Small Molecule Activation by POCOP‐Nickel Complexes

This contribution describes the reactivities of CO₂, CO, O₂, and ArNC with the pincer‐type complexes [(κ^P,κ^C,κ^P′‐POCOP)NiX] (POCOP=(R₂POCH₂)₂CH; R=iPr; X=OSiMe₃, NArH; Ar=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃). Reaction of the amido derivative with CO₂ and CO leads to a simple insertion into the Ni?N bond to give stable carbamate and carbamoyl derivatives, respectively, the pincer ligand backbone remaining intact in both cases. In contrast, the analogous reactions with the siloxide derivative produced kinetically labile insertion products that either revert to the starting material (in the case of CO₂) or react further to give the mixed‐valent, dinickel species [(POCOP)Ni^II{μ,κ^O,κ^P,κ^P′‐OCOCH(CH₂CH₂OPR₂)₂}Ni⁰(CO)₂]. The zero‐valent center in the latter compound is ligated by a new ligand arising from transformation of the POCOP ligand backbone. The carbonylation and carboxylation of the siloxido derivative also produced minor quantities of a side‐product identified as the trinickel species, [{(η³‐allyl)Ni(μ^O,κ^P‐R₂PO)₂}₂Ni], arising from total dismantling of the POCOP ligand. Similar reactivities were observed with isonitrile, ArNC: reaction with the siloxido derivative resulted in a complex sequence of steps involving initial insertion, a 1,3‐hydrogen shift, and an Arbuzov rearrangement to give [Ni(CNAr)₄] and a methacrylamide based on fragments of the POCOP ligand. Oxygenation of the amido and siloxido derivatives led to the phosphinate derivative, [(POCOP)Ni(OP(O)R₂)], arising from oxidative transformation of the original ligand frame; the reaction with the Ni‐NHAr derivative also gave ArHNP(O)R₂ through a complex N?P bond‐forming reaction.     

A Capped Octahedral MHC6 Compound of a Platinum Group Metal

A MHC₆ complex of a platinum group metal with a capped octahedral arrangement of donor atoms around the metal center has been characterized. This osmium compound OsH{κ²‐C,C‐(PhBIm‐C₆H₄)}₃, which reacts with HBF₄ to afford the 14 e^? species [Os{κ²‐C,C‐(PhBIm‐C₆H₄)}(Ph₂BIm)₂]BF₄ stabilized by two agostic interactions, has been obtained by reaction of OsH₆(PiPr₃)₂ with N,N′‐diphenylbenzimidazolium chloride ([Ph₂BImH]Cl) in the presence of NEt₃. Its formation takes place through the C,C,C‐pincer compound OsH₂{κ³‐C,C,C‐(C₆H₄‐BIm‐C₆H₄)}(PiPr₃)₂, the dihydrogen derivative OsCl{κ²‐C,C‐(PhBIm‐C₆H₄)}(η²‐H₂)(PiPr₃)₂, and the five‐coordinate osmium(II) species OsCl{κ²‐C,C‐(PhBIm‐C₆H₄)}(PiPr₃)₂.     

Charge Effects in PCP Pincer Complexes of NiII bearing Phosphinite and Imidazol(i)ophosphine Coordinating Jaws: From Synthesis to Catalysis through Bonding Analysis

This contribution reports on a new family of Ni^II pincer complexes featuring phosphinite and functional imidazolyl arms. The proligands ^RPIMC^HOP^R′ react at room temperature with Ni^II precursors to give the corresponding complexes [(^RPIMCOP^R′)NiBr], where ^RPIMCOP^R=κ^P,κ^C,κ^P‐{2‐(R′₂PO),6‐(R₂PC₃H₂N₂)C₆H₃}, R=iPr, R′=iPr ( 3 b , 84 %) or Ph ( 3 c , 45 %). Selective N‐methylation of the imidazole imine moiety in 3 b by MeOTf (OTf=OSO₂CF₃) gave the corresponding imidazoliophosphine [(^iPrPIMIOCOP^iPr)NiBr][OTf], 4 b , in 89 % yield (^iPrPIMIOCOP^iPr=κ^P,κ^C,κ^P‐{2‐(iPr₂PO),6‐(iPr₂PC₄H₅N₂)C₆H₃}). Treating 4 b with NaOEt led to the NHC derivative [(NHCCOP^iPr)NiBr], 5 b , in 47 % yield (NHCCOP^iPr=κ^P,κ^C,κ^C‐{2‐(iPr₂PO),6‐(C₄H₅N₂)C₆H₃)}). The bromo derivatives 3–5 were then treated with AgOTf in acetonitrile to give the corresponding cationic species [(^RPIMCOP^R)Ni(MeCN)][OTf] [R=Ph, 6 a (89 %) or iPr, 6 b (90 %)], [(^RPIMIOCOP^R)Ni(MeCN)][OTf]₂ [R=Ph, 7 a (79 %) or iPr, 7 b (88 %)], and [(NHCCOP^R)Ni(MeCN)][OTf] [R=Ph, 8 a (85 %) or iPr, 8 b (84 %)]. All new complexes have been characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, whereas 3 b , 3 c , 5 b , 6 b , and 8 a were also subjected to X‐ray diffraction studies. The acetonitrile adducts 6 – 8 were further studied by using various theoretical analysis tools. In the presence of excess nitrile and amine, the cationic acetonitrile adducts 6 – 8 catalyze hydroamination of nitriles to give unsymmetrical amidines with catalytic turnover numbers of up to 95.     

Aromatic Osmacyclopropenefuran Bicycles and Their Relevance for the Metal‐Mediated Hydration of Functionalized Allenes

The aromatic osmacyclopropenefuran bicycles [OsTp{κ³‐C¹,C²,O‐(C¹H₂C²CHC(OEt)O)}(PⁱPr₃)]BF₄ (Tp=hydridotris(1‐pyrazolyl)borate) and [OsH{κ³‐C¹,C²,O‐(C¹H₂C²CHC(OEt)O)}(CO)(PⁱPr₃)₂]BF₄, with the metal fragment in a common vertex between the fused three‐ and five‐membered rings, have been prepared via the π‐allene intermediates [OsTp(η²‐CH₂=CCHCO₂Et)(OCMe₂)(PⁱPr₃)]BF₄ and [OsH(η²‐CH₂=CCHCO₂Et)(CO)(OH₂)(PⁱPr₃)₂]BF₄, and their aromaticity analyzed by DFT calculations. The bicycle containing the [OsH(CO)(PⁱPr₃)₂]⁺ metal fragment is a key intermediate in the [OsH(CO)(OH₂)₂(PⁱPr₃)₂]BF₄‐catalyzed regioselective anti‐Markovnikov hydration of ethyl buta‐2,3‐dienoate to ethyl 4‐hydroxycrotonate.     

Synthese,Struktur und Photochemie von Olefiniridium(I)‐Komplexen mit Acetylacetonatoliganden

Synthesis, Structure, and Photochemical Behavior of Olefine Iridium(I) Complexes with Acetylacetonato Ligands The bis(ethene) complex [Ir(κ²‐acac)(C₂H₄)₂] ( 1 ) reacts with tertiary phosphanes to give the monosubstitution products [Ir(κ²‐acac)(C₂H₄)(PR₃)] ( 2 – 5 ). While 2 (R = iPr) is inert toward PiPr₃, the reaction of 2 with diphenylacetylene affords the π‐alkyne complex [Ir(κ²‐acac)(C₂Ph₂)(PiPr₃)] ( 6 ). Treatment of [IrCl(C₂H₄)₄] with C‐functionalized acetylacetonates yields the compounds [Ir(κ²‐acacR^1,2)(C₂H₄)₂] ( 8 , 9 ), which react with PiPr₃ to give [Ir(κ²‐acacR^1,2)(C₂H₄)(PiPr₃)] ( 10 , 11 ) by displacement of one ethene ligand. UV irradiation of 5 (PR₃ = iPr₂PCH₂CO₂Me) and 11 (R² = (CH₂)₃CO₂Me) leads, after addition of PiPr₃, to the formation of the hydrido(vinyl)iridium(III) complexes 7 and 12 . The reaction of 2 with the ethene derivatives CH₂=CHR (R = CN, OC(O)Me, C(O)Me) affords the compounds [Ir(κ²‐acac)(CH₂=CHR)(PiPr₃)] ( 13 – 15 ), which on photolysis in the presence of PiPr₃ also undergo an intramolecular C–H activation. In contrast, the analogous complexes [Ir(κ²‐acac)(olefin)(PiPr₃)] (olefin = (E)‐C₂H₂(CO₂Me)₂ 16 , (Z)‐C₂H₂(CO₂Me)₂ 17 ) are photochemically inert.     

Synthesis and Ligand Modification Chemistry of a Molybdenum Dinitrogen Complex: Redox and Chemical Activity of a Bis(imino)pyridine Ligand

The bis(imino)pyridine 2,6‐(2,6‐iPr₂‐C₆H₃N?CPh)₂‐C₅H₃N (^iPrBPDI) molybdenum dinitrogen complex, [{(^iPrBPDI)Mo(N₂)}₂(μ₂,η¹,η¹‐N₂)] has been prepared and contains both weakly (terminal) and modestly (bridging) activated N₂ ligands. Addition of ammonia resulted in sequential N? H bond activations, thus forming bridging parent imido (μ‐NH) ligands with concomitant reduction of one of the imines of the supporting chelate. Using primary and secondary amines, model intermediates have been isolated that highlight the role of metal–ligand cooperativity in NH₃ oxidation.     

[Ni(iPr2Im)2Br2]: A Convenient Entry into NHC Nickel ­Chemistry

The reaction of the NHC iPr₂Im [NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene, iPr₂Im = 1, 3‐bis(isopropyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene] with freshly prepared NiBr₂ in thf or dme results in the formation of the air stable nickel(II) complex trans‐[Ni(iPr₂Im)₂Br₂] ( 2 ). Complex 2 was structurally characterized. Thermal analysis (DTA/TG) reveals a very high decomposition temperature of 298 °C. Reduction of 2 with sodium or C₈K in the presence of the olefins COD (cyclooctadiene) or COE (cyclooctene) affords the highly reactive compounds [Ni₂(iPr₂Im)₄(COD)] ( 1 ) and [Ni(iPr₂Im)₂(COE)] ( 4 ). Alkylation of 2 with organolithiums leads to the formation of trans‐[Ni(iPr₂Im)₂(R)₂] [R = Me ( 5 ), CH₂SiMe₃ ( 6 )], whereas the reaction of 2 with LiCp* [Cp* = (η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅)] at 80 °C causes the loss of one NHC ligand and affords [(η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅)Ni(iPr₂Im)Br] ( 7 ).     

Even and odd: uranium(IV) complexes with two,four, and six salicylaldiminate ligands with an unusual κ1-coordination mode

We report the synthesis and structural determination of three uranium(IV) complexes bearing two, four, and six salicylaldiminate ligands. Reaction of UI₄(1,4-dioxane)₂ with two, four, and six equivalents of K[OC₆H₄C(H)=N(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)], 1, yielded [(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)N=C(H)C₆H₄O-κ²(O,N)]₂UI₂(NCCH₃), 2, [(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)N=C(H)C₆H₄O-κ¹(O)]₂[(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)N=C(H)C₆H₄O-κ²(O,N)]₂U(THF), 3, and {[2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)N=C(H)C₆H₄O-κ¹(O)]₆U}^2?, 4. While 2 shows normal κ²-coordination through both oxygen and nitrogen donors, 3 has two salicylaldiminate ligands bound only through oxygen and 4 has all six ligands bound only through oxygen. This is an exceedingly rare example of a chelating ligand not completing its chelation in f-element chemistry. In addition, 4 is the first report of a homoleptic octahedral actinide complex with a Schiff base ligand.     

β‐Hydrogen Elimination Reactions of Nickel and Palladium Methoxides Stabilised by PCP Pincer Ligands

Nickel and palladium methoxides [(^iPrPCP)M‐OMe], which contain the ^iPrPCP pincer ligand, decompose upon heating to give products of different kinds. The palladium derivative cleanly gives the dimeric Pd⁰ complex [Pd(μ‐^iPrPCHP)]₂ (^iPrPCHP=2,6‐bis(diisopropylphosphinomethyl)phenyl) and formaldehyde. In contrast, decomposition of [(^iPrPCP)Ni‐OMe] affords polynuclear carbonyl phosphine complexes. Both decomposition processes are initiated by β‐hydrogen elimination (BHE), but the resulting [(^iPrPCP)M‐H] hydrides undergo divergent reaction sequences that ultimately lead to the irreversible breakdown of the pincer units. Whereas the Pd hydride spontaneously experiences reductive C?H coupling, the decay of its Ni analogue is brought about by its reaction with formaldehyde released in the BHE step. Kinetic measurements showed that the BHE reaction is reversible and less favourable for Ni than for Pd for both kinetic and thermodynamic reasons. DFT calculations confirmed the main conclusions of the kinetic studies and provided further insight into the mechanisms of the decomposition reactions.     

Transfer hydrogenation of ketones catalyzed by nickel complexes bearing an NHC [CNN] pincer ligand

Four NHC [CNN] pincer nickel (II) complexes, [^iPrCNN (CH₂)₄‐Ni‐Br] ( 5a ), [^nBuCNN (CH₂)₄‐Ni‐Br] ( 5b ), [^iPrCNN (Me)₂‐Ni‐Br] ( 6a ) and [^nBuCNN (Me)₂‐Ni‐Br] ( 6b ), bearing unsymmetrical [C (carbene)N (amino)N (amine)] ligands were synthesized by the reactions of [CNN] pincer ligand precursors 4 with Ni (DME)Cl₂ in the presence of Et₃N. Complexes 5a and 5b are new and were completely characterized. The transfer hydrogenation of ketones catalyzed by the four pincer nickel complexes were explored. Complexes 5a and 6a have better catalytic activity than 5b and 6b . With a combination of NaO^tBu/ⁱPrOH/80 °C and 2% catalyst loading of 5a , 77–98% yields of aromatic alcohols could be obtained.     

Ein‐ und zweikernige Rhodiumkomplexe mit Arsino(phosphino)methanen in unterschiedlichen Koordinationsformen

Mono‐ and Dinuclear Rhodium Complexes with Arsino(phosphino)methanes in Different Coordination Modes The cyclooctadiene complex [Rh(η⁴‐C₈H₁₂)(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)](PF₆) ( 1a ) reacts with CO and CNtBu to give the substitution products [Rh(L)₂(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)](PF₆) ( 2 , 3 ). From 1a and Na(acac) in the presence of CO the neutral compound [Rh(κ²‐acac)(CO)(κ‐P‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 4 ) is formed. The reactions of 1a , the corresponding B(Ar_F)₄‐salt 1b and [Rh(η⁴‐C₈H₁₂)(κ²‐iPr₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)](PF₆) ( 5 ) with acetonitrile under a H₂ atmosphere affords the complexes [Rh(CH₃CN)₂(κ²‐R₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)]X ( 6a , 6b , 7 ), of which 6a (R = tBu; X = PF₆) gives upon treatment with Na(acac‐f₆) the bis(chelate) compound [Rh(κ²‐acac‐f₆)(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 8 ). From 8 and CH₃I a mixture of two stereoisomers of composition [Rh(CH₃)I(κ²‐acac‐f₆)(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 9/10 ) is generated by oxidative addition, and the molecular structure of the racemate 9 has been determined. The reactions of 1a and 5 with CO in the presence of NaCl leads to the formation of the “A‐frame” complexes [Rh₂(CO)₂(μ‐Cl)(μ‐R₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)₂](PF₆) ( 11 , 12 ), which have been characterized crystallographically. From 11 and 12 the dinuclear substitution products [Rh₂(CO)₂(μ‐X)(μ‐R₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)₂](PF₆) ( 13 ‐ 16 ) are obtained by replacing the bridging chloride for bromide, hydride or hydroxide, respectively. While 12 (R = iPr) reacts with NaI to give the related “A‐frame” complex 18 , treatment of 11 (R = tBu) with NaI yields the mononuclear chelate compound [RhI(CO)(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 20 ). The reaction of 20 with CH₃I affords the acetyl complex [RhI₂{C(O)CH₃}(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 21 ) with five‐coordinate rhodium atom.     

Synthesis of a “Masked” Terminal Nickel(II) Sulfide by Reductive Deprotection and its Reaction with Nitrous Oxide

The addition of 1 equiv of KSCPh₃ to [L^RNiCl] (L^R={(2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃)NC(R)}₂CH; R=Me, tBu) in C₆H₆ results in the formation of [L^RNi(SCPh₃)] ( 1 : R=Me; 2 : R=tBu) in good yields. Subsequent reduction of 1 and 2 with 2 equiv of KC₈ in cold (?25 °C) Et₂O in the presence of 2 equiv of 18‐crown‐6 results in the formation of “masked” terminal Ni^II sulfides, [K(18‐crown‐6)][L^RNi(S)] ( 3 : R=Me; 4 : R=tBu), also in good yields. An X‐ray crystallographic analysis of these complexes suggests that they feature partial multiple‐bond character in their Ni? S linkages. Addition of N₂O to a toluene solution of 4 provides [K(18‐crown‐6)][L^tBuNi(SN?NO)], which features the first example of a thiohyponitrite (κ²‐[SN?NO]^2?) ligand.     

Nickel Tetracarbonyl as Starting Material for the Synthesis of NHC-stabilized Nickel(II) Allyl Complexes

A novel, useful in situ synthesis for NHC nickel allyl halide complexes [Ni(NHC)(η³-allyl)(X)] starting from [Ni(CO)₄], NHC and allyl halides is presented. The reaction of [Ni(CO)₄] with (i) one equivalent of the corresponding NHC and (ii) with an excess of the corresponding allyl chloride at room temperature leads with elimination of carbon monoxide to complexes of the type [Ni(NHC)(η³-allyl)(X)]. This approach was used to synthesize the complexes [Ni(tBu₂Im)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Cl)] ( 2 ), [Ni(iPr₂Im^Me)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Cl)] ( 3 ), [Ni(iPr₂Im)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Cl)] ( 4 ), [Ni(iPr₂Im)(η³-H₂C -C (H)-C (Me)₂)(Br)] ( 5 ), [Ni(Me₂Im^Me)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Cl)] ( 6 ), and [Ni(EtiPrIm^Me)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Cl)] ( 7 ). The complexes 1 to 7 were characterized using NMR and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, and the molecular structures are provided for 2 and 7 . The allyl nickel complexes 1 – 7 are stereochemically non-rigid in solution due to (i) NHC rotation about the nickel-carbon bond, (ii) allyl rotation about the Ni–η³-allyl axis and (iii) π–σ–π allyl isomerization processes. The allyl halide complexes can be methylated as was demonstrated by the methylation of a number of the complexes [Ni(NHC)(η³-allyl)(X)] with methylmagnesium chloride or methyllithium, which led to isolation of the complexes [Ni(Me₂Im)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Me)] ( 8 ), [Ni(tBu₂Im)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Me)] ( 9 ), [Ni(iPr₂Im^Me)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Me)] ( 10 ), [Ni(iPr₂Im)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Me)] ( 11 ), [Ni(iPr₂Im)(η³-H₂C -C (H)-C (Me)₂)(Me)] ( 12 ), and [Ni(EtiPrIm^Me)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Me)] ( 13 ). These complexes were fully characterized including X-ray molecular structures for 10 and 11 .     

Reaktive E = C(p-p)π-Systeme. XLII [1]. Neue Koordinationsverbindungen des 2-(Diisopropylamino)-1-phosphaethins: [{η4-(iPr2NCP)2}Ni{η2-(iPr2NCP)}], [(Ph3P)2Pt{η2-(iPr2NCP)}] und [Co2(CO)6{η2-η2-(iPr2NCP)}]

Reactive E = C(pp)π-Systems. XLII [1]. Novel Coordination Compounds of 2-(Diisopropylamino)-1-phosphaethyne: [{η⁴-(iPr₂NCP)₂}Ni{η²-(iPr₂NCP)}], [(Ph₃P)₂Pt{η²-(iPr₂NCP)}], and [Co₂(CO)₆{η²-μ²-(iPr₂NCP)}] 2-(Diisopropylamino)-phosphaethyne iPr₂N? C?P ( 2 ) reacts with the Ni(0)-complexes [Ni(1,5-cyclooctadiene)₂] and [Ni(CO)₃(1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane)], respectively, to give the novel complex [{η⁴-(iPr₂NCP)₂}Ni{η²-(iPr₂NCP)}] ( 5 ), with the 1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene derivative and 2 (side-on) as π-ligands. The molecular structure of 5 determined by X-ray diffraction on single crystals proves the spin systems and rotational barriers deduced from NMR-data (¹H, ¹³C-, ³¹P). The PC distances of the four-membered ring of 1.817(2) and 1.818(2) Å – as expected – are considerably longer than the PC bond of the η²-coordinated phosphaalkyne 2 [1.671(2) Å]. – In the reactions of 2 with [(Ph₃P)₂Pt(C₂H₄)] or [Co₂(CO)₈] the ligand properties of 2 resemble those of alkynes affording the complexes [(Ph₃P)₂Pt{η²-(iPr₂NCP)}] ( 7 ) with side-on coordinated 2 and [Co₂(CO)₆{η²-μ²-(iPr₂NCP)}] with 2 acting as a 4e donor bridge in quantitative yield. In attempts to prepare copper(I) complexes of the aminophosphaalkyne 2 by reaction with CuCl or CuI the only isolable product formed in reasonable amounts under the influence of air and moisture is the 1 λ³, 3 λ⁵-diphosphetene (iPr₂N) ( 10 ) (isolated yield: ca. 20%). The crystal structure analysis of 10 indicates a strong structural relationship to the diamino-2-phosphaallyl cation [Me(iPr₂N)]⁺ ( 12 ), the 1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene ligand (iPr₂NCP)₂ in the binuclear complex [{η¹, μ²-(iPr₂NCP)₂}Ni₂(CO)₆] ( 3a ) as well as to the heterocycles (dme)₂LiOE₂′ (E′ = S, 11a ; E′ = Se, 11b ) prepared by Becker et al. [11b, 35].     

The Ruthenostannylene Complex [Cp*(IXy)H2Ru‐Sn‐Trip]: Providing Access to Unusual Ru‐Sn Bonded Stanna‐imine,Stannene, and Ketenylstannyl Complexes

Reactivity studies of the thermally stable ruthenostannylene complex [Cp*(IXy)(H)₂Ru? Sn? Trip] ( 1 ; IXy=1,3‐bis(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene; Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅; Trip=2,4,6‐iPr₃C₆H₂) with a variety of organic substrates are described. Complex 1 reacts with benzoin and an α,β‐unsaturated ketone to undergo [1+4] cycloaddition reactions and afford [Cp*(IXy)(H)₂RuSn(κ²‐O,O‐OCPhCPhO)Trip] ( 2 ) and [Cp*(IXy)(H)₂RuSn(κ²‐O,C‐OCPhCHCHPh)Trip] ( 3 ), respectively. The reaction of 1 with ethyl diazoacetate resulted in a tin‐substituted ketene complex [Cp*(IXy)(H)₂RuSn(OC₂H₅)(CHCO)Trip] ( 4 ), which is most likely a decomposition product from the putative ruthenium‐substituted stannene complex. The isolation of a ruthenium‐substituted stannene [Cp*(IXy)(H)₂RuSn(?Flu)Trip] ( 5 ) and stanna‐imine [Cp*(IXy)(H)₂RuSn(κ²‐N,O‐NSO₂C₆H₄Me)Trip] ( 6 ) complexes was achieved by treatment of 1 with 9‐diazofluorene and tosyl azide, respectively.     

Der Dihydridoiridium(III)‐Komplex [IrH2Cl(PiPr3)2] als Molekülbaustein für unsymmetrische Rhodium–Iridiumund Iridium–Iridium‐Zweikernverbindungen

The Dihydridoiridium(III) Complex [IrH₂Cl(P i Pr₃)₂] as a Molecular Building Block for Unsymmetrical Binuclear Rhodium–Iridium and Iridium–Iridium Compounds The title compound [IrH₂Cl(PiPr₃)₂] ( 3 ) reacts with the chloro‐bridged dimers [RhCl(PiPr₃)₂]₂ ( 1 ) and [IrCl(C₈H₁₄)(PiPr₃)]₂ ( 5 ) by cleavage of the Cl‐bridges to give the unsymmetrical binuclear complexes 4 and 6 with Rh(μ‐Cl)₂Ir and Ir(μ‐Cl)₂Ir as the central building block. The reactions of 3 with the bis(cyclooctene) and (1,5‐cyclooctadiene) compounds [MCl(C₈H₁₄)₂]₂ ( 7 , 8 ) and [MCl(η⁴‐C₈H₁₂)]₂ ( 9 , 10 ) (M = Rh, Ir) occur analogously and afford the rhodium(I)‐iridium(III) and iridium(I)‐iridium(III) complexes 11 – 14 in 70–80% yield. Treatment of [(η⁴‐C₈H₁₂)M(μ‐Cl)₂IrH₂(PiPr₃)₂] ( 13 , 14 ) with phenylacetylene leads to the formation of the substitution products [(η⁴‐C₈H₁₂)M(μ‐Cl)₂IrH(C≡CPh)(PiPr₃)₂] ( 15 , 16 ) without changing the central molecular core. Similarly, the compound [(η⁴‐C₈H₁₂)Rh(μ‐Br)₂IrH(C≡CPh)(PiPr₃)₂] ( 18 ) has been prepared; it was characterized by X‐ray crystallography.     

Synthesis of Branched Polyethylene by Tandem Catalysis

Linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) can be prepared by addition of ethylene to a mixture of two catalysts. In this “tandem catalysis” scheme one catalyst dimerizes or oligomerizes ethylene to α‐olefins while the second site incorporates these α‐olefins into a growing polyethylene chain. A variety of classical catalyst combinations are available for this purpose. Better control over the polymerization process, and therefore product properties, is attained by the use of homogenous “single site” catalysts. The best‐behaved tandem processes take advantage of well‐defined catalysts that require stoichiometric quantities of activators. One such system employs [(C₆H₅)₂PC₆H₄C(OB(C₆F₅)₃)O‐κ²P,O]Ni(η³‐CH₂CMeCH₂) and {[(η⁵‐C₅Me₄)SiMe₂(η¹‐NCMe₃)]TiMe}{MeB(C₆F₅)₃}. The nickel sites are responsible for converting ethylene to 1‐butene or mixtures of 1‐butene with 1‐hexene. These olefins are copolymerized with ethylene at the titanium sites. It is possible to obtain a linear correlation between the branching content in the polymer product and the Ni/Ti ratio. The effect of ligand substitution at nickel has also been investigated. When the benzyl derivative [(C₆H₅)₂PC₆H₄C(O‐B(C₆F₅)₃)O‐κ²P,O]Ni(η³‐CH₂C₆H₅) is used instead of the methallyl counterpart [(C₆H₅)₂PC₆H₄C(OB(C₆F₅)₃)O‐κ²P,O]Ni(η³‐CH₂CMeCH₂), one obtains, at a constant Ni/Ti ratio, considerably more branching in the final polymer structure. These results are rationalized in terms of a more efficient initiation when the more labile benzyl ligand is used.     

Lutetium‐Methanediide‐Alkyl Complexes: Synthesis and Chemistry

The first four‐coordinate methanediide/alkyl lutetium complex (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(μ₂‐CHSiMe₃)(THF)₂ (BODDI=ArNC(Me)CHCOCHC(Me)NAr, Ar=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃) ( 1 ) was synthesized by a thermolysis methodology through α‐H abstraction from a Lu–CH₂SiMe₃ group. Complex 1 reacted with equimolar 2,6‐iPrC₆H₃NH₂ and Ph₂C?O to give the corresponding lutetium bridging imido and oxo complexes (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(μ₂‐N‐2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃)(THF)₂ ( 2 ) and (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(μ₂‐O)(THF)₂ ( 3 ). Treatment of 3 with Ph₂C?O (4 equiv) caused a rare insertion of Lu–μ₂‐O bond into the C?O group to afford a diphenylmethyl diolate complex 4 . Reaction of 1 with PhN=C?O (2 equiv) led to the migration of SiMe₃ to the amido nitrogen atom to give complex (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃)₂‐μ‐{PhNC(O)CHC(O)NPh(SiMe₃)‐κ³N,O,O}(THF) ( 5 ). Reaction of 1 with tBuN?C formed an unprecedented product (BODDI)Lu₂(CH₂SiMe₃){μ₂‐[η²:η²‐tBuNC(=CH₂)SiMe₂CHC?NtBu‐κ¹N]}(tBuN?C)₂ ( 6 ) through a cascade reaction of N?C bond insertion, sequential cyclometalative γ‐(sp³)‐H activation, C?C bond formation, and rearrangement of the newly formed carbene intermediate. The possible mechanistic pathways between 1 , PhN?C?O, and tBuN?C were elucidated by DFT calculations.     

Oxidation of a P−C Bond under Mild Conditions

The reactivity of phosphenium dication [(Ph₃P)₂C‐P‐NiPr₂]²⁺, 1²⁺ , towards pyridine N‐oxide (O‐py) has been investigated. The resulting oxophosphonium dication [(Ph₃P)₂C(NiPr₂)P(O)(O‐py)]²⁺, 2²⁺ , was surprisingly stabilized by a less nucleophilic O‐py ligand instead of pyridine (py). This compound was then identified as an analogue of the elusive Criegee intermediate as it underwent oxygen insertion into the P?C bond through a mechanism usually observed for Baeyer–Villiger oxidations. This oxygen insertion appears to be the first example of a Baeyer–Villiger oxidation involving O‐py.     

Platinum Indolylphosphine Fluorido and Polyfluorido Complexes: An Interplay between Cyclometallation,Fluoride Migration,and Hydrogen Bonding

The reaction of [PtCl₂(COD)] (COD=1,5-cyclooctadiene) with diisopropyl-2-(3-methyl)indolylphosphine (iPr₂P(C₉H₈N)) led to the formation of the platinum(ii ) chlorido complexes, cis-[PtCl₂{iPr₂P(C₉H₈N)}₂] ( 1 ) and trans-[PtCl₂{iPr₂P(C₉H₈N)}₂] ( 2 ). The cis-complex 1 reacted with NEt₃ yielding the complex cis-[PtCl{κ²-(P,N)-iPr₂P(C₉H₇N)}{iPr₂P(C₉H₈N)}] ( 3 ) bearing a cyclometalated κ²-(P,N)-phosphine ligand, while the isomer 2 with a trans-configuration did not show any reactivity towards NEt₃. Treatment of 1 or 3 with (CH₃)₄NF (TMAF) resulted in the formation of the twofold cyclometalated complex cis-[Pt{κ²-(P,N)-iPr₂P(C₉H₇N)}₂] ( 4 ). The molecular structures of the complexes 1–4 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The fluorido complex cis-[PtF{κ²-(P,N)-iPr₂P(C₉H₇N)}{iPr₂P(C₉H₈N)}] ⋅ (HF)₄ ( 5 ⋅ (HF)₄) was formed when complex 4 was treated with different hydrogen fluoride sources. The Pt(ii ) fluorido complex 5 ⋅ (HF)₄ exhibits intramolecular hydrogen bonding in its outer coordination sphere between the fluorido ligand and the NH group of the 3-methylindolyl moiety. In contrast to its chlorido analogue 3 , complex 5 ⋅ (HF)₄ reacted with CO or the ynamide 1-(2-phenylethynyl)-2-pyrrolidinone to yield the complexes trans-[Pt(CO){κ²-(P,C)-iPr₂P(C₉H₇NCO)}{iPr₂P(C₉H₈N)}][F(HF)₄] ( 7 ) and a complex, which we suggest to be cis-[Pt{C=C(Ph)OCN(C₃H₆)}{κ²-(P,N)-iPr₂P(C₉H₇N)}{iPr₂P(C₉H₈N)}][F(HF)₄] ( 9 ), respectively. The structure of 9 was assigned on the basis of DFT calculations as well as NMR and IR data. Hydrogen bonding of HF and NH to fluoride was proven to be crucial for the existence of 7 and 9 .