Synthesis, structural characterization of benzimidazole-functionalized Ni(II) and Hg(II) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes and their applications as efficient catalysts for Friedel-Crafts alkylations

[Ni(L₁)₂](PF₆)₂ (3a, L₁ = 3-(1-ethyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)methyl)-1-((6-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)imidazolyl-idene), [Ni(L₂)₂(CH₃CN)](PF₆)₂ (3b, L₂ = 3-(1-ethyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)methyl)-1-((6-methylpyridin-2-yl)-methyl)benzimidazolylidene), and [Hg(L₁)₂(CH₃CN)₂](PF₆)₂ (4) have been successfully prepared and fully characterized by NMR, ESI-MS spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The nickel complexes reveal a square-planar structure with two carbene ligands and benzimidazole groups at the cis configuration. The nickel complex 3b has been proved to be a highly efficient catalyst for Friedel-Crafts alkylation of indoles with β-nitrostyrenes at room temperature in moderate-to-excellent yields. The crystal packing structure of 4 shows that double-stranded 1D supramolecular chains are formed by inter-chain benzimidazole rings and pyridine rings face-to-face π-π stacking interactions.     

Pyridine- and pyrimidine-2-thiolate complexes of ruthenium

A series of mononuclear ruthenium complexes containing pyridine- and pyrimidine-2-thiolato ligands was prepared and characterized. The new compounds of general formula CpRu(PPh₃)(κ²S,N-SR) (1) (SR = pyridine-2-thiolate (a), pyrimidine-2-thiolate (b)) were prepared directly by reacting the thiolato anions (RS⁻) with CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl. Complexes 1 readily react with NOBF₄ or CO in THF at room temperature to give [CpRu(PPh₃)(NO)(κ¹S-HSR)][BF₄]₂ (2) and CpRu(PPh₃)(CO)(κ¹S-SR) (3), respectively. The one-pot reaction of CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl, thiolato anions and bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) gave CpRu(dppe)(κ¹S-SR) [dppe: Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂ (4)]. The complex salts, [CpRu(PPh₃)₂(κ¹S-HSR)]BPh₄ (5) are prepared by mixing CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl, HSR and NaBPh₄ at room temperature. The structures of CpRu(PPh₃)(κ²S,N-Spy) (1a), [CpRu(PPh₃)(NO)(κ¹S-HSpy)][BF₄]₂ (2a) and CpRu(PPh₃)(CO)(κ¹S-Spy) (3a), (py = C₅H₄N) have been determined.     

Ruthenium(II) and iron(II) complexes of N-pyridyl substituted imidazolin-2-ylidenes

N-mesityl-N′-pyridyl-imidazolium chloride 1a and the corresponding bromide salt 1b have been deprotonated with NaH in THF giving the free N-heterocyclic carbene N-mesityl-N′-pyridyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene 2 in 80% yield (starting from 1a). Imidazolium salt 1a reacts with RuCl₃ · xH₂O to give a racemic mixture of dinuclear di-μ-chloro bridged ruthenium complexes [(κ²-2)₂Ru(μ-Cl)₂Ru(κ²-2)₂]²⁺ [3a]²⁺. The carbene carbon atoms as well as the halides are arranged in cis-positions to each other whereas the nitrogen atoms adopt a trans-configuration. The di-μ-bromo bridged derivative [(κ²-2)₂Ru(μ-Br)₂Ru(κ²-2)₂]²⁺ [3b]²⁺ was obtained from RuCl₃ · xH₂O and 1b. The bridging halide ligands can be removed by the reaction with silver or sodium salts of bidentate Lewis acids. Complex [3a]²⁺ reacts with silver pyridylcarboxylate to give a racemic mixture of the mononuclear complex [4]⁺. Reaction of [3a]²⁺ with the sodium salt of l-proline resulted in a diastereomeric mixture of complexes [5]⁺. The free N-heterocyclic carbene 2 reacts with [FeCl₂(PPh₃)₂] to give after anion exchange with NaBPh₄ cis/cis/trans coordinated [Fe(κ²-2)₂(MeCN)₂](BPh₄)₂ [6](BPh₄)₂. The molecular structures of [3b](PF₆)₂, [4]PF₆ and [6](BPh₄)₂ · H₂O are reported.     

Methyl-oxygen bond cleavage in hemilabile phosphine-ether ligand of ruthenium(II) complexes

The preparation and characterization are described for four ruthenium(II) complexes containing hemilabile phosphine-ether ligand o-(diphenylphosphino)anisole (Ph₂PC₆H₄OMe-o) and/or bidentate ligand diphenylphosphino-phenolate ([Ph₂PC₆H₄O-o]⁻) Ru(RCN)₂(κ²-Ph₂PC₆H₄O-o)₂ (1a: R = Me; 1b: R = Et) and [Ru(RCN)₂(κ²-Ph₂PC₆H₄O-o)(κ²-Ph₂PC₆H₄OMe-o)](PF₆) (2a: R = Me; 2b: R = Et). The ruthenium(II) phosphine-ether complexes undergo mild methyl-oxygen bond cleavage. Two different kinds reaction mechanism are proposed to describe the methyl-oxygen bond cleavage, one involving attack of anionic nucleophiles and another involving the phosphine. The new reactions define novel routes to phosphine-phenolate complexes. The structures of complexes 1a, 1b and 2a were confirmed by X-ray crystallography.     

Transition metal chemistry of phosphorus based ligands. Ruthenium(II) chemistry of bis(phosphino)amines, X2PN(R)PX2 (R=H or Ph, X=Ph; R=Ph, X2=O2C6H4)

Reactions of CpRuCl(PPh₃)₂ with bis(phosphino)amines, X₂PN(R)PX₂ (1 R=H, X=Ph; 2 R=X=Ph; 3 R=Ph, X₂=O₂C₆H₄) give neutral or cationic mononuclear complexes depending on the reaction conditions. Reaction of 1 with CpRuCl(PPh₃)₂ gives one neutral complex, [CpRu(Cl)(η²-Ph₂PN(H)PPh₂)] (4) and two cationic complexes, [CpRu(η²-Ph₂PN(H)PPh₂)(η¹-Ph₂PN(H)PPh₂)]Cl (5) and [CpRu(PPh₃)(η²-Ph₂PN(H)PPh₂)]Cl (6), whereas the reaction of 2 with CpRuCl(PPh₃)₂ leads only to the isolation of cationic complex, [CpRu(PPh₃)(η²-Ph₂PN(Ph)PPh₂)]Cl (7). The catechol derivative 3, in a similar reaction, affords an interesting mononuclear complex [CpRu(PPh₃){η¹-(C₆H₄O₂)PN(Ph)P(O₂H₄C₆)}₂]Cl (8) containing two monodentate bis(phosphino)amine ligands. The structural elucidation of the complexes was carried out by elemental analyses, IR and NMR spectroscopic data.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of 1′-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-1-carboxamide, its corresponding hydrazide, some heterocycles derived from the hydrazide and palladium(II) complexes with these functional phosphinoferrocene ligands

Two polar phosphinoferrocene ligands, 1′-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-1-carboxamide (1) and 1′-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-1-carbohydrazide (2), were synthesized in good yields from 1′-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-1-carboxylic acid (Hdpf) via the reactive benzotriazole derivative, 1-[1′-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-1-carbonyl]-1H-1,2,3-benzotriazole (3). Alternatively, the hydrazide was prepared by the conventional reaction of methyl 1′-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-1-carboxylate with hydrazine hydrate, and was further converted via standard condensation reactions to three phosphinoferrocene heterocycles, viz 2-[1′-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocen-1-yl]-1,3,4-oxadiazole (4), 1-[1′-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocen-1-carbonyl]-3,5-dimethyl-1,2-pyrazole (5), and 1-[1′-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-1-carboxamido]-3,5-dimethylpyrrole (6). Compounds 1 and 2 react with [PdCl₂(cod)] (cod = η²:η²-cycloocta-1,5-diene) to afford the respective bis-phosphine complexes trans-[PdCl₂(L-κP)₂] (7, L = 1; 8, L = 2). The dimeric precursor [(L^NC)PdCl]₂ (L^NC = 2-[(dimethylamino-κN)methyl]phenyl-κC¹) is cleaved with 1 to give the neutral phosphine complex [(L^NC)PdCl(1-κP)] (9), which is readily transformed into a ionic bis-chelate complex [(L^NC)PdCl(1-κ²O,P)][SbF₆] (10) upon removal of the chloride ligand with Ag[SbF₆]. Pyrazole 5 behaves similarly affording the related complexes [(L^NC)PdCl(5-κP)] (12) and [(L^NC)PdCl(5-κ²O,P)][SbF₆] (13), in which the ferrocene ligand coordinates as a simple phosphine and an O,P-chelate respectively, while oxadiazole 4 affords the phosphine complex [(L^NC)PdCl(4-κP)] (11) and a P,N-chelate [(L^NC)PdCl(4-κ²N³,P)][SbF₆] (14) under similar conditions. All compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods (multinuclear NMR, IR and MS). The solid-state structures of 1⋅½AcOEt, 2, 7⋅3CH₃CN, 8⋅2CHCl₃, 9⋅½CH₂Cl₂⋅0.375C₆H₁₄, 10, and 14 were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography.     

Influence of arene dissociation and phosphine coordination on the catalytic activity of [RuCl(κ-triphos)(p-cymene)]PF6

The catalytic activity of a ruthenium(II)-p-cymene complex containing a partially coordinated triphosphine ligand, [RuCl(κ²-triphos)(p-cymene)]PF₆1, has been investigated in the hydrogenation of styrene to ethylbenzene. The influence of arene dissociation and coordination of the free phosphine donor group on the catalytic activity have been probed directly and indirectly by comparison to structural analogues. Analogues of 1 containing in a diphosphine ligand, [RuCl(κ²-dppp)(p-cymene)]PF₆2, or a labile arene ligand, [RuCl(κ²-triphos)(η⁶-PhCO₂Et)]PF₆3, show significantly enhanced catalytic activity - demonstrating the importance of ligand coordination/dissociation dynamics in ruthenium(II)-arene compounds during catalysis. These observations are supported by thermolysis reactions of 1 in DMSO. In addition, improved syntheses of 1 and 2 are reported together with the solid-state structures of syn-1, syn-3 and [Ru(η³-C₈H₁₃)(κ³-triphos)]PF₆.     

Novel thiosemicarbazone derivatives containing benzimidazole moiety: Green synthesis and anti-malarial activity

A series of (E)-2-[5-chloro-1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethylidene] N-(substituted) hydrazine carbothioamide (7a–7t) and (E)-2-[1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethylidene] N-(substituted) hydrazine carbothioamide (8a–8t) were prepared via the synthesis of 1-(substituted-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl) ethanol (3a–3b) which was synthesized by the condensation of substituted o-phenylenediamine (2a–2b) with dl-lactic acid (1) followed by oxidation with sodium hypochlorite in mild acidic condition to form the corresponding ketones 4a–4b. Final compounds were formed by condensation of 4a–4b with different thiosemicarbazides 6a–6t. A total of 40 compounds were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, Mass spectral technique and elemental analysis, in addition they were evaluated for anti-malarial properties. Among the compounds tested 7o, 7p, 7q, 7r, 7s, 8e and 8h exhibited good antimalarial activity in vitro.     

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.     

Ruthenium hydride complexes of chiral and achiral diphosphazane ligands and asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reactions

The half-sandwhich ruthenium chloro complexes bearing chelated diphosphazane ligands, [(η⁵-Cp)RuCl{κ²-P,P-(RO)₂PN(Me)P(OR)₂}] [R = C₆H₃Me₂-2,6] (1) and [(η⁵-Cp^∗)RuCl{κ²-P,P-X₂PN(R)PYY′}] [R = Me, X = Y = Y′ = OC₆H₅ (2); R = CHMe₂, X₂ = C₂₀H₁₂O₂, Y = Y′ = OC₆H₅ (3) or OC₆H₄^tBu-4 (4)] have been prepared by the reaction of CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl with (RO)₂PN(Me)P(OR)₂ [R = C₆H₃Me₂-2,6 (L¹)] or by the reaction of [Cp^∗RuCl₂]_n with X₂PN(R)PYY′ in the presence of zinc dust. Among the four diastereomers (two enantiomeric pairs) possible for the “chiral at metal” complexes 3 and 4, only two diastereomers (one enantiomeric pair) are formed in these reactions. The complexes 1, 2, 4 and [(η⁵-Cp)RuCl{κ²-P,P-Ph₂PN((S)-^∗CHMePh)PPhY}] [Y = Ph (5) or N₂C₃HMe₂-3,5 (S_CS_PR_Ru)-(6)] react with NaOMe to give the corresponding hydride complexes [(η⁵-Cp)RuH{κ²-P,P-(RO)₂PN(Me)P(OR)₂}] (7), [(η⁵-Cp^∗)RuH{κ²-P,P′-X₂PN(R)PY₂}] [R = Me, X = Y = OC₆H₅ (8); R = CHMe₂, X₂ = C₂₀H₁₂O₂, Y = OC₆H₄^tBu-4 (9)] and [(η⁵-Cp)RuH{κ²-P,P-Ph₂PN((S)-^∗CHMePh)PPhY}][Y = Ph (10) or N₂C₃HMe₂-3,5 (S_CS_PR_Ru)-(11a) and (S_CS_PS_Ru)-(11b)]. Only one enantiomeric pair of the hydride 9 is obtained from the chloro precursor 4 that bears sterically bulky substituents at the phosphorus centers. On the other hand, the optically pure trichiral complex 6 that bears sterically less bulky substituents at the phosphorus gives a mixture of two diastereomers (11a and 11b). Protonation of complex 7 using different acids (HX) gives a mixture of [(η⁵-Cp)Ru(η²-H₂){κ²-P,P-(RO)₂PN(Me)P(OR)₂}]X (12a) and [(η⁵-Cp)Ru(H)₂{κ²-P,P-(RO)₂PN(Me)P(OR)₂}]X (12b) of which 12a is the major product independent of the acid used; the dihydrogen nature of 12a is established by T₁ measurements and also by synthesizing the deuteride analogue 7-D followed by protonation to obtain the D-H isotopomer. Preliminary investigations on asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of 2-acetonaphthone in the presence of a series of chiral diphosphazane ligands show that diphosphazanes in which the phosphorus centers are strong π-acceptor in character and bear sterically bulky substituents impart moderate levels of enantioselectivity. Attempts to identify the hydride intermediate involved in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation by a model reaction suggests that a complex of the type, [Ru(H)(Cl){κ²-P,P-X₂PN(R)PY₂}(solvent)₂] could be the active species in this transformation.     

Tricarbonylmanganese(I) derivatives of [Di(pyrazolyl)(2-pyridyl)methyl]aryl scorpionates

The cobalt(II) chloride catalyzed Peterson rearrangement reactions between sulfinyldi-(pyrazolyl) and aryl(pyridyl)methanone derivatives yield di(pyrazolyl)(pyridyl)hetero-scorpionate ligands. Reaction of these ligands with Mn(CO)₅Br in the presence of a silver salt produces the monometallic complexes {[κ³-PhC(pz)₂(2-py)]Mn(CO)₃}(O₃SCF₃) (1a), {[κ³-PhC(pz)₂(2-py)]Mn(CO)₃}(PF₆) (1b), {[κ³-PhC(^4-Mepz)₂(2-py)]Mn(CO)₃}(PF₆) (2), {[κ³-p-BrC₆H₄C(pz)₂(2-py)]Mn(CO)₃}(PF₆) (3), and the bimetallic complexes [(CO)₃Mn{m-C₆H₄[C(pz)₂(2-py)]₂}Mn(CO)₃](BF₄)₂ (5a) and {m-C₆H₄[C(pz)₂(2-py)Mn(CO)₃]₂}(PF₆)₂ (5b) (pz = pyrazolyl ring, py = pyridyl ring). These octahedral manganese complexes show interesting structural diversity, with the complexes being organized in the solid state into complex supramolecular structures by an array of non-covalent forces.     

Cyclopalladation of 3-methoxyimino-2-phenyl-3H-indoles

The direct cyclopalladation of 3-methoxyimino-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3H-indole (1a) and 3-methoxyimino-2-phenyl-3H-indole (1b) results in the regioselective activation of the ortho σ[C(sp², phenyl)-H] bond affording (μ-OAc)₂[Pd{κ²-C,N-C₆H₃-4R-1-(C₈H₄N-3′-NOMe)}]₂ (2) {R = Cl (2a) or H (2b)} that contain a central “Pd(μ-OAc)₂Pd” core. Compounds 2a and 2b reacted with triphenylphosphine (in a molar ratio PPh₃:2 = 2) giving [Pd{κ²-C,N-C₆H₃-4R-1-(C₈H₄N-3′-NOMe)}(OAc)(PPh₃)] (3) {R = Cl (3a) or H (3b)}. Treatment of 2a or 2b with a slight excess of LiCl in acetone produced the metathesis of the bridging ligands and the formation of (μ-Cl)₂[Pd{κ²-C,N-C₆H₃-4R-1-(C₈H₄N-3′-NOMe)}]₂ (4) {R = Cl (4a) or H (4b)} with a central “Pd(μ-Cl)₂Pd” moiety. The reactions of 4a or 4b with deuterated pyridine (py-d₅) or triphenylphosphine gave the monomeric derivatives [Pd{κ²-C,N-C₆H₃-4R-1-(C₈H₄N-3′-NOMe)}Cl(L)] with R = Cl or H and L = py-d₅ (5) or PPh₃ (6). The crystal structure of 6b·1/2CH₂Cl₂ confirmed the mode of binding of the ligand, the nature of the metallated carbon atom and a trans-arrangement of the phosphine ligand and the heterocyclic nitrogen. Theoretical calculations on the free ligands are also reported and have allowed the rationalization of the regioselectivity of the cyclopalladation process.     

Rhodium(I) complexes with κP coordinated ω-phosphinofunctionalized alkyl phenyl sulfide, sulfoxide and sulfone ligands and their reactions with sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide and Ag[BF4]

Reactions of ω-diphenylphosphinofunctionalized alkyl phenyl sulfides Ph₂P(CH₂)_nSPh (n = 1, 1a; 2, 2a; 3, 3a), sulfoxides Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)Ph (n = 1, 1b; 2, 2b; 3, 3b) and sulfones Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)₂Ph (n = 1, 1c; 2, 2c; 3, 3c) with dinuclear chlorido bridged rhodium(I) complexes [(RhL₂)₂(μ-Cl)₂] (L₂ = cycloocta-1.5-diene, cod, 4; bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, dppe, 5) afforded mononuclear Rh(I) complexes of the type [RhCl{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)_xPh-κP}(cod)]¹ (n/x = 1/0, 6a; 1/1, 6b; 1/2, 6c; 2/0, 8a; 2/1, 8b; 2/2, 8c; 3/0, 10a; 3/1, 10b; 3/2, 10c) and [RhCl{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)_xPh-κP}(dppe)] (n/x = 1/0, 7a; 1/1, 7b; 1/2, 7c; 2/0, 9a; 2/1, 9b; 2/2, 9c; 3/0, 11a; 3/1, 11b; 3/2, 11c) having the P^S(O)_x ligands κP coordinated. Addition of Ag[BF₄] to complexes 6-11 in CH₂Cl₂ led with precipitation of AgCl to cationic rhodium complexes of the type [Rh{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)_xPh-κP,κS/O}L₂][BF₄] having bound the P^S(O)_x ligands bidentately in a κP,κS (13a-18a, 15b-18b) or a κP,κO (13b, 14b, 13c-18c) coordination mode. Unexpectedly, the addition of Ag[BF₄] to 6a in THF afforded the trinuclear cationic rhodium(I) complex [Rh₃(μ-Cl)(μ-Ph₂PCH₂SPh-κP:κS)₄][BF₄]₂·4THF (12·4THF) with a four-membered Rh₃Cl ring as basic framework. Addition of sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide to complexes 6-11 led to a selective deprotonation of the carbon atom neighbored to the S(O)_x group (α-C) yielding three different types of organorhodium complexes: a) Organorhodium intramolecular coordination compounds of the type [Rh{CH{S(O)_xPh}CH₂CH₂PPh₂-κC,κP}L₂] (22a-c, 23a-c), b) zwitterionic complexes [Rh{Ph₂PCHS(O)_xPh-κP,κS/O}L₂] having κP,κS (21a, 21b) and κP,κO (20b/c, 21c) coordinated anionic [Ph₂PCHS(O)_xPh] ligands, and c) the dinuclear rhodium(I) complex [{Rh{μ-CH(SPh)PPh₂-κC:κP}(cod)}₂] (19). All complexes were fully characterized spectroscopically and complexes 15b, 15c, 12·4THF and 19·THF additionally by X-ray diffraction analysis. DFT calculations of zwitterionic complexes gave insight into the coordination mode of the [Ph₂PCHS(O)Ph] ligand (κP,κS versus κP,κO).     

Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ruthenium(II) complexes of para-substituted N-(pyrid-2-ylmethylene)-phenylamine ligands: syntheses,spectral and structural studies

The reaction of [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ru(PPh₃)₂Cl] (1) with acetonitrile in the presence of excess NH₄PF₆ leads to the formation of the cationic ruthenium(II) complex [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ru(PPh₃)₂(CH₃CN)]PF₆ (2). The complex (2) reacts with a series of N,N′ donor Schiff base ligands viz. para-substituted N-(pyrid-2-ylmethylene)-phenylamines (ppa) in methanol to yield pentamethylcylopentadienyl ruthenium(II) Schiff base complexes of the formulation [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ru(PPh₃)(C₅H₄N-2-CHN-C₆H₄-p-X)]PF₆ [3a]PF₆–[3f]PF₆, where C₅Me₅ = pentamethylcylopentadienyl, X = H, [3a]PF₆, Me, [3b]PF₆, OMe, [3c]PF₆, NO₂, [3d]PF₆, Cl, [3e]PF₆, COOH, [3f]PF₆. The complexes were isolated as their hexafluorophosphate salts. The complexes were fully characterized on the basis of elemental analyses and NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structure of a representative complex, [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ru(PPh₃)(C₅H₄N-2-CHN-C₆H₄-p-Cl)]PF₆ [3e]PF₆, has been established by X-ray crystallography.     

Half-sandwich η-benzene Ru(II) complexes of phenolate-based pyridylalkylamine/alkylamine ligands: Synthesis, structure, and stabilization of one-electron oxidized species

Four half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(L¹-O)][PF₆] (1), [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(L²-O)][PF₆] (2), [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(L³-O)][PF₆] (3), [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(L⁴-O)][PF₆] (4a), and [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(L⁴-O)][BPh₄] (4b) [L¹-OH, 4-nitro-6-{[(2′-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)methylamino]methyl}-phenol; L²-OH, 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-{[(2′-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)methylamino]methyl}-phenol; L³-OH, 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-{[2′-((pyridin-2-yl)benzylamino)methyl}-phenol; L⁴-OH, 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-{[(2′-imethylaminoethyl)methylamino]methyl}-phenol (L⁴-OH)], supported by a systematically varied series of tridentate phenolate-based pyridylalkylamine and alkylamine ligands are reported. The molecular structures of 1-3, 4a, and 4b have been elucidated in solution using ¹H NMR spectroscopy and of 1, 3, and 4b in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. Notably, due to coordination by the ligands the Ru center assumes a chiral center and in turn the central amine nitrogen also becomes chiral. The ¹H NMR spectra exhibit only one set of signals, suggesting that the reaction is completely diastereoselective [1: S_Ru,S_N/R_Ru,R_N; 2: R_Ru,R_N/S_Ru,S_N; 3: S_Ru,R_N/R_Ru,S_N; 4b: S_Ru,R_N/R_Ru,S_N]. The crystal packing in 1 and 3 is stabilized by C-H^…O interactions, in 4b no meaningful secondary interactions are observed. From the standpoint of generating phenoxyl radical, as investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), complex 1 is redox-inactive in MeCN solution. However, 2, 3, and 4a generate a one-electron oxidized phenoxyl radical coordinated species [2]²⁺, [3]²⁺, and [4a]²⁺, respectively. The radical species are characterized by CV, UV-Vis, and EPR spectroscopy. The stability of the radical species has been determined by measuring the decay constant (UV-Vis spectroscopy).     

Synthesis and characterization of novel five-membered palladacycles

3-(2-Chloroquinolin-3-yl)-1,5-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxy-phenyl)-pentane-2,4-dione derivatives 3a–b were conveniently synthesized in excellent yields (82% each) by tandem Knoevenagel condensation reactions of 2-chloro-3-carbaldehyde-quinoline 1a–b with 3,4,5-trimethoxy acetophenone, followed by a base catalyzed Michael addition, such as DBU (1,8-diazabicyclo[5,4,0]undec-7-ene) with or without solvent. The reactions of 3a–b with Pd(dba)₂ in the presence of PPh₃ (1:2) in degassed acetone provided the dinuclear palladium complexes {Pd(C,N-2-C₉H₄N–CH–[–CH₂CO(3,4,5-(OMe-)₃–C₆H₂-]₂–3-R-6)Cl(PPh₃)}₂ [(R = H (4a), R = OMe (4b)] in moderate yields (38% and 43%), which in turn reacted with an excess of isonitrile XyNC (Xy = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) to give the corresponding palladacycles 5a–b in moderate yields (45% and 43%). The palladacycles 5a–b were also obtained in similar yields (32% and 33%) via a one-pot oxidative addition reaction of 3a-b with isonitrile XyNC:Pd(dba)₂ (4:1). The products were characterized by satisfactory elemental analysis and spectral studies (IR, ¹H, and ³¹P NMR). The crystal structure of 5a was determined by X-ray crystallography diffraction studies.     

Synthesis of 5-{[(1Hbenzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)sulfonyl]methyl}-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydroisoxazole derivatives,invitro antibacterial and antioxidant studies along with their insilico analyses

Synthesis of a series of novel sulfone derivatives 6(a-u) possessing benzimidazoles and isoxazoline rings tailored in a single molecule 5(a-u) was done by reactions using 5-(bromomethyl)-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydroisoxazoles 3(a-u) and 5-{[(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)thio]methyl}-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydroisoxazoles 4(a-u) molecules. The chemical structures of all the newly synthesized compounds were established by IR, ¹HNMR, ¹³CNMR and LCMS spectral data. The biological characteristics of the novel sulfone compounds, such as their antioxidant and antibacterial activity, were evaluated. Among the synthesized sulfones derivatives, compounds 6 g, 6b, and 6e demonstrated outstanding antibacterial activity while compounds 6b, 6c, 6i, 6j, and 6 k demonstrated higher antioxidant activity. Further insilico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies of synthesized sulfones were studied which exhibited excellent intestinal absorption which is more than 80 %, and relatively moderate toxicity. Molecular docking studies confirmed the antibacterial and antioxidant potential which is comparable with the standard.     

Pseudo-tetrahedral semi-sandwich cycloruthenated compounds: 1H NMR data and DFT-calculations about the racemisation process of the ruthenium atom

The partial substitution of the acetonitrile ligand of compound 1a 〚(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(C₆H₄-2-CH₂NMe₂)(NCMe)〛⁺PF₆^– by CD₃OD was observed while running the ¹H NMR spectra of 1a in this solvent, this giving rise to the formation of 1b. In opposition to 1a, the ¹H NMR spectrum of 1b is temperature-dependent, as at T > 40 °C the coalescence of the signals of the –CH₂NMe₂ protons was observed, this being an evidence for the fast racemisation of the Ru centre in 1b at the NMR timescale. DFT-calculations allowed us to envision a likely process for this racemisation. It should take place via the decoordination of the methanol ligand at an early step of the reaction, followed by the inversion of the configuration of the thus-obtained 16 e^– species (2). The transition state (3) for this latter reaction was identified and the total free energy of the racemisation was thus calculated, affording a value close to the activation energy found experimentally by ¹H NMR (∼13 kcal mol^–1 vs ∼15.5 kcal mol^–1, respectively).     

Synthesis and reactions of heterodinuclear organopalladium complex having an unsymmetrical PN ligand

Novel heterodinuclear organopalladium complexes having an unsymmetrical PN ligand (Et₂NC₂H₄PPh₂-κ²N,P)RPd-ML_n (ML_n = Co(CO)₄; R = Me (2a), Ph (2b), ML_n = MoCp(CO)₃; R = Ph (3b)) are synthesized by metathetical reactions of PdRX(Et₂NC₂H₄PPh₂-κ²N,P) (X = I, NO₃) with Na⁺[ML_n]⁻. Reversible dissociation of the Pd-N bond in 3b is revealed by variable temperature NMR studies. Reactions of 2a and 2b with CO yield corresponding acyl complexes (Et₂NC₂H₄PPh₂-κ²N,P)(RCO)Pd-Co(CO)₄ (R = Me (5a), Ph (5b)). Rate of CO insertion for 2a and 2b is significantly faster than those for mononuclear methylpalladium complex, PdMeI(Et₂NC₂H₄PPh₂-κ²N,P) (1a), and methylpalladium-cobalt complex with a 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) ligand, (dppe-κ²P,P′)MePd-Co(CO)₄ (6a). 5a smoothly reacts with nucleophiles such as diethylamine, methanol and benzenethiol to give corresponding amide, ester and thioester, respectively. These reactions of 5a are also significantly faster than those of corresponding mononuclear analogues and the similar heterodinuclear complexes with symmetrical bidentate ligands such as 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane or N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine ligand.     

New mercury(II) and silver(I) complexes containing NHC metallacrown ethers with the π-π stacking interactions

The oligoether-linked bis-benzimidazolium salt 1,1′-[1,2-ethanediylbis(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)]bis[(3-^secbutyl)benzimidazolium-1-yl]iodide (H₂L¹ · I₂), 1,1′-[1,2-ethanediylbis(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)]bis[(3-ethyl)benzimidazolium-1-yl]iodide (H₂L² · I₂) and 1,1′-[1,2-ethanediylbis(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)]bis[(3-^secbutyl)benzimidazolium-1-yl]hexafluorophosphate (H₂L¹ · (PF₆)₂) and their three new mercury(II) and silver(I) complexes containing NHC metallacrown ethers, HgL¹ · (Hg₂ · I₆) (1), HgL² · I₂ (2) and AgL¹ · PF₆ (3) were prepared and characterized. In the packing diagrams of H₂L² · I₂, 1, 2 and 3 benzimidazole ring head-to-tail π-π stacking interactions are observed.