Mixed-metal cluster chemistry. 28. Core enlargement of tungsten-iridium clusters with alkynyl, ethyndiyl, and butadiyndiyl reagents

Reaction of [WIr3(mu-CO)3(CO)8(eta-C5Me5)] (1c) with [W(C[triple bond]CPh)(CO)3(eta-C5H5)] afforded the edge-bridged tetrahedral cluster [W2Ir3(mu4-eta2-C2Ph)(mu-CO)(CO)9(eta-C5H5)(eta-C5Me5)] (3) and the edge-bridged trigonal-bipyramidal cluster [W3Ir3(mu4-eta2-C2Ph)(mu-eta2-C=CHPh)(Cl)(CO)8(eta-C5Me5)(eta-C5H5)2] (4) in poor to fair yield. Cluster 3 forms by insertion of [W(C[triple bond]CPh)(CO)3(eta-C5H5)] into Ir-Ir and W-Ir bonds, accompanied by a change in coordination mode from a terminally bonded alkynyl to a mu4-eta2 alkynyl ligand. Cluster 4 contains an alkynyl ligand interacting with two iridium atoms and two tungsten atoms in a mu4-eta2 fashion, as well as a vinylidene ligand bridging a W-W bond. Reaction of [WIr3(CO)11(eta-C5H5)] (1a) or 1c with [(eta-C5H5)(CO)2 Ru(C[triple bond]C)Ru(CO)2(eta-C5H5)] afforded [Ru2WIr3(mu5-eta2-C2)(mu-CO)3(CO)7(eta-C5H5)2(eta-C5R5)] [R = H (5a), Me (5c)] in low yield, a structural study of 5a revealing a WIr3 butterfly core capped and spiked by Ru atoms; the diruthenium ethyndiyl precursor has undergone Ru-C scission, with insertion of the C2 unit into a W-Ir bond of the cluster precursor. Reaction of [W2Ir2(CO)10(eta-C5H5)2] with the diruthenium ethyndiyl reagent gave [RuW2Ir2{mu4-eta2-(C2C[triple bond]C)Ru(CO)2(eta-C5H5)}(mu-CO)2(CO)6(eta-C5H5)3] (6) in low yield, a structural study of 6 revealing a butterfly W2Ir2 unit capped by a Ru(eta-C5H5) group resulting from Ru-C scission; the terminal C2 of a new ruthenium-bound butadiyndiyl ligand has been inserted into the W-Ir bond. Reaction between 1a, [WIr3(CO)11(eta-C5H4Me)] (1b), or 1c and [(eta-C5H5)(CO)3W(C[triple bond]CC[triple bond]C)W(CO)3(eta-C5H5)] afforded [W2Ir3{mu4-eta2-(C2C[triple bond]C)W(CO)3(eta-C5H5)}(mu-CO)2(CO)2(eta-C5H5)(eta-C5R5)] [R = H (7a), Me (7c); R5 = H4Me (7b)] in good yield, a structural study of 7c revealing it to be a metallaethynyl analogue of 3.     

Photoinduced iron-cyclopentadienyl (Fe-Cp) bond cleavage reactions and photocontrolled polymerizations of strained [1]ferrocenophanes

Although extensive previous studies have shown that strained [1]ferrocenophanes predominantly undergo ring-opening chemistry at the bridging atom E-cyclopentadienyl (E-Cp) bond, recent reports have highlighted that reactivity at the Fe-Cp bond can also occur, especially on photoactivation. We provide an overview of recent results from our group and those of other researchers. In addition, the development of photocontrolled living polymerizations of sila[1]ferrocenophanes using Fe-Cp bond cleavage chemistry is described.     

Photoreactivity and photopolymerization of silicon-bridged [1]ferrocenophanes in the presence of terpyridine initiators: unprecedented cleavage of both iron-cyclopentadienyl bonds in the presence of chlorosilanes

The photopolymerisation of sila[1]ferrocenophane [Fe(eta-C5H4)2SiMe2] (3) with 4,4',4'-tri-tert-butyl-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine (tBu3terpy) as initiator has been explored. High-molecular-weight polyferrocenylsilane (PFS) [{Fe(eta-C5H4)2SiMe2}n] (5) was formed in high yield when a stoichiometric amount of tBu3terpy was used at 5 degrees C. Photopolymerisation of ferrocenophane 3 at higher temperatures gave PFS 5 in lower yield and with a reduced molecular weight as a result of a slower propagation rate. Remarkably, when Me3SiCl was added as a capping agent before photopolymerisation, subsequent photolysis of the reaction mixture resulted in the unprecedented cleavage of both iron-Cp bonds in ferrocenophane 3: iron(II) complex [Fe(tBu3terpy)2Cl2] (7Cl) was formed and the silane fragment (C5H4SiMe3)2SiMe2 (8) was released. The iron-Cp bond cleavage reaction also proceeded in ambient light, although longer reaction times were required. In addition, the unexpected cleavage chemistry in the presence of Me3SiCl was found to be applicable to other photoactive ferrocenes such as benzoylferrocene. For benzoylferrocene and ferrocenophane 3, the presence of metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) character in their low-energy transitions in the visible region probably facilitates photolytic iron-Cp bond cleavage, but this reactivity is suppressed when the strength of the iron-Cp bond is increased by the presence of electron-donating substituents on the cyclopentadienyl rings.     

Mixed-metal cluster chemistry. 29. Core expansion and ligand-driven metal exchange at group 6-iridium clusters

Reactions of the tetrahedral clusters MoIr3(mu-CO)3(CO)8(eta-L) (L = C5HMe4, C5Me5) with the carbonylmetalate anions [Mo(CO)3(eta-L)]- afford the trigonal bipyramidal clusters Mo2Ir3(mu3-H)(mu-CO)2(CO)9(eta-L)2 (L = C5HMe4 (3c), 74%; L = C5Me5 (3d), 55%) in which the group 6 metal atoms occupy the apexes; reaction of the cyclopentadienylmolybdenum-containing analogues or their cyclopentadienyltungsten-containing homologues failed to afford analogous products. Reactions of MIr3(mu-CO)3(CO)8(eta-C5H5) (M = Mo, W) with [M(CO)3(eta-L)]- (L = C5HMe4, C5Me5) afford the core-expanded heteroapex clusters M2Ir3(mu3-H)(mu-CO)2(CO)9(eta-C5H5)(eta-L) (M = Mo, L = C5HMe4 (5c), 9%, L = C5Me5 (5d), 4%; M = W, L = C5Me5 (6d), 5%) in low yield, together with the homoapex clusters M2Ir3(mu3-H)(mu-CO)2(CO)9(eta-L)2 (M = Mo, L = C5HMe4 (3c), 81%, L = C5Me5 (3d), 60%; M = W, L = C5Me5 (4d), 5%) in much higher yield for the Mo-containing examples. The identities of clusters 3c,d, 4d, and 5c,d have been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, with the same disposition of ligands about the trigonal bipyramidal cluster cores being observed in each case, a ligand arrangement that has been examined by complementary density functional theory studies. While cluster 5d is accessible as above, no reaction is observed from MoIr3(mu-CO)3(CO)8(eta-C5Me5) and [M(CO)3(eta-C5H5)]-. Treating MoIr3(mu-CO)3(CO)8(eta-C5H5) with 1 equiv of [M(CO)3(eta-C5Me5)]- affords 5d as the major product, a further 1 equiv affording some MoIr3(mu-CO)3(CO)8(eta-C5Me5) and a third 1 equiv giving a good yield of 3d. This is consistent with reaction proceeding by apex fragment addition, followed by apex fragment elimination, and finally a further apex fragment addition, the homometallic incoming apexes being distinguished from the departing vertices by their highly methylated cyclopentadienyl ligands. Spectroscopic data suggest that the electron density at these disparate-metal-containing cluster cores is tunable by progressive (conceptual) cyclopentadienyl alkylation.     

Selective ring-opening reactions of

The reactivity of strained [1]ferrocenophanes, [Fe(eta-C5H4)2ERx] (ERx = SiMe2, 1a: SiMePh, 1b; SnR2, 1c), towards boron halides has been investigated and has been shown to provide a facile pathway to ferrocene derivatives functionalized with Lewis acidic boron centers. The boron halides RBX2 (R = Cl, Ph, fc; X = Cl, Br) (fc = Fe(eta-C5H4)2) lead to selective cleavage of the Si-Cp bonds in 1a and 1b to give, depending on the reaction stoichiometry, functionalized mono- or diferrocenylboranes RnB [(eta-C5H4)Fe(eta-C5H4SiMe2Cl)](3-n) (2a: R = Cl, n = 2; 2b: R = Cl, n = 1; 2c: R = Ph, n = 1) and RnB[(eta-C5H4)Fe(eta-C5H4SiMePhCl)](3-n) (2d: R = Cl, n = 2) in high yields. Compounds 2a-d were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (for 2b). Most likely due to steric constraints, a triferrocenylborane was not obtained even from the reaction of BCl3 with an excess of 1a, whereas facile formation of the diferrocenylphenylborane 2c from PhBCl2 and two equivalents of 1a was observed. Selective hydrolysis of the B-Cl bonds of chlorodiferrocenylborane 2b in the presence of trace amounts of water led to the silylated tetranuclear ferrocene complex [(ClMe2Sifc)2B-O-B(fcSiMe2Cl)2] (3) without cleavage of the Si-Cl bonds. The structure of 3 was confirmed by an X-ray diffraction study. Studies of the reactivity of the higher Group 14 homologue of 1a and 1b, the tin-bridged [1]ferrocenophane 1c, revealed that facile addition of B-Cl bonds occurs across the Sn-Cp bonds to yield the 1-stannyl-1'-borylferrocenes [(ClMes2Sn)fc(BClR)] (4a: R = Cl; 4b: R = Ph; Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2). The new synthetic methodology can be extended to bifunctional Lewis acids such as the bis(boryl)ferrocene 1,1'-fc(BBr2)2, which affords the linear boron-bridged ferrocene trimer 1,1'-[fc[B(Br)fcSiMe2Br]2] 5 in 54% isolated yield. In order to incorporate the functionalized ferrocenylboranes into polymer structures, compound 2c was reduced with Li[BEt3H] to give the silicon-hydride functionalized species [PhB[(eta-C5H4)Fe(eta-C5H4SiMe2H)]2] (6), which was then used as a capping reagent in the transition metal catalyzed polymerization of 1a. This process leads to the incorporation of the ferrocenylborane unit into the main chain of a poly(ferrocenylsilane) to afford [PhB-[(fcSiMe2)(n-1)fcSiMe2H]2] (7).     

The synthesis of [FeRu(CO)2(mu-CO)2(eta-C5H5)(eta-C5Me5)] and convenient entries to its organometallic chemistry

The synthesis, fluxionality and reactivity of the heterobimetallic complex [FeRu(CO)2(mu-CO)2(eta-C5H5)(eta-C5Me5)] are described. Complex exhibits enhanced photolytic reactivity towards alkynes compared to its homometallic analogues, forming the dimetallacyclopentenone complexes [FeRu(CO)(mu-CO){mu-eta]1:eta3-C(O)CR"CR'}eta]-C5H5)(eta-C5Me5)]( R'= R"= H; R'= R"= CO2Me; R'= H, R"= CMe2OH). Prolonged photolysis with diphenylethyne gives the dimetallatetrahedrane complex [FeRu(mu-CO)(mu-eta2:eta2-CPhCPh)(eta-C5H5)(eta-C5Me5)], which contains the first iron-ruthenium double bond. Complexes containing a number of organic fragments can be synthesised using , and . Heating a solution of gave the alkenylidene complex [FeRu(CO)2(mu-CO){mu-eta]1:eta2-C=C(CO2Me)2}(eta-C5H5)(eta-C5Me5)] through an unusual methylcarboxylate migration. Protonation and then addition of hydride to gives the ethylidene complex [FeRu(CO)2(mu-CO)(mu-CHCH3)(eta-C5H5)(eta-C5Me5)] via the ionic vinyl species [FeRu(CO)2(mu-CO)(mu-eta]1:eta2-CH=CH2)(eta-C5H5)(eta-C5Me5)][BF4]. Compound exhibits cis/trans isomerisation at room temperature. Protonation of dimetallacyclopentenone complexes gives the allenyl species [FeRu(CO)2(mu-CO)(mu-eta1:eta2-CH=C=CMe2)(eta-C5H5)(eta-C5Me5)][BF4]. Compound exist as three isomers, two cis and one trans. The two cis isomers are shown to be interconverting by sigma-pi isomerisation. The solid state structures of these compounds were established by X-ray crystallography and are discussed.     

Ring-opening protonolysis of sila[1]ferrocenophanes as a route to stabilized silylium ions

The ring-opening reactions of a series of sila[1]ferrocenophanes with protic acids of anions with various degrees of noncoordinating character have been explored. Ferrocenyl-substituted silyl triflates FcSiMe2OTf (5 a) and Fc(3)SiOTf (5 b) (Fc=(eta5-C5H4)Fe(eta5-C5H5)) were synthesized by means of HOTf-induced ring-opening protonolysis of strained sila[1]ferrocenophanes fcSiMe2 (3 a) and fcSiFc2 (3 b) (fc=(eta5-C5H4)2Fe). Reaction of 3 a and 3 b with HBF4 yielded fluorosubstituted ferrocenylsilanes FcSiMe2F (6 a) and Fc3SiF (6 b) and suggested the intermediacy of a highly reactive silylium ion capable of abstracting F- from the [BF4]- ion. Generation of the solvated silylium ions [FcSiMe2THF]+ (7a+), [Fc3SiTHF]+ (7b+) and [FcSiiPr2OEt2]+ (7c+) at low temperatures, by reaction of the corresponding sila[1]ferrocenophanes (3 a, 3 b, and fcSiiPr2 (3 c), respectively) with H(OEt2)(S)TFPB (S=Et2O or THF; TFPB=tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate) was monitored by using low-temperature 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR spectroscopy. In situ reaction of 7a+, 7b+, and 7c+ with excess pyridine generated [FcSiMe2py]+ (8a+), [Fc3Sipy]+ (8b+), and [FcSiiPr2py]+ (8c+), respectively, as observed by 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR spectroscopy. A preparative-scale reaction of 3 b with H(OEt2)(THF)TFPB at -60 degrees C and subsequent addition of excess pyridine gave isolable red crystals of 8b-[TFPB]CHCl3, which were characterized by 1H and 29Si NMR spectroscopy as well as by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Highly metallized polymers: synthesis, characterization, and lithographic patterning of polyferrocenylsilanes with pendant cobalt, molybdenum, and nickel cluster substituents

High molecular weight, soluble, air- and moisture-stable, highly metallized (>25 wt% metal) polyferrocenylsilanes (PFS) [Fe(eta-C5H4)2Si(Me){Co2(CO)6C2Ph}]n (Co-PFS), [Fe(eta-C5H4)2Si(Me){Mo2-Cp2(CO)4C2Ph}]n (Mo-PFS), and [Fe(eta-C5H4)2Si(Me){Ni2Cp2C2Ph}]n (Ni-PFS) containing pendant cobalt, molybdenum, and nickel clusters, respectively, have been prepared via macromolecular clusterization of an acetylide-substituted PFS [Fe(eta-C5H4)2Si(Me)C(triple bond)CPh]n with [Co(2)(CO)8], [{MoCp(CO)(2)}2], or [{NiCp(CO)}2]. The extent of clusterization achieved was in the range of 70-75%. All three highly metallized polymers were demonstrated to function as negative-tone resists in electron-beam lithography, while Co-PFS and Mo-PFS were successfully patterned by UV-photolithography, allowing the fabrication of micron-sized bars, dots, and lines. These studies suggest that the highly metallized polymers may be useful in the fabrication of patterned arrays of alloy nanoparticles for both materials science and catalytic applications.     

Strain-controlled, photochemically, or thermally promoted haptotropic shifts of cyclopentadienyl ligands in group 8 metallocenophanes

Cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ligands in moderately strained [1]- and [2]ferrocenophanes [Fe{(eta5-C5H4)2(ERx)y}: Fe{(eta5-C5H4)2SiMe2} (1), Fe{(eta5-C5H4)CH2}2 (10)] and highly strained [2]ruthenocenophanes [Ru{(eta5-C5H4)CR2}2 {R = H (15), Me (16)}] are susceptible to partial substitution by P donors and form mixed-hapticity metallocycles-[M(L2){(eta5-C5H4)(ERx)y(eta1-C5H4)}]: [Fe(dppe){(eta5-C5H4)SiMe2(eta1-C5H4)}] (5), [Fe(dmpe){(eta5-C5H4)SiMe2(eta1-C5H4)}] (6), [Fe(dmpe){(eta5-C5H4)(CH2)2(eta1-C5H4)}] (11), [Ru(dmpe){(eta5-C5H4)(CH2)2(eta1-C5H4)}] (17), [Ru(dmpe){(eta5-C5H4)(CMe2)2(eta1-C5H4)}] (18), and [Ru(PMe3)2{(eta5-C5H4)(CH2)2(eta1-C5H4)}] (19)-through haptotropic reduction of one eta5-, pi-bound Cp to eta1, sigma-coordination. These reactions are strain-controlled, as highly ring-tilted [2]ruthenocenophanes 15 and 16 [tilt angles (alpha) approximately 29-31 degrees ] react without irradiation to form thermodynamically stable products, while moderately strained [n]ferrocenophanes 1 and 10 (alpha approximately 19-22 degrees ) require photoactivation. The iron-containing photoproducts 5 and 11 are metastable and thermally retroconvert to their strained precursors and free phosphines at 70 degrees C. In contrast, the unprecedented ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of the essentially ring-strain-free adduct 6 to afford poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) [Fe(eta5-C5H4)2SiMe2]n (Mw approximately 5000 Da) was initiated by the thermal liberation of small amounts of P donor. Unlike reactions with bidentate analogues, monodentate phosphines promoted photolytic ROP of ferrocenophanes 1 and 10. MALDI-TOF analysis suggested a cyclic structure for the soluble poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane), 8-cyclic, produced from 1 in this manner. While the polymer likewise produced from 10 was insoluble, the initiation step in the ROP process was modeled by isolation of a tris(phosphine)-substituted ring-opened ferrocenophane [Fe(PMe3)3{(eta5-C5H4)(CH2)2(C5H5)}][OCH2CH3] (13[OCH2CH3]) generated by irradiation of 10 and PMe3 in a protic solvent (EtOH). Studies of the cation 13 revealed that the Fe center reacts with a Cp- anion with loss of the phosphines to form [Fe(eta5-C5H5){(eta5-C5H4)(CH2)2(C5H5)}] (14) under conditions identical to those of the ROP experiments, confirming the likelihood of "back-biting" reactions to yield cyclic structures or macrocondensation to produce longer chains.     

Si-H and Si-Si activation at Pt: synthesis and reactivity of neutral and cationic silyl complexes

Reactions of [Pt(PEt(3))(3)] (1) with the silanes HSiPh(3), HSiPh(2)Me and HSi(OEt)(3) led to the products of oxidative addition, cis-[Pt(H)(SiPh(3))(PEt(3))(2)] (2), cis-[Pt(H)(SiPh(2)Me)(PEt(3))(2)] (3), cis-[Pt(H){Si(OEt)(3)}(PEt(3))(2)] (cis-4) and trans-[Pt(H){Si(OEt)(3)}(PEt(3))(2)] (trans-4). The complexes cis-4 and trans-4 can also be generated by hydrogenolysis of (EtO)(3)SiSi(OEt)(3) in the presence of 1. Furthermore, the silyl compounds cis-4 and trans-4 react with B(C(6)F(5))(3) and CH(3)CN by hydride abstraction to give the cationic silyl complex trans-[Pt{Si(OEt)(3)}(NCCH(3))(PEt(3))(2)][HB(C(6)F(5))(3)] (8). In addition, the reactivity of the complexes cis-4, trans-4 and 8 towards alkenes and CO was studied using NMR experiments.     

Reductive cyclotetramerization of CO to squarate by a U(III) complex: the X-ray crystal structure of [(U (eta-C8H6{SiiPr3-1,4}2)(eta-C5Me4H)]2(mu-eta2: eta2-C4O4)

The U(III) mixed-sandwich compound [U(eta-C5Me4H)(eta-C8H6{SiiPr3-1,4}2)(THF)] 1 may be prepared by sequential reaction of UI3 with K[C5Me4H] in THF followed by K2[C8H6{SiiPr3-1,4}2]. 1 reacts with carbon monoxide at -30 degrees C and 1 bar pressure in toluene solution to afford the crystallographically characterized dimer [(U(eta-C8H6{SiiPr3-1,4}2)(eta-C5Me4H)]2(mu-eta2: eta2-C4O4) 2, which contains a bridging squarate unit derived from reductive cyclotetramerization of CO. DFT computational studies indicate that addition of a 4th molecule of CO to the model deltate complex [U(eta-COT)(eta-Cp)]2(mu-eta1: eta2-C3O3)] to form the squarate complex [U(eta-COT)(eta-Cp)]2(mu-eta2: eta2-C4O4)] is exothermic by 136 kJ mol-1.     

Synthesis, structure and DFT study of dinuclear iron, cobalt and nickel complexes with cyclopentadienyl-metal moieties

Reactions of 1,1'-bis(dipheny1phosphino)cobaltocene with Co(PMe(3))(4), Ni(PMe(3))(4), Fe(PMe(3))(4), Ni(COD)(2), FeMe(2)(PMe(3))(4) or NiMe(2)(PMe(3))(3) afford a series of novel dinuclear complexes [((Me(3)P)[lower bond 1 start]Co(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2)))((Me(3)P)M[upper bond 1 end](η(5)-C(5)H(4)P[lower bond 1 end]Ph(2)))] (M = Co(1), Ni(2) and Fe(3)) [Co(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2))(2)Ni[upper bond 1 end](COD)](4), [Co(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2))(2)Ni[upper bond 1 end](PMe(3))(2)] (5) and [((Me(3)P)[lower bond 1 start]Co(Me)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2)))((Me(3)P)Fe[upper bond 1 end](Me)(η(5)-C(5)H(4)P[lower bond 1 end]Ph(2)))] (6). Reactions of 1,1'-bis(dipheny1phosphino)ferrocene with Ni(PMe(3))(4), NiMe(2)(PMe(3))(3), or Co(PMe(3))(4) gives rise to complexes [Fe(η(5)-C(5)H(4)[upper bond 1 start]PPh(2))(2)M[upper bond 1 end](PMe(3))(2)] (M = Ni (7), Co (8)). The complexes 1-8 were spectroscopically investigated and studied by X-ray single crystal diffraction. The possible reaction mechanisms and structural characteristics are discussed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations strongly support the deductions.     

Ring-opening reaction of phosphorus-bridged [1]ferrocenophane via ring slippage from eta(5)- to eta(1)-Cp

A reaction mechanism was investigated for a ring-opening reaction of RP(E)-bridged [1]ferrocenophane, where RP(E) = PhP(S) (3a), PhP (3b), and MesP (3c) (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl). Irradiation of UV-vis light in the presence of an excess amount of P(OMe)(3) transformed 3a to [Fe(PhP(S)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))(eta(1)-C(5)H(4)))(P(OMe)(3))(2)] (4a), in which one of the two cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings of 3a changed its coordination mode from eta(5) to eta(1) and vacant coordination sites thus formed on the iron center were occupied by two P(OMe)(3) ligands. The molecular structure of 4a was determined by X-ray analysis, in which eta(1)-Cp adopted a 1-Fe-2-P-1,3-cyclopentadiene structure. Under the same reaction conditions, 3b and 3c also gave similar ring-slipped products 4b and 4c, respectively. Photolysis of 3a using more strongly coordinating PMe(3) in place of P(OMe)(3) led to complete dissociation of a Cp ligand from the iron center to form [Fe(PhP(S)(eta(5)-C(5)H(4))(C(5)H(4)))(PMe(3))(3)] (5). The formation of the ring-slipped and -dissociated products on the photolysis of 3 strongly supports the view that photolytic ring-opening polymerization of 3 proceeds via an unprecedented Fe-Cp bond cleavage mechanism.     

Photolytic living anionic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of silicon-bridged [1]ferrocenophanes via an iron-cyclopentadienyl bond cleavage mechanism

A new living anionic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) method for sila[1]ferrocenophane 1 was developed using UV irradiation in the presence of Na[C5H5] as a promoter to afford controlled molecular weight polymers (Mn = 9.3 x 103 to 7.0 x 104, PDI = 1.04-1.21). A ring-opened ferrocenylsilane with a dangling silyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl anion, which was obtained from a near-stoichiometric photoreaction of 1 with Li[C5H4Me], indicates an Fe-Cp bond cleavage mechanism for the photolytic ROP.     

(Eta-C5H4R)Fe(CO)2X], X = Cl, Br, I, NO3, CO2Me and [(eta-C5H4R)Fe(CO)3]+, R = (CH2)nCO2Me (n = 0-2), and CO2CH2CH2OH: a new group of CO-releasing molecules

A new group of CO-releasing molecules, CO-RMs, based on cyclopentadienyl iron carbonyls have been identified. X-Ray structures have been determined for [(eta-C(5)H(4)CO(2)Me)Fe(CO)(2)X], X = Cl, Br, I, NO(3), CO(2)Me, [(eta-C(5)H(4)CO(2)Me)Fe(CO)(2)](2), [(eta-C(5)H(4)CO(2)CH(2)CH(2)OH)Fe(CO)(2)](2) and [(eta-C(5)H(4)CO(2)Me)Fe(CO)(3)][FeCl(4)]. Half-lives for CO release, (1)H, (13)C, and (17)OC NMR and IR spectra have been determined along with some biological data for these compounds, [(eta-C(5)H(4)CO(2)CH(2)CH(2)OH)Fe(CO)(3)](+) and [[eta-C(5)H(4)(CH(2))(n)CO(2)Me]Fe(CO)(3)](+), n = 1, 2. More specifically, cytotoxicity assays and inhibition of nitrite formation in stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages are reported for most of the compounds analyzed. [(eta-C(5)H(5))Fe(CO)(2)X], X = Cl, Br, I, were also examined for comparison. Correlations between the half-lives for CO release and spectroscopic parameters are found within each group of compounds, but not between the groups.     

Migratory insertion in N-heterocyclic carbene-containing Fe carbonyl complexes: an experimental and theoretical study

The compound [Fe(eta-C5H5)(CO)2(Me)] reacts thermally with N-heterocyclic carbenes (L) to give both alkyl, [Fe(eta-C5H5)(L)(CO)(Me)], and acyl, [Fe(eta-C5H5)(L)(CO)(COMe)], derivatives. The reaction temperature has been shown to affect the product distribution. The alkyl and acyl derivatives exist in an equilibrium that is more easily perturbed than in the tertiary phosphine analogues. DFT studies on the reactivity of [Fe(eta-C5H5)(CO)2(Me)] with PH3 and dihydroimidazole-2-ylidene (IH) have shown that CO exchange is energetically favoured for IH, and energetically disfavoured for PH3. The products of CO-induced migratory insertion, [Fe(eta-C5H5)(L)(CO)(COMe)], are more stable than the parent alkyl, [Fe(eta-C5H5)(L)(CO)(Me)], compounds. This stabilisation is larger when L = IH than when L = PH3. Stabilisation of the transition state by agostic interactions was seen in both instances, but this was significantly more pronounced for L = IH.     

Tuning the strain and polymerizability of organometallic rings: the synthesis, structure, and ring-opening polymerization behavior of [2]ferrocenophanes with C-SI, C-P, and C-S bridges.

A series of novel [2]ferrocenophanes with unsymmetrical C-E bridges has been prepared in which the covalent radius of the second-row element, E, and hence the ring strain present is varied. Species [Fe(eta-C(5)Me(4))(eta-C(5)H(4))CH(2)ER(x)] (7, ER(x) = SiMe(2); 8a, ER(x) = PPh; 8b, ER(x) = PMes; 9, ER(x) = S) were synthesized via reaction of the PMDETA (N,N,N',N' ',N' '-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) adduct of [(eta-C(5)H(4)Li)Fe(eta-C(5)Me(4))CH(2)Li] with Cl(2)ER(x) (E = Si or P) or S(SO(2)Ph)(2). Studies of 7-9 by single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of ring-tilted structures: for 7, alpha (angle between the planes of the Cp rings) = 11.8(1) degrees; for 8a, alpha(average) = 14.9(3) degrees; for 8b, alpha(average) = 18.2(2) degrees; and for 9, alpha = 18.5(1) degrees. The least tilted compound, 7, was found to be resistant to thermal, anionic, and transition metal catalyzed ROP. In contrast, the significantly more tilted compounds 8a, 8b, and 9 were all found to polymerize thermally with small negative values of DeltaH(ROP) of ca. 10-20 kJ.mol(-1) determined by DSC. Whereas thermal ROP of 8a yielded the soluble high molecular weight polycarbophosphaferrocene [(eta-C(5)Me(4))Fe(eta-C(5)H(4))CH(2)PPh](n) (11), species 9 formed the insoluble polycarbothiaferrocene [(eta-C(5)Me(4))Fe(eta-C(5)H(4))CH(2)S](n) (14). Attempted anionic ROP of 8a and 9 with (n)BuLi was unsuccessful and treatment of 8a with CF(3)SO(3)Me resulted in the formation of the novel phosphonium salt [(eta-C(5)Me(4))Fe(eta-C(5)H(4))CH(2)PMePh][CF(3)SO(3)] (13), which was found to be resistant to thermal ROP as a result of its less strained structure (for 13, alpha = 11.4(7) degrees ). Treatment of 9 with CF(3)SO(3)Me or BF(3).Et(2)O resulted in the first example of cationic ROP for a transition metal-containing heterocycle to yield polycarbothiaferrocene 14. In the presence of excess 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine as a selective proton trap, ROP of 9 was only observed with CF(3)SO(3)Me, and not BF(3).Et(2)O, which indicated that Me(+) and H(+) are the probable cationic initiators, respectively. Thermal copolymerization of 9 with trimethylene sulfide resulted in the isolation of the soluble, high molecular weight, random copolymer [(eta-C(5)Me(4))Fe(eta-C(5)H(4))CH(2)S](n)[(CH(2))(3)S](m), 15.     

Acetylide-bridged organometallic oligomers via the photochemical metathesis of methyl-iron(II) complexes

The acetylido methyl iron(II) complexes, cis/trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(CH(3))] (1) and trans-[Fe(depe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(CH(3))] (2) (dmpe = 1,2-dimethylphoshinoethane; depe = 1,2-diethylphosphinoethane), were synthesized by transmetalation from the corresponding alkyl halide complexes. Acetylido methyl iron(II) complexes were also formed by transmetalation from the chloride complexes, trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(Cl)] or trans-[Fe(depe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(Cl)]. The structure of trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(5))(CH(3))] (1a) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The methyl acetylido iron complexes, [Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(CH(3))] (1), are thermally stable in the presence of acetylenes; however, under UV irradiation, methane is lost with the formation of a metal bisacetylide. Photochemical metathesis of cis- or trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(CH(3))(C[triple bond]CR)] (R = C(6)H(5) (1a), 4-C(6)H(4)OCH(3) (1b)) with terminal acetylenes was used to selectively synthesize unsymmetrically substituted iron(II) bisacetylide complexes of the type trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(C[triple bond]CR')] [R = Ph, R' = Ph (6a), 4-CH(3)OC(6)H(4) (6b), (t)()Bu (6c), Si(CH(3))(3) (6d), (CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]CH (6e); R = 4-CH(3)OC(6)H(4), R' = 4-CH(3)OC(6)H(4), (6g), (t)()Bu (6h), (CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]CH (6i), adamantyl (6j)]. The structure of the unsymmetrical iron(II) bisacetylide complex trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(5))(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)OCH(3))] (6b) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The photochemical metathesis of the bis-acetylene, 1,7-octadiyne, with trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(CH(3))(C[triple bond]CPh)] (1a), was utilized to synthesize the bridged binuclear species trans,trans-[(C(6)H(5)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(mu-C[triple bond]C(CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(5))] (11). The trinuclear species trans,trans,trans-[(C(6)H(5)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(mu-C[triple bond]C(CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(mu-C[triple bond]C(CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(5))] (12) was synthesized by the photochemical reaction of Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CPh)(C[triple bond]C(CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]CH) (6e) with Fe(dmpe)(2)(CH(3))(2). Extended irradiation of the bisacetylide complexes with phenylacetylene resulted in insertion of the terminal alkyne into one of the metal acetylide bonds to give acetylide butenyne complexes. The structure of the acetylide butenyne complex, trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)OCH(3))(eta(1)-C(C(6)H(5))=CH(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)OCH(3)))] (9a) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Organometallic chemistry of fluorinated allenes

Reaction of 1,1-difluoroallene and tetrafluoroallene with a series of transition metal complex fragments yields the mononuclear allene complexes [CpMn(CO)(2)(allene)] (1), [(CO)(4)Fe(allene)] (2), [(Ph(3)P)(2)Pt(C(3)H(2)F(2))] (4), [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(C(3)H(2)F(2))(2)Cl] (5), and the dinuclear complexes [mu-eta(1)-eta(3)-C(3)H(2)F(2))Fe(2)(CO)(7)] (3), [Ir(PPh(3))(C(3)H(2)F(2))(2)Cl](2) (6), and [mu-eta(2)-eta(2)-C(3)H(2)F(2))(CpMo(CO)(2))(2)] (9), respectively. In attempts to synthesize cationic complexes of fluorinated allenes [CpFe(CO)(2)(C(CF(3))=CH(2))] (7a), [CpFe(CO)(2)(C(CF(3))=CF(2))] (7b) and [mu-I-(CpFe(CO)(2))(2)][B(C(6)H(3)-3,5-(CF(3))(2))(4)] were isolated. The spectroscopic and structural data of these complexes revealed that the 1,1-difluoroallene ligand is coordinated exclusively with the double bond containing the hydrogen-substituted carbon atom. 1,1-Difluoroallene and tetrafluoroallene proved to be powerful pi acceptor ligands.     

The synthesis, characterisation and reactivity of 2-phosphanylethylcyclopentadienyl complexes of cobalt, rhodium and iridium

2-Phosphanylethylcyclopentadienyl lithium compounds, Li[C(5)R'(4)(CH(2))(2)PR(2)] (R = Et, R' = H or Me, R = Ph, R' = Me), have been prepared from the reaction of spirohydrocarbons C(5)R'(4)(C(2)H(4)) with LiPR(2). C(5)Et(4)HSiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2), was prepared from reaction of Li[C(5)Et(4)] with Me(2)SiCl(2) followed by Me(2)PCH(2)Li. The lithium salts were reacted with [RhCl(CO)(2)](2), [IrCl(CO)(3)] or [Co(2)(CO)(8)] to give [M(C(5)R'(4)(CH(2))(2)PR(2))(CO)] (M = Rh, R = Et, R' = H or Me, R = Ph, R' = Me; M = Ir or Co, R = Et, R' = Me), which have been fully characterised, in many cases crystallographically as monomers with coordination of the phosphorus atom and the cyclopentadienyl ring. The values of nu(CO) for these complexes are usually lower than those for the analogous complexes without the bridge between the cyclopentadienyl ring and the phosphine, the exception being [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (Cp' = C(5)Me(4)), the most electron rich of the complexes. [Rh(C(5)Et(4)SiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2))(CO)] may be a dimer. [Co(2)(CO)(8)] reacts with C(5)H(5)(CH(2))(2)PEt(2) or C(5)Et(4)HSiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2) (L) to give binuclear complexes of the form [Co(2)(CO)(6)L(2)] with almost linear PCoCoP skeletons. [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] are active for methanol carbonylation at 150 degrees C and 27 bar CO, with the rate using [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] (0.81 mol dm(-3) h(-1)) being higher than that for [RhI(2)(CO)(2)](-) (0.64 mol dm(-3) h(-1)). The most electron rich complex, [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (0.38 mol dm(-3) h(-1)) gave a comparable rate to [Cp*Rh(PEt(3))(CO)] (0.30 mol dm(-3) h(-1)), which was unstable towards oxidation of the phosphine. [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))I(2)], which is inactive for methanol carbonylation, was isolated after the methanol carbonylation reaction using [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)]. Neither of [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (M = Co or Ir) was active for methanol carbonylation under these conditions, nor under many other conditions investigated, except that [Ir(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] showed some activity at higher temperature (190 degrees C), probably as a result of degradation to [IrI(2)(CO)(2)](-). [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] react with MeI to give [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(C(O)Me)I] (M = Co or Rh) or [Ir(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))Me(CO)]I. The rates of oxidative addition of MeI to [Rh(C(5)H(4)(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] are 62 and 1770 times faster than to [Cp*Rh(CO)(2)]. Methyl migration is slower, however. High pressure NMR studies show that [Co(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Cp*Rh(PEt(3))(CO)] are unstable towards phosphine oxidation and/or quaternisation under methanol carbonylation conditions, but that [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] does not exhibit phosphine degradation, eventually producing inactive [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))I(2)] at least under conditions of poor gas mixing. The observation of [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(C(O)Me)I] under methanol carbonylation conditions suggests that the rhodium centre has become so electron rich that reductive elimination of ethanoyl iodide has become rate determining for methanol carbonylation. In addition to the high electron density at rhodium.