Synthesis and Reactivity of Cationic Triruthenium Clusters Derived from 2‐Methyl‐ and 4‐Methylpyrimidines: From Conventional Cyclometalated Ligands to Novel Types of N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes

The methylation of the uncoordinated nitrogen atom of the cyclometalated triruthenium cluster complexes [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N¹,C⁶‐2‐Mepyr)(CO)₁₀] ( 1 ; 2‐MepyrH=2‐methylpyrimidine) and [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N¹,C⁶‐4‐Mepyr)(CO)₁₀] ( 9 ; 4‐MepyrH=4‐methylpyrimidine) gives two similar cationic complexes, [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N¹,C⁶‐2,3‐Me₂pyr)(CO)₁₀]⁺( 2 ⁺) and [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N¹,C⁶‐3,4‐Me₂pyr)(CO)₁₀]⁺ ( 9 ⁺), respectively, whose heterocyclic ligands belong to a novel type of N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) that have the C_carbene atom in 6‐position of a pyrimidine framework. The position of the C‐methyl group in the ligands of complexes 2 ⁺ (on C²) and 9 ⁺ (on C⁴) is of key importance for the outcome of their reactions with K[N(SiMe₃)₂], K‐selectride, and cobaltocene. Although these reagents react with 2 ⁺ to give [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N¹,C⁶‐2‐CH₂‐3‐Mepyr)(CO)₁₀] ( 3 ; deprotonation of the C²‐Me group), [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ³N¹,C⁵,C⁶‐4‐H‐2,3‐Me₂pyr)(CO)₉] ( 4 ; hydride addition at C⁴), and [Ru₆(μ‐H)₂{μ₆‐κ⁶N¹,N^1′,C⁵,C^5′,C⁶,C^6′‐4,4′‐bis(2,3‐Me₂pyr)}(CO)₁₈] ( 5 ; reductive dimerization at C⁴), respectively, similar reactions with 9 ⁺ have only allowed the isolation of [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ²N¹,C⁶‐2‐H‐3,4‐Me₂pyr)(CO)₉] ( 11 ; hydride addition at C²). Compounds 3 and 11 also contain novel six‐membered ring NHC ligands. Theoretical studies have established that the deprotonation of 2 ⁺ and 9 ⁺ (that have ligand‐based LUMOs) are charge‐controlled processes and that both the composition of the LUMOs of these cationic complexes and the steric protection of their ligand ring atoms govern the regioselectivity of their nucleophilic addition and reduction reactions.     

Cationic Heterocycles as Ligands: Synthesis and Reactivity with Anionic Nucleophiles of Cationic Triruthenium Clusters Containing C‐Metalated N‐Methylquinoxalinium or N‐Methylpyrazinium Ligands

The cationic cluster complexes [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N,C‐L¹Me)]⁺ ( 3 ⁺; HL¹=quinoxaline) and [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N,C‐L²Me)]⁺ ( 5 ⁺; HL²=pyrazine) have been prepared as triflate salts by treatment of their neutral precursors [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N,C‐Lⁿ)] with methyl triflate. The cationic character of their heterocyclic ligands is responsible for their enhanced tendency to react with anionic nucleophiles relative to that of hydrido triruthenium carbonyl clusters that have neutral N‐heterocyclic ligands. These clusters react instantaneously with methyl lithium and potassium tris‐sec‐butylborohydride (K‐selectride) to give neutral products that contain novel nonaromatic N‐heterocyclic ligands. The following are the products that have been isolated: [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ²N,C‐L¹Me₂)] ( 6 ; from 3 ⁺ and methyl lithium), [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ²N,C‐L¹HMe)] ( 7 ; from 3 ⁺ and K‐selectride), [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ²N,C‐L²Me₂)] ( 8 ; from 5 ⁺ and methyl lithium), and [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐H)(μ₃‐κ²N,C‐L²HMe)] ( 11 ; from 5 ⁺ and K‐selectride). Whereas the reactions of 3 ⁺ lead to products that arise from the attack of the corresponding nucleophile at the C atom of the only CH group adjacent to the N‐methyl group, the reactions of 5 ⁺ give mixtures of two products that arise from the attack of the nucleophile at one of the C atoms located on either side of the N‐methyl group. The LUMOs and the atomic charges of 3 ⁺ and 5 ⁺ confirm that the reactions of these clusters with anionic nucleophiles are orbital‐controlled rather than charge‐controlled processes. The N‐heterocyclic ligands of all of these neutral products are attached to the metal atoms in nonconventional face‐capping modes. Those of compounds 6 – 8 have the atoms of a ligand C?N fragment σ‐bonded to two Ru atoms and π‐bonded to the other Ru atom, whereas the ligand of compound 11 has a C? N fragment attached to a Ru atom through the N atom and to the remaining two Ru atoms through the C atom. A variable‐temperature ¹H NMR spectroscopic study showed that the ligand of compound 7 is involved in a fluxional process at temperatures above ?93 °C, the mechanism of which has been satisfactorily modeled with the help of DFT calculations and involves the interconversion of the two enantiomers of this cluster through a conformational change of the ligand CH₂ group, which moves from one side of the plane of the heterocyclic ligand to the other, and a 180° rotation of the entire organic ligand over a face of the metal triangle.     

Mapping the Transformation [{RuII(CO)3Cl2}2]→[RuI2(CO)4]2+: Implications in Binuclear Water–Gas Shift Chemistry

The complete sequence of reactions in the base‐promoted reduction of [{Ru^II(CO)₃Cl₂}₂] to [Ru^I₂(CO)₄]²⁺ has been unraveled. Several μ‐OH, μ:κ²‐CO₂H‐bridged diruthenium(II) complexes have been synthesized; they are the direct results of the nucleophilic activation of metal‐coordinated carbonyls by hydroxides. The isolated compounds are [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ:κ²‐C,O‐CO₂H)₂(μ‐OH)(NP^F‐Am)₂][PF₆] ( 1 ; NP^F‐Am=2‐amino‐5,7‐trifluoromethyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine) and [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ:κ²‐C,O‐CO₂H)(μ‐OH)(NP‐Me₂)₂][BF₄]₂ ( 2 ), secured by the applications of naphthyridine derivatives. In the absence of any capping ligand, a tetranuclear complex [Ru₄(CO)₈(H₂O)₂(μ³‐OH)₂(μ:κ²‐C,O‐CO₂H)₄][CF₃SO₃]₂ ( 3 ) is isolated. The bridging hydroxido ligand in 1 is readily replaced by a π‐donor chlorido ligand, which results in [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ:κ²‐C,O‐CO₂H)₂(μ‐Cl)(NP‐PhOMe)₂][BF₄] ( 4 ). The production of [Ru₂(CO)₄]²⁺ has been attributed to the thermally induced decarboxylation of a bis(hydroxycarbonyl)–diruthenium(II) complex to a dihydrido–diruthenium(II) species, followed by dinuclear reductive elimination of molecular hydrogen with the concomitant formation of the Ru^I? Ru^I single bond. This work was originally instituted to find a reliable synthetic protocol for the [Ru₂(CO)₄(CH₃CN)₆]²⁺ precursor. It is herein prescribed that at least four equivalents of base, complete removal of chlorido ligands by Tl^I salts, and heating at reflux in acetonitrile for a period of four hours are the conditions for the optimal conversion. Premature quenching of the reaction resulted in the isolation of a trinuclear Ru^I₂Ru^II complex [{Ru(NP‐Am)₂(CO)}{Ru₂(NP‐Am)₂(CO)₂(μ‐CO)₂}(μ₃:κ³‐C,O,O′‐CO₂)][BF₄]₂ ( 6 ). These unprecedented diruthenium compounds are the dinuclear congeners of the water–gas shift (WGS) intermediates. The possibility of a dinuclear pathway eliminates the inherent contradiction of pH demands in the WGS catalytic cycle in an alkaline medium. A cooperative binuclear elimination could be a viable route for hydrogen production in WGS chemistry.     

Synthesis and X‐ray Crystal Structures of Ru3(CO)9(μ‐arphos)(L) [L = AsPh3, As(m‐C6H4Me)3, As(p‐C6H4Me)3]

Three new triruthenium clusters, Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐arphos)AsPh₃ ( 1 ), Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐arphos)As(m‐C₆H₄Me)₃ ( 2 ), and Ru₃(CO)₉(μ‐arphos)As(p‐C₆H₄Me)₃ ( 3 ) were synthesized via thermal reactions of Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ‐arphos) with different tertiary arsine ligands [AsPh₃, As(m‐C₆H₄Me)₃, As(p‐C₆H₄Me)₃]. All these complexes were fully characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR, NMR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.     

Electron‐Rich Diferrous–Phosphane–Thiolates Relevant to Fe‐only Hydrogenase: Is Cyanide “Nature's Trimethylphosphane”?

The two‐step one‐pot oxidative decarbonylation of [Fe₂(S₂C₂H₄)(CO)₄(PMe₃)₂] ( 1 ) with [FeCp₂]PF₆, followed by addition of phosphane ligands, led to a series of diferrous dithiolato carbonyls 2 – 6 , containing three or four phosphane ligands. In situ measurements indicate efficient formation of 1 ²⁺ as the initial intermediate of the oxidation of 1 , even when a deficiency of the oxidant was employed. Subsequent addition of PR₃ gave rise to [Fe₂(S₂C₂H₄)(μ‐CO)(CO)₃(PMe₃)₃]²⁺ ( 2 ) and [Fe₂(S₂C₂H₄)(μ‐CO)(CO)₂(PMe₃)₂(PR₃)₂]²⁺ (R=Me 3 , OMe 4 ) as principal products. One terminal CO ligand in these complexes was readily substituted by MeCN, and [Fe₂(S₂C₂H₄)(μ‐CO)(CO)₂(PMe₃)₃(MeCN)]²⁺ ( 5 ) and [Fe₂(S₂C₂H₄)(μ‐CO)(CO)(PMe₃)₄(MeCN)]²⁺ ( 6 ) were fully characterized. Relevant to the H_red state of the active site of Fe‐only hydrogenases, the unsymmetrical derivatives 5 and 6 feature a semibridging CO ligand trans to a labile coordination site.     

Deprotonation of C‐Alkyl Groups of Cationic Triruthenium Clusters Containing Cyclometalated C‐Alkylpyrazinium Ligands: Experimental and Computational Studies

The C‐alkyl groups of cationic triruthenium cluster complexes of the type [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ‐κ²N¹,C² ‐L)(CO)₁₀]⁺ (HL represents a generic C‐alkyl‐N‐methylpyrazium species) have been deprotonated to give kinetic products that contain unprecedented C‐alkylidene derivatives and maintain the original edge‐bridged decacarbonyl structure. When the starting complexes contain various C‐alkyl groups, the selectivity of these deprotonation reactions is related to the atomic charges of the alkyl H atoms, as suggested by DFT/natural‐bond orbital (NBO) calculations. Three additional electronic properties of the C‐alkyl C? H bonds have also been found to correlate with the experimental regioselectivity because, in all cases, the deprotonated C? H bond has the smallest electron density at the bond critical point, the greatest Laplacian of the electron density at the bond critical point, and the greatest total energy density ratio at the bond critical point (computed by using the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, QTAIM). The kinetic decacarbonyl products evolve, under appropriate reaction conditions that depend upon the position of the C‐alkylidene group in the heterocyclic ring, toward face‐capped nonacarbonyl derivatives (thermodynamic products). The position of the C‐alkylidene group in the heterocyclic ring determines the distribution of single and double bonds within the ligand ring, which strongly affects the stability of the neutral decacarbonyl complexes and the way these ligands coordinate to the metal atoms in the nonacarbonyl products. The mechanisms of these decacarbonylation processes have been investigated by DFT methods, which have rationalized the structures observed for the final products and have shed light on the different kinetic and thermodynamic stabilities of the reaction intermediates, thus explaining the reaction conditions experimentally required by each transformation.     

Reduktive Dimerisierung von NO an Dirutheniumkomplexen und Bildung eines tridentaten 2, 2‐Bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethanolato‐Liganden

The reaction of the trans‐hyponitrito complex [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐η²‐ONNO)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu₂)(μ‐dppen)] ( 1 , dppen = Ph₂PC(=CH₂)PPh₂) with tetrafluorido boric acid afforded the new complex salt [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐η²‐ONNOH)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu₂)(μ‐dppen)]BF₄ ( 2 ) containing the monoprotonate hyponitrous acid as the ligand in the cationic complex. Complex 1 showed a nucleophilic reactivity towards the trimethyloxonium cation resulting in the monoester derivative of the hyponitrous acid [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐η²‐ONNOMe)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu₂)(μ‐dppen)]BF₄ ( 3 ). During heating of compound 2 in ethanol under reflux for a short time nitrous oxide was liberated affording unexpectedly a new tridentate 2, 2‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethanolato ligand formed by an intramolecular attack of an intermediate hydroxido ligand towards the unsaturated carbon carbon double bond in the bridging dppen ligand. Thus the complex salt [Ru₂(CO)₄{μ‐η³‐OCH₂CH(PPh₂)₂}(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu₂)]BF₄ ( 4 ) was formed in good yields. The new compounds 2 , 3 , and 4 were characterized by spectroscopic means as well as their molecular structures were determined in the crystal.     

Binuclear Aromatic C−H Bond Activation at a Dirhenium Site

The electronically unsaturated dirhenium complex [Re₂(CO)₈(μ‐H)(μ‐Ph)] ( 1 ) has been found to exhibit aromatic C?H activation upon reaction with N,N‐diethylaniline, naphthalene, and even [D₆]benzene to yield the compounds [Re₂(CO)₈(μ‐H)(μ‐η¹‐NEt₂C₆H₄)] ( 2 ), [Re₂(CO)₈(μ‐H)(μ‐η²‐1,2‐C₁₀H₇)] ( 3 ), and [D₆]‐ 1 , respectively, in good yields. The mechanism has been elucidated by using DFT computational analyses, and involves a binuclear C?H bond‐activation process.     

Koordinativ ungesättigte Dirutheniumkomplexe: Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [Ru2(CO)n(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)] (n = 4; 5) und [Ru2(CO)4(μ‐CH2)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)]

Coordinatively Unsaturated Diruthenium Complexes: Synthesis and X‐ray Crystal Structures of [Ru₂(CO)_n(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] (n = 4; 5) and [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐CH₂)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] The reaction of [Ru₂(μ‐CO)(CO)₅(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(^tBu₂PH)] ( 2 ) with dppm yields the dinuclear species [Ru₂(μ‐CO)(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 3 ) (dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂). Under thermal or photolytic conditions 3 loses very easily one carbonyl ligand and affords the corresponding electronically and coordinatively unsaturated complex [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 4 ). 4 is also obtainable by an one‐pot synthesis from [Ru₃(CO)₁₂], an excess of ^tBu₂PH and stoichiometric amounts of dppm via the formation of [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(^tBu₂PH)₂] ( 1 ). 4 exhibits a Ru–Ru double bond which could be confirmed by addition of methylene to the dimetallacyclopropane [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐CH₂)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 5 ). The molecular structures of 3 , 4 and 5 were determined by X‐ray crystal structure analyses.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Crystal Structures of Diruthenium Complexes Containing Bridging Salicylato Ligands

The thermal reaction of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ ( 1 ) with salicylic acid, in the presence of triphenylphosphine, pyridine, or dimethylsulfoxide, afforded the dinuclear complexes Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐O₂CC₆H₄OH)₂L₂ ( 2 ) [L = PPh₃ ( 2a ). C₅H₅N ( 2b ); (CH₃)₂SO ( 2c )]. Complex 2b was further reacted with the aromatic dimmines 2,2′‐dipyridine or 1,10‐phenanthroline to give the cationic diruthenium complexes [Ru₂(CO)₂(μ‐CO)₂(μ‐O₂CC₆H₄OH)(N∩N)₂]⁺ ( 3 ) [(N∩N) = 2,2′‐dipyridine ( 3a ); 1,10‐phenanthroline ( 3b )], which were isolated as their tetraphenylborate salts. All five novel complexes were characterized spectroscopically and analytically. For 2a – 2b and 3a – 3b , single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies were also carried out.     

Asymmetric diosmium sawhorse complexes

Three asymmetric diosmium(I) carbonyl sawhorse complexes have been prepared by microwave heating. One of these complexes is of the type Os₂(μ‐O₂CR)(μ‐O₂CR′)(CO)₄L₂, with two different bridging carboxylate ligands, while the other two complexes are of the type Os₂(μ‐O₂CR)₂(CO)₅L, with one axial CO ligand and one axial phosphane ligand. The mixed carboxylate complex Os₂(μ‐acetate)(μ‐propionate)(CO)₄[P(p‐tolyl)₃]₂, ( 1 ), was prepared by heating Os₃(CO)₁₂ with a mixture of acetic and propionic acids, isolating Os₂(μ‐acetate)(μ‐propionate)(CO)₆, and then replacing two CO ligands with two phosphane ligands. This is the first example of an Os₂ sawhorse complex with two different carboxylate bridges. The syntheses of Os₂(μ‐acetate)₂(CO)₅[P(p‐tolyl)₃], ( 3 ), and Os₂(μ‐propionate)₂(CO)₅[P(p‐tolyl)₃], ( 6 ), involved the reaction of Os₃(CO)₁₂ with the appropriate carboxylic acid to initially produce Os₂(μ‐carboxylate)₂(CO)₆, followed by treatment with refluxing tetrahydrofuran (THF) to form Os₂(μ‐carboxylate)₂(CO)₅(THF), and finally addition of tri‐p‐tolylphosphane to replace the THF ligand with the P(p‐tolyl)₃ ligand. Neutral complexes of the type Os₂(μ‐O₂CR)₂(CO)₅L had not previously been subjected to X‐ray crystallographic analysis. The more symmetrical disubstituted complexes, i.e. Os₂(μ‐formate)₂(CO)₄[P(p‐tolyl)₃]₂, ( 8 ), Os₂(μ‐acetate)₂(CO)₄[P(p‐tolyl)₃]₂, ( 4 ), and Os₂(μ‐propionate)₂(CO)₄[P(p‐tolyl)₃]₂, ( 7 ), as well as the previously reported symmetrical unsubstituted complexes Os₂(μ‐acetate)₂(CO)₆, ( 2 ), and Os₂(μ‐propionate)₂(CO)₆, ( 5 ), were also prepared in order to examine the influence of axial ligand substitution on the Os—Os bond distance in these sawhorse molecules. Eight crystal structures have been determined and studied, namely μ‐acetato‐1κO:2κO′‐μ‐propanoato‐1κO:2κO′‐bis[tris(4‐methylphenyl)phosphane]‐1κP,2κP′‐bis(dicarbonylosmium)(Os—Os) dichloromethane monosolvate, [Os₂(C₂H₃O₂)(C₃H₅O₂)(C₂₁H₂₁P)₂(CO)₄]·CH₂Cl₂, ( 1 ), bis(μ‐acetato‐1κO:2κO′)bis(tricarbonylosmium)(Os—Os), [Os₂(C₂H₃O₂)₂(CO)₆], ( 2 ) (redetermined structure), bis(μ‐acetato‐1κO:2κO′)pentacarbonyl‐1κ²C,2κ³C‐[tris(4‐methylphenyl)phosphane‐1κP]diosmium(Os—Os), [Os₂(C₂H₃O₂)₂(C₂₁H₂₁P)(CO)₅], ( 3 ), bis(μ‐acetato‐1κO:2κO′)bis[tris(4‐methylphenyl)phosphane]‐1κP,2κP‐bis(dicarbonylosmium)(Os—Os) p‐xylene sesquisolvate, [Os₂(C₂H₃O₂)₂(C₂₁H₂₁P)₂(CO)₄]·1.5C₈H₁₀, ( 4 ), bis(μ‐propanoato‐1κO:2κO′)bis(tricarbonylosmium)(Os—Os), [Os₂(C₃H₅O₂)₂(CO)₆], ( 5 ), pentacarbonyl‐1κ²C,2κ³C‐bis(μ‐propanoato‐1κO:2κO′)[tris(4‐methylphenyl)phosphane‐1κP]diosmium(Os—Os), [Os₂(C₃H₅O₂)₂(C₂₁H₂₁P)(CO)₅], ( 6 ), bis(μ‐propanoato‐1κO:2κO′)bis[tris(4‐methylphenyl)phosphane]‐1κP,2κP‐bis(dicarbonylosmium)(Os—Os) dichloromethane monosolvate, [Os₂(C₃H₅O₂)₂(C₂₁H₂₁P)₂(CO)₄]·CH₂Cl₂, ( 7 ), and bis(μ‐formato‐1κO:2κO′)bis[tris(4‐methylphenyl)phosphane]‐1κP,2κP‐bis(dicarbonylosmium)(Os—Os), [Os₂(CHO₂)₂(C₂₁H₂₁P)₂(CO)₄], ( 8 ).     

Aktivierung von Schwefelkohlenstoff an Trirutheniumclustern: Synthese und Kristallstruktur von [Ru3(CO)5(μ‐H)2(μ‐PCy2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2){μ‐η2‐PCy2C(S)}(μ3‐S)] und [Ru3(CO)5(CS)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐PCy2)2(μ3‐S)]

Activation of Carbon Disulfide on Triruthenium Clusters: Synthesis and X‐Ray Crystal Structure Analysis of [Ru₃(CO)₅(μ‐H)₂(μ‐PCy₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂){μ‐η²‐PCy₂C(S)}(μ₃‐S)] and [Ru₃(CO)₅(CS)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐PCy₂)₂(μ₃‐S)] [Ru₃(CO)₆(μ‐H)₂(μ‐PCy₂)₂(μ‐dppm)] ( 1 ) (dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) reacts under mild conditions with CS₂ and yields by oxidative decarbonylation and insertion of CS into one phosphido bridge the opened 50 VE‐cluster [Ru₃(CO)₅(μ‐H)₂(μ‐PCy₂)(μ‐dppm){μ‐η²‐PCy₂C(S)}(μ₃‐S)] ( 2 ) with only two M–M bonds. The compound 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 with a = 19.093(3), b = 12.2883(12), c = 20.098(3) Å; α = 84.65(3), β = 77.21(3), γ = 81.87(3)° and V = 2790.7(11) ų. The reaction of [Ru₃(CO)₇(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐PCy₂)₂] ( 3 ) with CS₂ in refluxing toluene affords the 50 VE‐cluster [Ru₃(CO)₅(CS)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐PCy₂)₂(μ₃‐S)] ( 4 ). The compound cristallizes in the monoclinic space group P 2₁/a with a = 19.093(3), b = 12.2883(12), c = 20.098(3) Å; β = 104.223(16)° and V = 4570.9(10) ų. Although in the solid state structure one elongated Ru–Ru bond has been found the complex 4 can be considered by means of the ³¹P‐NMR data as an electron‐rich metal cluster.     

Facile Carbon–Fluorine Bond Activation and Subsequent Functionalisation of 1,1‐Difluoroethylene and Tetrafluoroethylene Promoted by Adjacent Metal Centres

The bridging fluoroolefin ligands in the complexes [Ir₂(CH₃)(CO)₂(μ‐olefin)(dppm)₂][OTf] (olefin=tetrafluoroethylene, 1,1‐difluoroethylene; dppm=μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂; OTf^?=CF₃SO₃^?) are susceptible to facile fluoride ion abstraction. Both fluoroolefin complexes react with trimethylsilyltriflate (Me₃SiOTf) to give the corresponding fluorovinyl products by abstraction of a single fluoride ion. Although the trifluorovinyl ligand is bound to one metal, the monofluorovinyl group is bridging, bound to one metal through carbon and to the other metal through a dative bond from fluorine. Addition of two equivalents of Me₃SiOTf to the tetrafluoroethylene‐bridged species gives the difluorovinylidene‐bridged product [Ir₂(CH₃)(OTf)(CO)₂(μ‐OTf)(μ‐C?CF₂)(dppm)₂][OTf]. The 1,1‐difluoroethylene species is exceedingly reactive, reacting with water to give 2‐fluoropropene and [Ir₂(CO)₂(μ‐OH)(dppm)₂][OTf] and with carbon monoxide to give [Ir₂(CO)₃(μ‐κ¹:η²‐C?CCH₃)(dppm)₂][OTf] together with two equivalents of HF. The trifluorovinyl product [Ir₂(κ¹‐C₂F₃)(OTf)(CO)₂(μ‐H)(μ‐CH₂)(dppm)₂][OTf], obtained through single C? F bond activation of the tetrafluoroethylene‐bridged complex, reacts with H₂ to form trifluoroethylene, allowing the facile replacement of one fluorine in C₂F₄ with hydrogen.     

Koordinativ ungesättigte Dirutheniumkomplexe: Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [Ru2(CO)4(μ‐H)(μ‐S)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)] und [Ru2(CO)4(μ‐X)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)] (X = Cl,S2CH)

Coordinatively Unsaturated Diruthenium Complexes: Synthesis and X‐Ray Crystal Structures of [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐S)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)], [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐X)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] (X = Cl, S₂CH) [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 1 ) reacts in benzene with elemental sulfur to the addition product [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐S)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 2 ) (dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂). 2 is also obtained by reaction of 1 with ethylene sulfide. The reaction of 1 with carbon disulfide yields with insertion of the CS₂ into the Ru₂(μ‐H) bridge the dithioformato complex [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐S₂CH)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 3 ). Furthermore, 1 reacts with [NO][BF₄] to the complex salt [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐NO)(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)][BF₄] ( 4 ), and reaction of 1 with CCl₄ or CHCl₃ affords spontaneously [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐Cl)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 5 ) in nearly quantitative yield. The molecular structures of 2 , 3 and 5 were confirmed by crystal structure analyses.     

Homo‐ and Heterodinuclear Ir and Rh Imine‐functionalized Protic NHC Complexes: Synthetic,Structural Studies,and Tautomerization/Metallotropism Insights

The influence of the potentially chelating imino group of imine‐functionalized Ir and Rh imidazole complexes on the formation of functionalized protic N‐heterocyclic carbene (pNHC) complexes by tautomerization/metallotropism sequences was investigated. Chloride abstraction in [Ir(cod)Cl{C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}] ( 1 a ) (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene, Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) with TlPF₆ gave [Ir(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^?). Plausible mechanisms for the tautomerization of complex 1 a to 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^? involving C2?H bond activation either in 1 a or in [Ir(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}₂]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 6 a ⁺[PF₆]^?) were postulated. Addition of PR₃ to complex 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^? afforded the eighteen‐valence‐electron complexes [Ir(cod)(PR₃){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 7 a ⁺[PF₆]^? (R=Ph) and 7 b ⁺[PF₆]^? (R=Me)). In contrast to Ir, chloride abstraction from [Rh(cod)Cl{C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}] ( 1 b ) at room temperature afforded [Rh(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}₂]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 6 b ⁺[PF₆]^?) and [Rh(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 3 b ⁺[PF₆]^?) (minor); the reaction yielded exclusively the latter product in toluene at 110 °C. Double metallation of the azole ring (at both the C2 and the N3 atom) was also achieved: [Ir₂(cod)₂Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 10 ) and the heterodinuclear complex [IrRh(cod)₂Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 12 ) were fully characterized. The structures of complexes 1 b , 3 b ⁺[PF₆]^?, 6 a ⁺[PF₆]^?, 7 a ⁺[PF₆]^?, [Ir(cod){C₃HN₂(DippN=CMe)(DippN=CH)(Me)‐κ²(N3,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 9 ⁺[PF₆]^?), 10? Et₂O ? toluene, [Ir₂(CO)₄Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 11 ), and 12? 2 THF were determined by X‐ray diffraction.     

Reactions of Ethyne with Some Ruthenium Cluster Complexes Containing dppm

Reactions of ethyne with [Ru₃(μ‐dppm)(CO)₁₀] have given isomeric complexes [Ru₃(μ₃‐C₆H₆)(CO)₆(dppm)], one of which, 2 , contains the dppm chelating an Ru‐atom, together with a hexatrienetriyl ligand attached to the Ru₃ cluster to form a methylideneruthenacyclohexadiene system. The second isomer 3 contains the dppm bridging an Ru−Ru bond, with the C₆H₆ ligand forming a vinylruthenacyclopentadiene system. Also isolated was the open‐chain Ru₃ complex 4 containing a ruthenacyclopentadiene attached to the central Ru‐atom; the other Ru−Ru vector is bridged by a PPh₂CHPPh₂C₄H₅ ligand, formed by a novel insertion of two ethyne molecules into an Ru−P bond. The reaction of ethyne with [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ₃‐C₂H₂)(CO)₉] proceeded by attack at the coordinated alkyne and at the cluster to give a cluster‐bonded PPh₂CH₂PPh₂CCH system in 7 . Thermolysis of [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ₃‐C₂SiMe₃)(μ‐dppm)(CO)₇] ( 8 ; refluxing MeOH) in the presence of KF gave [Ru₆(μ‐CCH₂)₂(μ‐dppm)₂(CO)₁₂] ( 9 ; 80%); similar reactions carried out with [RuClCp(PPh₃)₂] also present gave 9 (67%) together with [Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ₃‐C₂H)(μ‐dppm)(CO)₆(PPh₃)] ( 11 ; 23%). The molecular structures of 2 , 3 , 4 , 7 , 9 , and 11 , some as differently solvated forms, have been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray studies.     

First‐Row Transition‐Metal–Diborane and –Borylene Complexes

A combined experimental and quantum chemical study of Group 7 borane, trimetallic triply bridged borylene and boride complexes has been undertaken. Treatment of [{Cp*CoCl}₂] (Cp*=1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) with LiBH₄ ? thf at ?78 °C, followed by room‐temperature reaction with three equivalents of [Mn₂(CO)₁₀] yielded a manganese hexahydridodiborate compound [{(OC)₄Mn}(η⁶‐B₂H₆){Mn(CO)₃}₂(μ‐H)] ( 1 ) and a triply bridged borylene complex [(μ₃‐BH)(Cp*Co)₂(μ‐CO)(μ‐H)₂MnH(CO)₃] ( 2 ). In a similar fashion, [Re₂(CO)₁₀] generated [(μ₃‐BH)(Cp*Co)₂(μ‐CO)(μ‐H)₂ReH(CO)₃] ( 3 ) and [(μ₃‐BH)(Cp*Co)₂(μ‐CO)₂(μ‐H)Co(CO)₃] ( 4 ) in modest yields. In contrast, [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] under similar reaction conditions yielded a heterometallic semi‐interstitial boride cluster [(Cp*Co)(μ‐H)₃Ru₃(CO)₉B] ( 5 ). The solid‐state X‐ray structure of compound 1 shows a significantly shorter boron–boron bond length. The detailed spectroscopic data of 1 and the unusual structural and bonding features have been described. All the complexes have been characterized by using ¹H, ¹¹B, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The DFT computations were used to shed light on the bonding and electronic structures of these new compounds. The study reveals a dominant B?H?Mn, a weak B?B?Mn interaction, and an enhanced B?B bonding in 1 .     

Koordinativ ungesättigte Dirutheniumkomplexe: Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [Ru2(CO)3L(μ‐η1 : η2‐C≡CPh)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐Ph2PCH2PPh2)] (L = CO,PnBu3)

Coordinatively Unsaturated Diruthenium Complexes: Synthesis and X‐ray Crystal Structures of [Ru₂(CO)₃L(μ‐η¹ : η²‐C≡CPh)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)] (L = CO, PⁿBu₃) [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 1 ) reacts with several phosphines (L) in refluxing toluene under substitution of one carbonyl ligand and yields the compounds [Ru₂(CO)₃L(μ‐H)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] (L = PⁿBu₃, 2 a ; L = PCy₂H, 2 b ; L = dppm‐P, 2 c ; dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂). The reactivity of 1 as well as the activated complexes 2 a – c towards phenylethyne was studied. Thus 1 , 2 a and 2 b , respectively, react with PhC≡CH in refluxing toluene with elimination of dihydrogen to the acetylide‐bridged complexes [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ‐η¹ : η²‐C≡CPh)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 3 ) and [Ru₂(CO)₃L(μ‐η¹ : η²‐C≡CPh)(μ‐P^tBu₂)(μ‐dppm)] ( 4 a and 4 b ). The molecular structures of 3 and 4 a were determined by crystal structure analyses.     

Novel dinuclear and trinuclear ruthenium clusters derived from 2‐aryl‐substituted indenylphosphines via C─H bond cleavage

Treatment of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ with an equivalent of (2‐phenyl‐1H ‐inden‐3‐yl)dicyclohexylphosphine ( 1 ) and (2‐pyridyl‐1H ‐inden‐1‐yl)dicyclohexylphosphine ( 4 ) in refluxing heptane gave the novel trinuclear ruthenium clusters (μ₃‐η¹:η²:η⁵–2‐phenyl‐3‐Cy₂PC₉H₄)Ru₃(CO)₈ ( 1c ) and [μ₂‐η¹–2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐3‐Cy₂PC₉H₆]Ru₃(CO)₉ ( 4a ), respectively, via C ─ H bond cleavage. (2‐Mesityl‐1H ‐inden‐3‐yl)dicyclohexylphosphine ( 2 ) reacted with Ru₃(CO)₁₂ in refluxing heptane to give the trinuclear ruthenium cluster [μ‐2‐mesityl‐(3‐Cy₂PC₉H₅)](μ₂‐CO)Ru₃(CO)₉ ( 2c ) via C ─ H bond cleavage and carbonyl insertion. 2‐(Anthracen‐9‐yl)‐1H –inden‐3‐yldicyclohexylphosphine ( 3 ) reacted with Ru₃(CO)₁₂ in refluxing heptane to give the dinuclear ruthenium cluster [μ₂‐η³:η³–2‐(anthracen‐9‐yl)‐3‐Cy₂PC₉H₆]Ru₂(CO)₅ ( 3a ). The structures of 1c , 2c , 3a and 4a were fully characterized using IR and NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. These results suggest that the 2‐aryl substituent on the indenyl ring has a pronounced effect on the reaction and coordination modes of Ru₃(CO)₁₂.     

Structural Studies of Several Ru3 and Ru4 Carbonyl Clusters

The preparation, characterisation and single‐crystal XRD molecular structure determinations of the three Ru₃ carbonyl clusters attached to carbon ligands, Ru₃(μ‐H)₃(μ₃‐CBr)(CO)₉ ( 1 ), Ru₃(μ‐H)(μ‐dppm){μ‐C(OMe)}(CO)₈ ( 2 ) and AuRu₃(μ‐H)₂(μ₃‐C=C=CHPh)(CO)₁₀ ( 3 ) are reported, together with the structures of the tetranuclear hydrido‐carbonyls Ru₄(μ‐H)_4–2x(CO)_11+x(PPh₃) (x = 0 4 , 1 5 ).