Synthesis, structure and catalytic activity of the first iridium(I) siloxide versus chloride complexes with 1,3-mesitylimidazolin-2-ylidene ligand

The first iridium(I) complex containing siloxyl and N-heterocyclic carbene ligand such as [Ir(cod)(IMes)(OSiMe₃)] (1) and [Ir(CO)₂(IMes)(OSiMe₃)] (3) have been synthesized and their structures solved by spectroscopy and X-ray methods as well as catalytic properties in selected hydrogenation reactions have been presented in comparison to their chloride analogues, i.e. [Ir(Cl)(cod)(IMes)] (2) and [Ir(Cl)(CO)₂(IMes)] (4). The attempts at synthesis of iridium(I) complex with tert-butoxyl ligand has failed as leading instead to the iridium hydroxide complex [Ir(cod)(OH)(IMes)] (5) whose X-ray structure has also been solved. All complexes (1)-(5) show square planar geometry typical of the four-coordinated iridium complexes. Catalytic activity of complexes 1 and 2 was tested in transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone and hydrogenation of olefins.     

Site-selective and stepwise complexation of two M(cod)+ (M = Rh,Ir) fragments with calix[4]arene

The reaction of [(cod)M(mu-OMe)]2 (M = Rh, Ir; cod = cycloocta-1,5-diene) with calix[4]arenes (LH4) in the molar ratio of 0.5-0.6:1 gave the rhodium and iridium pi-arene complexes [(cod)M(eta 6-LH3)], while that in the molar ratio of 1.1-1.5:1 (M = Rh) led to the selective formation of the dinuclear complexes [((cod)Rh)2(eta 6:eta 2-LH2)] in which one of the Rh(cod)+ fragments is coordinated by an eta 6-aryl group and the other by two phenolic oxygen atoms; the stepwise synthesis of the Rh-Ir heterobimetallic analogue of the latter complex was further achieved.     

Stepwise synthesis of a hydrido, N-heterocyclic dicarbene iridium(III) pincer complex featuring mixed NHC/abnormal NHC ligands

We describe a stepwise synthesis of the hydrido, N-heterocyclic dicarbene iridium(III) pincer complex [Ir(H)I(C(NHC)CC(aNHC))(NCMe)] (3) which features a combination of normal and abnormal NHC ligands. The reaction of the bis(imidazolium) diiodide [(CH(imid)CHCH(imid))]I(2) (1) with [Ir(μ-Cl)(cod)](2) afforded first the mono-NHC Ir(I) complex [IrI(cod)(CH(imid)CHC(NHC))]I (2), which was then reacted with 2 equiv. of Cs(2)CO(3) in acetonitrile at 60 °C for 40 h to yield 3. These observations support our previously proposed mechanism for the formation of hydrido, N-heterocyclic dicarbene iridium(III) pincer complexes from the reaction of bis(imidazolium) salts with weak bases involving a mono-NHC Ir(I) intermediate. We describe the reactivity of the mono-NHC Ir(I) complex 2 under various conditions. By changing the reaction solvent from MeCN to toluene, we observed the cleavage of the imidazol-2-ylidene ring and the formation of an iminoformamide-containing mono-NHC Ir(I) complex [IrI(cod){[NHCH=CHN(Ad)CHO]CHC(NHC)}] (4). Complex 4 was also prepared in high yield from the reaction of 2 with strong bases (potassium tert-butoxide or potassium hexamethyldisilazane), via the initial formation of the complex [IrI(cod)(CH(NHC)CHC(NHC))] (5), which contains a coordinated NHC moiety and a free carbene arm, followed by subsequent hydrolysis of the latter. The bis(imidazolium) salt 1 can be deprotonated by strong bases to form the bis(carbene) ligand C(NHC)CHC(NHC) (6), which readily reacts with [Ir(μ-Cl)(cod)](2) to give the dinuclear complex [{IrI(cod)}(2)(μ-C(NHC)CHC(NHC))] (7), in which the N-heterocyclic bis(carbene) ligand bridges the two metals through the carbene carbon atoms.     

Rhodium/iridium-titanium azaheterometallocubanes

Treatment of [[Ti(eta5-C5Me5)(mu-NH)]3(mu3-N)] (1) with the diolefin complexes [[MCl(cod)]2] (M = Rh, Ir; cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) in toluene afforded the ionic complexes [M-(cod)(mu3-NH)3Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)]Cl [M = Rh (2), Ir (3)]. Reaction of complexes 2 and 3 with [Ag(BPh4)] in dichloromethane leads to anion metathesis and formation of the analogous ionic derivatives [M(cod)(mu3-NH)3Ti3-(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)][BPh4] [M = Rh (4), Ir (5)]. An X-ray crystal structure determination for 5 reveals a cube-type core [IrTi3N4] for the cationic fragment, in which 1 coordinates in a tripodal fashion to the iridium atom. Reaction of the diolefin complexes [[MCl(cod))2] (M = Rh, Ir) and [[RhCl(C2H4)2]2] with the lithium derivative [[Li(mu3-NH)2(mu3-N)-Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)]2] x C7H8 (6 C7H8) in toluene gave the neutral cube-type complexes [M(cod)(mu-NH)2(mu3-N)Ti3-(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)] [M = Rh (7), Ir (8)] and [Rh(C2H4)2(mu3-NH)2(mu3-N)Ti3(eta5-C5Me5)3(mu3-N)] (9), respectively. Density functional theory calculations have been carried out on the ionic and neutral azaheterometallocubane complexes to understand their electronic structures.     

Syntheses, structures, and reactivities of mono- and dinuclear iridium thiolato complexes containing nitrosyl ligands

Reactions of the iridium(III) nitrosyl complex [Ir(NO)Cl2(PPh3)2] (1) with hydrosulfide and arenethiolate anions afforded the square-pyramidal iridium(III) complex [Ir(NO)(SH)2(PPh3)2] (2) with a bent nitrosyl ligand and a series of the square-planar iridium(I) complexes [Ir(NO)(SAr)2(PPh3)] (3a, Ar = C6H2Me3-2,4,6 (Mes); 3b, Ar = C6H3Me2-2,6 (Xy); 3c, Ar = C6H2Pri3-2,4,6) containing a linear nitrosyl ligand, respectively. Complex 1 also reacted with alkanethiolate anions or alkanethiols to give the thiolato-bridged diiridium complexes [Ir(NO)(mu-SPri)(SPri)(PPh3)]2 (4) and [Ir(NO)(mu-SBut)(PPh3)]2 (5). Complex 4 contains two square-pyramidal iridium(III) centers with a bent nitrosyl ligand, whereas 5 contains two tetrahedral iridium(0) centers with a linear nitrosyl ligand and has an Ir-Ir bond. Upon treatment with benzoyl chloride, 3a and 3b were converted into the (diaryl disulfide)- and thiolato-bridged dichlorodiiridium(III) complexes [[IrCl(mu-SC6HnMe4-nCH2)(PPh3)]2(mu-ArSSAr)] (6a, Ar = Mes, n = 2; 6b, Ar = Xy, n = 3) accompanied by a loss of the nitrosyl ligands and cleavage of a C-H bond in an ortho methyl group of the thiolato ligands. Similar treatment of 4 gave the dichlorodiiridium complex [Ir(NO)(PPh3)(mu-SPri)3IrCl2(PPh3)] (7), which has an octahedral dichloroiridium(III) center and a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal Ir(I) atom with a linear nitrosyl ligand. The detailed structures of 3a, 4, 5, 6a, and 7 have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Construction of trinuclear iridium clusters through ancillary ortho-carborane-1,2-diselenolato ligands, with simultaneous iridium-induced B-H activation

The reaction of the 16-electron "pseudo-aromatic" complex Cp*Ir[Se2C2(B10H10)] (1, Cp* = eta5-C5Me5) with [Ir(cod)(micro-OC2H5)]2 leads to the trinuclear iridium complexes {(cod)Ir[Se2C2(B10H8)(OC2H5)]}Ir{[Se2C2(B10H10)]IrCp*} (2), {(cod)Ir[Se2C2(B10H8)(OC2H5)]}Ir{[Se2C2(B10H9)]IrCp*} (3), {Cp*Ir[Se2C2(B10H9)]}{IrSe(2)[C2(B10H9)(OC2H5)]}{[Se2C2(B10H10)] IrCp*} (4) and one mononuclear complex Cp*Ir[Se2C2(B10H8)(OC2H5)(2)] (5). The reactivity of 2 was investigated and revealed that transformation from 2 to 3 occurred thermally in solution. The transoid complex 2 (with the carborane diselenolato units in trans position) can be converted in nearly 90% yield to the cisoid complex 3. In complexes 2, 3, two diselenolato carborane ligands bridge the Ir(3) core, which consists of Ir-Ir metal bonds. Compared with transoid 2, the cisoid 3 contains two iridium-boron bonds. Complex 4 consists of three different coordination environment carborane ligands (Ir-B(cluster): {Cp*Ir[Se2C2(B10H9)]}, O-B(cluster): {[Se2C2(B10H9)](OC2H5)}, and intact carborane: {Cp*Ir[Se2C2 (B10H10)]}) without the presence of a metal-metal bond. Analogous reaction of 1 with [Ir(cod)(micro-OCH(3))](2) results in formation of the trinuclear complex {Cp*Ir[Se2C2(B10H9)]}{IrSe(2)[C2(B10H9)(OCH3)]}{[Se2C2(B10H10)]IrCp*} (6) and mononuclear complex Cp*Ir[Se2C2(B10H8)(OCH3)(2)] (7). The structures of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 have been determined by crystallographic studies.     

Terminal and Bridging Parent Amido 1,5‐Cyclooctadiene Complexes of Rhodium and Iridium

The ready availability of rare parent amido d⁸ complexes of the type [{M(μ‐NH₂)(cod)}₂] (M=Rh ( 1 ), Ir ( 2 ); cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) through the direct use of gaseous ammonia has allowed the study of their reactivity. Both complexes 1 and 2 exchanged the di‐olefines by carbon monoxide to give the dinuclear tetracarbonyl derivatives [{M(μ‐NH₂)(CO)₂}₂] (M=Rh or Ir). The diiridium(I) complex 2 reacted with chloroalkanes such as CH₂Cl₂ or CHCl₃, giving the diiridium(II) products [(Cl)(cod)Ir(μ‐NH₂)₂Ir(cod)(R)] (R=CH₂Cl or CHCl₂) as a result of a two‐center oxidative addition and concomitant metal–metal bond formation. However, reaction with ClCH₂CH₂Cl afforded the symmetrical adduct [{Ir(μ‐NH₂)(Cl)(cod)}₂] upon release of ethylene. We found that the rhodium complex 1 exchanged the di‐olefines stepwise upon addition of selected phosphanes (PPh₃, PMePh₂, PMe₂Ph) without splitting of the amido bridges, allowing the detection of mixed COD/phosphane dinuclear complexes [(cod)Rh(μ‐NH₂)₂Rh(PR₃)₂], and finally the isolation of the respective tetraphosphanes [{Rh(μ‐NH₂)(PR₃)₂}₂]. On the other hand, the iridium complex 2 reacted with PMe₂Ph by splitting the amido bridges and leading to the very rare terminal amido complex [Ir(cod)(NH₂)(PMePh₂)₂]. This compound was found to be very reactive towards traces of water, giving the more stable terminal hydroxo complex [Ir(cod)(OH)(PMePh₂)₂]. The heterocyclic carbene IPr (IPr=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene) also split the amido bridges in complexes 1 and 2 , allowing in the case of iridium to characterize in situ the terminal amido complex [Ir(cod)(IPr)(NH₂)]. However, when rhodium was involved, the known hydroxo complex [Rh(cod)(IPr)(OH)] was isolated as final product. On the other hand, we tested complexes 1 and 2 as catalysts in the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone with iPrOH without the use of any base or in the presence of Cs₂CO₃, finding that the iridium complex 2 is more active than the rhodium analogue 1 .     

Dimethylsulfoxide as a ligand for RhI and IrI complexes--isolation, structure, and reactivity towards X-H bonds (X=H, OH, OCH3)

Novel neutral and cationic Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes that contain only DMSO molecules as dative ligands with S-, O-, and bridging S,O-binding modes were isolated and characterized. The neutral derivatives [RhCl(DMSO)(3)] (1) and [IrCl(DMSO)(3)] (2) were synthesized from the dimeric precursors [M(2)Cl(2)(coe)(4)] (M=Rh, Ir; COE=cyclooctene). The dimeric Ir(I) compound [Ir(2)Cl(2)(DMSO)(4)] (3) was obtained from 2. The first example of a square-planar complex with a bidentate S,O-bridging DMSO ligand, [(coe)(DMSO)Rh(micro-Cl)(micro-DMSO)RhCl(DMSO)] (4), was obtained by treating [Rh(2)Cl(2)(coe)(4)] with three equivalents of DMSO. The mixed DMSO-olefin complex [IrCl(cod)(DMSO)] (5, COD=cyclooctadiene) was generated from [Ir(2)Cl(2)(cod)(2)]. Substitution reactions of these neutral systems afforded the complexes [RhCl(py)(DMSO)(2)] (6), [IrCl(py)(DMSO)(2)] (7), [IrCl(iPr(3)P)(DMSO)(2)] (8), [RhCl(dmbpy)(DMSO)] (9, dmbpy=4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), and [IrCl(dmbpy)(DMSO)] (10). The cationic O-bound complex [Rh(cod)(DMSO)(2)]BF(4) (11) was synthesized from [Rh(cod)(2)]BF(4). Treatment of the cationic complexes [M(coe)(2)(O=CMe(2))(2)]PF(6) (M=Rh, Ir) with DMSO gave the mixed S- and O-bound DMSO complexes [M(DMSO)(2)(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) (Rh=12; Ir=in situ characterization). Substitution of the O-bound DMSO ligands with dmbpy or pyridine resulted in the isolation of [Rh(dmbpy)(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) (13) and [Ir(py)(2)(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) (14). Oxidative addition of hydrogen to [IrCl(DMSO)(3)] (2) gave the kinetic product fac-[Ir(H)(2)Cl(DMSO)(3)] (15) which was then easily converted to the more thermodynamically stable product mer-[Ir(H)(2)Cl(DMSO)(3)] (16). Oxidative addition of water to both neutral and cationic Ir(I) DMSO complexes gave the corresponding hydrido-hydroxo addition products syn-[(DMSO)(2)HIr(micro-OH)(2)(micro-Cl)IrH(DMSO)(2)][IrCl(2)(DMSO)(2)] (17) and anti-[(DMSO)(2)(DMSO)HIr(micro-OH)(2)IrH(DMSO)(2)(DMSO)][PF(6)](2) (18). The cationic [Ir(DMSO)(2)(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) complex (formed in situ from [Ir(coe)(2)(O=CMe(2))(2)]PF(6)) also reacts with methanol to give the hydrido-alkoxo complex syn-[(DMSO)(2)HIr(micro-OCH(3))(3)IrH(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) (19). Complexes 1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, and 19 were characterized by crystallography.     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of rhodium and iridium complexes of the chelating bis-sulfoxide tBuSOC2H4SOtBu. Selective O-H activation of 2-hydroxy-isopropyl-pyridine

The chloro-bridged rhodium and iridium complexes [M2(BTSE)2Cl2] (M = Rh 1, Ir 2) bearing the chelating bis-sulfoxide tBuSOC2H4SOtBu (BTSE) were prepared by the reaction of [M2(COE)4Cl2] (M = Rh, Ir; COE = cyclooctene) with an excess of a racemic mixture of the ligand. The cationic compounds [M(BTSE)2][PF6] (M = Rh 3, Ir 4), bearing one S- and one O-bonded sulfoxide, were also obtained in good yields. The chloro-bridges in 2 can be cleaved with 2-methyl-6-pyridinemethanol and 2-aminomethyl pyridine, resulting in the iridium(I) complexes [Ir(BTSE)(Py)(Cl)] (Py = 2-methyl-6-pyridinemethanol 5, 2-aminomethyl-pyridine 6). In case of the bulky 2-hydroxy- isopropyl-pyridine, selective OH oxidative addition took place, forming the Ir(III)-hydride [Ir(BTSE)(2-isopropoxy-pyridine)(H)(Cl)] 7, with no competition from the six properly oriented C-H bonds. The cationic rhodium(I) and iridium(I) compounds [M(BTSE)(2-aminomethyl-pyridine)][X] (M = Rh 8, Ir 10), [Rh(BTSE)(2-hydroxy- isopropyl-pyridine)][X] 9(stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding), [Ir(BTSE)(pyridine)2][PF6] 12, [Ir(BTSE)(alpha-picoline)2][PF6] 13, and [Rh(BTSE)(1,10-phenanthroline)][PF6] 14 were prepared either by chloride abstraction from the dimeric precursors or by replacement of the labile oxygen bonded sulfoxide in 3 or 4. Complex 14 exhibits a dimeric structure in the solid state by pi-pi stacking of the phenanthroline ligands.     

Iridium Complexes of 2,2′‐Bidipyrrins

The reaction of [{Ir(cod)(μ‐Cl)}₂] and K₂CO₃ or of [{Ir(cod)(μ‐OMe)}₂] alone with the non‐natural tetrapyrrole 2,2′‐bidipyrrin (H₂BDP) yields, depending on the stoichiometry, the mononuclear complex [Ir(cod)(HBDP)] or the homodinuclear complex [{Ir(cod)}₂(BDP)]. Both complexes react readily with carbon monoxide to yield the species [Ir(CO)₂(HBDP)] and [{Ir(CO)₂}₂(BDP)], respectively. The results from NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction reveal different conformations for the tetrapyrrolic ligand in both complexes. The reaction of [{Ir(coe)₂(μ‐Cl)}₂] with H₂BDP proceeds differently and yields the macrocyclic [4e^?,2H⁺]‐oxidized product [IrCl₂(9‐Meic)] (9‐Meic = monoanion of 9‐methyl‐9,10‐isocorrole), which can be addressed as an iridium analog of cobalamin.     

Coordination features of a hybrid scorpionate/phosphane ligand exemplified with Iridium

Although the pentacoordinated complex [Ir{(allyl)B(CH(2)PPh(2))(pz)(2)}(cod)] (1; pz=pyrazolyl, cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene), isolated from the reaction of [{Ir(mu-Cl)(cod)}(2)] with [Li(tmen)][B(allyl)(CH(2)PPh(2))- (pz)(2)] (tmen=N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethane-1,2-diamine), shows behavior similar to that of the related hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate complex, the carbonyl derivatives behave in a quite different way. On carbonylation of 1, the metal--metal-bonded complex [(Ir{(allyl)B(CH(2)PPh(2))(pz)(2)}CO)(2)(mu-CO)] (2) that results has a single ketonic carbonyl bridge. This bridging carbonyl is labile such that upon treatment of 2 with PMe(3) the pentacoordinated Ir(I) complex [Ir(CO){(pz)B(eta(2)-CH(2)CH=CH(2))(CH(2)PPh(2))(pz)}(PMe(3))] (3) was isolated. Complex 3 shows a unique fac coordination of the hybrid ligand with the allyl group eta(2)-bonded to the metal in the equatorial plane of a distorted trigonal bipyramid with one pyrazolate group remaining uncoordinated. This unusual feature can be rationalized on the basis of the electron-rich nature of the metal center. The related complex [Ir(CO){(pz)B(eta(2)-CH(2)CH=CH(2))(CH(2)PPh(2))(pz)}(PPh(3))] (4) was found to exist in solution as a temperature-dependent equilibrium between the cis-pentacoordinated and trans square planar isomers with respect to the phosphorus donor atoms. Protonation of 3 with different acids is selective at the iridium center and gives the cationic hydrides [Ir{(allyl)B(CH(2)PPh(2))(pz)(2)}(CO)H(PMe(3))]X (X=BF(4) (5), MeCO(2) (6), and Cl (7)). Complex 7 further reacts with HCl to generate the unexpected product [Ir(CO)Cl{(Hpz)B(CH(2)PPh(2))(pz)CH(2)CH(Me)}(PMe(3))]Cl (9; Hpz=protonated pyrazolyl group) formed by the insertion of the hydride into the Ir-(eta(2)-allyl) bond. In contrast, protonation of complex 4 with HCl stops at the hydrido complex [Ir{(allyl)B(CH(2)PPh(2))(pz)(2)}(CO)H(PPh(3))]Cl (8). X-ray diffraction studies carried out on complexes 2, 3, and 9 show the versatility of the hybrid scorpionate ligand in its coordination.     

New diphosphine ligands containing ethyleneglycol and amino alcohol spacers for the rhodium-catalyzed carbonylation of methanol

The new diphosphine ligands Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)C(O)X(CH(2))(2)OC(O)C(6)H(4)PPh(2) (1: X=NH; 2: X=NPh; 3: X=O) and Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)C(O)O(CH(2))(2)O(CH(2))(2)OC(O)C(6)H(4)PPh(2) (5) as well as the monophosphine ligand Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)C(O)X(CH(2))(2)OH (4) have been prepared from 2-diphenylphosphinobenzoic acid and the corresponding amino alcohols or diols. Coordination of the diphosphine ligands to rhodium, iridium, and platinum resulted in the formation of the square-planar complexes [(Pbond;P)Rh(CO)Cl] (6: Pbond;P=1; 7: Pbond;P=2; 8: Pbond;P=3), [(Pbond;P)Rh(CO)Cl](2) (9: Pbond;P=5), [(P-P)Ir(cod)Cl] (10: Pbond;P=1; 11: Pbond;P=2; 12: Pbond;P=3), [(Pbond;P)Ir(CO)Cl] (13: Pbond;P=1; 14: Pbond;P=2; 15: Pbond;P=3), and [(Pbond;P)PtI(2)] (18: Pbond;P=2). In all complexes, the diphosphine ligands are trans coordinated to the metal center, thanks to the large spacer groups, which allow the two phosphorus atoms to occupy opposite positions in the square-planar coordination geometry. The trans coordination is demonstrated unambiguously by the single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of complex 18. In the case of the diphosphine ligand 5, the spacer group is so large that dinuclear complexes with ligand 5 in bridging positions are formed, maintaining the trans coordination of the P atoms on each metal center, as shown by the crystal structure analysis of 9. The monophosphine ligand 4 reacts with [[Ir(cod)Cl](2)] (cod=cyclooctadiene) to give the simple derivative [(4)Ir(cod)Cl] (16) which is converted into the carbonyl complex [(4)Ir(CO)(2)Cl] (17) with carbon monoxide. The crystal structure analysis of 16 also reveals a square-planar coordination geometry in which the phosphine ligand occupies a position cis with respect to the chloro ligand. The diphosphine ligands 1, 2, 3, and 5 have been tested as cocatalysts in combination with the catalyst precursors [[Rh(CO)(2)Cl](2)] and [[Ir(cod)Cl](2)] or [H(2)IrCl(6)] for the carbonylation of methanol at 170 degrees C and 22 bar CO. The best results (TON 800 after 15 min) are obtained for the combination 2/[[Rh(CO)(2)Cl](2)]. After the catalytic reaction, complex 7 is identified in the reaction mixture and can be isolated; it is active for further runs without loss of catalytic activity.     

Ligand‐Centred Reactivity of Bis(picolyl)amine Iridium: Sequential Deprotonation,Oxidation and Oxygenation of a “Non‐Innocent” Ligand

Treatment of [Ir(bpa)(cod)]⁺ complex [ 1 ]⁺ with a strong base (e.g., tBuO^?) led to unexpected double deprotonation to form the anionic [Ir(bpa?2H)(cod)]^? species [ 3 ]^?, via the mono‐deprotonated neutral amido complex [Ir(bpa?H)(cod)] as an isolable intermediate. A certain degree of aromaticity of the obtained metal–chelate ring may explain the favourable double deprotonation. The rhodium analogue [ 4 ]^? was prepared in situ. The new species [M(bpa?2H)(cod)]^? (M=Rh, Ir) are best described as two‐electron reduced analogues of the cationic imine complexes [M^I(cod)(Py‐CH₂‐N?CH‐Py)]⁺. One‐electron oxidation of [ 3 ]^? and [ 4 ]^? produced the ligand radical complexes [ 3 ]^. and [ 4 ]^.. Oxygenation of [ 3 ]^? with O₂ gave the neutral carboxamido complex [Ir(cod)(py‐CH₂‐N‐CO‐py)] via the ligand radical complex [ 3 ]^. as a detectable intermediate.     

Synthesis of paramagnetic tetranuclear rhodium and iridium complexes with the 2,6-pyridinedithiolate ligand. Redox-induced degradation to diamagnetic triiridium compounds

The tetranuclear complexes [M4(mu-PyS2)2(diolefin)4] [PyS2 = 2,6-pyridinedithiolate; M = Rh, diolefin = cod (1,5-cyclooctadiene) (1), tfbb (tetrafluorobenzo[5,6]bicyclo[2.2.2]octa-2,5,7-triene) (2); M = Ir, diolefin = cod (3), tfbb (4)] exhibit two one-electron oxidations at a platinum disk electrode in dichloromethane at potentials accessible by chemical reagents. The rhodium tetranuclear complexes were selectively oxidized to the monocationic complexes [Rh4(mu-PyS2)2(diolefin)4](+) (1(+), 2(+)) by mild one-electron oxidants such as [Cp2Fe](+) or [N(C6H4Br-4)3](+) and isolated as the PF6(-), BF4(-), and ClO4(-) salts. Silver salts behave as noninnocent one-electron oxidants for the reactions with the rhodium complexes 1 and 2 since they give sparingly soluble coordination polymers. The complex [Ir4(mu-PyS2)2(cod)4](+) (3(+)) was obtained as the tetrafluoroborate salt by reaction of 3 with 1 molar equiv of AgBF4, but the related complex 4(+) could not be isolated from the chemical oxidation of [Ir4(mu-PyS2)2(tfbb)4] (4) with AgBF4. Oxidation of 3 and 4 with 2 molar equiv of common silver salts resulted in the fragmentation of the complexes to give the diamagnetic triiridium cations [Ir3(mu-PyS2)2(diolefin)3](+). The molecular structure of [Ir3(mu-PyS2)2(cod)3]BF4, determined by X-ray diffraction methods, showed the three metal atoms within an angular arrangement. Both 2,6-pyridinedithiolate tridentate ligands bridge two metal-metal bonded d(7) centers in pseudo octahedral environments and one d(8) square-planar iridium center. An interpretation of the EPR spectra of the 63-electron mixed-valence paramagnetic tetranuclear complexes suggests that the unpaired electron is delocalized over two of the metal atoms in the complexes 1(+)-3(+).     

Synthesis, structural characterization, and ligand replacement reactions of gem-dithiolato-bridged rhodium and iridium complexes

The reaction of gem-dithiol compounds R 2C(SH) 2 (R = Bn (benzyl), (i) Pr; R 2 = -(CH 2) 4-) with dinuclear rhodium or iridium complexes containing basic ligands such as [M(mu-OH)(cod)] 2 and [M(mu-OMe)(cod)] 2, or the mononuclear [M(acac)(cod)] (M = Rh, Ir, cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) in the presence of a external base, afforded the dinuclear complexes [M 2(mu-S 2CR 2)(cod) 2] ( 1- 4). The monodeprotonation of 1,1-dimercaptocyclopentane gave the mononuclear complex [Rh(HS 2Cptn)(cod)] ( 5) that is a precursor for the dinuclear compound [Rh 2(mu-S 2Cptn)(cod) 2] ( 6). Carbonylation of the diolefin compounds gave the complexes [Rh 2(mu-S 2CR 2)(CO) 4] ( 7- 9), which reacted with P-donor ligands to stereoselectively produce the trans isomer of the disubstituted complexes [Rh 2(mu-S 2CR 2)(CO) 2(PR' 3) 2] (R' = Ph, Cy (cyclohexyl)) ( 10- 13) and [Rh 2(mu-S 2CBn 2)(CO) 2{P(OR') 3} 2] (R' = Me, Ph) ( 14- 15). The substitution process in [Rh 2(mu-S 2CBn 2)(CO) 4] ( 7) by P(OMe) 3 has been studied by spectroscopic means and the full series of substituted complexes [Rh 2(mu-S 2CBn 2)(CO) 4- n {P(OR) 3} n ] ( n = 1, 4) has been identified in solution. The cis complex [Rh 2(mu-S 2CBn 2)(CO) 2(mu-dppb)] ( 16) was obtained by reaction of 7 with the diphosphine dppb (1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane). The molecular structures of the diolefinic dinuclear complexes [Rh 2(mu-S 2CR 2)(cod) 2] (R = Bn ( 1), (i) Pr ( 2); R 2 = -(CH 2) 4- ( 6)) and that of the cis complex 16 have been studied by X-ray diffraction.     

Potassium S2N-heteroscorpionates: structure and iridaboratrane formation

The potassium salts of the new S(2)N-heteroscorpionate ligand hydrobis(methimazolyl)(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate [HB(mt)(2)(pz(3,5-Me))](-) and its known analogue hydrobis(methimazolyl)(pyrazolyl)borate [HB(mt)(2)(pz)](-) (prepared from KTp' or KTp and methimazole, Hmt), and the adduct KTp·Hmt have polymeric structures in the solid state (the first a ladder and the other two chains). The iridaboratranes [IrHLL'{B(mt)(2)X}] (X = pz(3,5-Me) or pz), prepared from the heteroscorpionate anion and [{Ir(cod)(μ-Cl)}(2)] (LL' = cod), subsequent carbonylation [LL' = (CO)(2)] and then reaction with phosphine [LL' = (CO)(PR(3)), R = Ph or Cy], have a pendant pyrazolyl ring and a bicyclo-[3.3.0] cage formed by an S(2)-bound B(mt)(2) fragment. The binuclear species [(cod)HIr{μ-B(mt)(3)}IrCl(cod)], the only isolated product of the reaction of KTm with [{Ir(cod)(μ-Cl)}(2)], also has an S(2)-bound iridaboratrane unit but with the third mt ring linked to square planar iridium(I).     

Asymmetric hydrogenation of prochiral olefins catalysed by furanoside thioether-phosphinite Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes

Thioether-phosphinite ligands (P-SR, R = Ph, Pr(I) and Me) bearing substituents with different steric demands on the sulfur centre were tested in the rhodium- and iridium-catalysed asymmetric hydrogenation of prochiral olefins. High enantiomeric excesses (up to 96%) and good activities (TOF up to 860 mol product x (mol catalyst precursor x h)(-1)) were obtained for alpha-acylaminoacrylates derivatives. Our results show that enantiomeric excesses depended strongly on the steric properties of the substituent in the thioether moiety, the metal source and the substrate structure. A bulky group in the thioether moiety along with the metal Rh had a positive effect on enantioselectivity. Reaction of these chiral ligands with [M(cod)2]BF4(M = Ir, Rh; cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) yielded complexes [M(cod)(P-SR)]BF4, which were present in only one diastereomeric form having the sulfur substituent in a pseudoaxial disposition. The addition of H2 to iridium complexes gave the cis-dihydridoiridium(iii) complexes [IrH2(cod)(P-SR)]BF4. For complexes [IrH2(cod)(P-SPh)]BF4 and [IrH2(cod)(P-SMe)] only one isomer was present in solution. However, for the complex [IrH2(cod)(P-Si-Pr)]BF4, which contained the more hindered substituent on sulfur, two isomers were detected. In all cases there was a pseudoaxial disposition of the sulfur substituents.     

Catalyst‐Controlled Regiodivergent CH Borylation of Multifunctionalized Heteroarenes by Using Iridium Complexes

The regiodivergent C?H borylation of 2,5‐disubstituted heteroarenes with bis(pinacolato)diboron was achieved by using iridium catalysts formed in situ from [Ir(OMe)(cod)]₂/dtbpy (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene, dtbpy: 4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) or [Ir(OMe)(cod)]₂/2 AsPh₃. When [Ir(OMe)(cod)]₂/dtbpy was used as the catalyst, borylation at the 4‐position proceeded selectively to afford 4‐borylated products in high yields (dtbpy system A). The regioselectivity changed when the [Ir(OMe)(cod)]₂/2 AsPh₃ catalyst was used; 3‐borylated products were obtained in high yields with high regioselectivity (AsPh₃ system B). The regioselectivity of borylation was easily controlled by changing the ligands. This reaction was used in the syntheses of two different bioactive compound analogues by using the same starting material.     

Synthesis and characterization of heterometallic clusters (Ir2Rh, Ir2W, Rh3) Containing 1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12)-1,2-dithiolate chelate ligands, [(B10H10)C2S2]2-

The 16-electron half-sandwich complex [Cp*Ir[S2C2(B10H10)]] (Cp* = eta5-C5Me5) (1a) reacts with [[Rh(cod)(mu-Cl)]2] (cod = cycloocta-1,5-diene, C8H12) in different molar ratios to give three products, [[Cp*Ir[S2C2(B10H9)]]Rh(cod)] (2), trans-[[Cp*Ir[S2C2(B10H9)]]Rh[[S2C2(B10H10)]IrCp*]] (3), and [Rh2(cod)2[(mu-SH)(mu-SC)(CH)(B10H10)]] (4). Complex 3 contains an Ir2Rh backbone with two different Ir-Rh bonds (3.003(3) and 2.685(3) angstroms). The dinuclear complex 2 reacts with the mononuclear 16-electron complex 1a to give 3 in refluxing toluene. Reaction of 1a with [W(CO)3(py)3] (py = C5H5N) in the presence of BF3.EtO2 leads to the trinuclear cluster [[Cp*Ir[S2C2(B10H10)]]2W(CO)2] (5) together with [[Cp*Ir(CO)[S2C2(B10H10)]]W(CO)5] (6), and [Cp*Ir(CO)[S2C2(B10H10)]] (7). Analogous reactions of [Cp*Rh[S2C2(B10H10)]] (1 b) with [[Rh(cod)(mu-Cl)]2] were investigated and two complexes cis-[[Cp*Rh[S2C2(B10H10)]]2Rh] (8) and trans-[[Cp*Rh[S2C2(B10H10)]]2Rh] (9) were obtained. In refluxing THF solution, the cisoid 8 is converted in more than 95 % yield to the transoid 9. All new complexes 2-9 were characterized by NMR spectroscopy (1H, 11B NMR) and X-ray diffraction structural analyses are reported for complexes 2-5, 8, and 9.     

Cubane-type heterometallic sulfido clusters: incorporation of two metal fragments into a dinuclear ReS(mu-S)2ReS core affording bimetallic M2Re2(mu 3-S)4 clusters (M = Ru,Pt, Cu) or trimetallic MM'Re2(mu 3-S)4 clusters via incomplete cubane-type MRe2(mu 3-S)(mu 2-S)3 intermediates (M = Ru,Rh, Ir; M' = Mo,W, Pd,Ru, Rh)

Reactions of a dirhenium tetra(sulfido) complex [PPh(4)](2)[ReS(L)(mu-S)(2)ReS(L)] (L = S(2)C(2)(SiMe(3))(2)) with a series of group 8-11 metal complexes in MeCN at room temperature afforded either the cubane-type clusters [M(2)(ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)] (M = CpRu (2), PtMe(3), Cu(PPh(3)) (4); Cp = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) or the incomplete cubane-type clusters [M(ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(mu(2)-S)(3)] (M = (eta(6)-C(6)HMe(5))Ru (5), CpRh (6), CpIr (7)), depending on the nature of the metal complexes added. It has also been disclosed that the latter incomplete cubane-type clusters can serve as the good precursors to the trimetallic cubane-type clusters still poorly precedented. Thus, treatment of 5-7 with a range of metal complexes in THF at room temperature resulted in the formation of novel trimetallic cubane-type clusters, including the neutral clusters [[(eta(6)-C(6)HMe(5))Ru][W(CO)(3)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)], [(CpM)[W(CO)(3)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)] (M = Rh, Ir), [(Cp*Ir)[Mo(CO)(3)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)], [[(eta(6)-C(6)HMe(5))Ru][Pd(PPh(3))](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)], and [(Cp*Ir)[Pd(PPh(3))](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)] (13) along with the cationic clusters [(Cp*Ir)(CpRu)(ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)][PF(6)] (14) and [(Cp*Ir)[Rh(cod)](ReL)(2)(mu(3)-S)(4)][PF(6)] (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene). The X-ray analyses have been carried out for 2, 4, 7, 13, and the SbF(6) analogue of 14 (14') to confirm their bimetallic cubane-type, bimetallic incomplete cubane-type, or trimetallic cubane-type structures. Fluxional behavior of the incomplete cubane-type and trimetallic cubane-type clusters in solutions has been demonstrated by the variable-temperature (1)H NMR studies, which is ascribable to both the metal-metal bond migration in the cluster cores and the pseudorotation of the dithiolene ligand bonded to the square pyramidal Re centers, where the temperatures at which these processes proceed have been found to depend upon the nature of the metal centers included in the cluster cores.