η-Arene complexes of ruthenium and osmium with pendant donor functionalities

Conversion of 4′-(2,5-dihydrophenyl)butanol or N-trifluoroacetyl-2,5-dihydrobenzylamine with MCl₃·n H₂O (M = Ru, Os) affords the corresponding dimeric η⁶-arene complexes in good to excellent yields. Under similar reaction conditions, the amine functionalized arene precursor 2,5-dihydrobenzylamine yields the corresponding Ru(II) complex. For osmium, HCl induced oxidation leads to formation of [OsCl₆]²⁻ salts. However, under optimized reaction conditions, conversion of the precursor 2,5-dihydrobenzylamine chloride results in clean formation of η⁶-arene Os(II) complex. X-ray structures of [(η⁶-benzyl ammonium)(dmso)RuCl₂] and (2,5-dihydrobenzyl ammonium)₄[OsCl₆]₂confirm the spectroscopic data. High stability towards air and acid as well as enhanced solubility in water is observed for all η⁶-arene complexes.     

Synthesis and H NMR spectroscopic properties of substituted (η-tetraarylcyclobutadiene)(η-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt metallocenes

The reaction of diarylacetylenes with CoCl(PPh₃)₃ and sodium cyclopentadienylide or sodium carbomethoxycyclopentadienylide gave (η⁴-tetra-arylcyclobutadiene)(η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt and (η⁴-tetra-arylcyclobutadiene)(η⁵-carbomethoxycyclopentadienyl)cobalt, respectively, where aryl = para-XC₆H₄ (X = CF₃, F, MeO). The reaction was unsuccessful for the synthesis of (η⁴-tetra(para-methoxyphenyl)cyclobutadiene)(η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt, which was synthesised instead from dicarbonyl(η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt. In all of the examples starting with CoCl(PPh₃)₃ an intermediate (η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)- or (η⁵-carbomethoxycyclopentadienyl)(triphenylphosphine)-2,3,4,5-tetraarylcobaltacyclopentadiene complex was isolated, and two examples were characterised by X-ray crystallography. Heating the (η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)- or (η⁵-carbomethoxycyclopentadienyl)(triphenylphosphine)-2,3,4,5-tetraarylcobaltacyclopentadiene complexes resulted in clean conversion to the corresponding metallocenes. The influence of the para-aryl substituents on the ¹H NMR of the cyclopentadienyl moiety is tabulated, together with the influence of a range of R substituents in (η⁴-tetraphenylcyclobutadiene)(η⁵-RC₅H₄)cobalt (R = CO₂Me, CH₂OH, Me, CHO, CCH, CO₂H, CN, CONHR¹, 2-oxazolinyl, NH₂, NHAc, HgCl, Br, I, SiMe₃, SnMe₃, Ph).     

The synthesis and structure of trans-di(cyano-κ)-(trans-6,13-dimethyl-6,13-bis(propionylamido)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-κ)cobalt(III) perchlorate dihydrate

trans-Di(cyano-κ¹)-(trans-6,13-dimethyl-6,13-bis(propionylamido)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-κ⁴)cobalt(III) perchlorate dihydrate, trans-[Co(C₁₈H₃₈N₆O₂)(CN)₂)]ClO₄ · 2H₂O, is formed by reaction of trans-[Co(diam)(CN)₂]ClO₄ · 2H₂O (diam = trans-6,13-diamino-6,13-dimethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) with propionic anhydride in DMF. The centrosymmetrical cation has the azamacrocycle in planar coordination by the four secondary amine nitrogen atoms of the azamacrocycle, with Co–N = 1.979(2) and 1.968(2) Å and with trans cyano groups with Co–C = 1.920(2) Å. The propionylamido substituents are axially oriented, with the terminal methyl group disordered over two sites.     

Synthesis and solid-state spectroscopic investigation of some novel diorganotin(IV) complexes of tetraazamacrocyclic ligands

The tetradendate macrocyclic ligands, [H₂L-1 = 5,12-dioxa-7,14-dimethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-1,8-diene] and [H₂L-2 = 6,14-dioxa-8,16-dimethyl-1,5,9,13-tetraazacyclohexadeca-1,9-diene] have been prepared by the condensation reaction of 1,2-diaminoethane and 1,3-diaminopropane, respectively, with ethyl acetoacetate in methanol at room temperature. The diorganotin(IV) complexes of general formula [R₂Sn(L-1)/R₂Sn(L-2)] (R = Me, n-Bu and Ph) have been synthesized by template condensation reaction of 1,2-diaminoethane or 1,3-diaminopropane and ethyl acetoacetate with R₂SnCl₂ (R = Me or Ph) or n-Bu₂SnO in 2:2:1 molar ratio at ambient temperature (35 ± 2 °C) in methanol. The solid-state characterization of resulting complexes have been carried out by elemental analysis, IR, recently developed DART-mass, solid-state ¹³C NMR, ^119mSn Mössbauer spectroscopic studies. These studies suggest that in all of the studied complexes, the macrocyclic ligands act as tetradentate coordinating through four nitrogen atoms giving a skew-trapezoidal bipyramidal environment around tin center. Since, the studied diorganotin(IV) macrocyclic complexes are insoluble in common organic solvents, hence good crystals could not be grown for single crystal X-ray crystallographic studies. Thermal studies of all of the studied complexes have also been carried out in the temperature range 0-1000 °C using TG, DTG and DTA techniques. The end product of pyrolysis is SnO₂ confirmed by XRD analysis.     

Os(CO)2(η-SC5H4N(O))(η-SC5H4N): structural evidence for the transformation of pyridine-2-thione N-oxide to pyridine-2-thiolate in osmium complexes

The reaction of Os₃(CO)₁₂ with an excess of 1-hydroxypyridine-2-thione and Me₃NO gives three mononuclear osmium complexes Os(CO)₂(η²-SC₅H₄N(O))₂ (1), Os(CO)₂(η²-SC₅H₄N(O))(η²-SC₅H₄N) (2), and Os(CO)₂(η²-SC₅H₄N)₂ (3). The results of single-crystal X-ray analyses reveal that complex 1 contains two O,S-chelate pyridine-2-thione N-oxide (PyOS) ligands, whereas complex 2 contains one O,S-chelate PyOS and one N,S-chelate pyridine-2-thiolate group. The unique structure of 2 provides evidence of the pathway for this transformation. When this reaction was monitored by ¹H NMR spectroscopy the triosmium complexes Os₃(CO)₁₀(μ-H)(μ-η¹-S-C₅H₄N(O)) (4) and Os₃(CO)₉(μ-H)(μ-η¹:η²-SC₅H₄N(O)) (5) were identified as intermediates in the formation of the mononuclear final products 1-3. The proposed pathway is further supported by the observation of several dinuclear osmium intermediates by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. In addition, the reaction of Os₃(CO)₁₂ with 1-hydroxypyridine-2-thione in the absence of Me₃NO at 90 °C generated mononuclear complex 2 as the major product along with smaller amounts of complexes 1 and 3. These results suggest that the N-oxide facilitates the decarbonylation reaction. Crystal data for 1: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 26.9990(5) Å, b = 7.6230(7) Å, c = 14.2980(13) Å, β = 101.620(2)°, V = 2882.4(4) ų, Z = 8. Crystal data for 2: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 5.7884(3) Å, b = 13.9667(7) Å, c = 17.2575(9) Å, β = 96.686(1)°, V = 1385.69(12) ų, Z = 4.     

Supramolecular assemblages through metal-η-arene π-interactions: Synthesis and X-ray characterization of {Hg[NNN(PhR)2]2}n (R = NO2, F), a bis diaryl-substituted triazenide complex polymer of Hg(II)

3-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-(3-nitrophenyl)triazene reacts with mercury(II) acetate in tetrahydrofuran in the presence of 2,2′-bipyridilamine to give yellow crystalline blocks of polymeric {Hg^II[NNN(PhR)₂]₂}_n (R = NO₂, F). The new triazenide complex belongs to the triclinic space group . In a molecule of {Hg^II[NNN(PhR)₂]₂} two deprotonated 1,3-diaryl-substituted triazenide ligands are coordinated in an opposite way to one Hg(II) ion by means of primary and secondary bonds. The Hg(II) ions are placed on the inversion centers of translation operated {Hg[NNN(PhR)₂]₂} moieties which are stacked along the crystallographic a-axis forming infinite unidimensional chains linked through metalocene alike Hg-η²,η²-arene π-interactions.     

The reaction of trichlorosilyltetracarbonyliron hydride (HFe(CO)4SiCl3) with conjugated dienes

Isoprene, 1,3-butadiene and 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene react with HFe(CO)₄SiCl₃ by addition of the Fe---H function to the diene. Isoprene appears to add predominantly 1,4 and 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene appears to add 1,2, while 1,3-butadiene may add both ways. In the case of isoprene and 1,3-butadiene loss of CO from the addition compound gives a stable π-allyl- Fe(Co)₃SiCl₃ product. Either cis- or trans-1,3-pentadiene is reduced to pentene by HFe(CO)₄SiCl₃.     

Half-sandwich para-cymene ruthenium(II) naphthylazophenolato complexes: Synthesis,molecular structure,light emission,redox behavior and catalytic oxidation properties

A series of conformationally rigid half-sandwich organoruthenium(II) complexes with the general formula [(η⁶-p-cymene)RuCl(L)] (where L = mono anionic 2-(naphthylazo)phenolato ligands) have been synthesized from the reaction of [{(η⁶-p-cymene)RuCl}₂(μ-Cl)₂] with a set of 2-(naphthylazo)phenolato O,N-donor ligands. All the ruthenium complexes were fully characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis. In dichloromethane solution all the metal complexes exhibits characteristic metal-to-ligand charge transfer bands (MLCT) and emission bands in the visible region. The molecular structure of one of the complexes [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(Cl)(L2)] (2) was determined by X-ray crystallography. Electrochemical data of all the ruthenium complexes show a two metal centered voltammetric responses with respect to Ag/AgCl at scan rate 100 mV s⁻¹. Further, the complex (2) efficiently catalyzes the oxidation of a wide range of alcohols to their corresponding carbonyl compounds in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMO) up to 97%.     

Synthesis and structural investigation of the compounds containing HF2 anions: Ca(HF2)2, Ba4F4(HF2)(PF6)3 and Pb2F2(HF2)(PF6)

Three new compounds Ca(HF₂)₂, Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ and Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) were obtained in the system metal(II) fluoride and anhydrous HF (aHF) acidified with excessive PF₅. The obtained polymeric solids are slightly soluble in aHF and they crystallize out of their aHF solutions. Ca(HF₂)₂ was prepared by simply dissolving CaF₂ in a neutral aHF. It represents the second known compound with homoleptic HF environment of the central atom besides Ba(H₃F₄)₂. The compounds Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ and Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) represent two additional examples of the formation of a polymeric zigzag ladder or ribbon composed of metal cation and fluoride anion (MF⁺)_n besides PbF(AsF₆), the first isolated compound with such zigzag ladder. The obtained new compounds were characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction method and partly by Raman spectroscopy. Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ crystallizes in a triclinic space group P1¯ with a=4.5870(2) Å, b=8.8327(3) Å, c=11.2489(3) Å, α=67.758(9)°, β=84.722(12), γ=78.283(12)°, V=413.00(3) Å³ at 200 K, Z=1 and R=0.0588. Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) at 200 K: space group P1¯, a=4.5722(19) Å, b=4.763(2) Å, c=8.818(4) Å, α=86.967(10)°, β=76.774(10)°, γ=83.230(12)°, V=185.55(14) ų, Z=1 and R=0.0937. Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) at 293 K: space group P1¯, a=4.586(2) Å, b=4.781(3) Å, c=8.831(5) Å, α=87.106(13)°, β=76.830(13)°, γ=83.531(11)°, V=187.27(18) Å³, Z=1 and R=0.072. Ca(HF₂)₂ crystallizes in an orthorhombic Fddd space group with a=5.5709(6) Å, b=10.1111(9) Å, c=10.5945(10) Å, V=596.77(10) Å³ at 200 K, Z=8 and R=0.028.     

Synthesis of arene ruthenium triazolato complexes by cycloaddition of the corresponding arene ruthenium azido complexes with activated alkynes or with fumaronitrile

The neutral arene ruthenium azido complexes [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(LL)(N₃)], [LL = acetylacetonato (acac) (4), benzoylacetonato (bzac) (5) diphenylbenzoyl methane (dbzm) (6)] undergo [3+2] cycloaddition reaction with a series of activated alkynes and fumaronitrile to produce the arene ruthenium triazolato complexes: [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(LL){N₃C₂(CO₂R)₂}] [LL = (acac), R = Me (7); LL = (bzac), R = Me (8); LL = (dbzm), R = Me (9); LL = (acac), R = Et (10); LL = (bzac), R = Et (11); LL = (dbzm), R = Et (12) and [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(LL)(N₃C₂HCN)]; LL = acac (13), bzac (14); dbzm (15). However, cationic azido complexes, [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(dppe)(N₃)]⁺ and [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(dppm)(N₃)]⁺ do not undergo such cycloaddition reactions. The complexes were characterized on the basis of microanalyses, FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic data. Crystal structures of representative complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and Raman spectra of Ba(BF4)(PF6), Ba(BF4)(AsF6) and Ba2(BF4)2(AsF6)(H3F4); the first examples of metal salts containing simultaneously tetrahedral BF4 and octahedral AF6 anions

In the system BaF₂/BF₃/PF₅/anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) a compound Ba(BF₄)(PF₆) was isolated and characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction on the single crystal. Ba(BF₄)(PF₆) crystallizes in a hexagonal space group with a=10.2251(4) Å, c=6.1535(4) Å, V=557.17(5) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=3. Both crystallographically independent Ba atoms possess coordination polyhedra in the shape of tri-capped trigonal prisms, which include F atoms from BF₄⁻ and PF₆⁻ anions. In the analogous system with AsF₅ instead of PF₅ the compound Ba(BF₄)(AsF₆) was isolated and characterized. It crystallizes in an orthorhombic Pnma space group with a=10.415(2) Å, b=6.325(3) Å, c=11.8297(17) Å, V=779.3(4) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=4. The coordination around Ba atom is in the shape of slightly distorted tri-capped trigonal prism which includes five F atoms from AsF₆⁻ and four F atoms from BF₄⁻ anions. When the system BaF₂/BF₃/AsF₅/aHF is made basic with an extra addition of BaF₂, the compound Ba₂(BF₄)₂(AsF₆)(H₃F₄) was obtained. It crystallizes in a hexagonal P6₃/mmc space group with a=6.8709(9) Å, c=17.327(8) Å, V=708.4(4) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=2. The barium environment in the shape of tetra-capped distorted trigonal prism involves 10 F atoms from four BF₄⁻, three AsF₆⁻ and three H₃F₄⁻ anions. All F atoms, except the central atom in H₃F₄ moiety, act as μ₂-bridges yielding a complex 3-D structural network.     

Polymeric bidimensional self-assembling of [Hg(RC6H4NNNC6H4R)2Py] (R = m-acetyl) through metal-η,η-arene π-interactions and non classical C-H?O bonding: Synthesis and X-ray characterization of a bis diaryl symmetric-substituted triazenide complex of Hg(II)

Deprotonated 1,3-bis(3-acetylphenyl)triazene reacts with Hg(CH₃COO)₂ and pyridine to give light-yellow crystals of {[Hg^II(RC₆H₄NNNC₆H₄R)₂Py]}_n (R = acetyl). The tectons [Hg^II(RC₆H₄NNNC₆H₄R)₂Py] [R = CH₃C(O)] are linked to pairs as centrosymmetric dimers through reciprocal metal-η²-arene π-interactions. The dimeric units are operated by a screw axis 2₁ parallel to the crystallographic direction [0 1 0], also through a reflection-translation plane parallel to the c-axis, resulting a supramolecular bidimensional (2D) assembling of the dimeric tectons through non classical C-H?(O)CCH₃ bonding.     

Coordination compounds of N,N′-olefin functionalized imidazolin-2-ylidenes

N-Heterocyclic carbene ligands (NHC) were metalated with Pd(OAc)₂ or [Ni(CH₃CN)₆](BF₄)₂ by in situ deprotonation of imidazolium salts to give the N-olefin functionalized biscarbene complexes [MX₂(NHC)₂] 3-7 (3: M = Pd, X = Br, NHC = 1,3-di(3-butenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene; 4: M = Pd, X = Br, NHC = 1,3-di(4-pentenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene; 5: M = Pd, X = I, NHC = 1,3-diallylimidazolin-2-ylidene; 6: M = Ni, X = I, NHC = 1,3-diallylimidazolin-2-ylidene; 7: M = Ni, X = I, NHC = 1-methyl-3-allylimidazolin-2-ylidene). Molecular structure determinations for 4-7 revealed that square-planar complexes with cis (5) or trans (4, 6, 7) coordination geometry at the metal center had been obtained. Reaction of nickelocene with imidazolium bromides afforded the η⁵-cyclopentadienyl (η⁵-Cp) monocarbene nickel complexes [NiBr(η⁵-Cp)(NHC)] 8 and 9 (8: NHC = 1-methyl-3-allylimidazolin-2-ylidene; 9: NHC = 1,3-diallylimidazolin-2-ylidene). The bromine abstraction in complexes 8 and 9 with silver tetrafluoroborate gave complexes [NiBr(η⁵-Cp)(η³-NHC)] 10 and 11. The X-ray structure analysis of 10 and 11 showed a trigonal-pyramidal coordination geometry at the nickel(II) center and coordination of one N-allyl substituent.     

Synthesis and characterisation of two novel Rh(I) carbene complexes: Crystal structure of [Rh(acac)(CO)(L1)]

The [Rh(acac)(CO)(L)] (acac = acetylacetonato; L₁ = 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolinylidene and L₂ = 1,3-bis-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazolinylidene) complexes were prepared by the action of the parent carbene on [Rh(acac)(CO)₂] in THF. The crystal structure characterisation of [Rh(acac)(CO)(L₁)] revealed a slightly distorted square planar geometry with the carbene ligand orientated almost perpendicular to the equatorial plane; an elongated trans Rh-O bond of 2.0806(18) Å reflecting the considerable trans-influence of the carbene ligand. By measuring the CO stretching frequencies in a range of [Rh(acac)(CO)(L)] complexes (L = CO, L₁, L₂, PPh₃, PⁿBu₃, P(O-2,4-^tBu₂-Ph)₃) the following electron donating ability series was established: L₁ ∼ L₂ ∼ PⁿBu₃ > PPh₃ > P(O-2,4-^tBu₂-Ph)₃ > CO; indicating the carbenes investigated in this study to have a similar electronic cis-influence as trialkyl phosphines. Both complexes do not display hydroformylation activity towards 1-hexene in the absence of added phosphine or phosphite ligands under the conditions investigated (P = 60; T = 85 °C). In the presence of a phosphine or phosphite ligand the resulting hydroformylation catalysis was identical to that observed for [Rh(acac)(CO)₂] and the corresponding ligand and subsequent high-pressure ³¹P NMR studies confirmed substitution of the carbene ligand under these conditions.     

Preparation and reactivity of p-cymene complexes of ruthenium and osmium incorporating 1,3-triazenide ligands

p-Cymene complexes MCl₂(η⁶-p-cymene)L [M = Ru, Os; L = P(OEt)₃, PPh(OEt)₂, (CH₃)₃CNC] were prepared by allowing [MCl(μ-Cl)(η⁶-p-cymene)]₂ to react with phosphites or tert-butyl isocyanide. Treatment of MCl₂(η⁶-p-cymene)L complexes with 1,3-ArNNN(H)Ar triazene and an excess of NEt₃ gave the cationic triazenide derivatives [M(η²-1,3-ArNNNAr)(η⁶-p-cymene)L]BPh₄ (Ar = Ph, p-tolyl). Neutral triazenide complexes MCl(η²-1,3-ArNNNAr)(η⁶-p-cymene) (M = Ru, Os) were also prepared by allowing [MCl(μ-Cl)(η⁶-p-cymene)]₂ to react with 1,3-diaryltriazene in the presence of triethylamine. p-Cymene complexes MCl₂(η⁶-p-cymene)L reacted with equimolar amounts of 1,3-ArNNN(H)Ar triazene to give both triazenide complexes [M(η²-1,3-ArNNNAr)(η⁶-p-cymene)L]BPh₄ and amine derivatives [MCl(ArNH₂)(η⁶-p-cymene)L]BPh₄. A reaction path for the formation of the amine complex is also reported. The complexes were characterised by spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography of RuCl₂(η⁶-p-cymene)[PPh(OEt)₂] and [Ru(η²-1,3-p-tolyl-NNN-p-tolyl)(η⁶-p-cymene){CNC(CH₃)₃}]BPh₄. Selected triazenide complexes were studied as catalysts in the hydrogenation of 2-cyclohexen-1-one and cinnamaldehyde.     

Half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes containing a tricyclic β-iminophosphine ligand: Catalytic activity in Diels–Alder reactions

The diastereoselective κ²-P,N-coordination of a chiral tricyclic β-iminophosphine ligand to the half-sandwich ruthenium(II) fragments [RuCl(η⁶-arene)]⁺ (arene = C₆H₆, p-cymene, 1,3,5-C₆H₃Me₃, C₆Me₆), [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(NCMe)]²⁺ and [Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(NCMe)]⁺ is described. The structures of the resulting mono- and dicationic cymene derivatives have been confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Studies on the catalytic activity of these Ru(II) compounds in Diels–Alder cycloaddition processes are also reported.     

Synthesis, characterization, and norbornene polymerization of η-benzylnickel(II) complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes

Neutral η¹-benzylnickel carbene complexes, [Ni(η¹-CH₂C₆H₅)(IiPr)(PMe₃)(Cl)] (3) (IiPr = 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) and [Ni(η¹-CH₂C₆H₅)(SIiPr)(PMe₃)(Cl)] (4) (SIiPr = 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene), were prepared by the reaction between [Ni(η³-CH₂C₆H₅)(PMe₃)(Cl)] and an equivalent amount of the corresponding free N-heterocyclic carbene. The preparation of η³-benzylnickel carbene complexes, [Ni(η³-CH₂C₆H₅)(IiPr)(Cl)] (5) and [Ni(η³-CH₂C₆H₅)(SIiPr)(Cl)] (6) were carried out by the abstraction of PMe₃ from 3 and 4 by the treatment of B(C₆F₅)₃. The treatment of AgX on 5 and 6 produced the anion-exchanged complexes, [Ni(η³-CH₂C₆H₅)(NHC)(X)] (7, NHC = IiPr, X = O₂CCF₃; 8, NHC = IiPr, X = O₃SCF₃; 9, NHC = SIiPr, X = O₂CCF₃; 10, NHC = SIiPr, X = O₃SCF₃). The solid state structures of 3 and 10 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The η³-benzyl complexes of IiPr (5, 7, and 8) alone, in the absence of any activators such as borate and MAO, showed good catalytic activity towards the vinyl-type norbornene polymerization. The catalyst was thermally robust and the activity increases as the temperature rises to 130 °C.     

Palladium(II)/allylpalladium(II) complexes with xanthate ligands: Single-source precursors for the generation of palladium sulfide nanocrystals

In an effort to find simple and common single-source precursors for palladium sulfide nanostructures, palladium(II) complexes, [Pd(S₂X)₂] (X = COMe (1), COⁱPr (2)) and η³-allylpalladium complexes with xanthate ligands, [(η³-CH₂C(CH₃)CR₂)Pd(S₂X)] (R = H, X = COMe (3); R = H, X = COEt (4); R = H, X = COⁱPr (5); R = CH₃, X = COMe (6)), have been investigated. The crystal structures of [Pd(S₂X)₂] (X = COMe (1), CoⁱPr (2)) and [(η³-CH₂C(CH₃)CH₂)Pd(S₂COMe)] (3) have been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The complexes, 1, 2 and 3 all contain a square planar palladium(II) centre. In the allyl complex 3, this is defined by the two sulfurs of the xanthate and the outer carbons of the 2-methylallyl ligand, while in the complexes, 1 and 2 it is defined by the four sulfur atoms of the xanthate ligand. Thermogravimetric studies have been carried out to evaluate the thermal stability of η³-allylpalladium(II) analogues. The complexes are useful precursors for the growth of nanocrystals of PdS either by furnace decomposition or solvothermolysis in dioctyl ether. The solvothermal decomposition of complexes in dioctyl ether gives a new metastable phase of PdS which can be transformed to the more stable tetragonal phase at 320 °C. The nanocrystals obtained have been characterized by PXRD, SEM, TEM and EDX.     

Ruthenium(II), rhodium(III) and iridium(III) based effective catalysts for hydrogenation under aerobic conditions

The new cationic mononuclear complexes [(η⁶-arene)Ru(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ [η⁶-arene = benzene (1), p-cymene (2)], [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Ru(Ph-BIAN)PPh₃]BF₄ (3) and [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)M(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ [M = Rh (4), Ir (5)] incorporating 1,2-bis(phenylimino)acenaphthene (Ph-BIAN) are reported. The complexes have been fully characterized by analytical and spectral (IR, NMR, FAB-MS, electronic and emission) studies. The molecular structure of the representative iridium complex [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ir(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ has been determined crystallographically. Complexes 1–5 effectively catalyze the reduction of terephthaldehyde in the presence of HCOOH/CH₃COONa in water under aerobic conditions and, among these complexes the rhodium complex [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ (4) displays the most effective catalytic activity.     

Dimeric allylpalladium(II) complexes with pyrazolate bridges: Synthesis, characterization, structure and thermal behaviour

The synthesis, characterization and thermal behaviour of some new dimeric allylpalladium (II) complexes bridged by pyrazolate ligands are reported. The complexes ; R = H, R′ = C(CH₃)₃ (1b), R = H, R′ = CF₃ (1c); R = CH₃, R′ = CH(CH₃)₂ (2a); R = CH₃, R′ = C(CH₃)₃ (2b); and R = CH₃, R′ = CF₃ (2c)] have been prepared by the room temperature reaction of [Pd(η³-CH₂C(R)CH₂)(acac)](acac = acetylacetonate) with 3,5-disubstituted pyrazoles in acetonitrile solution. The complexes have been characterized by NMR (¹H, ¹³C{¹H}), FT-IR, and elemental analyses. The structure of a representative complex, viz. 2c, has been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The dinuclear molecule features two formally square planar palladium centres which are bridged by two pyrazole ligands and the coordination of each metal centre is completed by allyl substituents. The molecule has non-crystallographic mirror symmetry. Thermogravimetric studies have been carried out to evaluate the thermal stability of these complexes. Most of the complexes thermally decompose in argon atmosphere to give nanocrystals of palladium, which have been characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM. However, complex 2c can be sublimed in vacuo at 2 mbar without decomposition. The equilibrium vapour pressure of 2c has been measured by the Knudsen effusion technique. The vapour pressure of the complex 2c could be expressed by the relation: ln (p/Pa)(±0.06) = −18047.3/T + 46.85. The enthalpy and entropy of vapourization are found to be 150.0 ± 3 kJ mol⁻¹ and 389.5 ± 8 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹, respectively.