Palladium acetate complexes bearing chelating N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands: Synthesis and catalytic oxidative homocoupling of terminal alkynes

The imidazolium salts 1,1′-dibenzyl-3,3′-propylenediimidazolium dichloride and 1,1′-bis(1-naphthalenemethyl)-3,3′-propylenediimidazolium dichloride have been synthesized and transformed into the corresponding bis(NHC) ligands 1,1′-dibenzyl-3,3′-propylenediimidazol-2-ylidene (L₁) and 1,1′-bis(1-naphthalenemethyl)-3,3′-propylenediimidazol-2-ylidene (L₂) that have been employed to stabilize the Pd^II complexes PdCl₂(κ²-C,C-L₁) (2a) and PdCl₂(κ²-C,C-L₂) (2b). Both latter complexes together with their known homologous counterparts PdCl₂(κ²-C,C-L₃) (1a) (L₃ = 1,1′-dibenzyl-3,3′-ethylenediimidazol-2-ylidene) and PdCl₂(κ²-C,C-L₄) (1b) (L₄ = 1,1′-bis(1-naphthalenemethyl)-3,3′-ethylenediimidazol-2-ylidene) have been straightforwardly converted into the corresponding palladium acetate compounds Pd(κ¹-O-OAc)₂(κ²-C,C-L₃) (3a) (OAc = acetate), Pd(κ¹-O-OAc)₂(κ²-C,C-L₄) (3b), Pd(κ¹-O-OAc)₂(κ²-C,C-L₁) (4a), and Pd(κ¹-O-OAc)₂(κ²-C,C-L₂) (4b). In addition, the phosphanyl-NHC-modified palladium acetate complex Pd(κ¹-O-OAc)₂ (κ²-P,C-L₅) (6) (L₅ = 1-((2-diphenylphosphanyl)methylphenyl)-3-methyl-imidazol-2-ylidene) has been synthesized from corresponding palladium iodide complex PdI₂(κ²-P,C-L₅) (5). The reaction of the former complex with p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TsOH) gave the corresponding bis-tosylate complex Pd(OTs)₂(κ²-P,C-L₅) (7). All new complexes have been characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. In addition the solid-state structures of 1b·DMF, 2b·2DMF, 3a, 3b·DMF, 4a, 4b, and 6·CHCl₃·2H₂O have been determined by single crystal X-ray structure analyses. The palladium acetate complexes 3a/b, 4a/b, and 6 have been employed to catalyze the oxidative homocoupling reaction of terminal alkynes in acetonitrile chemoselectively yielding the corresponding 1,4-di-substituted 1,3-diyne in the presence of p-benzoquinone (BQ). The highest catalytic activity in the presence of BQ has been obtained with 6, while within the series of palladium-bis(NHC) complexes, 4b, featured with a n-propylene-bridge and the bulky N-1-naphthalenemethyl substituents, revealed as the most active compound. Hence, this latter precursor has been employed for analogous coupling reaction carried out in the presence of air pressure instead of BQ, yielding lower substrate conversion when compared to reaction performed in the presence of BQ. The important role of the ancillary ligand acetate in the course of the catalytic coupling reaction has been proved by variable-temperature NMR studies carried out with 6 and 7′ under catalytic reaction conditions.     

Coordination compounds of N,N′-olefin functionalized imidazolin-2-ylidenes

N-Heterocyclic carbene ligands (NHC) were metalated with Pd(OAc)₂ or [Ni(CH₃CN)₆](BF₄)₂ by in situ deprotonation of imidazolium salts to give the N-olefin functionalized biscarbene complexes [MX₂(NHC)₂] 3-7 (3: M = Pd, X = Br, NHC = 1,3-di(3-butenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene; 4: M = Pd, X = Br, NHC = 1,3-di(4-pentenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene; 5: M = Pd, X = I, NHC = 1,3-diallylimidazolin-2-ylidene; 6: M = Ni, X = I, NHC = 1,3-diallylimidazolin-2-ylidene; 7: M = Ni, X = I, NHC = 1-methyl-3-allylimidazolin-2-ylidene). Molecular structure determinations for 4-7 revealed that square-planar complexes with cis (5) or trans (4, 6, 7) coordination geometry at the metal center had been obtained. Reaction of nickelocene with imidazolium bromides afforded the η⁵-cyclopentadienyl (η⁵-Cp) monocarbene nickel complexes [NiBr(η⁵-Cp)(NHC)] 8 and 9 (8: NHC = 1-methyl-3-allylimidazolin-2-ylidene; 9: NHC = 1,3-diallylimidazolin-2-ylidene). The bromine abstraction in complexes 8 and 9 with silver tetrafluoroborate gave complexes [NiBr(η⁵-Cp)(η³-NHC)] 10 and 11. The X-ray structure analysis of 10 and 11 showed a trigonal-pyramidal coordination geometry at the nickel(II) center and coordination of one N-allyl substituent.     

Fe–Hg Interactions and P Chemical Shifts in [Fe(CO)3 (PPh2R)2(HgCl2)] (R=pym, fur, py, thi)

In order to study the effects of R group on Fe–Hg interactions and 31P chemical shifts, the structures of mononuclear complexes Fe(CO)₃(PPh₂R)₂ (R=pym:1, fur: 2, py: 3,thi: 4; pym=pyrimidine, fur=furyl, py=pyridine, thi=thiazole) and binuclear complexes [Fe(CO)₃(PPh₂R)₂(HgCl₂)] (R=pym: 5, fur: 6, py: 7, thi: 8) were studied using the density functional theory (DFT) PBE0 method. The 31P chemical shifts were calculated by PBE0-GIAO method. Nature bond orbital (NBO) analyses were also performed to explain the nature of the Fe–Hg interactions. The conclusions can be drawn as follows: (1) The complexes with nitrogen donor atoms are more stable than those with O or S atoms. The more N atoms there are, the higher is the stabilility of the complex. (2) The Fe–Hg interactions play a dominant role in the stabilities of the complexes. In 5 or 6, thereisa σ-bond between Fe and Hg atoms. However, in 7 and 8, the Fe–Hg interactions act as σ_P–Fe→n_Hg and σ_C–Fe→n_Hg delocalization. (3) Through Fe→Hg interactions, there is charge transfer from R groups towards the P, Fe, and Hg atoms, which increases the electron density on P nucleus in binuclear complexes. As a result, compared with their mononuclear complexes, the 31P chemical shifts in binuclear complexes show some reduction.     

Third Generation Buchwald Precatalysts with XPhos and RuPhos: Multigram Scale Synthesis,Solvent-Dependent Isomerization of XPhos Pd G3 and Quality Control by 1H- and 31P-NMR Spectroscopy

The third generation Buchwald precatalysts Pd(ABP)(Phos)(OMs) (also known as Phos Pd G3)) with XPhos and RuPhos were prepared in multigram scale by a modified procedure (ABP = fragment of C-deprotonated 2-aminobiphenyl, XPhos = 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl, RuPhos = 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,6′-diisopropoxybiphenyl, OMs⁻ = CH₃SO₃⁻). The ¹H- and ³¹P-NMR spectra of the title complexes and some impurities, measured by various 1D and 2D techniques, were analyzed in detail. The solvent-dependent isomerization of Pd(ABP)(XPhos)(OMs) was studied by NMR, and the X-ray structures of two isomers were determined. The impurities in precatalysts, such as Pd(ABP)(HABP)(OMs) (HABP—neutral 2-aminobiphenyl coordinated to Pd²⁺ in N-monodentate mode) and PdCl₂(XPhos)₂, were identified and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. A simple method for the quick quality control (QC) of the precatalysts, suitable for routine use, was proposed. The method was based on the assessment of the impurity content on the basis of the ¹H-NMR spectra analysis.     

Palladium complexes of amido-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes as effective precatalysts for the Suzuki-Miyaura C-C cross-coupling reactions of aryl bromides and iodides

A series of air-stable, robust and highly active palladium based precatalysts of amido-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes for the Suzuki-Miyaura C-C cross-coupling reaction has been designed. In particular, the [1-R-3-{N-(benzylacetamido)imidazol-2-ylidene]₂PdCl₂ [R = i-Pr (1c) and CH₂Ph (2c)] complexes efficiently carried out the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of the aryl bromide and iodide substrates with phenyl boronic acid in good to excellent yields in air at 90 °C in 12 h. Quite interestingly, of these palladium precatalysts, the i-propyl derivative (1c) exhibited superior activity as compared to the benzyl derivative (2c). The density functional theory (DFT) studies carried out on the 1c and 2c complexes revealed the strong σ-donating nature of the NHC ligand as reflected in their high d/b ratio [i.e. forward σ-donation (d) to backward π-donation (b)] of these complexes and, thus, point towards greater stability of the Pd-NHC interaction in these complexes.     

Effect of ortho-substituents on the stereochemistry of 2-(o-substituted phenyl)-1H-imidazoline-palladium complexes

Palladium complexes composed of [Pd(Ln)₂Cl₂] (n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 6), [L5a]₂[PdCl₄] and [Pd(L5b)₂], where L1 = 4,5-dihydro-2-phenyl-1H-imidazole (=2-phenyl-1H-imidazoline), L2 = 2-(o-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazoline, L3 = 2-(o-methylphenyl)-1H-imidazoline, L4 = 2-(o-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-imidazoline, L5a = 2-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-imidazolinium, L5b = 2-(1H-imidazolin-2-yl)phenolate, and L6 = 2-(o-methylphenyl)-1H-imidazole, were synthesized. Molecular structures of the isolated palladium complexes were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The effect of ortho-substituents on the phenyl ring on trans-chlorine geometry was noted for complexes [Pd(L1)₂Cl₂] 1a and 1b, [Pd(L2)₂Cl₂] 2 and [Pd(L6)₂Cl₂] 6, whereas cis-chlorine geometry was observed for [Pd(L3)₂Cl₂] 3 and [Pd(L4)₂Cl₂] 4. PdCl₂ reacts with 2-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-imidazoline in DMF to give [L5a]⁺ and [L5b]^- so that [L5a]₂[PdCl₄] 5a and [Pd(L5b)₂] 5b were obtained. In complex 5b, as an N,O-bidentate ligand, two ligands L5b coordinated with the central Pd(II) ion in the trans-form. The coordination of PdCl₂ with 2-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-imidazolines in solution was investigated by NMR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis and characterization of Pd(IMe)2, and its reactivity by C-S oxidative addition of DMSO

Two-electron reduction of PdX₂(NHC)₂ with Groups 1, 2 metals (K, Mg) is a convenient route to Pd(NHC)₂ complexes including Pd(IMe)₂ (2a), isolated and crystallographically characterized as the least sterically encumbered d¹⁰ M(0)L₂ species to date. 2a exhibits a regular linear geometry and modest Lewis acidity to coordinating solvents and additional IMe. In contrast to its analogs with bulkier NHC = I^tBu and IPr, 2a undergoes cleanly net oxidative addition of the Me-S(O)Me bond of DMSO, forming trans-PdMe(S(O)Me)IMe₂ (3) at RT. DFT calculations suggest this reaction to proceed by substitution of IMe by κS-DMSO followed by concerted C-S oxidative addition to Pd with a single IMe, with a preference of ca. 10 kcal/mol in the effective ΔG_s^‡ over the direct pathway. Calculations also identify two facile intramolecular pathways for racemization of Pd(II) methylsulfinyl complexes at sulfur.     

Co(III) complexes of Me-salpn and Me-salbn and the ring size effect on the coordination modes and electrochemical properties: The crystal structures of trans-[Co(Me-salpn)(py)2]PF6 and cis-α-[Co(Me-salbn)(4-Mepy)2]BPh4 · 4-Mepy

The synthesis and characterization of a series of cobalt(III) complexes of the general type [Co(N₂O₂)(L₂)]⁺ are described. The N₂O₂ Schiff base ligands used are Me-salpn (H₂Me-salpn = N,N′-bis(methylsalicylidene)-1,3-propylenediamine) (1–3) and Me-salbn (H₂Me-salbn = N,N′-bis(methylsalicylidene)-1,4-butylenediamine) (4–5). The two ancillary ligands L include: pyridine (py) 1, 3-metheylpyridine (3-Mepy) 2, 1-methylimidazole (1-MeIm) 3, 4-methylpyridine (4-Mepy) 4 and pyridine (py) 5. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV–Vis, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of trans-[Co^III(Me-salpn)(py)₂]PF₆, 1, and cis-α-[Co^III(Me-salbn)(4-Mepy)₂]BPh₄ · 4-Mepy, 4, have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Examination of the solution and crystalline structures revealed that the outer coordination sphere of the complexes exerts a noticeable influence on the inner coordination sphere of the Co(III) ion. The electrochemical reduction of these complexes at a glassy carbon electrode in acetonitrile solution indicates that the first reduction process corresponding to Co^III–Co^II is electrochemically irreversible, which is accompanied by the dissociation of the axial (R-py)–cobalt bonds. It has also been observed that the Co(III) state is stabilized with increasing the flexibility of the ligand environment.     

Synthesis and reaction chemistry of 4-nitrile-substituted NCN-pincer palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes (NCN = [NC-4-C6H2(CH2NMe2)2-2,6])

Nitrile-functionalized NCN-pincer complexes of type [MBr(NC-4-C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6)] (6a, M = Pd; 6b, M = Pt) (NCN = [C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6]⁻) are accessible by the reaction of Br-1-NC-4-C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6 (2b) with [Pd₂(dba)₃ · CHCl₃] (5a) (dba = dibenzylidene acetone) and [Pt(tol-4)₂(SEt₂)]₂ (5b) (tol = tolyl), respectively. Complex 6b could successfully be converted to the linear coordination polymer {[Pt(NC-4-C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6)](ClO₄)}_n (8) upon its reaction with the organometallic heterobimetallic π-tweezer compound {[Ti](μ-σ,π-CCSiMe₃)₂}AgOClO₃ (7) ([Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti).The structures of 6a (M = Pd) and 6b (M = Pt) in the solid state are reported. In both complexes the d⁸-configurated transition metal ions palladium(II) and platinum(II) possess a somewhat distorted square-planar coordination sphere. Coordination number 4 at the group-10 metal atoms M is reached by the coordination of two ortho-substituents Me₂NCH₂, the NCN ipso-carbon atom and the bromide ligand. The NC group is para-positioned with respect to M.     

Syntheses and pharmacological characterization of achiral and chiral enantiopure C/Si/Ge-analogous derivatives of the muscarinic antagonist cycrimine: a study on C/Si/Ge bioisosterism

The C/Si/Ge-analogous compounds rac-Ph(c-C₅H₉)El(CH₂OH)CH₂CH₂NR₂ (NR₂=piperidino; El=C, rac-3a; El=Si, rac-3b; El=Ge, rac-3c) and (c-C₅H₉)₂El(CH₂OH)CH₂CH₂NR₂ (NR₂=piperidino; El=C, 5a; El=Si, 5b; El=Ge, 5c) were prepared in multi-step syntheses. The (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of 3a–c were obtained by resolution of the respective racemates using the antipodes of O,O′-dibenzoyltartaric acid (resolution of rac-3a), O,O′-di-p-toluoyltartaric acid (resolution of rac-3b), or 1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-diyl hydrogen phosphate (resolution of rac-3c). The enantiomeric purities of (R)-3a–c and (S)-3a–c were ≥98% ee (determined by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy using a chiral solvating agent). Reaction of rac-3a–c, (R)-3a–c, (S)-3a–c, and 5a–c with methyl iodide gave the corresponding methylammonium iodides rac-4a–c, (R)-4a–c, (S)-4a–c, and 6a–c (3a–c→4a–c; 5a–c→6a–c). The absolute configuration of (S)-3a was determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of its (R,R)-O,O′-dibenzoyltartrate. The absolute configurations of the silicon analog (R)-4b and germanium analog (R)-4c were also determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The chiroptical properties of the (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of 3a–c, 3a–c·HCl, and 4a–c were studied by ORD measurements. In addition, the C/Si/Ge analogs (R)-3a–c, (S)-3a–c, (R)-4a–c, (S)-4a–c, 5a–c, and 6a–c were studied for their affinities at recombinant human muscarinic M₁, M₂, M₃, M₄, and M₅ receptors stably expressed in CHO-K1 cells (radioligand binding experiments with [³H]N-methylscopolamine as the radioligand). For reasons of comparison, the known C/Si/Ge analogs Ph₂El(CH₂OH)CH₂CH₂NR₂ (NR₂=piperidino; El=C, 7a; El=Si, 7b; El=Ge, 7c) and the corresponding methylammonium iodides 8a–c were included in these studies. According to these experiments, all the C/Si/Ge analogs behaved as simple competitive antagonists at M₁–M₅ receptors. The receptor subtype affinities of the individual carbon, silicon, and germanium analogs 3a–8a, 3b–8b, and 3c–8c were similar, indicating a strongly pronounced C/Si/Ge bioisosterism. The (R)-enantiomers (eutomers) of 3a–c and 4a–c exhibited higher affinities (up to 22.4 fold) for M₁–M₅ receptors than their corresponding (S)-antipodes (distomers), the stereoselectivity ratios being higher at M₁, M₃, M₄, and M₅ than at M₂ receptors, and higher for the methylammonium compounds (4a–c) than for the amines (3a–c). With a few exceptions, compounds 5a–c, 6a–c, 7a–c, and 8a–c displayed lower affinities for M₁–M₅ receptors than the related (R)-enantiomers of 3a–c and 4a–c. The stereoselective interaction of the enantiomers of 3a–c and 4a–c with M₁–M₅ receptors is best explained in terms of opposite binding of the phenyl and cyclopentyl ring of the (R)- and (S)-enantiomers. The highest receptor subtype selectivity was observed for the germanium compound (R)-4c at M₁/M₂ receptors (12.9-fold).     

Influence of Pd precursors on the catalytic performance of Pd–H4SiW12O40/SiO2 in the direct oxidation of ethylene to acetic acid

The effects of palladium precursors (PdCl₂, (NH₄)₂PdCl₄, Pd(NH₃)₂Cl₂, Pd(NO₃)₂ and Pd(CH₃COO)₂) on the catalytic properties in the selective oxidation of ethylene to acetic acid have been investigated for 1.0 wt% Pd–30 wt% H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀/SiO₂. The structures of the catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption, H₂-pulse chemical adsorption, infrared spectrometry of the adsorbed pyridine, H₂ temperature-programmed reduction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The present study demonstrates that the different palladium precursors can lead to the significant changes in the dispersion of palladium. It is found that Pd dispersion decreases as follows: PdCl₂ > (NH₄)₂PdCl₄ > Pd(NO₃)₂ > Pd(NH₃)₂Cl₂ > Pd(C₂H₃O₂)₂, which is nearly identical to the catalytic activity. This indicates that the dispersion of palladium plays an important role in the catalytic activity. Furthermore, density of Lewis (L) and Brönsted (B) acid sites are also strongly dependent on the palladium precursors. It is also demonstrated that an effective catalyst should possess a well combination of Brönsted acid sites with dispersion of palladium.     

Normal and abnormal carbene complexes derived from thiazole: Preparation and a preliminary investigation of their relative catalytic performance

Readily prepared 2-, 4- and 5-bromo-3-methyl thiazolium triflates react by oxidative substitution with M(PPh₃)₄ (M = Ni or Pd) to furnish five of the expected normal and abnormal cationic thiazolylidene complexes (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, and 3b). Carbene complex formation is accompanied by a ca. 40 ppm downfield shift of the α-N carbene carbons in Pd complexes 1 and 2 in their ¹³C NMR spectra but the chemical shift of C(carbene) in the abnormal3b (δ 135.7) is particularly low. Crystal and molecular structures of complexes 1a, 2b, and 3b all indicate a square planar arrangement of the ligands around the central metal atoms. The new complexes catalyse Suzuki-Miyaura aryl coupling.     

Comparative evolved gas analytical and structural study on trans-diammine-bis(nitrito)-palladium(II) and platinum(II) by TG/DTA–MS, TG–FTIR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction

Detailed study on identification and thermal decomposition of solid title compounds 1 and 2 crystallized from the used aqueous ammonia solutions of Pd(NH₃)₂(NO₂)₂ and Pt(NH₃)₂(NO₂)₂, has been carried out. Beyond the composition of complexes 1 and 2, their trans square planar configuration have already been recognized by reference IR spectra and powder XRD patterns, nevertheless their exact molecular and crystal structure as of trans-Pd(NH₃)₂(NO₂)₂ (1, Pd-NN) and trans-Pt(NH₃)₂(NO₂)₂ (2, Pt-NN) has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (R = 0.0515 and 0.0341), respectively. Despite their compositional and configuration analogy, they crystallize in different crystal systems and space groups. The crystals of 1 (Pd-NN) are triclinic (space group No. 2, P-1, a = 5.003(1) Å, b = 5.419(1) Å, c = 6.317(1) Å, α = 91.34(2)°, β = 111.890(10)°, γ = 100.380(10)°), while those of 2 (Pt-NN) are monoclinic (space group No. 5, C2, a = 7.4235(16) Å, b = 9.130(2) Å, c = 4.4847(10) Å, β = 99.405(7)°).The pyrolytic processes of 1 and 2 (which might be sensitive to shock and heat) have been followed by simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), while the evolved gaseous species have been traced in situ by online coupled TG/DTA–EGA–MS and TG–EGA–FTIR instruments in He and air. Pd and Pt powders, forming as final solid products in single step, are captured and checked by TG and XRD. Whilst the unified evolved gas analyses report evolution of N₂, H₂O, NH₃, N₂O, NO, and NO₂ gases as gaseous product components in the exothermic decomposition of both trans-Pd(NH₃)₂(NO₂)₂ (1) and trans-Pt(NH₃)₂(NO₂)₂ (2) starting from ca. 230 and 220 °C, in sealed crucibles with a pinhole on the top, respectively.     

Role of ligand conformation in the structural diversity of copper(II) and silver(I) coordination polymers containing the angular dipyridyl ligand bearing amide spacer

The new dipyridyl ligands N,N′-(methylenedi-p-phenylene)bis(pyridine-4-carboxamide), L1, and N,N′-(methylenedi-p-phenylene)bis(pyridine-3-carboxamide), L2, incorporating amide spacers have been synthesized and reacted with metal salts to give complexes of the types [Cu(L1)₂X₂]_∞ (X = Cl, 1 and X = Br, 2), {[Cu(L1)₂(DMF)](NO₃)₂}_∞, 3, {[Ag₂(L1)₂](SO₄)}_∞, 4, and {[Cu(L2)(DMSO)₂(NO₃)](NO₃)}_∞, 5. All compounds have been characterized by spectroscopic methods and their structures determined by X-ray crystallography.Complexes 1, 2 and 3 form 1-D double-stranded polymeric chains showing rhombic molecular squares with approximate dimensions of 16.95 × 19.13 Å² for 1, 17.03 × 19.06 Å² for 2 and 16.66 × 19.94 Å² for 3. Complex 4 forms infinite 1-D zigzag polymeric chains, which are interlinked through a series of Ag–O interactions to form wavy 1-D ladder like chains, and complex 5 forms 1-D sinusoidal chains. While the L1 ligands in complexes 1, 2 and 3 adopt the cis conformation and that in complex 4 adopts trans conformation, the L2 ligand in complex 5 adopts the trans-anti conformation. The ligand conformations also differ in the dihedral angles between the pyridyl and phenyl rings. All complexes exhibit emissions which may be tentatively assigned as intraligand (IL) π → π* transition.     

Diamine incorporated compounds derived from polymeric nickel(II) fumarates and oxalates: Crystal structure, spectral and thermal properties of [Ni(en)3](O2CCHCHCO2)·3H2O and [Ni(en)3](O2CCO2)

Lewis-base mediated fragmentation of polymeric nickel(II) fumarate and oxalate are attempted using chelating σ-donor diamines like ethylenediamine (en) and 1,3-diaminopropane (dap) in various conditions which yielded [Ni(en)₃](fum)·3H₂O (1), [Ni(en)₃](ox) (2), [Ni(dap)₂(fum)] (3) and [Ni(dap)(ox)]·2H₂O (4). While 1 and 2 are molecular products each containing octahedral [Ni(en)₃]²⁺ moieties and the anionic dicarboxylate species, 3 and 4 are dap-incorporated polymeric products. The fumarate derivative 1 containing [Ni(en)₃]²⁺ moieties crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 17.899(4) Å, b = 11.747(2) Å, c = 10.748(2) Å, β = 125.59(3)°, V = 1837.7(6) ų, Z = 4, while the oxalate analogue 2 is seen to be in the trigonal space group P−31c with a = 8.8770(13) Å, b = 8.8770(13) Å, c = 10.482(2) Å, γ = 120°, V = 715.3(2) ų, Z = 2. The octahedral [Ni(en)₃] units in both 1 and 2 are seen to be strongly H-bonded to the dicarboxylate moieties through the coordinated en units leading to a three-dimensional network. However, in 1 the water molecules also take part in the H-bonding and contribute to the overall 3D structure. In both 1 and 2 the crystal packing is done with the [Ni(en)₃]²⁺ units with absolute configuration Λ(δδδ) and its mirror conformer with Δ configuration in exactly equal numbers. Spectral (IR and UV–Visible) and magnetic measurements were carried out and some of the ligand-field parameters like D_q, B and β were evaluated for all the four compounds. These values suggest the presence of octahedrally coordinated nickel(II) in all the four complexes. Spectral data suggest that 3 has the two chelating dap moieties and the fumarate coordinated in η¹ form through both its carboxylate moieties while 4 has one chelating dap and the oxalate moiety coordinated in η⁴-bis-chelating form. Though both 1 and 2 are made of the same type of [Ni(en)₃]²⁺ units their thermograms give entirely different thermal features; 1 showing three clearly successive and step-wise dissociation of each en unit while 2 having a combined loss of two en units in the first thermal step. The relevant thermodynamic and kinetic parameters like E_a and ΔS also could be evaluated for various thermal steps for the compounds 1–4 using Coats–Redfern equation.     

DNA binding and oxidative cleavage activity of ternary (l-proline)copper(II) complexes of heterocyclic bases

Ternary copper(II) complexes [Cu(l-pro)(B)(H₂O)](NO₃) (1, 2) where l-pro = l-proline, B is a N,N-donor heterocyclic base, viz. 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy, 1), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen, 2), are synthesized, characterized, and their DNA binding and cleavage activity studied. The bpy complex (1) is structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The complexes show the presence of a distorted square-pyramidal (4 + 1) CuN₃O₂ coordination geometry. Complex [Cu(l-pro)(bpy)(H₂O)](NO₃) (1) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with unit cell parameters: a = 7.082(3) Å, b = 10.483(5) Å, c = 11.581(5) Å, α = 89.700(7)°, β = 83.488(8)°, γ = 84.109(8)° and V = 849.7(7) Å³. The one-electron paramagnetic complexes display a d–d band near 600 nm in water and show a cyclic voltammetric response due to Cu(II)/Cu(I) couple near 0.1 V (versus SCE) in Tris–HCl buffer–0.1 M KCl. Binding interactions of the complexes with calf thymus (CT) DNA have been investigated by emission, absorption, viscosity and DNA thermal denaturation studies. The phen complex displays significant binding propensity to the CT DNA giving an order: 2 (phen)  1 (bpy). The bpy complex does not show any apparent binding to the DNA and hence poor cleavage efficiency. Complex 2 shows efficient oxidative cleavage of SC-DNA in the presence of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) involving hydroxyl radical species as evidenced from the control data showing inhibition of DNA cleavage in the presence of DMSO and catalase.     

Preparation of new dinuclear half-titanocene complexes with ortho- and meta-xylene linkages and investigation of styrene polymerization

Half-titanocene is well-known as an excellent catalyst for the preparation of SPS (syndiotactic polystyrene) when activated with methylaluminoxane (MAO). Dinuclear half-sandwich complexes of titanium bearing a xylene bridge, (TiCl₂L)₂{(μ-η⁵, η⁵-C₅H₄-ortho-(CH₂–C₆H₄–CH₂)C₅H₄}, (4 (L = Cl), 7 (L = O-2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)) and (TiCl₂L)₂{(μ-η⁵, η⁵-C₅H₄-meta-(CH₂–C₆H₄–CH₂)C₅H₄} (5 (L = Cl), 8(L = O-2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)), have been successfully synthesized and introduced for styrene polymerization. The catalysts were characterized by ¹H- and ¹³C NMR, and elemental analysis. These catalysts were found to be effective in forming SPS in combination with MAO. The activities of the catalysts with rigid ortho- and meta-xylene bridges were higher than those of catalysts with flexible pentamethylene bridges. The catalytic activity of four dinuclear half-titanocenes increased in the order of 4 < 5 < 7 < 8. This result displays that the meta-xylene bridged catalyst is more active than the ortho-xylene bridged and that the aryloxo group at the titanium center is more effective at promoting catalyst activity compared to the chloride group at the titanium center. Temperature and ratio of [Al]:[Ti] had significant effects on catalytic activity. Polymerizations were conducted at three different temperatures (25, 40, and 70 °C) with variation in the [Al]:[Ti] ratio from 2000 to 4000. It was observed that activity of the catalysts increased with increasing temperature, as well as higher [Al]:[Ti]. Different xylene linkage patterns (ortho and meta) were recognized to be a principal factor leading to the characteristics of the dinuclear catalyst due to its different spatial arrangement, causing dissimilar intramolecular interactions between the two active sites.     

Palladium (II) complexes with the unsymmetrical H-spirophosphorane ligand HP(OCMe2CMe2O)(OCH2CMe2NH): Synthesis, structural and catalytic studies

We have investigated the reactivity of the unsymmetrical H-spirophosphorane (HSP) ligand HP(OCMe₂CMe₂O)(OCH₂CMe₂NH) 1 towards different palladium(II) precursors and synthesised the mononuclear complexes [PdCl₂{P(OCMe₂CMe₂O)OCH₂CMe₂NH₂}] 2 and [PdCl(C₃H₅){P(OCMe₂CMe₂O)OCH₂CMe₂NH₂}] 3. The structural features of the compounds are characterised by spectroscopic methods as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The complexes are shown to be remarkably active precatalysts for the Heck and Hiyama cross-coupling reactions. The products of the C-C bond formation reactions were obtained with high conversion and stereoselectivity. Mechanistic studies of the Heck reaction reveal that, besides homogenous precatalysts, also heterogeneous Pd(0) nanoparticles are involved in the catalytic process.     

Molybdenum(VI) network polymers based on anion–π interaction and hydrogen bonding: Synthesis, crystal structures and oxidation catalytic application

A crystallographic investigation of anion–π interactions and hydrogen bonds on the preferred structural motifs of molybdenum(VI) complexes has been carried out. Two molybdenum(VI) network polymers MoO₂F₄·(Hinca)₂ (1) and MoO₂F₃(H₂O)·(Hinpa) (2), where inca = isonicotinamide and inpa = isonipecotamide, have been synthesized, crystallographically characterized and successfully applied to alcohol oxidation reaction. Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space C2/c: a = 16.832(3) Å, b = 8.8189(15) Å, c = 12.568(2) Å, β = 118.929(3)°, V = 1560.1(5) Å³, Z = 4. Complex 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space P-1: a = 5.459(2) Å, b = 9.189(4) Å, c = 12.204(5) Å, α = 71.341(6)°, β = 81.712(7)°, γ = 77.705(7)°, V = 564.8(4) Å³, Z = 2. Complex 1 consists of hydrogen bonding and anion–π interactions, both of which are considered as important factors for controlling the geometric features and packing characteristics of the crystal structure. The geometry of the sandwich complex of [MoO₂F₄]²⁻ with two pyridine rings indicates that the anion–π interaction is an additive and provides a base for the design and synthesis of new complexes. For complex 2, the anions and the protonated inpa ligands form a 2D supramolecular network by four different types of hydrogen contacts (N–HF, N–HO, O–HF and O–HO). The catalytic ability of complexes 1 and 2 has also been evaluated by applying them to the oxidation of benzyl alcohol with TBHP as oxidant.     

Syntheses, structures and properties of novel lanthanide complexes with 5-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylaminoisophthalic acid

Reactions of ligand 5-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylaminoisophthalic acid (H₃L) with varied lanthanide metal salts led to the formation of five scalelike 2D layered complexes {[Ln(H₂L)(HL)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O}_n [Ln(III) = Pr(III) (1), Nd(III) (2), Sm(III) (3), Gd(III) (4), Tb(III) (5)]. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that five complexes crystallized in the same monoclinic space group C2/c are isomorphous and isostructural, and the 2D networks are further connected by hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions resulting in formation of 3D structures. Investigations on the visible luminescent property of the complexes demonstrate that compounds 3 and 5 show characteristic emissions of Sm(III) and Tb(III) in the solid state at room temperature, respectively.