Formation of cobalt, nickel and copper complexes with murexide in ethanol-water mixtures

The complexation reactions between murexide and Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Cu²⁺ in C₂H₅OH-H₂O mixtures have been investigated spectrophotometrically. The formation constants of the 1:1 complexes formed increase in the order Co²⁺ < Ni²⁺ < Cu²⁺ for all solvent mixtures studied, and log K_f is a linear function of the mole fraction of ethanol. The heat of complexation was determined calorimetrically for the nickel and copper complexes. The values of ΔH° and ΔS° are solvent-dependent, and all three complexes have negative ΔH° and positive ΔS° values.     

Structural evolutions of the n-heneicosane and n-tricosane molecular alloys at 293 K

A structural study of odd-numbered n-alkane (C_n) binary mixtures (C₂₁ : C₂₃) was carried out on powder samples using a Guinier-de Wolff camera with increasing concentration of n-C₂₃ at 293 K.

Despite the reports in the literature, these molecular alloys do not form an orthorhombic continuous homogeneous solid solution to C₂₁ from C₂₃ at “low temperature”. Instead, as already observed in two even-numbered C_n systems, X-ray diffraction results show the existence of seven solid solutions as the molar concentration of C₂₃ increases: four terminal solid solutions, denoted β₀(C₂₁)β₀(C₂₃), isostructural with the “low temperature” phase of pure C₂₁ and C₂₃ (Pbcm), β′₀(C₂₁) and β′₀(C₂₃), identical to the phase β′₀ which appears in pure C₂₃ above the δ transition, and three orthorhombic intermediate solid solutions, designated β″₁, β′₁ and β″₂.

On the basis of powder X-ray photographs, the phases β″₁ and β″₂ (C₂₁ : C₂₃) are indistinguishable, and they are isostructural with the intermediate solid solution β″ of the even-numbered C_n binary systems (C₂₂ : C₂₄) and (C₂₄ : C₂₆). The phase β′₁(C₂₁ : C₂₃) is also isostructural with the two indistinguishable intermediate solid solutions β′₁ and β′₂ of the molecular alloys (C₂₂ : C₂₄) and (₂₄ : C₂₆).

From this study and our other laboratory results, the sequences of appearance of the solid solutions and the structural identities between these phases are established at “low temperature” for all the binary molecular alloys of consecutive C_n (odd-odd, even-even or odd-even: 19 < n < 27) when increasing the solute concentration.     

Synthesis, structure and nuclease activity of copper complexes of disubstituted 2,2′-bipyridine ligands bearing ammonium groups

A series of Cu(II) complexes of disubstituted 2,2′-bipyridine bearing ammonium groups [Cu(L¹⁻⁴)₂Br]⁵⁺ (1–4, L¹ = [5,5′-(Me₂NHCH₂)₂-bpy]²⁺, L² = [5,5′-(Me₃NCH₂)₂-bpy]²⁺, L³ = [4,4′-(Me₂NHCH₂)₂-bpy]²⁺, L⁴ = [4,4′-(Me₃NCH₂)₂-bpy]²⁺ and bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl) were synthesized, of which complexes 1 and 4 were structurally characterized. Both coordination configurations of Cu(II) ions can be described as distorted trigonal bipyramid. The interaction between all complexes and CT-DNA was evaluated by thermal-denaturation experiments and CD spectroscopy. Results show that the complexes interact with CT-DNA via outside electrostatic interactions and their binding ability follows the order: 1 > 2 > 3 > 4. In the absence of any reducing agents, the cleavage of plasmid pBR322 DNA by these complexes was investigated and the hydrolysis kinetics of DNA was studied in Tris buffer (pH 7.5) at 37 °C. Obtained pseudo-Michaelis–Menten kinetic parameters: 15.0, 13.6, 2.01 and 1.69 h⁻¹ for 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, indicate that complexes 1 and 2 exhibit very high DNA cleavage activities. According to their crystal data, the high nuclease activity may be attributed to the strong interaction of the metal moiety and two ammonium groups with phosphate groups of DNA.     

Thermal decomposition study on mixed ligand thymine complexes of divalent nickel(II) with dianions of some dicarboxylic acids

Thermal decomposition of mixed ligand thymine (2,4-dihydroxy-5-methylpyrimidine) complexes of divalent Ni(II) with aspartate, glutamate and ADA (N-2-acetamido)iminodiacetate dianions was monitored by TG, DTG and DTA analysis in static atmosphere of air. The decomposition course and steps of complexes [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₄H₅NO₄)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·H₂O, [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₅H₇NO₄)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·H₂O and [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₆H₈N₂O₅)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·1.5H₂O were analyzed. The final decomposition products are found to be the corresponding metal oxides. The kinetic parameters namely, activation energy (E*), enthalpy (ΔH*), entropy (ΔS*) and free energy change of decomposition (ΔG*) are calculated from the TG curves using Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger equations. The stability order found for these complexes follows the trend aspartate > ADA > glutamate.     

Strong antiferromagnetism in the dinuclear 2-pyridone complex with N–C–O bridges: A paddle-wheel analogue of the dinuclear tetracarboxylates

A novel dinuclear complex [Cu₂(μ-L)₄(HL)₂] (1) was isolated from starting 2-pyridone (HL) via a resonance and a tautomeric transformation. Each copper centre is in a square-pyramidal coordination sphere, defined by two oxygen atoms (Cu–O4 1.978(5), Cu–O11 1.964(4) Å) and two nitrogen atoms (Cu–N2 2.003(5), Cu–N3 2.007(5) Å) of four bridging deprotonated pyridin-2-olates and an oxygen atom on the top from a neutral 2-pyridone (Cu–O2 2.227(5) Å), analogous to tetracarboxylate paddle-wheel complexes. Compound 1 was compared with mixed pyridin-2-olato/methanoato analogues [Cu₂(μ-HCO₂)₂(μ-L)₂(HL)₂] · 2CH₃CN (2) and [Cu₂(μ-HCO₂)₂(μ-L)₂(HL)₂] (2a) (2a is an air stable form obtained from 2 outside mother-liquid). The EPR spectra of air stable 1 and 2a show three signals H_z1, H₂ and H_z2, typical for the binuclear systems with spin S = 1, both revealing strong antiferromagnetism 2J = −334 (1) and −324 cm⁻¹ (2a). Interestingly, only for 1 additional H₁ signal at 100 mT is noticed (D(1) = 0.293 cm⁻¹ < hν = 0.320 cm⁻¹ < D(2a) = 0.347 cm⁻¹). On the other hand, several broad signals in the 100–450 mT region, only in the high temperature spectrum for 2a are observed. These results are in agreement with the magnetic susceptibility analysis.     

Asymmetric hydrogenations of ketones catalyzed by Ru–achiral phosphine-enantiopure diamine complexes

Five novel ruthenium complexes, RuCl₂(MOTPP)₂[(S,S)-DPEN] [MOTPP = tris(4-methoxyphenyl)phosphine] (1), RuCl₂(TFTPP)₂[(S,S)-DPEN] [TFTPP = tris(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)phosphine] (2), RuCl₂(PPh₃)₂[(S,S)-DPEN] (3), RuCl₂(BDPX)[(S,S)-DPEN] [BDPX = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)benzene] (4), RuCl₂(BISBI)[(S,S)-DPEN][BISBI = 2,2′-bis((diphenylphosphino)methyl)-1,1′-biphenyl]] (5) were synthesized and used for the hydrogenation of aromatic ketones. The complexes showed high catalytic activities, especially that the catalytic activity of complex 5 containing the diphosphine with large bite angle and complex 1 containing triarylphosphine with electron-donating group were higher than the other three complexes. The enantioselectivities of products were almost not influenced by the electron factors of phosphine.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and third-order non-linear optical property of heterobimetallic cluster compound [MoOICu3S3(2,2′-bipy)2]

Nest-shaped cluster [MoOICu₃S₃(2,2′-bipy)₂] (1) was synthesized by the treatment of (NH₄)₂MoS₄, CuI, (n-Bu)₄NI, and 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bipy) through a solid-state reaction. It crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2₁/n, a=9.591(2) Å, b=14.820(3) Å, c=17.951(4) Å, β=91.98(2)°, V=2549.9(10) ų, and Z=4. The nest-shaped cluster was obtained for the first time with a neutral skeleton containing 2,2′-bipy ligand. The non-linear optical (NLO) property of [MoOICu₃S₃(2,2′-bipy)₂] in DMF solution was measured by using a Z-scan technique with 15 ns and 532 nm laser pulses. The cluster has large third-order NLO absorption and the third-order NLO refraction, its ₂ and n₂ values were calculated as 6.2×10⁻¹⁰ and −3.8×10⁻¹⁷ m² W⁻¹ in a 3.7×10⁻⁴ M DMF solution.     

H, C, N NMR, ESI mass spectral and single crystal X-ray structural characterization of three spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3′-oxindoles]

Three spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3′-oxindoles], 1,1′,2,2′,5′,6′,7′,7′a-octahydro-2-oxo-1′-phenyl-spiro[3H-indole-3,3′-[3H]-pyrrolizine]-2′-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1), 1,1′,2,2′,5′,6′,7′,7′a-octahydro-2-oxo-1′-nitro-2′-phenyl-spiro[3H-indole-3, 3′-[3H]-pyrrolizine] (2) and 1,1′,2,2′,5′,6′,7′,7′a-octahydro-2-oxo-1′-nitro-2′-(4″-chlorophenyl)-spiro[3H-indole-3,3′-[3H]-pyrrolizine] (3) have been synthesized and their ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N spectra assigned. The chemical shift assignments are based on Pulsed Field Gradient (PFG) Double Quantum Filter (DQF) ¹H, ¹H correlation spectroscopy (COSY), PFG ¹H, ¹³C Heteronuclear Multiple Quantum Coherence (HMQC) and PFG ¹H,X (X = ¹³C and ¹⁵N) Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Correlation (HMBC) experiments. The single crystal X-ray structures of 1–3 have been determined. Compounds 1 and 2 crystallized in monoclinic space group C2/c and compound 3 in monoclinic space group P2₁/c, respectively. Also the ESI-TOF MS data of 1–3 are given.     

Heat capacity of copper hydride

The heat capacity of copper hydride has been measured in the temperature range 2–60 and 60–250 K using two adiabatic calorimeters. Special procedure for the purification of CuH has been applied and a careful analysis of sample contamination has been performed. The experimental results have been extrapolated up to 300 K due to instability of the copper hydride at room temperature. From the temperature dependence of heat capacity the values of entropy S°(T), thermal part of enthalpy H°(T)−H°(0) and Gibbs function [−(G°(T)−H°(0))] have been calculated assuming S°(0)=0. The standard absolute entropy, standard entropy of formation from the elements and enthalpy of decomposition of copper hydride from the elements have been calculated and found to be 130.8 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ (H₂), −85.1 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ (H₂), −55.1 kJ mol⁻¹ (H₂), respectively. These new results gave the possibility of discussion on thermodynamic properties of copper hydride. Debye temperature has been for the first time determined experimentally.     

6,6′-Bisperfluoroalkylated BINOLs promoted asymmetric allylation of aldehydes

6,6′-Bis(1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyl)-1, 1′-bi-2-naphthol (Rf₆-BINOL) and 6,6′-bis(1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecyl)-1,1′-bi-2-naphthol (Rf₈-BINOL) were used in allylation of aldehydes in fluorous biphase system. Good enantioselectivity was obtained and the ligands could be recovered by continuos liquid–liquid extraction.     

Synthesis and characterisation of four- and eight-membered ring auralactam complexes

The reactions of the cyclo-aurated gold(III) dihalide complex [{C₆H₃(CH₂NMe₂)-2-(OMe)-5}AuCl₂] with N-cyanoacetylurethane [NCCH₂C(O)NHCO₂Et], 2-benzoylacetanilide [PhC(O)CH₂C(O)NHPh] and acetoacetanilide [MeC(O)CH₂C(O)NHPh], and [{C₆H₄(CH₂NMe₂)-2}AuCl₂] with acetoacetanilide in dichloromethane with excess silver(I) oxide gives the first examples of auralactam complexes, containing (O)---CHR′ four-membered rings. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study on the complex [{C₆H₄(CH₂NMe₂)-2}A H(COMe)}] reveals similar structural features to related metallalactam complexes of platinum(II) and palladium(II). When a CDCl₃ solution of the complex [{C₆H₃(CH₂NMe₂)-2-(OMe)-5}A HCN}] is allowed to stand for 18 h, a novel dimerisation reaction occurs, giving the insoluble product [{C₆H₃(CH₂NMe₂)-2-(OMe)-5}Au{N(CO₂Et)C(O)CHCN}]₂·2CDCl₃, characterised by an X-ray structure determination. The dimer contains an eight-membered A

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ring.     

Chains, ladders and sheets of d metal–organic polymers generated from the flexible bipyridyl ligands

By use of the three-layer diffusion method, reactions of flexible bipyridyl ligands (4,4′-bpp or 3,3′-bpp) with M(II) salts (M = Zn, Cd) and multi-carboxylate ligands resulted in the formation of four interesting d¹⁰ metal–organic coordination polymers: [Zn(μ-4,4′-bpp)Br₂]_n (1), [Zn(μ-4,4′-bpp)(1,2-bdc)]_n · nH₂O (2), [Zn(μ-3,3′-bpp)(1,3-bdc)]_n · nCH₃OH · 2nH₂O (3) and [Cd(μ-3,3′-bpp)(C₄H₂O₄)]_n · 3nH₂O (4) (4,4′-bpp = 2,2′-bis(4-pyridylmethyleneoxy)-1,1′-biphenylene; 3,3′-bpp = 2,2 ′-bis(3-pyridylmethyleneoxy)-1,1′-biphenylene; bdc=benzenedicarboxylate, C₄H₄O₄ = fumaric acid). Complex 1 has a 2D sheet structure consisting of two unusual zigzag Zn(II) chains which are nearly perpendicular to each other. Complex 2 is comprised of two-leg ladders, in which [Zn(4,4′-bpp)] chains serve as the side rails and 1,2-bdc ligands serve as the cross rungs. In complex 3, every two 1,3-bdc ligands connect the neighbouring Zn(II)-3,3′-bpp dimetallic rings in η¹ coordination modes into an interesting chain structure. Complex 4 consists of an anionic macrocycle-containing cadmium dicarboxylate sheets that are separated by 3,3′-bpp. These d¹⁰ metal complexes exhibit high thermal stabilities and strong luminescence efficiencies.     

Conformational and structural analysis of N-N′-bis(4-methoxybenzylidene)ethylenediamine

The Schiff base compound, N-N′-bis(4-methoxybenzylidene)ethylenediamine (C₁₈H₂₀N₂O₂) has been synthesized and its crystal structure has been investigated by X-ray analysis and PM3 method. The compound crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a=10.190(1), b=7.954(1), c=10.636(1) Å, β=111.68(1)°, V=801.1(1) ų, Z=2 and D_cal=1.229 Mgm⁻³. The title structure was solved by direct methods and refined to R=0.056 for 2414 reflections [I>3.0σ(I)] by full-matrix anisotropic least-squares methods. The energy profile of the compound was calculated by PM3 method as a function of θ[N1′–C9′–C9–N1]. The most stable molecular structure of the title compound is the anti conformation, which is different in energy by 5.0 and 1.0 kcal mol⁻¹ from the eclipsed conformation I and gauche conformations, (III and V), respectively.     

On the conformational stability and dimerization of phosphotransferase enzyme I from Escherichia coli

The activity of enzyme I (EI), the first protein in the bacterial PEP:sugar phosphotransferase system, is regulated by a monomer–dimer equilibrium where a Mg²⁺-dependent autophosphorylation by PEP requires the homodimer. Using inactive EI(H189A), in which alanine is substituted for the active-site His189, substrate binding effects can be separated from those of phosphorylation. Whereas 1 mM PEP (with 2 mM Mg²⁺) strongly promotes dimerization of EI(H189A) at pH 7.5 and 20 °C, 5 mM pyruvate (with 2 mM Mg²⁺) has the opposite effect. A correlation between the coupling of N- and C-terminal domain unfolding, measured by differential scanning calorimetry, and the dimerization constant for EI, determined by sedimentation equilibrium, is observed. That is, when the coupling between N- and C-terminal domain unfolding produced by 0.2 or 1.0 mM PEP and 2 mM Mg²⁺ is inhibited by 5 mM pyruvate, the dimerization constant for EI(H189A) decreases from >10⁸ to <5 × 10⁵ or 3 × 10⁷ M⁻¹, respectively. With 2 mM Mg²⁺ at 15–25 °C and pH 7.5, PEP has been found to bind to one site/monomer of EI(H189A) with K_A′10⁶ M⁻¹ (ΔG′=−33.7±0.2 kJ mol⁻¹ and ΔH=+16.3 kJ mol⁻¹ at 20 °C with ΔC_p=−1.4 kJ K⁻¹ mol⁻¹). The binding of PEP to EI(H189A) is synergistic with that of Mg²⁺. Thus, physiological concentrations of PEP and Mg²⁺ increase, whereas pyruvate and Mg²⁺ decrease the amount of dimeric, active, dephospho-enzyme I.     

Kinetics study of the gas-phase reactions of C2F5OC(O)H and n-C3F7OC(O)H with OH radicals at 253–328 K

The rate constants, k₁ and k₂ for the reactions of C₂F₅OC(O)H and n-C₃F₇OC(O)H with OH radicals were measured using an FT-IR technique at 253–328 K. k₁ and k₂ were determined as (9.24 ± 1.33) × 10⁻¹³ exp[−(1230 ± 40)/T] and (1.41 ± 0.26) × 10⁻¹² exp[−(1260 ± 50)/T] cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. The random errors reported are ±2 σ, and potential systematic errors of 10% could add to the k₁ and k₂. The atmospheric lifetimes of C₂F₅OC(O)H and n-C₃F₇OC(O)H with respect to reaction with OH radicals were estimated at 3.6 and 2.6 years, respectively.     

Oxygen permeation and oxidative coupling of methane in membrane reactor: A new facile synthesis method for selective perovskite catalyst

A dense membrane of La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ (LSCF) perovskite was prepared by a new chelating agent, ethylene diamine N,N,N′,N′-tetra N-acetyl diamine (EDTNAD). As a potent ligand, EDTNAD provided a facile one-step method to form complexes of the four metal ions, simultaneously. The oxygen permeation flux through the pure perovskite LSCF dense membrane was measured over temperature range of 1073–1223 K, thickness of 0.7–1.0 mm and oxygen partial pressure of 0.1–1.0 bar. Oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reaction using LSCF disk in the atmospheric membrane reactor and over the temperature range of 1073–1173 K showed a C₂ selectivity of 100% and C₂ yield of 5.01% at 1153 K. Furthermore, OCM reaction data of the membrane reactor were discussed and compared with those of the fixed bed using the same perovskite powder as the catalyst.     

Reactions of Lewis bases with tetrakisdiphenylamide uranium(IV)

The coordinatively unsaturated uranium(IV) complex U[N(C₆H₅)₂]₄ has been prepared via the stoichiometric reaction of diphenylamine with [(Me₃Si)₂N]₂ H₂. U[N(C₆H₅)₂]₄ coordinates Lewis bases such as Et₂O, THF, pyridine or (EtO)₃PO, based on electronic absorption spectroscopy and ¹H NMR studies. Exchange between U[N(C₆H₅)₂]₄ and U[N(C₆H₅)₂]₄(L), where L is THF or pyridine, is rapid on the NMR time-scale between 307 and 323 K. Measurement of equilibrium constants for L = THF provides ΔH and ΔS values of −60 kJ mol⁻¹ and −1.8 × 10² J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹, respectively. U[N(C₆H₅)₂]₄ coordinates and binds (EtO)₃PO much more tightly (K_eq = & > 10⁴ M⁻¹) than THF or pyridine with the exchange rate between U[N(C₆H₅)₂]₄ and U[N(C₆H₅)₂]₄[OP(OEt)₃] being close to the NMR time-scale.     

Alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl- and phospholyl-zirconium/MAO catalysts for propene and 1-hexene oligomerization

The directed oligomerization of propene and 1-hexene was carried out with a series of Cp′(C₅H₅)ZrCl₂ and Cp₂′ZrCl₂ pre-catalysts (Cp′=C₅HMe₄, C₄Me₄P, C₅Me₅, C₅H₄^tBu, C₅H₃-1,3-^tBu₂, C₅H₂-1,2,4-^tBu₃) together with (C₅H₅)₂ZrCl₂. Oligomers in the molar mass range 300–1500 g/mol for propene and 200–3000 g/mol for 1-hexene were synthesized at 50 °C. The majority of oligomer molecules contain a double-bond end group. Oligomer characterization was carried out by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), ¹H and ¹³C NMR. Vinylidene double bonds (from β-hydrogen elimination) are solely found for the tert-butyl-substituted zirconocenes and for most of the unsymmetrical methyl-substituted Cp′(C₅H₅)ZrCl₂ systems (except Cp′=phospholyl). With (C₄Me₄P)(C₅H₅)ZrCl₂ and with the symmetrical methyl-containing Cp₂′ZrCl₂ pre-catalysts, also vinyl end groups (from β-methyl elimination) are observed in the case of oligopropenes. The vinylidene/vinyl ratio depends on the ligand and the vinyl content increases from C₅HMe₄ (65/35) over C₄Me₄P (61/39) to C₅Me₅ (9/91). The phospholyl zirconocenes and (C₅HMe₄)₂ZrCl₂ also exhibit chain-transfer to aluminum thereby giving saturated oligomers.     

Structures of 3,3′-dicarbometoxy-2,2′-bipyridine complexes with silver(I) and copper(II) cations

The structures of 3,3′-dicarbometoxy-2,2′-bipyridine (dcmbpy) complexes with copper(II) and silver(I) cations have been determined using single crystal X-ray-diffraction. The crystals of Cu(dcmbpy)Cl₂ are monoclinic, C2/c, a = 16.966(3), b = 18.373(3), c = 13.154(2) Å, β = 126.543(3)°. The crystals of Ag(dcmbpy)NO₃ · H₂O are also monoclinic, C2/c, a = 16.7547(13), b = 11.0922(9), c = 18.7789(18) Å, β = 100.228(7)°. The results have been compared with the literature data on the complexes of dcmbpy and its precursors: 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) and 3,3′-dicarboxy-2,2′-bipyridine (dcbpy). Two types of complexes of 3,3′-carboxy derivatives of bpy are distinguished: (1) with metal atom bonded to two N atoms of the same molecule and (2) with metal atom bonded to two N atoms of two different molecules. The Cu(dcmbpy)Cl₂ complex belongs to the first type, whereas Ag(dcmbpy)NO₃ · H₂O belongs to the second type.     

Kinetics and mechanisms of homogeneous catalytic reactions: Part 7. Hydroformylation of 1-hexene catalyzed by cationic complexes of rhodium and iridium containing PPh3

Cationic rhodium and iridium complexes of the type [M(COD)(PPh₃)₂]PF₆ (M = Rh, 1a; Ir, 1b) are efficient precatalysts for the hydroformylation of 1-hexene to its corresponding aldehydes (heptanal and 2-methylhexanal), under mild pressures (2–5 bar) and temperatures (60 °C for Rh and 100 °C for Ir) in toluene solution; the linear to branched ratio (l/b) of the aldehydes in the hydroformylation reaction varies slightly (between 3.0 and 3.7 for Rh and close to 2 for Ir). Kinetic and mechanistic studies have been carried out using these cationic complexes as catalyst precursors. For both complexes, the reaction proceeds according to the rate law r_i = K₁K₂K₃k₄[M][olef][H₂][CO]/([CO]² + K₁[H₂][CO] + K₁K₂K₃[olef][H₂]). Both complexes react rapidly with CO to produce the corresponding tricarbonyl species [M(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂]PF₆, M = Rh, 2a; Ir, 2b, and with syn-gas to yield [MH₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂]PF₆, M = Rh, 3a; Ir, 3b, which originate by CO dissociation the species [MH₂(CO)(PPh₃)₂]PF₆ entering the corresponding catalytic cycle. All the experimental data are consistent with a general mechanism in which the transfer of the hydride to a coordinated olefin promoted by an entering CO molecule is the rate-determining step of the catalytic cycle.