The Striking Stabilization of Ni0(η6‐Arene) Complexes by an Ylide‐Like Silylene Ligand

The right mix does the trick : Elusive {Ni⁰(η⁶‐arene)} moieties can be dramatically stabilized by the N‐heterocyclic silylene ligand 1 , which has a zwitterionic mesomeric structure. The σ, π‐acid–base synergism between nickel and 1 explains the unexpectedly high stability of the new silylene complexes 2 , which enables arene exchange studies at a Ni⁰ center. Addition of B(C₆F₅)₃ to 2 affords the zwitterionic silylene complex 3 (see scheme, R=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃).

     

Gold(III) π‐Allyl Complexes

Gold(III) π‐complexes have been authenticated recently with alkenes, alkynes, and arenes. The key importance of Pd^II π‐allyl complexes in organometallic chemistry (Tsuji–Trost reaction) prompted us to explore gold(III) π‐allyl complexes, which have remained elusive so far. The (P,C)Au^III(allyl) and (methallyl) complexes 3 and 3′ were readily prepared and isolated as thermally and air‐stable solids. Spectroscopic and crystallographic analyses combined with detailed DFT calculations support tight quasi‐symmetric η³‐coordination of the allyl moiety. The π‐allyl gold(III) complexes are activated towards nucleophilic additions, as substantiated with β‐diketo enolates.     

Cationic,Two‐Coordinate Gold π Complexes

Cationic, two‐coordinate gold π complexes that contain a phosphine or N‐heterocyclic supporting ligand have attracted considerable attention recently owing to the potential relevance of these species as intermediates in the gold‐catalyzed functionalization of C? C multiple bonds. Although neutral two‐coordinate gold π complexes have been known for over 40 years, examples of the cationic two‐coordinate gold(I) π complexes germane to catalysis remained undocumented prior to 2006. This situation has changed dramatically in recent years and well‐defined examples of two‐coordinate, cationic gold π complexes containing alkene, alkyne, diene, allene, and enol ether ligands have been documented. This Minireview highlights this recent work with a focus on the structure, bonding, and ligand exchange behavior of these complexes.     

Concurrent Stabilization of π‐Donor and π‐Acceptor Ligands in Aromatized and Dearomatized Pincer [(PNN)Re(CO)(O)2] Complexes

Aromatized cationic [(PNN)Re(π acid)(O)₂]⁺ ( 1 ) and dearomatized neutral [(PNN*)Re(π acid)(O)₂] ( 2 ) complexes (where π acid=CO ( a ), tBuNC ( b ), or (2,6‐Me₂)PhNC ( c )), possessing both π‐donor and π‐acceptor ligands, have been synthesized and fully characterized. Reaction of [(PNN)Re(O)₂]⁺ ( 4 ) with lithiumhexamethyldisilazide (LiHMDS) yield the dearomatized [(PNN*)Re(O)₂] ( 3 ). Complexes 1 and 2 are prepared from the reaction of 4 and 3 , respectively, with CO or isocyanides. Single‐crystal X‐ray structures of 1 a and 1 b show the expected trans‐dioxo structure, in which the oxo ligands occupy the axial positions and the π‐acidic ligand occupies the equatorial plane in an overall octahedral geometry about the rhenium(V) center. DFT studies revealed the stability of complexes 1 and 2 arises from a π‐backbonding interaction between the d_xy orbital of rhenium, the π orbital of the oxo ligands, and the π* orbital of CO/isocyanide.