Functionalisation of carbon dioxide by an iron(II) complex

Addition of carbon dioxide to trans-Fe(dmpe)2(SCHNEt)H 2 affords the iminium carboxylate trans-Fe(dmpe)2(SCHN+(Et)CO2-)H 4, which rearranges to the ferracyle cis-Fe(dmpe)2(SCH2N(Et)C(O)O-kappa S,O) 5.     

Precursors to water-soluble dinitrogen carriers. Synthesis of water-soluble complexes of iron(II) containing water-soluble chelating phosphine ligands of the type 1,2-bis(bis(hydroxyalkyl)phosphino)ethane

The reactions of the water-soluble chelating phosphines 1,2-bis(bis(hydroxyalkyl)phosphino)ethane (alkyl = n-propyl, DHPrPE; n-butyl, DHBuPE; n-pentyl, DHPePE) with FeCl(2).4H(2)O and FeSO(4).7H(2)O were studied as routes to water-soluble complexes that will bind small molecules, dinitrogen in particular. The products that form and their stereochemistry depend on the solvent, the counteranion, and the alkyl chain length on the phosphine. In alcoholic solvents, the reaction of FeCl(2).4H(2)O with 2 equiv of DHBuPE or DHPePE gave trans-Fe(L(2))(2)Cl(2). The analogous reactions in water with DHBuPE and DHPePE gave only cis products, and the reaction of FeSO(4).7H(2)O with any of the phosphines gave only cis-Fe(L(2))(2)SO(4). These results are interpreted as follows. The trans stereochemistry of the products from the reactions of FeCl(2).4H(2)O in alcohols is suggested to be the consequence of the trans geometry of the Fe(H(2)O)(4)Cl(2) complex, i.e., substitution of the water molecules by the phosphines retains the geometry of the starting material. The formation of cis-Fe(DHPrPE)(2)Cl(2) is an exception to this result because the coordination of two -OH groups forms two six-membered rings, as shown in the X-ray structure of the molecule. DHBuPE and DHPePE reacted with FeSO(4).7H(2)O in water to initially yield cis-Fe(P(2))(2)SO(4) compounds, but subsequent substitution reactions occurred over several hours to give sequentially trans-Fe(DHBuPE)(2)(H(2)O)(SO(4)) and then trans-[Fe(DHBuPE)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]SO(4). The rate constants and activation reactions for these aquation reactions were determined and are consistent with dissociatively activated mechanisms. The cis- and trans-Fe(L(2))(2)X (X = (Cl)(2) or SO(4)) complexes react with N(2), CO, and CH(3)CN to yield trans complexes with bound N(2), CO, or CH(3)CN. The crystal structures of the cis-Fe(DHPrPE)(2)SO(4), trans-Fe(DHPrPE)(2)(CO)SO(4), trans-Fe(DHBuPE)(2)Cl(2), trans-[Fe(DHBuPE)(2)(CO)(Cl)][B(C(6)H(5))(4)], trans-Fe(DMeOPrPE)(2)Cl(2), trans-Fe(DMeOPrPE)(2)Br(2), and trans-[Fe(DHBuPE)(2)Cl(2)]Cl complexes are reported. As expected from using water-soluble phosphines, the complexes reported herein are water soluble (generally greater than 0.5 M at 23 degrees C).     

Silylene hydride complexes of molybdenum with silicon-hydrogen interactions: neutron structure of (eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(Me(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PMe(2))Mo(H)(SiEt(2))

Reduction of CpMoCl(4) with 3.1 equiv of Na/Hg amalgam (1.0% w/w) in the presence of 1 equiv of dmpe and 1 equiv of trimethylphosphine afforded the molybdenum(II) chloride complex Cp(dmpe)(PMe(3))MoCl (1) (Cp = 1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane). Alkylation of 1 with PhCH(2)MgCl proceeded in high yield to liberate PMe(3) and give the 18-electron pi-benzyl complex Cp(dmpe)Mo(eta(3)-CH(2)Ph) (2). Variable temperature NMR experiments provided evidence that 2 is in equilibrium with its 16-electron eta(1)-benzyl isomer [Cp(dmpe)Mo(eta(1)-CH(2)Ph)]. This was further supported by reaction of 2 with CO to yield the carbonyl benzyl complex Cp(dmpe)(CO)Mo(eta(1)-CH(2)Ph) (3). Complex 2 was found to react with disubstituted silanes H(2)SiRR' (RR' = Me(2), Et(2), MePh, and Ph(2)) to form toluene and the silylene complexes Cp(dmpe)Mo(H)(SiRR') (4a: RR' = Me(2); 4b: RR' = Et(2); 4c: RR' = MePh; 4d: RR' = Ph(2)). Reactions of 2 with monosubstituted silanes H(3)SiR (R = Ph, Mes, Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) produced rare examples of hydrosilylene complexes Cp(dmpe)Mo(H)Si(H)R (5a: R = Ph; 5b: R = Mes; 5c: R = CH(2)Ph). Reactivity of complexes 4a-c and 5a-d is dominated by 1,2-hydride migration from metal to silicon, and these complexes possess H.Si bonding interactions, as supported by spectroscopic and structural data. For example, the J(HSi) coupling constants in these species range in value from 30 to 48 Hz and are larger than would be expected in the absence of H.Si bonding. A neutron diffraction study on a single crystal of diethylsilylene complex 4b unequivocally determined the hydride ligand to be in a bridging position across the molybdenum-silicon bond (Mo-H 1.85(1) A, Si-H 1.68(1) A). The synthesis and reactivity properties of these complexes are described in detail.     

Synthesis and hydride transfer reactions of cobalt and nickel hydride complexes to BX3 compounds

Hydrides of numerous transition metal complexes can be generated by the heterolytic cleavage of H(2) gas such that they offer alternatives to using main group hydrides in the regeneration of ammonia borane, a compound that has been intensely studied for hydrogen storage applications. Previously, we reported that HRh(dmpe)(2) (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphinoethane)) was capable of reducing a variety of BX(3) compounds having a hydride affinity (HA) greater than or equal to the HA of BEt(3). This study examines the reactivity of less expensive cobalt and nickel hydride complexes, HCo(dmpe)(2) and [HNi(dmpe)(2)](+), to form B-H bonds. The hydride donor abilities (ΔG(H(-))°) of HCo(dmpe)(2) and [HNi(dmpe)(2)](+) were positioned on a previously established scale in acetonitrile that is cross-referenced with calculated HAs of BX(3) compounds. The collective data guided our selection of BX(3) compounds to investigate and aided our analysis of factors that determine favorability of hydride transfer. HCo(dmpe)(2) was observed to transfer H(-) to BX(3) compounds with X = H, OC(6)F(5), and SPh. The reaction with B(SPh)(3) is accompanied by the formation of dmpe-(BH(3))(2) and dmpe-(BH(2)(SPh))(2) products that follow from a reduction of multiple B-SPh bonds and a loss of dmpe ligands from cobalt. Reactions between HCo(dmpe)(2) and B(SPh)(3) in the presence of triethylamine result in the formation of Et(3)N-BH(2)SPh and Et(3)N-BH(3) with no loss of a dmpe ligand. Reactions of the cationic complex [HNi(dmpe)(2)](+) with B(SPh)(3) under analogous conditions give Et(3)N-BH(2)SPh as the final product along with the nickel-thiolate complex [Ni(dmpe)(2)(SPh)](+). The synthesis and characterization of HCo(dedpe)(2) (dedpe = Et(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2)) from H(2) and a base is also discussed, including the formation of an uncommon trans dihydride species, trans-[(H)(2)Co(dedpe)(2)][BF(4)].     

Carbon dioxide hydrogenation catalyzed by a ruthenium dihydride: a DFT and high-pressure spectroscopic investigation

Reaction pathways during CO(2) hydrogenation catalyzed by the Ru dihydride complex [Ru(dmpe)(2)H(2)] (dmpe=Me(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PMe(2)) have been studied by DFT calculations and by IR and NMR spectroscopy up to 120 bar in toluene at 300 K. CO(2) and formic acid readily inserted into or reacted with the complex to form formates. Two formate complexes, cis-[Ru(dmpe)(2)(OCHO)(2)] and trans-[Ru(dmpe)(2)H(OCHO)], were formed at low CO(2) pressure (<5 bar). The latter occurred exclusively when formic acid reacted with the complex. A RuHHOCHO dihydrogen-bonded complex of the trans form was identified at H(2) partial pressure higher than about 50 bar. The trans form of the complex is suggested to play a pivotal role in the reaction pathway. Potential-energy profiles along possible reaction paths have been investigated by static DFT calculations, and lower activation-energy profiles via the trans route were confirmed. The H(2) insertion has been identified as the rate-limiting step of the overall reaction. The high energy of the transition state for H(2) insertion is attributed to the elongated Ru--O bond. The H(2) insertion and the subsequent formation of formic acid proceed via Ru(eta(2)-H(2))-like complexes, in which apparently formate ion and Ru(+) or Ru(eta(2)-H(2))(+) interact. The bond properties of involved Ru complexes were characterized by natural bond orbital analysis, and the highly ionic characters of various complexes and transition states are shown. The stability of the formate ion near the Ru center likely plays a decisive role for catalytic activity. Removal of formic acid from the dihydrogen-bonded complex (RuHHOCHO) seems to be crucial for catalytic efficiency, since formic acid can easily react with the complex to regenerate the original formate complex. Important aspects for the design of highly active catalytic systems are discussed.     

Hydride donor abilities and bond dissociation free energies of transition metal formyl complexes

The hydride complex [Pt(dmpe)2H]+ (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane) reversibly transfers H- to the rhenium carbonyl complex [CpRe(PMe3)(NO)(CO)]+, giving the formyl CpRe(PMe3)(NO)(CHO). From the equilibrium constant for the hydride transfer (16.2), the DeltaGdegrees for the reaction was determined (-1.6 kcal/mol), as was the hydride-donating ability of the formyl (44.1 kcal/mol). The hydride-donating ability, DeltaGdegrees(H-), is defined as the energy required to release the hydride ion into solution by the formyl complex [i.e. M(CHO) right arrow M(CO)+ + H-]. Subsequently, the hydride-donating ability of a series of formyl complexes was determined, ranging from 44 to 55 kcal/mol. With use of this information, two rhenium carbonyl complexes, [CpRe(NO)(CO)2]+ and [Cp*Re(NO)(CO)2]+, were hydrogenated to formyls, employing [Pt(dmpp)2]2+ and Proton-Sponge. Finally, the E(1/2)(I/0) values for five rhenium carbonyl complexes were measured by cyclic voltammetry. Combined with the known DeltaGdegrees(H-) values for the complexes, the hydrogen atom donating abilities could be determined. These values were all found to be approximately 50 kcal/mol.     

Synthesis and properties of fac-Re(dmbpy)(CO)3CHO (dmbpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), a possible intermediate in reductions of CO2 catalyzed by fac-Re(dmbpy)(CO)3Cl

Synthesis of fac-Re(dmbpy)(CO)3CHO 2 and its reactions with CO2 in DMF and DMSO have been conducted; 2 transfers hydride to CO2 to give Re(dmbpy)(CO)4+ OCHO- 5 which is rapidly transformed to fac-Re(dmbpy)(CO)3(OCHO) 3 in DMF, thus supporting the viability of 2 in photocatalytic reactions of fac-Re(dmbpy)(CO)3Cl with CO2.     

Isolation, observation, and computational modeling of proposed intermediates in catalytic proton reductions with the hydrogenase mimic Fe2(CO)6S2C6H4

Proposed electrocatalytic proton reduction intermediates of hydrogenase mimics were synthesized, observed, and studied computationally. A new mechanism for H(2) generation appears to involve Fe(2)(CO)(6)(1,2-S(2)C(6)H(4)) (3), the dianions {[1,2-S(2)C(6)H(4)][Fe(CO)(3)(μ-CO)Fe(CO)(2)](2-) (3(2-)), the bridging hydride {[1,2-S(2)C(6)H(4)][Fe(CO)(3)(μ-CO)(μ-H)Fe(CO)(2)]}(-), 3H(-)(bridging), and the terminal hydride 3H(-)(term-stag), {[1,2-S(2)C(6)H(4)][HFe(CO)(3)Fe(CO)(3)]}(-), as intermediates. The dimeric sodium derivative of 3(2-), {[Na(2)(THF)(OEt(2))(3)][3(2-)]}(2) (4) was isolated from reaction of Fe(2)(CO)(6)(1,2-S(2)C(6)H(4)) (3) with excess sodium and was characterized by X-ray crystallography. It possesses a bridging CO and an unsymmetrically bridging dithiolate ligand. Complex 4 reacts with 4 equiv. of triflic or benzoic acid (2 equiv. per Fe center) to generate H(2) and 3 in 75% and 60% yields, respectively. Reaction of 4 with 2 equiv. of benzoic acid generated two hydrides in a 1.7 : 1 ratio (by (1)H NMR spectroscopy). Chemical shift calculations on geometry optimized structures of possible hydride isomers strongly suggest that the main product, 3H(-)(bridging), possesses a bridging hydride ligand, while the minor product is a terminal hydride, 3H(-)(term-stag). Computational studies support a catalytic proton reduction mechanism involving a two-electron reduction of 3 that severs an Fe-S bond to generate a dangling thiolate and an electron rich Fe center. The latter iron center is the initial site of protonation, and this event is followed by protonation at the dangling thiolate to give the thiol thiolate [Fe(2)H(CO)(6)(1,2-SHSC(6)H(4))]. This species then undergoes an intramolecular acid-base reaction to form a dihydrogen complex that loses H(2) and regenerates 3.     

The preparation of NbH5(Me2PCH2CH2Me2)2 and NbHL2(Me2PCH2CH2PMe2)2 (L = CO or C2H4)

MMe₅(dmpe) (M = Nb or Ta, dmpe = Me₂PCH₂CH₂PMe₂) reacts with H₂ (500 atm) and dmpe in THF at 60°C to give MH₅(dmpe)_2? NbH₅(dmpe)₂ readily reacts with two mol of CO or ethylene (L) to give NbHL₂(dmpe)₂. The exchange of the hydride ligand with the ethylene protons in NbH(C₂H₄)₂(dmpe)₂ is not rapid on the ¹H NMR time scale (60 MHz) at 95°C.     

H2 activation in aqueous solution: formation of trans-[Fe(DMeOPrPE)2H(H2)]+ via the heterolysis of H2 in water

The water-soluble iron phosphine complex trans-Fe(DMeOPrPE)(2)Cl(2) (DMeOPrPE = 1,2-bis(bis(methoxypropyl)phosphino)ethane) reacts with H(2) in water to produce trans-[Fe(DMeOPrPE)(2)H(H(2))](+) and H(+). The product is a water-soluble eta(2)-H(2) metal hydride complex, formed via the heterolysis of coordinated H(2) in water.     

MS2(Me2PC2H4PMe2)2 (M = Mo, W): acid-base properties, proton transfer, and reversible protonolysis of sulfido ligands

The acid-base reactivity of MS(2)(dmpe)(2), where M = Mo (1) and W (2) and dmpe = Me(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PMe(2), was examined. Compounds 1 and 2 arise via the one-pot reaction of (NH(4))(2)MS(4) and dmpe. Protonation of these species gives the stable salts [MS(SH)(dmpe)(2)]X. The pK(a)'s of the Mo and W compounds are estimated to be 16.5 and 15.5, respectively. Protonation causes the M=S distances to diverge from 2.24 A to 2.06 and 2.57 A, whereas the Mo-P distances do not change appreciably. (1)H and (31)P NMR studies for [1H]BAr(F)(4) reveal that the proton exchange is competitive with the NMR time scale; at low temperatures, individual signals for both the parent disulfide and its conjugate acid can be observed. Treatment of 1 with excess HOTf liberates H(2)S to afford [MoS(OTf)(dmpe)(2)]OTf, which forms an adduct with CD(3)CN and regenerates 1 upon treatment with SH(-)/Et(3)N solutions. Consistent with its ready protonation, complex 1 is methylated, and the use of excess MeOTf gives [MoS(OTf)(dmpe)(2)](+) and Me(2)S in a rare example of double alkylation at a sulfido ligand.     

Synthons for coordinatively unsaturated complexes of tungsten, and their use for the synthesis of high oxidation-state silylene complexes

Reduction of Cp*WCl4 afforded the metalated complex (eta6-C5Me4CH2)(dmpe)W(H)Cl (1) (Cp* = C5Me5, dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane). Reactions with CO and H(2) suggested that 1 is in equilibrium with the 16-electron species [Cp(dmpe)WCl], and 1 was also shown to react with silanes R2SiH2 (R2 = Ph2 and PhMe) to give the tungsten(IV) silyl complexes Cp*(dmpe)(H)(Cl)W(SiHR2) (6a, R2 = Ph2; 6b, R2 = PhMe). Abstraction of the chloride ligand in 1 with LiB(C6F5)4 gave a reactive species that features a doubly metalated Cp ligand, [(eta7-C5Me3(CH2)2)(dmpe)W(H)2][B(C6F5)4] (4). In its reaction with dinitrogen, 4 behaves as a synthon for the 14-electron fragment [Cp*(dmpe)W]+, to give the dinuclear dinitrogen complex ([Cp*(dmpe)W]2(micro-N2)) [B(C6F5)4]2 (5). Hydrosilanes R2SiH2 (R2 = Ph2, PhMe, Me2, Dipp(H); Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) were shown to react with 4 in double Si-H bond activation reactions to give the silylene complexes [Cp*(dmpe)H2W = SiR2][B(C6F5)4] (8a-d). Compounds 8a,b (R2 = Ph2 and PhMe, respectively) were also synthesized by abstraction of the chloride ligands from silyl complexes 6a,b. Dimethylsilylene complex 8c was found to react with chloroalkanes RCl (R = Me, Et) to liberate trialkylchlorosilanes RMe2SiCl. This reaction is discussed in the context of its relevance to the mechanism of the direct synthesis for the industrial production of alkylchlorosilanes.     

Oxidative addition of silanes R3SiH to the unsaturated cluster [Os3(micro-H)[micro3-Ph2PCH2PPh(C6H4)](CO)8]: evidence for reversible silane formation in the dynamic behaviour of [Os3(micro-H)(SiR3)(CO)9(micro-dppm)

Oxidative addition of the silanes R(3)SiH (R(3)= Ph(3), Et(3), EtMe(2)) to the unsaturated cluster [Os(3)(micro-H)[micro(3)-Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(C(6)H(4))](CO)(8)] leads to the saturated clusters [Os(3)(micro-H)(SiR(3))(CO)(9)(micro-dppm)](SiR(3)= SiPh(3) 1, SiEt(3) 2 and SiEtMe(2)3) and the unsaturated clusters [Os(3)(micro -H)(2)(SiR(3))[micro(3)-Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(C(6)H(4))](CO)(7)](SiR(3)= SiPh(3) 4, SiEt(3) 5 and SiEtMe(2)6). Structures are based on spectroscopic evidence and a XRD structure of [Os(3)(micro-H)(SiPh(3))(CO)(9)(micro-dppm)] 1 in which all non-CO ligands are coordinated equatorially and the hydride and the silyl groups are mutually cis. From variable-temperature (1)H NMR spectra of the SiEt(3) compound 2, exchange of the P nuclei is clearly apparent. Simultaneous migrations of the SiEt(3) group and of the hydride from one Os-Os edge to another generate a time-averaged mirror plane in the molecule. VT (1)H NMR spectra of the somewhat less bulky compound [Os(3)(micro-H)(SiMe(2)Et)(CO)(9)(micro-dppm)] 3 have been analysed. Two isomers 3a and 3b are observed with the hydride ligand located on different Os-Os edges. Synchronous migration of the hydride and SiMe(2)Et groups is faster than the observed interconversion of isomers which occurs by hydride migration alone. The synchronous motion of H and SiR(3)only occurs when these ligands are mutually cis as in the major isomer 3a and we propose that this process requires the formation of a transient silane complex of the type [Os(3)(eta(2)-HSiR(3))(CO)(9)(micro-dppm)]. Turnstile rotation within an Os(CO)(3)(eta(2)-HSiR(3)) group leads to the observed exchange within the major isomer 3a without exchange with the minor isomer. This process is not observed for the minor isomer 3b because the hydride and the silyl group are mutually trans. Protonation to give [Os(3)(micro-H)(2)(SiR(3))(CO)(9)(micro-dppm)](+) totally suppresses the dynamic behaviour because there are no edge vacancies.     

Generation and coupling of [Mn(dmpe)2(C triple bond CR)(C triple bond C)]* radicals producing redox-active C4-bridged rigid-rod complexes

The symmetric d(5) trans-bis-alkynyl complexes [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CSiR(3))(2)] (R = Me, 1 a; Et, 1 b; Ph, 1 c) (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane) have been prepared by the reaction of [Mn(dmpe)(2)Br(2)] with two equivalents of the corresponding acetylide LiC triple bond CSiR(3). The reactions of species 1 with [Cp(2)Fe][PF(6)] yield the corresponding d(4) complexes [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CSiR(3))(2)][PF(6)] (R = Me, 2 a; Et, 2 b; Ph, 2 c). These complexes react with NBu(4)F (TBAF) at -10 degrees C to give the desilylated parent acetylide compound [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CH)(2)][PF(6)] (6), which is stable only in solution at below 0 degrees C. The asymmetrically substituted trans-bis-alkynyl complexes [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CSiR(3))(C triple bond CH)][PF(6)] (R = Me, 7 a; Et, 7 b) related to 6 have been prepared by the reaction of the vinylidene compounds [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CSiR(3))(C=CH(2))] (R = Me, 5 a; Et, 5 b) with two equivalents of [Cp(2)Fe][PF(6)] and one equivalent of quinuclidine. The conversion of [Mn(C(5)H(4)Me)(dmpe)I] with Me(3)SiC triple bond CSnMe(3) and dmpe afforded the trans-iodide-alkynyl d(5) complex [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CSiMe(3))I] (9). Complex 9 proved to be unstable with regard to ligand disproportionation reactions and could therefore not be oxidized to a unique Mn(III) product, which prevented its further use in acetylide coupling reactions. Compounds 2 react at room temperature with one equivalent of TBAF to form the mixed-valent species [[Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CH)](2)(micro-C(4))][PF(6)] (11) by C-C coupling of [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CH)(C triple bond C*)] radicals generated by deprotonation of 6. In a similar way, the mixed-valent complex [[Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CSiMe(3))](2)(micro-C(4))][PF(6)] [12](+) is obtained by the reaction of 7 a with one equivalent of DBU (1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene). The relatively long-lived radical intermediate [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CH)(C triple bond C*)] could be trapped as the Mn(I) complex [Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CH)(triple bond C-CO(2))] (14) by addition of an excess of TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy) to the reaction mixtures of species 2 and TBAF. The neutral dinuclear Mn(II)/Mn(II) compounds [[Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CR(3))](2)(micro-C(4))] (R = H, 11; R = SiMe(3), 12) are produced by the reduction of [11](+) and [12](+), respectively, with [FeCp(C(6)Me(6))]. [11](+) and [12](+) can also be oxidized with [Cp(2)Fe][PF(6)] to produce the dicationic Mn(III)/Mn(III) species [[Mn(dmpe)(2)(C triple bond CR(3))](2)(micro-C(4))][PF(6)](2) (R = H, [11](2+); R = SiMe(3), [12](2+)). Both redox processes are fully reversible. The dinuclear compounds have been characterized by NMR, IR, UV/Vis, and Raman spectroscopies, CV, and magnetic susceptibilities, as well as elemental analyses. X-ray diffraction studies have been performed on complexes 4 b, 7 b, 9, [12](+), [12](2+), and 14.     

Acetylide-bridged organometallic oligomers via the photochemical metathesis of methyl-iron(II) complexes

The acetylido methyl iron(II) complexes, cis/trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(CH(3))] (1) and trans-[Fe(depe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(CH(3))] (2) (dmpe = 1,2-dimethylphoshinoethane; depe = 1,2-diethylphosphinoethane), were synthesized by transmetalation from the corresponding alkyl halide complexes. Acetylido methyl iron(II) complexes were also formed by transmetalation from the chloride complexes, trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(Cl)] or trans-[Fe(depe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(Cl)]. The structure of trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(5))(CH(3))] (1a) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The methyl acetylido iron complexes, [Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(CH(3))] (1), are thermally stable in the presence of acetylenes; however, under UV irradiation, methane is lost with the formation of a metal bisacetylide. Photochemical metathesis of cis- or trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(CH(3))(C[triple bond]CR)] (R = C(6)H(5) (1a), 4-C(6)H(4)OCH(3) (1b)) with terminal acetylenes was used to selectively synthesize unsymmetrically substituted iron(II) bisacetylide complexes of the type trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CR)(C[triple bond]CR')] [R = Ph, R' = Ph (6a), 4-CH(3)OC(6)H(4) (6b), (t)()Bu (6c), Si(CH(3))(3) (6d), (CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]CH (6e); R = 4-CH(3)OC(6)H(4), R' = 4-CH(3)OC(6)H(4), (6g), (t)()Bu (6h), (CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]CH (6i), adamantyl (6j)]. The structure of the unsymmetrical iron(II) bisacetylide complex trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(5))(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)OCH(3))] (6b) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The photochemical metathesis of the bis-acetylene, 1,7-octadiyne, with trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(CH(3))(C[triple bond]CPh)] (1a), was utilized to synthesize the bridged binuclear species trans,trans-[(C(6)H(5)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(mu-C[triple bond]C(CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(5))] (11). The trinuclear species trans,trans,trans-[(C(6)H(5)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(mu-C[triple bond]C(CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(mu-C[triple bond]C(CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]C)Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(5))] (12) was synthesized by the photochemical reaction of Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CPh)(C[triple bond]C(CH(2))(4)C[triple bond]CH) (6e) with Fe(dmpe)(2)(CH(3))(2). Extended irradiation of the bisacetylide complexes with phenylacetylene resulted in insertion of the terminal alkyne into one of the metal acetylide bonds to give acetylide butenyne complexes. The structure of the acetylide butenyne complex, trans-[Fe(dmpe)(2)(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)OCH(3))(eta(1)-C(C(6)H(5))=CH(C[triple bond]CC(6)H(4)OCH(3)))] (9a) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Hydricities of BzNADH, CH5Mo(PMe3)(CO)2H, and C5Me5Mo(PMe3)(CO)2H in acetonitrile

The thermodynamic hydride donor abilities of 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BzNADH, 59 +/- 2 kcal/mol), C(5)H(5)Mo(PMe(3))(CO)(2)H (55 +/- 3 kcal/mol), and C(5)Me(5)Mo(PMe(3))(CO)(2)H (58 +/- 2 kcal/mol) have been measured in acetonitrile by calorimetric and/or equilibrium methods. The hydride donor abilities of BzNADH and C(5)H(5)Mo(PMe(3))(CO)(2)H differ by 13 and 24 kcal/mol, respectively, from those reported previously for these compounds in acetonitrile. These results require significant revisions of the hydricities reported for related NADH analogues and metal hydrides. These compounds are moderate hydride donors as compared to previously determined compounds.     

Ditungsten Siloxide Hydrides, [(silox)(2)WH(n)()](2) (n = 1, 2; silox = (t)BuSiO), and Related Complexes

The addition of 4.0 equiv of Na(silox) to Na[W(2)Cl(7)(THF)(5)] afforded (silox)(2)ClW&tbd1;WCl(silox)(2) (1, 65%). Treatment of 1 with 2.0 equiv of MeMgBr in Et(2)O provided (silox)(2)MeW&tbd1;WMe(silox)(2) (2, 81%). In the presence of 1 atm of H(2), reduction of 1 with 2.0 equiv of Na/Hg in DME provided (silox)(2)HW&tbd1;WH(silox)(2) (3, 70%), characterized by a hydride resonance at delta 19.69 (J(WH) = 325 Hz, (1)H NMR). Exposure of 2 to 1 atm of H(2) yielded 3 and CH(4) via (silox)(2)HW&tbd1;WMe(silox)(2) (4); use of D(2) led to [(silox)(2)WD](2) (3-d(2)). Exposure of 3 to ethylene ( approximately 1 atm, 25 degrees C) in hexanes generated (silox)(2)EtW&tbd1;WEt(silox)(2) (5), but solutions of 5 reverted to 3 and free C(2)H(4) upon standing. NMR spectral data are consistent with a sterically locked, gauche, C(2) symmetry for 1-5. Thermolysis of 3 at 100 degrees C (4 h) resulted in partial conversion to (silox)(2)HW&tbd1;W(OSi(t)Bu(2)CMe(2)CH(2))(silox) (6a, approximately 60%) and free H(2), while extended thermolysis with degassing (5 d, 70 degrees C) produced a second cyclometalated rotational isomer, 6b (6a:6b approximately 3:1). When left at 25 degrees C (4 h) in sealed NMR tubes, 6 and free H(2) regenerated 3. Reduction of 1 with 2.0 equiv of Na/Hg in DME also afforded 6a (25%). When 3 was exposed to approximately 3 atm of H(2), equilibrium amounts of [(silox)(2)WH(2)](2) (7) were observed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy (3 + H(2) right harpoon over left harpoon 7; 25.9-88.7 degrees C, DeltaH = -9.6(4) kcal/mol, DeltaS = -21(2) eu). Benzene solutions of 3 and 1-3 atm of D(2) revealed incorporation of deuterium into the silox ligands, presumably via intermediate 6. In sealed tubes containing [(silox)(2)WCl](2) (1) and dihydrogen (1-3 atm), (1)H NMR spectral evidence for [(silox)(2)WCl](2)(&mgr;-H)(2) (8) was obtained, suggesting that formation of 3 from 1 proceeded via reduction of 8. Alternatively, 3 may be formed from direct reduction of 1 to give [(silox)(2)W](2) (9), followed by H(2) addition. Hydride chemical shifts for 7 are temperature dependent, varying from delta 1.39 (-70 degrees C, toluene-d(8)), to delta 3.68 (90 degrees C). (29)Si{(1)H} NMR spectra revealed a similar temperature dependence of the silox (delta 12.43, -60 degrees C, to delta 13.64, 45 degrees C) resonances. These effects may arise from thermal population of a low-lying, deltadelta, paramagnetic excited state of D(2)(d)() [(silox)(2)W](2)(&mgr;-H)(4) (DeltaE approximately 2.1 kcal/mol, chi(7a) approximately 0.03), an explanation favored over thermal equilibration with an energetically similar but structurally distinct isomer (e.g., [(silox)(2)WH(2)](2)(&mgr;-H)(2), DeltaG degrees approximately 0.69 kcal/mol, chi(7b) approximately 0.25) on the basis of spectral arguments. Extended Hückel and ab initio molecular orbital calculations on model complexes [(H(3)SiO)(2)W](2)(&mgr;-H)(4) (staggered bridged 7a', EHMO), [(H(3)SiO)(2)WH(2)](2) (all-terminal 7b', EHMO), [(H(3)SiO)(2)W](2) (9', EHMO), (HO)(4)W(2)(H(4)) (staggered-bridged 7", ab initio), and (HO)(4)W(2)(H(4)) (bent-terminal 7, ab initio) generally support the explanation of a thermally accessible excited state and assign 7 a geometry intermediate between the all-terminal and staggered-bridged forms.     

M-P versus M=M bonds as protonation sites in the organophosphide-bridged complexes [M2Cp2(mu-PR2)(mu-PR'2)(CO)2], (M = Mo, W; R, R' = Ph, Et, Cy)

The unsaturated complexes [W2Cp2(mu-PR2)(mu-PR'2)(CO)2] (Cp = eta5-C5H5; R = R' = Ph, Et; R = Et, R' = Ph) react with HBF4.OEt2 at 243 K in dichloromethane solution to give the corresponding complexes [W2Cp2(H)(mu-PR2)(mu-PR'2)(CO)2]BF4, which contain a terminal hydride ligand. The latter rearrange at room temperature to give [W2Cp2(mu-H)(mu-PR2)(mu-PR'2)(CO)2]BF4, which display a bridging hydride and carbonyl ligands arranged parallel to each other (W-W = 2.7589(8) A when R = R' = Ph). This explains why the removal of a proton from the latter gives first the unstable isomer cis-[W2Cp2(mu-PPh2)2(CO)2]. The molybdenum complex [Mo2Cp2(mu-PPh2)2(CO)2] behaves similarly, and thus the thermally unstable new complexes [Mo2Cp2(H)(mu-PPh2)2(CO)2]BF4 and cis-[Mo2Cp2(mu-PPh2)2(CO)2] could be characterized. In contrast, related dimolybdenum complexes having electron-rich phosphide ligands behave differently. Thus, the complexes [Mo2Cp2(mu-PR2)2(CO)2] (R = Cy, Et) react with HBF4.OEt2 to give first the agostic type phosphine-bridged complexes [Mo2Cp2(mu-PR2)(mu-kappa2-HPR2)(CO)2]BF4 (Mo-Mo = 2.748(4) A for R = Cy). These complexes experience intramolecular exchange of the agostic H atom between the two inequivalent P positions and at room-temperature reach a proton-catalyzed equilibrium with their hydride-bridged tautomers [ratio agostic/hydride = 10 (R = Cy), 30 (R = Et)]. The mixed-phosphide complex [Mo2Cp2(mu-PCy2)(mu-PPh2)(CO)2] behaves similarly, except that protonation now occurs specifically at the dicyclohexylphosphide ligand [ratio agostic/hydride = 0.5]. The reaction of the agostic complex [Mo2Cp2(mu-PCy2)(mu-kappa2-HPCy2)(CO)2]BF4 with CN(t)Bu gave mono- or disubstituted hydride derivatives [Mo2Cp2(mu-H)(mu-PCy2)2(CO)2-x(CNtBu)x]BF4 (Mo-Mo = 2.7901(7) A for x = 1). The photochemical removal of a CO ligand from the agostic complex also gives a hydride derivative, the triply bonded complex [Mo2Cp2(H)(mu-PCy2)2(CO)]BF4 (Mo-Mo = 2.537(2) A). Protonation of [Mo2Cp2(mu-PCy2)2(mu-CO)] gives the hydroxycarbyne derivative [Mo2Cp2(mu-COH)(mu-PCy2)2]BF4, which does not transform into its hydride isomer.     

Contrasting photochemical and thermal reactivity of Ru(CO)2(PPh3)(dppe) towards hydrogen rationalised by parahydrogen NMR and DFT studies

The synthesis, characterisation and thermal and photochemical reactivity of Ru(CO)2(PPh3)(dppe) 1 towards hydrogen are described. Compound proved to exist in both fac (major) and mer forms in solution. Under thermal conditions, PPh3 is lost from 1 in the major reaction pathway and the known complex Ru(CO)2(dppe)(H)2 2 is formed. Photochemically, CO loss is the dominant process, leading to the alternative dihydride Ru(CO)(PPh3)(dppe)(H)2 3. The major isomer of 3, viz. 3a, contains hydride ligands that are trans to CO and trans to one of the phosphorus atoms of the dppe ligand but a second isomer, 3b, where both hydride ligands are trans to distinct phosphines, is also formed. On the NMR timescale, no interconversion of 3a and 3b was observed, although hydride site interchange is evident with activation parameters of DeltaH(double dagger) = 95 +/- 6 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS(double dagger) = 26 +/- 17 J K(-1) mol(-1). Density functional theory confirms that the observed species are the most stable isomeric forms, and suggests that hydride exchange occurs via a transition state featuring an eta2-coordinated H2 unit.     

Proton induced P-H and Mo-H bond activation at the phosphide bridged dimolybdenum complexes [Mo2Cp2(mu-H)(mu-PHR)(CO)4](R = Cy, 2,4,6-C6H2R'3; R'= H, Me, tBu)

The new hydride complexes [Mo2Cp2(mu-H)(mu-PHR)(CO)4] having bulky substituents (R = 2,4,6-C(6)H2tBu3= Mes*, R = 2,4,6-C6H2Me3= Mes) have been prepared in good yield by addition of Li[PHR] to the triply bonded [Mo2Cp2(CO)4] and further protonation of the resulting anionic phosphide complex [Mo2Cp2(mu-PHR)(CO)4]-. Protonation of the Mes* compound with either [H(OEt2)2][B{3,5-C6H3(CF3)2}4] or HBF4.OEt2 gives the cationic phosphinidene complex [Mo2Cp2(mu-H)(mu-PMes*)(CO)4]+ in high yield. In contrast, protonation of the analogous hydride compounds with Mes or Cy substituents on phosphorus give the corresponding unsaturated tetracarbonyls [Mo2Cp2(mu-PHR)(CO)4]+, which are unstable at room temperature and display a cis geometry. Decomposition of the latter give the electron-precise pentacarbonyls [Mo2Cp2(mu-PHR)(mu-CO)(CO)4]+, also displaying a cis arrangement of the metal fragments. In the presence of BF4- as external anion, fluoride abstraction competes with carbonylation to yield the neutral fluorophosphide hydrides [Mo2Cp2(mu-H)(mu-PFR)(CO)4]. Similar results were obtained in the protonation reactions of the hydride compounds having a Ph substituent on phosphorus. In that case, using HCl as protonation reagent gave the chloro-complex [Mo2ClCp2(mu-PHPh)(CO)4] in good yield. The structures and dynamic behaviour of the new compounds are analyzed on the basis of solution IR and 1H, 31P, 19F and 13C NMR data as well as the X-ray studies carried out on [Mo2Cp2(mu-H)(mu-PHMes)(CO)4](cis isomer), [Mo2Cp2(mu-H)(mu-PFMes)(CO)4](trans isomer), [Mo2Cp2(mu-PHCy)(mu-CO)(CO)4](BF4) and [Mo2ClCp2(mu-PHPh)(CO)4].