N,N)]BF₄. The pyrazole complexes fac-[Mn(pz^∗H)(CO)₃(NHC(CH₃)pz^∗-κ²N,N)]BF₄ are obtained by treating fac-[MnBr(CO)₃(NCMe)₂] with AgBF₄ and then with pyrazole (pzH or dmpzH), in a 1:1:2 ratio. A similar reaction using 1:1:1 ratio and AgClO₄ leads to the acetonitrile complexes fac-[Mn(NCMe)(CO)₃(NHC(CH₃)pz^∗-κ²N,N)]ClO₄. The X-ray structures of the complexes show moderate hydrogen bonds interactions between the N-bond hydrogen of the pyrazolylamidino ligand and the anion. In the aquo complex, one of the hydrogens of the coordinated water molecule is also involved in a hydrogen bond.     

Heterometallic complexes containing 1,1′-(CC)2Fc′ units linking two different metal centres

Proto-desilylation of 1-(Me₃SiCC)-1′-{Cp^∗(dppe)RuCC}Fc′ (1) afforded the corresponding ethynyl derivative 2, from which the green Co₂(μ-dppm)_n(CO)_8−2n (n = 0, 1) adducts 3 and 4 were obtained. Replacement of the ethynyl proton in reactions between 2 and AuCl(PPh₃), Hg(OAc)₂ or FeCl(dppe)Cp^∗ gave complexes 1-(RCC)-1′-{Cp^∗(dppe)RuCC}Fc′ [R = Au(PPh₃) 5, 1/2Hg 6, Fe(dppe)Cp^∗8]; the latter gave bis-vinylidene 9 with MeI, characterised (as was 2) by a single crystal X-ray study. Oxidative coupling of 2 (CuCl/tmeda/acetone, air) gave diyne 10, while coupling of 5 with Co₃(μ₃-CBr)(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ afforded 1-{Cp^∗(dppe)RuCC}-1′-{(OC)₇(μ-dppm)Co₃(μ₃-CCC)}Fc′ (11). Cyclic voltammetric measurements indicated that there was no significant electronic coupling between the end-groups through the ferrocene centre in any of these compounds.     

Structure of N,C,N-chelated organotin(IV) fluorides

The set of starting tri-, di- and monoorganotin(IV) halides containing N,C,N-chelating ligand (L^NCN = {1,3-[(CH₃)₂NCH₂]₂C₆H₃}⁻) has been prepared (1-5) and two compounds structurally characterized ([L^NCNPh₂Sn]⁺I₃⁻ (1c), L^NCNSnBr₃ (5)) in the solid state. These compounds were reacted with KF with 18-crown-6, NH₄F or L^CNnBu₂SnF to give derivatives containing fluorine atom(s). Triorganotin(IV) fluorides L^NCNMe₂SnF (2a) and L^NCNnBu₂SnF (3a) revealed monomeric structural arrangement with covalent Sn-F bond both in the coordinating and non-coordinating solvents, except the behaviour of 3a that was ionized in the methanol solution at low temperature. The products of fluorination of L^NCNSnPhCl₂ (4) and 5 were described by NMR in solution as the ionic hypervalent fluorostannates or the oligomeric species reacting with chloroform, methanol or moisture to zwitterionic monomeric stannate L^NCN(H)⁺SnF₄⁻ (5c), which was confirmed by XRD analysis in the solid state.     

Study of ferrocenyl-substituted Co2(CO)6-bispropargylic alcohol complexes as substrates for the formation of chains and macrocycles

Treatment of [Fc-1-R¹-1′-R²] (R¹ = H, R² = CH(O); R¹ = H, R² = CMe(O); R¹ = R² = CMe(O)) with LiCCCH₂OLi (prepared in situ from HCCCH₂OH and n-BuLi) affords the ferrocenyl-substituted but-2-yne-1,4-diol compounds of general formula [Fc-1-R¹-1′-{CR(OH)CCCH₂OH}] (R¹ = R = H (1a); R¹ = H, R = Me (1b); R¹ = CMe(O), R = Me (1c)) in low to high yields, respectively (where Fc = Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄)₂). In the case of the reactions of [Fc-1-R¹-1′-R²] (R¹ = H, R² = CH(O); R¹ = R² = CMe(O)), the by-products [Fc-1-R¹-1′-{CR(OH)(CH₂)₃CH₃}] (R¹ = R = H (2a); R¹ = CMe(O), R = Me (2c)) along with minor quantities of [Fc-1,1′-{CMe(OH)(CH₂)₃CH₃}₂] (3) are also isolated; a hydrazide derivative of dehydrated 2c, [1-(CMeCHCH₂CH₂CH₃)-1′-(CMeNNH-2,4-(NO₂)₂C₆H₃)] (2c′), has been crystallographically characterised. Interaction of 1 with Co₂(CO)₈ smoothly generates the alkyne-bridged complexes [Fc-1-R¹-1′-{Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-CR(OH)CCCH₂OH}] (R¹ = R = H (4a); R¹ = H, R = Me(4b); R¹ = CMe(O), R = Me (4c)) in good yield. Reaction of 4a with PhSH, in the presence of catalytic quantities of HBF₄ · OEt₂, gives the mono- [Fc-1-H-1′-{Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-CH(SPh)CCCH₂OH}] (5) and bis-substituted [Fc-1-H-1′-{Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-CH(SPh)CCCH₂SPh}] (6) straight chain species, while with HS(CH₂)_nSH (n = 2,3) the eight- and nine-membered dithiomacrocylic complexes [Fc-1-H-1′-{cyclo-Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-CH(S(CH₂)_n-)CCCH₂S-}] [n = 2 (7a), n = 3 (7b)] are afforded. By contrast, during attempted macrocyclic formation using 4b and HSCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂SH dehydration occurs to give [Fc-1-H-1′-{Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-C(CH₂)CCCH₂OH}] (8). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies have been reported on 2c′, 4b, 4c, 7b and 8.