Stereochemistry of the insertion of disubstituted alkynes into the metal aminocarbyne bond in diiron complexes

Terminal alkynes (HCCR^′) (R^′=COOMe, CH₂OH) insert into the metal-carbyne bond of the diiron complexes [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NCMe)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R=Xyl, 1a; CH₂Ph, 1b; Me, 1c; Xyl=2,6-Me₂C₆H₃), affording the corresponding μ-vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-σ:η³-C(R^′)CHCN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R=Xyl, R^′=COOMe, 2; R=CH₂Ph, R^′=COOMe, 3; R=Me, R^′=COOMe, 4; R=Xyl, R^′=CH₂OH, 5; R=Me, R^′=CH₂OH, 6). The insertion is regiospecific and C-C bond formation selectively occurs between the carbyne carbon and the CH moiety of the alkyne. Disubstituted alkynes (R^′CCR^′) also insert into the metal-carbyne bond leading to the formation of [Fe₂{μ-σ:η³-C(R^′)C(R^′)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R^′=Me, R=Xyl, 8; R^′=Et, R=Xyl, 9; R^′=COOMe, R=Xyl, 10; R^′=COOMe, R=CH₂Ph, 11; R^′=COOMe, R=Me, 12). Complexes 2, 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11, in which the iminium nitrogen is unsymmetrically substituted, give rise to E and/or Z isomers. When iminium substituents are Me and Xyl, the NMR and structural investigations (X-ray structure analysis of 2 and 8) indicate that complexes obtained from terminal alkynes preferentially adopt the E configuration, whereas those derived from internal alkynes are exclusively Z. In complexes 8 and 9, trans and cis isomers have been observed, by NMR spectroscopy, and the structures of trans-8 and cis-8 have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies. Trans to cis isomerization occurs upon heating in THF at reflux temperature. In contrast to the case of HCCR^′, the insertion of 2-hexyne is not regiospecific: both [Fe₂{μ-σ:η³-C(CH₂CH₂CH₃)C(Me)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R=Xyl, 13; R=Me, 15) and [Fe₂{μ-σ:η³-C(Me)C(CH₂CH₂CH₃)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R=Xyl, 14, R=Me, 16) are obtained and these compounds are present in solution as a mixture of cis and trans isomers, with predominance of the former.     

Chemistry of Fischer-type rhenacyclobutadiene complexes. II. Reactions with alkynes and sulfonium ylides, and rearrangements induced by nitriles and pyridine

Further investigations into the chemistry of the rhenacyclobutadiene complexes (CO)₄Re(η²-C(R)C(CO₂Me)C(X)) (1: R=Me, X=OEt (1a), O(CH₂)₃CCH (1b), NEt₂ (1c); R=CHEt₂, X=OEt (1d); R=Ph, X=OEt (1e)) are reported. Reactions of 1 with alkynes at reflux temperature of toluene and at ambient temperature either under photochemical conditions or in the presence of PdO yield ring-substituted η⁵-cyclopentadienylrhenium tricarbonyl complexes, 2. The symmetrical alkynes R^′CCR^′ (R^′=Ph, Me, CO₂Me) afford the pentasubstituted complexes (η⁵-C₅(Me)(CO₂Me)(OEt)(Ph)(Ph))Re(CO)₃ (2d), (η⁵-C₅(Me)(CO₂Me)(OEt)(Me)(Me))Re(CO)₃ (2e), (η⁵-C₅(Me)(CO₂Me)(OEt)(CO₂Me)(CO₂Me))Re(CO)₃ (2f), and (η⁵-C₅(Me)(CO₂Me)(NEt₂)(CO₂Me)(CO₂Me))Re(CO)₃ (2i) on reaction with the appropriate 1, whereas the unsymmetrical alkynes R^′CCR″ (R^′=Ph; R″=H, Me) give either only one, (η⁵-C₅(Me)(CO₂Me)(OEt)(Ph)H)Re(CO)₃ (2a)), or both, (η⁵-C₅(Me)(CO₂Me) (OEt)(Ph)(Me))Re(CO)₃ (2b) and (η⁵-C₅(Me)(CO₂Me)(OEt)(Me)(Ph))Re(CO)₃ (2c), (η⁵-C₅(Ph)(CO₂Me)(OEt)(Ph)H)Re(CO)₃ (2g) and (η⁵-C₅(Ph)(CO₂Me)(OEt)(H)(Ph))Re(CO)₃ (2h), of the possible products of [3 + 2] cycloaddition of alkyne to η²-C(R)C(CO₂Me)C(X). Thermolysis of (CO)₄Re(η²-C(Me)C(CO₂Me)C(O(CH₂)₃CCH)) (1b) containing a pendant alkynyl group proceeds to (η⁵-C₅(Me)(CO₂Me)(O(CH₂)₃)H)Re(CO)₃ (2j), a η⁵-cyclopentadienyl-dihydropyran fused-ring product. Competition experiments showed that each of PhCCH and MeO₂CCCCO₂Me reacts faster than PhCCPh with 1a. The results with unsymmetrical alkynes are rationalized by steric properties of substituents at the CC and ReC bonds and by a preference of ReC(Me) over ReC(OEt) to undergo alkyne insertion. A mechanism is proposed that involves substitution of a trans CO by alkyne in 1, insertion of alkyne into ReC bond to give a rhenabenzene intermediate, and collapse of the latter to 2. Complexes 1a and 1d undergo rearrangement in MeCN at reflux temperature to give rhenafuran-like products, (CO)₄Re(κ²-OC(OMe)C(CHCR₂)C(OEt)) (R=H (3a) or Et (3b)). The reaction of 1d also proceeds in EtCN, PhCN, and t-BuCN at comparable temperature, but is slower (especially in t-BuCN) than in MeCN. In pyridine at reflux temperature, 1a undergoes a similar rearrangement, with CO substitution, to give (CO)₃(py)Re(κ²-OC(OMe)C(CHCEt₂)C(OEt)) (4). A mechanism is proposed for these reactions. The sulfonium ylides Me₂SCHC(O)Ph and Me₂SC(CN)₂ (Me₂SCRR^′) react with 1a in acetonitrile at reflux temperature by nucleophilic addition of the ylide to the ReC(Me) carbon, loss of Me₂S, and rearrangement to a rhenafuran-type structure to yield (CO)₄Re(κ²-OC(OMe)C(C(Me)CRR^′)C(OEt)) (R=H, R^′=C(O)Ph (5a); R=R^′CN (5b)). All new compounds were characterized by a combination of elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and IR and NMR spectroscopy.     

New diruthenium vinyliminium complexes from the insertion of alkynes into bridging aminocarbynes

Primary alkynes R′CCH [R′ = Me₃Si, Tol, CH₂OH, CO₂Me, (CH₂)₄CCH, Me] insert into the metal-carbon bond of diruthenium μ-aminocarbynes [Ru₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(MeCN)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] [R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (Xyl), 1a; CH₂Ph (Bz), 1b; Me, 1c] to give the vinyliminium complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)CHCN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] [R = Xyl, R′ = Me₃Si, 2a; R = Bz, R′ = Me₃Si, 2b; R = Me, R′ = Me₃Si, 2c; R = Xyl, R′ = Tol, 3a; R = Bz, R′ = Tol, 3b; R = Bz, R′ = CH₂OH, 4; R = Bz, R′ = CO₂Me, 5a; R = Me, R′ = CO₂Me, 5b; R = Xyl, R′ = (CH₂)₄CCH, 6; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, 7a; R = Bz, R′ = Me, 7b; R = Me, R′ = Me, 7c]. The related compound [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C[C(Me)CH₂]CHCN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃], (9) is better prepared by reacting [Ru₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cl)(Cp)₂] (8) with AgSO₃CF₃ in the presence of HCCC(Me)CH₂ in CH₂Cl₂ at low temperature.In a similar way, also secondary alkynes can be inserted to give the new complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(R′)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Bz, R′ = CO₂Me, 11; R = Xyl, R′ = Et, 12a; R = Bz, R′ = Et, 12b; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, 13). The reactions of 2-7, 9, 11-13 with hydrides (i.e., NaBH₄, NaH) have been also studied, affording μ-vinylalkylidene complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(R″)C(H)N(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R = Bz, R′ = Me₃Si, R″ = H, 14a; R = Me, R′ = Me₃Si, R″ = H, 14b; R = Bz, R′ = Tol, R″ = H, 15; R = Bz, R′ = R″ = Et, 16), bis-alkylidene complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(R′)C(H)(R″)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = Me₃Si, R″ = H, 17; R′ = R″ = Et, 18), acetylide compounds [Ru₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(CCR′)(Cp)₂] (R = Xyl, R′ = Tol, 19; R = Bz, R′ = Me₃Si, 20; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, 21) or the tetranuclear species [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(Me)CCN(Me)(Bz)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂]₂ (23) depending on the properties of the hydride and the substituents on the complex. Chromatography of 21 on alumina results in its conversion into [Ru₂{μ-η³:η¹-C[N(Me)(Xyl)]C(H)CCH₂}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (22). The crystal structures of 2a[CF₃SO₃] · 0.5CH₂Cl₂, 12a[CF₃SO₃] and 22 have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Reactions of a phosphido-bridged unsymmetrical diiron complex (η-C5Me5)Fe2(CO)4(μ-CO)(μ-PPh2) with various alkynes

A phosphido-bridged unsymmetrical diiron complex (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe₂(CO)₄(μ-CO)(μ-PPh₂) (1) was synthesized by a new convenient method; photo-dissociation of a CO ligand from (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe₂(CO)₆(μ-PPh₂) (2) that was prepared by the reaction of Li[Fe(CO)₄PPh₂] with (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe(CO)₂I. The reactivity of 1 toward various alkynes was studied. The reaction of 1 with ^tBuCCH gave a 1:1 mixture of two isomeric complexes (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe₂(CO)₃(μ-PPh₂)[μ-CHC(^tBu)C(O)] (3) containing a ketoalkenyl ligand. The reactions of 1 with other terminal alkynes RCCH (R=H, CO₂Me, Ph) afforded complexes incorporating one or two molecules of alkynes and a carbonyl group. The principal products were dinuclear complexes bridged by a new phosphinoketoalkenyl ligand, (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe₂(CO)₃(μ-CO)[μ-CR¹CR²C(O)PPh₂] (4a: R¹=H, R²=H; 4b: R¹=CO₂Me, R²=H; 4c: R¹=H, R²=Ph). In the cases of alkynes RCCH (R=H, CO₂Me), dinuclear complexes having a new ligand composed of two molecules of alkynes, a carbonyl group, and a phosphido group; i.e. (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe₂(CO)₃[μ-CRCHCHCRC(O)PPh₂] (5a: R=H; 5b: R=CO₂Me), were also obtained. In all cases, mononuclear complexes, (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Fe(CO)[CR¹CR²C(O)PPh₂] (6a: R¹=H, R²=H; 6b: R¹=H, R²=CO₂Me; 6c: R¹=H, R²=Ph) were isolated in low yields. The structures of 1, 4c, 5b, and 6a were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The detailed structures of the products and plausible reaction mechanisms are discussed.     

C-C bond formation by cyanide addition to dinuclear vinyliminium complexes

The diiron vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(H)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R=Me, R′ = SiMe₃ (1a); R = Me, R′ = CH₂OH (1b); R = CH₂Ph, R′ = Tol (1c), Tol = 4-MeC₆H₄; R = CH₂Ph, R′ = COOMe (1d); R = CH₂Ph, R′ = SiMe₃ (1e)) undergo regio- and stereo-selective addition by cyanide ion (from ), affording the corresponding bridging cyano-functionalized allylidene compounds [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(H)C(CN)N(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (3a-e), in good yields. Similarly, the diiron vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(R′)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = R′ = Me (2a); R = Me, R′ = Ph (2b); R = CH₂Ph, R′ = Me (2c); R = CH₂Ph, R′ = COOMe (2d)) react with cyanide and yield [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(R′)C(CN)N(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (9a-d). The reactions of the vinyliminium complex [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(Tol)CHCN(Me)(4-C₆H₄CF₃)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (4) with NaBH₄ and afford the allylidene [Fe₂{μ-C(Tol)C(H)C(H)N(Me)(C₆H₄CF₃)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (5) and the cyanoallylidene [Fe₂{μ-C(Tol)C(H)C(CN)N(Me)(C₆H₄CF₃)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (6), respectively. Analogously, the diruthenium vinyliminium complex [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(SiMe₃)CHCN(Me)(CH₂Ph)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (7) reacts with to give [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(SiMe₃)CHC(CN)N(Me)(CH₂Ph)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (8).Finally, cyanide addition to [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(COOMe)C(COOMe)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (2e) (Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃), yields the cyano-functionalized bis-alkylidene complex [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(COOMe)C(COOMe)(CN)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (10). The molecular structures of 3a and 9a have been elucidated by X-ray diffraction.     

Hydride addition at μ-vinyliminium ligand obtained from disubstituted alkynes

New μ-vinylalkylidene complexes cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(R″)C_αHN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R = Me, R′ = R″ = Me, 3a; R = Me, R′ = R″ = Et, 3b; R = Me, R′ = R″ = Ph, 3c; R = CH₂Ph, R′ = R″ = Me, 3d; R = CH₂Ph, R′ = R″ = COOMe, 3e; R = CH₂ Ph, R′ = SiMe₃, R″ = Me, 3f) have been obtained b yreacting the corresponding vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(R″)C_αN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (2a-f) with NaBH₄. The formation of 3a-f occurs via selective hydride addition at the iminium carbon (C_α) of the precursors 2a-f. By contrast, the vinyliminium cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ (R′) = C_β(R″)C_α = N(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R′ = R″ = COOMe, 4a; R′ = R″ = Me, 4b; R′ = Prⁿ, R″ = Me, 4c; Prⁿ = CH₂CH₂CH₃, Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) undergo H⁻ addition at the adjacent C_β, affording the bis-alkylidene complexes cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(R′)C(H)(R″)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂], (5a-c). The cis and trans isomers of [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Et)C_β(Et)C_αN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (4d) react differently with NaBH₄: the former reacts at C_α yielding cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Et)C_β(Et)C_αHN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂], 6a, whereas the hydride attack occurs at C_β of the latter, leading to the formation of the bis alkylidene trans-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(Et)C(H)(Et)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (5d). The structure of 5d has been determined by an X-ray diffraction study. Other μ-vinylalkylidene complexes cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(R″)C_αHN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂], (R′ = R″ = Ph, 6b; R′ = R″ = Me, 6c) have been prepared, and the structure of 6c has been determined by X-ray diffraction. Compound 6b results from treatment of cis-[Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Ph)C_β(Ph)C_αN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (4e) with NaBH₄, whereas 6c has been obtained by reacting 4b with LiHBEt₃. Both cis-4d and trans-4d react with LiHBEt₃ affording cis-6a.     

Steric and electronic effects in stabilizing allyl-palladium complexes of “P-N-P” ligands, X2PN(Me)PX2 (X = OC6H5 or OC6H3Me2-2,6)

The chemistry of η³-allyl palladium complexes of the diphosphazane ligands, X₂PN(Me)PX₂ [X = OC₆H₅ (1) or OC₆H₃Me₂-2,6 (2)] has been investigated.The reactions of the phenoxy derivative, (PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂ with [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(μ-Cl)]₂ (R′ = R″ = H or Me; R′ = H, R″ = Me) give exclusively the palladium dimer, [Pd₂{μ-(PhO)₂PN(Me)P(OPh)₂}₂Cl₂] (3); however, the analogous reaction with [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(μ-Cl)]₂ (R′ = R″ = Ph) gives the palladium dimer and the allyl palladium complex [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(1)](PF₆) (R′ = R″ = Ph) (4). On the other hand, the 2,6-dimethylphenoxy substituted derivative 2 reacts with (allyl) palladium chloro dimers to give stable allyl palladium complexes, [Pd(η³-1,3-R′,R″-C₃H₃)(2)](PF₆) [R′ = R″ = H (5), Me (7) or Ph (8); R′ = H, R″ = Me (6)].Detailed NMR studies reveal that the complexes 6 and 7 exist as a mixture of isomers in solution; the relatively less favourable isomer, anti-[Pd(η³-1-Me-C₃H₄)(2)](PF₆) (6b) and syn/anti-[Pd(η³-1,3-Me₂-C₃H₃)(2)](PF₆) (7b) are present to the extent of 25% and 40%, respectively. This result can be explained on the basis of the steric congestion around the donor phosphorus atoms in 2. The structures of four complexes (4, 5, 7a and 8) have been determined by X-ray crystallography; only one isomer is observed in the solid state in each case.     

Chemistry of Fischer-type rhenacyclobutadiene complexes. I. Deprotonation, addition/substitution of nucleophilic reagents at α-carbon, and insertion of heteroatoms into rhenium-carbon bonds

The rhenacyclobutadienes (CO)₄Re(η²- C(R)C(CO₂Me)C(OR^′)) (2) undergo a number of reactions that mirror those of Fischer alkoxycarbene complexes. Thus, (CO)₄Re(η²-C(Me)C(CO₂Me)C(OEt)) (2a) can be deprotonated by LDA, Na[OBu-t], or Na[CH(CO₂Me)₂] to give the ylide-like conjugate base [(CO)₄Re(η²-C(CH₂)C(CO₂Me)C(OEt)]⁻ (3), which was isolated as PPN(3). Li(3) undergoes deuteriation with DCl/D₂O and alkylation with Et₃OPF₆ at ReCCH₂, with the latter reaction affording (CO)₄Re(η²-C(CH₂Et)C(CO₂Me)C(OEt)) (4). Repetition of the sequence deprotonation-ethylation on 4 generates (CO)₄Re(η²-C(CHEt₂)C(CO₂Me)C(OEt)) (5). The nature of the alkoxy substituent in 2 can be varied by use of the rhenacyclobutenones Na[(CO)₄Re(η²-C(R)C(CO₂Me)C(O))] (Na(1)) in conjunction with AcCl and R^′OH to produce a series of new complexes (R=Ph, R^′=Et (2b); R=Me, R^′=CH₂CHCH₂ (2c), (CH₂)₃CCH (2d), Me (2e)). Aminolysis of 2a with the primary and secondary amines PhNH₂, HO(CH₂)₂NH, p-TolNH₂, and Et₂NH yields the aminorhenacyclobutadiene complexes (CO)₄Re(η²-C(Me)C(CO₂Me)C(NHR^′ or NR^′₂)) (R₂^′=Et₂ (6a); R^′=Ph (6b), (CH₂)₂OH (6c), p-Tol (6d)). These complexes display lesser carbene-like character than their alkoxy counterparts 2, as evidenced by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic properties and lack of reactivity toward LDA by 6a. Reactions of each 2a and 6a with PPhMe₂ at low temperature afford (CO)₄Re(η²-C(Me)(PPhMe₂)C(CO₂Me)C(OEt)) (7) and (CO)₃(PPhMe₂)Re(η²-C(Me)C(CO₂Me)C(NEt₂)) (9), respectively, further in agreement with the more carbenoid nature of 2a than 6a. 7 undergoes conversion to (CO)₃(PPhMe₂)Re(η²-C(Me)C(CO₂Me)C(OEt)) (8) upon heating. 2a reacts with each of (NH₄)₂[Ce(NO₃)₆], DMSO, EtNO₂/Et₃N, and Me₃NO under various conditions to afford one or both of the oxygen atom insertion products into the ReC bonds, (CO)₄Re(κ²-OC(Me)C(CO₂Me)C(OEt)) (10) and (CO)₄Re(κ²-C(Me)C(CO₂Me)C(OEt)O) (11). In contrast, no reaction occurred between 2a and S₈ on heating. However, 6a was converted to the NH insertion product (CO)₄Re(κ²-NHC(Me)C(CO₂Me)C(NEt₂)) (12) by the action of H₂NNH₂ · H₂O at 0 °C. All new compounds were characterized by a combination of elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and IR and NMR spectroscopy.     

Asymmetric acetylenic thioethers in ruthenium cluster chemistry

The compounds [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ,η²-SCCR)(μ₃,η²-CCR^′)] (R=SiMe₃, R^′=SiⁱPr₃ (1); R=SiⁱPr₃, R^′=SiMe₃ (2); R=SiⁱPr₃, R^′=H (3); R=H, R^′=SiⁱPr₃ (4)) have been obtained by cleavage of one S-C bond of the thioethers ⁱPr₃SiCCSCCR (R=H, SiMe₃) in the presence of Ru₃(CO)₁₂. Thermal treatment of [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ,η²-SCCSiⁱPr₃)(μ₃,η²-CCH)] yields to the cluster [Ru₄(CO)₉(μ-CO)₂(μ₄-S)(μ₄-η²-C(H)C)(CCSiⁱPr₃)] (5) which contains a bridging sulfur atom and a polycarbon chain as a consequence of the rupture of the S-C bond and a C-C coupling reaction. All derivatives have been characterized by spectroscopic data. An X-ray diffraction study was carried out on the species [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ,η²-SCCSiⁱPr₃)(μ₃,η²-CCSiMe₃)] and of [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ,η²-SCCSiⁱPr₃)(μ₃,η²-CCH)].     

SPh functionalized bridging-vinyliminium diiron and diruthenium complexes

The SPh functionalized vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(SPh)C_αN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] [R = Xyl, R′ = Me, 2a; R = Me, R′ = Me, 2b; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, R′ = Me, 2c; R = Xyl, R′ = CH₂OH, 2d; R = Me, R′ = CH₂OH, 2e; Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃] are generated in high yields by treatment of the corresponding vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(H)C_αN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (1a-e) with NaH in the presence of PhSSPh. Likewise, the diruthenium complex [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Me)C_β(SPh)C_αN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (2f) was obtained from the corresponding vinyliminium complex [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Me)C_β(H)C_αN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (1f). The synthesis of 2c is accompanied by the formation, in comparable amounts, of the aminocarbyne complex [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(4-C₆H₄OMe)}(SPh)(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (3).The molecular structures of 2d, 2e and 3 have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

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.     

Zwitterionic diiron vinyliminium complexes: Alkylation, metalation and oxidative coupling at the S and Se functionalities

The zwitterionic vinyliminium complex [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(S)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (2a) (R′ = p-Me-C₆H₄ (Tol), Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) undergoes electrophilic addition at the S atom by HSO₃CF₃, MeSO₃CF₃, SiMe₃Cl, BrCH₂Ph, ICH₂CHCH₂ affording the complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(Tol)C(SX)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][Y] (X =  H, Y = SO₃CF₃, 4a; X = Me, Y = SO₃CF₃, 4b; X = SiMe₃, Y = Cl, 4c; X = CH₂Ph, Y = Br, 4d; X = CH₂CHCH₂, Y = I, 4e).Compound 2a and the corresponding vinyliminium complexes 2b and 2c (R′ = CH₂OH, 2b; R′ = Me, 2c) react also with etherated BF₃ leading to the formation of the corresponding S-adducts [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(SBF₃)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = Tol, 5a; R′ = CH₂OH, 5b; R′ = Me, 5c).In analogous reactions, the zwitterionic vinyliminium complexes undergo S-metalation upon treatment with in situ generated [Fp]⁺[SO₃CF₃]⁻ [Fp = Fe(CO)₂(Cp)], leading to the formation of [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(S-Fp)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃](R′ = CH₂OH, 6a; R′ = Me, 6b; R′ = Buⁿ, 6c).Similarly, zwitterionic vinyliminium containing Se in the place of S also undergo Se-electrophilic addition. Thus, the complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(SeX)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = X = Me, R′ = Tol, 7a; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, X = Fp⁺, 7b) are obtained upon treatment of the neutral zwitterionic precursors with MeSO₃CF₃ and [Fp][SO₃CF₃], respectively.Alkylation at the S or Se atom of the bridging ligand is also accomplished by CH₂Cl₂, used as solvent, although the reaction is slower compared to more efficient alkylating reagents. The complexes formed by this route are [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(E-CH₂Cl)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][X] [E = S, R = Xyl, R′ = Tol, X = Cl, 8a; E = S, R = Xyl, R′ = Me, X = Cl, 8b; E = Se, R = R′ = Me, X = BPh₄, 8c].Finally, treatment of the zwitterionic vinyliminium complexes with I₂ results in the oxidative coupling with formation of S-S (disulfide) or Se-Se (diselenide) bond. The reactions, performed in the presence of NaBPh₄ afford the tetranuclear complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(E)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂]₂[BPh₄]₂ [R = Xyl, R′ = CH₂OH, E = S, 9a; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, E = S, 9b; R = Xyl, R′ = Buⁿ, E = S, 9c; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, E = Se, 9d; R = Me, R′ = Buⁿ, E = Se, 9e].The molecular structures of 4a, 8c and 9e have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Insertion of alkynes into the heterocycle of (η-pentaalkyl-2,3-dihydro-1,3-diborolyl)(η-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)ruthenium: Formation and characterization of 4-borataborepine ruthenium complexes

The violet ruthenium complex [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ru(η⁵-C₃B₂Me₄R¹)] (2a, R¹ = Me) reacts with terminal alkynes R²CCH to give yellow 4-borataborepine compounds [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ru{η⁷-(MeC)₃(R¹B)₂(R²C₂H)}] (4c, R¹ = Me, R² = Ph; 4d, R¹ = Me, R² = SiMe₃; 4e, R¹ = Me, R² = H). The insertion of alkynes into the folded C₃B₂ heterocycle of 2a causes some steric hindrance, which yields with elimination of the distant boranediyl group the corresponding boratabenzene complexes 5 as byproducts. The analogous reactions with internal alkynes R²CCR² proceed slowly and afford predominantly the boratabenzene complexes [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ru{η⁶-(MeC)₃(MeB)(R²C)₂}] (5f, R² = Et, 5g, R² = p-tolyl), respectively. In the latter case, three byproducts are formed: methylboronic acid and 1,2,3,4-tetra-p-tolyl-1,3-butadiene (9) due to hydrolysis of the postulated 2,3,4,5-tetra-p-tolyl-1-methylborole (10) and unexpectedly, the cationic triple-decker complex [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ru}₂{μ,η⁷-(MeC)₃(MeB)₂(CH)₂}]Cl (11) having two separated CH groups. The new compounds were characterized by NMR, MS, and single-crystal X-ray studies of 4c, 5f, 9 and 11.     

Synthesis and reactivity of asymmetrically substituted ansa-bridged zirconocene complexes: X-ray crystal structures of [Zr{R(H)C(η-C5Me4)(η-C5H4)}Cl2] (R = Bu, Bu) and [Zr{Bu(H)C(η-C5Me4)(η-C5H4)}(CH2Ph)2]

The dialkyl complexes, (R = Prⁱ, R′ = Me (2a), CH₂Ph (3a); R = Buⁿ, R′ = Me (2b), CH₂Ph (3b); R = Bu^t, R′ = Me (2c), CH₂Ph (3c); R = Ph, R′ = Me (2d), CH₂Ph (3d)), have been synthesized by the reaction of the ansa-metallocene dichloride complex, [Zr{R(H)C(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}Cl₂] (R = Prⁱ (1a), Buⁿ (1b), Bu^t (1c), Ph (1d)), and two molar equivalents of the alkyl Gringard reagent. The insertion reaction of the isocyanide reagent, CNC₆H₃Me₂-2,6, into the zirconium-carbon σ-bond of 2 gave the corresponding η²-iminoacyl derivatives, [Zr{R(H)C(η⁵-C₅Me₄)(η⁵-C₅H₄)}{η²-MeCNC₆H₃Me₂-2,6}Me] (R = Prⁱ (4a), Buⁿ (4b), Bu^t (4c), Ph (4d)). The molecular structures of 1b, 1c and 3b have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

C-C bond formation through olefin-thiocarbyne coupling in diiron complexes

The bridging diiron thiocarbyne complex [Fe₂{μ-CS(Me)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (1) reacts with activated olefins (methyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, styrene, diethyl maleate), in the presence of Me₃NO and NaH, to give the corresponding μ-allylidene complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(SMe)C_β(R′)C_γ(H)(R″)} (μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R″ = CO₂Me, R′ = H, 3a; R″ = CN, R′ = H, 3b; R″ = C₆H₅, R′ = H, 3c; R″ = R′ = CO₂Et, 3d). The coupling reaction of olefin with thiocarbyne is regio- and stereospecific, leading to the formation of only one isomer. C-C bond formation occurs between the less substituted alkene carbon and the thiocarbyne. Moreover, olefinic hydrogens of the bridging ligands are mutually trans.The reactions of 3a-b with MeSO₃CF₃ result, selectively, in the formation of the cationic μ-sulphonium allylidene complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(SMe₂)C_β (H)C_γ(H)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = CO₂Me, 4a; R = CN, 4b). Compound 4a undergoes displacement of the SMe₂ group by nucleophiles such as NaBH₄, NBu₄CN and NaOMe, affording the complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(R)C_β (H)C_γ(H)(CO₂Me)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R = H, 5a; R = CN, 5b; R = OMe, 5c), respectively. The molecular structures of 3a and 5a have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Olefin-aminocarbyne coupling in diiron complexes: Synthesis of new bridging aminoallylidene complexes

The bridging aminocarbyne complexes [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Me, 1a; Xyl, 1b; 4-C₆H₄OMe, 1c; Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆ H₃) react with acrylonitrile or methyl acrylate, in the presence of Me₃NO and NaH, to give the corresponding μ-allylidene complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³- C_α(N(Me)(R))C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R′)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R = Me, R′ = CN, 3a; R = Xyl, R′ = CN, 3b; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, R′ = CN, 3c; R = Me, R′ = CO₂Me, 3d; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, R′ = CO₂Me, 3e). Likewise, 1a reacts with styrene or diethyl maleate, under the same reaction conditions, affording the complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(R′)C_γ(H)(R″)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = H, R″ = C₆H₅, 3f; R′ = R″ = CO₂Et, 3g). The corresponding reactions of [Ru₂{μ-CN(Me)(CH₂Ph)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (1d) with acrylonitrile or methyl acrylate afford the complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(Me)(CH₂Ph))C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R′)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = CN, 3h; CO₂Me, 3i), respectively.The coupling reaction of olefin with the carbyne carbon is regio- and stereospecific, leading to the formation of only one isomer. C-C bond formation occurs selectively between the less substituted alkene carbon and the aminocarbyne, and the C_β-H, C_γ-H hydrogen atoms are mutually trans.The reactions with acrylonitrile, leading to 3a-c and 3h involve, as intermediate species, the nitrile complexes [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NC-CHCH₂)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (M = Fe, R = Me, 4a; M = Fe, R = Xyl, 4b; M = Fe, R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, 4c; M = Ru, R = CH₂C₆H₅, 4d).Compounds 3a, 3d and 3f undergo methylation (by CH₃SO₃CF₃) and protonation (by HSO₃CF₃) at the nitrogen atom, leading to the formation of the cationic complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(Me)₃)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = CN, 5a; R = CO₂Me, 5b; R = C₆H₅, 5c) and [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(H)(Me)₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = CN, 6a; R = CO₂Me, 6b; R = C₆H₅, 6c), respectively.Complex 3a, adds the fragment [Fe(CO)₂(THF)(Cp)]⁺, through the nitrile functionality of the bridging ligand, leading to the formation of the complex [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(CNFe(CO)₂Cp)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (9).In an analogous reaction, 3a and [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃], in the presence of Me₃NO, are assembled to give the tetrameric species [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(CN[Fe₂{μ- CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂])}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Me, 10a; R = Xyl, 10b; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, 10c).The molecular structures of 3a and 3b have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Nitrile ligands activation in dinuclear aminocarbyne complexes

The diiron complexes [Fe(Cp)(CO){μ-η²:η²-C[N(Me)(R)]NC(C₆H₃R′)CCH(Tol)}Fe(Cp)(CO)] (R = Xyl, R′ = H, 3a; R = Xyl, R′ = Br, 3b; R = Xyl, R′ = OMe, 3c; R = Xyl, R′ = CO₂Me, 3d; R = Xyl, R′ = CF₃, 3e; R = Me, R′ = H, 3f; R = Me, R′ = CF₃, 3g) are obtained in good yields from the reaction of [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(p-NCC₆H₄R′)(Cp)₂]⁺ (R = Xyl, R′ = H, 2a; R = Xyl, R′ = Br, 2b; R = Xyl, R′ = OMe, 2c; R = Xyl, R′ = CO₂Me, 2d; R = Xyl, R′ = CF₃, 2e; R = Me, R′ = H, 2f; R = Me, R′ = CF₃, 2g) with TolCCLi. The formation of 3 involves addition of the acetylide at the coordinated nitrile and C-N coupling with the bridging aminocarbyne together with orthometallation of the p-substituted aromatic ring and breaking of the Fe-Fe bond. Complexes 3a-e which contain the N(Me)(Xyl) group exist in solution as mixtures of the E-trans and Z-trans isomers, whereas the compounds 3f,g, which posses an exocyclic NMe₂ group, exist only in the Z-cis form. The crystal structures of Z-trans-3b, E-trans-3c, Z-trans-3e and Z-cis-3g have been determined by X-ray diffraction experiments.     

W(η-PhCCPh)3(η-Ph2PCCPPh2) as a ligand to prepare homo- and hetero-nuclear cluster complexes

Reaction of W(η²-PhCCPh)₃(NMe₃) (1) and Ph₂PCCPPh₂ (dppa) produces W(η²-PhCCPh)₃(η¹-Ph₂PCCPPh₂) (2), which contains a pendant phosphine group. Treatment of 2 with W(CO)₄(NCMe)₂ yields [W(η²-PhCCPh)₃](μ,η²-Ph₂PCCPPh₂)[W(CO)₄(NCMe)] (3). Compound 2 reacts with Os₃(CO)₁₀(NCMe)₂ to afford Os₃(CO)₁₀[(μ,η²-Ph₂PCCPPh₂)W(η²-PhCCPh)₃]₂ (4), and reacts with Ru₃(CO)₉(NCMe)₃ to afford Ru₃(CO)₉[(μ,η²-Ph₂PCCPPh₂)W(η²-PhCCPh)₃]₃ (5). The crystal structures of 2 and 3 are determined by an X-ray diffraction study.     

Synthese und Reaktionsverhalten von Platin(II) und Kupfer(I) Koordinationspolymeren; die Festkörperstruktur von {trans-(Ph3P)2Pt[(η-CCPh)CuBr]2}n und trans-(Ph3P)2Pt[(η-CCPh)CuNO3]2

The title complex {trans-(Ph₃P)₂Pt[(η²-CCPh)CuX]₂}_n (3a, X=Cl; 3b, X=Br) can be prepared by treatment of trans-(Ph₃P)₂Pt(CCPh)₂ (1) with two equivalents of [CuX] (2a, X=Cl; 2b, X=Br) in quantitative yield. The reaction chemistry of 3b towards organic chelating molecules is reported. Treatment of 3b with, for example, 2,2^′-bipy (4) produces the chelated copper(I) species [(bipy)CuBr]₂ (6) along with 1. However, if 3b is reacted with the silver(I) salt [AgNO₃] (5a) then trimetallic trans-(Ph₃P)₂Pt [(η²-CCPh)CuNO₃]₂ (7) is formed in which each phenylethynyl ligand is η²-coordinated to a copper(I) nitrate unit. This complex is also obtained, when 1 is reacted with two equivalents of [Cu(NCMe)₄]NO₃ (5b).The solid-state structures of 3b and 7 are reported. Polymeric 3b crystallises in the triclinic space group with cell parameters a=11.5958(3) Å, b=13.3491(3) Å, c=15.4875(4) Å, α=81.755(1)°, β=87.324(1)°, γ=85.472(1)°, V=2363.66(10) ų, Z=2 and ρ=1.818 g mol⁻¹. Complex 7: monoclinic space group P2_/n with a=9.8971(1), b=14.2324(3), c=16.6957(2) Å, β=105.478(1)°, V=2266.46(6) ų, Z=2 and ρ=1.719 g mol⁻¹.In 3b a linear polymeric structure is adopted. 3 contains two crystallographic independent trans-Pt(CCPh)₂ units which are linked by 4-membered Cu₂(μ-Br)₂ cycles at which the respective PhCC units are η²-coordinated to the copper(I) ions. In 7 each of the two PhCC entities is π-bound to a mononuclear CuNO₃ moiety of which the NO₃ ligand is chelate-bound to copper(I).     

Allylpalladium (II) complexes with dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinate ligands: Synthesis, structure, spectroscopy and their transformation into palladium chalcogenides

The synthesis, characterization and thermal behavior of new monomeric allylpalladium (II) complexes with dichalcogenoamidodiphosphinate anions are reported. The complexes [R = H, R′ = Prⁱ, E = S (1a); R = H, R′ = Prⁱ, E = Se (1b); R = H, R′ = Ph, E = S (1c); R = H, R′ = Ph, E = Se (1d); R = Me, R′ = Prⁱ, E = S (2a); R = Me, R′ = Prⁱ, E = Se (2b); R = Me, R′ = Ph, E = S (2c); R = Me, R′ = Ph, E = Se (2d)] have been prepared by room temperature reaction of [Pd(η³-CH₂C(R)CH₂)(acac)] (acac = acetylacetonate) with dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinic acids in acetonitrile solution. The complexes have been characterized by multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C{¹H}, ³¹P{¹H}, ⁷⁷Se{¹H}), FT-IR and elemental analyses. The crystal structures of complexes 1a, 1d and 2d have been reported and they consist of a six-membered PdE₂P₂N ring (E = S for 1a and Se for 1d and 2d) and an allyl group, C₃H₄R(R = H for 1a and 1d and Me for 2d). Thermogravimetric studies have been carried out for few representative complexes. The complexes thermally decompose in argon atmosphere to leave a residue of palladium chalcogenides, which have been characterized by PXRD, SEM and EDS.