The first evidence for a transient stibaallene ArSbCCR2

Dechlorofluorination of ArSb(F)-C(Cl)CR₂ (CR₂ = fluorenylidene, Ar = 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl) by tert-butyllithium afforded a 3,4-bis(fluorenylidene)-1,2-distibacyclobutane. The formation of the latter probably involves the transient stibaallene ArSbCCR₂ followed by a head-to-head dimerization via two SbC double bonds. Molecular orbital calculations at the ab initio and DFT levels support the head-to-head dimerization of ArSbCCR₂ with the formation of a 1,2-distibacyclobutane.     

Triosmium compounds containing the oxametallacycle [Os(CO)3{C(R)CHC(O)CHC(H)C5H4FeC5H5}] moiety. Synthesis and electrochemical studies

The compounds [Os₃(CO)₁₀{μ,η³-(SCH₂CH₂SCCHC(O)CHCH(C₅H₄)Fe (C₅H₅)}] (2), [Os₃(CO)₉{μ,η³-(SCH₂CH₂SCCHC(O)CHCH(C₅H₄)Fe(C₅H₅)}] (3) and [Os₃(CO)₈{μ₃,η²-{CCHC(O)CHCH(C₅H₄)Fe(C₅H₅)}(SCH₂CH₂S)}] (4) have been obtained by rupture of S-C bonds in the ketene dithioacetal [C₅H₅FeC₅H₄CHCHC(O)CHC(SCH₂CH₂S)], in their reaction with the activated cluster [Os₃(CO)₁₀(NCMe)₂]. The presence of an oxametallacycle in these derivatives has been confirmed by an X-ray diffraction analysis. The electrochemical study has indicated the ability of these compounds to modify the electrode surfaces.     

Thermal gas-phase reaction of perfluorobuta-1,3-diene with NO2

The reaction of NO₂ with perfluorobuta-1,3-diene, CF₂CFCFCF₂ (C₄F₆), has been studied at 312.9, 323.0, 333.4, 396.0 and 418.0 K, using a conventional static system. The products formed in the temperature range 312.9-333.4 K were CF₂CFCF(NO₂)CF₂(NO₂) (I), CF₂(NO₂)CFCFCF₂(NO₂) (II), CF₂CFCF(NO₂)C(O)F (III) and CF₂(NO₂)CFCFC(O)F (IV) and FNO. The formation of these compounds was detected performing infrared and Raman spectra. The infrared spectrum shows a band at 1785 cm⁻¹, characteristic to the terminal -CFCF₂ group and the Raman spectrum shows a band located at 1733 cm⁻¹, corresponding to -CFCF- group. It indicates, that in this temperature range, NO₂ attacks initially only one double bound of CF₂CFCFCF₂. Since the intermediate radical CF₂CFCFCF₂(NO₂) formed in this process is allylic in nature, so there is no isomerization involved in this process, but rather the allylic radical is able to add the second NO₂ either to CF₂ or CFCF₂(NO₂) end, forming the corresponding products. At 396.0 and 418.0 K different products were observed: CF₂(NO₂)CF(NO₂)C(O)F (V), NO, CF₃C(O)F, C(O)F₂ and traces of epoxide of tetrafluoroethene, showing that, at these temperatures, both double bonds are attacked by NO₂ and detachment of CF₂ group is produced. The mechanisms consistent with experimental results in the temperature range 312.9-333.4 and at 396.0 and 418 K are proposed.     

Ferrole-type compounds containing thiophenic or thiepinic rings in the 3,4-positions of the metallacycle

The new ferrole Fe₂(CO)₆[μ-η²,η⁴-(Fc)CC{C(H)C(R)S}CC(SiMe₃)] [R = SiMe₃ (1) and R = Fc (2)] and ruthenoles Ru₂(CO)₆[μ-η²,η⁴-(Me₃Si)CC{SC(Fc)C(H)}CC(Fc)] 3 and Ru₂(CO)₆[μ-η²,η⁴-(Me₃Si)CC(SCCFc)C(H)C(Fc)] 4, have been obtained from the reactions of M₃(CO)₁₂ (M = Fe, Ru) and FcCCSCCSiMe₃ through S-C bond activations and C-C coupling reactions. Thermolysis of Ru₂(CO)₆[μ₃-η²,η⁴,η³-(Me₃Si)CC{SC(Fc)C(SCCSiMe₃}Ru(CO)₃}CC(Fc)] alone and in the presence of HCCFc, yielded the compounds Ru₂(CO)₆[μ-η²,η⁴-(Me₃Si)CC{SC(Fc)C(SCCSiMe₃)}CC(Fc)] 5 and Ru₂(CO)₆[μ-η²,η⁴-(Me₃Si)CC{SC(Fc)C(SCCSiMe₃)C(H)C(Fc)}CC(Fc)] 6, respectively. The crystal structures of the compounds 1, 3, 4 and 6 are reported.     

Reaction of multifunctional molecule (Ph2P(o-C6H4)CHNCH2CH2)3N with triosmium carbonyl clusters

Reaction of (Ph₂P(o-C₆H₄)CHNCH₂CH₂)₃N with 3 equiv. of Os₃(CO)₁₀(NCMe)₂ at ambient temperature affords the triple cluster [Os₃(CO)₁₀Ph₂P(o-C₆H₄)CHNCH₂CH₂]₃N (1) through coordination of the phosphine and imine groups. Thermolysis of 1 in benzene leads to decarbonylation and C-H/C-N bond activation of the ligand to generate (μ-H)Os₃(CO)₈(μ₃-Ph₂P(o-C₆H₄)CHNCCH₂) (2). The molecular structure of 2 has been determined by an X-ray diffraction study.     

Further reactions of some bis(vinylidene)diruthenium complexes

Whereas {Ru(dppm)Cp*}₂(μ-CCCC) (2) is the only product formed by deprotonation of [{Ru(dppm)Cp*}₂{μ(CCHCHC)}]⁺ with dbu, a mixture of 2 with Ru{CCCHCH(PPh₂)₂[RuCp*]}(dppm)Cp* (3) and {Cp*Ru(PPh₂CHCCH-)}₂ (4) is obtained with KOBu^t. A similar reaction with [{Ru(dppm)Cp*}₂{μ(CCMeCMeC)}]⁺ (5) gave Ru{CCCMeCH(PPh₂)₂[RuCp*]}(dppm)Cp* (6). X-ray structures of 4, 5 and 6 confirm the presence of the 1-ruthena-2,4-diphosphabicyclo[1.1.1]pentane moiety, which is likely formed by an intramolecular attack of the deprotonated dppm ligand on C(1) of the vinylidene ligand. Protonation of {Ru(dppe)Cp*}₂(μ-CCCC) (8-Ru) regenerates its precursor [{Ru(dppe)Cp*}₂{μ(CCHCHC)}]²⁺ (7-Ru). Ready oxidation of the bis(vinylidene) complex affords the cationic carbonyl [Ru(CO)(dppe)Cp*]PF₆ (9) (X-ray structure).     

Synthesis of new pentafluorosulfanylacrylates (F5SCHCHCHO, F5SCHCHCN, F5SCHCHCOOCH3) and use of them as dienophiles in Diels-Alder reaction

New pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulfanylacrylates (F₅SCHCHCHO, F₅SCHCHCN, F₅SCHCHCOOCH₃) were synthesized by a convenient and efficient method. These compounds are useful as intermediates in the preparation of pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulfanyl-containing cyclic and heterocyclic Diels-Alder cycloadducts.     

Assembly and incorporation of a CO2Me group into a bridging vinyliminium ligand in a diiron complex

The diiron complex [Fe₂{μ-к¹(O):η¹(C):η³(C)-C(N(Me)(Xyl))C(H)C(Me)C(O)OMe}(μ-CO)(Cp)₂] (2) has been obtained from the diiron bridging vinyliminium [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(Me)C(H)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (1; Xyl = 2,5-C₆H₃Me₂) upon treatment with NaH in the presence of CH₂CCMe₂, followed by chromatography on alumina with MeOH as eluent. The reaction consists in the incorporation of a methylcarboxylate unit, assembled from CO and MeO⁻, into the bridging vinyliminium ligand. The resulting complex 2 exhibits a C₄ fragment bridging the two iron centres through the carbonyl oxygen atom and the allylidene moiety.The X-ray molecular structure of 2 has been determined.     

Formation of multifunctional ligands by nucleophilic addition of alcohols and thiols to the alkyne groups in compound C5H5FeC5H4CCSCCH: Reactivity studies

The multifunctional ligands [(Z)-FcCCSC(H)C(H)XR] [X = O, R = Me (2a); X = O, R = Et (2b); X = S, R = Ph (3); X = S, R = C₆F₅ (5)] and [(Z,Z)-Fc(SR)CC(H)SC(H)C(H)SR] [R = Ph (4), C₆F₅ (6)] have been prepared through hydroalkoxylation and hydrothiolation processes of the alkyne groups in the compound FcCCSCCH 1. Reactions between compound 3 and the carbonyl metals Co₂(CO)₈, Os₃(CO)₁₀(NCMe)₂ and Fe₂(CO)₉ have allowed the synthesis of the polynuclear compounds [(Z)-{Co₂(CO)₆}(μ-η²-FcCCSC(H)C(H)SPh)] 9, [(Z)-Os₃(CO)₉(μ-CO){μ₃-η²-FcCCSC(H)C(H)(SPh)}] 10 and [(Z)-{Fe₃(CO)₉}[μ₃,η³-(CCS)-FcCCSC(H)C(H)(SPh)] 11. All the compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and the crystal structure of compounds [(Z)-FcCCSC(H)C(H)OMe] 2a and [{Co₂(CO)₆}₂(μ-η²:η²-FcCCSCCSiMe₃)] 7 have been solved by X ray diffraction analysis.     

Germylene complexes of tungsten pentacarbonyls W(CO)5GeCl2 and W(CO)5GeW(CO)5: Electrochemical synthesis and quantum-chemical computations

Convenient synthetic route to prepare the germylene complexes of tungsten pentacarbonyls, W(CO)₅GeCl₂ and W(CO)₅GeW(CO)₅, electrochemically is developed. Combined quantum-chemical/IR spectroscopic approach is used for identification of the synthesized compounds. Good agreement between theoretical and experimental spectra can be regarded as one of the proofs of their supposed structures.     

Synthesis of ruthenium phenylindenylidene, carbyne, allenylidene and vinylmethylidene complexes from (PPh3)3−4RuCl2: A mechanistic and structural investigation

The reaction of (Ph₃P)₃RuCl₂ with 1,1-diphenyl-2-propyn-1-ol was investigated in various solvents. The reaction in thf under reflux is reported to produce the (PPh₃)₂Cl₂Ru(3-phenylindenylidene) complex (3) which has undergone rearrangement of the allenylidene C₃-spine. We have improved the reliability of the reported synthesis by adding acetyl chloride which converts the formed water of the reaction and thus increases the acidity of the reaction solution. Without the additive, we observed the exclusive formation of an intermediate of the transformation and identified it as dinuclear (PPh₃)₂ClRu(μ-Cl)₃(PPh₃)₂RuCCCPh₂ complex (5). The reaction of (Ph₃P)₃₋₄RuCl₂ with 1,1-diphenyl-2-propyn-1-ol in CH₂Cl₂ or C₂H₄Cl₂ under reflux in the presence of excess conc. aqueous HCl afforded the new, neutral (PPh₃)₂Cl₃RuC-CHCPh₂ carbyne complex (7), an HCl adduct of previously elusive (PPh₃)₂Cl₂RuCCCPh₂ complex 6 in high yields. In contrast to the formation of complex 3, the reaction in a non-coordinating solvent did not afford the rearrangement of the allenylidene C₃-spine. Complex 7 was converted into complex 3 in thf under reflux under loss of a molecule HCl. Complex 7 was converted with triethylamine under loss of HCl to complex 6. Pentacoordinate complex 6 was crystallized in the presence of O-donor ligands (EtOH, MeOH and H₂O) to give hexacoordinate (PPh₃)₂Cl₂(ROH)RuCCCPh₂ (R = H, CH₃, C₂H₅) complexes (9)-(11) with the O-donor coordinating in trans-position to the allenylidene moiety. The reaction of complex 7 with 2 equiv. of 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) gave hexacoordinate (PPh₃)₂Cl₂(DMAP)RuCCCPh₂complex (12) with one molecule DMAP also coordinating in trans-position to the allenylidene group. Methanol and acetic acid in the absence of strong bases afforded the Fischer-carbene complexes (PPh₃)₂Cl₂RuC(OCH₃)-CHCPh₂ (14) and (PPh₃)₂Cl₂RuC(OAc)-CHCPh₂ (15) where the nucleophile added to the α-carbon atom. The structures of complexes 5, 7, 9-11, 14, and 15 were solved via X-ray crystallography.     

Highly chemo- and stereoselective glycosidation of permethacrylated O-glycosyl trichloroacetimidate reagents promoted by TMSNTf2

TMSNTf₂ has been used efficiently as a promoter in glycosidation reaction involving permethacrylated Schmidt reagents. While TMSNTf₂ is known to be a powerful activator for CO double bonds, we have discovered that this reagent can activate CN double bond selectively, even in the presence of excess CO groups of permethacrylated O-glycosyl trichloroacetimidate substrates. Glycosides are synthesized in moderate to reasonable yields with an excellent overall β-stereoselectivity.     

Further chemistry of ruthenium butatrienylidene complexes

Several complexes have been obtained from reactions carried out in early attempts to prepare the diynyl complexes Ru(CCCCR)(dppe)Cp* (R = H, SiMe₃). These have been identified crystallographically as the acyl complex Ru{CCC(O)Me}(dppe)Cp* (3), the cationic imido complex [Ru{CCC(NH₂)Me}(dppe)Cp*]PF₆ (4), the binuclear butenynylallenylidene [{Ru(dppe)Cp*}₂{μ-CCC(OMe)CHCMeCC}]PF₆ (5), and the bis(ethynyl)cyclobutenylidene [{Ru(dppe)Cp*}₂{μ-CCC₄H₂(SiMe₃)CC}]PF₆ (6). NMR studies of 5 have revealed the existence of two isomers. Plausible routes for their formation from the putative butatrienylidene intermediate [Ru(CCCCH₂)(dppe)Cp*]⁺ (A) are discussed.     

Synthesis, characterization and solid state structures of thiosemicarbazone palladacycles: Influence of hydrogen bonding in the molecular arrangement

Treatment of the thiosemicarbazones 4-FC₆H₄C(Me)NN(H)C(S)NHR, (R = Me, a; Ph, b) and 2-ClC₆H₄C(Me)NN(H)C(S)NHR (R = Ph, c) with lithium tetrachloropalladate(II) in methanol or palladium(II) acetate in acetic acid gave the tetranuclear cyclometallated complex [Pd{4-FC₆H₃C(Me)NNC(S)NHR}]₄ (1a, 1b) and [Pd{2-ClC₆H₃C(Me)NNC(S)NHPh}]₄ (1c). Reaction of these tetramers with the diphosphines dppe, t-dppe, dppp or dppb in a 1:2 molar ratio gave the dinuclear cyclometallated complexes [(Pd{4-FC₆H₃C(Me)NNC(S)NHR})₂(μ-Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂)], (n = 2, 2a, 2b; 3, 4a, 4b; 4, 5a, 5b), [(Pd{4-FC₆H₃C(Me)NNC(S)NHPh})₂(μ-Ph₂PCHCHPPh₂)], (3a, 3b) and [(Pd{2-ClC₆H₃C(Me)NNC(S)NHR})₂(μ-Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂)], (n = 2, 2c, 2d; 3, 4c, 4d; 4, 5c, 5d), [(Pd{2-ClC₆H₃C(Me)NNC(S)NHPh})₂(μ-PPh₂CHCHPPh₂)], (3c, 3d). The X-ray crystal structure of the ligand b and the complexes 3c, 4a and 4d were determined. The structures of complexes 4a and 4d show that the different disposition of the chain cyclometallated of the thiosemicarbazones (in the same orientation or in the opposite one) is due to the different H bonds produced.     

A well feasible and general route to (organoethynyl)difluoroboranes, RHCCBF2, and their perfluorinated analogues, RFCCBF2

A representative series of (organoethynyl)difluoroboranes RCCBF₂ (RC₄H₉, (CH₃)₃C, CF₃, C₃F₇, (CF₃)₂CF, CF₃CFCF, C₄F₉CFCF, C₆F₅) was prepared by abstraction of fluoride from the corresponding K[RCCBF₃] salts with BF₃ in appropriate solvents (1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane, or dichloromethane).     

The reaction of Ru3(CO)12 with 1,4-dichloro-but-2-yne in basic methanolic solution. Synthesis and crystal structure of (μ-H)2Ru3(CO)9{μ3-η-[H2CC(H)CCC(O)OCH3]}

The title complex is obtained by reacting Ru₃(CO)₁₂ with 1,4-dichloro-but-2-yne (ClCH₂CCCH₂Cl, DCB) in CH₃OH/KOH solution (followed by acidification with HCl). The X-ray structure analysis shows that (μ-H)₂Ru₃(CO)₉{μ₃-η²-[H₂CC(H)CCC(O)OCH₃]} complex contains a “parallel” ene-yne acetyl substituent, H₂CC(H)CCC(O)OCH₃; the formation of such a ligand starting from DCB is - to our knowledge - unprecedented. The synthesis of complex (μ-H)₂Ru₃(CO)₉{μ₃-η²-[H₂CC(H)CCC(O)OCH₃]} occurs through the activation of CO and methanol. This process has been found for other reactions of functionalized alkynes with M₃(CO)₁₂ carbonyls (M = Fe, Ru) under basic methanolic conditions.The known hydridic cluster, (μ-H)Ru₃(CO)₉[μ₃-η³-(MeCCHCH)] has been identified as the minor reaction product.     

Synthesis and characterization of bimetallic ruthenium complexes connected through linear (CH)14 chain

Treatment of RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₃ with (3E,5E,7E,9E,11E)-HCC-(CHCH)₅- CCH produces [RuCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂]₂[μ-(CHCH)₇]. The later complex reacts with PMe₃ to give [RuCl(CO)(PMe₃)₃]₂[μ-(CHCH)₇], the structure of which has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The through-space distance from one Ru to the other is 19.88 Å.     

Solvent and phosphine dependency in the reaction of cis-RuCl2(P-P)2 (P-P = dppm or dppe) with terminal alkynes

Reaction of cis-[RuCl₂(dppm)₂] (dppm = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) with PhCCH and NaPF₆ utilising methanol as solvent results in the formation of the η³-butenynyl complex [Ru(η³-PhCCCCHPh)(dppm)₂][PF₆] in good yield. Similar reactions with Bu^tCCH and PrⁿCCH resulted in the corresponding alkyl-substituted complexes and all three of these compounds have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The mechanism of this reaction has been probed by employing labelling experiments with both PhCCD and PhC¹³CH allowing the identity of possible intermediates in the reaction to be determined. Furthermore, [Ru(η³-PhCCCCHPh)(dppm)₂][PF₆] has been shown to be an effective regio- and stereo-selective catalyst for the dimerisation of PhCCH to Z-PhCCCHCHPh in the absence of solvent. In contrast, no evidence for the formation of alkyne coupling was obtained from the reaction of cis-[RuCl₂(dppe)₂] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) with PhCCH and NaPF₆.     

Organometallic chemistry and catalysis on gold metal surfaces

As in transition metal complexes, CN-R ligands adsorbed on powdered gold undergo attack by amines to give putative diaminocarbene groups on the gold surface. This reaction forms the basis for the discovery of a gold metal-catalyzed reaction of CN-R, primary amines (R′NH₂) and O₂ to give carbodiimides (R′-NCN-R). An analogous reaction of CO, RNH₂, and O₂ gives isocyanates (R-NCO), which react with additional amine to give urea (RNH)₂CO products. The gold-catalyzed reaction of CN-R with secondary amines (HNR′₂) and O₂ gives mixed ureas RNH(CO)NR′₂. In another type of gold-catalyzed reaction, secondary amines HN(CH₂R)₂ react with O₂ to undergo dehydrogenation to the imine product, RCHN(CH₂R). Of special interest is the high catalytic activity of gold powder, which is otherwise well-known for its poor catalytic properties.