Synthesis and characterization of the dimercury(I)-linked compound [PPn]4[(Re7C(CO)21Hg)2]. Oxidative cleavage of the mercury-mercury bond leading to carbidoheptarhenate complexes of mercury(II), including [PPN][Re7C(CO)21Hg(S=C(NME2)2)

The reaction of [PPN](3)[Re(7)C(CO)(21)] with Hg(2)(NO(3))(2).2H(2)O in dichloromethane formed the complex [PPN](4)[(Re(7)C(CO)(21)Hg)(2)] ([PPN](4)[1]), isolated in 60% yield. Analogous salts of [1](4-) with [PPh(4)](+) and [NEt(4)](+) were also prepared. The crystal structure of [PPN](4)[1] showed that two carbidoheptarhenate cores are linked by a dimercury(I) unit (d(Hg-Hg) = 2.610(4) A), with each individual mercury atom face-bridging. Oxidative cleavage of the Hg-Hg bond in [1](4-) was effected by 4-bromophenyl disulfide to form [Re(7)C(CO)(21)HgSC(6)H(4)Br](2-) ([4](2-)), by I(2) to form [Re(7)C(CO)(21)HgI](2-) ([5](2-)), and by Br(2) to form [Re(7)C(CO)(21)HgBr](2-) ([6](2-)). Oxidation of [1](4-) by ferrocenium ion (2 equiv) in the presence of tetramethylthiourea resulted in the derivative [Re(7)C(CO)(21)HgSC(NMe(2))(2)](-) ([7](-)). The molecular structure of [PPN][7] was determined by X-ray crystallography. This is the first example of a carbidoheptarhenate-mercury complex with a neutral ligand on mercury, and ligand exchange was demonstrated by displacement with triethylphosphine. Complex [7](-) can also be prepared by protonating [Re(7)C(CO)(21)HgO(2)CCH(3)](2-) in the presence of tetramethylthiourea. Cyclic voltammetry data to calibrate and compare the redox properties of compounds [1](4-) and [7](-) have been measured.     

Synthesis, reactivity, electrochemical behavior, and crystal structure of a family of multivalent metal carbido-carbonyl clusters based on the rh(10)(c)(2)au(4-6) framework

Six metal carbido-carbonyl clusters have been isolated and recognized as members of a multivalent family based on the dioctahedral Rh(10)(C)(2) frame, with variable numbers of CO ligands, AuPPh(3) moieties, and anionic charge: [Rh(10)(C)(2)(CO)(x)(AuPPh(3))(y)](n-) (x = 18, 20; y = 4, 5, 6; n = 0, 1, 2). Anions [Rh(10)(C)(2)(CO)(18)(AuPPh(3))(4)](-) ([2](-)) and [Rh(10)(C)(2)(CO)(18)(AuPPh(3))(4)](2-) ([2](2-)) have been obtained by the reduction of [Rh(10)(C)(2)(CO)(18)(AuPPh(3))(4)] (2) under N(2), while [Rh(10)(C)(2)(CO)(18)(AuPPh(3))(5)](-) ([3](-)) was obtained from [Rh(10)(C)(2)(CO)(20)(AuPPh(3))(4)] (1) by reduction under a CO atmosphere. [3](-) can be better obtained by the addition of AuPPh(3)Cl to [2](2-). [Rh(10)(C)(2)(CO)(18)(AuPPh(3))(6)] (4) is obtained from [3](-) and 2 as well by the reduction and subsequent addition of AuPPh(3)Cl. The molecular structures of [2](2-) ([NBu(4)](+) salt), [3](-) ([NMe(4)](+) salt), and 4 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The redox activities of complexes 1, 2 and [3](-) have been investigated by electrochemical and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques. The data from EPR spectroscopy have been accounted for by theoretical calculations.     

Heterolytic activation of hydrogen as a trigger for iridium complex promoted activation of carbon-fluorine bonds

The cationic iridium(III) complex [IrCF(3)(CO)(dppe)(DIB)][BARF](2) where DIB = o-diiodobenzene, dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, and BARF = B(3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3))(4)(-) undergoes reaction in the presence of dihydrogen to form [IrH(2)(CO)(2)(dppe)](+) as the major product. Through labeling studies and (1)H and (31)P[(1)H] NMR spectroscopies including parahydrogen measurements, it is shown that the reaction involves conversion of the coordinated CF(3) ligand into carbonyl. In this reaction sequence, the initial step is the heterolytic activation of dihydrogen, leading to proton generation which promotes alpha-C-F bond cleavage. Polarization occurs in the final [IrH(2)(CO)(2)(dppe)](+) product by the reaction of H(2) with the Ir(I) species [Ir(CO)(2)(dppe)](+) that is generated in the course of the CF(3) --> CO conversion.     

Mixed-valence nickel-iron dithiolate models of the [NiFe]-hydrogenase active site

A series of mixed-valence nickel-iron dithiolates is described. Oxidation of (diphosphine)Ni(dithiolate)Fe(CO)(3) complexes 1, 2, and 3 with ferrocenium salts affords the corresponding tricarbonyl cations [(dppe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)(3)](+) ([1](+)), [(dppe)Ni(edt)Fe(CO)(3)](+) ([2](+)) and [(dcpe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)(3)](+) ([3](+)), respectively, where dppe = Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2), dcpe = Cy(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PCy(2), (Cy = cyclohexyl), pdtH(2) = HSCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)SH, and edtH(2) = HSCH(2)CH(2)SH. The cation [2](+) proved unstable, but the propanedithiolates are robust. IR and EPR spectroscopic measurements indicate that these species exist as C(s)-symmetric species. Crystallographic characterization of [3]BF(4) shows that Ni is square planar. Interaction of [1]BF(4) with P-donor ligands (L) afforded a series of substituted derivatives of type [(dppe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)(2)L]BF(4) for L = P(OPh)(3) ([4a]BF(4)), P(p-C(6)H(4)Cl)(3) ([4b]BF(4)), PPh(2)(2-py) ([4c]BF(4)), PPh(2)(OEt) ([4d]BF(4)), PPh(3) ([4e]BF(4)), PPh(2)(o-C(6)H(4)OMe) ([4f]BF(4)), PPh(2)(o-C(6)H(4)OCH(2)OMe) ([4g]BF(4)), P(p-tol)(3) ([4h]BF(4)), P(p-C(6)H(4)OMe)(3) ([4i]BF(4)), and PMePh(2) ([4j]BF(4)). EPR analysis indicates that ethanedithiolate [2](+) exists as a single species at 110 K, whereas the propanedithiolate cations exist as a mixture of two conformers, which are proposed to be related through a flip of the chelate ring. M?ssbauer spectra of 1 and oxidized S = 1/2 [4e]BF(4) are both consistent with a low-spin Fe(I) state. The hyperfine coupling tensor of [4e]BF(4) has a small isotropic component and significant anisotropy. DFT calculations using the BP86, B3LYP, and PBE0 exchange-correlation functionals agree with the structural and spectroscopic data, suggesting that the SOMOs in complexes of the present type are localized in an Fe(I)-centered d(z(2)) orbital. The DFT calculations allow an assignment of oxidation states of the metals and rationalization of the conformers detected by EPR spectroscopy. Treatment of [1](+) with CN(-) and compact basic phosphines results in complex reactions. With dppe, [1](+) undergoes quasi-disproportionation to give 1 and the diamagnetic complex [(dppe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)(2)(dppe)](2+) ([5](2+)), which features square-planar Ni linked to an octahedral Fe center.     

Role of the azadithiolate cofactor in models for [FeFe]-hydrogenase: novel structures and catalytic implications

This paper summarizes studies on the redox behavior of synthetic models for the [FeFe]-hydrogenases, consisting of diiron dithiolato carbonyl complexes bearing the amine cofactor and its N-benzyl derivative. Of specific interest are the causes of the low reactivity of oxidized models toward H(2), which contrasts with the high activity of these enzymes for H(2) oxidation. The redox and acid-base properties of the model complexes [Fe(2)[(SCH(2))(2)NR](CO)(3)(dppv)(PMe(3))](+) ([2](+) for R = H and [2'](+) for R = CH(2)C(6)H(5), dppv = cis-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene)) indicate that addition of H(2) followed by deprotonation are (i) endothermic for the mixed valence (Fe(II)Fe(I)) state and (ii) exothermic for the diferrous (Fe(II)Fe(II)) state. The diferrous state is shown to be unstable with respect to coordination of the amine to Fe, a derivative of which was characterized crystallographically. The redox and acid-base properties for the mixed valence models differ strongly for those containing the amine cofactor versus those derived from propanedithiolate. Protonation of [2'](+) induces disproportionation to a 1:1 mixture of the ammonium [H2'](+) (Fe(I)Fe(I)) and the dication [2'](2+) (Fe(II)Fe(II)). This effect is consistent with substantial enhancement of the basicity of the amine in the Fe(I)Fe(I) state vs the Fe(II)Fe(I) state. The Fe(I)Fe(I) ammonium compounds are rapid and efficient H-atom donors toward the nitroxyl compound TEMPO. The atom transfer is proposed to proceed via the hydride. Collectively, the results suggest that proton-coupled electron-transfer pathways should be considered for H(2) activation by the [FeFe]-hydrogenases.     

Di-iron aza diphosphido complexes: mimics for the active site of Fe-only hydrogenase, and effects of changing the coordinating atoms of the bridging ligand in [Fe2[mu-(ECH2)2NR](CO)6

The bis(phosphido)-bridged complex [Fe(2)(mu-PPhH)(2)(CO)(6)] (1) undergoes double deprotonation to give the phosphorus-centered dianionic derivative [Fe(2)(mu-PPh)(2)(CO)(6)](2)(-) (2) which in turn reacts with the tertiary base RN(CH(2)Cl)(2) to give [Fe(2)[(PPhCH(2))(2)NR](CO)(6)] (3) in moderate yield. Treatment of 3 with HBF(4).Et(2)O affords the N-protonated species [Fe(2)[(PPhCH(2))(2)NHR](CO)(6)] BF(4) (4). The structural changes to the heavy atom skeleton of 3 arising from protonation are slight, the most obvious being a ca. 0.03 Alengthening of the N-C bonds.     

The dramatic effect of NH3 co-ligation on the Fe+-assisted activation of carbon dioxide in the gas phase: from bare metal ions to complexes

The catalytic efficiency of Fe(+) ion over the CO(2) decomposition in the gas phase has been extensively investigated with the help of electronic structure calculation methods. Potential-energy profiles for the activation process Fe(+) + CO(2) --> CO + FeO(+) along two rival potential reaction paths, namely the insertion and addition pathways, originating from the end-on kappa(1)-O and kappa(2)-O,O coordination modes of CO(2) with the metal ion, respectively, have been explored by DFT calculations. For each pathway the potential energy surfaces of the high-spin sextet (S = 5/2) and the intermediate-spin quartet (S = 3/2) spin-states have been explored. The complete energy reaction profile calculated by a combination of ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) computational techniques reveals a two-state reactivity, involving two spin inversions, for the decomposition process and accounts well for the experimentally observed inertness of bare Fe(+) ions towards CO(2) activation. Furthermore, the coordination of up to three extra ancillary NH(3) ligands with the Fe(+) metal ion has been explored and the geometric and energetic reaction profiles of the CO(2) activation processes Fe(+) + n x NH(3) + CO(2) --> [Fe(NH(3))(n)(CO(2))](+) --> [Fe(NH(3))(n)(O)(CO)](+) --> CO + [Fe(O)(NH(3))(n)](+) (n = 1, 2 or 3) have thoroughly been scrutinized for both the insertion and the addition mechanisms. Inter alia, the geometries and energies of the various states of the [Fe(NH(3))(n)(CO(2))](+) and [Fe(NH(3))(n)(O)(CO)](+) complexes are explored and compared. Finally, a detailed analysis of the coordination modes of CO(2) in the cationic [Fe(NH(3))(n)(CO(2))](+) (n = 0, 1, 2 and 3) complexes is presented.     

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).     

Crown ethers as ancillary ligands in the assembly of silver(i) aggregates containing embedded acetylenediide

Five silver(I) double salts containing embedded acetylenediide, [Ag([12]crown-4)(2)][Ag(10)(C(2))(CF(3)CO(2))(9)([12]crown-4)(2)(H(2)O)(3)] x H(2)O (2), [Ag(2)C(2) x 5 AgCF(3)CO(2) x (benzo[15]crown-5) x 2 H(2)O] x 0.5 H(2)O (3), [Ag(4)([18]crown-6)(4)(H(2)O)(3)][Ag(18)(C(2))(3)(CF(3)CO(2))(16)(H(2)O)(2.5)] x 2.5 H(2)O (4), [Ag(2)C(2) x 6 AgC(2)F(5)CO(2) x 2([15]crown-5)](2) (5), and [(Ag(2)C(2))(2) x (AgC(2)F(5)CO(2))(9) x ([18]crown-6)(2) x (H(2)O)(3.5)] x H(2)O (6), have been isolated by varying the types of crown ethers and anions employed. Single-crystal X-ray analysis has shown that complex 2 is composed of winding anionic chains with sandwiched [Ag([12]crown-4)(2)](+) ions accommodated in the concave cavities between them. In 3, silver(I) double cages each sandwiched by a couple of benzo[15]crown-5 ligands are linked by [Ag(2)(CF(3)CO(2))(2)] bridges to form a one-dimensional structure. For 4, an anionic silver column is generated through fusion of two kinds of silver polyhedra (triangulated dodecahedron and bicapped trigonal antiprism), and the charge balance is provided by aqua-ligated [Ag([18]crown-6)](+) ions. Complex 5 is a centrosymmetric hexadecanuclear supermolecule composed of two [(eta(5)-[15]crown-5)(2)(C(2)@Ag(7))(mu-C(2)F(5)CO(2))(5)] moieties connected through a [Ag(2)(C(2)F(5)CO(2))(2)] bridge. Compound 6 is a discrete supermolecule containing an asymmetric (C(2))(2)@Ag(13) cluster core capped by two [18]crown-6 ligands in mu(3)-eta(5) and mu(4)-eta(6) ligation modes.     

Photoinduced Fe-Cp bond cleavage and insertion reactions of strained silicon- and sulphur-bridged [1]ferrocenophanes in the presence of transition-metal carbonyls

The photochemical reactions of the moderately strained sila[1]ferrocenophane [Fe(eta-C(5)H(4))(2)SiPh(2)] (1) and the highly strained thia[1]ferrocenophane [Fe(eta-C(5)H(4))(2)S] (8) with transition-metal carbonyls ([Fe(CO)(5)], [Fe(2)(CO)(9)] and [Co(2)(CO)(8)]) have been studied. The use of metal carbonyls has allowed the products of photochemically induced Fe-cyclopentadienyl (Cp) bond cleavage reactions in the [1]ferrocenophanes to be trapped as stable, characterisable products. During the course of these studies the synthesis of 8 from [Fe(eta-C(5)H(4)Li)(2)TMEDA] (TMEDA=N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine) and S(SO(2)Ph)(2) has been significantly improved by a change of reaction solvent and temperature. Photochemical reaction of 1 with excess [Fe(CO)(5)] in THF gave the dinuclear complex [Fe(2)(CO)(2)(mu-CO)(2)(eta-C(5)H(4))(2)SiPh(2)] (9). The analogous photolytic reaction of 8 with [Fe(CO)(5)] in THF gave cyclic dimer [Fe(eta-C(5)H(4))(2)S](2) (10) and [Fe(2)(CO)(2)(mu-CO)(2)(eta-C(5)H(4))(2)S] (11), with the former being the major product. Photolysis of 1 with [Co(2)(CO)(8)] afforded the remarkable tetrametallic dimer [(CO)(2)Co(eta-C(5)H(4))SiPh(2)(eta-C(5)H(4))Fe(CO)(2)](2) (13). The corresponding photochemical reaction of 8 with [Co(2)(CO)(8)] gave a trimetallic insertion product in high conversion, [Co(CO)(4)(CO)(2)Fe(eta-C(5)H(4))S(eta-C(5)H(4))Co(CO)(2)] (14). These reactivity studies show that UV light promotes Fe-Cp bond cleavage reactions of both of the [1]ferrocenophanes 1 and 8. We have found that, whereas the less strained sila[1]ferrocenophane 1 requires photoactivation for Fe-Cp bond insertions to occur, the highly strained thia[1]ferrocenophane 8 undergoes both irradiative and non-irradiative insertions, although the latter occur at a slower rate. Our results suggest that such photoinduced bond cleavage reactions may be general and applicable to other related strained organometallic rings with pi-hydrocarbon ligands.     

fac-[TcO3(tacn)]+: a versatile precursor for the labelling of pharmacophores, amino acids and carbohydrates through a new ligand-centred labelling strategy

Herein, we report a protocol for the synthesis of [(99m)TcO(3)(tacn)](+) ([1](+)) (tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane) that is suitable for clinical translation. Bioconjugates containing pharmacophores ([TcO(NO(2)-Imi)(tacn)](+); [3](+)), artificial amino acids ([TcO(Fmoc-allyl-His)(tacn)](+); [5](+)), and glucose derivatives ([TcO(allyl-tetraacetylglucose)(tacn)](+); [7](+)) were synthesized by cycloaddition strategies and fully characterized ((99)Tc and (99m)Tc). These new technetium complexes are stable at neutral pH and demonstrate the potential and flexibility of the [3+2] cycloaddition labelling concept. In addition to the synthetic work, the first biodistribution studies of [1](+) and the small [3+2] cycloadduct [(99m)TcO(NO(2)-Imi)(tacn)](+) ([3](+)) were completed. The biodistribution studies suggest the stability of these complexes in vivo. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the high hydrophilicity of the [(99m)TcO(3)(tacn)](+) building block is a complement to the complexes of the fac-{Tc(CO)(3)}(+) core.     

Active-site models for the nickel-iron hydrogenases: effects of ligands on reactivity and catalytic properties

Described are new derivatives of the type [HNiFe(SR)(2)(diphosphine)(CO)(3)](+), which feature a Ni(diphosphine) group linked to a Fe(CO)(3) group by two bridging thiolate ligands. Previous work had described [HNiFe(pdt)(dppe)(CO)(3)](+) ([1H](+)) and its activity as a catalyst for the reduction of protons (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2010, 132, 14877). Work described in this paper focuses on the effects on properties of NiFe model complexes of the diphosphine attached to nickel as well as the dithiolate bridge, 1,3-propanedithiolate (pdt) vs 1,2-ethanedithiolate (edt). A new synthetic route to these Ni-Fe dithiolates is described, involving reaction of Ni(SR)(2)(diphosphine) with FeI(2)(CO)(4) followed by in situ reduction with cobaltocene. Evidence is presented that this route proceeds via a metastable μ-iodo derivative. Attempted isolation of such species led to the crystallization of NiFe(Me(2)pdt)(dppe)I(2), which features tetrahedral Fe(II) and square planar Ni(II) centers (H(2)Me(2)pdt = 2,2-dimethylpropanedithiol). The new tricarbonyls prepared in this work are NiFe(pdt)(dcpe)(CO)(3) (2, dcpe = 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane), NiFe(edt)(dppe)(CO)(3) (3), and NiFe(edt)(dcpe)(CO)(3) (4). Attempted preparation of a phenylthiolate-bridged complex via the FeI(2)(CO)(4) + Ni(SPh)(2)(dppe) route gave the tetrametallic species [(CO)(2)Fe(SPh)(2)Ni(CO)](2)(μ-dppe)(2). Crystallographic analysis of the edt-dcpe compund [2H]BF(4) and the edt-dppe compound [3H]BF(4) verified their close resemblance. Each features pseudo-octahedral Fe and square pyramidal Ni centers. Starting from [3H]BF(4) we prepared the PPh(3) derivative [HNiFe(edt)(dppe)(PPh(3))(CO)(2)]BF(4) ([5H]BF(4)), which was obtained as a ～2:1 mixture of unsymmetrical and symmetrical isomers. Acid-base measurements indicate that changing from Ni(dppe) (dppe = Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2)) to Ni(dcpe) decreases the acidity of the cationic hydride complexes by 2.5 pK(a)(PhCN) units, from ～11 to ～13.5 (previous work showed that substitution at Fe leads to more dramatic effects). The redox potentials are more strongly affected by the change from dppe to dcpe, for example the [2](0/+) couple occurs at E(1/2) = -820 for [2](0/+) vs -574 mV (vs Fc(+/0)) for [1](0/+). Changes in the dithiolate do not affect the acidity or the reduction potentials of the hydrides. The acid-independent rate of reduction of CH(2)ClCO(2)H by [2H](+) is about 50 s(-1) (25 °C), twice that of [1H](+). The edt-dppe complex [2H](+) proved to be the most active catalyst, with an acid-independent rate of 300 s(-1).     

Bimetallic carbonyl thiolates as functional models for Fe-only hydrogenases

The anion [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PMe(3))](-) (2(-)) is protonated by sulfuric or toluenesulfonic acid to give HFe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PMe(3)) (2H), the structure of which has the hydride bridging the Fe atoms with the PMe(3) and CN(-) trans to the same sulfur atom. (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR spectroscopy revealed that HFe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PMe(3)) is stereochemically rigid on the NMR time scale with four inequivalent carbonyl ligands. Treatment of 2(-) with (Me(3)O)BF(4) gave Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CNMe)(CO)(4)(PMe(3)) (2Me). The Et(4)NCN-induced reaction of Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CO)(6) with P(OMe)(3) gave [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)[P(OMe)(3)]](-) (4). Spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements indicate that 2H can be further protonated at nitrogen to give [HFe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CNH)(CO)(4)(PMe(3))](+) (2H(2)(+)). Electrochemical and analytical data show that reduction of 2H(2)(+) gives H(2) and 2(-). Parallel electrochemical studies on [HFe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CO)(4)(PMe(3))(2)](+) (3H(+)) in acidic solutions led also to catalytic proton reduction. The 3H(+)/3H couple is reversible, whereas the 2H(2)(+)/2H(2) couple is not, because of the efficiency of the latter as a proton reduction catalyst. Proton reduction is proposed to involve protonation of reduced diiron hydrides. DFT calculations establish that the regiochemistry of protonation is subtly dependent on the coligands but is more favorable to occur at the Fe-Fe bond for [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PMe(3))](-) than for [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)(PH(3))](-) or [Fe(2)(S(2)C(3)H(6))(CN)(CO)(4)[P(OMe)(3)]](-). The Fe(2)H unit stabilizes the conformer with eclipsed CN and PMe(3) because of an attractive electrostatic interaction between these ligands.     

Reactions of platinum cluster ions with benzene

In this work, the cation and anion products of the reactions between platinum clusters produced by laser ablation and the benzene molecules seeded in argon have been studied using a high-resolution reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer (RTOFMS). The dominant cation products are [C(6n)H(6n - k)](+) and [Pt(m)(C(6)H(6))(n)](+) complexes, while the dominant anion products are dehydrogenated species, [C(6)H(5)PtH](-), [PtC(12)H(k)](-) and [Pt(m)C(6)H(4) . . . (C(6)H(6))(n)](-), etc. Some important intermediate structures ([PtC(6)H(6)](+), [Pt(C(6)H(6))(2)](+), [Pt(2)(C(6)H(6))(3)](+), [C(6)H(5)PtH](-), [Pt(2)C(6)H(4)](-), [Pt(3)C(6)H(4)](-) and [Pt(4)C(6)H(4)](-)) have been analyzed using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Different reaction mechanisms are proposed for platinum cluster cations and anions with benzene, respectively.     

Theoretical study of rhodium(III)-catalyzed hydrogenation of carbon dioxide into formic acid. Significant differences in reactivity among rhodium(III), rhodium(I), and ruthenium(II) complexes

The title reaction was theoretically investigated, where cis-[RhH(2)(PH(3))(3)](+) and cis-[RhH(2)(PH(3))(2)(H(2)O)](+) were adopted as models of the catalyst. The first step of the catalytic cycle is the CO(2) insertion into the Rh(III)-H bond, of which the activation barrier (E(a)) is 47.2 and 28.4 kcal/mol in cis-[RhH(2)(PH(3))(3)](+) and cis-[RhH(2)(PH(3))(2)(H(2)O)](+), respectively, where DFT(B3LYP)-calculated E(a) values (kcal/mol unit) are given hereafter. These results indicate that an active species is not cis-[RhH(2)(PH(3))(3)](+) but cis-[RhH(2)(PH(3))(2)(H(2)O)](+). After the CO(2) insertion, two reaction courses are possible. In one course, the reaction proceeds through isomerization (E(a) = 2.8) of [RhH(eta(1)- OCOH)(PH(3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](+), five-centered H-OCOH reductive elimination (E(a) = 2.7), and oxidative addition of H(2) to [Rh(PH(3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](+) (E(a) = 5.8). In the other one, the reaction proceeds through isomerization of [RhH(eta(1)-OCOH)(PH(3))(2)(H(2)O)(H(2))](+) (E(a) = 5.9) and six-centered sigma-bond metathesis of [RhH(eta(1)-OCOH)(PH(3))(2)(H(2)O)](+) with H(2) (no barrier). RhH(PH(3))(2)-catalyzed hydrogenation of CO(2) proceeds through CO(2) insertion (E(a) = 1.6) and either the isomerization of Rh(eta(1)-OCOH)(PH(3))(2)(H(2)) (E(a) = 6.1) followed by the six-centered sigma-bond metathesis (E(a) = 0.3) or H(2) oxidative addition to Rh(eta(1)-OCOH)(PH(3))(2) (E(a) = 7.3) followed by isomerization of RhH(2)(eta(1)-OCOH)(PH(3))(2) (E(a) = 6.2) and the five-centered H-OCOH reductive elimination (E(a) = 1.9). From these results and our previous results of RuH(2)(PH(3))(4)-catalyzed hydrogenation of CO(2) (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 3867), detailed discussion is presented concerning differences among Rh(III), Rh(I), and Ru(II) complexes.     

Diiron dithiolato carbonyls related to the H(ox)CO state of [FeFe]-hydrogenase

Oxidation of the electron-rich (E(1/2) = -175 vs Ag/AgCl) ethanedithiolato complex Fe2(S2C2H4)(CO)2(dppv)2 (1) under a CO atmosphere yielded [Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CO)2(dppv)2](+) ([1(CO)](+)), a model for the H(ox)(CO) state of the [FeFe]-hydrogenases. This complex exists as two isomers: a kinetically favored unsymmetrical derivative, unsym-[1(CO)](+), and a thermodynamically favored isomer, sym-[1(CO)](+), wherein both diphosphines span apical and basal sites. Crystallographic characterization of sym-[1(CO)](+) confirmed a C2-symmetric structure with a bridging CO ligand and an elongated Fe-Fe bond of 2.7012(14) A, as predicted previously. Oxidation of sym-[1(CO)](+) and unsym-[1(CO)](+) again by 1e(-) oxidation afforded the respective diamagnetic diferrous derivatives where the relative stabilities of the sym and unsym isomers are reversed. DFT calculations indicate that the stabilities of sym and unsym isomers are affected differently by the oxidation state of the diiron unit: the mutually trans CO ligands in the sym isomer are more destabilizing in the mixed-valence state than in the diferrous state. EPR analysis of mixed-valence complexes revealed that, for [1](+), the unpaired spin is localized on a single iron center, whereas for unsym/sym-[1(CO)](+), the unpaired spin was delocalized over both iron centers, as indicated by the magnitude of the hyperfine coupling to the phosphine ligands trans to the Fe-Fe vector. Oxidation of 1 by 2 equiv of acetylferrocenium afforded the dication [1](2+), which, on the basis of low-temperature IR spectrum, is structurally similar to [1](+). Treatment of [1](2+) with CO gives unsym-[1(CO)](2+).     

Synthesis and structure of new carborane-substituted cyclotriphosphazenes

The reactions of [N(3)P(3)Cl(6)] with one, two, or three equivalents of the difunctional 1,2-closo-carborane C(2)B(10)H(10)[CH(2)OH](2) and K(2)CO(3) in acetone have been investigated. These reactions led to the new spiro-closo-carboranylphosphazenes gem-[N(3)P(3)Cl(6-2n)[(OCH(2))(2)C(2)B(10)H(10)](n)] (n=1 (1), 2 (2)) and the first fully carborane-substituted phosphazene gem-[N(3)P(3)[(OCH(2))(2)C(2)B(10)H(10)](3)] (3). A bridged product, non-gem-[N(3)P(3)Cl(4)[(OCH(2))(2)C(2)B(10)H(10)]] (4), was also detected. The reaction of the well-known spiro derivatives [N(3)P(3)Cl(2)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(2)] and [N(3)P(3)Cl(4)(O(2)C(12)H(8))] with the same carborane-diol and K(2)CO(3) in acetone gave the new compounds gem-[N(3)P(3)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(3-n)[(OCH(2))(2)C(2)B(10)H(10)](n)] (n=1 (5) or 2 (6), respectively), without signs of intra- or intermolecularly bridged species. Upon treatment with NEt(3) in acetone, compound 5 was converted into the corresponding nido-carboranylphosphazene. However, the reaction of gem-[N(3)P(3)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(2)[(OCH(2))(2)C(2)B(10)H(10)]] (5) with NEt(3) in ethanol instead of acetone proceeded in a different manner to give the new compound (NHEt(3))(2)[N(3)P(3)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(2)(O)[OCH(2)C(2)B(9)H(10)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3)]] (7). For compounds with two 2,2'-dioxybiphenyl units, gem-[N(3)P(3)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(2)[(OCH(2))(2)C(2)B(10)H(10)]] (5), (NHEt(3))[N(3)P(3)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(2)[(OCH(2))(2)C(2)B(9)H(10)]] (8), and (NHEt(3))(2)[N(3)P(3)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(2)(O)[OCH(2)C(2)B(9)H(10)CH(2)OCH(2)CH(3)]] (7), a mixture of different stereoisomers may be expected. However, for 5 and 7 only the meso compounds seem to be formed, with the same (R,S)-configuration as in the precursor [N(3)P(3)Cl(2)(O(2)C(12)H(8))(2)]. The reaction of 5 to give 8 seems to proceed with a change of configuration at one phosphorus center, giving a racemic mixture. The crystal structures of the nido-carboranylphosphazenes 7 and 8 have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction methods.     

Highly electrophilic, 16-electron [Ru(P(OMe)(OH)(2))(dppe)(2)](2+) complex turns H(2)(g) into a strong acid and splits a Si-H bond heterolytically. Synthesis and structure of the novel phosphorous acid complex [Ru(P(OH)(3))(dppe)(2)](2+)

The highly electrophilic, 16-electron, coordinatively unsaturated [Ru(P(OMe)(OH)(2))(dppe)(2)][OTf](2) complex brings about the heterolytic activation of H(2)(g) and spontaneously generates HOTf. In addition, trans-[Ru(H)(P(OMe)(OH)(2))(dppe)(2)](+) and an unprecedented example of a phosphorous acid complex, [Ru(P(OH)(3))(dppe)(2)](2+), are formed. The [Ru(P(OMe)(OH)(2))(dppe)(2)][OTf](2) complex also cleaves the Si-H bond in EtMe(2)SiH in a heterolytic fashion, resulting in the trans-[Ru(H)(P(OMe)(OH)(2))(dppe)(2)](+) derivative.     

Dinuclear amine-thiophenolate complexes coligated by ferrocenemonocarboxylate and 1,1'-ferrocenedicarboxylate anions: preparation, characterization and structures of trinuclear [LMII 2(O2CC5H4FeCp)]+ and Pentanuclear [(LMII 2)2(O2CC5H4)2Fe]2+ complexes (M=Co, Ni, Zn)

A series of novel tri- and pentanuclear complexes composed of dinuclear LM(2) units (M=Co, Ni, Zn; L=24-membered macrocyclic hexaazadithiophenolate ligand) and ferrocenecarboxylate ([CpFeC(5)H(4)CO(2)](-)) or 1,1'-ferrocenedicarboxylate ([Fe(C(5)H(4)CO(2))(2)](2-)) groups is reported. The complexes [LM(II) (2)(O(2)CC(5)H(4)FeCp)](+) (M=Co (6), Ni (7), Zn (8)) and [(LM(II) (2))(2)(O(2)CC(5)H(4))(2)Fe](2+) (M=Co (9), Ni (10)) have been prepared by substitution reactions from labile [LM(II) (2)L'](+) precursors (L'=Cl, OAc) and the respective ferrocenecarboxylate anions in methanol. Mixed-valent [(LCo(II)Co(III))(2)(O(2)CC(5)H(4))(2)Fe](4+) (11) was prepared by oxidation of 9 with bromine. Complexes 7[BPh(4)], 8[BPh(4)], 9[BPh(4)](2), 10[BPh(4)](2), and 11[ClO(4)](4) have been characterized by X-ray crystallography; showing that the ferrocenyl carboxylates act as bidentate (7, 8) or bis-bidentate (9-11) bridging ligands towards one or two bioctahedral LM(2) subunits, respectively. The structures are retained in solution as indicated by NMR spectroscopic studies on the diamagnetic Zn(2)Fe complex 8[ClO(4)]. Electrochemical studies reveal significant anodic potential shifts for the oxidation potential of the ferrocenyl moieties upon complexation and the magnitude of the potential shift appears to correlate with the charge of the LM(2) subunits. This is qualitatively explained in terms of destabilizing electrostatic (Coulomb) interactions between the M(2+) ions of the LM(2) unit and the proximate ferrocenium fragment. An analysis of the temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility data for 10[BPh(4)](2) shows the presence of weak ferromagnetic magnetic exchange interactions between the Ni(II) ions in the LNi(2) units. The exchange coupling across the ferrocenedicarboxylate bridge is negligible.