Alcohol‐Induced C−N Bond Cleavage of Cyclometalated N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands with a Methylene‐Linked Pendant Imidazolium Ring

Reaction of the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl rhodium iodide dimer [Cp*RhI₂]₂ with 1,1′‐diphenyl‐3,3′‐methylenediimidazolium diiodide in non‐alcohol solvents, in the presence of base, led to the formation of bis‐carbene complex [Cp*Rh(bis‐NHC)I]I (bis‐NHC=1,1′‐diphenyl‐4,4′‐methylenediimidazoline‐5,5′‐diylidene). In contrast, when employing alcohols as the solvent in the same reaction, cleavage of a methylene C?N bond is observed, affording ether‐functionalized (cyclometalated) carbene ligands coordinated to the metal center and the concomitant formation of complexes with a coordinated imidazole ligand. Studies employing other 1,1′‐diimidazolium salts indicate that the cyclometalation step is a prerequisite for the activation/scission of the C?N bond and, based on additional experimental data, a S_N2 mechanism for the reaction is tentatively proposed.     

Metal Complexes of a Boron‐Dipyrromethene (BODIPY)‐Tagged N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) as Luminescent Carbon Monoxide Chemodosimeters

Several metal complexes with a boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)‐functionalized N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand 4 were synthesized. The fluorescence in [( 4 )(SIMes)RuCl₂(ind)] complex is quenched (Φ=0.003), it is weak in [( 4 )PdI₂(Clpy)] (Φ=0.033), and strong in [( 4 )AuI] (Φ=0.70). The BODIPY‐tagged complexes can experience pronounced changes in the brightness of the fluorophore upon ligand‐exchange and ligand‐dissociation reactions. Complexes [( 4 )MX(1,5‐cyclooctadiene)] (M=Rh, Ir; X=Cl, I; Φ=0.008–0.016) are converted into strongly fluorescent complexes [( 4 )MX(CO)₂] (Φ=0.53–0.70) upon reaction with carbon monoxide. The unquenching of the Rh and Ir complexes appears to be a consequence of the decreased electron density at Rh or Ir in the carbonyl complexes. In contrast, the substitution of an iodo ligand in [( 4 )AuI] by an electron‐rich thiolate decreases the brightness of the BODIPY fluorophore, rendering the BODIPY as a highly sensitive probe for changes in the coordination sphere of the transition metal.     

A tandem C-H insertion—acetal cleavage sequence: stereocontrolled synthesis of substituted tetrahydrofurans

A short sequence involving Rh(II) mediated carbene insertion followed by Lewis acid promoted reductive acetal cleavage with Et₃SiH provides a stereoselective method for the construction of 2,3,5-trisubstituted tetrahydrofuran rings.     

Rh(1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ylidene)(COD) tetrafluoroborate, an unsymmetrical Rh-homoazallylcarbene: synthesis, X-ray structure and reactivity in carbonyl arylation and hydrosilylation reactions

The synthesis of novel Rh(1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ylidene)(COD) tetrafluoroborate (1, COD = η⁴-1,5-cyclooctadiene) is described. The N-heterocyclic carbene acts as a bidentate ligand with the carbene coordinating to the Rh(I) center and an arene group acting as a homoazallyl ligand. 1 was used in various carbonyl arylation and hydrosilylation reactions allowing the formation of the desired products with unprecedented selectivity and efficiency. Thus, turn-over numbers (TONs) up to 2000 were achieved.     

Direct Catalytic Addition of Alkylnitriles to Aldehydes by Transition‐Metal/NHC Complexes

Direct catalytic addition of alkylnitriles to aldehydes allows for an atom‐economical access to β‐hydroxynitriles under proton transfer conditions. Direct use of alkylnitriles as pronucleophiles has been hampered due to their low acidity resulting in an inability to generate α‐cyano carbanions in a catalytic manner. A transition metal/N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complex prepared from [{Rh(OMe)(cod)}₂] and an imidazolium‐based carbene was identified as an effective catalyst to promote the reaction with as little as 1.25 mol % of catalyst loading. The corresponding Rh complex, derived from chiral triazolium salt, rendered the reaction enantioselective, albeit with moderate enantioselectivity.     

Cationic nitrile‐functionalized Ag(I)‐ and Hg(II)‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes of CCC,CNC, and NCN pincer‐type carbene ligands: Synthesis,crystal structures,and characterization

Three nitrile‐functionalized (benz)imid‐ zaolium derivatives with CCC, CNC, and NCN coordination pockets have been synthesized and isolated as the bromide salts and are converted into their hexafluorophosphate counterparts ( 5–7 ) by ligand metathesis. N‐heterocyclic carbene Ag(I)‐ and Hg(II)‐complexes ( 8–10 and 11–13 ) are readily formed in good to excellent yields from ligand precursors 5–7 and Ag₂O and Hg(OAc)₂, respectively. All reported compounds have been characterized by various spectral and analytical techniques, such as FTIR, ¹H, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction studies. Solid‐state structures of carbene precursors 5 , 7 , and an Ag(I)–carbene complex 10 have been determined crystallographically. Single crystal X‐ray crystallography of complex 10 reveals the chelation of carbene carbons to metal center in almost a linear manner. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 23:486–497, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com . DOI 10.1002/hc.21041     

The First Crystal Structure of a Reactive Dirhodium Carbene Complex and a Versatile Method for the Preparation of Gold Carbenes by Rhodium‐to‐Gold Transmetalation

The dirhodium carbene derived from bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)diazomethane and [Rh(tpa)₄]?CH₂Cl₂ (tpa=triphenylacetate) was characterized by UV, IR, and NMR spectroscopy, HRMS, as well as by X‐ray diffraction. The isolated complex exhibits prototypical rhodium carbene reactivity in that it cyclopropanates 4‐methoxystyrene at low temperature. Experimental structural information on this important type of reactive intermediate is extremely scarce and thus serves as a reference point for mechanistic discussions of rhodium catalysis in general. Moreover, dirhodium carbenes are shown to undergo remarkably facile carbene transfer on treatment with [LAuNTf₂] (L=phosphine). This formal transmetalation opens a valuable new entry into gold carbene complexes that cannot easily be made otherwise; three fully characterized representatives illustrate this aspect.     

α,β-(Phosphino)(aminocarbene) and α,ω-(phosphino)(oxyaminocarbene): new bidentate ligands for transition metal complexes

Direct complexation of (amino)(phosphino)carbene 1a and (amino)(oxy)carbene 1b featuring a phosphino group in position-6 to the carbene with [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ has been studied. With the 1,2-bidentate ligand 1a, an original cationic complex 2 featuring two (amino)(phosphino)carbenes η²-bonded to the metal has been isolated in 79% yield. In the case of the 1,6-bidentate ligand 1b, a rhodium(I) complex 3 in which the carbene is in trans position relative to the CO ligand was obtained in 85% yield. Both compounds were fully characterized including X-ray diffraction studies.     

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation catalyzed by a novel planar chiral N‐heterocyclic carbene–rhodium(I) complex

A novel chelated ferrocene‐based planar chiral N‐heterocyclic carbene‐Rh(I) complex was synthesized by a simple method. It was applied to the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of prochiral ketones. Enantioselectivities of up to 67% ee were observed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Co(III), Rh(III) & Ir(III)-Catalyzed Direct C−H Alkylation/Alkenylation/Arylation with Carbene Precursors

Metal carbenes play a pivotal role in transition-metal-catalyzed synthetic transfer reactions. The metal carbene is generated either from a diazo compound through facile extrusion of N₂ with a metal catalyst or in situ generated from other sources like triazoles, pyriodotriazoles, sulfoxonium ylides and iodonium-ylide. On the other hand, Co(III), Rh(III) & Ir(III)-catalyzed C−H functionalizations have been well established as a key synthetic step to enable the construction of various synthetic transformations. Interestingly, in recent years, merging of these two concepts C−H activation and carbene migratory insertion gained much attention, in particular group 9 metal-catalyzed arene C−H functionalizations with carbene precursors via carbene migratory insertion. In this review, we summarize recent advances in Co(III), Rh(III) & Ir(III)-catalyzed direct C−H alkylation/alkenylation/arylation with carbene precursors and also discuss key synthetic intermediates within the catalytic cycles.     

Rhodium(I) and iridium(I) complexes of pyrazolyl-N-heterocyclic carbene ligands

Several Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes containing an N-heterocyclic carbene-pyrazolyl chelate ligand have been synthesised. Determination of the single-crystal X-ray structure of the Ir(I) complex showed a novel binding mode with the iridium centre coordinated to two ligands via two carbene donors in preference to one ligand forming the entropically favoured chelate. The hydrogenation activity of several of these complexes was investigated along with that of previously synthesised Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes containing an analogous phosphine-pyrazolyl chelate.     

Iridium and Rhodium Complexes within a Macroreticular Acidic Resin: A Heterogeneous Photocatalyst for Visible‐light Driven H2 Production without an Electron Mediator

Direct ion exchange of cyclometalated iridium(III) and tris‐2,2′‐bipyridyl rhodium(III) complexes, of which the former acts as a photosensitizer and the latter as a proton reduction catalyst, within a macroreticular acidic resin has been accomplished with the aim of developing a photocatalyst for H₂ production under visible‐light irradiation. Ir L_III‐edge and Rh K‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements suggest that the Ir and Rh complexes are easily accommodated in the macroreticular space without considerable structural changes. The photoluminescence emission of the exchanged Ir complex due to a triplet ligand charge‐transfer (³LC) and metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (³MLCT) transition near 550 nm decreases with increasing the amount of the Rh complex, thus suggesting the occurrence of an electron transfer from Ir to Rh. The Ir‐Rh/resin catalyst behaves as a heterogeneous photocatalyst capable of both visible‐light sensitization and H₂ production in an aqueous medium in the absence of an electron mediator. The photocatalytic activitity is strongly dependent on the amount of the components and reaches a maximum at a molar ratio of 2:1 of Ir/Rh complexes. Moreover, leaching and agglomeration of the active metal complexes are not observed, and the recovered photocatalyst can be recycled without loss in catalytic activity.     

Bromo­(η4‐cyclo­octa‐1,5‐diene)[1‐(2,3,4,5,6‐penta­fluoro­benz­yl)‐3‐(2,4,6‐trimethyl­benz­yl)benzimidazol‐2‐yl­idene]rhodium(I)

The title complex, [RhBr(C₈H₁₂)(C₂₄H₁₉F₅N₂)], has a distorted pseudo‐square‐planar geometry. The Rh—C bond distance between the N‐heterocyclic ligand and the metal atom is 2.022 (3) Å. The angle between the carbene heterocycle and the coordination plane is 75.60 (11)°. It is shown that the average Rh—C(cyclo­octa­diene) distance is linearly dependent on the Rh—C(imidazole) distance in this type of compound. The crystal structure contains one intra­molecular and two inter­molecular types of C—H⋯F inter­actions, as well as one type of π–π stacking inter­action.     

Synthesis and characterization of half-sandwich N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of cobalt and rhodium

A series of novel half-sandwich M(I) and M(III) complexes (M = Co, Rh) bearing the N-heterocyclic carbene ligand 1,3-dimesitylimidazol-2-ylidene (IMes) have been prepared and characterized. Thus, (eta5-C(5)R(5))M(IMes)(C(2)H(4))(M = Co, Rh; R = H, Me) were obtained from the corresponding bis(ethene) complexes (eta5-C(5)R(5))M(C(2)H(4))(2), except for CpRh(IMes)(C(2)H(4)) which was prepared via the novel 16-electron Rh(I) compound Rh(IMes)(C(2)H(4))(2)Cl. The carbonyl compounds (eta5-C(5)R(5))Co(IMes)(CO)(R = H, Me) were synthesized by thermal CO substitution of (eta5-C(5)R(5))Co(CO)(2). A diamagnetic, apparently 16-electron Co(III) compound [CpCo(IMes)I](+)[I(3)(-)] was obtained from CpCo(IMes)(CO) and I(2). Finally, Co(III) and Rh(III) complexes CpCo(IMes)Me(2) and Cp*Rh(IMes)Me(2) were prepared by methylation of [CpCo(IMes)I](+)[I(3)(-)], and ligand exchange at Cp*Rh(Me(2)SO)Me(2), respectively. The molecular structures of CpCo(IMes)(CO), CpRh(IMes)(C(2)H(4)), Cp*Rh(IMes)(C(2)H(4)), and Cp*Rh(IMes)Me(2) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Steric and electronic factors imposed by the strongly donating and sterically demanding IMes ligand are discussed on the basis of X-ray crystallographic, NMR, and IR spectroscopic analyses. Very poor correlations are found between values for (1)J(Rh-C(carbene)) and dRh-C(carbene) data for Rh(i) N,N-heterocyclic carbene complexes including literature data and this work.     

Facile Syntheses of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Precursors through I2‐ or NIS‐Promoted Amidiniumation of N‐Alkenyl Formamidines

We have developed I₂‐ or N‐iodosuccinimide (NIS)‐mediated amidiniumation of N‐alkenyl formamidines for the syntheses of cyclic formamidinium salts, some of which could be directly used as N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors. Treatment of iodine‐containing formamidinium salts with Al₂O₃ led to the formation of cyclic formamidinium salts with an unsaturated backbone. A rhodium(I) complex ligated by a representative NHC was prepared by the reaction of [Rh(cod)Cl]₂ (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) with the free carbene obtained in situ from deprotonation of the corresponding formamidinium salts. The NHCs prepared in situ can also react with S₈ to afford the corresponding thiones.     

Terminal Imido Rhodium Complexes

Compounds of the late transition metals with M?X multiple bonds (X=CR₂, NR, O) represent a synthetic challenge, partly overcome by preparative chemists, but with noticeable gaps in the second‐ and third‐row elements. For example, there are no isolated examples of terminal imido rhodium complexes known to date. Described herein is the isolation, characterization, and some preliminary reactivity studies of the first rhodium complexes [Rh(PhBP₃)(NR)] (PhBP₃=PhB{CH₂PPh₂}₃) with a multiple and terminal Rh?N bond. These imido compounds result from reactions of organic azides with the corresponding rhodium(I) complex having a labile ligand, and display a pseudo‐tetrahedral core geometry with an almost linear Rh‐N‐C arrangement [177.5(2)°] and a short Rh? N bond [1.780(2) Å]. We also show that the Rh?N bond undergoes protonation at the nitrogen atom or addition of H₂, and also engages in nitrene‐group transfer and cycloaddition reactions.     

Synthesis and Structures of RhI and IrI Complexes Supported by N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Phosphinidene Adducts

N‐Heterocyclic carbene‐phosphinidene adducts of the type (IDipp)PR [R = Ph ( 5 ), SiMe₃ ( 6 ); IDipp = 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene] were used as ligands for the preparation of rhodium(I) and iridium(I) complexes. Treatment of (IDipp)PPh ( 5 ) with the dimeric complexes [M(μ‐Cl)(COD)]₂ (M = Rh, Ir; COD = 1,5‐cyclcooctadiene) afforded the corresponding metal(I) complexes [M(COD)Cl{(IDipp)PPh}] [M = Rh ( 7 ) or Ir ( 8 )] in moderate to good yields. The reaction of (IDipp)PSiMe₃ ( 6 ) with [Ir(μ‐Cl)(COD)]₂ did not yield trimethylsilyl chloride elimination product, but furnished the 1:1 complex, [Ir(COD)Cl{(IDipp)PSiMe₃}] ( 9 ). Additionally, the rhodium‐COD complex 7 was converted into the corresponding rhodium‐carbonyl complex [Rh(CO)₂Cl{(IDipp)PPh}] ( 10 ) by reaction with an excess of carbon monoxide gas. All complexes were fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, microanalyses, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.     

Catalytic polymerization of phenylacetylene with dimeric [Rh(OMe)(cod)]2 complex in ionic liquids

Dimeric rhodium(I) complex [Rh(OMe)(cod)]₂ was found to be an active catalyst of phenylacetylene polymerization to poly(phenylacetylene) (PPA) in ionic liquids containing imidazolium or pyridinium cations. The highest yield of PPA (92%) was obtained in 1‐butyl‐4‐methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate as reaction medium. The yield of PPA in imidazolium ionic liquids containing BF₄^? or PF₆^? anions increased to 83–99% when Et₃N or cycloocta‐1,5‐diene were added as co‐catalysts. In 1‐methyl‐3‐octylimidazolium chloride (MOI · Cl) polymerization rate was much lower than in other ionic liquids, although the highest M_w (72 400) was obtained. Spectroscopic studies confirmed that [Rh(OMe)(cod)]₂ reacted with MOI · Cl forming new carbene Rh(I) complex, which can participate in the polymerization process. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Quantitative Description of Structural Effects on the Stability of Gold(I) Carbenes

The gas‐phase bond‐dissociation energies of a SO₂–imidazolylidene leaving group of three gold(I) benzyl imidazolium sulfone complexes are reported (E₀=46.6±1.7, 49.6±1.7, and 48.9±2.1 kcal mol^?1). Although these energies are similar to each other, they are reproducibly distinguishable. The energy‐resolved collision‐induced dissociation experiments of the three [L]–gold(I) (L=ligand) carbene precursor complexes were performed by using a modified tandem mass spectrometer. The measurements quantitatively describe the structural and electronic effects a p‐methoxy substituent on the benzyl fragment, and trans [NHC] and [P] gold ligands, have towards gold carbene formation. Evidence for the formation of the electrophilic gold carbene in solution was obtained through the stoichiometric and catalytic cyclopropanation of olefins under thermal conditions. The observed cyclopropane yields are dependent on the rate of gold carbene formation, which in turn is influenced by the ligand and substituent. The donation of electron density to the carbene carbon by the p‐methoxy benzyl substituent and [NHC] ligand stabilizes the gold carbene intermediate and lowers the dissociation barrier. Through the careful comparison of gas‐phase and solution chemistry, the results suggest that even gas‐phase leaving‐group bond‐dissociation energy differences of 2–3 kcal mol^?1 enormously affect the rate of gold carbene formation in solution, especially when there are competing reactions. The thermal decay of the gold carbene precursor complex was observed to follow first‐order kinetics, whereas cyclopropanation was found to follow pseudo‐first‐order kinetics. Density‐functional‐theory calculations at the M06‐L and BP86‐D3 levels of theory were used to confirm the observed gas‐phase reactivity and model the measured bond‐dissociation energies.     

Evidence of colloidal rhodium formation during the biphasic hydroformylation of 1‐octene with thermoregulated phase‐transfer phosphine rhodium(I) catalyst

A thermoregulated phase‐transfer (TRPT) Rh(I) complex catalyst A prepared from Rh(acac)(CO)₂ and a thermoregulated ligand CH₃(OCH₂CH₂)_mPPh₂ (M_w = 918) was applied to the biphasic hydroformylation of 1‐octene, and a high activity with an aldehyde yield of 97.5% was demonstrated. After three recycling steps, the aldehyde yield gradually decreased. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that after the first cycle Rh colloids were generated in situ in the aqueous phase, and in subsequent runs Ostwald ripening occurred. An independently prepared colloidal Rh(0) TRPT catalyst D also exhibited high hydroformylation activity under identical experimental conditions, and after two times of recycling an activity decrease was also observed. It is suggested that in situ from Rh(acac)(CO)₂ colloidal Rh particles are generated, which demonstrate thermomorphic behaviour and a high hydroformylation activity. Subsequently, agglomeration processes result in an activity decay, as observed in the TRPT Rh(I) complex catalyst system. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.