Polymerization of 3‐ethynylthiophene with homogeneous and heterogeneous Rh catalysts

3‐Ethynylthiophene (3ETh) was polymerized with Rh(I) complexes: [Rh(cod)acac], [Rh(nbd)acac], [Rh(cod)Cl]₂, and [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂ (cod is η²:η²‐cycloocta‐1,5‐diene and nbd η²:η²‐norborna‐2,5‐diene), used as homogeneous catalysts and with the last two complexes anchored on mesoporous polybenzimidazole (PBI) beads: [Rh(cod)Cl]₂/PBI and [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂/PBI used as heterogeneous catalysts. All tested catalyst systems give high‐cis poly(3ETh). In situ NMR study of homogeneous polymerizations induced with [Rh(cod)acac] and [Rh(nbd)acac] complexes has revealed: (i) a transformation of acac ligands into free acetylacetone (Hacac) occurring since the early stage of polymerization, which suggests that this reaction is part of the initiation, (ii) that the initiation is rather slow in both of these polymerization systems, and (iii) a release of cod ligand from [Rh(cod)acac] complex but no release of nbd ligand from [Rh(nbd)acac] complex during the polymerization. The stability of diene ligand binding to Rh‐atom in [Rh(diene)acac] catalysts remarkably affects only the molecular weight but not the yield of poly(3ETh). The heterogeneous catalyst systems also provide high‐cis poly(3ETh), which is of very low contamination with catalyst residues since a leaching of anchored Rh complexes is negligible. The course of heterogeneous polymerizations is somewhat affected by limitations arising from the diffusion of monomer inside catalyst beads. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2776–2787, 2008     

Chemistry of transition‐metal complexes containing functionalized phosphines: synthesis and structural analysis of rhodium(I) complexes containing allyl and cyanoalkylphosphines

A series of related acetylacetonate–carbonyl–rhodium compounds substituted by functionalized phosphines has been prepared in good to excellent yields by the reaction of [Rh(acac)(CO)₂] (acac is acetylacetonate) with the corresponding allyl‐, cyanomethyl‐ or cyanoethyl‐substituted phosphines. All compounds were fully characterized by ³¹P, ¹H, ¹³C NMR and IR spectroscopy. The X‐ray structures of (acetylacetonato‐κ²O,O′)(tert‐butylphosphanedicarbonitrile‐κP)carbonylrhodium(I), [Rh(C₅H₇O₂)(CO)(C₈H₁₃N₂)] or [Rh(acac)(CO)(^tBuP(CH₂CN)₂}] ( 2b ), (acetylacetonato‐κ²O,O′)carbonyl[3‐(diphenylphosphanyl)propanenitrile‐κP]rhodium(I), [Rh(C₅H₇O₂)(C₁₅H₁₄N)(CO)] or [Rh(acac)(CO){Ph₂P(CH₂CH₂CN)}] ( 2h ), and (acetylacetonato‐κ²O,O′)carbonyl[3‐(di‐tert‐butylphosphanyl)propanenitrile‐κP]rhodium(I), [Rh(C₅H₇O₂)(C₁₁H₂₂N)(CO)] or [Rh(acac)(CO){^tBu₂P(CH₂CH₂CN)}] ( 2i ), showed a square‐planar geometry around the Rh atom with a significant trans influence over the acetylacetonate moiety, evidenced by long Rh—O bond lengths as expected for poor π‐acceptor phosphines. The Rh—P distances displayed an inverse linear dependence with the coupling constants J_P‐Rh and the IR ν(C[triple‐bond]O) bands, which accounts for the Rh—P electronic bonding feature (poor π‐acceptors) of these complexes. A combined study from density functional theory (DFT) calculations and an evaluation of the intramolecular H…Rh contacts from X‐ray diffraction data allowed a comparison of the conformational preferences of these complexes in the solid state versus the isolated compounds in the gas phase. For 2b , 2h and 2i , an energy‐framework study evidenced that the crystal structures are mainly governed by dispersive energy. In fact, strong pairwise molecular dispersive interactions are responsible for the columnar arrangement observed in these complexes. A Hirshfeld surface analysis employing three‐dimensional molecular surface contours and two‐dimensional fingerprint plots indicated that the structures are stabilized by H…H, C…H, H…O, H…N and H…Rh intermolecular interactions.     

Mono‐ and Binuclear Rhodium and Platinum Complexes of 1, 3, 5‐Trimethyl‐1, 3, 5‐triaza‐2σ3λ3‐phosphorin‐4, 6‐dionyloxy‐substituted Calix[4]arenes

The reaction behaviour of 1, 3, 5‐triaza‐2σ³λ³‐phosphorin‐4, 6‐dionyloxy‐substituted calix[4]arenes towards mono‐ and binuclear rhodium and platinum complexes was investigated. Special attention was directed to structure and dynamic behaviour of the products in solution and in the solid state. Depending on the molar ratio of the reactands, the reaction of the tetrakis(triazaphosphorindionyloxy)‐substituted calix[4]arene ( 4 ) and its tert‐butyl‐derivative ( 1 ) with [(cod)RhCl]₂ yielded the mono‐ and disubstituted binuclear rhodium complexes 2 , 3 , and 5 . In all cases, a C₂‐symmetrical structure was proved in solution, apparently caused by a fast intramolecular exchange process between cone conformation and 1, 3‐alternating conformation. The X‐ray crystal structure determination of 5 confirmed [(calixarene)RhCl]₂‐coordination through two opposite phosphorus atoms with a P ⃜P separation of 345 pm. The complex displays crystallographic inversion symmetry, and the Rh₂Cl₂ core is thus exactly planar. Reaction of 1 and of the bis(triazaphosphorindionyloxy)‐bis(methoxy)‐substituted tert‐butyl‐calix‐[4]arene ( 7 ) with (cod)Rh(acac) in equimolar ratio and subsequent reaction with HBF₄ led to the expected cationic monorhodium complexes 5 and 8 , involving 1, 3‐alternating P‐Rh‐P‐coordination. The cone conformation in solution was proved by NMR spectroscopy and characteristic values of the ¹J(PRh) coupling constants in the ³¹P‐NMR‐spectra. Reaction of equimolar amounts of 4 with (cod)Rh(acac) or (nbd)Rh(acac) led, by substitution of the labile coordinated acetylacetonato and after addition of HBF₄, to the corresponding mononuclear cationic complexes 9 and 10 . Only two of the four phosphorus atoms in 9 and 10 are coordinated to the central metal atom. Displacement of either cycloocta‐1, 5‐diene or norbornadiene was not observed. For both compounds, the cone conformation was proved by NMR spectroscopy. Reaction of 4 with (cod)PtCl₂ led to the PtCl₂‐complex ( 11 ). As for all compounds mentioned above, only two phosphorus atoms of the ligand coordinate to platinum, while two phosphorus atoms remain uncoordinated (proved by δ³¹P and characteristic values of ¹J(PPt)). NMR‐spectroscopic evidence was found for the existence of the cone conformation in the cis‐configuration of 11 .     

Synthesis and Rh(I)‐catalyzed polymerization of 1,3‐diphenylyne–calix[4]arene compounds: Novel conjugated,calixarene‐based polymers

The synthesis of two 1,3‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)calix[4]arenes, 5,11,17,23‐tetrakis(1,1‐dimethylethyl)‐25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene ( 1 ) and 25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene ( 2 ), was accomplished through Sonogashira coupling of appropriate calixarene derivatives. Methods for the polymerization of these bifunctional building blocks with Rh(I) as a catalyst, leading ultimately to conjugated polymers having calix[4]arene units incorporated into the main chain, were explored. Calixarenes 1 and 2 were efficiently polymerized with rhodium‐based initiators and afforded the conjugated polymers poly{5,11,17,23‐tetrakis(1,1‐dimethylethyl)‐25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene} ( poly 1 ) and poly{25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene}. Depending on the conditions, high conversions and good yields were obtained. The effects of adding cocatalysts (NHEt₂ and/or PPh₃) were studied in connection with the number‐average molecular weight and the molecular weight distribution of the resultant polymer ( poly 1 ) and tentatively correlated with the formation of low‐molecular‐weight materials. A catalytic system containing triphenylphosphine as the sole additive ([Rh(nbd)Cl]₂; [Rh]/[PPh₃] = 0.5) proved to be the best for the polymerization of p‐tert‐butylcalixarene compound 1 . Linear polymers having high number‐average molecular weights (up to 1.1 × 10⁵ g mol^?1) with low polydispersities were produced under these conditions. For debutylated homologue 2 , its polymerization was best carried out in the absence of any added cocatalyst. A cyclopolymerization route, comprising the intramolecular ring closing of the calix[4]arene pendant ethynyl groups followed by an intermolecular propagation step, is advanced to explain the results. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 7054–7070, 2006     

Reductive Coupling of Diynes at Rhodium Gives Fluorescent Rhodacyclopentadienes or Phosphorescent Rhodium 2,2’‐Biphenyl Complexes

Reactions of [Rh(κ²‐O,O‐acac)(PMe₃)₂] (acac=acetylacetonato) and α,ω‐bis(arylbutadiynyl)alkanes afford two isomeric types of MC₄ metallacycles with very different photophysical properties. As a result of a [2+2] reductive coupling at Rh, 2,5‐bis(arylethynyl)rhodacyclopentadienes ( A ) are formed, which display intense fluorescence (Φ=0.07–0.54, τ=0.2–2.5 ns) despite the presence of the heavy metal atom. Rhodium biphenyl complexes ( B ), which show exceptionally long‐lived (hundreds of μs) phosphorescence (Φ=0.01–0.33) at room temperature in solution, have been isolated as a second isomer originating from an unusual [4+2] cycloaddition reaction and a subsequent β‐H‐shift. We attribute the different photophysical properties of isomers A and B to a higher excited state density and a less stabilized T₁ state in the biphenyl complexes B , allowing for more efficient intersystem crossing S₁→T_n and T₁→S₀. Control of the isomer distribution is achieved by modification of the bis‐ (diyne) linker length, providing a fundamentally new route to access photoactive metal biphenyl compounds.     

Interaction of [VIVO(acac)2] with Human Serum Transferrin and Albumin

[VO(acac)₂] is a remarkable vanadium compound and has potential as a therapeutic drug. It is important to clarify how it is transported in blood, but the reports addressing its binding to serum proteins have been contradictory. We use several spectroscopic and mass spectrometric techniques (ESI and MALDI‐TOF), small‐angle X‐ray scattering and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) to characterize solutions containing [VO(acac)₂] and either human serum apotransferrin (apoHTF) or albumin (HSA). DFT and modeling protein calculations are carried out to disclose the type of binding to apoHTF. The measured circular dichroism spectra, SEC and MALDI‐TOF data clearly prove that at least two VO–acac moieties may bind to apoHTF, most probably forming [V^IVO(acac)(apoHTF)] complexes with residues of the HTF binding sites. No indication of binding of [VO(acac)₂] to HSA is obtained. We conclude that V^IVO–acac species may be transported in blood by transferrin. At very low complex concentrations speciation calculations suggest that [(VO)(apoHTF)] species form.     

Kinetic and spectroscopic studies of the substitution reactions of [Rh(acac)(CO)2] with triphenylphosphite

Summary The substitution reactions of [Rh(acac)(CO)₂] with triphenylphosphite (P) to produce [Rh(acac)(CO)P], [Rh(acac)P₂] and [PhP₃P], were studied in detail using spectroscopic (n.m.r., i.r. and u.v.-vis.) and kinetic techniques. The kinetic data demonstrate that the first substitution process is very fast and followed by the rate-determining second step. The subsequent loss of acac is relatively slow. The activation enthalpy for the formation of [Rh(acac)P₂] is extremely low and possibly accounts for the catalytic nature of this system in hydrogenation and hydroformylation reactions.     

Asymmetric Aldol Reactions between Acetone and Benzaldehydes Catalyzed by Chiral Zn2+ Complexes of Aminoacyl 1,4,7,10‐Tetraazacyclododecane: Fine‐Tuning of the Amino‐Acid Side Chains and a Revised Reaction Mechanism

We previously reported that chiral Zn²⁺ complexes that were designed to mimic the actions of class‐I and class‐II aldolases catalyzed the enantioselective aldol reactions of acetone and its analogues thereof with benzaldehyde derivatives. Herein, we report the synthesis of new chiral Zn²⁺ complexes that contain Zn²⁺? tetraazacyclododecane (Zn²⁺? [12]aneN₄) moieties and amino acids that contain aliphatic, aromatic, anionic, cationic, and dipeptide side chains. The chemical and optical yields of the aldol reaction were improved (up to 96 % ee) by using ZnL complexes of L ‐decanylglycyl‐pendant [12]aneN₄ (L ‐ZnL⁷), L ‐naphthylalanyl‐pendant [12]aneN₄ (L ‐ZnL¹⁰), L ‐biphenylalanyl‐pendant [12]aneN₄ (L ‐ZnL¹¹), and L ‐phenylethylglycyl‐pendant [12]aneN₄ ligands (L ‐ZnL¹²). UV/Vis and circular dichroism (CD) titrations of acetylacetone (acac) with ZnL complexes confirmed that a ZnL? (acac)^? complex was exclusively formed and not the enaminone of ZnL and acac, as we had previously proposed. Moreover, the results of stopped‐flow experiments indicated that the complexation of (acac)^? with ZnL was complete within milliseconds, whereas the formation of an enaminone required several hours. X‐ray crystal‐structure analysis of L ‐ZnL¹⁰ and the ZnL complex of L ‐diphenylalanyl‐pendant [12]aneN₄ (L ‐ZnL¹³) shows that the NH₂ groups of the amino‐acid side chains of these ligands are coordinated to the Zn²⁺ center as the fourth coordination site, in addition to three nitrogen atoms of the [12]aneN₄ rings. The reaction mechanism of these aldol reactions is discussed and some corrections are made to our previous mechanistic hypothesis.     

Rapid Asymmetric Transfer Hydroformylation (ATHF) of Disubstituted Alkenes Using Paraformaldehyde as a Syngas Surrogate

As an alternative to conventional asymmetric hydroformylation (AHF), asymmetric transfer hydroformylation (ATHF) by using formaldehyde as a surrogate for syngas is reported. A catalyst derived from commercially available [Rh(acac)(CO)₂] (acac=acetylacetonate) and 1,2‐bis[(2S,5S)‐2,5‐diphenylphospholano]ethane(1,5‐cyclooctadiene) (Ph‐BPE) stands out in terms of both activity and enantioselectivity. Remarkably, not only are high selectivities achievable, the reactions are very simple to perform, and higher enantioselectivity (up to 96 % ee) and/or turnover frequencies than those achievable by using the same catalyst (or other leading catalysts) can be obtained by using typical conditions for AHF.     

Metal Organic Polyhedra: A Click‐and‐Clack Approach Toward Targeted Delivery

Mixed self‐assembly of ligands 1 and 2 , PXDA ( 3 ), and Pd(NO₃)₂ afforded metal organic polyhedra ( MOP 1  –  MOP 3 ) which bear 24 covalently attached CB[7] and cyclooctyne moieties. Post assembly modification (PAM) of MOP 3 by covalent strain promoted alkyne azide click reaction provided MOP 4 ^R bearing covalently attached functionality (PEG, sulfonate, biotin, c‐RGD, fluorescein, and cyanine). Orthogonal CB[7]·guest mediated non‐covalent PAM of MOP 4 ^R with Ad‐ FITC afforded MOP 5 ^RGD • Ad‐ FITC and MOP 5 ^biotin • Ad‐ FITC . Flow cytometry analysis of the uptake of MOP 5 ^RGD • Ad‐ FITC toward U87 cells demonstrated improved uptake relative to control MOP lacking c‐RGD ligands. These results suggest a broad applicability of orthogonally functionalizable (covalent and non‐covalent) MOPs in targeted drug delivery and imaging applications.     

Time‐Resolved,In Situ DRIFTS/EDE/MS Studies on Alumina‐Supported Rhodium Catalysts: Effects of Ceriation and Zirconiation on Rhodium–CO Interactions

The effects of ceria and zirconia on the structure–function properties of supported rhodium catalysts (1.6 and 4 wt % Rh/γ‐Al₂O₃) during CO exposure are described. Ceria and zirconia are introduced through two preparation methods: 1) ceria is deposited on γ‐Al₂O₃ from [Ce(acac)₃] and rhodium metal is subsequently added, and 2) through the controlled surface modification (CSM) technique, which involves the decomposition of [M(acac)_x] (M=Ce, x=3; M=Zr, x=4) on Rh/γ‐Al₂O₃. The structure–function correlations of ceria and/or zirconia‐doped rhodium catalysts are investigated by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier‐transform spectroscopy/energy‐dispersive extended X‐ray absorption spectroscopy/mass spectrometry (DRIFTS/EDE/MS) under time‐resolved, in situ conditions. CeO_x and ZrO₂ facilitate the protection of Rh particles against extensive oxidation in air and CO. Larger Rh core particles of ceriated and zirconiated Rh catalysts prepared by CSM are observed and compared with Rh/γ‐Al₂O₃ samples, whereas supported Rh particles are easily disrupted by CO forming mononuclear Rh geminal dicarbonyl species. DRIFTS results indicate that, through the interaction of CO with ceriated Rh particles, a significantly larger amount of linear CO species form; this suggests the predominance of a metallic Rh phase.     

Palladium‐MOP Chemistry: Pseudo‐cis‐Allyl MOP Complexes and Flexible Olefin Bonding. Preliminary Communication

We show that both palladium(0) and palladium(II) metal centers are capable of coordinating two monodentate MOP (=(R)‐2‐(diarylphosphino)‐1,1′‐binaphthalene) ligands in a pseudo‐cis orientation, despite published statements to the contrary. In addition to [Pd(η³‐C₃H₅)(MeO? MOP)₂]BF₄ (MeO? MOP=(R)‐2‐(diphenylphosphino)‐2′‐methoxy‐1,1′‐binaphthalene), the first examples of chiral bis κC¹‐prop‐2‐enyl (η¹‐CH₂CH?CH₂) complexes [cis‐Pd(κC¹‐C₃H₅)₂(MeO? MOP or MOP)₂], are shown to be relatively stable. Further, coordinated MOP and MeO? MOP both show stronger propensity towards novel intramolecular π‐olefin complexation than the CN? MOP analogue. The solid‐state structure of [Pd(fumaronitrile)(MOP)₂] is reported.     

Vinylmetallics as ligands : VII. Acetylacetonatobis(η2-vinylsilane)rhodium(I) complexes

Complexes of the type, [(acac)Rh(ViSiR₃)₂] and [(acac)Rh(Vi₂SiR₂)], are readily prepared by displacement of ethylene from [(acac)Rh(C₂H₄)₂]. The compounds, which are less reactive to air than similar carbon analogues, have been characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR. The ¹³C NMR results suggest that the vinylsilane ligands function as better π-acceptors than do similar carbon analogues, and that dπpπ interactions between the silicon atom and the double bond are decreased upon coordination of the vinylsilane.     

Novel isolated,L‐amino acid‐ligated rhodium catalysts that induce highly helix‐sense‐selective polymerization of an achiral 3,4,5‐trisubstituted phenylacetylene

Two novel chiral well‐defined rhodium complexes, Rh(cod)(L‐Phe) (cod = 1,5‐cyclooctadiene, Phe = phenylalanine) and Rh(cod)(L‐Val) (Val = valine) were synthesized, isolated by recrystallization, and characterized. The helix‐sense‐selective polymerization (HSSP) of an achiral 3,4,5‐trisubstituted phenylacetylene, p‐dodecyloxy‐m,m‐dihydroxyphenylacetylene (DoDHPA) was examined by using the two Rh complexes as catalysts. These catalysts provided high molecular weight polymers (M_w 28 × 10⁴?45 × 10⁴) in about 40%–85% yields. The resulting polymers exhibited a bisignated CD signal at about 300 nm and a broad signal around 470 nm, indicating that they have preferential one‐handed helical structure. The present catalysts achieved larger molar ellipticity up to [θ]₃₁₀ = 13.0 × 10⁴ deg cm²/dmol than those with binary chiral catalytic systems, [Rh(cod)Cl]₂/(L‐phenylalaninol), [Rh(cod)Cl]₂/(L‐valinol), and [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂/(R)‐PEA. All these results manifest that the present, well‐defined Rh complexes serve as excellent catalysts for the HSSP of DoDHPA. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 2346–2351     

A dinuclear phosphite rhodium(I) complex obtained by syngas treatment of a Rh/hydroxy phosphonite olefin hydroformylation precatalyst

A hydroxy phosphonite was found to be unstable during the catalyst preformation routine applied towards a rhodium olefin hydroformylation catalyst. C—P bond cleavage occurred when the phosphonite was reacted with [(acac)Rh(1,5‐COD)] (acac is acetyl acetate and 1,5‐COD is cycloocta‐1,5‐diene) at 80 °C and 20 bar of CO/H₂. As a result, a nearly planar six‐membered ring structure consisting of two rhodium(I) cations and two bridging phosphorous acid diester anions was formed, namely bis[μ‐(4,8‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,10‐dimethoxydibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin‐6‐yl)oxy]‐1:2κ²P:O;1:2κ²O:P‐bis{[6‐([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2‐yloxy)‐4,8‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,10‐dimethoxydibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepine‐κP]carbonylrhodium(I)} toluene tetrasolvate, [Rh₂(C₂₂H₂₈O₅P)₂(C₃₄H₃₇O₅P)₂(CO)₂]·4C₇H₈. Further coordination of phosphite and of carbonyl groups resulted in 16‐electron rhodium centres.     

Ein‐ und zweikernige Rhodiumkomplexe mit Arsino(phosphino)methanen in unterschiedlichen Koordinationsformen

Mono‐ and Dinuclear Rhodium Complexes with Arsino(phosphino)methanes in Different Coordination Modes The cyclooctadiene complex [Rh(η⁴‐C₈H₁₂)(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)](PF₆) ( 1a ) reacts with CO and CNtBu to give the substitution products [Rh(L)₂(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)](PF₆) ( 2 , 3 ). From 1a and Na(acac) in the presence of CO the neutral compound [Rh(κ²‐acac)(CO)(κ‐P‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 4 ) is formed. The reactions of 1a , the corresponding B(Ar_F)₄‐salt 1b and [Rh(η⁴‐C₈H₁₂)(κ²‐iPr₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)](PF₆) ( 5 ) with acetonitrile under a H₂ atmosphere affords the complexes [Rh(CH₃CN)₂(κ²‐R₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)]X ( 6a , 6b , 7 ), of which 6a (R = tBu; X = PF₆) gives upon treatment with Na(acac‐f₆) the bis(chelate) compound [Rh(κ²‐acac‐f₆)(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 8 ). From 8 and CH₃I a mixture of two stereoisomers of composition [Rh(CH₃)I(κ²‐acac‐f₆)(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 9/10 ) is generated by oxidative addition, and the molecular structure of the racemate 9 has been determined. The reactions of 1a and 5 with CO in the presence of NaCl leads to the formation of the “A‐frame” complexes [Rh₂(CO)₂(μ‐Cl)(μ‐R₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)₂](PF₆) ( 11 , 12 ), which have been characterized crystallographically. From 11 and 12 the dinuclear substitution products [Rh₂(CO)₂(μ‐X)(μ‐R₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)₂](PF₆) ( 13 ‐ 16 ) are obtained by replacing the bridging chloride for bromide, hydride or hydroxide, respectively. While 12 (R = iPr) reacts with NaI to give the related “A‐frame” complex 18 , treatment of 11 (R = tBu) with NaI yields the mononuclear chelate compound [RhI(CO)(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 20 ). The reaction of 20 with CH₃I affords the acetyl complex [RhI₂{C(O)CH₃}(κ²‐tBu₂AsCH₂PiPr₂)] ( 21 ) with five‐coordinate rhodium atom.     

3‐Rhoda‐1,2‐diazacyclopentanes: A Series of Novel Metallacycle Complexes Derived From CN Functionalization of Ethylene

Rh‐containing metallacycles, [(TPA)Rh^III(κ²‐(C,N)‐CH₂CH₂(NR)₂‐]Cl; TPA=N,N,N,N‐tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine have been accessed through treatment of the Rh^I ethylene complex, [(TPA)Rh(η²‐CH₂CH₂)]Cl ([ 1 ]Cl) with substituted diazenes. We show this methodology to be tolerant of electron‐deficient azo compounds including azo diesters (RCO₂N?NCO₂R; R=Et [ 3 ]Cl, R=iPr [ 4 ]Cl, R=tBu [ 5 ]Cl, and R=Bn [ 6 ]Cl) and a cyclic azo diamide: 4‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3,5‐dione (PTAD), [ 7 ]Cl. The latter complex features two ortho‐fused ring systems and constitutes the first 3‐rhoda‐1,2‐diazabicyclo[3.3.0]octane. Preliminary evidence suggests that these complexes result from N–N coordination followed by insertion of ethylene into a [Rh]?N bond. In terms of reactivity, [ 3 ]Cl and [ 4 ]Cl successfully undergo ring‐opening using p‐toluenesulfonic acid, affording the Rh chlorides, [(TPA)Rh^III(Cl)(κ¹‐(C)‐CH₂CH₂(NCO₂R)(NHCO₂R)]OTs; [ 13 ]OTs and [ 14 ]OTs. Deprotection of [ 5 ]Cl using trifluoroacetic acid was also found to give an ethyl substituted, end‐on coordinated diazene [(TPA)Rh^III(κ²‐(C,N)‐CH₂CH₂(NH)₂‐]⁺ [ 16 ]Cl, a hitherto unreported motif. Treatment of [ 16 ]Cl with acetyl chloride resulted in the bisacetylated adduct [(TPA)Rh^III(κ²‐(C,N)‐CH₂CH₂(NAc)₂‐]⁺, [ 17 ]Cl. Treatment of [ 1 ]Cl with AcN?NAc did not give the Rh?N insertion product, but instead the N,O‐chelated complex [(TPA)Rh^I ( κ²‐(O,N)‐CH₃(CO)(NH)(N?C(CH₃)(OCH?CH₂))]Cl [ 23 ]Cl, presumably through insertion of ethylene into a [Rh]?O bond.     

Vapochromic Ionic Liquids from Metal–Chelate Complexes Exhibiting Reversible Changes in Color,Thermal, and Magnetic Properties

Vapor‐ and gas‐responsive ionic liquids (ILs) comprised of cationic metal‐chelate complexes and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Tf₂N) have been prepared, namely, [Cu(acac)(BuMe₃en)][Tf₂N] ( 1 a ), [Cu(Bu‐acac)(BuMe₃en)][Tf₂N] ( 1 b ), [Cu(C₁₂‐acac)(Me₄en)][Tf₂N] ( 1 c ), [Cu(acac)(Me₄en)][Tf₂N] ( 1 d ), and [Ni(acac)(BuMe₃en)][Tf₂N] ( 2 a ) (acac=acetylacetonate, Bu‐acac=3‐butyl‐2,4‐pentanedionate, C₁₂‐acac=3‐dodecyl‐2,4‐pentanedionate, BuMe₃en=N‐butyl‐N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine, and Me₄en=N,N,N′,N′‐trimethylethylenediamine). These ILs exhibited reversible changes in color, thermal properties, and magnetic properties in response to organic vapors and gases. The Cu^II‐containing ILs are purple and turn blue‐purple to green when exposed to organic vapors, such as acetonitrile, methanol, and DMSO, or ammonia gas. The color change is based on the coordination of the vapor molecules to the cation, and the resultant colors depend on the coordination strength (donor number, DN) of the vapor molecules. The vapor absorption caused changes in the melting points and viscosities, leading to alteration in the phase behaviors. The IL with a long alkyl chain ( 1 d ) transitioned from a purple solid to a brown liquid at its melting point. The Ni^II‐containing IL ( 2 a ) is a dark red diamagnetic liquid, which turned into a green paramagnetic liquid by absorbing vapors with high DN. Based on the equilibrium shift from four‐ to six‐coordinated species, the liquid exhibited thermochromism and temperature‐dependent magnetic susceptibility after absorbing methanol.     

Revisiting the Molecular Roots of a Ubiquitously Successful Synthesis: Nickel(0) Nanoparticles by Reduction of [Ni(acetylacetonate)2]

The widely used preparation of Ni⁰ nanoparticles from [Ni(acac)₂] (acac=acetylacetonate) and oleylamine, often considered to be a thermolysis or a radical reaction, was analyzed anew by using a combination of DFT modeling and designed mechanistic experiments. Firstly, the reaction was followed up by using TGA to evaluate the energy barrier of the limiting step. Secondly, all the byproducts were identified using NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, FTIR, and X‐ray crystallography. These methods allowed us to depict both main and side‐reaction pathways. Lastly, DFT modeling was utilized to assess the validity of this new scheme by identifying the limiting steps and evaluating the corresponding energy barriers. The oleylamine was shown to reduce the [Ni(acac)₂] complex not through a one‐electron radical mechanism, as often stated, but as an hydride donor through a two‐electron chemical reduction route. This finding has strong consequences not only for the design of further nanoparticles syntheses that use long‐chain amine as a reactant, but also for advanced understanding of catalytic reactions for which these nanoparticles can be employed.     

Synthesis,characterization and catalytic applications of rhodium(I) organometallics with substituted tertiary phosphines

Organometallics of the type [Rh(COD)(L)Cl] (where, L = carboxyl/formyl/pyridyl tertiary phosphines) have been synthesized by treating the precursor [Rh(COD)Cl]₂ with substituted tertiary phosphines. [Rh(COD)(Ph₂P-2-C₆H₄COO)] and [Rh(COD)(Ph₂P-CH₂COO)] were synthesized by halide abstraction from the precursor [Rh(COD)Cl]₂ in the presence of AgPF₆ in tetrahydrofuran by involving 2-carboxy phenyl/carboxy methyl group of tertiary phosphines in coordination as bidentate ligands. Similarly, the cationic compounds of the type [Rh(COD)L₂]PF₆ were also synthesized by treating [Rh(COD)Cl]₂ in the presence of AgPF₆. All these compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, conductance measurements, IR, ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P NMR, mass, and electronic spectral studies. [Rh(COD)(Ph₂-P-2-C₆H₄COOH)Cl] and [Rh(COD)(Ph₂-P-2-C₆H₄COO)] were studied on the catalytic reduction reactions of 2-nitroanisole, 3-nitro anisole, 4-nitroanisole, 2-nitrobenzoicacid, 3-nitrobenzoicacid, 4-nitrobenzoicacid under mild conditions and [Rh(COD)(Ph₂-P-2-C₆H₄COO)] was found to be more efficient than [Rh(COD)(Ph₂-P-2-C₆H₄COOH)Cl]. This article is dedicated to Dr. D. R. M Walton, who successfully completed his tenure as Editor-in-Chief, Transition Metal Chemistry.