Preparation and characterization of cobalt-containing alcohols and diols

A series of cobalt-containing alcohols and diols were prepared and characterized. Intramolecular hydrogen-bonding was observed for the cobalt-containing diols [Co₂(CO)₆(μ-η-(HO)R₁R₂CCCCR₁R₂(OH)] (1: R₁ = CH₃, R₂ = C₂H₅; 2: R₁ = CH₃, R₂ = C₃H₇), [Co₂(CO)₆(μ-η-(HO)Ph₂CCCCPh₂(OH)] (3) and [(μ-PPh₂CH₂PPh₂)Co₂(CO)₄(μ-η-(HO)Ph₂CCCCPh₂(OH)] (4). Potentially all the four compounds could serve as chelating O,O-ligands. In principle, it is possible for compounds [(μ-PPh₂NHPPh₂)Co₂(CO)₄(μ-η-HCCCPh₂OH)] (5b), [Co₂(CO)₆(μ-η-HCCC₂H₄OH] (6) and [Co₂(CO)₆(μ-η-HCCC₃H₆OH)] (7) in their syn-conformations to behave as chelating O,N-ligands. To the best of our knowledge, compounds 5b, 6 and 7 are the first reported examples of PPh₂NHPPh₂-bridged dicobalt complexes.     

Syntheses,structures and comparative electrochemical study of π-acetylene complexes of cobalt

The preparation and characterization of the complexes [Co₂(CO)₄(μ-dppm)]₂(μ-η²-Me₃SiC₂(CC)₂C₂H) (2), [Co₂(CO)₄(μ-dppm)]₂(μ-η²-HC₂(CC)₂C₂H) (3), Co₂(CO)₄(μ-dmpm)(μ-η²-Me₃SiC₂CCSiMe₃) (4), Co₂(CO)₄(μ-dmpm)(μ-η²-Me₃SiC₂CCH) (5), [Co₂(CO)₄(μ-dmpm)]₂(μ-η²-Me₃SiC₂(CC)₂C₂SiMe₃) (6) and [Co₂(CO)₄(μ-dmpm)]₂(μ-η²-HC₂(CC)₂C₂H) (7) are described. A comparative electrochemical study of all these complexes and the related [Co₂(CO)₄(μ-dppm)]₂(μ-η²-Me₃SiC₂(CC)₂C₂SiMe₃) (1), Co₂(CO)₄(μ-dppm)(μ-η²-Me₃SiC₂CCH) and Co₂(CO)₄(μ-dppm)(μ-η²-HC₂CCH) is presented by means of the cyclic and square-wave voltammetry techniques. Crystals of 2 and 3 suitable for single-crystal X-ray diffraction were grown and the molecular structures of these compounds are discussed.     

Synthesis,molecular structure and reactivity of new π-conjugated diyne with ferrocenyl and phenyl units

New π-conjugated butadiynyl ligand FcC(CH₃)₂Fc′–CC–CC–Ph (L₁) has been synthesized and its reaction with Co₂(CO)₈ has been studied. New clusters [FcC(CH₃)₂Fc′–CC–CC–Ph][Co₂(CO)₆]_n [(1): n = 1; (2): n = 2] and [Fc–CC–CC–Ph][Co₂(CO)₆]_n [(3): n =  1; (4): n = 2] were obtained by the reaction of ligands FcC(CH₃)₂Fc′–CC–CC–Ph (L₁) and Fc–CC–CC–Ph (L₂) with Co₂(CO)₈ respectively and the composition and structure of the clusters and ligands have been characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR and MS. The crystal structures of compounds L₁, L₂, 2 and 4 have been determined by X-ray single crystal analysis.     

Organometallic complexes for nonlinear optics. 41: Syntheses and quadratic NLO properties of 4-{4-(4-nitrophenyl)diazophenyl}ethynylphenylethynyl complexes

The syntheses of [Au(CC-4-C₆H₄CC-4-C₆H₄NN-4-C₆H₄NO₂)(PPh₃)] (3), trans-[Ru(CC-4-C₆H₄-CC-4-C₆H₄NN-4-C₆H₄NO₂)Cl(dppm)₂] (4), [Ru(CC-4-C₆H₄CC-4-C₆H₄NN-4-C₆H₄NO₂)(dppe)(η-C₅Me₅)] (5), and [Ni(CC-4-C₆H₄NN-4-C₆H₄NO₂)(PPh₃)(η-C₅H₅)] (6) are reported, together with a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of 4. Quadratic nonlinearities for 3–6 and [Ru(CC-4-C₆H₄NO₂)(dppe)(η-C₅Me₅)] (7) have been determined at 1.064 μm and 1.300 μm by the hyper-Rayleigh scattering (HRS) technique, comparison to related complexes revealing that β values increase on introduction of azo group and π-system lengthening.     

Reaction of the RuTp(PR3)Cl fragment with alkynols: Formation of carbene,vinylidene, allenylidene,and carbyne complexes

The reaction of RuTp(COD)Cl (1) with PR₃ (PR₃ = PPh₂ⁱPr, PⁱPr₃, PPh₃) and propargylic alcohols HCCCPh₂OH, HCCCFc₂OH (Fc = ferrocenyl), and HCCC(Ph)MeOH has been studied.In the case of PR₃ = PPh₂ⁱPr, PⁱPr₃ and HCCCPh₂OH, the 3-hydroxyvinylidene complexes RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(CCHC(Ph)₂OH)Cl (2a) and RuTp(PⁱPr₃)(CCHC(Ph₂)OH)Cl (2b) were isolated.With PR₃ = PPh₂ⁱPr and HCCCFc₂OH as well as with PR₃ = PPh₃ and HCCCPh₂OH dehydration takes place affording the allenylidene complexes RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(CCCFc₂)Cl (3b) and RuTp(PPh₃)(CCCPh₂)Cl (3c).Similarly, with PPh₂ⁱPr and HCCC(Ph)MeOH rapid elimination of water results in the formation of the vinylvinylidene complex RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(CCHC(Ph)CH₂)Cl (4).In contrast to the reactions of the RuTp(PR₃)Cl fragment with propargylic alcohols, with HCC(CH₂)_nOH (n = 2, 3, 4, 5) six-, and seven-membered cyclic oxycarbene complexes RuTp(PR₃)(C₄H₆O)Cl (5), RuTp(PR₃)(C₅H₈O)Cl (6), and RuTp(PR₃)(C₆H₁₀O)Cl (7) are obtained. On the other hand, with 1-ethynylcyclohexanol the vinylvinylidene complex RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(CCHC₆H₉)Cl (8) is formed. The reaction of the allenylidene complexes 3a–c with acid has been investigated. Addition of CF₃COOH to a solution of 3a–c resulted in the reversible formation of the novel RuTp vinylcarbyne complexes [RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(C–CHCPh₂)Cl]⁺ (9a), [RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(C–CHCFc₂)Cl]⁺ (9b), and [RuTp(PPh₃)(C–CHCPh₂)Cl]⁺ (9c). The structures of 3a, 3b, and 5b have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Preparation and characterization of cobalt-containing P,N-ligands and an unusual palladium complex ion pair: their applications in amination reactions

Several cobalt-containing P,N-ligands, alkyne-bridged dicobalt phosphines [(μ-PPh₂CH₂PPh₂)Co₂(CO)₄(μ,η-Me₂NCH₂CCPR₂)] (4a: R=^tBu; 4b: R=Ph; 4c: R=Cy), were prepared from the reactions of corresponding alkynylphosphines Me₂NCH₂CCPR₂ (2a: R=^tBu; 2b: R=Ph; 2c: R=Cy) with a dppm-bridged dicobalt complex [Co₂(CO)₆(μ-P,P-PPh₂CH₂PPh₂)] 3. A unique palladium complex ion pair [(μ-PPh₂CH₂PPh₂)Co₂(CO)₄(μ,η-Me₂NCH₂CCP (^tBu)₂)Pd(η³-C₃H₅)]⁺[(η³-C₃H₅)PdCl₂]⁻7a was obtained from the reaction of 4a with [(η³-C₃H₅)PdCl]₂. Compounds 4a, 4b, and 4c are authentic cobalt-containing P,N-bidentate ligands and can be used for ligation of palladium from various sources such as Pd(OAc)₂ or [(η³-C₃H₅)PdCl]₂. Satisfactory efficiencies were observed for the amination reactions of aryl bromides with morpholine employing either a 4a-chelated palladium complex formed in situ or pre-formed 7a as the catalytic precursor.     

Further molecular engineering of diruthenium-(2-anilinopyridinate) alkynyl compounds through ligand design

A modified ap ligand, 2-(3,5-dimethoxyanilino)pyridine (HDiMeOap) and its diruthenium compounds Ru₂(DiMeOap)₄Cl (1), Ru₂(DiMeOap)₄(CCCCSiMe₃) (2) and Ru₂(DiMeOap)₄(CCCCSiMe₃)₂ (3) were prepared and characterized. New compounds Ru₂(MeOap)₄(CCCCSiMe₃)_x (x = 1, 4; 2, 5; MeOap is 2-(3-methoxyanilino)pyridinate) were prepared from the previously reported Ru₂(MeOap)₄Cl. In addition, two related diruthenium compounds containing ferrocenyl acetylide ligand, Ru₂(MeOap)₄(CCFc) (6) and Ru₂(ap)₄(CCCCFc) (7), were synthesized. Molecular structures of compounds 1, 2, 6 and 7 were established using single crystal X-ray diffraction study.     

Reactions of α-phenylethynyl-trans-β-styryl complexes with isonitriles: hemi-labile alkyne coordination

Treatment of the complex [Ru{C(CCPh)CHPh}Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂] (1) with one equivalent of CNR(R =^tBu, C₆H₃Me₂-2,6) gives [Ru{C(CCPh)CHPh}Cl(CNR)(CO)(PPh₃)₂]. Addition of a further equivalent of isonitrile and [NH₄]PF₆ leads to the salts [Ru{C(CCPh)CHPh}Cl(CNR)₂(CO)(PPh₃)₂]PF₆ and the mixed species [Ru{C(CCPh) CHPh}(CO)(CN^tBu)(CNC₆H₃Me₂-2,6)(PPh₃)₂]PF₆. The related [Ru{C(CCPh)CHPh}(CN^t(CO)₂     

Proton-assisted addition reactions on trimethylsilylalkynyl nitrosylrutheniums of hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate

Incorporation of H₂O or HCl on treatment of trimethylsilylalkynyl nitrosylruthenium TpRuCl(CCSiMe₃)(NO) (1) (Tp = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate) with protic acid, and the dependence of its product formation on the reaction solvents, are reported. Reactions of 1 with HBF₄ or HCl (aq.) in MeOH gave rise to the mixture of the mono(ethynyl) TpRuCl(CCH)(NO) (2) and the mono(acyl) TpRuCl{C(O)CH₃}(NO) (3). The H₂O-incorporated 3 was quantitatively obtained from the reactions of 2 with HCl (aq.) in MeOH. On the other hand, reactions of 1 with HCl (aq.) in CH₂Cl₂ gave the η¹-α-chlorovinyl TpRuCl{C(Cl)CH₂}(NO) (4). In the bis(alkynyl) system TpRu(CCSiMe₃)₂(NO) (5), the similar reactivities were observed. Proton-assisted hydration of 5 afforded the bis(acyl) TpRu{C(O)CH₃}₂(NO) (6), while the HCl-treatment led to the formation of the bis(α-chlorovinyl) TpRu{C(Cl)CH₂}₂(NO) (7).     

Novel heterotetrametallic compounds derived from 1-(ferrocenylethynyl)(η6-arene)tricarbonylchromium

The synthesis and characterization of two new heterotetrametallic complexes are described. Reaction of [Cr(CO)₃(η⁶-C₆H₅)CC-{(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)}](1) with Co₂(CO)₈ or Cp₂Mo₂(CO)₄ afford the heterotetrametallic complexes [Cr(CO)₃(η⁶-C₆H₅){Co₂(CO)₆-μ²-η²-CC–}(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)}](2), and [Cr(CO)₃(η⁶-C₆H₅){Mo₂Cp₂(CO)₄-μ²-η²-CC–}(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)](3) in 80% and 41% yield, respectively. All complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C) NMR, and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies for 1 and 3. Structural data reveal that the coordination of dimolybdenum moiety to the alkyne unit influence the orientation of the carbonyl groups coordinated to the chromium as well as the Cp rings bound to the iron metal centre.     

Diruthenium compounds of heterocycle-containing acetylides

Novel diruthenium compounds containing heterocycle-acetylide are reported here. Ru₂(Y-DMBA)₄(CC-2-pyrimidine)₂ were prepared from the reaction between Ru₂(Y-DMBA)₄(NO₃)₂ and HCC-2-pyrimidine in the presence of Et₂NH, where Y-DMBA is either N,N′-dimethylbenzamidinate (DMBA, Y = H) or N,N′-dimethyl-(3-methoxy)benzamidinate (Y = 3-CH₃O). Ru₂(Y-DMBA)₄(CC-4-N-methylpyridinium)₂ were obtained through the methylation of known compounds Ru₂(Y-DMBA)₄(CC-4-pyridine)₂. Both the structural and voltammetric data are consistent with the heterocycles being moderate electron acceptors.     

Reactivity of the tethered alkyl uranium bonds of (η5:κ1-C5Me4SiMe2CH2)2U

Uranium-carbon bond reactivity has been investigated with the bis(tethered silylalkyl) uranium metallocene (η⁵:κ¹-C₅Me₄SiMe₂CH₂)₂U, 1. Tert-butyl nitrile, ^tBuCN, inserts into both of the tethered U-C bonds to produce the bis(tethered ketimide) complex [η⁵:κ¹-C₅Me₄SiMe₂CH₂C(^tBu)N]₂U, 2, which has unusually bent U-N-C bond angles. Carbon dioxide also inserts into both U-C bonds of 1 yielding the bis(tethered carboxylate) (C₅Me₄SiMe₂CH₂CO₂)₂U, 3. Neither PhCCPh nor PhCCH insert into the U-C bonds, but PhCCH cleaves the silylalkyl tethers in 1 to generate (C₅Me₄SiMe₃)^1? ligands in the complex (C₅Me₄SiMe₃)₂U(CCPh)₂, 4.     

Synthesis of cobalt-containing monodentate phosphine ligand and application toward Suzuki cross-coupling reactions

A bulky, dicobalt complexed, mono-dentate phosphine, [(μ-PPh₂CH₂PPh₂)Co₂(CO)₄](μ,η-PhCCPCy₂) (4), was prepared from the reactions of the bis(diphenylphosphino)methylene (dppm)-bridged dicobalt complex Co₂(CO)₆(μ-Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) (2) with PhCCPCy₂ (3). Combination of 4 and Pd(OAc)₂ (1:1) gave an active catalyst for the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki coupling of aryl bromides with phenylboronic acid; the catalytic reactions can be performed even under low catalyst loadings (0.1-0.001 mol% 4/Pd(OAc)₂). Compound 4 has been proved to be an authentic and effective mono-dentate phosphine ligand. Crucial factors such as 4/Pd(OAc)₂ ratio, base being used, solvent volume, temperature, and electronic variation of the aryl bromides in reactions were also investigated and results are reported.     

Concentration dependent Raman study of 1,4-diethynylbenzene on gold nanoparticle surfaces

Concentration dependent adsorption behaviors of 1,4-diethynylbenzene (DEB) on gold nanoparticle surfaces have been investigated by means of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The spectral features including the multiple peaks in the ν(CC)_bound stretching region were found to vary as the bulk concentration of DEB in gold nanoparticles. At a low concentration of 10⁻⁶ M, only the multiple ν(CC)_bound band was conspicuous at ∼2000 cm⁻¹ and the free CC stretching band was barely detected in the SERS spectra. When the bulk concentration was increased, the ν(CC)_free band became prominent at ∼2104 cm⁻¹. These splitting bands may provide the evidence that DEB is adsorbed on gold mainly through one of the two acetylene groups with the other CC groups being pendent with respect to the gold surface. Ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations of DEB were performed to check the vibrational assignment.     

Palladium catalyzed Suzuki coupling reactions using cobalt-containing bulky phosphine ligands

Three bulky mono-dentate alkyne-bridged dicobalt-phosphine complexes [(μ-PPh₂CH₂PPh₂)Co₂(CO)₄](μ,η-PhCCPPh₂) 4a, [(μ-PPh₂CH₂PPh₂)Co₂(CO)₄](μ,η-Me₃CCCPPh₂) 5a and [(μ-PPh₂CH₂PPh₂)Co₂(CO)₄](μ,η-Me₃SiCCPPh₂) 6a were prepared from the reactions of the bis(diphenylphosphino)methylene (dppm) bridged dicobalt complex Co₂(CO)₆(μ-Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) with PhCCPPh₂1, Me₃CCCPPh₂2, and Me₃SiCCPPh₂3, respectively. These three metal-containing compounds 4a, 5a and 6a were employed as ligands, replacing conventional organic phosphines, in the Suzuki cross-coupling reactions and have been proved to be effective, authentic mono-dentate phosphine ligands.     

Synthesis of the chiral tetrahedral clusters RCCo2NiCp(CO)4(bmf) (R = H,Ph) and thermally promoted diphosphine ligand activation: Regiospecific P–C bond scission and X-ray diffraction structure of Co2NiCp(CO)4[μ2,η2,η1-C(H)CC(PPh2)C(O)OCH(OMe)](μ-PPh2)

Controlled thermolysis of the mixed-metal clusters RCCo₂NiCp(CO)₆ (R = H, Ph) with the chiral diphosphine ligand 3,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)-5-methoxy-2(5H)-furanone (bmf) leads to CO substitution and formation of the corresponding bmf-bridged clusters RCCo₂NiCp(CO)₄(bmf) (R = H, Ph). These clusters exist in solution as a non-interconverting mixture of diastereomers, as determined by NMR spectroscopy. Whereas the benzylidyne-capped cluster PhCCo₂NiCp(CO)₄(bmf) decomposes in 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) during prolonged heating at 83 °C, thermolysis of HCCo₂NiCp(CO)₄(bmf) affords the new phosphido-bridged cluster Co₂NiCp(CO)₄[μ₂,η²,η¹-C(H)CC(PPh₂)C(O)OCH(OMe)](μ-PPh₂) under the same conditions. This latter cluster has been isolated and characterized in solution by IR and NMR spectroscopies and the solid-state structure determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The structural highlights for Co₂NiCp(CO)₄[μ₂,η²,η¹-C(H)CC(PPh₂)C(O)OCH(OMe)](μ-PPh₂) include the regioselective cleavage of the P–C(furanone ring) bond, coupled with polyhedral opening of the Co₂Ni core and attack on the CpNi center by the other phosphine moiety of the bmf ligand. The diastereoselectivity accompanying the formation of cluster Co₂NiCp(CO)₄[μ₂,η²,η¹-C(H)CC(PPh₂)C(O)OCH(OMe)](μ-PPh₂) is discussed relative to steric effects within the cluster polyhedron.     

X-ray crystallographic and solution studies of the pentamethyldiethylenetriamine and tetramethylethylenediamine adducts of lithium diphenylphosphide

X-ray crystallographic studies on the lithium diphenylphosphide adducts (Me₂NCH₂CH₂)₂NMe₂ · LiPPh₂ (1) and Me₂NCH₂CH₂NMe₂ · LiPPh₂ (2) are reported.1 is monomeric, with a terminal PPh₂ unit containing a pyramidally coordinated phosphorus atom attached to the four-coordinate metal atom by a Li-P bond of length 2.567(6)Å.2 crystallizes as dimers, (Me₂NCH₂CH₂NMe₂ · LiPPh₂)₂, with bridging PPh₂ units containing (distorted) tetrahedrally coordinated phosphorus atoms: their planar (LiP)₂ rings are roughly square-shaped (mean PLiP angle 91°, mean LiP distance 2.61Å). Discussion of features of these structures is facilitated by ab initio MO calculations on the model systems LiPH₂ and (LiPH₂)₂. Cryoscopic molecular mass measurements and high-field⁷Li/³¹P NMR spectroscopic studies on solutions of1 and2 indicate that both solid-state structures are retained in arene solution, though some dissociation of2 into monomers is apparent.     

Amination and Suzuki coupling reactions catalyzed by palladium complexes coordinated by cobalt-containing monodentate phosphine ligands with bis-trifluoromethyl substituents on bridged arylethynyl: Observation of some unusual metal-containing compounds

Two cobalt-containing bulky monodentate phosphines {[(μ-PPh₂CH₂PPh₂)Co₂(CO)₄][(μ,η-(^tBu)₂PCCAr]} (4cm: Ar = 3-CF₃C₆H₄; 4cmm: Ar = 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃) were prepared from the reaction of Co₂(CO)₆(μ-PPh₂CH₂PPh₂) (3) with each corresponding alkynes (^tBu)₂PCCAr. Both compounds were converted to their oxidized forms {[(μ-PPh₂CH₂PPh₂)Co₂(CO)₄][(μ,η-(^tBu)₂P(O)CCAr]} (4cmO: Ar = 3-CF₃C₆H₃; 4cmmO: Ar = 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃) in the presence of oxide. Further reactions of 4cm and 4cmm with Pd(OAc)₂ gave palladium complexes {[(μ-PPh₂CH₂PPh₂)Co₂(CO)₄][(μ,η-(^tBu)₂PCC(Ar)-κC¹)]Pd(μ-OAc)} 5cm (Ar = 3-CF₃C₆H₃) and 5cmm (Ar = 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₂), respectively. By contrast, reactions of 4cm and 4cmm with Pd(COD)Cl₂ gave products, [{μ-P,P-PPh₂CH₂PPh₂}Co₂(CO)₃(μ-CO){μ,η-(^tBu)₂PCCAr}]-PdCl₂] 8cm and 8cmm, respectively, with unique bonding modes. Several crystallines of [(4cm)₂Pd₃(μ-Cl)(μ-CO)₂)(μ-Cl)]₂ (9) were obtained along with crystallines of 8cm during the crystallization process. The crystal structures of all three compounds, 4cmmO, 8cmm and 9 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Fair to excellent efficiencies were observed for employing 4cmm/palladium salt as catalytic precursor in amination as well as in Suzuki coupling reactions.     

Synthesis of new thiophenolato hydrido iron(II) complexes and their substitution reactions with alkynes

The novel thiophenolato hydrido iron(II) complexes [cis-Fe(H)(SAr)(PMe₃)₄] (4–6) (Ar = p-BrC₆H₄ (4), p-MeOC₆H₄ (5) and o-MeC₆H₄ (6)) were prepared through the reaction of Fe(PMe₃)₄ with thiophenols ArSH (1–3). Reaction of 6 with trimethylsilylacetylene and phenylacetylene afforded bisalkynyl iron(II) complexes [Fe(PMe₃)₄(CCSiMe₃)₂] (7) and [Fe(PMe₃)₄(CCPh)₂] (9) through elimination of dihydrogen and the formation of thiophenol. The reaction of 5 with 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol gave [Fe(PMe₃)₄(CCCMe₂OH)₂] (10). The crystal structures of complexes 4, 7 and 10 were determined by X-ray diffraction. A mechanism for the formation of 7 is proposed.     

Binuclear Pd(II) complexes with alkynyl ligands and functionalised tail-groups: Molecular and electronic structure studied by XPS and EXAFS

The binuclear transition metal dialkynyl bridged Pd(II) complexes trans,trans-[ClPd(PBu₃)₂–CC–C₆H₄–C₆H₄–CC–Pd(PBu₃)₂Cl] and trans,trans-[CH₃OC–S–Pd(PBu₃)₂–CC–C₆H₄–C₆H₄–CC–Pd(PBu₃)₂–S–COCH₃] were synthesized and investigated by X-ray Photoemission (XPS) and X-ray Absorption (XAS) spectroscopies. XPS measurements lead to assess that the thiolate terminal group does not affect dramatically the electronic structure of the transition metal, and as a consequence the two complexes are expected to possess analogous molecular structure. XAS data analysis suggested a square-planar geometry around the palladium center in both binuclear compounds.