Synthesis of new N-substituted imidazolyl and 1H-1,2,4-triazolyl derivatives of (η-arene)(η-cyclopentadienyl)iron(II) salts

A series of new imidazolyl and 1H-1,2,4-triazolyl derivatives of (η⁶-arene)(η⁵cyclopentadienyl)iron(II) salts have been prepared by reaction of the corresponding chloroarene complexes with the sodium salts of the heterocycles. Good yields of N-substituted products were obtained in all cases under very mild conditions. In contrast to substitution by primary and secondary amines, both chlorines were displaced from [(η⁵-1,2-dichlorobenzene)(η⁵-Cp)Fe][PF₆], indicating electron withdrawal by the imidazolyl and triazolyl groups. Detailed ¹H and ¹³C NMR analysis confirmed this point. NOE difference spectra were used for ¹³C assignments, and evidence for conformational isomers in the 1,2-disubstituted complexes is presented.     

Photochemische reaktionen von übergangsmetall-organyl-komplexen mit Olefinen XII. Photochemisch induzierte [5 + 2, 3 + 2]-cycloadditionen von alkinen an tricarbonyl-η-cyclohexadienly-mangan

Upon UV irradiation in hexane at 243 K tricarbonyl-η⁵-cyclohexadienyl-manganese (1) and two equivalents of 2-butyne (2) or diphenylacetylene (4) yield in successive [5 + 2, 3 + 2] cycloadditions tricarbonyl-η^2:2:1-1,2,3,10-tetramethyl-tricyclo[5.2.1.0^4,9]-deca-2,5-dien-10-yl-manganese (6), or tricarbonyl-η^2:2:1-1,2,3,10-tetraphenyl-tricyclo[5.2.1.0^4,9]-deca-2,5-dien-10-yl-manganese (8), respectively. 3-Hexyne (3) reacts with 1 under the same conditions by successive [5 + 2, 3 + 2] cycloadditions and 1,4-H-shift to tricarbonyl-η^2:2:1-1,2,3-triethyl-10-ethylidene-tricyclo[5.2.1.0^4,9]dec-2-en-5-yl-manganse (7). Identical products are also obtained when 1 is first irradiated in THF at 208 K and the thermolabile intermediate, dicarbonyl-η⁵-cyclohexadienyl-tetrahydrofurane-manganese (11), is treated with an excess of the alkynes 2–4. In contrast, bis(trimethylsily)acetylene (5) substitutes photochemically in 1 only a CO ligand to yield dicarbonyl-η⁵-cyclohexadienyl-η²-bis(trimethylsily)Acetylene-manganese (9). The crystal and molecular structure of 7 was determined by an X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 7 crystallizes in the triclinic space group , a = 822.6(2) pm, B = 882.5(2) pm, C = 1344.6(2) pm, = 92.36(2)°, β = 107.13(2)°, γ = 99.71(2)°, V = 0.9152(3) nm³, Z = 2. The complexes 6–9 were studied in solution by IR and NMR spectroscopy. The structures of 6,8 and 9 were elucidated from the NMR spectra. A possible formation mechanism for the complexes 6–9 will be discussed.     

Syntheses, X-ray structures, and reactions of ruthenium carbonyl complexes containing 1,1-dithiolates

Treatment of [Ru₂(CO)₄(MeCN)₆][BF₄]₂ or [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-O₂CMe)₂(MeCN)₂] with uni-negative 1,1-dithiolate anions via potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, potassium tert-butylthioxanthate, and ammonium O,O′-diethylthiophosphate gives both monomeric and dimeric products of cis-[Ru(CO)₂(η²-(SS))₂] ((SS)⁻=Me₂NCS₂⁻ (1), Et₂NCS₂⁻ (2), ^tBuSCS₂⁻ (3), (EtO)₂PS₂⁻ (4)) and [Ru(CO)(η²-(Me₂NCS₂))(μ,η²-Me₂NCS₂)]₂ (5). The lightly stabilized MeCN ligands of [Ru₂(CO)₄(MeCN)₆][BF₄]₂ are replaced more readily than the bound acetate ligands of [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-O₂CMe)₂(MeCN)₂] by thiolates to produce cis-[Ru(CO)₂(η²-(SS))₂] with less selectivity. Structures 1 and 5 were determined by X-ray crystallography. Although the two chelating dithiolates are cis to each other in 1, the dithiolates are trans to each other in each of the {Ru(CO)(η²-Me₂NCS₂)₂} fragment of 5. The dimeric product 5 can be prepared alternatively from the decarbonylation reaction of 1 with a suitable amount of Me₃NO in MeCN. However, the dimer [Ru(CO)(η²-Et₂NCS₂)(μ,η²-Et₂NCS₂)]₂ (6), prepared from the reaction of 2 with Me₃NO, has a structure different from 5. The spectral data of 6 probably indicate that the two chelating dithiolates are cis to each other in one {Ru(CO)(η²-Et₂NCS₂)₂}fragment but trans in the other. Both 5 and 6 react readily at ambient temperature with benzyl isocyanide to yield cis-[Ru(CO)(CNCH₂Ph)(η²-(SS))₂] ((SS)=Me₂NCS₂⁻ (7) and Et₂NCS₂⁻ (8)). A dimerization pathway for cis-[Ru(CO)₂(η²-(SS))₂] via decabonylation and isomerization is proposed.     

Reactivity of niobocene dihalogenides toward nitroso derivatives. EPR and IR characterization of the first niobium(IV) complexes containing an ArNO-N,O ligand

The reaction of [Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄R)₂X₂] [1: R = SiMe₃, X = Cl; 2: R = SiMe₃, X = Br; 3: R = H, X = Cl; 4: R =^t, X = Cl] with nitroso derivatives ArNO [a: Ar = Ph; b: Ar = o-CH₃-C₃H₄; c: Ar = p-(CH₃)₂NC₆H₄] yields paramagnetic complexes formulated as [Nb(η⁵-C₅H₄R)(η³-C₅H₄R)X₂(ArNO-N,O) 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 3a, 4a and 4c, which have been characterized by ESR and IR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis, structure and hydrogenation catalytic activity of [Ru3(μ3,η-ampy)(μ,η:η-PhC=CHPh)(CO)6(PPh3) (Hampy = 2-amino-6-methylpyridine)

The compound [RU₃(μ₃,η²- -ampy)(μ₃η¹:η²-PhC=CHPh)(CO)₆(PPh₃)₂] (1) (ampy = 2-amino-6-methylpyridinate) has been prepared by reaction of [RU₃(η-H)(μ₃,η²- ampy) (μ,η¹:η²-PhC=CHPh)(CO)₇(PPh₃)] with triphenylphosphine at room temperature. However, the reaction of [RU₃(μ-H)(μ₃, η² -ampy)(CO)₇(PPh₃)₂] with diphenylacetylene requires a higher temperature (110°C) and does not give complex 1 but the phenyl derivative [RU₃(μ₃,η²-ampy)(μ,η ¹:η² -PhC=CHPh)(μ,-PPh₂)(Ph)(CO)₅(PPh₃)] (2). The thermolysis of complex 1 (110°C) also gives complex 2 quantitatively. Both 1 and 2 have been characterized by0 X-ray diffraction methods. Complex 1 is a catalyst precursor for the homogeneous hydrogenation of diphenylacetylene to a mixture of cis- and trans -stilbene under mild conditions (80°C, 1 atm. of H₂), although progressive deactivation of the catalytic species is observed. The dihydride [RU₃(μ-H)₂(μ ₃,η²-ampy)(μ,η¹:η²- PhC=CHPh)(CO)₅(PPh₃)₂] (3), which has been characterized spectroscopically, is an intermediate in the catalytic hydrogenation reaction.     

Reactions of the cationic diruthenium carbonyl complex [Ru2(μ-dppm)2(CO)4(μ,η-O2CMe)] with bidentate ligands; intramolecularly assisted stereospecific synthesis via the second-sphere face-to-face π–π stacking interactions

The reactions of the diruthenium carbonyl complexes [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₄(μ,η²-O₂CMe)]X (X=BF₄⁻ (1a) or PF₆⁻ (1b)) with neutral or anionic bidentate ligands (L,L) afford a series of the diruthenium bridging carbonyl complexes [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-(L,L))₂]X_n ((L,L)=acetate (O₂CMe), 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), acetylacetonate (acac), 8-quinolinolate (quin); n=0, 1, 2). Apparently with coordination of the bidentate ligands, the bound acetate ligand of [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₄(μ,η²-O₂CMe)]⁺ either migrates within the same complex or into a different one, or is simply replaced. The reaction of [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₄(μ,η²-O₂CMe)]⁺ (1) with 2,2′-bipyridine produces [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-O₂CMe)₂] (2), [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-O₂CMe)(η²-bpy)]⁺ (3), and [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-bpy)₂]²⁺ (4). Alternatively compound 2 can be prepared from the reaction of 1a with MeCO₂H–Et₃N, while compound 4 can be obtained from the reaction of 3 with bpy. The reaction of 1b with acetylacetone–Et₃N produces [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-O₂CMe)(η²-acac)] (5) and [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-acac)₂] (6). Compound 2 can also react with acetylacetone–Et₃N to produce 6. Surprisingly [Ru₂(μ-dppm)₂(μ-CO)₂(η²-quin)₂] (7) was obtained stereospecifically as the only one product from the reaction of 1b with 8-quinolinol–Et₃N. The structure of 7 has been established by X-ray crystallography and found to adopt a cis geometry. Further, the stereospecific reaction is probably caused by the second-sphere π–π face-to-face stacking interactions between the phenyl rings of dppm and the electron-deficient six-membered ring moiety of the bound quinolinate (i.e. the N-included six-membered ring) in 7. The presence of such interactions is indeed supported by an observed charge-transfer band in a UV–vis spectrum.     

Dibenzo[b, e]-7,7,8,8-tetraneopentyl- and dibenzo[b, e]-7,7,8,8-tetraisopropyl-7,8-disilabicyclo[2.2.2]octa-2,5-dienes: interaction with tetracyanoethylene and transition metal chlorides

Dibenzo[b,e]-7,7,8,8-tetraalkyl-7,8-disilabicyclo[2.2.2]octa-2,5-dienes (1: R = ^tBuCH₂; 2: R = ⁱPr) were prepared by the reaction of ClR₂SiSiR₂Cl with lithium anthracenide in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) at room temperature. The structure of 1 was determined by X-ray crystallography. Crystal data for 1: monoclinic, rC2/c, A = 12.941(2), B = 14.601(1), C = 35.109(6) Å, β = 94.957(7)°, V = 6609(2) ų, Z= 8, R = 0.048, R_w = 0.053 for 4037 reflections. Compounds 1 and 2 show the bathochromic shift of ¹L_a and ¹L_b bands in UV spectra and exhibit considerably low oxidation potentials due to effective σ-π conjugation. Compounds 1 and 2 form charge-transfer complexes with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE). In the case of 1, the charge-transfer complex (1: TCNE = 2: 1) could be isolated as crystals and the structure was determined by X-ray crystallography. Crystal data for the 1-TCNE complex: monoclinic, C2/c, A= 10.267(2), b = 36.077(4), C = 20.022(4) Å, β = 100.680(8)°, V = 7288(2) ų, Z = 4, R = 0.045, R_w = 0.077 for 4120 reflections. The action of transition metal chlorides on 2 resulted in [4+2] cycloreversion to form ClⁱPr₂SiSiⁱPr₂Cl and anthracene.     

Thermally and photochemically induced vinyl-hydrogen activation of [η-1,2:3,4-(trans-1,3,5-hexatriene)](η-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt: Regio- and stereospecific hydrogen migrations

[η⁴-1,2:3,4-(trans-1,3,5-hexatriene)](η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt (3) undergoes dimerization to form a flyover carbene, 5, with concomitant elimination of one equivalent of trans-1,3,5-hexatriene. Structure 5 thermally rearranges via a metal-mediated [1,5]-H shift to carbene 6: E_a = 29.1 ± 0.4 kcal mol⁻¹, log A = 11.6 ± 0.6. The structures of 5 and 6 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray determination. Low temperature irradiation of 6 generates 13 which undergoes a thermally induced reversion to 6: E_a = 19.4 ± 0.9 kcal mol⁻¹, log A = 10.0 ± 1.3. Deuterium labeling studies indicate the mechanisms involved in these C---H transformations are intramolecular, regio-, and stereospecific. The chemical study of this system is extended to include a variety of homologous CpCo(triene) complexes. A comparison between the triene approach to the formation of these flyover pentadienyl carbenes and direct carbene addition is described.     

Indenyl complexes of ruthenium(II) containing optically active diphosphines. X-ray structures of (S,S)-(η-C9H7)-Ru{Ph2PCH(CH3)CH(CH3)PPh2}Cl and of its η-C5H5 analogue

The optically active indenyl complexes ((η⁵-C₉H₇)Ru(L---L)Cl (where L---L is either (S,S)-1,2-dimethyl-1,2-ethanediylbis(diphenylphosphine) (chiraphos) or (R,R)-1,2-cyclopentanediylbis(diphenylphosphine) (cypenphos)) have been synthesized and spectroscopically characterized and compared with the corresponding cyclopentadienyl complexes. Reaction of the new complexes with 2-e-donors give cationic adducts in which the pentahaptocoordination of the indenyl ligand is maintained. The crystal structures of (S,S)-(η⁵-C₉H₇)Ru{Ph₂PCH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)PPh₂}Cl (1) and (S,S)-η⁵-C₅H₅Ru{Ph₂PCH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)PPh₂}Cl (3) have been determined.     

Ein beitrag zur darstellung und reaktivität der η-allyliridium-komplexe [Ir(η-2-RC3H4) (PPr3)2]

The η³-allyliridium complexes [Ir(η³-2-RC₃H₄)(PⁱPr₃)₂] (2, 3) have been prepared in a one-pot reaction from [IrCl(C₂H₄)₂]₂, 2-RC₃H₄Li and PⁱPr₃ in 70% yield. Compounds 2 and 3 react spontaneously with H₂ to give [IrH₅(PⁱPr₃)₂] (7) and with excess PhC=CH and MeCCH to give [Ir(CCPh)₃(PⁱPr₃)₂] (5) and [Ir(CCMe)₂(CMe=CH₂)(PⁱPr₃)₂] (6), respectively. From 2 (or 3) and two equivalents of PhCCH the complex [IrH(CCPh)₂(PⁱPr₃)₂] (4) has been obtained. Treatment of 2 or 3 with CF₃CO₂H does not lead to a cleavage of the allyl-metal bond but affords the allyl(hydrido)-iridium(III) complexes [IrH(η³-2-RC₃H₄)(η¹-P₂CCF₃)(PⁱPr₃)₂] (8, 9) in almost quantitative yield.     

Phenylbis(2- pyridyl)phosphine: P- vs. N,N′-coordination in carbonylmolybdenum-(O) and -(II) complexes

The first carbonyl molybdenum-(O) and -(II) complexes with phenylbis(2-pyridyl)phosphine (PPhpy₂) have been synthesized. PPhpy₂ reacts with [Mo(CO)₅(NCMe)] to give [Mo(CO)₅(PPhpy₂-P)]. With [Mo(CO)₄(NBD)] (NBD = norbornadiene) it gives [Mo(CO)₄(PPhpy₂-P)₂] when a 2 : 1 ratio is used, or [MO(CO)₄(py₂PhP---N,N′)] for a 1 : 1 ratio. Decarbonylation of any of these pyridylphosphine complexes leads to an oligomer of formula {MO(CO)₃(μ-PPhpy₂)}_n, which is also obtained after heating [MO(CO)₆] in solution with an equimolar amount of PPhpy₂. The oligomer undergoes oxidative addition by iodine or allylbromide to give [MoI₂(CO)₃(py₂PhP---N,N′)], or [MoBr(η³-CH₂CHCH₂)(CO)₂(py₂PhP---N,N′)], respectively. These complexes are also obtained by addition of equimolar amounts of PPhpy₂ to solutions of [MoI₂(CO)₃(NCMe)₂] and MoBr(η³-CH₂CH CH₂)(CO)₂(NCMe)₂, respectively. The ligand tends to act as a P-donor towards molybdenum(O) substrates, and as a chelating N,N′-donor in molybdenum (II) complexes.     

Hydrothermal syntheses and crystal structures of bimetallic cluster complexes [{Cd(phen)2}2V4O12]·5H2O and [Ni(phen)3]2[V4O12]·17.5H2O

The hydrothermal reactions of vanadium oxide starting materials with divalent transition metal cations in the presence of nitrogen donor chelating ligands yield the bimetallic cluster complexes with the formulae [{Cd(phen₂)₂V₄O₁₂]·5H₂O (1) and [Ni(phen)₃]₂[V₄O₁₂]·17.5H₂O (2). Crystal data: C₄₈H₅₂Cd₂N₈O₂₂V₄ (1), triclinic. a=10.3366(10), b=11.320(3), c=13.268(3) Å, =103.888(17)°, β=92.256(15)°, γ=107.444(14)°, Z=1; C₇₂H₁₃₁N₁₂Ni₂O_29.5V₄ (2), triclinic. a=12.305(3), b=13.172(6), c=15.133(4), =79.05(3)°, β=76.09(2)°, γ=74.66(3)°, Z=1. Data were collected on a Siemens P4 four-circle diffractometer at 293 K in the range 1.59° <θ<26.02° and 2.01°<θ<25.01° using the ω-scan technique, respectively. The structure of 1 consists of a [V₄O₁₂]⁴⁻ cluster covalently attached to two {Cd(phen)₂}²⁺ fragments, in which the [V₄O₁₂]⁴⁻ cluster adopts a chair-like configuration. In the structure of 2, the [V₄O₁₂]⁴⁻ cluster is isolated. And the complex formed a layer structure via hydrogen bonds between the [V₄O₁₂]⁴⁻ unit and crystallization water molecules.     

Large heteropolymetalate complexes formed from lanthanide (Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd), nickel cations and cryptate [As4W40O140]: synthesis and structure characterization

A new family of heteropolytungstate complexes (NH₄)₂₁[Ln(H₂O)₅{Ni(H₂O)}₂As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]·xH₂O(Ln=Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) were prepared by the reaction of Na₂₇[NaAs₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]·60H₂O with NiCl₂·6H₂O and Ln(NO₃)₃·xH₂O at pH≈4.5. The crystal structures of (NH₄)₂₁[Gd(H₂O)₅{Ni(H₂O)}₂As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]·51H₂O was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis and element analysis. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a=19.754(3), b=24.298(4), c=39.350(6) Å, β=100.612(3)°, V=18564(5) ų, Z=2, R1(wR₂)=0.0544(0.0691). The central site S1 and two opposite sites S2 of the big cyclic ligand [As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]²⁸⁻ are occupied by one Ln³⁺and two Ni²⁺, respectively, each site supply four O_d coordinating to metal ion, another one water molecule and other five water molecules coordinate, respectively, to Ni²⁺and Ln³⁺. Polyanion [Ln(H₂O)₅{Ni(H₂O)}₂As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]²¹⁻ has C_2v symmetry. IR and UV–vis spectra of [NaAs₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]²⁷⁻ of the title compounds are discussed.     

Solid-state static Cu and P CP/MAS NMR, and liquid-state EXAFS studies on copper(I) O,O′-dialkyldithiophosphate cluster compounds: Formation of the copper(I) O,O′-di-iso-amyldithiophosphate cluster compound on the surface of synthetic chalcocite

Polycrystalline octa-nuclear copper(I) O,O′-di-i-propyl- and O,O′-di-i-amyldithiophosphate cluster compounds, {Cu₈[S₂P(OR)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} where R = ⁱPr and ⁱAm, were synthesized and characterized by ³¹P CP/MAS NMR at 8.46 T and static ⁶⁵Cu NMR at multiple magnetic field strengths (7.05, 9.4 and 14.1 T). The symmetries of the electronic environments around the P sites were estimated from the ³¹P chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) parameters, δ_aniso and η. Analyses of the ⁶⁵Cu chemical shift and quadrupolar splitting parameters for these compounds are presented with the data being compared to those for the analogous octa-nuclear cluster compounds with R = ⁿBu and ⁱBu. The ⁶⁵Cu transverse relaxation for the copper sites in {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱPr)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} and {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱAm)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} was found to be very different, with a relaxation time, T₂, of 590 μs (Gaussian) and 90 μs (exponential), respectively. The structures of {Cu₄[S₂P(OⁱPr)₂]₄} and {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱPr)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} cluster compounds in the liquid- and the solid-state were studied by Cu K-edge EXAFS. The disulfide, [S₂P(OⁱAm)₂]₂, was obtained and characterized by ³¹P{¹H} NMR. The interactions of the disulfide and of the potassium O,O′-di-i-amyldithiophosphate salt with the surfaces of synthetic chalcocite (Cu₂S) were probed using solid-state ³¹P NMR spectroscopy and only the presence of copper(I) dithiophosphate species with the {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱAm)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} structure was observed.     

Synthesis of tetramethyldisilane-bridged bis(1-indenyl) tetracarbonyl di-iron: A novel thermal rearrangement reaction between the Si-Si and Fe-Fe bonds

The title complex (Me₂SiSiMe₂)(η⁵-l-indenyl)Fe(CO)]₂(μ-CO)₂ (1) was prepared by the reaction of 1,2-bis(1-indenyl)tetramethyl-disilane and Fe(CO)₅ in refluxing heptane. Its thermal rearrangement product [Me₂Si(η⁵-1-indenyl)Fe(CO)₂]₂ (2) was also obtained from the reaction. 1 in refluxing xylene can be readily converted into 2. The crystal structures of the cis isomer 1c and the trans isomer 2t were determined by X-ray diffraction.     

The lively chemistry of the di-μ-methylene-bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium) complexes, analogues of surface reactions in heterogeneous catalysis

The chemistry of the di-μ-methylene-bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-rhodium) complexes is reviewed. The complex [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)RhCl₂}₂] (1a) reacted with MeLi to give, after oxidative work-up, blood-red cis-[{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)₂], 2. This has the two rhodiums in the +4 oxidation state (d⁵), and linked by a metal-metal bond (2.620 Å). Trans-2 was formed on isomerisation of cis-2 in the presence of Lewis acids, or by direct reaction of 1a with Al₂Me₆, followed by dehydrogenation with acetone. The Rh-methyls in [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)₂] were readily replaced under acidic conditions (HX) to give [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(X)₂] (X = Cl, Br or I); these latter complexes reacted with a variety of RMgX to give [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)₂] (R = alkyl, Ph, vinyl, etc.). Trans-2 also reacted with HBF₄ in the presence of L to give first [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(Me)(L)]⁺ and then [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(L)₂]²⁺ (L = MeCN, CO, etc.). The {(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂ core is rather kinetically inert and also forms a variety of complexes with oxy-ligands, both cis-, e.g. [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(μ-OAc)]⁺ and trans-, such as [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺. The complexes [{(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)L]⁺ (R = Me or aryl) in the presence of CO, or [{(η⁵-C₄Me₅)Rh(μ-CH₂)}₂(R)₂] (R = Me, Ph or CO₂Me) in the presence of mild oxidants, readily yield the C---C---C coupled products RCH=CH₂. The mechanisms of these couplings have been elucidated by detailed labelling studies: they are more complex than expected, but allow direct analogies to be drawn to C---C couplints that occur during Fischer-Tropsch reactions on rhodium surfaces.     

Catalytic and structural studies of Rh complexes of (−)-(2S,4S)-2,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)pentane. Asymmetric hydrogenation of acetophenonebenzylimine and acetophenone

Rhodium(I) complexes formed by (−)-(2S,4S)-2,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)pentane (BDPP) are efficient catalysts for the hydrogenation of acetophenone and acetophenonebenzylimine. The composition of the solvent mixture and the reaction temperature have a marked influenced on the enantioselectivity. These effects are thought to be related to the enhanced conformational flexibility of six-membered rings when simple substrates without functional groups are coordinated to the rhodium. X-ray crystallographic studies reveal that in [Rh((S,S)-BDPP)NBD]⁺ (1) the ligand is in a chair conformation, and that in [Rh((S,S)-BDPP)COD]⁺ (2) the chelate ring is in a δ-skew conformation. Studies of Rh((S,S)-BDPP)(NBD)Cl (3) in solution indicate a trigonal bipyramidal structure with a chair conformation of the ring in aromatic solvents and a conformationally labile ring in methanol.     

Macropolyhedral boron-containing cluster chemistry. Aspects of the S2B16H16 system. Preparation, structure, NMR spectroscopy and isomerism

Thermolysis of [arachno-4-SB₈H₁₂] (1) in boiling cyclohexane gives two isomers 2 and 3 of 18-vertex [S₂B₁₆H₁₆], together with known 12-vertex [closo-1-SB₁₁H₁₁] (4) and known 11-vertex [nido-7-SB₁₀H₁₂] (5). Compounds 2 and 3 are characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and single- and double-resonance ¹¹B- and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. The [n-S₂B₁₆H₁₆] isomer 2 takes the form of nido ten-vertex: nido ten-vertex [anti-B₁₈H₂₂] with the 9 and 9′ positions occupied by S vertices, whereas the [iso-S₂B₁₆H₁₆] isomer 3 takes the form of a nido 11-vertex {SB₁₀} subcluster fused via a common two-boron edge to a nido-type {B₈} subcluster that is additionally linked exo to the {SB₁₀} subcluster by a bridging S atom that is held endo to the {B₈} unit. Isomer 2 is readily deprotonated and its monoanion 6 is characterised by NMR spectroscopy and by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of its [tmndH]⁺[n-S₂B₁₆H₁₅] salt 6b; deprotonation has occurred from an open-face B---H---B bridging site.     

C---H bond activation by rhodium(I) and the mechanism of the olefin isomerization: new synthesis of β,γ-unsaturated ketones via η- or η-alkylallylrhodium(III) complexes by reductive elimination

Acylrhodium(III)-η³-1-ethylallyl complex (7) was prepared by the reaction of 8-quinolinecarboxaldehyde (3) and 1,4-pentadienerhodium(I) chloride (2) by C---H bond activation, followed by hydrometallation, and double bond migration. Higher concentrations of pyridine as coordinating ligand transforms η³-1-ethylallylrhodium(III) complexes (8a,8b) into η¹-pent-2-enylrhodium(III) complex (11a). Acylrhodium(III)-η³-syn,anti-1,3-dimethylallyl complex (14) was also prepared from 1,3-pentadienerhodium(I) chloride (16) and 3. The reductive elimination of acylrhodium(III)-η¹- and -η³-1-alkylallyl complexes by trimethylphosphite gives various β,γ-unsaturated ketones.     

Diastereoselective synthesis of a resolved secondary arsine complex: asymmetric synthesis of (R-(−)589-ethylmethylphenylarsine

The reaction of [R-(R,R)]-(+)₅₈₉-[(η⁵-C₅H₅){1,2-C₆H₄(PMePh)₂}Fe(NCMe)]PF₆ with (±)-AsHMePh in boiling methanol yields crystalline [R-[(R)-(R,R)]-(+)_{589)-[(η⁵-C5H5){1,2-C6H4(PMePh)2}Fe(AsHMePH)}PF₆, optically pure, in ca. 90% yield, in a typical second-order asymmetric transformation. This complex contains the first resolved secondary arsine. Deprotonation of the secondary arsine complex with KOBu^t at −65°C gives the diastereomerically pure tertiary arsenido-iron complex [R-[(R),(R,R)]]-[((η⁵-C₅H₅){1,2-C₆H₄(PMePh)₂}FeAsMePh] · thf, from which optically pure [R-[(S),(R,R)]]-(+)₅₈₉-[(η⁵-C₅H₅){1,2-C₆H₄(PMePh)₂}Fe(AsEtMePh)PF₆ is obtained by reaction with iodoethane. Cyanide displaces (R)-(−)₅₈₉-ethylmethylphenylarsine from the iron complex, thereby effecting the asymmetric synthesis of a tertiary arsine, chiral at arsenic, from (±)-methylphenylarsine and an optically active transition metal auxiliary.