DFT study of H--H activation by Cp(2) LnH d(0) complexes.

The energy required to activate the H--H bond in the entire series of Cp(2)LnH complexes has been calculated by DFT (B3PW91) methods. The activation energies have been calculated to vary from 0.5 to 8.0 kcal x mol(-1), indicating an overall facile reaction. The electronegativity of the lanthanide in its most stable oxidation state is suggested to be a leading factor for interpreting the trends in activation energy. The geometry of the transition state is best viewed as an almost linear H(3)(-) ligand with short H--H distances and strong M--H interaction, through the wingtip H centers, with Ln. The exchange reaction is thus established to be a sigma bond metathesis reaction.     

Cycloaddition reactions of 16-electron d4 metallocene complexes with C60: a theoretical study

The potential-energy surfaces of the cycloaddition reaction Cp(2)M+C60-->Cp(2)M(C60) (Cp=eta5-C(5)H(5); M=Cr, Mo, and W) were studied at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level of theory. Two competing reaction pathways were found, which can be classified as [6,5] attack (path A) and [6,6] attack (path B). Given the same reaction conditions, the [6,6]-attack pathway for cycloaddition to C60 is more favorable than the [6,5]-attack pathway, both kinetically and thermodynamically. A qualitative model, based on the theory of Pross and Shaik, was used to develop an explanation for the reaction barrier heights. Thus, our theoretical findings suggest that the singlet-triplet splitting DeltaE(st) (=E(triplet)-E(singlet)) of the 16-electron d4 Cp(2)M and C60 species are a guide to predicting their reactivity towards cycloaddition. Our model results demonstrate that the propensity for cycloaddition to C60 increases in the order Cp(2)Cr相似文献   

Computational study of cycloaddition reactions of 16-electron d8 ML4 complexes with C60

The potential energy surfaces of the cycloaddition reactions M(CO)(4) + C(60) → (CO)(4)M(C(60)) (M = Fe, Ru, and Os) have been studied at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level of theory. It has been found that these reactions have two competing pathways, which can be classified as a [6,5]-attack (path A) and a [6,6]-attack (path B). Our B3LYP results suggest that, given the same reaction conditions, the [6,6]-attack is more favorable than the [6,5]-attack both kinetically and thermodynamically. A qualitative model based on the theory of Pross and Shaik has been used to develop an explanation for the barrier heights. As a consequence, the theoretical findings indicate that the singlet-triplet splitting ΔE(st) (=E(triplet) - E(singlet)) of the 16-electron d(8) M(CO)(4) and C(60) species can be used as a guide to predict their reactivity toward cycloaddition. Our computational results reveal that the reactivity of d(8) M(CO)(4) cycloaddition to C(60) decreases in the order Fe(CO)(4) > Os(CO)(4) > Ru(CO)(4). Accordingly, we demonstrate that both electronic and geometric effects play a crucial role in determining the energy barriers as well as the reaction enthalpy.     

Hydrosilylation vs. [2 + 2]-cycloaddition: A theoretical study with iron and ruthenium complexes

Recently an exciting new mechanism of hydrosilylation had been found in experiments with the ruthenium-silylene complex [Cp^∗(i-Pr₃P)Ru(H)₂Si(H)Ph · OEt₂][B(C₆F₅)₄] by Glaser and Tilley. The mechanism of the hydrosilylation and possible alternative pathways are investigated with quantum chemical methods utilizing the B3LYP method, a double zeta pseudopotential basis set for iron and ruthenium and the 6-31G^∗ basis set for all other elements. Starting from the model complex [Cp(H₃P)Ru(H)₂Si(H)Ph]⁺ the coordination of ethene at the silicon atom leads preferably to the hydrosilylation of a terminal Si-H-bond. The analysis of the electron density distribution of the catalytic active complex shows surprising bond features between Ru and Si. The Ru-Si bond is bridged by two hydrogen atoms.The [2 + 2]-cycloaddition of the alkene to the Ru-Si-bond, which would be a reasonable alternative reaction pathway, was not observed. It is necessary to make drastic changes in the ligand environment of the transition metal-silicone complex to observe cycloaddition reactions. With complexes of the type (OC)₄MSi(H)Ph (M = Ru, Fe) the cycloaddition could be a serious alternative to the hydrosilylation.     

A theoretical study of the activation of methane by Gold(III) homoleptic complexes

The density functional theory method with the PBE functional, SBK pseudopotential, and extended basis sets was used to study the reaction between methane and gold(III) homoleptic complexes, namely, [AuX₄]^? (X = Cl, Br, I, H, CN, NH₂, OH, CH₃, and SH), [Au(X(CY)₂X)₂]^? (X = S, Y = H; X = Y = O), Au₂Cl₆, [Au(X₂(CY))₂]⁺ (X = S, Y = NH₂; X = O, Y = H), and [Au(acac)₂]⁺, with the formation of electrophic substitution products. The activation of methane under mild conditions was found to be uncharacteristic of anionic and neutral complexes. According to calculations of cationic oxygen-containing complexes, the formation of methane complexes is possible in their reactions with methane. The energy barrier to this reaction noticeably decreases because of the activation of the C-H bond in this complex. The heat effects vary widely depending on the nature of the ligand. There is, however, no obvious correlation between their values and the activation energy of the reaction.     

Autocatalysis for C-H bond activation by ruthenium(II) complexes in catalytic arylation of functional arenes

Kinetic data for the C-H bond activation of 2-phenylpyridine by Ru(II)(carboxylate)(2)(p-cymene) I (acetate) and I' (pivalate) are available for the first time. They reveal an irreversible autocatalytic process catalyzed by the coproduct HOAc or HOPiv (acetonitrile, 27 °C). The overall reaction is indeed accelerated by the carboxylic acid coproduct and water. It is retarded by a base, in agreement with an autocatalytic process induced by HOAc or HOPiv that favors the dissociation of one carboxylate ligand from I and I' and consequently the ensuing complexation of 2-phenylpyridine (2-PhPy). The C-H bond activation initially delivers Ru(O(2)CR)(o-C(6)H(4)-Py)(p-cymene) A or A', containing one carboxylate ligand (OAc or OPiv, respectively). The overall reaction is accelerated by added acetates. Consequently, C-H bond activation (faster for acetate I than for pivalate I') proceeds via an intermolecular deprotonation of the C-H bond of the ligated 2-PhPy by the acetate or pivalate anion released from I or I', respectively. The 18e complexes A and A' easily dissociate, by displacement of the carboxylate by the solvent (also favored by the carboxylic acid), to give the same cationic complex B(+) {[Ru(o-C(6)H(4)-Py)(p-cymene)(MeCN)](+)}. Complex B(+) is reactive toward oxidative addition of phenyl iodide, leading to the diphenylated 2-pyridylbenzene.     

Synthesis and spectral characterization of 2'-hydroxy chalconate complexes of ruthenium(II) and their catalytic and biological applications

The reactions of [RuHCl(CO)(B)(EPh(3))(2)] (B=EPh(3) or pyridine; E=P or As) and 2'-hydroxychalcones in 1:2 ratio led to the formation of [Ru(CO)(B)(L)(2)] (B=PPh(3), AsPh(3) or Py; L=2'-hydroxychalcones). The new complexes have been characterized by analytical and spectral (IR, electronic and (1)H NMR) data. They have been assigned an octahedral structure. The new complexes were found to catalyze the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes using N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide as co-oxidant. All the new complexes were found to be active against bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella typhi and fungi Aspergillus niger. The activity was compared with standard Streptomycin or Bavistin.     

Overtone vibrational spectroscopy in H(2)-H(2)O complexes: A combined high level theoretical ab initio, dynamical and experimental study

First results are reported on overtone (v(OH) = 2 ← 0) spectroscopy of weakly bound H(2)-H(2)O complexes in a slit supersonic jet, based on a novel combination of (i) vibrationally mediated predissociation of H(2)-H(2)O, followed by (ii) UV photodissociation of the resulting H(2)O, and (iii) UV laser induced fluorescence on the nascent OH radical. In addition, intermolecular dynamical calculations are performed in full 5D on the recent ab initio intermolecular potential of Valiron et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 129, 134306 (2008)] in order to further elucidate the identity of the infrared transitions detected. Excellent agreement is achieved between experimental and theoretical spectral predictions for the most strongly bound van der Waals complex consisting of ortho (I = 1) H(2) and ortho (I = 1) H(2)O (oH(2)-oH(2)O). Specifically, two distinct bands are seen in the oH(2)-oH(2)O spectrum, corresponding to internal rotor states in the upper vibrational manifold of Σ and Π rotational character. However, none of the three other possible nuclear spin modifications (pH(2)-oH(2)O, pH(2)-pH(2)O, or oH(2)-pH(2)O) are observed above current signal to noise level, which for the pH(2) complexes is argued to arise from displacement by oH(2) in the expansion mixture to preferentially form the more strongly bound species. Direct measurement of oH(2)-oH(2)O vibrational predissociation in the time domain reveals lifetimes of 15(2) ns and <5(2) ns for the Σ and Π states, respectively. Theoretical calculations permit the results to be interpreted in terms of near resonant energy levels and intermolecular alignment of the H(2) and H(2)O wavefunctions, providing insight into predissociation dynamical pathways from these metastable levels.     

Reductive displacement of allylic acetates by hydride transfer via catalytic activation by palladium(0) complexes

Allylic acetates are reduced to alkenes by reductive displacement by hydride reagents via catalytic activation with Pd(0) complexes. In the absence of hydrides, allylic acetates afford conjugated dienes in DMSO solvent.     

Chemistry of ruthenium(II) monohydride and dihydride complexes containing pyridyl donor ligands including catalytic ketone H2-hydrogenation

In this study we determine the changes to the properties of dihydride catalysts for ketone H2-hydrogenation by successively replacing the amine donors in the known dach complex RuH2(PPh3)2(dach) (2a), dach = 1,2-(R,R)-diaminocyclohexane, with one pyridyl group in the corresponding 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine (ampy) complexes RuH2(PPh3)2(ampy) (2b) and with two pyridyl groups in the complexes RuH2(PPh3)2(bipy) (2c) and RuH2(PPh3)2(phen) (2d). The ruthenium monohydride complex, (OC-6-54)-RuHCl(PPh3)2(ampy), (1b with Cl trans to H) was prepared by the addition of 1 equiv of ampy to RuHCl(PPh3)3 in THF. Treatment of the monohydride complex with K[BH(sec-Bu)3] in THF or KOtBu/H2 in toluene resulted in the formation of a mixture of at least two isomers of the highly reactive, air-sensitive ruthenium dihydride complex 2b. One is the cis dihydride (OC-6-14)-2b or more simply c,t-2b with trans PPh3 groups and another is the cis dihydride c,c-2b (OC-6-42) that has PPh3 trans to H and PPh3 trans to N(pyridyl). The isomer c,c-2b slowly converts to c,t-2b in solution. The reaction of 1b with KOtBu under Ar results in the formation of a mixture that includes a complex with an imino ligand HN=CH-2-py while the same reaction under H2 leads to c,c-2b and then c,t-2b. The dach complex c,t-2a, reacts with ampy, 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy), and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) in refluxing THF to form the substituted cis-dihydride complexes c,t-2b, (OC-6-13)-RuH2(PPh3)2(bipy) (c,t-2c with trans PPh3 groups) and (OC-6-13)-RuH2(PPh3)2(phen), c,t-2d, respectively. The dihydrides containing amino groups and cis-PPh3 groups, i.e., c,c-2a or c,c-2b, are active precatalysts for the H2-hydrogenation of acetophenone (neat or in benzene) under mild reaction conditions, whereas those with trans-PPh3 groups, c,t-2a and c,t-2b are much less active. The combination of ampy complex 1b and KOtBu also provides a catalyst in benzene that is more active than the corresponding dach system. The complexes without amino groups c,t-2c and c,t-2d are air-stable and inactive as hydrogenation catalysts under comparable conditions. The mechanism of hydrogenation of ketones catalyzed by isomers of 2a,b is thought to be similar and to proceed via a trans-dihydride complex, t,c-2a or t,c-2b, and an amido complex, neither of which are directly observed for the ampy complexes. The dihydride complex c,t-2b reacts with formic acid to give (OC-6-45)-RuH(OCHO)(PPh3)2(ampy), 3b, with formate trans to hydride. The structures of 1b, c,t-2b, c,t-2c, and 3b have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

A computational study of cycloaddition reactions of d8 metal tetroxide (iron, ruthenium, osmium) complexes with C60

The potential energy surfaces of the cycloaddition reactions MO(4)(NC(5)H(5))(2) + C(60)→ MO(4)(NC(5)H(5))(2)(C(60)) (M = Fe, Ru, and Os) have been studied at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level of theory. It has been found that there should be two competing pathways in these reactions, which can be classified as a [6,5]-attack (path A) and a [6,6]-attack (path B). Our theoretical calculations indicate that, given the same reaction conditions, the cycloaddition reaction of C(60)via [6,6]-attack is more favorable than that via [6,5]-attack both kinetically and thermodynamically. This is in good agreement with the available experimental observations. A qualitative model, which is based on the theory of Pross and Shaik, has been used to develop an explanation for the barrier heights. As a result, our theoretical findings suggest that the singlet-triplet splitting ΔE(st) (= E(triplet)- E(singlet)) of the d(8) MO(4)(NC(5)H(5))(2) and C(60) species can be a guide to predict their reactivity towards cycloaddition. Our model results demonstrate that the reactivity of d(8) metal tetroxide cycloaddition to C(60) decreases in the order FeO(4)(NC(5)H(5))(2) > RuO(4)(NC(5)H(5))(2) > OsO(4)(NC(5)H(5))(2). In consequence, we show that both electronic and geometric effects play a decisive role in determining the energy barriers as well as the reaction enthalpy.     

A theoretical study of the homogeneous catalysis of the D2-H2O exchange by ruthenium chloride complexes

The homogeneous catalysis of D₂-H₂O exchange by ruthenium chloride is investigated by an all-valence electron, self-consistent field study of the reaction coordinate for the process. The following reaction stages are described: the heterolytic scission of a D₂ molecule by the catalyst complex (RuCl₆)³⁻ with a subsequent substitution of a chlorine by a hydrogen; the substitution of an OH⁻ in the coordination sphere of the Ru atom. In the first stage, HCl is liberated. Then the reaction proceeds via the cis-transfer of the OH⁻ towards the coordinated sphere of Ru, thus reforming the chloride complex. Each of these processes is analysed by considering the energies, charge distribution and bond orders through the whole reaction coordinate.     

Structural correlations and conformational preference in edge-sharing binuclear d8 complexes with XR2 bridges. A theoretical study

The binuclear complexes of d8 transition metal ions of the type [M2(mu-XR2)2L4] (where M = RhI, IrI, NiII, PdII, PtII, or AuIII; X = S, N, P, or As) appear in a variety of molecular conformations in which the coordination planes around the two metal atoms are sometimes coplanar, sometimes bent. For the bent compounds with asymmetric bridges, XR1R2, the substituents adopt different orientations relative to the metal framework and to each other. Ab initio theoretical studies on the different conformers of 30 representative complexes, complemented with a structural database analysis, have allowed the establishment of structural correlations in this family of compounds. The conformational choice results from a delicate balance of different interactions which are qualitatively analyzed, such as the changes in bond angles around the bridging atoms, the existence of weak metal...metal bonding in the bent structures, and steric interactions involving the terminal ligands and the substituents at the bridging atoms.     

A theoretical and computational study of the anion, neutral, and cation Cu(H(2)O) complexes

An ab initio investigation of the potential energy surfaces and vibrational energies and wave functions of the anion, neutral, and cation Cu(H(2)O) complexes is presented. The equilibrium geometries and harmonic frequencies of the three charge states of Cu(H(2)O) are calculated at the MP2 level of theory. CCSD(T) calculations predict a vertical electron detachment energy for the anion complex of 1.65 eV and a vertical ionization potential for the neutral complex of 6.27 eV. Potential energy surfaces are calculated for the three charge states of the copper-water complexes. These potential energy surfaces are used in variational calculations of the vibrational wave functions and energies and from these, the dissociation energies D(0) of the anion, neutral, and cation charge states of Cu(H(2)O) are predicted to be 0.39, 0.16, and 1.74 eV, respectively. In addition, the vertical excitation energies, that correspond to the 4 (2)P<--4 (2)S transition of the copper atom, and ionization potentials of the neutral Cu(H(2)O) are calculated over a range of Cu(H(2)O) configurations. In hydrogen-bonded, Cu-HOH configurations, the vertical excitation and ionization energies are blueshifted with respect to the corresponding values for atomic copper, and in Cu-OH(2) configurations where the copper atom is located near the oxygen end of water, both quantities are redshifted.     

A spectroscopic study of some substituted tris(diimine) complexes of ruthenium(II) and their reduction products

The electronic absorption and resonance Raman spectra of the parent and one- to six-electron reduction products of tris(5,5′-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)-2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) and tris(5,5′-bis(phenyl)- 2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) indicate that the redox orbitals are single-ring localized throughout the reduction series. The analogous 4,4′-complexes exhibit extensive shifts of both electronic absorption bands and vibrational bands as electrons are added. The shifts are rationalized within the localized redox orbital model. The occurrence of backbonding between the metal and unreduced ligands can successfully account for the observed shifts in the vibrational spectra, while electrostatic interaction between redox orbitals is consistent with the observed shifts in the electronic spectra.     

Synthesis of ruthenium(II) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes and their catalytic activities in transfer hydrogenation of ketones

Three RuCl₂(η⁶-arene, η¹-carbene) and two RuCl₂(NHC)(arene) complexes have been prepared by the reaction of bis(1,3-dialkylperhydrobenzimidazol-2-ylidene) (1) and bis(1,3-dialkyl-4-methylzimidazolin-2-ylidene) (3) with [RuCl₂(arene)]₂ in toluene and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and IR spectroscopy. The catalytic activities of these complexes were examined in the transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones using 2-propanol as hydrogen source.     

Electrochemistry of coordination compounds: Part XVIII. Electrochemical behaviour of d8 iron and osmium nitrosyl complexes a comparison with their ruthenium analogue

A detailed study of the electrochemical behaviour of the d⁸ complexes [Fe(NO)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]⁺ and [Os(NO)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]⁺, with emphasis on the properties of the reduced species, has been made and the results compared with those obtained in the reduction of the corresponding ruthenium derivative. the reduction proceeds in two reversible one-electron steps leading to d¹⁰ anionic complexes through an intermediate which, in the case of iron, is labile towards the loss of one phosphorus ligand. A tentative interpretation of this behaviour is suggested.     

A combined spectroscopic and theoretical study of propofol[middle dot](H(2)O)(3)

Propofol (2,6-di-isopropylphenol) is probably the most widely used general anesthetic. Previous studies focused on its complexes containing 1 and 2 water molecules. In this work, propofol clusters containing three water molecules were formed using supersonic expansions and probed by means of a number of mass-resolved laser spectroscopic techniques. The 2-color REMPI spectrum of propofol[middle dot](H(2)O)(3) contains contributions from at least two conformational isomers, as demonstrated by UV/UV hole burning. Using the infrared IR/UV double resonance technique, the IR spectrum of each isomer was obtained both in ground and first excited electronic states and interpreted in the light of density functional theory (DFT) calculations at M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p) and B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) levels. The spectral analysis reveals that in both isomers the water molecules are forming cyclic hydrogen bond networks around propofol's OH moiety. Furthermore, some evidences point to the existence of isomerization processes, due to a complicated conformational landscape and the existence of multiple paths with low energy barriers connecting the different conformers. Such processes are discussed with the aid of DFT calculations.     

Immobilization of ruthenium(II) salen complexes on poly(4-vinylpyridine) and their application in catalytic aldehyde olefination

Two Ru(II)(salen)(PPh₃)₂ complexes grafted on poly(4-vinylpyridine) have been synthesized and characterized. An elemental analysis shows that both grafted samples contain ca. 0.6 wt % Ru. FTIR spectra confirm the formation of metal-salen complexes attached to the carrier polymer by an interaction between the ruthenium(II) compounds with the pyridine nitrogen atoms of the poly(4-vinylpyridine). Immobilization of both Ru(II) salen complexes on the polymer increases their thermal stability as demonstrated by TG-MS analysis. The grafted materials were applied as catalysts for the olefination of various aldehydes at 60 °C under an inert gas atmosphere, showing comparable yields as their homogeneous congeners and high trans-selectivities. The ruthenium(II) compound with a larger salen ligand shows a better recyclability and selectivity than the derivative with the smaller ligand.     

Intermolecular activation of hydrocarbon C-H bonds under ambient conditions by 16-electron neopentylidene and benzyne complexes of molybdenum

CpMo(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(2) (1), a complex with alpha-agostic C-H.Mo interactions, evolves neopentane in neat hydrocarbon solutions at room temperature and forms the transient 16-electron alkylidene complex, CpMo(NO)(=CHCMe(3)), which subsequently activates solvent C-H bonds. Thus, it reacts with tetramethylsilane or mesitylene to form CpMo(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(CH(2)SiMe(3)) (2) or CpMo(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(eta(2)-CH(2)C(6)H(3)-3,5-Me(2)) (3), respectively, in nearly quantitative yields. Under identical conditions, 1 in p-xylene generates a mixture of sp(2) and sp(3) C-H bond activation products, namely CpMo(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(C(6)H(3)-2,5-Me(2)) (4, 73%) and CpMo(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(eta(2)-CH(2)C(6)H(4)-4-Me) (5, 27%). In benzene at room temperature, 1 transforms to a mixture of CpMo(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(C(6)H(5)) (6) and CpMo(NO)(C(6)H(5))(2) (7) in a sequential manner. Most interestingly, the thermal activation of 6 at ambient temperatures gives rise to two parallel modes of reactivity involving either the elimination of benzene and formation of CpMo(NO)(=CHCMe(3)) or the elimination of neopentane and formation of the benzyne complex, CpMo(NO)(eta(2)-C(6)H(4)). In pyridine, these intermediates are trapped as the isolable 18-electron adducts, CpMo(NO)(=CHCMe(3))(NC(5)H(5)) (8) and CpMo(NO)(eta(2)-C(6)H(4))(NC(5)H(5)) (9), and, in hydrocarbon solvents, they effect the intermolecular activation of aliphatic C-H bonds at room temperature to generate mixtures of neopentyl- and phenyl-containing derivatives. However, the distribution of products resulting from the hydrocarbon activations is dependent on the nature of the solvent, probably due to solvation effects and the presence of sigma- or pi-hydrocarbon complexes on the reaction coordinates of the alkylidene and the benzyne intermediates. The results of DFT calculations on these processes in the gas phase support the existence of such hydrocarbon complexes and indicate that better agreement with experimental observations is obtained when the actual neopentyl ligand rather than the simpler methyl ligand is used in the model complexes.