Nickel alkynyl and allenylidene complexes: Synthesis and properties

Copper-catalyzed reaction of [Cp(PPh₃)NiCl] with the terminal alkynes H-CC-C(O)R (R = O-Menthyl, NMe₂, Ph) yields the alkynyl complexes [Cp(PPh₃)Ni-CC-C(O)R]. Subsequent O-methylation with either [Me₃O]BF₄ or MeSO₃CF₃ affords cationic allenylidene complexes, [Cp(PPh₃)NiCCC(OMe)R]⁺X¯ (X = BF₄, SO₃CF₃). N-Alkylation of Cp(PPh₃)Ni-pyridylethynyl complexes likewise gives cationic allenylidene complexes. [Cp(PPh₃)Ni-CC-C(CH)₄N] adds BF₃ at nitrogen. Modification of the ligand sphere in these nickel allenylidene complexes is possible by replacing PPh₃ by PMe₃ in the alkynyl complex precursors. The first allenylidene(carbene)nickel cation, [Cp(SIMes)NCCC(OMe)NMe₂]⁺, is accessible by successive reaction of [Cp(SIMes)NiCl] with H-CC-C(O)NMe₂ and [Me₃O]BF₄. By the analogous sequence an allenylidene complex containing the chelating (diphenylphosphanyl)ethylcyclopentadienyl ligand can be prepared. DFT Calculations were carried out on the allenylidene complex cation [Cp(PPh₃)NiCCC(OMe)NMe₂]⁺ and on its precursor, the alkynyl complex [Cp(PPh₃)Ni-CC-C(O)NMe₂]. Based on the spectroscopic data and a X-ray structure analysis the bonding in the new nickel allenylidene complexes is best represented by several resonance forms, an alkynyl resonance form considerably contributing to the overall bond.     

Synthesis and characterization of (CHCH)n-bridged (n = 1, 2, 3) heterobimetallic and trimetallic ferrocene-ruthenium complexes

A series of heterobinuclear ferrocene-ruthenium complexes Fc(CHCH)_nRuCl(CO)(PMe₃)₃ (n = 1, 3; n = 2, 12), Fc(CHCH)RuCl(CO)(Py)(PPh₃)₂ (4), and trimetallic Fc(CHCH)RuCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂(Py-E-(CHCH)Fc) (6) have been prepared. The length of the molecular rods is extended by successive insertion of CHCH spacers in the bridging ligands or the ancillary ligands. The respective products have been fully characterized and the structures of 3 and 12 have been established by X-ray crystallography. Electrochemical studies have revealed that ethenyl heterobimetallic complexes display two successive one-electron processes, and that intermetallic electronic communication between the two endgroups is attenuated with the increase of the length of the conjugated bridge. The electrochemical behavior of the trimetallic complex reveals strong electronic communication between ruthenium and ferrocene transmitted through the ethenyl bridge, however, it also reveals a very weak interaction between ruthenium and ferrocene transmitted through the (E)-CHCH-Py bridge.     

Synthesis and characterisation of the platinum complexes [PtCl(CClPAr)(PPh3)2] and [PtCl(CClPAr′)(PPh3)2] as potential intermediates in the preparation of phosphaalkynes

Oxidative addition reactions of Cl₂CPR (R = 2,4,6-tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Ar) or 2,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (Ar′) with Pt(PPh₃)₄ yield the cis and trans (at platinum) complexes [PtCl(ClCPAr)(PPh₃)₂] and [PtCl(ClCPAr′)(PPh₃)₂]. All starting materials and intermediates have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy. The crystal and molecular structures of the trans-platinum complexes have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at low temperature.     

Synthesis and some properties of binuclear ruthenocene derivatives bridged by both ethene and thiophene derivatives

Binuclear ruthenocenes bridged by ethenes and thiophene derivatives, Rc-CHCH-Z-Rc and Rc^∗-CHCH-Z-CHCH-Rc^∗ (Z = thiophene, thieno[3,2-b]thiophene, and 2,2′-bithiophene; Rc = ruthenocenyl, R^∗ = 1′,2′,3′,4′,5′-pentamethylruthenocenyl) were prepared. These complexes showed a one-step two-electron redox wave in the cyclic voltammograms, in contrast to the benzenoid-bridged dinuclear ruthenocenes. The chemical oxidation of the Rc-CHCH-Z-Rc complexes gave no stable oxidized species. The two-electron oxidized species of the Rc^∗-CHCH-Z-CHCH-Rc^∗ complexes were comparably stable and contained a fulvene-complex type structure.     

Dimerisation and reactivity of HCCCCFc at ruthenium centres

In contrast to the simple diynyl complexes formed in reactions between HCCCCFc and MCl(dppe)Cp∗; (M = Fe, Ru), an analogous reaction with RuCl(PPh₃)₂Cp∗; in the presence of KPF₆ and dbu resulted in dimerisation of the diyne at the Ru centre to afford a mixture of [Ru{η¹,η²-C(CCFc)C(L)CHCCCHFc}(PPh₃)Cp∗]PF₆ (L = dbu 1, PPh₃2). Similar reactions with RuCl(PR₃)₂L gave [Ru{η¹,η²-C(CCFc)C(dbu)CHCCCHFc}(PR₃)L]PF₆ (L = Cp, R = Ph 3, m-tol 4; L = η⁵-C₉H₇, R = Ph 5). The reaction between 3 and I₂, followed by crystallization of the paramagnetic product from MeOH, afforded the dicationic [Ru{C(CCFc)C(dbu)CHC(OMe)C(OMe)CHFc}(PPh₃)Cp](I₃)₂6. The molecular structures of 2·2CH₂Cl₂ and 6.S (S = 2CH₂Cl₂, C₆H₆) were determined by single-crystal XRD studies.     

Synthesis and structures of bimetallic silicon-containing imido alkylidene complexes of tungsten (R′O)2(ArN)WCH-SiR2-CHW(NAr)(OR′)2 (R = Me, Ph) and (R′O)2(ArN)WCH-SiMe2SiMe2-CHW(NAr)(OR′)2

Bimetallic alkylidene complexes of tungsten (R′O)₂(ArN)WCH-SiR₂-CHW(NAr)(OR′)₂ (R = Me (1), Ph (2)) and (R′O)₂(ArN)WCH-SiMe₂SiMe₂-CHW(NAr)(OR′)₂ (3) (Ar = ; R′ = CMe₂CF₃) have been prepared by the reactions of divinyl silicon reagents R₂Si(CHCH₂)₂ with known alkylidene compounds R′′-CHMo(NAr)(OR′)₂. (R′′ = Bu^t, PhMe₂C) Complexes 1-3 were structurally characterized. Ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of cyclooctene using compounds 1-3 as initiators led to the formation of high molecular weight polyoctenamers with predominant trans-units content in the case of 1 and 3 and predominant cis-units content in the case of 2.     

Protonation of manganese phosphonioallenyl complexes

The addition of phosphines to the manganese allenylidene complexes Cp(CO)₂MnCCC(Ph)R (R = H, Ph) proceeds selectively at the C_α atom to result in the α-phosphonioallenyl complexes Cp(CO)₂Mn⁻-C(⁺PR₃¹)CC(Ph)R. The protonation of the latter affords the η²-(1,2)-phosphonioallenes Cp(CO)₂Mn{η²-(1,2)-HC(⁺PR₃¹)CC(Ph)R}, rather than the phosphoniovinylcarbenes Cp(CO)₂MnC(⁺PR₃¹)-HCC(Ph)R. All complexes obtained are stereochemically rigid and do not isomerize into the η²-(2,3)-phosphonioallene isomers.     

A ruthenium(II) allenylidene complex with a 4,5-diazafluorene functional group: A new building-block for organometallic molecular assemblies

The synthesis of the new ruthenium(II) allenylidene complex [ClRu(dppe)₂CCC₁₁H₆N₂][OTf] (4) (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) terminated with a 4,5-diazafluorene ligand is reported. Further coordination of that metal allenylidene to ruthenium and rhenium moieties leads to the bimetallic adducts [ClRu(dppe)₂CCC₁₁H₆N₂{Ru(bpy)₂}][B(C₆F₅)₄]₃ (5a), [ClRu(dppe)₂CCC₁₁H₆N₂{Ru(^tBu-bpy)₂}][PF₆]₃ (5b) and [ClRu(dppe)₂CCC₁₁H₆N₂{Re(CO)₃Cl}][OTf] (6). Their optical and electrochemical properties show that the allenylidene moiety is an attractive molecular clip for the access to larger original redox-active homo/heteronuclear multi-component supramolecular assemblies. The X-ray crystal structure of the allenylidene metal building block is also described.     

Zwitterionic diiron vinyliminium complexes: Alkylation, metalation and oxidative coupling at the S and Se functionalities

The zwitterionic vinyliminium complex [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(S)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (2a) (R′ = p-Me-C₆H₄ (Tol), Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) undergoes electrophilic addition at the S atom by HSO₃CF₃, MeSO₃CF₃, SiMe₃Cl, BrCH₂Ph, ICH₂CHCH₂ affording the complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(Tol)C(SX)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][Y] (X =  H, Y = SO₃CF₃, 4a; X = Me, Y = SO₃CF₃, 4b; X = SiMe₃, Y = Cl, 4c; X = CH₂Ph, Y = Br, 4d; X = CH₂CHCH₂, Y = I, 4e).Compound 2a and the corresponding vinyliminium complexes 2b and 2c (R′ = CH₂OH, 2b; R′ = Me, 2c) react also with etherated BF₃ leading to the formation of the corresponding S-adducts [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(SBF₃)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = Tol, 5a; R′ = CH₂OH, 5b; R′ = Me, 5c).In analogous reactions, the zwitterionic vinyliminium complexes undergo S-metalation upon treatment with in situ generated [Fp]⁺[SO₃CF₃]⁻ [Fp = Fe(CO)₂(Cp)], leading to the formation of [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(S-Fp)CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃](R′ = CH₂OH, 6a; R′ = Me, 6b; R′ = Buⁿ, 6c).Similarly, zwitterionic vinyliminium containing Se in the place of S also undergo Se-electrophilic addition. Thus, the complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(SeX)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = X = Me, R′ = Tol, 7a; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, X = Fp⁺, 7b) are obtained upon treatment of the neutral zwitterionic precursors with MeSO₃CF₃ and [Fp][SO₃CF₃], respectively.Alkylation at the S or Se atom of the bridging ligand is also accomplished by CH₂Cl₂, used as solvent, although the reaction is slower compared to more efficient alkylating reagents. The complexes formed by this route are [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(E-CH₂Cl)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][X] [E = S, R = Xyl, R′ = Tol, X = Cl, 8a; E = S, R = Xyl, R′ = Me, X = Cl, 8b; E = Se, R = R′ = Me, X = BPh₄, 8c].Finally, treatment of the zwitterionic vinyliminium complexes with I₂ results in the oxidative coupling with formation of S-S (disulfide) or Se-Se (diselenide) bond. The reactions, performed in the presence of NaBPh₄ afford the tetranuclear complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(R′)C(E)CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂]₂[BPh₄]₂ [R = Xyl, R′ = CH₂OH, E = S, 9a; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, E = S, 9b; R = Xyl, R′ = Buⁿ, E = S, 9c; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, E = Se, 9d; R = Me, R′ = Buⁿ, E = Se, 9e].The molecular structures of 4a, 8c and 9e have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

α-Diimines as nitrogen ligands for ruthenium-catalyzed allylation reactions and related (pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) ruthenium complexes

The new Cp*Ru(II) (Cp*: pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) complexes Cp*(dab-R)RuCl, [Cp*(dab-R)(MeCN)Ru][PF₆] (dab-R: RNCH-CHNR; R: iso-propyl, mesityl), and [Cp*(cod)(MeCN)Ru][PF₆], are synthesized in high yields by reacting the corresponding α-diimine or 1,5-cyclooctadiene with [Cp*RuCl]₄ and [Cp*(MeCN)₃Ru][PF₆], respectively. The α-diimine ligands are strongly bonded to the ruthenium centre as shown by the subsequent formation of the alkynyl derivatives Cp*(dab-R)RuCCR′ (R′ = tert-butyl or phenyl) and of the cationic derivatives [Cp*(dab-R)(L)Ru][PF₆] (L = CO, PMe₃). The neutral and cationic α-diimine or 1,5-cyclooctadiene ruthenium complexes are compared as catalyst precursors for the ruthenium-catalyzed allylation of diethyl-sodiomalonate and diethylamine with cinnamyl acetate or ethyl cinnamyl carbonate.     

Reactions of cyano(alkynyl)ethenes with some alkynyl- and diynyl-ruthenium complexes

Reactions of Ru(CCPh)(PPh₃)₂Cp with (NC)₂CCR¹R² (R¹ = H, R² = CCSiPrⁱ₃8; R¹ = R² = CCPh 9) have given η³-butadienyl complexes Ru{η³-C[C(CN)₂]CPhCR¹R²}(PPh₃)Cp (11, 12), respectively, by formal [2 + 2]-cycloaddition of the alkynyl and alkene, followed by ring-opening of the resulting cyclobutenyl (not detected) and displacement of a PPh₃ ligand. Deprotection (tbaf) of 11 and subsequent reactions with RuCl(dppe)Cp and AuCl(PPh₃) afforded binuclear derivatives Ru{η³-C[C(CN)₂]CPhCHCC[ML_n]}(PPh₃)Cp [ML_n = Ru(dppe)Cp 19, Au(PPh₃) 20]. Reactions between 8 and Ru(CCCCR)(PP)Cp [PP = (PPh₃)₂, R = Ph, SiMe₃, SiPrⁱ₃; PP = dppe, R = Ph] gave η¹-dienynyl complexes Ru{CCC[C(CN)₂]CRCH[CC(SiPrⁱ₃)]}(PP)Cp (15-18), respectively, in reactions not involving phosphine ligand displacement. The phthalodinitrile C₆H(CCSiMe₃)(CN)₂(NH₂)(SiMe₃) 10 was obtained serendipitously from (Me₃SiCC)₂CO and CH₂(CN)₂, as shown by an XRD structure determination. The XRD structures of precursor 7 and adducts 11, 12 and 17 are also reported.     

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

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

Alkyne activation by half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes bearing the water-soluble phosphane 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA)

Complex [RuCl{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(PTA)] (κ³(N,N,N)-Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate) containing the water-soluble phosphane 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1^3,7]decane (PTA) reacts with terminal alkynes producing to the corresponding neutral alkynyl complexes [Ru(CCR){κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(PTA)] (R = Ph (1a), ⁿBu (1b), 1-cyclopentenyl (1c), p-methoxyphenyl (1d), 6-methoxynaft-2-yl (1e)). When halide is extracted from complex [RuCl{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(PTA)] followed by treatment with propargyl alcohols, the corresponding allenylidene complexes [Ru{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(PTA)(CCCPh₂)][X] (X = PF₆ (2a), CF₃SO₃ (2b)) and [Ru{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(PTA)(CCCC₁₂H₈)][PF₆] (3) result. Electrophilic attack on the complexes thus obtained leads chemoselectively to the alkynyl complexes [Ru(CCR){κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(1-CH₃-PTA)][CF₃SO₃] (R = Ph (4a), ⁿBu (4b), and 1-cyclopentenyl (4c)) and to the dicationic allenylidene complexes [Ru{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(1-H-PTA)(CCCC₁₂H₈)][PF₆]₂ (5) and [Ru{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(1-CH₃-PTA)(CCCPh₂)][CF₃SO₃]₂ (6).     

Bis(amino)allenylidene complexes by displacement of the MeO group in methoxy allenylidene complexes of chromium and tungsten. Synthesis, DFT calculations and solid-state structures of new bis(amino)allenylidene complexes

Pentacarbonyl dimethylamino(methoxy)allenylidene tungsten, [(CO)₅WCCC(OMe)NMe₂] (1b), reacts with one equivalent of primary amines, H₂NR, by selectively replacing the methoxy group to give dimethylamino(amino)allenylidene complexes, [(CO)₅WCCC(NHR)NMe₂]. When the amine is used in excess both terminal groups, OMe as well as NMe₂, are replaced by the primary amino group giving [(CO)₅WCCC(NHR)₂ ]. The NHR substituent in these complexes may be modified by deprotonation with LDA followed by alkylation. The replacement of the methoxy group in 1b by a secondary amino group, NR₂, can be achieved by a stepwise process. Addition of Li[NR₂] to the C_γ atom of 1b affords an alkynyl tungstate. Subsequent OMe⁻ elimination induced by TMS-Cl/SiO₂ yields the allenylidene complexes [(CO)₅WCCC(NR₂)NMe₂]. When bidentate diamines are used instead of monoamines both substituents, OMe and NMe₂, are replaced and allenylidene complexes are formed in which C_γ constitutes part of a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered heterocycle. The reaction of [(CO)₅CrCCC(OMe)NMe₂] (1a) with diethylene triamine affords an allenylidene complex with a heterocyclic endgroup carrying a dangling CH₂CH₂NH₂ substituent. All reactions follow a strict regioselective attack of the nucleophile at C_γ and proceed with good to excellent yields. The addition of N-H to the C_αC_β bond is not observed. By applying either one of these routes nearly any substitution pattern in bis(amino)allenylidene complex can be realized.     

SPh functionalized bridging-vinyliminium diiron and diruthenium complexes

The SPh functionalized vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(SPh)C_αN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] [R = Xyl, R′ = Me, 2a; R = Me, R′ = Me, 2b; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, R′ = Me, 2c; R = Xyl, R′ = CH₂OH, 2d; R = Me, R′ = CH₂OH, 2e; Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃] are generated in high yields by treatment of the corresponding vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(R′)C_β(H)C_αN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (1a-e) with NaH in the presence of PhSSPh. Likewise, the diruthenium complex [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Me)C_β(SPh)C_αN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (2f) was obtained from the corresponding vinyliminium complex [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_γ(Me)C_β(H)C_αN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (1f). The synthesis of 2c is accompanied by the formation, in comparable amounts, of the aminocarbyne complex [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(4-C₆H₄OMe)}(SPh)(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (3).The molecular structures of 2d, 2e and 3 have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Unprecedented rearrangement during the formation of P-P homoatomic N-phosphino formamidine complexes

A variety of homoatomic P-P donor-acceptor homoleptic (R = R′) and heteroleptic (R ≠ R′) N-phosphino formamidine complexes [iPr₂N-C(H)N-PR₂-PR′₂]Cl were synthesized from the addition of N-phosphino formamidine (phosfam) donor reagent iPr₂N-C(H)N-PR₂ on halogenophosphane compounds R′₂PCl which are synthetic sources for the corresponding phosphenium derivatives R₂P⁺. We have demonstrated that the dynamic equilibrium observed between the different species is shifted either completely to the side of the free species or to the side of the donor-acceptor adduct [iPr₂N-C(H)N-PPh₂-PPh₂]Cl by changing the solvent or by varying the temperature. Activation parameters of ΔS^≠ = (−130 ± 7.2) J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, ΔH^≠ = (8.4 ± 0.6) kJ mol⁻¹ and ΔG^≠ (298.15 K) = (53.6 ± 2.3) kJ mol⁻¹ were determined by an Eyring analysis over the temperature range of 193-293 K. The negative entropy of activation is consistent with an associative pathway and the low value of ΔH^≠ suggests that the energy barrier for this reaction is entropically controlled. Phosphine-phosphenium adducts is the most appropriate term to describe the dynamic process observed at variable temperature for complexes [iPr₂N-C(H)N-PR₂ → PR′₂]⁺, but the ³¹P NMR chemical shift and the calculated electronic charges are more in favor of a phosphinophosphonium Lewis drawing [iPr₂N-C(H)N-PR₂-PR′₂]⁺. Formation of the homoatomic P-P heteroleptic formamidine complexes [iPr₂N-C(H)NPR′₂PR₂]Cl (R = Ph, R′ = Et, iPr) results in the formal insertion of the phosphino group of the corresponding alkyl chlorophosphanes R′₂PCl into the N-P bond of the starting phosfam ligand iPr₂N-C(H)N-PR₂. Computed data are in agreement with the transient formation of a heteroatomic N-P intermediate [iPr₂N-C(H)N(PR₂)PR′₂]Cl, which then rearranges to the more thermodynamically favored homoatomic P-P compound [iPr₂N-C(H)N-PR₂-PR′₂]Cl.     

Cyclometallated thiosemicarbazone palladium(II) compounds: The first crystal and molecular structures of mononuclear complexes with a η-diphosphine ligand

Treatment of the thiosemicarbazones 2-XC₆H₄C(Me)NN(H)C(S)NHR (R = Me, X = F, a; R = Et, X = F, b; R = Me, X = Cl, c; R = Et, X = Br, d) with potassium tetrachloropalladate(II) in ethanol, lithium tetrachloropalladate(II) in methanol or palladium(II) acetate in acetic acid, as appropriate, gave the tetranuclear cyclometallated complexes [Pd{2-XC₆H₃C(Me)NNC(S)NHR}]₄ (1a-1d). Reaction of 1a-1d with the diphosphines Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂ (dppm), Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂ (dppe), Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂ (dppp) or trans-Ph₂PCHCHPPh₂ (trans-dpe) in 1:2 molar ratio gave the dinuclear cyclometallated complexes [{Pd[2-XC₆H₃C(Me)NNC(S)-NHR]}₂(μ-diphosphine-P,P)] (2a-5a, 3b, 3d, 4c, 5c). Reaction of 1a, 1b with the short-bite or long-bite diphosphines, dppm or cis-dpe, in a 1:4 molar ratio gave the mononuclear cyclometallated complexes [Pd{2-XC₆H₃C(Me)NNC(S)NHR}(diphosphine-P)] (6a, 6b, 7a). The molecular structure of ligand a and of complexes 1a, 3d, 5a, 5c, 6a, 6b and 7a have been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The structure of complex 7a shows that the long-bite cis-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethene phosphine appears as monodentate with an uncoordinated phosphorus donor atom.     

From alkenylphosphane aminoallenylidene ruthenium(II) complexes to highly unsaturated ruthenaphosphabicycloheptene complexes

The alkenylaminoallenylidene complex [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇){CCC(NEt₂)[C(Me)CPh₂]}{κ(P)-Ph₂PCH₂CHCH₂}(PPh₃)][PF₆] (2) has been prepared by the reaction of the allenylidene [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇)(CCCPh₂){κ(P)-Ph₂PCH₂CHCH₂}(PPh₃)][PF₆] (1) with the ynamine MeCCNEt₂. The reaction proceeds regio- and stereoselectively, and the insertion of the ynamine takes place exclusively at the C_βC_γ bond of the unsaturated chain. The secondary allenylidene [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇){CCC(H)[C(Me)CPh₂]}{κ(P)-Ph₂PCH₂CHCH₂}(PPh₃)][PF₆] (3) is obtained, in a one-pot synthesis, from the reaction of aminoallenylidene 2 with LiBHEt₃ and subsequent treatment with silica. Moreover, the addition of an excess of NaBH₄ to a solution of the complex 2 in THF at room temperature gives exclusively the alkynyl complex [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇){CCCH₂[C(Me)CPh₂]}{κ(P)-Ph₂PCH₂CHCH₂}(PPh₃)] (5). The heating of a solution of allenylidene derivative 3 in THF at reflux gives regio- and diastereoselectively the cyclobutylidene complex [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇) (PPh₃)][PF₆](4) through an intramolecular cycloaddition of the CC allyl and the C_αC_β bonds in the allenylidene complex 3. The structure of complex 4 has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Convenient synthesis of isoxazolines via tandem isomerization of allyl compounds to vinylic derivatives and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxides to the vinylic compounds

A novel effective method for the synthesis of new isoxazolines via tandem isomerization of QCH(X)CHCH(Y) to QC(X)CHCH₂(Y) (Q = RO, RS, R₂N, R₃Si, etc.; X = H, R, OR; Y = H, R; R = alkyl, aryl) catalyzed by ruthenium complexes and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of the latter compounds to arenenitrile oxides is presented. The cycloaddition of QCH(X)CHCH(Y) to 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile oxide is also described. The regio- and stereoselectivity of the cycloaddition of nitrile oxide to allyl and 1-propenyl (vinylic in general) compounds is discussed.     

Titanium and zirconium ketimide complexes: synthesis and ethylene polymerisation catalysis

The syntheses of ketimide titanium complexes of the type Ti(NC^tBu₂)₃X (X = Cl, Cp, Ind), Ti(NC^tBu₂)₄ and the zirconium complex CpZr(NC^tBu₂)₂Cl are described. When activated by MAO, all compounds are ethylene polymerisation catalysts. In the conditions studied, the most active catalyst is CpZr(NC^tBu₂)₂Cl, with an activity of 2.7 × 10⁵ kg/(molZr [E] h). Titanium complexes are less active by about two orders of magnitude. The polyethylene produced is linear, as determined by NMR spectroscopy. Molecular structures of Ti(NC^tBu₂)₃X (X = Cl, Cp, Ind) and Ti(NC^tBu₂)₄ were determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction.