Synthesis and characterization of rigid +2 and +3 heteroleptic dinuclear ruthenium(II) complexes

Synthesis and characterization of the dinuclear ruthenium coordination complexes with heteroleptic ligand sets, [Cl(terpy)Ru(tpphz)Ru(terpy)Cl](PF₆)₂(7) and [(phen)₂Ru(tpphz)Ru(terpy)Cl](PF₆)₃(8), are reported. Both structures contain a tetrapyrido[3,2-α:2′,3′-c:3′′,2′′-h:2′′,3′′-j]phenazine (tpphz) (6) ligand bridging the two metal centers. Complex 7 was obtained via ligand exchange between, RuCl₂(terpy)DMSO (5) and a tpphz bridge. Complex 8 was obtained via ligand exchange between, [Ru(phen)₂tpphz](PF₆)₂(4) and RuCl₂(terpy)DMSO (5). Metal-to-ligand-charge-transfer (MLCT) absorptions are sensitive to ligand set composition and are significantly red-shifted due to more electron donating ligands. Complexes 7–9 have been characterized by analytical, spectroscopic (IR, NMR, and UV–Vis), and mass spectrometric techniques. The electronic spectral properties of 7, 8, and [(phen)₂Ru(tpphz)Ru(phen)₂](PF₆)₄(9), a previously reported +4 analog, are presented together. The different terminal ligands of 7, 8, and 9 shift the energy of the MLCT and the π–π* transition of the bridging ligand. These shifts in the spectra are discussed in the context of density functional theory (DFT). A model is proposed suggesting that low-lying orbitals of the bridging ligand accept electron density from the metal center which can facilitate electron transfer to nanoparticles like single walled carbon nanotubes and colloidal gold.     

Phosphite ligands derived from distally and proximally substituted dipropyloxy calix[4]arenes and their palladium complexes: Solution dynamics, solid-state structures and catalysis

Two bisphosphite ligands, 25,27-bis-(2,2′-biphenyldioxyphosphinoxy)-26,28-dipropyloxy-p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene (3) and 25,26-bis-(2,2′-biphenyldioxyphosphinoxy)-27,28-dipropyloxy-p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene (4) and two monophosphite ligands, 25-hydroxy-27-(2,2′-biphenyldioxyphosphinoxy)-26,28-dipropyloxy-p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene (5) and 25-hydroxy-26-(2,2′-biphenyldioxyphosphinoxy)-27,28-dipropyloxy- p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene (6) have been synthesized. Treatment of (allyl) palladium precursors [(η³-1,3-R,R′-C₃H₄)Pd(Cl)]₂ with ligand 3 in the presence of NH₄PF₆ gives a series of cationic allyl palladium complexes (3a-3d). Neutral allyl complexes (3e-3g) are obtained by the treatment of the allyl palladium precursors with ligand 3 in the absence of NH₄PF₆. The cationic allyl complexes [(η³-C₃H₅)Pd(4)]PF₆ (4a) and [(η³-Ph₂C₃H₃)Pd(4)]PF₆ (4b) have been synthesized from the proximally (1,2-) substituted bisphosphite ligand 4. Treatment of ligand 4 with [Pd(COD)Cl₂] gives the palladium dichloride complex, [PdCl₂(4)] (4c). The solid-state structures of [{(η³-1-CH₃-C₃H₄)Pd(Cl)}₂(3)] (3f) and [PdCl₂(4)] (4c) have been determined by X-ray crystallography; the calixarene framework in 3f adopts the pinched cone conformation whereas in 4c, the conformation is in between that of cone and pinched cone. Solution dynamics of 3f has been studied in detail with the help of two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy.The solid-state structures of the monophosphite ligands 5 and 6 have also been determined; the calix[4]arene framework in both molecules adopts the cone conformation. Reaction of the monophosphite ligands (5, 6) with (allyl) palladium precursors, in the absence of NH₄PF₆, yield a series of neutral allyl palladium complexes (5a-5c; 6a-6d). Allyl palladium complexes of proximally substituted ligand 6 showed two diastereomers in solution owing to the inherently chiral calix[4]arene framework. Ligands 3, 6 and the allyl palladium complex 3f have been tested for catalytic activity in allylic alkylation reactions.     

Tethered silyl complexes from nucleophilic substitution reactions at the Si-Cl bond of the chloro(diphenyl)silyl ligand in Ru(SiClPh2)(κ-S2CNMe2)(CO)(PPh3)2

Crystal structure determination of RuH(κ²-S₂CNMe₂)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (1) confirms that the triphenylphosphine ligands are arranged mutually trans. 1 reacts readily with HSiClPh₂ to eliminate H₂ and produce the six-coordinate silyl complex, Ru(SiClPh₂)(κ²-S₂CNMe₂)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (2). Crystal structure determination of 2 reveals the same geometrical arrangement of ligands as in 1 with the silyl ligand replacing the hydride ligand. The chloride bound to silicon in 2 is replaced through reactions with 2-hydroxypyridine, 2-aminopyridine, and thallium acetate, producing, respectively, the mono-PPh₃ complexes, Ru(κ²(Si,N)-SiPh₂OC₅H₄N)(κ²-S₂CNMe₂)(CO)(PPh₃) (3), Ru(κ²(Si,N)-SiPh₂NHC₅H₄N)(κ²-S₂CNMe₂)(CO)(PPh₃) (4), and Ru(κ²(Si,O)-SiPh₂OCMeO)(κ²-S₂CNMe₂)(CO)(PPh₃) (5). Crystal structure determinations of 3, 4, and 5 confirm that in each case there is formation of a five-membered chelate ring tethering the silyl ligand to ruthenium. In the formation of 3, 4, and 5 the Si-ligand and the two S atoms of the dimethyldithiocarbamate ligand remain meridional but the remaining triphenylphosphine ligand and the carbonyl ligand are interchanged in position leaving the donor atom of the tether trans to the CO ligand. An alternative way of considering the tethered silyl ligands in 3, 4, and 5 is as tethered, base-stabilised, silylene ligands and the structural data give some support for a contribution from this bonding model.     

Salen-ligands based on a planar-chiral hydroxyferrocene moiety: Synthesis, coordination chemistry and use in asymmetric silylcyanation

Condensation of the O-protected hydroxyferrocene carbaldehyde (S_p)-1 with suitable diamines, followed by liberation of the hydroxyferrocene moiety leads to a new type of ferrocene-based salen ligands (3). While the use of ethylenediamine in the condensation reaction yields the planar-chiral ethylene-bridged ligand [(S_p,S_p)-3a], reaction with the enantiomers of trans-1,2-cyclohexylendiamine gives rise to the corresponding diastereomeric cyclohexylene-bridged systems [(S,S,S_p,S_p)-3b and (R,R,S_p,S_p)-3c], which feature a combination of a planar-chiral ferrocene unit with a centrochiral diamine backbone. Starting with the ferrocene-aldehyde derivative (R_p)-1, the enantiomeric ligand series (3d/e/f) is accessible via the same synthetic route.The (S_p)-series of these newly developed N₂O₂-type ligands was used for the construction of the corresponding mononuclear bis(isopropoxy)titanium (4a/b/c), methylaluminum (5a/b/c) and chloroaluminum-complexes (6a/b/c), which were isolated in good yields and identified by X-ray diffraction in several cases. The aluminum complexes (5/6) were successfully used in the Lewis-acid catalyzed addition of trimethylsilylcyanide to benzaldehyde, yielding the corresponding cyanohydrins in 45-62% enantiomeric excess.     

Reactions of [Fe3Cp2(CO)3(μ-CO)(μ3-CO)(μ3-CF3C2CF3)] with diphosphines: X-ray structure of a complex in which two tri-iron clusters are linked only by Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2

Reactions of the trinuclear iron cluster [Fe₃Cp₂(CO)₃(μ-CO)(μ₃-CO)(μ₃-CF₃C₂CF₃)] (1) with the bis(phosphino) ligands dppm and dppe give different results: dppe yields mainly the hexanuclear compound (2) in which two tri-iron cluster units are linked by the diphosphine, although a trinuclear derivative (3) with a chelating dppe ligand is also obtained as a minor product, whereas dppm displaces carbonyl to give complexes containing exclusively a single tri-iron unit, though the phosphine may be either dangling (4) or chelating (5). The complexes 2-5 have been characterised by elemental analyses and from their IR and NMR spectra, supplemented in the case of 2 by a single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthesis of tridentate 2,6-bis(imino)pyridyl aminechlorohydro ruthenium(II) complexes: The convenient use of amine hydrochlorides to generate metal-hydride

The reaction of low-valent ruthenium complexes with 2,6-bis(imino)pyridine ligand, [η²-N₃]Ru(η⁶-Ar) (1) or {[N₃]Ru}₂(μ-N₂) (2) with amine hydrochlorides generates six-coordinate chlorohydro ruthenium (II) complexes with amine ligands, [N₃]Ru(H)(Cl)(amine) (4). Either complex 1 or 2 activates amine hydrochlorides 3, and the amines coordinate to the ruthenium center to give complex 4. This is a convenient and useful synthetic approach to form ruthenium complexes with amine and hydride ligands using amine hydrochloride.     

Synthesis, characterization and spectroscopic studies of cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes containing meta-bis(2-pyridoxy)benzene

A series of mononuclear and binuclear cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes containing new terdentate meta-bis(2-pyridoxy)benzene ligands: 3,5-bis(2-pyridoxy)toluene (L₁H) and 3,5-bis(2-pyridoxy)-2-dodecylbenzene (L₂H): [Pt(L₁)Cl] (1), [Pt(L₂)Cl] (2), [Pt(L₁)(CH₃CN)](ClO₄) (3), {[Pt(L₁)]₂(μ-dppm)}(ClO₄)₂ (4), {[Pt(L₂)]₂(μ-dppm)}(ClO₄)₂ (5), {[Pt(L₁)]₂(μ-pyrazole)}(ClO₄) (6), {[Pt(L₂)]₂(μ-pyrazole)}(ClO₄) (7), {[Pt(L₁)]₂(μ-imidazole)}(ClO₄) (8) and {[Pt(L₂)]₂(μ-imidazole)}(ClO₄) (9), have been synthesized and characterized. These ligands are coordinated to platinum(II) in a “pincer”-like manner and the presence of pyridyl donors enhances the availability of the ligand π^∗ orbitals for electronic transition. Spectroscopic properties of these cyclometalated complexes were studied. While the non-coplanar nature of the ligands hinders ligand-ligand and metal-metal interactions in these cyclometalated complexes, the presence of long hydrocarbon side chain on ligand L₂H seems to alleviate such hindrance. Intermolecular π-π, and possibly Pt-Pt interactions were observed in complex 2 at high concentration.     

Syntheses and coordination chemistry of methylpyridylphosphine oxide ligands with copper(II)

The coordination properties of three heterofunctional phosphine oxide ligands, 2-methylpyridyldiphenylphosphine oxide (L1), phenylphosphino-bis-2-methylpyridine oxide (L2) and phenylphosphino-bis-2-methylpyridine N,N′,P-trioxide (L3) with Cu(II) is described. The X-ray crystal structures of the compounds display a distorted octahedral geometry, which exhibit Jahn–Teller distortions. In compounds 1 and 2, the L1 and L2 ligands react with Cu(BF₄)₂ in a 2:1 ligand to metal ratio, respectively, with the BF₄ anions interacting with the metal center. L3 reacts with Cu(BF₄)₂ in 1:1 and 2:1 ligand/metal ratios to form compounds 3 and 4, respectively. Addition of either 2,2′-bipyridine or 4,4′-bipyridine to reaction solutions containing Cu(BF₄)₂ and L3 produces a discrete molecule (5) and a polymeric structure (7), respectively. The reaction of both bipyridines in the presence of Cu(BF₄)₂ and L3 gives rise to a discrete molecule (6) characterized by two octahedral coppers interconnected by the 4,4′-bipyridine. The electrochemical and photophysical properties of all compounds were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and UV–Vis, as they exhibited no emission or excitation in fluorimetric experiments.     

New copper(II) 1D polymer containing dimethyl(phenylsulfonyl)amidophosphate: Synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic properties

The reaction of sodium dimethyl(phenylsulfonyl)amidophosphate NaL (HL = C₆H₅SO₂NHP(O)(OCH₃)₂) with Cu(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O and o-bpe (1,2-bis(pyridine-2-yl)ethane) in appropriate ratios, afford the formation of 1D coordination polymer [Cu(L)₂ · o-bpe]_n in good yield. The crystal structures of HL (1) and [Cu(L)₂ · o-bpe]_n (2) are reported. In the crystal package the molecules of 1 are linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonds formed by the phosphoryl oxygen atoms which serve as acceptors and nitrogen atoms of amide groups as donors. The crystal structure of 2 indicates the presence of unsaturated Cu(L)₂ unit bridged by o-bpe ligand in the one-dimensional polymeric chain. The Cu(II) atoms have distorted 4 + 2 octahedral CuO₄N₂ environment formed by the oxygen atoms belonging to the sulfonyl and phosphoryl groups of two deprotonated chelate ligands and nitrogen atoms of the bridging o-bpe ligands.     

Macrocyclic vs acyclic derivatives of chiral bis(oxazolines); ligand distortion and enantioselectivity of Pd(II) complexes in catalytic allylic alkylation

Pd(II) complexes of acyclic (1,2;4,5) and macrocyclic (3,6-10) derivatives of 1,5-bis(oxazolines), are tested in the enantioselective allylic alkylation of racemic 1,3-diphenyl-3-acetoxyprop-2-ene (14) by dimethylmalonate anion to allyl malonate derivative 15. Conformation in solution of representative allyl Pd(II) complexes 12 and 13 is studied by 2D NMR and CD spectroscopy. 2D NMR data reveal loss of C₂ symmetry of the ligands in Pd(II)allyl-bis(oxazoline) complexes. CD spectra indicate distortion of the bidentate ligand in the complex and a conformationally forced larger twist between two chromophores in the macrocyclic complex. Only moderate variation of enantioselectivity with the length and ring size of the ligand is observed, and a rationale offered.     

Stabilization of the labile metal configuration in halfsandwich complexes [CpRh(PN)Hal]X

PN ligands 3 and 4, derived from 2-diphenylphosphanylmethylpyridine 2a, were synthesized, to which in the backbone a tether to a cyclopentadiene system and for comparison an ⁱPr substituent were attached. The chiral compounds were resolved by introduction of a menthoxy substituent into the 2-position of the pyridine system and/or palladium complexes with enantiomerically pure co-ligands. The tripod ligand 3b contains three different binding sites (Cp, P, N) connected by a resolved chiral carbon atom. (S_C)-configuration of this tripod ligand enforces (R_Rh)-configuration at the metal atom in the halfsandwich rhodium complex (L_Ment,S_C,R_Rh)-7b. The opposite metal configuration is inaccessible. Substitution of the chloro ligand in (L_Ment,S_C,R_Rh)-7b by halide (Br, I) or pseudohalide (N₃, CN, SCN) ligands occurs with retention of configuration to give complexes 8b-11b. However, in the reaction of (L_Ment,S_C,R_Rh)-7b with PPh₃ the pyridine arm of the tripod ligand in compound 13b becomes detached from the metal atom. In the Cp*Rh and CpRh compounds of the bidentate PN ligands 4a and 4b both metal configurations are accessible and in complexes 14a-17a and 14b-17b they equilibrate fast. The stereochemical assignments are corroborated by 9 X-ray analyses.     

Zinc(II) complexes with novel 1,3-thiazine/pyrazole derivative ligands: Synthesis, structural characterization and effect of coordination on the phagocytic activity of human neutrophils

The new ligands 2-(1-pyrazolil)-1,3-thiazine (PzTz), 2-(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolil)-1,3-thiazine (DMPzTz) and 2-(3,5-diphenyl-1-pyrazolil)-1,3-thiazine (DPhPzTz) and the complexes [ZnCl₂(H₂O)(PzTz)] (1), [ZnCl₂(DMPzTz)] (2) and [ZnCl₂(DPhPzTz)] (3) have been isolated and then characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Besides, the crystal structure of ligands PzTz and DPhPzTz and complexes 1-3 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In 1, the geometry around the Zn(II) atom can be considered a highly distorted trigonal bipyramid, with the metallic atom bonded to two chlorine atoms, one water molecule and one bidentate PzTz ligand. In 2 and 3, the environment around the metal ion can be described as a distorted tetrahedron with the zinc atom coordinated to one bidentate organic ligand molecule and two chloro ligands. In addition, the phagocytic function of human neutrophils treated with complexes 1-3, their organic ligands and ZnCl₂ has been evaluated. The activity of cells enhanced in samples treated with 1, 2 and 3 with respect to the ones to which the inorganic salt, PzTz, DMPzTz or DPhPzTz were added.     

Syntheses, structures and ligand conformations of Cu(II), Co(II) and Ag(I) complexes containing the phosphinic amide ligands

The syntheses, structures and ligand conformations of the complexes trans-Cu(L1)₂(ClO₄)₂, (L1 = N-(2-pyrimidinyl)-P,P-diphenyl-phosphinic amide), 1, [trans-Co(L1)₂(CH₃OH)₂](ClO₄)₂·O(C₂H₅)₂, 2, [trans-Co(L2)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂·2CH₃OH, (L2 = N-(2-pyridinyl)-P,P-diphenyl-phosphinic amide), 3, [cis-Co(L2)₂(NO₃)](NO₃), 4, and [Ag(L3)(NO₃)(CH₃CN)]_∞, (L3 = N-(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)-P,P-diphenyl-phosphinic amide), 5, are reported. The L1 and L2 ligands in the monomeric complexes 1-4 chelate the metal centers through the pyrimidyl/pyridyl nitrogen atoms and the phosphinic amide oxygen atoms, whereas the L3 ligands in complex 5 bridge the metal centers, forming a 1-D zigzag chain. The chelating L2 ligands in complexes 3 and 4 adopt cis conformations and the bridging L3 ligand in complex 5 adopts a trans conformation, respectively.     

Hydrothermal syntheses, crystal structures and properties of three coordination frameworks based on a new semirigid ligand and benzenedicarboxylate

Three novel polymers, {[Cd(m-bdc)(L)]·H₂O}_n (1), [Co(m-bdc)(L)_0.5(H₂O)]_n (2) and [Zn₅(L)₂(p-bdc)₅(H₂O)]_n (3) based on 1,1′-bis(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-2,2′-biimidazole (L) ligand and benzenedicarboxylate isomers, have been prepared and structurally characterized. Compound 1 exhibits a 2D architecture with (4²·6)(4²·6⁷·8) topology, which is synthesized by L and 1,3-benzenedicarboxylate (m-bdc) ligands. Compound 2 is constructed from 1D chains that are linked by L ligands extending a 2D (4,4) grid. Compound 3 is a 3D framework with (4³)(4⁶·6¹⁸·8⁴) topology, which is composed of trinuclear clusters and five-coordinated metal centers joined through 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (p-bdc) and L ligands. Moreover, the fluorescent properties of L ligand, compounds 1 and 3 are also determined.     

Synthesis and structure of highly substituted pyrazole ligands and their complexes with platinum(II) and palladium(II) metal ions

Reaction of 3-methoxycarbonyl-2-methyl- or 3-dimethoxyphosphoryl-2-methyl-substituted 4-oxo-4H-chromones 1 with N-methylhydrazine resulted in the formation of isomeric, highly substituted pyrazoles 4 (major products) and 5 (minor products). Intramolecular transesterification of 4 and 5 under basic conditions led, respectively, to tricyclic derivatives 7 and 8. The structures of pyrazoles 4a (dimethyl 2-methyl-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl-phosphonate) and 4b (methyl 4-oxo-2-methyl-4H-chromene-3-carboxylate) were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Pyrazoles 4a and 4b were used as ligands (L) in the formation of ML₂Cl₂ complexes with platinum(II) or palladium(II) metal ions (M). Potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II), used as the metal ion reagent, gave both trans-[Pt(4a)₂Cl₂] and cis-[Pt(4a)₂Cl₂], complexes with ligand 4a, and only cis-[Pt(4b)₂Cl₂] isomer with ligand 4b. Palladium complexes were obtained by the reaction of bis(benzonitrile)dichloropalladium(II) with the test ligands. trans-[Pd(4a)₂Cl₂] and trans-[Pd(4b)₂Cl₂] were the exclusive products of these reactions. The structures of all the complexes were confirmed by IR, ¹H NMR and FAB MS spectral analysis, elemental analysis and Kurnakov tests.     

Rhenium chelate complexes with maltolate or kojate

Novel rhenium complexes containing the maltolate (mal) or kojate (koj) anions as chelating ligands have been synthesized: [ReOCl(mal)₂] (1), [ReOCl₂(mal)(PPh₃)] (2), [ReOBr₂(mal)(PPh₃)] (3), [ReOCl₂(koj)(PPh₃)] (4) and [ReOBr₂(koj)(PPh₃)] (5). The products have been characterized by FTIR, ¹H, ¹³C, and ³¹P NMR spectroscopies and elemental analysis. The crystal and molecular structures of all complexes were determined. Complex 1 crystallizes monoclinic, space group C2/c, Z = 8. It contains two O,O′-bidentate maltolate ligands and one chloro ligand at the (ReO)³⁺ unit, so that a distorted octahedral geometry is adopted by the six-coordinated rhenium(V) center. The chloro ligand occupies a cis position to the oxo ligand. Complexes 2 and 3 are isostructural and crystallize orthorhombic, space group Pbca and Z = 8. The isostructural complexes 4 and 5 crystallize monoclinic, space group P2₁/n and Z = 4. In complexes 2–5, the (ReO)³⁺ unit is coordinated by a monoanionic O,O-bidentate unit of the maltolate (2 and 3) or kojate (4 and 5) ligand, one triphenylphosphine and two halogeno ligands (Cl in 2 and 4; Br in 3 and 5), with the rhenium(V) center in a distorted octahedral environment. The halide ligands are in cis positions to each other.     

Synthesis, characterization, and cyclometalation studies of benzo[1,2-h: 5,4-h′]diquinolines with palladium and platinum

Benzo[1,2-h: 5,4-h′]diquinoline(1a) represents a new family of tridentate NCN pincer ligand. We report the synthesis of the parent ligand (1a) and its derivatives (1b R = Me, 1c R = t-Butyl, 1d R = Phenyl). The ligands were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, as well as mass spectral analysis, and X-ray structural determination. They readily undergo cyclometalation with LiPdCl₄, Pd(OAc)₂, and K₂PtCl₄ to form the cyclometalated Pd(NCN)Cl (2a-c, 3a), and Pt(NCN)Cl (4a) pincer complexes. These complexes have been characterized through NMR, and mass spectrometry. PdNCNCl (2a) structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 2a has shown to catalyze the Heck coupling reaction between bromobenzene and n-butylacyrlate in NMP at 140 °C, TON of 2506 were observed.     

Toward the total synthesis of phorboxazole A: synthesis of an advanced C4-C32 subunit using the Jacobsen hetero Diels-Alder reaction

The tetrahydropyranone 3, representing a pentacyclic C₄-C₃₂ segment of the phorboxazoles, was obtained by a complex hetero Diels-Alder (HDA) coupling performed between the 2-siloxydiene 23 and the oxazole aldehyde 4, mediated by the chiral tridentate Cr(III) catalyst 14. In preliminary studies, the tetrahydropyrans 17, 33 and 35 were accessed using this same asymmetric HDA methodology with varying stereoselectivity.     

Osmium assisted C-H activation and CN cleavage of N-(2′-hydroxyphenyl) benzaldimines. Synthesis, structure and electrochemical properties of some organoosmium complexes

Reaction of N-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-4-R-benzaldimines (L-R, R = OCH₃, CH₃, H, Cl and NO₂) with [Os(PPh₃)₃Br₂] in refluxing 2-methoxyethanol in the presence of triethylamine affords two families of organoosmium complexes (1-R and 2-R). In both 1-R and 2-R complexes a benzaldimine ligand is coordinated to the metal center as tridentate C,N,O-donor. In the 1-R complexes, a bidentate N,O-donor imionsemiquinonate ligand, derived from the hydrolysis of another benzaldimine, and a PPh₃ ligand are also coordinated to osmium. In the 2-R complexes, a carbonyl, derived from decarbonylation of 4-R-benzaldehyde (derived from the same hydrolysis stated above), and two PPh₃ ligands take up the remaining coordination sites on osmium. Structures of the 1-Cl and 2-OCH₃ complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. All the 1-R and 2-R complexes are diamagnetic, and show characteristic ¹H NMR signals and intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. Cyclic voltammetry on the 1-R complexes shows a reversible Os(III)-Os(IV) oxidation within 0.47-0.67 V (vs SCE), followed by an irreversible oxidation of the imionsemiquinonate ligand within 1.10-1.36 V. An irreversible Os(III)-Os(II) reduction is also displayed by the 1-R complexes within −1.02 to −1.14 V. Cyclic voltammetry on the 2-R complexes shows a reversible Os(II)-Os(III) oxidation within 0.29-0.51 V, followed by a quasi-reversible oxidation within 1.04-1.29 V, and an irreversible reduction of the coordinated benzaldimine ligand within −1.16 to −1.31 V.     

Selenoether ligand assisted Heck catalysis

Selenoether ligands, 2,2′-methylenebis(selanediyl)bis(2,1-phenylene)dimethanol (5), (2,2′-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(selanediyl))bis(2,1-phenylene))dimethanol (6) and (2-(benzylselanyl)phenyl)methanol (7) have been synthesized by reducing di-o-formylphenyl diselenide and reacting the in situ generated selenolate with dibromomethane, 1,2-dibromoethane and benzyl chloride, respectively. The ligands, bis(2-(4,4-dimethyl-4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)phenylselanyl)methane (8) and 1,2-bis(2-(4,4-dimethyl-4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)phenylselanyl)ethane (9) have been synthesized similarly from bis[2-(4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolinyl)phenyl] diselenide using electrophiles dibromomethane and 1,2-dibromoethane, respectively. Activity of ligands 5-9 along with 2-(2-(benzylselanyl)phenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-4,5-dihydrooxazole (10) and 1-(2-(benzylselanyl)phenyl)-N,N-dimethylmethanamine (11) were examined for the Heck reaction of aryl halides with olefins. Bidentate Se,N ligand 11 was found to be the best one in the series and constitutes an efficient phosphine-free catalytic system with PdCl₂. The catalytic system showed moderate activity for the coupling of activated aryl chlorides in the presence of tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide (TBAB). Complexes [10-PdCl₂] (12) and [11-PdCl₂] (13) have shown marginally better activity in comparison to the in situ generated catalysts from PdCl₂ and 10 and 11, respectively in the coupling of 4-bromoacetophenone with n-butylacrylate. Ligand 9 and complex 13 have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.