Binuclear iron-sulfur complexes with bidentate phosphine ligands as active site models of Fe-hydrogenase and their catalytic proton reduction

The displacement of CO in a few simple Fe(I)-Fe(I) hydrogenase model complexes by bisphosphine ligands Ph2P-(CH2)n-PPh2 [with n = 1 (dppm) or n = 2 (dppe)] is described. The reaction of [{mu-(SCH2)2CH2}Fe2(CO)6] (1) and [{mu-(SCH2)2N(CH2CH2CH3)}Fe2(CO)6] (2) with dppe gave double butterfly complexes [{mu-(SCH2)2CH2}Fe2(CO)5(Ph2PCH2)]2 (3) and [{mu-(SCH2)2N(CH2CH2CH3)}Fe2(CO)5(Ph2PCH2)]2 (4), where two Fe2S2 units are linked by the bisphosphine. In addition, an unexpected byproduct, [{mu-(SCH2)2N(CH2CH2CH3)}Fe2(CO)5{Ph2PCH2CH2(Ph2PS)}] (5), was isolated when 2 was used as a substrate, where only one phosphorus atom of dppe is coordinated, while the other has been converted to P=S, presumably by nucleophilic attack on bridging sulfur. By contrast, the reaction of 1 and 2 with dppm under mild conditions gave only complexes [{mu-(SCH2)2CH2}Fe2(CO)5(Ph2PCH2PPh2)] (6) and [{mu-(SCH2)2N(CH2CH2CH3)}Fe2(CO)5(Ph2PCH2PPh2)] (8), where one ligand coordinated in a monodentate fashion to one Fe2S2 unit. Furthermore, under forcing conditions, the complexes [{mu-(SCH2)2CH2}Fe2(CO)4{mu-(Ph2P)2CH2}] (7) and [{mu-(SCH2)2N(CH2CH2CH3)}Fe2(CO)4{mu-(Ph2P)2CH2}] (9) were formed, where the phosphine acts as a bidentate ligand, binding to both the iron atoms in the same molecular unit. Electrochemical studies show that the complexes 3, 4, and 9 catalyze the reduction of protons to molecular hydrogen, with 4 electrolyzed already at -1.40 V versus Ag/AgNO3 (-1.0 V vs NHE).     

Synthesis, structure, and electrocatalysis of diiron C-functionalized propanedithiolate (PDT) complexes related to the active site of [FeFe]-hydrogenases

New C-functionalized propanedithiolate-type model complexes (1-8) have been synthesized by functional transformation reactions of the known complex [(mu-SCH2)2CH(OH)]Fe2(CO)6 (A). Treatment of A with the acylating agents PhC(O)Cl, 4-pyridinecarboxylic acid chloride, 2-furancarbonyl chloride, and 2-thiophenecarbonyl chloride in the presence of Et3N affords the expected C-functionalized complexes [(mu-SCH2)2CHO2CPh]Fe2(CO)6 (1), [(mu-SCH2)2CHO2CC5H4N-4]Fe2(CO)6 (2), [(mu-SCH2)2CHO2CC4H3O-2]Fe2(CO)6 (3), and [(mu-SCH2)2CHO2CC4H3S-2]Fe2(CO)6 (4). However, when A is treated with the phosphatizing agents Ph2PCl, PCl3 and PBr3, both C- and Fe-functionalized complexes [(mu-SCH2) 2CHOPPh2-eta1]Fe2(CO)5 (5), [(mu-SCH2) 2CHOPCl2-eta1]Fe2(CO)5 (6), and [(mu-SCH2) 2CHOPBr2-eta1]Fe2(CO)5 (7) are unexpectedly obtained via intramolecular CO substitution by P atoms of the initially formed phosphite complexes. The simplest C-functionalized model complex [(mu-SCH2) 2CO]Fe2(CO)6 (8) can be produced by oxidation of A with Dess-Martin reagent. While 8 is found to be an electrocatalyst for proton reduction to hydrogen, starting complex A can be prepared by another method involving the reaction of HC(OH)(CH2Br)2 with the in situ generated (mu-LiS) 2Fe2(CO)6. X-ray crystallographic studies reveal that the bridgehead C atom of 8 is double-bonded to an O atom to form a ketone functionality, whereas the bridgehead C atoms of A, 1, 3, and 4 are equatorially-bonded to their functionalities and those of 5-7 axially-bonded to their functionalities due to formation of the corresponding P-Fe bond-containing heterocycles.     

Formation of P-C bonds under unexpectedly mild conditions. Phosphoryl migration and metal coordination of diphenylphosphinomethyl-oxazolines and -thiazolines

The heterocycles 2-methyl-2-oxazoline (mox) and 2-methyl-2-thiazoline (mth) react with Ph2PCl under mild conditions, in the presence of NEt3 which promotes their phosphorylation by stabilization of their enamino tautomers mox(e) and mth(e), respectively, and which also behaves as HCl scavenger. Depending on the reaction conditions, three different phosphine ligands were obtained in good yields from mox: the monophosphine Ph2PCH2C=NCH2CH2O (1ox) and the isomeric diphosphines Ph2PCH=COCH2CH2NPPh2 (2ox) (X-ray structure) and (Ph2P)2CHC=NCH2CH2O (3ox). The formation of these ligands involves phosphoryl migration reactions, which were studied by NMR spectroscopy. The synthesis and the X-ray structures of the corresponding diphenylphosphinothiazolines Ph2PCH2C=NCH2CH2S (1th) and Ph2CH=CSCH2CH2NPPh2 (2th) are also reported but the thiazoline analog of the geminal diphosphine 3ox was not observed. The metal complexes [Pt(3ox-H)2] x 4 CH2Cl2 (4 x 4 CH2Cl2), [Pt(Me)I(1ox)] (5), [Pt(Me)2(1ox)] (7), [Pd(dmba-C,N)(1th)]OTf x 0.25 Et2O (8 x 0.25 Et2O), [Pd(dmba-C,N)(1th-H)] (9), and [9 x {Pd(dmba-C,N)Cl}] x 2.5 C6H6 (10 x 2.5 C6H6) have been prepared and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction.     

The first example of macrocycles containing butterfly transition metal cluster cores via novel tandem reactions

A novel type of double butterfly, two mu-CO-containing dianions {[(mu-CO)Fe2(CO)6]2[mu-SCH2(CH2OCH2)nCH2S-mu]}2- (m1, n = 2, 3), has been synthesized from dithiol HSCH2(CH2OCH2)nCH2SH (n = 2, 3), Fe3(CO)12, and Et3N in THF at room temperature. While dianions m1 react in situ with CS2 followed by treatment with dihalide 1,4-(BrCH2)2C6H4 or 1,4-I(CH2)4I to give macrocyclic clusters [mu-SCH2(CH2OCH2)nCH2S-mu](mu-CS2ZCS2-mu)[Fe2(CO)6]2 (1a, n = 2, Z = 1,4-(CH2)2C6H4; 1b, n = 3, Z = (CH2)4), reactions of dianions m1 with (mu-S2)Fe2(CO)6 followed by treatment with dihalide 1,4-I(CH2)4I afford macrocyclic clusters [mu-SCH2(CH2OCH2)nCH2S-mu]{[Fe2(CO)6]2(mu4-S)}2[mu-S(CH2)4S-mu] (2a, n = 2; 2b, n = 3). The crystal structures of 1a and 2b are described.     

Synthesis and structure of tetranuclear orthometallated Pd(II) complexes derived from bis-iminophosphoranes

The reaction of Pd(OAc)2 with bis-iminophosphoranes Ph3P=NCH2CH2CH2N=PPh3 (1a), [C6H4(C(O)N=PPh3)2-1,3] (1b) and [C6H4(C(O)N=PPh3)2-1,2] (1c), gives the orthopalladated tetranuclear complexes [{Pd(mu-Cl){C6H4(PPh2=NCH2-kappa-C,N)-2}}2CH2]2 (2a) [{Pd(mu-OAc){C6H4(PPh2=NC(O)-kappa-C,N)-2}}2C6H4-1',3']2 (2b) and [{Pd(mu-OAc){C6H4(PPh2=NC(O)-kappa-C,N)-2}}2C6H4-1',2']2 (2c). The reaction takes place in CH2Cl2 for 1a, but must be performed in glacial acetic acid for 1b and 1c. The process implies in all cases the activation of a C-H bond on a Ph ring of the phosphonium group, with concomitant formation of endo complexes. This is the expected behaviour for 1a, but for 1b and 1c reverses the exo orientation observed in other ketostabilized iminophosphoranes. The influence of the solvent in the orientation of the reaction is discussed. The dinuclear acetylacetonate complexes [{Pd(acac-O,O'){C6H4(PPh2=NCH2-kappa-C,N)-2}}2CH2] (3a), [{Pd(acac-O,O'){C6H4(PPh2=NC(O)-kappa-C,N)-2}}2C6H4-1',3'] (3b) and [{Pd(acac-O,O'){C6H4(PPh2=NC(O)-kappa-C,N)-2}}2C6H4-1',2'] (3c) have been obtained from the halide-bridging tetranuclear derivatives. The X-ray crystal structure of [3c.4CHCl3] is also reported.     

Synthesis of beta-P,N aminophosphines and coordination chemistry to Pd(II). X-ray structures of [PdCl2(Ph2PCH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP,kappaN)] and PdCl(eta3-C3H5)(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP)

The reaction of the C=N bond in PhCH=NPh with the carbanionic species Ph2PCH2-, leading to the N-phenyl beta-aminophosphine Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh, L1, is described. This molecule reacts with different organic electrophiles to afford related compounds Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NPhX (X = SiMe3, L2; COPh, L4), [Ph2MePCH2CH(Ph)NHPh]+(I-), L3, and [Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)N(Ph)CO]2, L5, containing two amido and two phosphino functions. The coordination properties of L1, L2, and L4 have been studied in palladium chemistry. The X-ray structure of [PdCl2(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP,kappaN)] shows the bidentate coordination mode for the L1 ligand with equatorial C(Ph)-N(Ph) phenyl groups. [PdCl2(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP,kappaN)] crystallizes at 298 K in the space group P2(1)/n with cell parameters a = 10.689(2) A, b = 21.345(3) A, c = 12.282(2) A, beta = 90.294(12) degrees, Z = 4, D(calcd) = 1.526. The reaction between 2 equiv of L1 and [PdCl(eta3-C3H5)]2 affords the [PdCl(eta3-C3H5)(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP)] complex in which an unexpected N-H.Cl intramolecular interaction has been observed by an X-ray diffraction analysis. [PdCl(eta3-C3H5)(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP)] crystallizes at 298 K in the monoclinic space group Cc with cell parameters a = 10.912(1) A, b = 17.194(2) A, c = 14.169(2) A, beta = 100.651(9) degrees, Z = 4, D(calcd) = 1.435. Neutral and cationic alkyl or allyl palladium chloride complexes containing L1 are also reported as well as a neutral allyl palladium chloride complex containing L4. Variable-temperature 31P[1H] NMR studies on the allyl complexes show that the eta3/eta1 allyl interconversion is enhanced by a positive charge and also by a N-H.Cl intramolecular interaction.     

Synthetic and structural studies on new diiron azadithiolate (ADT)-type model compounds for active site of [FeFe]hydrogenases

A series of new diiron azadithiolate (ADT) complexes (1-8), which could be regarded as the active site models of [FeFe]hydrogenases, have been synthesized starting from parent complex [(μ-SCH(2))(2)NCH(2)CH(2)OH]Fe(2)(CO)(6) (A). Treatment of A with ethyl malonyl chloride or malonyl dichloride in the presence of pyridine afforded the malonyl-containing complexes [(μ-SCH(2))(2)NCH(2)CH(2)O(2)CCH(2)CO(2)Et]Fe(2)(CO)(6) (1) and [Fe(2)(CO)(6)(μ-SCH(2))(2)NCH(2)CH(2)O(2)C](2)CH(2) (2). Further treatment of 1 and 2 with PPh(3) under different conditions produced the PPh(3)-substituted complexes [(μ-SCH(2))(2)NCH(2)CH(2)O(2)CCH(2)CO(2)Et]Fe(2)(CO)(5)(PPh(3)) (3), [(μ-SCH(2))(2)NCH(2)CH(2)O(2)CCH(2)CO(2)Et]Fe(2)(CO)(4)(PPh(3))(2) (4), and [Fe(2)(CO)(5)(PPh(3))(μ-SCH(2))(2)NCH(2)CH(2)O(2)C](2)CH(2) (5). More interestingly, complexes 1-3 could react with C(60) in the presence of CBr(4) and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) via Bingel-Hirsch reaction to give the C(60)-containing complexes [(μ-SCH(2))(2)NCH(2)CH(2)O(2)CC(C(60))CO(2)Et]Fe(2)(CO)(6) (6), [Fe(2)(CO)(6)(μ-SCH(2))(2)NCH(2)CH(2)O(2)C](2)C(C(60)) (7), and [(μ-SCH(2))(2)NCH(2)CH(2)O(2)CC(C(60))CO(2)Et]Fe(2)(CO)(5)(PPh(3)) (8). The new ADT-type models 1-8 were characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopy, whereas 2-4 were further studied by X-ray crystallography and 6-8 investigated in detail by DFT methods.     

Electron-transfer-catalyzed rearrangement of unsymmetrically substituted diiron dithiolate complexes related to the active site of the [FeFe]-hydrogenases

Novel asymmetrically substituted azadithiolate compounds [Fe2(CO)4(kappa2-dppe){micro-SCH2N(R)CH2S}] (R=iPr, 1a; CH2CH2OCH3, 1b; CH2C6H5, 1c) have been synthesized by treatment of [Fe2(CO)6(micro-adt)] [adt=SCH2N(R)CH2S, with R=iPr, CH2CH2OCH3, CH2C6H5] with dppe (dppe=Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2) in refluxing toluene in the presence of Me3NO. 1a-c have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The electrochemical investigation of 1a-c and of [Fe2(CO)4(kappa2-dppe)(micro-pdt)] (1d) [pdt=S(CH2)3S] in MeCN- and THF-[NBu4][PF6] has demonstrated that the electrochemical reduction of 1a-d gives rise to an Electron-transfer-catalyzed (ETC) isomerization to the symmetrical isomers 2a-d where the dppe ligand bridges the iron centers. Compounds 2a-d were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography for 2a.     

Mono- and dinuclear five-coordinate cyclometalated palladium(II) compounds

Reaction of cyclometalated halide-bridged Pd(II) complexes 1-4 with the tertiary triphosphine ligand (Ph2PCH2CH2)2PPh (triphos) yielded complexes [((Ph2PCH2CH2)2PPh-P,P,P)Pd(N(Cy)=(H)C)C6H2(C(H)=N(Cy))Pd((Ph2PCH2CH2)2PPh-P,P,P)][ClO4]2 5, [Pd(C6H4-N=NC6H5)((Ph2PCH2CH2)2PPh-P,P,P)][ClO4] 6, and [Pd(R-C6H3C(H)=NCy)((Ph2PCH2CH2)2PPh-P,P,P)][ClO4] (7; R = 4-CHO, 8; 3-CHO). Spectroscopic and analytic data suggest five-coordination on the palladium atom, which, for complexes 5, 6, and 7, was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The geometry around palladium may be view as a distorted trigonal bipyramid, with the palladium, nitrogen, and terminal phosphorus atoms in the equatorial plane. Compound 5 is the first doubly cyclometalated palladium(II) compound with two pentacoordinated metal centers. The structure of 6 comprises two discrete cations with slightly different geometries, showing the importance of crystal packing forces in order to determine the coordination arrangement.     

Reactivity of the heterometallic clusters [HMCo3(CO)12] and [Et4N][MCo3(CO)12] (M = Fe, Ru) toward phosphine selenides, including selenium transfer. Crystal structures of [HRuCo3(CO)7(mu-CO)3(mu-dppy)], [MCo2(mu3-Se)(CO)7(mu-dppy)], and [RuCo2(mu3-Se)(CO)7(mu-dppm)] [dppy = Ph2(2-C5H4N)P, dppm = Ph2PCH2PPh2

The reactivity of [HMCo3(CO)12] and [Et4N][MCo3(CO)12] (M = Fe, Ru) toward phosphine selenides such as Ph3PSe, Ph2P(Se)CH2PPh2, Ph2(2-C5H4N)PSe, Ph2(2-C4H3S)PSe, and Ph2[(2-C5H4N)(2-C4H2S)]PSe has been studied with the aim to obtain new selenido-carbonyl bimetallic clusters. The reactions of the hydrido clusters give two main classes of products: (i) triangular clusters with a mu3-Se capping ligand of the type [MCo2(mu3-Se)(CO)(9-x)L(y)] resulting from the selenium transfer (x = y = 1, 2, with L = monodentate ligand; x = 2, 4, and y = 1, 2, with L = bidentate ligand) (M = Fe, Ru) and (ii) tetranuclear clusters of the type [HMCo3(CO)12xL(y)] obtained by simple substitution of axial, Co-bound carbonyl groups by the deselenized phosphine ligand. The crystal structures of [HRuCo3(CO)7(mu-CO)3(mu-dppy)] (1), [MCo2(mu3-Se)(CO)7(mu-dppy)] (M = Fe (16) or Ru (2)), and [RuCo2(mu3-Se)(CO)7(mu-dppm)] (12) are reported [dppy = Ph2(2-C5H4N)P, dppm = Ph2PCH2PPh2]. Clusters 2, 12, and 16 are the first examples of trinuclear bimetallic selenido clusters substituted by phosphines. Their core consists of metal triangles capped by a mu3-selenium atom with the bidentate ligand bridging two metals in equatorial positions. The core of cluster 1 consists of a RuCo3 tetrahedron, each Co-Co bond being bridged by a carbonyl group and one further bridged by a dppy ligand. The coordination of dppy in a pseudoaxial position causes the migration of the hydride ligand to the Ru(mu-H)Co edge. In contrast to the reactions of the hydrido clusters, those with the anionic clusters [MCo3(CO)12]- do not lead to Se transfer from phosphorus to the cluster but only to CO substitution by the deselenized phosphine.     

Synthesis,coordination to Rh(I), and hydroformylation catalysis of new beta-aminophosphines bearing a dangling nitrogen group: an unusual inversion of a Rh-coordinated P center

Variants of the beta-aminophosphine L(1) [Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(Ph)NHPh] containing additional nitrogen donor functions have been prepared. These functions are branched off the C atom adjacent to the P atom, or the P atom itself. Ligand [Ph(2)PCH(o-C(6)H(4)NMe(2))CH(Ph)NHPh] has been obtained as a mixture of two diastereomers L(3A) and L(3B) by lithiation of L(2) [Ph(2)PCH(2)(o-C(6)H(4)NMe(2))] with n-BuLi followed by PhCH=NPh addition and hydrolysis. The diastereomers have been separated by fractional crystallization from ethanol. Ligand Et(2)NCH(2)P(Ph)CH(2)CH(Ph)NHPh has been obtained as a mixture of two diastereomers L(5A) and L(5B)(starting with P-Ph reductive cleavage of L(1) by lithium and subsequent hydrolysis to give PhP(H)CH(2)CH(Ph)NHPh (mixture of two diastereomers L(4A) and L(4B)). The latter reacts with diethylamine and formaldehyde to afford the L(5) diastereomeric mixture. Complexes RhCl(CO)(L) (L = L(3A), 1(A); L(3B), 1(B); L(5A/B), 2(A/B)) were obtained by reaction of [RhCl(CO)(2)](2) and the appropriate ligand or ligand mixture. Complexes 1(A), 1(B), and 2(A) have been isolated in pure form and characterized by classical techniques and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All structures exhibit a bidentate kappa-P,kappa-N(NHPh) mode similar to the complex containing L(1). While complexes 1(A) or 1(B) are stable in CDCl(3) solution, complex 2(A) slowly converts to its diastereomer 2(B). This unexpected epimerization appears to take place by inversion at the Rh-coordinated P center, an apparently unprecedented phenomenon. A mechanism based on a reversible P-C bond oxidative addition is proposed. The influence of the pendant nitrogen function of the diaminophosphines L(3A) and L(5A/B) on the rhodium catalytic activity in styrene hydroformylation has been examined and compared to that of the aminophosphines L(1) or L(2). The observed trends are related to the basicity of the dangling amine function and to its proximity to the metal center.     

Unusual reactions of [{micro-(phthalazine-N2:N3)}Fe2(micro-CO)(CO)6] with organolithium reagents. A novel coordination mode of 1,2-diazane diiron carbonyl compounds

[{Micro-(phthalazine-N2:N3)}Fe2(micro-CO)(CO)6](1) reacts with organolithium reagents, RLi (R = CH3, C6H5, p-CH3C6H4, p-CH3OC6H4, p-CF3C6H4, p-C6H5C6H4), followed by treatment with Me3SiCl to give the novel diiron carbonyl complexes with a saturated N-N six-membered diazane ring ligand, [{C6H4CH(R)NNCH2}Fe2(C=O)(CO)6](2, R = CH3; 3, R = C6H5; 4, R =p-CH3C6H4; 5, R =p-CH3OC6H4; 6, R =p-CF3C6H4; 7, R =p-C6H5C6H4). Compounds 4 and 5 were treated with [(NH4)2Ce(NO3)6] to afford the aryl-substituted phthalazine-coordinated diiron carbonyl compounds [(micro-{1-(p-CH3C6H4)-phthalazine-N2:N3})Fe2(micro-CO)(CO)6](8) and [(micro-{1-(p-CH3OC6H4)-phthalazine-N2:N3})Fe2(micro-CO)(CO)6](9), respectively. The structures of complexes 4 and 9 have been established by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Orthopalladation of iminophosphoranes: synthesis, structure and study of stability

The reaction of Pd(OAc)(2) with polyfunctional iminophosphoranes Ph(3)P=NCH(2)CO(2)Me (1a), Ph(3)P=NCH(2)C(O)NMe(2) (1b), Ph(3)P=NCH(2)CH(2)SMe (1c) and Ph(3)P=NCH(2)-2-NC(5)H(4) (1d), gives the orthopalladated dinuclear complex [Pd(mu-Cl){C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)=NCH(2)CO(2)Me-kappa-C,N)-2}](2) (2a) and the mononuclear derivatives [PdCl{C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)=NCH(2)CONMe(2)-kappa-C,N,O)-2}] (2b), [PdCl{C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)=NCH(2)CH(2)SMe-kappa-C,N,S)-2}] (2c) and [PdCl{C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)=NCH(2)-2-NC(5)H(4)-kappa-C,N,N)-2}] (2d). The reaction implies the activation of a C-H bond in a phenyl ring of the phosphonium group, this fact being worthy of note due to the strongly deactivating nature of the phosphonium unit. The palladacycle containing the metallated carbon atom is remarkably stable toward the coordination of incoming ligands, while that formed by the iminic N atom and another heteroatom (O, 2a and 2b; S, 2c; N, 2d) is less stable and the resulting complexes can be considered as hemilabile. The X-ray crystal structures of the cyclopalladated [Pd(mu-Cl){C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)=NCH(2)CO(2)Me-kappa-C,N)-2}](2) (2a), [PdCl{C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)=NCH(2)-2-NC(5)H(4)-kappa-C,N,N)-2}] (2d), [Pd{C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)=NCH(2)CONMe(2)-kappa-C,N,O)-2}(NCMe)](ClO(4)) (7b) and [Pd{C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)NCH(2)CONMe(2)-kappa-C,N,O)-2}(py)](ClO(4)) (3b), and the coordination compound cis-[Pd(Cl)(2)(Ph(3)P=NCH(2)CH(2)SMe-kappa-N,S)] (8) are also reported.     

Synthesis,spectroscopy and crystal structures of three diiron ethanedithiolate complexes with tertiary phosphine ligands: vinyldiphenylphosphine, 4-(dimethylamino)phenylphosphine or bis(4-methoxyphenyl)phenylphosphine

Transition Metal Chemistry - Three diiron ethanedithiolate complexes of tertiary phosphine ligands, namely (µ-SCH2CH2S-μ)Fe2(CO)5L [L?=?Ph2PCH=CH2, 2; Ph2P(C6H4NMe2-4), 3;...     

Evidence for the formation of terminal hydrides by protonation of an asymmetric iron hydrogenase active site mimic

Treatment of [Fe2(mu-pdt)(CO)6] [pdt=S(CH2)3S] with dppe (Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2) in refluxing toluene affords the asymmetric complex [Fe2(mu-pdt)(CO)4(dppe)] (1). Protonation of 1 with HBF4-Et2O in CH2Cl2 gives at room temperature the mu-hydrido derivative [Fe2(mu-pdt)(CO)4(dppe)(mu-H)](BF4) (2). Monitoring the reaction by 1H, 31P, and 13C NMR at low temperature reveals unambiguously that the process of the protonation of 1 implies terminal hydride intermediates.     

Unexpected metal-induced isomerisms and phosphoryl migrations in Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes of the functional phosphine 2-(bis(diphenylphosphino)methyl)-oxazoline

The reaction of the functional diphosphine 1 [1 = 2-(bis(diphenylphosphino)methyl-oxazoline] with [PtCl(2)(NCPh)(2)] or [PdCl(2)(NCPh)(2)], in the presence of excess NEt(3), affords [Pt{(Ph(2)P)(2)C···C(···NCH(2)CH(2)O)}(2)] ([Pt(1(-H)-P,P)(2)], 3a) and [Pd{(Ph(2)P)(2)C···C(···NCH(2)CH(2)O)}(2)] ([Pd(1(-H)-P,P)(2)], 3b), respectively, in which 1(-H) is (oxazoline-2-yl)bis(diphenylphosphino)methanide. The reaction of 3b with 2 equiv of [AuCl(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) afforded [Pd(1(-H)-P,N)(2)(AuCl)(2)] (4), as a result of the opening of the four-membered metal chelate since ligand 1(-H), which was P,P-chelating in 3b, behaves as a P,N-chelate toward the Pd(II) center in 4 and coordinates to Au(I) through the other P donor. In the absence of a base, the reaction of ligand 1 with [PtCl(2)(NCPh)(2)] in MeCN or CH(2)Cl(2) afforded the isomers [Pt{(Ph(2)P)(2)C═C(OCH(2)CH(2)NH)}(2)]Cl(2) ([Pt(1'-P,P)(2)]Cl(2) (5), 1' = 2-(bis(diphenylphosphino)methylene)-oxazolidine) and [Pt{(Ph(2)P)(2)C═C(OCH(2)CH(2)NH)}{Ph(2)PCH═C(OCH(2)CH(2)N(PPh(2))}]Cl(2) ([Pt(1'-P,P)(2'-P,P)]Cl(2) (6), 2' = (E)-3-(diphenylphosphino)-2-((diphenylphosphino)methylene)oxazolidine]. The P,P-chelating ligands in 5 result from a tautomeric shift of the C-H proton of 1 to the nitrogen atom, whereas the formation of one of the P,P-chelates in 6 involves a carbon to nitrogen phosphoryl migration. The reaction of 5 and 6 with a base occurred by deprotonation at the nitrogen to afford 3a and [Pt{(Ph(2)P)(2)C···C(···NCH(2)CH(2)O)}{Ph(2)PCH═COCH(2)CH(2)N(PPh(2))}]Cl ([Pt(1(-H)-P,P)(2'-P,P)]Cl (7)], respectively. In CH(2)Cl(2), an isomer of 3a, [Pt{Ph(2)P)(2)C···C(···NCH(2)CH(2)O)}{Ph(2)PC(PPh(2))═COCH(2)CH(2)N}] ([Pt(1(-H)-P,P)(1(-H)-P,N)] (8)), was obtained as a side product which contains ligand 1(-H) in two different coordination modes. Complexes 3b·4CH(2)Cl(2), 4·CHCl(3), 6·2.5CH(2)Cl(2), and 8·CH(2)Cl(2) have been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction.     

Grafting and thermal stripping of organo-bimetallic clusters on AU surfaces: toward controlled CO/RU aggregates

The controlled stoichiometry of heterometallic carbonyl clusters make them attractive precursors for the stabilization of bare metal alloy clusters for magnetic applications. The mixed-metal molecular cluster [RuCo3(H)(CO)12] has been functionalized with the phosphane-thiol ligand Ph2PCH2CH2SH to allow subsequent anchoring on a gold surface. The resulting tetrahedral cluster [RuCo3(H)(CO)11(Ph2PCH2CH2SH)] (1) has been characterized by X-ray diffraction and the P-monodentate ligand is axially bound to a cobalt center and trans to the ruthenium cap. This synthesis also yielded the product of oxidative coupling, in which two SH groups were coupled intermolecularly to give a disulfide ligand that links two tetrahedral cluster units in [{RuCo3(H)(CO)11(Ph2PCH2CH2S)}2] (2). This cluster has also been characterized by X-ray diffractions studies. After deposition of 1 on a Au(111) surface by self-assembly, the carbonyl ligands were stripped off by thermal annealing in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) to form a metallic species. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements performed as a function of the annealing temperature show that the cobalt and ruthenium centers converge towards metallic character and that the stoichiometry of the alloy is retained during the annealing process. Preliminary X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) synchrotron experiments indicate that clusters 1 and 2 behave similarly, which is consistent with the retention of their tetrahedral units on the gold surface after transformation of the thiol function or breaking of the disulfide bond to form Au--S bonds, respectively, has occurred.     

Visible light-driven electron transfer and hydrogen generation catalyzed by bioinspired [2Fe2S] complexes

Complexes [{(mu-SCH2)2NCH2C6H5}{Fe(CO)2L(1)}{Fe(CO)2L(2)}] (L(1) = CO, L(2) = P(Pyr) 3, 2; L(1) = L(2) = P(Pyr)3, 3) were prepared, which have the lowest reduction potentials for the mono- and double-CO-displaced diiron complexes reported so far. Hydrogen evolution, driven by visible light, was successfully observed for a three-component system, consisting of a ruthenium polypyridine complex, the biomimetic model complex 2 or 3, and ascorbic acid as both electron and proton donor in CH3CN/H2O. The electron transfer from photogenerated Ru(bpy)3(+) to 2 or 3 was detected by laser flash photolysis. Under optimal conditions, the total turnover number for hydrogen evolution was 4.3 based on 2 and 86 based on Ru(bpy)3(2+) in a three-hour photolysis.     

Preparation and characterization of diarylphosphazene and diarylphosphinohydrazide complexes of titanium, tungsten and ruthenium and phosphorylketimido complexes of rhenium

Reaction of the proligand Ph2PN(SiMe3)2 (L1) with WCl6 gives the oligomeric phosphazene complex [WCl4(NPPh2)]n, 1 and subsequent reaction with PMe2Ph or NBu4Cl gives [WCl4(NPPh2)(PMe2Ph)] (2) or [WCl5(NPPh2)][NBu4] (3), respectively. DF calculations on [WCl5(NPPh2)][NBu4] show a W=N double bond (1.756 A) and a P-N bond distance of 1.701 A, which combined with the geometry about the P atom suggests, there is no P-N multiple bonding. Reaction of L1 with [ReOX3(PPh3)2] in MeCN (X = Cl or Br) gives [ReX2(NC(CH3)P(O)Ph2)(MeCN)(PPh3)](X = Cl, 4, X = Br, 5) which contains the new phosphorylketimido ligand. It is bound to the rhenium centre with a virtually linear Re-N-C arrangement (Re-N-C angle = 176.6 degrees, when X = Cl) and there is multiple bonding between Re and N (Re-N = 1.809(7) A when X = Cl). The proligand Ph2PNHNMe2(L2H) reacts with [(C5H5)TiCl3] to give [(C5H5)TiCl2(Me2NNPPh2)] (6). An X-ray crystal structure of the complex shows the ligand (L2) is bound by both nitrogen atoms. Reaction of the proligands Ph2PNHNR2[R2 = Me2 (L2H), -(CH2CH2)2NCH3 (L3H), (CH2CH2)2CH2 (L4H)] with [{RuCl(mu-Cl)(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)}2] gave [RuCl2(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)L] {L = L2H (7), L3H (8), L4H (9)}. The X-ray crystal structures of 7-9 confirmed that the phosphinohydrazine ligand is neutral and bound via the phosphorus only. Reaction of complexes 7-9 with AgBF4 resulted in chloride ion abstraction and the formation of the cationic species [RuCl(6-p-MeC6H4iPr)(L)]+ BF4- {(L = L2H (10), L3H (11), L4H (12)}. Finally, reaction of complex 6 with [{RuCl(mu-Cl)(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)}2] gave the binuclear species [(eta6-p-MeC6H4iPr)Cl2Ru(mu2,eta3-Ph2PNNMe2)TiCl2(C5H5)], 13.     

The mechanism of efficient asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone using an iron(II) complex containing an (S,S)-Ph2PCH2CH═NCHPhCHPhN═CHCH2PPh2 ligand: partial ligand reduction is the key

On the basis of a kinetic study and other evidence, we propose a mechanism of activation and operation of a highly active system generated from the precatalyst trans-[Fe(CO)(Br)(Ph(2)PCH(2)CH═N-((S,S)-C(Ph)H-C(Ph)H)-N═CHCH(2)PPh(2))][BPh(4)] (2) for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone in basic isopropanol. An induction period for catalyst activation is observed before the catalytic production of 1-phenethanol. The activation step is proposed to involve a rapid reaction of 2 with excess base to give an ene-amido complex [Fe(CO)(Ph(2)PCH(2)CH═N-((S,S)-C(Ph)H-C(Ph)H)-NCH═CHPPh(2))](+) (Fe(p)) and a bis(enamido) complex Fe(CO)(Ph(2)PCH═CH-N-(S,S-CH(Ph)CH(Ph))-N-CH═CHPPh(2)) (5); 5 was partially characterized. The slow step in the catalyst activation is thought to be the reaction of Fe(p) with isopropoxide to give the catalytically active amido-(ene-amido) complex Fe(a) with a half-reduced, deprotonated PNNP ligand. This can be trapped by reaction with HCl in ether to give, after isolation with NaBPh(4), [Fe(CO)(Cl)(Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)N(H)-((S,S)-CH(Ph)CH(Ph))-N═CHCH(2)PPh(2))][BPh(4)] (7) which was characterized using multinuclear NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry. When compound 7 is treated with base, it directly enters the catalytic cycle with no induction period. A precatalyst with the fully reduced P-NH-NH-P ligand was prepared and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. It was found to be much less active than 2 or 7. Reaction profiles obtained by varying the initial concentrations of acetophenone, precatalyst, base, and acetone and by varying the temperature were fit to the kinetic model corresponding to the proposed mechanism by numerical simulation to obtain a unique set of rate constants and thermodynamic parameters.