Bis(imidate)palladium(II) complexes with labile ligands. Mimics of classical precursors?

A novel synthetic route to prepare palladium(II) precursor analogous of classical [Pd(Cl)(2)(solvent)(2)] has been developed. Just stirring Pd(3)(AcO)(6) in dimethyl sulfide at room temperature, in the stoichiometric presence of protic imidate ligands, resulted in the precipitation of the desired complexes [Pd(imidate)(2)(SMe(2))(2)] (imidate = succinimidate (succ) 1, phthalimidate (phthal) 2, maleimidate (mal) 3, saccharinate (sac) 4 or glutarimidate (glut) 5). The new complexes are very soluble in common solvents and have been fully characterized, including an X-ray diffraction analysis of 2. Analogous reactions with succinimide in acetonitrile or dimethylsulfoxide produced [Pd(succinimidate)(2)(solvent)(2)] (6 and 7, respectively) as off-white powders. Thermal decomposition of 6 produces a new species 6* with bridging imidate ligands that can be formulated as a trimer similar to Pd(3)(AcO)(6). The usefulness of 1-5 as precursors has been tested by reactions against monodentated neutral donor ligands, PPh(3) (a compounds), or pyridine (py, b compounds), to produce ten new derivatives of the general formula trans-[Pd(imidate)(2)(L)(2)]. The single-crystal structures of compounds 2a, 3a, 4a, 4a', 5a and 4b have also been established, allowing an interesting molecular and supramolecular structural discussion. A cis-conformation was induced when the bidentate chelate ligand 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene (dppb, c compounds) was made to react with 1-5. Structural characterization by X-ray diffraction of complex 2c confirmed the proposed formula. Catalytic activity in Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of aryl bromides and benzyl bromides with aryl boronic acids has been tested.     

Pentafluorophenyl imidato palladium(II) complexes: catalysts for Suzuki cross-coupling reactions

Novel N-bonded imidato complexes of general formula [Pd(N-N)(C6F5)(imidate)](imidate = maleimidate, succinimidate or phthalimidate; N-N = 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy), 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (Me2bipy) or N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda)), [NBu4][Pd(C6F5)(H2O)(succinimidate)2] and [NBu4][Pd(C6F5)(L)(succinimidate)2](L = PPh3 or t-BuNC) have been synthesised. These complexes are air-, light- and moisture-stable. The crystal structures of [Pd(tmeda)(C6F5)(maleimidate)].H2O.0.5CHCl3, [NBu4][Pd(C6F5)(H2O)(succinimidate)2].H2O and [NBu4][Pd(C6F5)(t-BuNC)(succinimidate)2].2H2O have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Many of these new complexes are shown to be active phosphine-free palladium catalysts/precatalysts for the Suzuki cross-coupling reactions of aryl bromides and aryl chlorides with phenylboronic acid.     

Di- and tetra-nuclear copper(II), nickel(II), and cobalt(II) complexes of four bis-tetradentate triazole-based ligands: synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

Four bis-tetradentate N(4)-substituted-3,5-{bis[bis-N-(2-pyridinemethyl)]aminomethyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole ligands, L(Tz1)-L(Tz4), differing only in the triazole N(4) substituent R (where R is amino, pyrrolyl, phenyl, or 4-tertbutylphenyl, respectively) have been synthesized, characterized, and reacted with M(II)(BF(4))(2)·6H(2)O (M(II) = Cu, Ni or Co) and Co(SCN)(2). Experiments using all 16 possible combinations of metal salt and L(TzR) were carried out: 14 pure complexes were obtained, 11 of which are dinuclear, while the other three are tetranuclear. The dinuclear complexes include two copper(II) complexes, [Cu(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(4) (2), [Cu(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(BF(4))(2)](BF(4))(2) (4); two nickel(II) complexes, [Ni(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(H(2)O)(3)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(4)·0.5(CH(3)CN) (5) and [Ni(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(H(2)O)(4)](BF(4))(4)·H(2)O (8); and seven cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·H(2)O (9), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·2H(2)O (10), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz3))(H(2)O)(2)](BF(4))(4) (11), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz4))(μ-BF(4))](BF(4))(3)·3H(2)O (12), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz1))(SCN)(4)]·3H(2)O (13), [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz2))(SCN)(4)]·2H(2)O (14), and [Co(II)(2)(L(Tz3))(SCN)(4)]·H(2)O (15). The tetranuclear complexes are [Cu(II)(4)(L(Tz1))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(BF(4))(2)](BF(4))(6) (1), [Cu(II)(4)(L(Tz3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)(μ-F)(2)](BF(4))(6)·0.5H(2)O (3), and [Ni(II)(4)(L(Tz3))(2)(H(2)O)(4)(μ-F(2))](BF(4))(6)·6.5H(2)O (7). Single crystal X-ray structure determinations revealed different solvent content from that found by microanalysis of the bulk sample after drying under a vacuum and confirmed that 5', 8', 9', 11', 12', and 15' are dinuclear while 1' and 7' are tetranuclear. As expected, magnetic measurements showed that weak antiferromagnetic intracomplex interactions are present in 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8, stabilizing a singlet spin ground state. All seven of the dinuclear cobalt(II) complexes, 9-15, have similar magnetic behavior and remain in the [HS-HS] state between 300 and 1.8 K.     

Bimetallic catalysis involving dipalladium(I) and diruthenium(I) complexes

Dipalladium(I) and diruthenium(I) compounds bridged by two [{(5,7-dimethyl-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)amino}carbonyl]ferrocene (L) ligands have been synthesized. The X-ray structures of [Pd(2)L(2)][BF(4)](2) (1) and [Ru(2)L(2)(CO)(4)][BF(4)](2) (2) reveal dinuclear structures with short metal-metal distances. In both of these structures, naphthyridine bridges the dimetal unit, and the site trans to the metal-metal bond is occupied by weakly coordinating oxygen from the amido fragment. The catalytic utilities of these bimetallic compounds are evaluated. Compound 1 is an excellent catalyst for phosphine-free, Suzuki cross-coupling reactions of aryl bromides with arylboronic acids and provides high yields in short reaction times. Compound 1 is also found to be catalytically active for aryl chlorides, although the corresponding yields are lower. A bimetallic mechanism is proposed, which involves the oxidative addition of aryl bromide across the Pd-Pd bond and the bimetallic reductive elimination of the product. Compound 1 is also an efficient catalyst for the Heck cross-coupling of aryl bromides with styrenes. The mechanism for aldehyde olefination with ethyl diazoacetate (EDA) and PPh(3), catalyzed by 2, has been fully elucidated. It is demonstrated that 2 catalyzes the formation of phosphorane utilizing EDA and PPh(3), which subsequently reacts with aldehyde to produce a new olefin and phosphine oxide. The efficacy of bimetallic complexes in catalytic organic transformations is illustrated in this work.     

Cyclopropenylidene carbene ligands in palladium catalysed coupling reactions: carbene ligand rotation and application to the Stille reaction

Reaction of [Pd(PPh(3))(4)] with 1,1-dichloro-2,3-diarylcyclopropenes gives complexes of the type cis-[PdCl(2)(PPh(3))(C(3)(Ar)(2))] (Ar = Ph 5, Mes 6). Reaction of [Pd(dba)(2)] with 1,1-dichloro-2,3-diarylcyclopropenes in benzene gave the corresponding binuclear palladium complexes trans-[PdCl(2)(C(3)(Ar)(2))](2) (Ar = Ph 7, p-(OMe)C(6)H(4)8, p-(F)C(6)H(4)9). Alternatively, when the reactions were performed in acetonitrile, the complexes trans-[PdCl(2)(NCMe)(C(3)(Ar)(2))] (Ar = Ph 10, p-(OMe)C(6)H(4)11 and p-(F)C(6)H(4)) 12) were isolated. Addition of phosphine ligands to the binuclear palladium complex 7 or acetonitrile adducts 11 and 12 gave complexes of the type cis-[PdCl(2)(PR(3))(C(3)(Ar)(2))] (Ar = Ph, R = Cy 13, Ar = p-(OMe)C(6)H(4), R = Ph 14, Ar = p-(F)C(6)H(4), R = Ph 15). Crystal structures of complexes 6·3.25CHCl(3), 10, 11·H(2)O and 12-15 are reported. DFT calculations of complexes 10-12 indicate the barrier to rotation about the carbene-palladium bond is very low, suggesting limited double bond character in these species. Complexes 5-9 were tested for catalytic activity in C-C coupling (Mizoroki-Heck, Suzuki-Miyaura and, for the first time, Stille reactions) and C-N coupling (Buchwald-Hartwig amination) showing excellent conversion with moderate to high selectivity.     

Binary pnictogen azides--an experimental and theoretical study: [As(N3)4]-, [Sb(N3)4]-, and [Bi(N3)5(dmso)]2-

[PPh(4)][EI(4)] (E=As, Sb, Bi) salts were reacted with four and five equivalents of AgN(3) to form tetraazidopnictates and pentaazidopnictates of the type [PPh(4)][E(N(3))(4)] and [PPh(4)](2)[E(N(3))(5)], respectively. The synthesis of [PPh(4)][P(N(3))(4)] was also attempted from the reaction of P(N(3))(3) with [PPh(4)]N(3), but it yielded only the starting materials. Herein, we report the synthesis and structure elucidation of [PPh(4)][E(N(3))](4) (E=As, Sb) and pentaazidobismuthate, stabilized as the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) anion adduct, [PPh(4)](2)[Bi(N(3))(5)(dmso)]. Successive anion formation along the series E(N(3))(3)+nN(3)(-) (n=1-3) and E(N(3))(5)+N(3)(-) was studied by density functional theory.     

Alkynyldiphenylphosphine d8 (Pt, Rh, Ir) complexes: contrasting behavior toward cis-[Pt(C6F5)2(THF)2

The synthesis and characterization of a series of mononuclear d(8) complexes with at least two P-coordinated alkynylphosphine ligands and their reactivity toward cis-[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(THF)(2)] are reported. The cationic [Pt(C(6)F(5))(PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)(3)](CF(3)SO(3)), 1, [M(COD)(PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)(2)](ClO(4)) (M = Rh, 2, and Ir, 3), and neutral [Pt(o-C(6)H(4)E(2))(PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)(2)] (E = O, 6, and S, 7) complexes have been prepared, and the crystal structures of 1, 2, and 7.CH(3)COCH(3) have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The course of the reactions of the mononuclear complexes 1-3, 6, and 7 with cis-[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(THF)(2)] is strongly influenced by the metal and the ligands. Thus, treatment of 1 with 1 equiv of cis-[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(THF)(2)] gives the double inserted cationic product [Pt(C(6)F(5))(S)mu-(C(Ph)=C(PPh(2))C(PPh(2))=C(Ph)(C(6)F(5)))Pt(C(6)F(5))(PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)](CF(3)SO(3)) (S = THF, H(2)O), 8 (S = H(2)O, X-ray), which evolves in solution to the mononuclear complex [(C(6)F(5))(PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)Pt(C(10)H(4)-1-C(6)F(5)-4-Ph-2,3-kappaPP'(PPh(2))(2))](CF(3) SO(3)), 9 (X-ray), containing a 1-pentafluorophenyl-2,3-bis(diphenylphosphine)-4-phenylnaphthalene ligand, formed by annulation of a phenyl group and loss of the Pt(C(6)F(5)) unit. However, analogous reactions using 2 or 3 as precursors afford mixtures of complexes, from which we have characterized by X-ray crystallography the alkynylphosphine oxide compound [(C(6)F(5))(2)Pt(mu-kappaO:eta(2)-PPh(2)(O)C triple-bond CPh)](2), 10, in the reaction with the iridium complex (3). Complexes 6 and 7, which contain additional potential bridging donor atoms (O, S), react with cis-[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(THF)(2)] in the appropriate molar ratio (1:1 or 1:2) to give homo- bi- or trinuclear [Pt(PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)(mu-kappaE-o-C(6)H(4)E(2))(mu-kappaP:eta(2)-PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)] (E = O, 11, and S, 12) and [(Pt(mu(3)-kappa(2)EE'-o-C(6)H(4)E(2))(mu-kappaP:eta(2)-PPh(2)C triple-bond CPh)(2))(Pt(C(6)F(5))(2))(2)] (E = O, 13, and S, 14) complexes. The molecular structure of 14 has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction, and the cyclic voltammetric behavior of precursor complexes 6 and 7 and polymetallic derivatives 11-14 has been examined.     

Unusual reactivity of a sterically hindered diphosphazane ligand, EtN{P(OR)(2)}(2), (R = C(6)H(3)(Pr(I))(2)-2,6) towards (eta(3)-allyl)palladium precursors

The reactivity of (eta(3)-allyl)palladium chloro dimers [(1-R-eta(3)-C(3)H(4))PdCl](2) (R = H or Me) towards a sterically hindered diphosphazane ligand [EtN{P(OR)(2)}(2)] (R = C(6)H(3)(Pr(i))(2)-2,6), has been investigated under different reaction conditions. When the reaction is carried out using NH(4)PF(6) as the halide scavenger, the cationic complex [(1-R-eta(3)-C(3)H(4))Pd{EtN(P(OR)(2))(2)}]PF(6) (R = H or Me) is formed as the sole product. In the absence of NH(4)PF(6), the initially formed cationic complex, [(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))Pd{EtN(P(OR)(2))(2)}]Cl, is transformed into a mixture of chloro bridged complexes over a period of 4 days. The dinuclear complexes, [(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))Pd(2)(mu-Cl)(2){P(O)(OR)(2)}{P(OR)(2)(NHEt)}] and [Pd(mu-Cl){P(O)(OR)(2)}{P(OR)(2)(NHEt)}](2) are formed by P-N bond hydrolysis, whereas the octa-palladium complex [(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))(2-Cl-eta(3)-C(3)H(4))Pd(4)(mu-Cl)(4)(mu-EtN{P(OR)(2)}(2))](2), is formed as a result of nucleophilic substitution by a chloride ligand at the central carbon of an allyl fragment. The reaction of [EtN{P(OR)(2)}(2)] with [(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))PdCl](2) in the presence of K(2)CO(3) yields a stable dinuclear (eta(3)-allyl)palladium(I) diphosphazane complex, [(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))[mu-EtN{P(OR)(2)}(2)Pd(2)Cl] which contains a coordinatively unsaturated T-shaped palladium center. This complex exhibits high catalytic activity and high TON's in the catalytic hydrophenylation of norbornene.     

Synthesis, structures, and properties of ruthenium(II) complexes of N-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)imidazolylidenes

Mononuclear ruthenium complexes [RuCl(L1)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6)) (2a), [RuCl(L2)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6)) (2b), [Ru(L1)(CH(3)CN)(3)](PF(6))(2) (4a), [Ru(L2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](PF(6))(2) (4b), [Ru(L2)(2)](PF(6))(2) (5), [RuCl(L1)(CH(3)CN)(PPh(3))](PF(6)) (6), [RuCl(L1)(CO)(2)](PF(6)) (7), and [RuCl(L1)(CO)(PPh(3))](PF(6)) (8), and a tetranuclear complex [Ru(2)Ag(2)Cl(2)(L1)(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](PF(6))(4) (3) containing 3-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)-1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)imidazolylidene (L1) and 3-butyl-1-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl)imidazolylidene (L2) have been prepared and fully characterized by NMR, ESI-MS, UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Both L1 and L2 act as pincer NNC donors coordinated to ruthenium (II) ion. In 3, the Ru(II) and Ag(I) ions are linked by two bridging Cl(-) through a rhomboid Ag(2)Cl(2) ring with two Ru(II) extending to above and down the plane. Complexes 2-8 show absorption maximum over the 354-428 nm blueshifted compared to Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) due to strong σ-donating and weak π-acceptor properties of NHC ligands. Electrochemical studies show Ru(II)/Ru(III) couples over 0.578-1.274 V.     

New phosphorescent polynuclear Cu(I) compounds based on linear and star-shaped 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl derivatives: syntheses, structures, luminescence, and electroluminescence

Four dinuclear and trinuclear Cu(I) complexes that contain 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl derivative ligands including 1,4-bis[2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl]benzene (1,4-bmb), 1,3-bis[2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl]benzene (1,3-bmb), 1,3,5-tris[2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl]benzene (tmb), and 4,4'-bis[2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl]biphenyl (bmbp) have been synthesized. The formulas of these complexes are [Cu(2)(1,4-bmb)(PPh(3))(4)][BF(4)](2) (1), [Cu(2)(1,3-bmb)(PPh(3))(4)][BF(4)](2) (2), [Cu(3)(tmb)(PPh(3))(6)][BF(4)](3) (3), and [Cu(2)(bmbp)(PPh(3))(4)][BF(4)](2) (4), respectively. The crystal structures of 2-4 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The Cu(I) ions in the complexes have a distorted tetrahedral geometry. For 3, two structural isomers (syn and anti) resulted from two different orientations of the three 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl chelating units were observed in the crystal lattice. Variable-temperature (1)H NMR experiments established the presence of syn and anti isomers for 1-3 in solution which interconvert at ambient temperature. Complexes 1-4 have a weak MLCT absorption band in the 350-450 nm region and display a yellow-orange emission when irradiated by UV light. One unexpected finding is that the yellow-orange emission of complexes 1-4 has a very long decay lifetime (approximately 200 micros) at 77 K. An electroluminescent (EL) device using 4 as the emitter and PVK as the host was fabricated. However, the long decay lifetime of the copper complexes may limit their applications as phosphorescent emitters in EL devices.     

NiCl(2)(dppe)-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl mesylates, arenesulfonates, and halides with arylboronic acids

An investigation of the NiCl(2)(dppe)-, NiCl(2)(dppb)-, NiCl(2)(dppf)-, NiCl(2)(PCy(3))(2)-, and NiCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)-catalyzed cross-coupling of the previously unreported aryl mesylates, and of aryl arenesulfonates, chlorides, bromides, and iodides containing electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents with aryl boronic acids, in the absence of a reducing agent, is reported. NiCl(2)(dppe) was the only catalyst that exhibited high and solvent-independent activity in the two solvents investigated, toluene and dioxane. NiCl(2)(dppe) with an excess of dppe, NiCl(2)(dppe)/dppe, was reactive in the cross-coupling of electron-poor aryl mesylates, tosylates, chlorides, bromides, and iodides. This catalyst was also efficient in the cross-coupling of aryl bromides and iodides containing electron-donating substituents. Most surprisingly, the replacement of the excess dppe from NiCl(2)(dppe)/dppe with excess PPh(3) generated NiCl(2)(dppe)/PPh(3), which was found to be reactive for the cross-coupling of both electron-rich and electron-poor aryl mesylates and chlorides. Therefore, the solvent-independent reactivity of NiCl(2)(dppe) provides an inexpensive and general nickel catalyst for the cross-coupling of aryl mesylates, tosylates, chlorides, bromides, and iodides with aryl boronic acids.     

Thermodynamic hydride donor abilities of [HW(CO)4L]- complexes (L = PPh3, P(OMe)3, CO) and their reactions with [C5Me5Re(PMe3)(NO)(CO)]+

The thermodynamic hydride donor abilities of [HW(CO)(5)](-) (40 kcal/mol), [HW(CO)(4)P(OMe(3))](-) (37 kcal/mol), and [HW(CO)(4)(PPh(3))](-) (36 kcal/mol) have been measured in acetonitrile by either equilibrium or calorimetric methods. The hydride donor abilities of these complexes are compared with other complexes for which similar thermodynamic measurements have been made. [HW(CO)(5)](-), [HW(CO)(4)P(OMe(3))](-), and [HW(CO)(4)(PPh(3))](-) all react rapidly with [CpRe(PMe(3))(NO)(CO)](+) to form dinuclear intermediates with bridging formyl ligands. These intermediates slowly form [CpRe(PMe(3))(NO)(CHO)] and [W(CO)(4)(L)(CH(3)CN)]. The structure of cis-[HW(CO)(4)(PPh(3))](-) has been determined and has the expected octahedral structure. The hydride ligand bends away from the CO ligand trans to PPh(3) and toward PPh(3).     

Cyclometallated Pd(II) azido complexes containing 6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridyl or 2-phenylpyridyl derivatives: synthesis and reactivity toward organic isocyanides and isothiocyanates

Cyclometallated palladium(II) azido complexes containing C,N,N- or C,N-donor ligands, [Pd(N(3))L](HL = 6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine or 2-phenylpyridyl derivatives), showed different reactivities toward organic isocyanides and isothiocyanates. In particular, aryl isocyanides (CN-Ar) underwent insertion into the orthometallated Pd-C bond on the phenyl moiety of the supporting ligand (L) in [Pd(N(3))L] or [Pd(N(3))(PR(3))L] to selectively give carbodiimido [[Pd(N=C=N-Ar)L]], imidoyl [[Pd(N(3))(-C=N-Ar)(PR(3))L]], or imidoyl carbodiimido complexes [[Pd(N=C=N-Ar)(-C=N-Ar)L] or [Pd(N=C=N-Ar)(-C=N-Ar)(PR(3))L]], depending on reaction conditions. Interestingly, reactions of [Pd(N(3))(PR(3))L] with organic isothiocyanates gave unusual dinuclear complexes [(micro-SCN(4)-R)PdL](2), exhibiting the concurrent S- and N-coordinating thio-tetrazole bridge.     

Bis(2-diphenylphosphinoxynaphthalen-1-yl)methane: transition metal chemistry, Suzuki cross-coupling reactions and homogeneous hydrogenation of olefins

Transition metal complexes of bis(2-diphenylphosphinoxynaphthalen-1-yl)methane (1) are described. Bis(phosphinite) 1 reacts with Group 6 metal carbonyls, [Rh(CO)2Cl]2, anhydrous NiCl2, [Pd(C3H5)Cl]2/AgBF4 and Pt(COD)I2 to give the corresponding 10-membered chelate complexes 2, 3 and 5-8. Reaction of 1 with [Rh(COD)Cl]2 in the presence of AgBF4 affords a cationic complex, [Rh(COD){Ph2P(-OC10H6)(mu-CH2)(C10H6O-)PPh2-kappaP,kappaP}]BF4 (4). Treatment of 1 with AuCl(SMe2) gives mononuclear chelate complex, [(AuCl){Ph2P(-OC10H6)(mu-CH2)(C10H6O-)PPh2-kappaP,kappaP}] (9) as well as a binuclear complex, [Au(Cl){mu-Ph2P(-OC10H6)(mu-CH2)(C10H6O-)PPh2-kappaP,kappaP}AuCl] (10) with ligand 1 exhibiting both chelating and bridged bidentate modes of coordination respectively. The molecular structures of 2, 6, 7, 9 and 10 are determined by X-ray studies. The mixture of Pd(OAc)2 and effectively catalyzes Suzuki cross-coupling reactions of a range of aryl halides with aryl boronic acid in MeOH at room temperature or at 60 degrees C, giving generally high yields even under low catalytic loads. The cationic rhodium(I) complex, [Rh(COD){Ph2P(-OC10H6)(mu-CH2)(C10H6O-)PPh2-kappaP,kappaP}]BF4 (4) catalyzes the hydrogenation of styrenes to afford the corresponding alkyl benzenes in THF at room temperature or at 70 degrees C with excellent turnover frequencies.     

Chemistry of palladium phosphinite (PPh(2)(OR)) and phosphonite (P(OPh)(2)(OH)) complexes: catalytic activity in methoxycarbonylation and Heck coupling reactions

The new phosphinite and phosphonite complexes (1-8) are very efficient catalysts for the methoxycarbonylation of iodobenzene and Heck cross-coupling of bromobenzene with butyl acrylate. High catalytic activity of these complexes can be explained by their in situ transformations during the reaction, stimulated by the presence of water, acid (HCl) or base (NEt(3)). Hydrolysis of phosphinite palladium complexes of the form trans-PdCl(2)[PPh(2)(OR)](2) (R = C(6)F(5), 2, (t)Bu 3, or O-menthyl 4) results in the formation of the dimeric complex [mu-ClPd(PPh(2)OH)(PPh(2)O)](2) 5, which is deprotonated by NEt(3), producing a polymeric complex of formula [Pd(P(O)PPh(2))(2)](n) 8. The reverse reaction, protonolysis of 8 with HCl, leads back to 5 and the monomeric complex 5a. The phosphinite complex PdCl(2)[PPh(2)(OBu)](2)1 with a more lipophilic ligand, PPh(2)(OBu), does not undergo hydrolysis under the same conditions. In the reaction of PdCl(2)(cod) with P(OPh)(2)(OH), the new dimer [mu-ClPd(P(OPh)(2)OH)(P(OPh)(2)O)](2) 6 was obtained, whereas reaction of Pd(OAc)(2) with P(OPh)(2)(OH) leads to the polymeric complex [Pd[P(O)(OPh)(2)](2)](n) 7. Protonolysis of 7 with HCl results in the formation of 6.     

Cross-coupling and dehalogenation reactions catalyzed by (N-heterocyclic carbene)Pd(allyl)Cl complexes

A series of well-defined, air- and moisture-stable (NHC)Pd(allyl)Cl (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) complexes has been used in several catalytic reactions: Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling, catalytic dehalogenation of aryl halides, and aryl amination. The scope of the three processes using various substrates was examined. A general system involving the use of (IPr)Pd(allyl)Cl as catalyst and NaO(t)Bu as base has proven to be highly active for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of activated and unactivated aryl chlorides and bromides, for the catalytic dehalogenation of aryl chlorides, and for the catalytic aryl amination of aryl triflates. All reactions proceed in short reaction times and at mild temperatures. The system has also proven to be compatible with the microwave-assisted Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling and catalytic dehalogenation processes, affording yields similar to those of the conventionally heated analogous reactions.     

Pd(II) complexes with mixed benzothiazolin-2-ylidene and phosphine ligands and their catalytic activities toward C-C coupling reactions

Novel Pd(II) mixed N,S-heterocyclic carbene (NSHC)-phosphine complexes of the general formula [PdBr(2)(NSHC)(PR(3))] were obtained from bridge cleavage of dinuclear NSHC complexes of type [PdBr(2)(NSHC)](2) [NSHC = 3-benzylbenzothiazolin-2-ylidene and 3-propylbenzothiazolin-2-ylidene] with triphenylphosphine, tricyclohexylphosphine and 2-diphenylphosphanyl-pyridine. All complexes have been fully characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The X-ray crystal structures of complexes 3-8 are reported. The complexes exhibit moderate to good catalytic activity in the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction of aryl bromides and chlorides.     

Palladium(II) complexes based on 1,8-naphthyridine functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) and their catalytic activity

Palladium complexes containing 2,7-bis(mesitylimidazolylidenyl)naphthyridine (NHC-NP) have been synthesized and characterized. Reaction of [{Ag(3)(NHC-NP)(2)}(PF(6))(3)] with [Pd(PhCN)(2)Cl(2)] provided an unusual dipalladium complex bridged by two NHC-NP units, forming a 20-membered dinuclear metallacycle [{Pd(2)(NHC-NP)(2)Cl(2)}(PF(6))] (2) in high yield. Treatment of 2 with KI in acetone yielded a neutral species [Pd(2)(NHC-NP)I(4)] (3). Meanwhile, the pyridinyl N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC-Py) precursor, 1-(2-pyridinyl)-3-mesitylimidazolium chloride, reacted with Pd(2)(dba)(3) directly to form the mononuclear palladium complex [Pd(NHC-Py)Cl(2)] (4). These complexes were characterized by elemental analyses as well as NMR spectroscopy, and the structures of 3 and 4 were further identified by X-ray diffraction analysis. The use of these palladium complexes for Suzuki-Miyaura and Kumada-Corriu coupling reactions has been examined. There is no significant difference in catalytic activities between 2 and 4 in Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reactions. However, the catalytic activity of 2 in the Kumada-Corriu coupling of ArBr with cyclohexylmagnesium bromide is quite different from that of 4. Thus complex 2 is active for the cross coupling, but complex 4 is active for the reduction of aryl halides.     

Synthesis and reactions of triphenylsilanethiolato complexes of manganese(II), iron(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II)

Reactions of Fe[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2) with 1 and 2 equiv of Ph(3)SiSH in hexane afforded dinuclear silanethiolato complexes, [Fe(N(SiMe(3))(2))(mu-SSiPh(3))](2) (1) and [Fe(SSiPh(3))(mu-SSiPh(3))](2) (2), respectively. Various Lewis bases were readily added to 2, generating mononuclear adducts, Fe(SSiPh(3))(2)(L)(2) [L = CH(3)CN (3a), 4-(t)BuC(5)H(4)N (3b), PEt(3) (3c), (LL) = tmeda (3d)]. From the analogous reactions of M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2) (M = Mn, Co) and [Ni(NPh(2))(2)](2) with Ph(3)SiSH in the presence of TMEDA, the corresponding silanethiolato complexes, M(SSiPh(3))(2)(tmeda) [M = Mn (4), Co (5), Ni (6)], were isolated. Treatment of 3a with (PPh(4))(2)[MoS(4)] or (NEt(4))(2)[FeCl(4)] resulted in formation of a linear trinuclear Fe-Mo-Fe cluster (PPh(4))(2)[MoS(4)(Fe(SSiPh(3))(2))(2)] (7) or a dinuclear complex (NEt(4))(2)[Fe(2)(SSiPh(3))(2)Cl(4)] (8). On the other hand, the reaction of 3a with [Cu(CH(3)CN)(4)](PF(6)) gave a cyclic tetranuclear copper cluster Cu(4)(SSiPh(3))(4) (9), where silanethiolato ligands were transferred from iron to copper. Silicon-sulfur bond cleavage was found to occur when the cobalt complex 5 was treated with (NBu(4))F in THF, and a cobalt-sulfido cluster Co(6)(mu(3)-S)(8)(PPh(3))(6) (10) was isolated upon addition of PPh(3) to the reaction system. The silanethiolato complexes reported here are expected to serve as convenient precursors for sulfido cluster synthesis.     

Palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes with tridentate iminophosphine ligands; synthesis and structural studies

The previously synthesised Schiff-base ligands 2-(2-Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)N[double bond, length as m-dash]CH)-R'-C(6)H(3)OH (R'= 3-OCH(3), HL(1); 5-OCH(3), HL(2); 5-Br, HL(3); 5-Cl, HL(4)) were prepared by a faster, more efficient route involving a microwave assisted co-condensation of 2-(diphenylphosphino)aniline with the appropriate substituted salicylaldehyde. HL(1-4) react directly with M(II)Cl(2)(M = Pd, Pt) or Pt(II)I(2)(cod) affording neutral square-planar complexes of general formula [M(II)Cl(eta(3)-L(1-4))](M = Pd, Pt, 1-8) and [Pt(II)I(eta(3)-L(1-4))](M = Pd, Pt, 9-12). Reaction of complexes 1-4 with the triarylphosphines PR(3)(R = Ph, p-tolyl) gave the novel ionic complexes [Pd(II)(PR(3))(eta(3)-L(1-4))]ClO(4)(13-20). Substituted platinum complexes of the type [Pt(II)(PR(3))(eta(3)-L(1-4))]ClO(4)(R = P(CH(2)CH(2)CN)(3)21-24) and [Pt(II)(P(p-tolyl)(3))(eta(3)-L(3,4))]ClO(4)( 25 and 26 ) were synthesised from the appropriate [Pt(II)Cl(eta(3)-L(1-4))] complex (5-8) and PR(3). The complexes are characterised by microanalytical and spectroscopic techniques. The crystal structures of 3, 6, 10, 15, 20 and 26 were determined and revealed the metal to be in a square-planar four-coordinate environment containing a planar tridentate ligand with an O,N,P donor set together with one further atom which is trans to the central nitrogen atom.