Isostructural diamagnetic cobalt(III) and paramagnetic nickel(III) dithiolene complexes with an extended benzenedithiolate core [CpM(bdtodt)] (M = Co and Ni)

The isostructural diamagnetic [CpCo(bdtodt)] and paramagnetic [CpNi(bdtodt)] (Cp = η⁵-cyclopentadienyl, bdtodt:benzo[1,3]dithiol-2-one-5,6-dithiolato) complexes were prepared by starting from the corresponding bis(dithiocarbonate): benzo[1,2-d;4,5-d′]bis[1,3]dithiole-2,6-dione. Both Co and Ni complexes are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic system, space group Pbca. The formally M^III (16-electron for Co^III and 17-electron Ni^III) complexes were investigated by X-ray structure analyses and exhibit the same two-legged piano-stool geometry. The CV of the radical [CpNi(bdtodt)] resulted in well-defined reversible reduction and oxidation waves. On the other hand, oxidation of [CpCo(bdtodt)] leads to dimerization in CH₂Cl₂ or reaction in the more coordinating CH₃CN solvent. The absorption maximum (λ_max) of [CpNi(bdtodt)] (741 nm) showed a more red shift compared with [CpCo(bdtodt)] (595 nm) in dichloromethane solution. The structural similarities, and electrochemical, spectroscopic and magnetic differences between various [CpCo(dithiolene)] and [CpNi(dithiolene)] complexes are further analyzed.     

Radical CpNi(dithiolene) and CpNi(diselenolene) complexes: Synthetic routes and molecular properties

The formally Ni(III) d⁷ radical organometallic complexes formulated as [CpNi(dithiolene)] can be prepared by different routes involving different CpNi sources such as the Ni^(I) [CpNi(CO)]₂, the Ni^(II) [Cp₂Ni] or [CpNi(cod)]⁺ or the Ni^(III) [Cp₂Ni]⁺ complexes. As dithiolene precursors, the naked dithiolate, the mono- as well as bis-(dithiolene) metal complexes were investigated. The highest yields are generally associated with an appropriate redox match, that is a CpNi^(II) precursor with a formally Ni^(IV) [Ni(dithiolene)₂]⁰ complex, or a CpNi^(III) precursor with a formally Ni^(III) [Ni(dithiolene)₂]^? complex. The structural, electrochemical and spectroscopic (UV–vis–NIR, EPR) properties of more than twenty complexes are described and compared, with the help of DFT calculations. They all exhibit a small optical gap with a low-energy absorption band in the Near Infra-Red region, between 700 and 1000 nm. The smaller electrochemical and optical gap found in the [CpNi(dmit)] and [CpNi(dddt)] complexes is correlated with an extensive delocalisation of the spin density in these complexes, while the other members of the series are characterized with a larger and sizeable spin density on the cyclopentadienyl ring.     

Two near-UV and visible chromophores of CpCo(Dithiolene) complexes with pyridinium-dicyanomethylide group

Tetracyanoethylene oxide (TCNEO) reacted with [CpCo(dithiolene)] (Cp = η⁵-cyclopentadienyl) complexes having 4-pyridyl or 3-pyridyl group to undergo a dicyanomethylation to the nitrogen atom on the pyridyl group. The reaction of [CpCo(S₂C₂(⁴Py)₂)] (1) with TCNEO formed both the monodicyanomethylated [CpCo(S₂C₂(⁴Py)(⁴Py-C(CN)₂))] (1a) and bisdicyanomethylated [CpCo(S₂C₂(⁴Py-C(CN)₂)₂)] (1b). [CpCo(S₂C₂(²Py)(⁴Py))] (2) reacted with TCNEO to give [CpCo(S₂C₂(²Py)(⁴Py-C(CN)₂))] (2a) but no dicyanomethylation occurred on the 2-pyridyl group. 2 reacted with excess TCNEO to form the only dicyanomethylated acetylene derivative ²Py-CC-(⁴Py-C(CN)₂) (2c), followed by a dissociation of the CpCoS₂ fragment. The monodicyanomethylated [CpCo(S₂C₂(ⁿPy-C(CN)₂)(2-thienyl))] (n = 4 (4a) or 3 (5a)) complexes were also prepared from [CpCo(S₂C₂(ⁿPy)(2-thienyl))] (n = 4 (4) or 3 (5)) and TCNEO. 1b was structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction study. The all dicyanomethylated [CpCo(dithiolene)] complexes showed the dithiolene LMCT absorption in the range of 605-644 nm (ε = 7000-9200 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹) and very strong absorption due to their pyridinium-dicyanomethylide moieties in near-UV region (e.g. 1b: λ_max = 470 nm, ε = 43,400 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹). The CV of the all dicyanomethylated complexes exhibited two reduction waves. The first reduction is due to Co^III/Co^II and the second one is due to the reduction of the pyridinium-dicyanomethylide moiety. The reduced 1b⁻ is stable enough for several minutes according to the visible spectroelectrochemical measurement. The ESR spectrum of 1b⁻ indicated eight hyperfine splittings due only to the interaction with the nuclear spin of cobalt (I = 7/2).     

CpCo(dithiolene) complexes of highly flexible oxddt ligand with two different Z-shaped and U-shaped structures

[CpCo(oxddt)] complex (2, oxddt = o-xylenediyldithioethylene-1,2-dithiolate, Cp = η⁵-cyclopentadienyl) was obtained from o-xylenediyldithioethylene-1,3-dithiol-2-one (OC(oxddt)) (1). 2 further reacted with diazoalkanes (N₂CHR) to form some alkylidene-bridged adducts [CpCo(CHR)(oxddt)] (R = H (3a), SiMe₃ (3b)). Adduct 3a further reacted with protic acids (HX) to give some S-methylated adducts [CpCo(X)(oxddt)(S-Me)] (X = Cl (4a), OCOCF₃ (4c)), followed by the Co-C bond cleavage in the three-membered cobaltathiirane ring. Two different Z-shaped and U-shaped molecular structures were observed by X-ray diffraction studies. In the former structure (Z), the dithiolene and o-xylylene planes are located at almost parallel position each other, and in the latter structure (U), both planes are not parallel but the o-xylylene moiety is located closer to the dithiolene plane than the Z-shaped one. The Z-shaped structure involves 1 and 2. The U-shaped structure involves 3a, 3b, 4a and 4c. Complex 1 showed a one-dimensional chain through intermolecular π-π interaction in the crystal. Complex 2 had a dimeric interaction between dithioethylenedithiolate moieties (S₂C₂S₂) in the oxddt. The SiMe₃ group in 3b was placed at an exo-position with respect to the cobaltadithiolene ring due to a steric hindrance from the U-shaped oxddt ligand. In 4a, the X and Me groups are located at the opposite side of the dithiolene plane (anti-form) but in 4c, both groups are presented at the same side of the dithiolene plane (syn-form). The NMR analysis of 4a in solution indicated existence of both anti- and syn-isomers (7:1).     

Syntheses and reactivities of azido coordinated CpCo(dithiolene) complexes

Azido coordinated dithiolene complexes [CpCo(N₃){S₂C₂(CO₂Me)₂}(S-CHR¹R²)], where R¹, R² = H (4a); R¹ = H, R² = SiMe₃ (4b); R¹ = H, R² = CO₂Et (4c), were synthesized by the reactions of the corresponding Cl⁻ coordinated precursors [CpCo(Cl){S₂C₂(CO₂Me)₂}(S-CHR¹R²)] (3a-3c) with sodium azide. The Cl⁻ coordinated complex 3d (R¹, R² = CO₂Me) did not produce any N₃⁻ coordinated complexes but formed the CR¹R²-bridged alkylidene adduct [CpCo{S₂C₂(CO₂Me)₂}(CR¹R²)] (2d; R¹, R² = CO₂Me). The structure of 4a was determined by X-ray diffraction study. In the molecular structure of 4a, the coordinated N₃⁻ ligand and CHR¹R² group were located at the same side with respect to the dithiolene ring (syn form), although the corresponding Cl⁻ precursor (3a; R¹, R² = H) was anti form. A structural conversion of syn/anti was conceivable during the Cl⁻/N₃⁻ ligand exchange. Thermal (80 °C) and photochemical reactions (Hg lamp) of 4a-4c were performed. Among them, 4c was relatively well reacted compared with the others to form the CR¹R²-bridged alkylidene adduct (2c; R¹ = H, R² = CO₂Et), followed by a formal HN₃ elimination, and the reaction also produced non-adduct of the cobalt dithiolene complex [CpCo{S₂C₂(CO₂Me)₂}] (1). The electrochemical 1e⁻ reduction of 4c underwent a formal N₃⁻ ligand elimination, and successive second reduction caused the CHR¹R² group elimination or reformed the CR¹R²-bridged alkylidene adduct 2c.     

Rare direct imidation of aromatic metallacycle by reaction of CpCo(dithiolene) complex with N-halosuccinimide

The aromatic [CpCo(S₂C₂(R)(H))] (R = Ph, Me, 9-phenanthryl, H) complexes reacted with N-halosuccinimides (NXS; X = Cl, Br, I) in carbon tetrachloride at room temperature to undergo the N-succinimide substitution reaction on the dithiolene ring, but no halogenated dithiolene complex was obtained. The imidation products [CpCo(S₂C₂(R)(N-sccinimide))] were yielded up to 64% where X = I and R = 9-phenanthryl. The reaction of [CpCo(S₂C₂(Ph)(H))] with N-bromophthalimide (NBP) also gave the imidation product [CpCo(S₂C₂(Ph)(N-phthalimide))]. This is the rare direct imidation reaction to an aromatic metallacycle by NXS. The reaction of [CpCo(S₂C₂H₂)] (R = H) with NIS afforded the double imidation product. One by-product in this reaction was the dithiolene-dithiolene homo-coupling product [CpCo(S₂C₂(R))]₂ (R = Ph, Me, 9-phenanthryl). The microwave-enhanced (MW) reactions were attempted in the carbon tetrachloride solution. Although the solution temperature increased up to only 43 °C by MW irradiation, the imidation reaction worked with short reaction time.     

Iron(II) and iron(III) complexes containing ethynyl thiophene fragments

The synthesis of the new complexes Cp*(dppe)FeCC2,5-C₄H₂SR (Cp* = 1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane; 2a, R = CCH; 2b, R = CCSi(CH₃)₃; 2c, R = CCSi(CH(CH₃)₂)₃; 3a, R = CC2,5-C₄H₂SCCH; 3c, R = CC2,5-C₄H₂SCCSi(CH(CH₃)₂)₃) is described. The ¹³C NMR and FTIR spectroscopic data indicate that the π-back donation from the metal to the carbon rich ligand increases with the size of the organic π-electron systems. The new complexes were also analyzed by CV and the chemical oxidation of 2a and 3c was carried out using 1 equiv of [Cp₂Fe][PF₆]. The corresponding complexes 2a[PF₆] and 3c[PF₆] are thermally stable, but 2a[PF₆] was too reactive to be isolated as a pure compound. The spectroscopic data revealed that the coordination of large organic π-electron systems to the iron nucleus produces only a weak increase of the carbon character of the SOMO for these new organoiron(III) derivatives.     

CpNi(dithiolene)] (and diselenolene) neutral radical complexes

Various preparations of the neutral radical [CpNi(dddt)] complex (dddt = 5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiin-2,3-dithiolate) were investigated with CpNi sources, [Cp2Ni], [Cp2Ni](BF4), [CpNi(CO)]2, and [CpNi(cod)](BF4), and dithiolene transfer sources, O=C(dddt), the naked dithiolate (dddt(2-)), the monoanion of square-planar Ni dithiolene complex (NBu4)[Ni(dddt)2], and the neutral complex [Ni(dddt)2]. The reaction of [CpNi(cod)](BF4) with (NBu4)[Ni(dddt)2] gave the highest yield for the preparation of [CpNi(dddt)] (86%). [CpNi(ddds)] (ddds = 5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiin-2,3-diselenolate), [CpNi(dsdt)] (dsdt = 5,6-dihydro-1,4-diselenin-2,3-dithiolate), [CpNi(bdt)] (bdt = 1,2-benzenedithiolate), and [CpNi(bds)] (bds = 1,2-benzenediselenolate) were synthesized by the reactions of [Cp2Ni] with the corresponding neutral Ni dithiolene complexes [Ni(ddds)2]2, [Ni(dsdt)2], [Ni(bdt)2], and [Ni(bds)2], respectively. The five, formally Ni(III), radical complexes oxidize and reduce reversibly. They exhibit, in the neutral state, a strong absorption in the NIR region, from 1000 nm in the dddt/ddds/dsdt series to 720 nm in the bdt/bds series with epsilon values between 2500 and 5000 M(-1) cm(-1). The molecular and solid state structures of the five complexes were determined by X-ray structure analyses. [CpNi(dddt)] and [CpNi(ddds)] are isostructural, while [CpNi(dsdt)] exhibits a closely related structure. Similarly, [CpNi(bdt)] and [CpNi(bds)] are also isostructural. Correlations between structural data and magnetic measurements show the presence of alternated spin chains in [CpNi(dddt)], [CpNi(ddds)], and [CpNi(dsdt)], while a remarkably strong antiferromagnetic interaction in [CpNi(bdt)] and [CpNi(bds)] is attributed to a Cp...Cp face-to-face sigma overlap, an original feature in organometallic radical complexes.     

Addition of benzenethiol to terminal alkynes catalyzed by hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate-Rh(III) bis(thiolate) complex: Mechanistic studies with characterization of the key intermediate

The Rh(III)-thiolate complex [Tp^∗Rh(SPh)₂(MeCN)] (2; Tp^∗ = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) readily undergoes substitution of MeCN by XyNC (Xy = 2,6-dimethylphenyl) to give the isocyanide complex [Tp^∗Rh(SPh)₂(XyNC)] (3), whereas reaction of 2 with terminal alkynes results in the formation of the rhodathiacyclobutene complex [Tp^∗Rh(SPh){η²-CHCR(SPh)}] (4; R = aryl, alkyl). Molecular structures of 3 and 4 (R = CH₂Ph) have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 2 as well as [Tp^∗Rh(cyclooctene)(MeCN)] have been found to catalyze regioselective addition of benzenethiol to terminal alkynes RCCH at 50 °C to give R(PhS)CCH₂ in moderate to high yields. The above products are selectively formed when R = CH₂Ph and n-C₆H₁₃, while cis-RCHCHSPh and RC(SPh)₂CH₃ are also obtained as by-products when R = p-MeOC₆H₄. Catalytic cycle involving 2 and 4 is proposed based on the mechanistic studies using NMR measurement.     

Syntheses, structural and spectroscopic characterization of novel zinc(II)-bis(trithiocarbimato) complexes and bis(N-methylsulfonyldithiocarbimate)-sulfide

Four zinc(II)-bis(trithiocarbimato) complexes with the general formula A₂[Zn(RSO₂NCS₃)₂] [A = Ph₄P⁺: R = CH₃ (1), 4-CH₃C₆H₄ (2); A = Bu₄N⁺: R = CH₃ (3), 4-CH₃C₆H₄ (4)] were obtained by the reaction of sulfur with the correspondent zinc(II)-bis(dithiocarbimato) complexes. Additionally, the compound (Ph₄P)₂[(CH₃SO₂NCS₂)₂S)] (5) was prepared from the potassium methylsulfonildithiocarbimate by oxidation with iodine. The compounds were characterized by elemental analyses and IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies. The compounds 4 and 5 were also characterized by X-ray diffraction techniques. The compound 4 crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group C2/c of the monoclinic system. The Zn(II) is in a distorted tetrahedral environment (ZnS₄) in compound 4, and differ from the coordination mode observed in compound 1, which involves one sulfur and one nitrogen atom of each trithiocarbimate ligand. Compound 5 is the first example of a compound containing a bis(N-alkylsulfonyldithiocarbimate)-sulfide dianion and crystallises in the non-centrosymmetric space group P4₁2₁2 of the tetragonal system.     

Manganese cationic pyrazolylamidino complexes

The reactions of fac-[MnBr(CO)₃(NHC(CH₃)pz^∗-κ²N,N)] (pz^∗ = pz, dmpz; pzH = pyrazole; dmpzH = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole) with wet AgBF₄ in a 1:1 ratio lead to the cationic pyrazolylamidino complexes fac-[Mn(OH₂)(CO)₃(NHC(CH₃)pz^∗-κ²N,N)]BF₄. The aquo ligand is readily substituted by 2,6-xylylisocyanide (CNXyl) to give fac-[Mn(CNXyl)(CO)₃(NHC(CH₃)pz^∗-κ²N,N)]BF₄. The pyrazole complexes fac-[Mn(pz^∗H)(CO)₃(NHC(CH₃)pz^∗-κ²N,N)]BF₄ are obtained by treating fac-[MnBr(CO)₃(NCMe)₂] with AgBF₄ and then with pyrazole (pzH or dmpzH), in a 1:1:2 ratio. A similar reaction using 1:1:1 ratio and AgClO₄ leads to the acetonitrile complexes fac-[Mn(NCMe)(CO)₃(NHC(CH₃)pz^∗-κ²N,N)]ClO₄. The X-ray structures of the complexes show moderate hydrogen bonds interactions between the N-bond hydrogen of the pyrazolylamidino ligand and the anion. In the aquo complex, one of the hydrogens of the coordinated water molecule is also involved in a hydrogen bond.     

Study of ferrocenyl-substituted Co2(CO)6-bispropargylic alcohol complexes as substrates for the formation of chains and macrocycles

Treatment of [Fc-1-R¹-1′-R²] (R¹ = H, R² = CH(O); R¹ = H, R² = CMe(O); R¹ = R² = CMe(O)) with LiCCCH₂OLi (prepared in situ from HCCCH₂OH and n-BuLi) affords the ferrocenyl-substituted but-2-yne-1,4-diol compounds of general formula [Fc-1-R¹-1′-{CR(OH)CCCH₂OH}] (R¹ = R = H (1a); R¹ = H, R = Me (1b); R¹ = CMe(O), R = Me (1c)) in low to high yields, respectively (where Fc = Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄)₂). In the case of the reactions of [Fc-1-R¹-1′-R²] (R¹ = H, R² = CH(O); R¹ = R² = CMe(O)), the by-products [Fc-1-R¹-1′-{CR(OH)(CH₂)₃CH₃}] (R¹ = R = H (2a); R¹ = CMe(O), R = Me (2c)) along with minor quantities of [Fc-1,1′-{CMe(OH)(CH₂)₃CH₃}₂] (3) are also isolated; a hydrazide derivative of dehydrated 2c, [1-(CMeCHCH₂CH₂CH₃)-1′-(CMeNNH-2,4-(NO₂)₂C₆H₃)] (2c′), has been crystallographically characterised. Interaction of 1 with Co₂(CO)₈ smoothly generates the alkyne-bridged complexes [Fc-1-R¹-1′-{Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-CR(OH)CCCH₂OH}] (R¹ = R = H (4a); R¹ = H, R = Me(4b); R¹ = CMe(O), R = Me (4c)) in good yield. Reaction of 4a with PhSH, in the presence of catalytic quantities of HBF₄ · OEt₂, gives the mono- [Fc-1-H-1′-{Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-CH(SPh)CCCH₂OH}] (5) and bis-substituted [Fc-1-H-1′-{Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-CH(SPh)CCCH₂SPh}] (6) straight chain species, while with HS(CH₂)_nSH (n = 2,3) the eight- and nine-membered dithiomacrocylic complexes [Fc-1-H-1′-{cyclo-Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-CH(S(CH₂)_n-)CCCH₂S-}] [n = 2 (7a), n = 3 (7b)] are afforded. By contrast, during attempted macrocyclic formation using 4b and HSCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂SH dehydration occurs to give [Fc-1-H-1′-{Co₂(CO)₆-μ-η²-C(CH₂)CCCH₂OH}] (8). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies have been reported on 2c′, 4b, 4c, 7b and 8.     

Alkynyl Ti-M complexes based on M(CO)4 and MO2 building blocks (M = Mo, W)

The synthesis and properties of heterobimetallic Ti-M complexes of type {[[Ti](μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)][M(μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)(CO)₄]} (M = Mo: 5, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 6, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti; M = W: 7, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 8, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti) and {[Ti](μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)₂}MO₂ (M = Mo: 13, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 14, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti). M = W: 15, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 16, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti) are reported. Compounds 5-8 were accessible by treatment of [Ti](CCSiMe₃)₂ (1, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₅)₂Ti; 2, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti) with [M(CO)₅(thf)] (3, M = Mo; 4, M = W) or [M(CO)₄(nbd)] (9, M = Mo; 10, M = W; nbd = bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene), while 13-16 could be obtained either by the subsequent reaction of 1 and 2 with [M(CO)₃(MeCN)₃] (11, M = Mo; 12, M = W) and oxygen, or directly by oxidation of 5-8 with air. A mechanism for the formation of 5-8 is postulated based on the in-situ generation of [Ti](CCSiMe₃)((η²-CCSiMe₃)M(CO)₅), {[Ti](μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)₂}-M(CO)₄, and [Ti](μ-η¹:η²-CCSiMe₃)((μ-CCSiMe₃)M(CO)₄) as a result of the chelating effect exerted by the bis(alkynyl) titanocene fragment and the steric constraints imposed by the M(CO)₄ entity.The molecular structure of 5 in the solid state were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In doubly alkynyl-bridged 5 the alkynides are bridging the metals Ti and Mo as a σ-donor to one metal and as a π-donor to the other with the [Ti](CCSiMe₃)₂Mo core being planar.     

Ruthenium carbene complexes containing bidentate and tridentate PO ligands

Treatment of [Ru(CHR)Cl₂(PCy₃)₂] (Cy = cyclohexyl) with Tl[N(Pr₂ⁱPO)₂] and AgL_OEt (L_OEt⁻ = [CpCo{P(O)(OEt)₂}₃]⁻) afforded the Ru carbene complexes [Ru(CHPh)(PCy₃)Cl{N(Pr₂ⁱPO)₂}] (1) and [L_OEtRu(CHR)(PCy₃)Cl] (2), respectively. Chloride abstraction of complex 2 with TlPF₆ in MeCN afforded [L_OEtRu(CHPh)(PCy₃)(MeCN)][PF₆] (3). Complexes 1 and 2 are capable of catalyzing ring-closing metathesis of diethyl 1,2-diallylmalonate. The crystal structure of complex 2 has been determined.     

Synthesis and structure of V(V) and Mn(III) NHC complexes supported by a tridentate bis-aryloxide-N-heterocyclic carbene ligand

Vanadium (V) and manganese (III) metal complexes (2, [^tBu(OCO)]V(O)Cl; 3, [^tBu(OCO)]Mn(acac)), which are supported by a tridentate bis-aryloxide-N-heterocyclic carbene ligand ([^tBu(OCO)]²⁻[η³-O,C,O-{(3,5-di-tert-butyl-C₆H₂O)₂N₂C₃H₄}]²⁻) have been prepared and structurally characterized. Both complexes were efficiently synthesized in a straightforward and smooth manner involving the direct reaction of the imidazolinium proligand 1,3-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)imidazolinium chloride 1, easily accessible in a two-step synthesis with an overall good yield, with (ⁱPrO)₃VO and Mn(acac)₃, respectively.     

Electrochemical, EPR and computational results on [Fe2Cp2(CO)2]-based complexes with a bridging hydrocarbyl ligand

The dimetallacyclopentenone complexes [Fe₂Cp₂(CO)(μ−CO){μ−η¹:η³−C_αHC_β(R)C(O)}] (R = CH₂OH, 1a; R = CMe₂OH, 1b; R = Ph, 1c) were prepared by photolytic reaction of [Fe₂Cp₂(CO)₄] with alkyne according to the literature procedure. The X-ray and the electrochemical characterization of 1c are presented. The μ-allenyl compound [Fe₂Cp₂(CO)₂(μ−CO){μ−η¹:η²_α,β−C_αHC_βCMe₂][BF₄] ([2][BF₄]), obtained by reaction of 1b with HBF₄, underwent monoelectron reduction to give a radical species which was detected by EPR at room temperature. The EPR signal has been assigned to [Fe₂Cp₂(CO)₂(μ−CO){μ−η¹:η²_α,β-C_αHC_βCMe₂}], [2]^•. The molecular structures of [2]⁺ and [2]^• were optimized by DFT calculations. The unpaired electron in [2]^• is localized mainly at the metal centers and, coherently, [2]^• does not undergo carbon-carbon dimerization, by contrast with what previously observed for the μ-vinyl radical complex [Fe₂Cp₂(CO)₂(μ−CO){μ−η¹:η²-CHCH(Ph)}]^•, [3]^•. Electron spin density distributions similar to the one of [2]^• were found for the μ-allenyl radical complexes [Fe₂Cp₂(CO)₂(μ-CO){μ-η¹:η²_α,β-C_αHC_βC(R¹)(R²)}]^• (R¹ = R² = H, [4]^•; R¹ = H, R² = Ph, [5]^•; R¹ = R² = Ph, [6]^•).     

The synthesis of complexes using precursor complexes with ferrocenyl carboxylate units as building blocks

Using ferrocenyl carboxylates as functional ligands, we synthesized a mononuclear complex [Zn(η²-OOCCHCHFc)₂(CH₃OH)₂] (1) and a binuclear complex [Cd(bafca)₂(H₂O)₂]₂ (2) (bafca⁻ = α-benzamido-β-ferrocenylacrylic carboxylate) as precursor complexes. Investigation on the substitution reaction of precursor complexes as building blocks in solution-state, four complexes [Zn(OOCCHCHFc)₂(bbbm)]_n (1a), {[Zn(OOCCHCHFc)(ntb)](CH₃OH)} (1b), [Cd(bafca)₂(2,2′-bpy)]₂ · 9H₂O (2a) and {[Cd(bafca)₂(bbbm)(CH₃OH)₂] · 6CH₃OH}_n (2b) were obtained (bbbm = 1,1-(1,4-Butanediyl)bis-1H-benzimidazole, ntb = N,N-bis(1H-benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)-1H-Benzimidazole-2-methanamine and 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine). As anticipated, the structural integrity of precursor complexes can be maintained in these four complexes. It indicates that we can synthesize the desired complexes with the destination structures by using precursor complexes as building blocks and choosing appropriate auxiliary ligands. In addition, the electrochemical properties of all complexes were investigated, and it can be seen from the results that half-wave potentials of these complexes are slightly higher than that of the corresponding ligand.     

Gold(III) iminophosphorane complexes as catalysts in C-C and C-O bond formations

The reaction of K[AuCl₄] with AgClO₄ and iminophosphorane ligands (N,N-IM) Ph₃PNR [R = CH₂-2-NC₅H₄ (1), C(O)-2-NC₅H₄ (2)] or Ph₂PyPNR [Py = -2-NC₅H₄; R = Ph (3), C(O)Ph (4)] (mol ratio 1:2.2:1) in acetonitrile affords complexes [AuCl₂(N,N-IM)]ClO₄ (5-8). These compounds are air- and moisture-stable and they have been evaluated in two types of catalytic processes. They have been found to be effective catalysts in the addition of 2-methylfuran or azulene to methyl vinyl ketone, as well as in the synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted oxazoles from N-propargylcarboxamides. The reactions proceed in mild conditions and with similar yields to those described for AuCl₃. Using this method, oxazoles bearing a thiophene functional group 2-(2′-thienyl)-5-methylthiazole can be prepared in excellent yields. In all cases the intermediate 5-methylene-4,5-dihydroxazole can be observed by ¹H NMR.     

Palladium(II)-allyl complexes containing chiral N-donor ferrocenyl ligands

A study of the reactivity of enantiopure ferrocenylimine (S_C)-[FcCHN-CH(Me)(Ph)] {Fc =  (η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe{(η⁵-C₅H₄)-} (1a) with palladium(II)-allyl complexes [Pd(η³-1R¹,3R²-C₃H₃)(μ-Cl)]₂ {R¹ = H and R² = H (2), Ph (3) or R¹ = R² = Ph (4)} is reported. Treatment of 1a with 2 or 3 {in a molar ratio Pd(II):1a = 1} in CH₂Cl₂ at 298 K produced [Pd(η³-3R²-C₃H₄){FcCHN-CH(Me)(Ph)}Cl] {R² = H (5a) or Ph (6a)}. When the reaction was carried out under identical experimental conditions using complex 4 as starting material no evidence for the formation of [Pd(η³-1,3-Ph₂-C₃H₃){FcCHN-CH(Me)(Ph)}Cl] (7a) was found. Additional studies on the reactivity of (S_C)-[FcCHN-CH(R³)(CH₂OH)] {R³ = Me (1b) or CHMe₂ (1c)} with complex 4 showed the importance of the bulk of the substituents on the palladium(II) allyl-complex (2-4) or on the ferrocenylimines (1) in this type of reaction. The crystal structure of 5a showed that: (a) the ferrocenylimine adopts an anti-(E) conformation and behaves as an N-donor ligand, (b) the chloride is in acis-arrangement to the nitrogen and (c) the allyl group binds to the palladium(II) in a η³-fashion. Solution NMR studies of 5a and 6a and [Pd(η³-1,3-Ph₂-C₃H₃){FcCHN-CH(Me)(CH₂OH)}Cl] (7b) revealed the coexistence of several isomers in solution. The stoichiometric reaction between 6a and sodium diethyl 2-methylmalonate reveals that the formation of the achiral linear trans-(E) isomer of Ph-CHCH-CH₂Nu (8) was preferred over the branched derivative (9). A comparative study of the potential utility of ligand 1a, complex 5a and the amine (S_C)-H₂N-CH(Me)(Ph) (11) as catalysts in the allylic alkylation of (E)-3-phenyl-2-propenyl (cinnamyl) acetate with the nucleophile diethyl 2-methylmalonate (Nu⁻) is reported.     

Hydrogen bonding interaction of CpCo(Dithiolene) complex with monocyclic 2-pyridonyl substituent and unexpected formation of dithiolene-fused tricyclic pyridone derivative

One-pot reaction of [CpCo(CO)₂], elemental sulfur with some heterocycle-substituted alkynes (R-CC-HET) produced [CpCo(dithiolene)] complexes with ²PyOBn (2), with both ²PyOBn and 2-hydroxy-2-propyl groups (C(OH)Me₂) (5), both ²Py and C(OH)Me₂ (8), both ⁴Py and C(OH)Me₂ (11), and with ⁴Py substituent (13). A deprotection of benzyl group (Bn) from 2 with trimethylsilyl iodide formed [CpCo(dithiolene)] with 2-pyridonyl substituent (3). Heating reaction of 8 without any base resulted in the C(OH)Me₂ group elimination to form the 2-pyridylethylenedithiolate complex (9), but 11 underwent only dehydration at the C(OH)Me₂ under heating. While the preparation of 5, the benzyl free complex (6) was obtained as a main product. 6 has a dithiolene-fused tricyclic pyridone skeleton. The structures of 3, 5, 6, 8, and 11 were determined by X-ray diffraction studies. Intramolecular OH?N(²Py) hydrogen bondings are found in 5 and 8, and an intermolecular OH?N(⁴Py) one is found in 11 at solid state. In the 2-pyridonyl complex 3, intermolecular NH?O and CH(dithiolene)?O hydrogen bondings are observed. 8 showed an intermolecular Cp?Cp face-to-face interaction. The tricyclic complex 6 exhibited lower energy electronic absorption (λ_max = 668 nm) compared with the others (λ_max = 562-614 nm), due to an extended π-conjugation of aromatic cobaltadithiolene ring.