Divalent carbon(0) chemistry, part 1: Parent compounds

Quantum-chemical calculations with DFT (BP86) and ab initio methods [MP2, SCS-MP2, CCSD(T)] have been carried out for the molecules C(PH(3))(2) (1), C(PMe(3))(2) (2), C(PPh(3))(2) (3), C(PPh(3))(CO) (4), C(CO)(2) (5), C(NHC(H))(2) (6), C(NHC(Me))(2) (7) (Me(2)N)(2)C=C=C(NMe(2))(2) (8), and NHC (9), where NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene and NHC(Me)=N-methyl-substituted NHC. The electronic structure in 1-9 was analyzed with charge- and energy-partitioning methods. The results show that the bonding situations in L(2)C compounds 1-8 can be interpreted in terms of donor-acceptor interactions between closed-shell ligands L and a carbon atom which has two lone-pair orbitals L-->C<--L. This holds particularly for the carbodiphosphoranes 1-3 where L=PR(3), which therefore are classified as divalent carbon(0) compounds. The NBO analysis suggests that the best Lewis structures for the carbodicarbenes 6 and 7 where L is a NHC ligand have C==C==C double bonds as in the tetraaminoallene 8. However, the Lewis structures of 6-8, in which two lone-pair orbitals at the central carbon atom are enforced, have only a slightly higher residual density. Visual inspection of the frontier orbitals of the latter species reveals their pronounced lone-pair character, which suggests that even the quasi-linear tetraaminoallene 8 is a "masked" divalent carbon(0) compound. This explains the very shallow bending potential of 8. The same conclusion is drawn for phosphoranylketene 4 and for carbon suboxide (5), which according to the bonding analysis have hidden double-lone-pair character. The AIM analysis and the EDA calculations support the assignment of carbodiphosphoranes as divalent carbon(0) compounds, while NHC 9 is characterized as a divalent carbon(II) compound. The L-->C((1)D) donor-acceptor bonds are roughly twice as strong as the respective L-->BH(3) bond.     

Experimental and computational investigation of C-N bond activation in ruthenium N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

A combination of experimental studies and density functional theory calculations is used to study C-N bond activation in a series of ruthenium N-alkyl-substituted heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes. These show that prior C-H activation of the NHC ligand renders the system susceptible to irreversible C-N activation. In the presence of a source of HCl, C-H activated Ru(I(i)Pr(2)Me(2))'(PPh(3))(2)(CO)H (1, I(i)Pr(2)Me(2) = 1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene) reacts to give Ru(I(i)PrHMe(2))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)HCl (2, I(i)PrHMe(2) = 1-isopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene) and propene. The mechanism involves (i) isomerization to a trans-phosphine isomer, 1c, in which hydride is trans to the metalated alkyl arm, (ii) C-N cleavage to give an intermediate propene complex with a C2-metalated imidazole ligand, and (iii) N-protonation and propene/Cl(-) substitution to give 2. The overall computed activation barrier (ΔE(++)(calcd)) corresponds to the isomerization/C-N cleavage process and has a value of +24.4 kcal/mol. C-N activation in 1c is promoted by the relief of electronic strain arising from the trans disposition of the high-trans-influence hydride and alkyl ligands. Experimental studies on analogues of 1 with different C4/C5 carbene backbone substituents (Ru(I(i)Pr(2)Ph(2))'(PPh(3))(2)(CO)H, Ru(I(i)Pr(2))'(PPh(3))(2)(CO)H) or different N-substituents (Ru(IEt(2)Me(2))'(PPh(3))(2)(CO)H) reveal that Ph substituents promote C-N activation. Calculations confirm that Ru(I(i)Pr(2)Ph(2))'(PPh(3))(2)(CO)H undergoes isomerization/C-N bond cleavage with a low barrier of only +21.4 kcal/mol. Larger N-alkyl groups also facilitate C-N bond activation (Ru(I(t)Bu(2)Me(2))'(PPh(3))(2)(CO)H, ΔE(++)(calcd) = +21.3 kcal/mol), and in this case the reaction is promoted by the formation of the more highly substituted 2-methylpropene.     

Spectral, structural, and electrochemical properties of ruthenium porphyrin diaryl and aryl(alkoxycarbonyl) carbene complexes: influence of carbene substituents, porphyrin substituents, and trans-axial ligands

A wide variety of ruthenium porphyrin carbene complexes, including [Ru(tpfpp)(CR(1)R(2))] (CR(1)R(2) = C(p-C(6)H(4)Cl)(2) 1 b, C(p-C(6)H(4)Me)(2) 1 c, C(p-C(6)H(4)OMe)(2) 1 d, C(CO(2)Me)(2) 1 e, C(p-C(6)H(4)NO(2))CO(2)Me 1 f, C(p-C(6)H(4)OMe)CO(2)Me 1 g, C(CH==CHPh)CO(2)CH(2)(CH==CH)(2)CH(3) 1 h), [Ru(por)(CPh(2))] (por=tdcpp 2 a, 4-Br-tpp 2 b, 4-Cl-tpp 2 c, 4-F-tpp 2 d, tpp 2 e, ttp 2 f, 4-MeO-tpp 2 g, tmp 2 h, 3,4,5-MeO-tpp 2 i), [Ru(por)[C(Ph)CO(2)Et]] (por=tdcpp 2 j, tmp 2 k), [Ru(tpfpp)(CPh(2))(L)] (L = MeOH 3 a, EtSH 3 b, Et(2)S 3 c, MeIm 3 d, OPPh(3) 3 e, py 3 f), and [Ru(tpfpp)[C(Ph)CO(2)R](MeOH)] (R = CH(2)CH==CH(2) 4 a, Me 4 b, Et 4 c), were prepared from the reactions of [Ru(por)(CO)] with diazo compounds N(2)CR(1)R(2) in dichloromethane and, for 3 and 4, by further treatment with reagents L. A similar reaction of [Os(tpfpp)(CO)] with N(2)CPh(2) in dichloromethane followed by treatment with MeIm gave [Os(tpfpp)(CPh(2))(MeIm)] (3 d-Os). All these complexes were characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analyses. X-ray crystal structure determinations of 1 d, 2 a,i, 3 a, b, d, e, 4 a-c, and 3 d-Os revealed Ru==C distances of 1.806(3)-1.876(3) A and an Os==C distance of 1.902(3) A. The structure of 1 d in the solid state features a unique "bridging" carbene ligand, which results in the formation of a one-dimensional coordination polymer. Cyclic voltammograms of 1 a-c, g, 2 a-d, g-k, 3 b-d, 4 a, b, and 3 d-Os show a reversible oxidation couple with E(1/2) values in the range of 0.06-0.65 V (vs Cp(2)Fe(+/0)) that is attributable to a metal-centered oxidation. The influence of carbene substituents, porphyrin substituents, and trans-ligands on the Ru==C bond was examined through comparison of the chemical shifts of the pyrrolic protons in the porphyrin macrocycles ((1)H NMR) and the M==C carbon atoms ((13)C NMR), the potentials of the metal-centered oxidation couples, and the Ru==C distances among the various ruthenium porphyrin carbene complexes. A direct comparison among iron, ruthenium, and osmium porphyrin carbene complexes is made.     

Distinguishing carbones from allenes by complexation to AuCl

Quantum chemical calculations have been performed for the dicoordinated carbon compounds C(PPh(3))(2), C(NHC(Me))(2), R(2) C=C=CR(2) (R = H, F, NMe(2)), C(3)O(2), C(CN)(2)(-) and N-methyl-substituted N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC(Me)). The geometries of the complexes in which the dicoordinated carbon molecules bind as ligands to one and two AuCl moieties have been optimized and the strength and nature of the metal-ligand interactions in the mono- and diaurated complexes were investigated by means of energy decomposition analysis. The goal of the study is to elucidate the differences in the chemical behavior between carbones, allenes and carbenes. The results show that carbones bind one and two AuCl species in η(1) fashion, whereas allenes bind them in η(2) fashion. Compounds with latent divalent carbon(0) character can coordinate in more than one way, with the dominant mode indicating the degree of carbone or allene character. The calculated structures of the mono- and diaurated tetraaminoallenes (TAAs) reveal that TAAs exhibit a chameleon-like behavior: The bonding situation in the equilibrium structure is best described as allene [(R(2)N)(2)]C=C=C[(NR(2))(2)] in which the central carbon atom is a tetravalent C(IV) species, but the reactivity suggests that TAAs should be considered as divalent C(0) compounds C{C[(NR(2))(2)]}(2), that is, as "hidden" carbones. Carbon suboxide binds one AuCl preferentially in the η(1) mode, whereas the equilibrium structures of the η(1)- and η(2)-bonded diaurated complex are energetically nearly degenerate. The doubly negatively charged isoelectronic carbone C(CN)(2)(2-) binds one and two AuCl very strongly in characteristic η(1) fashion. The N-heterocyclic carbene complex, [NHC(Me)(AuCl)], possesses a high bond dissociation energy (BDE) for the splitting off of AuCl. The diaurated NHC adduct, [NHC(Me)(AuCl)(2)], has two η(1)-bonded AuCl moieties that exhibit aurophilic attraction, which yield a moderate bond strength that might be large enough for synthesizing the complex. The BDE for the second AuCl in [NHC(Me)(AuCl)(2)] is clearly smaller than the values for the second AuCl in doubly aurated carbone complexes.     

Synthesis,molecular structure,and C-C coupling reactions of carbeneruthenium(II) complexes with C5H5Ru(=CRR') and C5Me5Ru(=CRR') as molecular units

The ethene derivatives [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuX(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))] with R=H and Me, which have been prepared from the eta(3)-allylic compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))Ru(eta(3)-2-MeC(3)H(4))(PPh(3))] (1, 2) and acids HX under an ethene atmosphere, are excellent starting materials for the synthesis of a series of new halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes. The olefinic ligand is replaced not only by CO and pyridine, but also by internal and terminal alkynes to give (for X=Cl) alkyne, vinylidene, and allene compounds of the general composition [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuCl(L)(PPh(3))] with L=C(2)(CO(2)Me)(2), Me(3)SiC(2)CO(2)Et, C=CHCO(2)R, and C(3)H(4). The allenylidene complex [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=C=C=CPh(2))(PPh(3))] is directly accessible from 1 (R=H) in two steps with the propargylic alcohol HC triple bond CC(OH)Ph(2) as the precursor. The reactions of the ethene derivatives [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuX(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))] (X=Cl, CF(3)CO(2)) with diazo compounds RR'CN(2) yield the corresponding carbene complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuX(=CRR')(PPh(3))], while with ethyl diazoacetate (for X=Cl) the diethyl maleate compound [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl[eta(2)-Z-C(2)H(2)(CO(2)Et)(2)](PPh(3))] is obtained. Halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuCl(=CHR')(PPh(3))] with secondary carbenes as ligands, as well as cationic species [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(=CPh(2))(L)(PPh(3))]X with L=CO and CNtBu and X=AlCl(4) and PF(6), have also been prepared. The neutral compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=CRR')(PPh(3))] react with phenyllithium, methyllithium, and the vinyl Grignard reagent CH(2)=CHMgBr by displacement of the chloride and subsequent C-C coupling to generate halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes with eta(3)-benzyl, eta(3)-allyl, and substituted olefins as ligands. Protolytic cleavage of the metal-allylic bond in [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(eta(3)-CH(2)CHCR(2))(PPh(3))] with acetic acid affords the corresponding olefins R(2)C=CHCH(3). The by-product of this process is the acetato derivative [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(kappa(2)-O(2)CCH(3))(PPh(3))], which can be reconverted to the carbene complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=CR(2))(PPh(3))] in a one-pot reaction with R(2)CN(2) and Et(3)NHCl.     

Dithiocarboxylate complexes of ruthenium(II) and osmium(II)

The ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(R)(κ(2)-S(2)C·IPr)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+) (R = CH=CHBu(t), CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4, C(C≡CPh)=CHPh) are formed on reaction of IPr·CS(2) with [Ru(R)Cl(CO)(BTD)(PPh(3))(2)] (BTD = 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole) or [Ru(C(C≡CPh)=CHPh)Cl(CO)(PPh(3))(2)] in the presence of ammonium hexafluorophosphate. Similarly, the complexes [Ru(CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4)(κ(2)-S(2)C·ICy)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+) and [Ru(C(C≡CPh)=CHPh)(κ(2)-S(2)C·ICy)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+) are formed in the same manner when ICy·CS(2) is employed. The ligand IMes·CS(2) reacts with [Ru(R)Cl(CO)(BTD)(PPh(3))(2)] to form the compounds [Ru(R)(κ(2)-S(2)C·IMes)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+) (R = CH=CHBu(t), CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4, C(C≡CPh)=CHPh). Two osmium analogues, [Os(CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4)(κ(2)-S(2)C·IMes)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+) and [Os(C(C≡CPh)=CHPh)(κ(2)-S(2)C·IMes)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+) were also prepared. When the more bulky diisopropylphenyl derivative IDip·CS(2) is used, an unusual product, [Ru(κ(2)-SC(H)S(CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4)·IDip)Cl(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+), with a migrated vinyl group, is obtained. Over extended reaction times, [Ru(CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4)Cl(BTD)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)] also reacts with IMes·CS(2) and NH(4)PF(6) to yield the analogous product [Ru{κ(2)-SC(H)S(CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4)·IMes}Cl(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+)via the intermediate [Ru(CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4)(κ(2)-S(2)C·IMes)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+). Structural studies are reported for [Ru(CH=CHC(6)H(4)Me-4)(κ(2)-S(2)C·IPr)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)]PF(6) and [Ru(C(C≡CPh)=CHPh)(κ(2)-S(2)C·ICy)(CO)(PPh(3))(2)]PF(6).     

Synthesis and structural characterization of PHP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)], a monodentate chiral phosphine derived from intramolecular C-C coupling of tetramethylcyclopentadienyl groups: an evaluation of steric and electronic properties

The chiral monodentate phosphine PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] is readily obtained by oxidation of the lithium complex Li(2)[PhP(C(5)Me(4))(2)] with I(2), which couples the two cyclopentadienyl groups to form a five-membered heterocyclic ring. The steric and electronic properties of PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] have been evaluated by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopic studies on a variety of derivatives, including Ph[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]PE (E = S, Se), Cp*MCl(4)[P[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]Ph] (M = Mo, Ta), Ir[P[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]Ph](2)(CO)Cl, and CpFe(CO)[PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]]Me. For comparison purposes, derivatives of the related phospholane ligand PhP[Me(2)C(4)H(6)] have also been investigated, including Ph[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]PS, Ir[Ph[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]](2)(CO)Cl, Ir[Ph[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]](2)(CO)Me, Ir[PPh[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]](COD)(Cl), and Pd[P[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]Ph][eta(2)-C(6)H(4)C(H)(Me)NMe(2)]Cl. The steric and electronic properties of PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] are determined to be intermediate between those of PPh(2)Me and PPh(3). Thus, the crystallographic cone angles increase in the sequence PPh(2)Me (134.5 degrees) < PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] (140.2 degrees) < PPh(3) (148.2 degrees), while the electron donating abilities decrease in the sequence PPh(2)Me > PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] > PPh(3). Finally, PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] has a smaller cone angle and is less electron donating than the structurally similar phosphine, PhP[Me(2)C(4)H(6)].     

Formation and reactivity of the cyclometallated N-heterocyclic carbene complexes [Ru(NHC)'(dppe)(CO)H

Thermolysis of [Ru(PPh(3))(dppe)(CO)HCl] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) with the N-heterocyclic carbenes I(i)Pr(2)Me(2) (1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethyl-imidazol-2-ylidene), IEt(2)Me(2) (1,3-diethyl-4,5-dimethyl-imidazol-2-ylidene) or ICy (1,3-dicyclohexylimidazol-2-ylidene) gave the cyclometallated carbene complexes [Ru(NHC)'(dppe)(CO)H] (NHC = I(i)Pr(2)Me(2), 4; IEt(2)Me(2), 5; ICy, 6). Dissolution of 4 in CH(2)Cl(2) or CHCl(3) gave the trans-Cl-Ru-P complex [Ru(I(i)Pr(2)Me(2))'(dppe)(CO)Cl] (7), which converted over hours at room temperature to the trans-Cl-Ru-CO isomer 7'. Chloride abstraction from 7 by NaBPh(4) under an atmosphere of H(2) produced the cationic mono-hydride complex [Ru(I(i)Pr(2)Me(2))(dppe)(CO)H][BPh(4)] (9), which could also be formed by protonating 4 with 1 eq HBF(4)·OEt(2). Treatment of 4 with excess HBF(4)·OEt(2) followed by extraction into MeCN produced the dicationic acetonitrile complex [Ru(I(i)Pr(2)Me(2))(dppe)(CO)(NCMe)(2)][BF(4)](2) (10). The structures of 6, 7, 7' and 10 have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Borylene complexes (BH)L2 and nitrogen cation complexes (N+)L2: isoelectronic homologues of carbones CL2

Quantum chemical calculations using DFT (BP86, M05-2X) and ab initio methods (CCSD(T), SCS-MP2) have been carried out on the borylene complexes (BH)L(2) and nitrogen cation complexes (N(+))L(2) with the ligands L=CO, N(2), PPh(3), NHC(Me), CAAC, and CAAC(model). The results are compared with those obtained for the isoelectronic carbones CL(2). The geometries and bond dissociation energies of the ligands, the proton affinities, and adducts with the Lewis acids BH(3) and AuCl were calculated. The nature of the bonding has been analyzed with charge and energy partitioning methods. The calculated borylene complexes (BH)L(2) have trigonal planar coordinated boron atoms which possess rather short B-L bonds. The calculated bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of the ligands for complexes where L is a carbene (NHC or CAAC) are very large (D(e) =141.6-177.3 kcal mol(-1)) which suggest that such species might become isolated in a condensed phase. The borylene complexes (BH)(PPh(3))(2) and (BH)(CO)(2) have intermediate bond strengths (D(e) =90.1 and 92.6 kcal mol(-1)). Substituted homologues with bulky groups at boron which protect the boron atom from electrophilic attack might also be stable enough to become isolated. The BDE of (BH)(N(2))(2) is much smaller (D(e) =31.9 kcal mol(-1)), but could become observable in a low-temperature matrix. The proton affinities of the borylene complexes are very large, particularly for the bulky adducts with L=PPh(3), NHC(Me), CAAC(model) and CAAC and thus, they are superbases. All (BH)L(2) molecules bind strongly AuCl either η(1) (L=N(2), PPh(3), NHC(Me), CAAC) or η(2) (L=CO, CAAC(model)). The BDEs of H(3)B-(BH)L(2) adducts which possess a hitherto unknown boron→boron donor-acceptor bond are smaller than for the AuCl complexes. The strongest bonded BH(3) adduct that might be isolable is (BH)(PPh(3))(2)-BH(3) (D(e) =36.2 kcal mol(-1)). The analysis of the bonding situation reveals that (BH)-L(2) bonding comes mainly from the orbital interactions which has three major contributions, that is, the donation from the symmetric (σ) and antisymmetric (π(||)) combination of the ligand lone-pair orbitals into the vacant MOs of BH L→(BH)←L and the L←(BH)→L π backdonation from the boron lone-pair orbital. The nitrogen cation complexes (N(+))L(2) have strongly bent L-N-L geometries, in which the calculated bending angle varies between 113.9° (L=N(2)) and 146.9° (L=CAAC). The BDEs for (N(+))L(2) are much larger than those of the borylene complexes. The carbene ligands NHC and CAAC but also the phosphane ligands PPh(3) bind very strongly between D(e) =358.4 kcal mol(-1) (L=PPh(3)) and D(e) =412.5 kcal mol(-1) (L=CAAC(model)). The proton affinities (PA) of (N(+))L(2) are much smaller and they bind AuCl and BH(3) less strongly compared with (BH)L(2). However, the PAs (N(+))L(2) for complexes with bulky ligands L are still between 139.9 kcal mol(-1) (L=CAAC(model)) and 168.5 kcal mol(-1) (L=CAAC). The analysis of the (N(+))-L(2) bonding situation reveals that the binding interactions come mainly from the L→(N(+))←L donation while L←(N(+) )→L π backdonation is rather weak.     

Synthesis and activity of ruthenium alkylidene complexes coordinated with phosphine and N-heterocyclic carbene ligands

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of a variety of ruthenium complexes coordinated with phosphine and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands. These complexes include several alkylidene derivatives of the general formula (NHC)(PR(3))(Cl)(2)Ru=CHR', which are highly active olefin metathesis catalysts. Although these catalysts can be prepared adequately by the reaction of bis(phosphine) ruthenium alkylidene precursors with free NHCs, we have developed an alternative route that employs NHC-alcohol or -chloroform adducts as "protected" forms of the NHC ligands. This route is advantageous because NHC adducts are easier to handle than their free carbene counterparts. We also demonstrate that sterically bulky bis(NHC) complexes can be made by reaction of the pyridine-coordinated precursor (NHC)(py)(2)(Cl)(2)Ru=CHPh with free NHCs or NHC adducts. Two crystal structures are presented, one of the mixed bis(NHC) derivative (H(2)IMes)(IMes)(Cl)(2)Ru=CHPh, and the other of (PCy(3))(Cl)(CO)Ru[eta(2)-(CH(2)-C(6)H(2)Me(2))(N(2)C(3)H(4))(C(6)H(2)Me(3))], the product of ortho methyl C-H bond activation. Other side reactions encountered during the synthesis of new ruthenium alkylidene complexes include the formation of hydrido-carbonyl-chloride derivatives in the presence of primary alcohols and the deprotonation of ruthenium vinylcarbene ligands by KOBu(t). We also evaluate the olefin metathesis activity of NHC-coordinated complexes in representative RCM and ROMP reactions.     

Subtle reactivity patterns of non-heteroatom-substituted manganese alkynyl carbene complexes in the presence of phosphorus probes

The non-heteroatom-substituted manganese alkynyl carbene complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn=C(R)C[triple bond]CR'(3; 3a: R = R'= Ph, 3b: R = Ph, R'= Tol, 3c: R = Tol, R'= Ph) have been synthesised in high yields upon treatment of the corresponding carbyne complexes [eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn[triple bond]CR][BPh4]([2][BPh4]) with the appropriate alkynyllithium reagents LiC[triple bond]CR' (R'= Ph, Tol). The use of tetraphenylborate as counter anion associated with the cationic carbyne complexes has been decisive. The X-ray structures of (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn=C(Tol)C[triple bond]CPh (3c), and its precursor [(eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn=CTol][BPh4]([2b](BPh4]) are reported. The reactivity of complexes toward phosphines has been investigated. In the presence of PPh3, complexes act as a Michael acceptor to afford the zwitterionic sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)=C=C(PPh3)R' (5) resulting from nucleophilic attack by the phosphine on the remote alkynyl carbon atom. Complexes 5 exhibit a dynamic process in solution, which has been rationalized in terms of a fast [NMR time-scale] rotation of the allene substituents around the allene axis; metrical features within the X-ray structure of (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(Ph)=C=C(PPh3)Tol (5b) support the proposal. In the presence of PMe3, complexes undergo a nucleophilic attack on the carbene carbon atom to give zwitterionic sigma-propargylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)(PMe3)C[triple bond]CR' (6). Complexes 6 readily isomerise in solution to give the sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R')=C=C(PMe3)R (7) through a 1,3 shift of the [(eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn] fragment. The nucleophilic attack of PPh2Me on 3 is not selective and leads to a mixture of the sigma-propargylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)(PPh(2)Me)C[triple bond]CR' (9) and the sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R)=C=C(PPh(2)Me)R' (10). Like complexes 6, complexes 9 readily isomerize to give the sigma-allenylphosphonium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC(R')=C=C(PPh2Me)R'). Upon gentle heating, complexes 7, and mixtures of 10 and 10' cyclise to give the sigma-dihydrophospholium complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC=C(R')PMe2CH2CH(R)(8), and mixtures of complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC=C(Ph)PPh2CH2CH(Tol)(11) and (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2MnC=C(Tol)PMe2CH2CH(Ph)(11'), respectively. The reactions of complexes 3 with secondary phosphines HPR(1)(2)(R1= Ph, Cy) give a mixture of the eta2-allene complexes (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn[eta2-{R(1)(2)PC(R)=C=C(R')H}](12), and the regioisomeric eta4-vinylketene complexes [eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)Mn[eta4-{R(1)(2)PC(R)=CHC(R')=C=O}](13) and (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)Mn[eta4-{R(1)(2)PC(R')=CHC(R)=C=O}](13'). The solid-state structure of (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)2Mn[eta2-{Ph2PC(Ph)=C=C(Tol)H}](12b) and (eta5-MeC5H4)(CO)Mn[eta4-{Cy2PC(Ph)=CHC(Ph)=C=O}](13d) are reported. Finally, a mechanism that may account for the formation of the species 12, 13, and 13' is proposed.     

Synthesis of Fischer type-carbene complexes containing a coordinated thioimidate structural motif

This paper describes a tandem strategy to synthesize a series of new Fischer carbene complexes [(CO)(4)M[double bond, length as m-dash]C[N-(CH(2))(4)-]CH[double bond, length as m-dash]C(NRR')(SR'); M = Cr, W; R = Ar, R' = Me, -(CH(2))(2)-] with a thioimide or thiazoline fragment, in which the sulfur or nitrogen atom is coordinated to a metal center, depending on the nature of alkylating groups included as R'. We have trapped by protonation the proposed intermediate as the thioamide 12 [(CO)(5)W[double bond, length as m-dash]C[N-(CH(2))(4)-]CH(2)C(S)NHPh], which reveals the pathway of this reaction.     

Osmabenzenes from the reactions of a dicationic osmabenzyne complex

Treatment of the osmabenzyne Os([triple bond]CC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)Cl(2)(PPh(3))(2) (1) with 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) and thallium triflate (TlOTf) produces the thermally stable dicationic osmabenzyne [Os([triple bond]CC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)](OTf)(2) (2). The dicationic osmabenzyne 2 reacts with ROH (R = H, Me) to give osmabenzene complexes [Os(=C(OR)CH=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf, in which the metallabenzene ring deviates significantly from planarity. In contrast, reaction of the dicationic complex 2 with NaBH(4) produces a cyclopentadienyl complex, presumably through the osmabenzene intermediate [Os(=CHC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf. The higher thermal stability of [Os(=C(OR)CH=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf relative to [Os(=CHC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf can be related to the stabilization effect of the OR groups on the metallacycle. A theoretical study shows that conversion of the dicationic osmabenzyne complex [Os([triple bond]CC(SiMe(3))=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)](OTf)(2) to a carbene complex by reductive elimination is thermodynamically unfavorable. The theoretical study also suggests that the nonplanarity of the osmabenzenes [Os(=C(OR)CH=C(Me)C(SiMe(3))=CH)(bipy)(PPh(3))(2)]OTf is mainly due to electronic reasons.     

The synthesis, characterisation and reactivity of 2-phosphanylethylcyclopentadienyl complexes of cobalt, rhodium and iridium

2-Phosphanylethylcyclopentadienyl lithium compounds, Li[C(5)R'(4)(CH(2))(2)PR(2)] (R = Et, R' = H or Me, R = Ph, R' = Me), have been prepared from the reaction of spirohydrocarbons C(5)R'(4)(C(2)H(4)) with LiPR(2). C(5)Et(4)HSiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2), was prepared from reaction of Li[C(5)Et(4)] with Me(2)SiCl(2) followed by Me(2)PCH(2)Li. The lithium salts were reacted with [RhCl(CO)(2)](2), [IrCl(CO)(3)] or [Co(2)(CO)(8)] to give [M(C(5)R'(4)(CH(2))(2)PR(2))(CO)] (M = Rh, R = Et, R' = H or Me, R = Ph, R' = Me; M = Ir or Co, R = Et, R' = Me), which have been fully characterised, in many cases crystallographically as monomers with coordination of the phosphorus atom and the cyclopentadienyl ring. The values of nu(CO) for these complexes are usually lower than those for the analogous complexes without the bridge between the cyclopentadienyl ring and the phosphine, the exception being [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (Cp' = C(5)Me(4)), the most electron rich of the complexes. [Rh(C(5)Et(4)SiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2))(CO)] may be a dimer. [Co(2)(CO)(8)] reacts with C(5)H(5)(CH(2))(2)PEt(2) or C(5)Et(4)HSiMe(2)CH(2)PMe(2) (L) to give binuclear complexes of the form [Co(2)(CO)(6)L(2)] with almost linear PCoCoP skeletons. [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] are active for methanol carbonylation at 150 degrees C and 27 bar CO, with the rate using [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] (0.81 mol dm(-3) h(-1)) being higher than that for [RhI(2)(CO)(2)](-) (0.64 mol dm(-3) h(-1)). The most electron rich complex, [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (0.38 mol dm(-3) h(-1)) gave a comparable rate to [Cp*Rh(PEt(3))(CO)] (0.30 mol dm(-3) h(-1)), which was unstable towards oxidation of the phosphine. [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))I(2)], which is inactive for methanol carbonylation, was isolated after the methanol carbonylation reaction using [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)]. Neither of [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] (M = Co or Ir) was active for methanol carbonylation under these conditions, nor under many other conditions investigated, except that [Ir(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] showed some activity at higher temperature (190 degrees C), probably as a result of degradation to [IrI(2)(CO)(2)](-). [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] react with MeI to give [M(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(C(O)Me)I] (M = Co or Rh) or [Ir(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))Me(CO)]I. The rates of oxidative addition of MeI to [Rh(C(5)H(4)(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PPh(2))(CO)] are 62 and 1770 times faster than to [Cp*Rh(CO)(2)]. Methyl migration is slower, however. High pressure NMR studies show that [Co(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] and [Cp*Rh(PEt(3))(CO)] are unstable towards phosphine oxidation and/or quaternisation under methanol carbonylation conditions, but that [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(CO)] does not exhibit phosphine degradation, eventually producing inactive [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))I(2)] at least under conditions of poor gas mixing. The observation of [Rh(Cp'(CH(2))(2)PEt(2))(C(O)Me)I] under methanol carbonylation conditions suggests that the rhodium centre has become so electron rich that reductive elimination of ethanoyl iodide has become rate determining for methanol carbonylation. In addition to the high electron density at rhodium.     

C-H activation reactions of ruthenium N-heterocyclic carbene complexes: application in a catalytic tandem reaction involving C-C bond formation from alcohols

A series of ruthenium hydride N-alkyl heterocyclic carbene complexes has been investigated as catalysts for a tandem oxidation/Wittig/reduction reaction to give C-C bonds from alcohols. The C-H-activated carbene complex Ru(IiPr(2)Me(2))'(PPh(3))(2)(CO)H (9) proves to be the most active precursor catalyzing the reaction of PhCH(2)OH and Ph(3)P=CHCN in 3 h at 70 degrees C. These results provide (a) a rare case in which N-alkyl carbenes afford higher catalytic activity than their N-aryl counterparts and (b) a novel example of the importance of NHC C-H activation in a catalytic cycle.     

Photochemical isomerization of N-heterocyclic carbene ruthenium hydride complexes: in situ photolysis, parahydrogen, and computational studies

Low-temperature UV irradiation of the N-heterocyclic carbene complex Ru(IEt2Me2)(PPh3)2(CO)H2 (IEt2Me2 = 1,3-bis(ethyl)-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene) leads to a remarkable photoisomerization reaction. By combining in situ photolysis and parahydrogen experiments to characterize the ultimate photoproducts and DFT calculations to interrogate the structures of the key 16-electron intermediates, the importance of both PPh3 and H2 loss pathways has been established.     

Electronic structures of ruthenium and osmium complexes of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone

The reaction of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) with [M(II)(H)(CO)(X)(PPh(3))(3)] in boiling toluene leads to the homolytic cleavage of the M(II)-H bond, affording the paramagnetic trans-[M(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X] (M = Ru, X = Cl, 1; M = Os, X = Br, 3) and cis-[M(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X] (M = Ru, X = Cl, 2; M = Os, X = Br, 4) complexes. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations of 1, 2·toluene, and 4·CH(2)Cl(2), EPR spectra, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have substantiated that 1-4 are 9,10-phenanthrenesemiquinone radical (PQ(?-)) complexes of ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) and are defined as trans-[Ru(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl] (1), cis-[Ru(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl] (2), trans-[Os(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO) Br] (3), and cis-[Os(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Br] (4). Two comparatively longer C-O [average lengths: 1, 1.291(3) ?; 2·toluene, 1.281(5) ?; 4·CH(2)Cl(2), 1.300(8) ?] and shorter C-C lengths [1, 1.418(5) ?; 2·toluene, 1.439(6) ?; 4·CH(2)Cl(2), 1.434(9) ?] of the OO chelates are consistent with the presence of a reduced PQ(?-) ligand in 1-4. A minor contribution of the alternate resonance form, trans- or cis-[M(I)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X], of 1-4 has been predicted by the anisotropic X- and Q-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the frozen glasses of the complexes at 25 K and unrestricted DFT calculations on 1, trans-[Ru(PQ)(PMe(3))(2)(CO)Cl] (5), cis-[Ru(PQ)(PMe(3))(2)(CO)Cl] (6), and cis-[Os(PQ)(PMe(3))(2)(CO)Br] (7). However, no thermodynamic equilibria between [M(II)(PQ(?-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X] and [M(I)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)X] tautomers have been detected. 1-4 undergo one-electron oxidation at -0.06, -0.05, 0.03, and -0.03 V versus a ferrocenium/ferrocene, Fc(+)/Fc, couple because of the formation of PQ complexes as trans-[Ru(II)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl](+) (1(+)), cis-[Ru(II)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl](+) (2(+)), trans-[Os(II)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Br](+) (3(+)), and cis-[Os(II)(PQ)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Br](+) (4(+)). The trans isomers 1 and 3 also undergo one-electron reduction at -1.11 and -0.96 V, forming PQ(2-) complexes trans-[Ru(II)(PQ(2-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Cl](-) (1(-)) and trans-[Os(II)(PQ(2-))(PPh(3))(2)(CO)Br](-) (3(-)). Oxidation of 1 by I(2) affords diamagnetic 1(+)I(3)(-) in low yields. Bond parameters of 1(+)I(3)(-) [C-O, 1.256(3) and 1.258(3) ?; C-C, 1.482(3) ?] are consistent with ligand oxidation, yielding a coordinated PQ ligand. Origins of UV-vis/near-IR absorption features of 1-4 and the electrogenerated species have been investigated by spectroelectrochemical measurements and time-dependent DFT calculations on 5, 6, 5(+), and 5(-).     

Diimine-acetylide compounds of ruthenium: the structural and spectroscopic effects of oxidation

The reaction of Ru(Me(2)bipy)(PPh(3))(2)Cl(2) 1 with terminal alkynes HCCR in the presence of TlPF(6) leads to the formation of the vinylidene compounds [Ru(Me(2)bipy)(PPh(3))(2)Cl(=C=CHR)][PF(6)] (2) (2a, R = Bu(t); 2b, R = p-C(6)H(4)-Me; 2c, R = Ph). These compounds decompose in oxygenated solution to form the carbonyl compound [Ru(Me(2)bipy)(PPh(3))(2)Cl(CO)][PF(6)] (3), and may be deprotonated by K(2)CO(3) to give the ruthenium(II) terminal acetylide compounds Ru(Me(2)bipy)(PPh(3))(2)Cl(CC-R) (4) (4a, R = Bu(t); 4b, R = p-C(6)H(4)-Me; 4c, R = Ph). Cyclic voltammetry shows that 2a-c may also be reductively dehydrogenated to form 4a-c. 4a-c are readily oxidized to their ruthenium(III) analogues [4a](+)-[4c](+), and the changes seen in their UV/visible spectra upon performing this oxidation are analyzed. These show that whereas the UV/visible spectra of 4a-c show MLCT bands from the ruthenium atom to the bipyridyl ligand, those of [4a](+)-[4c](+) contain LMCT bands originating on the acetylide ligands. This is in agreement with the IR and ESR spectra of [4a](+)-[4c](+). The X-ray crystal structures of the redox pair 4a and [4a][PF(6)()] have been determined, allowing the bonding within the metal-acetylide unit to be analyzed, and an attempt is made to determine Lever electrochemical parameters (E(L)) for the vinylidene and acetylide ligands seen herein. Room temperature luminescence measurements on 4a-c show that the compounds are not strongly emissive.     

New group 11 complexes with metal-selenium bonds of methyldiphenylphosphane selenide: a solid state, solution and theoretical investigation

Reactions between methyldiphenylphosphane selenide, SePPh(2)Me, and different group 11 metal starting materials {CuCl, [CuNO(3)(PPh(3))(2)], AgOTf, [AgOTf(PPh(3))] (OTf = OSO(2)CF(3)), [AuCl(tht)], [Au(C(6)F(5))(tht)] and [Au(C(6)F(5))(3)(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene)} were performed in order to obtain several new species with metal-selenium bonds. The new complexes [CuCl(SePPh(2)Me)] (1), [AgOTf(SePPh(2)Me)] (2), [AuCl(SePPh(2)Me)] (5), [Au(C(6)F(5))(SePPh(2)Me)] (6) and [Au(C(6)F(5))(3)(SePPh(2)Me)] (7) were isolated and structurally characterized in solution by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, (31)P, (77)Se and (19)F where appropriate). Solid products were isolated also from the reactions between SePPh(2)Me and [CuNO(3)(PPh(3))(2)] or [AgOTf(PPh(3))], respectively. NMR experiments, including low temperature (1)H and (31)P NMR, revealed for them a dynamic behaviour in solution, involving the transfer of selenium from PPh(2)Me to PPh(3). In case of the isolated silver(i) containing solid an equilibrium between, respectively, monomeric [AgOTf(PPh(3))(SePPh(2)Me)] (3) and [AgOTf(PPh(2)Me)(SePPh(3))] (4), and dimeric [Ag(PPh(3))(μ-SePPh(2)Me)](2)(OTf)(2) (3a) and [Ag(PPh(2)Me)(μ-SePPh(3))](2)(OTf)(2) (4a) species was observed in solution. In case of the isolated copper(i) containing solid the NMR studies brought no clear evidence for a similar behaviour, but it can not be excluded in a first stage of the reaction. However the transfer of selenium between the two triorganophosphanes takes place also in this case, but the NMR spectra suggest that the final reaction mixture contains the free triorganophospane selenides SePPh(2)Me and SePPh(3) as well as the complex species [CuNO(3)(PPh(3))(2)], [CuNO(3)(PPh(2)Me)(2)] and [CuNO(3)(PPh(3))(PPh(2)Me)] in equilibrium. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed monomeric structures for the gold(I) 6 and gold(III) 7 complexes. In case of compound 6 weak aurophilic gold(I)···gold(I) contacts were also observed in the crystal. DFT calculations were performed in order to understand the solution behaviour of the silver(I) and copper(I) species containing both P(III) and P(V) ligands, to verify the stability of possible dimeric species and to account for the aurophilic interactions found for 6. In addition, the nature of the electronic transitions involved in the absorption/emission processes observed for 6 and 7 in the solid state were also investigated by means of TD-DFT calculations.     

From tetrahydroborate- to aminoborylvinylidene-osmium complexes via alkynyl-aminoboryl intermediates

The tetrahydroborate OsH(η(2)-H(2)BH(2))(CO)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (1) reacts with aniline and p-toluidine to give the aminoboryl derivatives [chemical structure: see text] (R = H (2), CH(3) (3)) and four H(2) molecules. Treatment of 2 and 3 with phenylacetylene gives Os{B(NHC(6)H(4)R)(2)}(C≡CPh)(CO)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (R = H (4), CH(3) (5)), which react with HBF(4) to afford the amino(fluoro)boryl species Os{BF(NHC(6)H(4)R)}(C≡CPh)(CO)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (R = H (6), CH(3) (7)). In contrast to HBF(4), the addition of acetic acid to 4 and 5 induces the release of phenylacetylene and the formation of the six-coordinate derivatives Os{B(NHC(6)H(4)R)(2)}(κ(2)-O(2)CCH(3))(CO)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (R = H (8), CH(3) (9)). The coordination number six for 4 and 5 can be also achieved by addition of CO. Under this gas Os{B(NHC(6)H(4)R)(2)}(C≡CPh)(CO)(2)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (R = H (10), CH(3) (11)) are formed. In toluene, these alkynyl-aminoboryl compounds evolve into the aminoborylvinylidenes Os{═C═C(Ph)B(NHC(6)H(4)R)(2)}(CO)(2)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (R = H (12), CH(3) (13)) via a unimolecular 1,3-boryl migration from the metal to the C(β) atom of the alkynyl ligand. Similarly to 4 and 5, complexes 6 and 7 coordinate CO to give Os{BF(NHC(6)H(4)R)}(C≡CPh)(CO)(2)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (R = H (15), CH(3) (16)), which evolve to Os{═C═C(Ph)BF(NHC(6)H(4)R)}(CO)(2)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) (R = H (17), CH(3) (18)).