Attempts at stepwise reduction of the carbon-nitrogen triple bond of a nitrile at two metal centres: study of the reactivity of [(CO)(PPh3)2Re( (μ-NCHPh)Ru(PPh3) 2(PhCN)] towards tetrafluoroboric acid and dihydrogen

The reaction of [(CO)PPh₃)₂Re(μ-H)₂(μ-NCHPh)Ru(PPh₃)₂(PhCN)] (2) with HBF₄-Me₂O generates [(CO)PPh₃)₂Re(μ- H)₂(μ,η¹,η²HNCHPh)Ru(PPh₃)₂(PhCN)][BF₄] (3). Monitoring the reaction by NMR spectroscopy shows the intermediate formation of [(CO)(PPh₃)₂ HRe(μ-H)₂(μ-NCHPh)Ru(PPh₃)₂(PhCN)][BF₄] (4). Attempted reduction of the imine ligand by a nucleophile (H⁻ or CN⁻) failed, regenerating 2. Under dihydrogen at 50 atm, 3 is slowly transformed into [(CO)(PPh₃)₂HRe(μ-H)₃Ru(PPh₃)₂(PhCN)][BF₄] (5) with liberation of benzyl amine.     

Synthesis and reactivity towards tetrafluoroboric acid of a new family of heterobimetallic polyhydride complexes [(CO)(PPh3)2HRe(μ-H)3RhL2] (L = PPh3, 1,2,5-triphenylphosphole, or P(OMe)3)

The reaction of K[ReH₆(PPh₃)₂] with [RhCl(CO)L₂] [L= PPh₃, 1,2,5-triphenylphosphole (TPP), or P(OMe)₃] leads to the new electronically unsaturated heterobimetallic polyhydride complexes [(CO)(PPh₃)₂HRe(μ-H)₃RhL₂] in moderate-to-good yields. The structures of these complexes have been established on the basis of spectroscopic data, especially ¹H and ³¹P NMR. The bridging hydride ligands are fluxional but there is either a slow or nonexistent exchange between terminal and bridging hydrides. For L = PPh₃ or TPP, protonation with tetrafluoroboric acid affords quantitatively the cationic complexes [(CO)(PPh₃)₂HRe(μ-H)₃RhHL₂]⁺, isolated as the BF₄⁻ or the BPh₄⁻ salts.     

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

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

Photodecomposition of molybdenum(II) and tungsten(II) carbonyl complexes with triazole, benz-imidazole, and oxadiazole acetylinic derivatives

Photodecomposition of 10 different molybdenum and tungsten mixed carbonyl complexes, [M(CO)₃(B)(A)]I₂ where B=o-phenanthroline or bipyridyl, A=3-(2-propynyl)thio-4,5-diphenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole (TRZA) or S-propynyl-2-thio benz-imidazole (BIMDA) and 2(2-propynyl-thio(5-phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (OXA). M(CO)₃(TRZA)I₂, [M(CO)₂(PPh₃)_X(TRZA)I_Y]I_Z where M=Mo, X, Y and Z=1 and M=W, X and Z=2, Y=0, have been performed at 365 nm in oxygen saturated chloroform at 25 °C. The absorbance spectrum of these complexes have been recorded with the time of irradiation in order to examine the kinetics of photodecay.

The apparent rate constant (K_d) for the first-order reaction have been calculated and found to be (3.32–4.79)×10⁻⁵ s⁻¹. The primary quantum yields (Φ) has also been calculated and were in the range (8.33–12.1)×10⁻⁴. The mechanism of the photodecomposition has been suggested according to the kinetic, and photoproduct analysis data, and is similar to reaction of photo-oxidative degradation of polluted molecules in the water.     

The reaction of (μ-H)2Os3(CO)9(PPh3) with ethylene affords the ethylidene complex (μ-H)2Os3(CO)9(PPh3)(μ-CHCH3)

The product isolated from the reaction of (μ-H)₂Os₃(CO)₉(PPh₃) with ethylene is shown to be the ethylidene complex (μ-H)₂Os₃(CO)₉(PPh₃)(μ-CHCH₃) (1) rather than the ethylene complex (μ-H)(H)Os₃(CO)₉(PPh₃)(C₂H₄), as previously claimed. The characterization of 1 is based on a combination of ¹H and ¹³C NMR results. The ¹H NMR data (δ 6.84 (1 H_D), 2.53 (3 H_C), J(CD) = 7.4 Hz) establish the presence of the ethylidene moiety, whereas detailed analysis of the 1-D and 2-D ¹³C NMR spectra of ¹³CO-enriched 1 indicates the relative positions of the ethylidene, hydride, and phosphine ligands on the triosmium framework.     

Synthesis, structure and reactivity of homobimetallic Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes of s- and as-indacene-diide

The Rh(COD) and Ir(COD) homobimetallic complexes of s-indacene-diide, 2,6-dimethyl-s-indacene-diide, as-indacene-diide, and 2,7-dimethyl-as-indacene-diide have been synthesized from the di-lithium salts of the dianions and metal dimers [M(μ-Cl)L₂]₂ (M = Rh, Ir; L₂ = COD, NBD, (ethylene)₂, (CO)₂ as mixtures of syn and anti isomers. The syn/anti ratio depends on the nature of the ancillary ligands at the metal and on the s or as geometry of the bridging ligand. In the reaction of the 2,7-dimethyl-as-indacene-diide-[M(COD)]₂ species with CO, the higher reactivity of the syn isomers has been justified on the basis of a greater instability of the ground state due to steric interactions between the COD groups. Bis-η¹ metal-bonded intermediates have been identified in the carbonylation of iridium derivatives; on the other hand, the formation of the bis-η⁵ mixed complexes syn and anti-{2,7-dimethyl-as-indacene-diide-[Rh(COD)][Rh(CO)₂]} and their reactivity strongly support the existence of metal---metal interaction in the rhodium derivatives.     

Formation and structure of [Co{Ph2PN(Bu)PPh2-P,P′}2(CO)][Co)(CO)4] - a cage molecule-pair or an ion-pair complex?

The strong π-acid ligand Ph₂PN(ⁱBu)PPh₂ reacts with Co₂(CO)_S (1:1) to give Co₂[μ-Ph₂PN(ⁱBu)PPh₂] (μ-CO)₂(CO)₄ (1); however, when the ratio is 2:1 a novel species [Co{Ph₂PN(ⁱBu)PPh₂-P,P′}₂(CO)][Co(CO)₄] (2) has been obtained. Crystal data for 2: M_r = 1140.83; triclinic, space group P , a = 12.330(2), b = 13.340(2), c = 18.122(3) Å, = 86.63(1), β = 80.75(1), γ = 84.24(1)°, V = 2924 ų, Z = 2; R = 0.060 for 3711 reflections having I 3σ(I). The results of X-ray diffraction, ESR, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility, conductivity, and XPS analysis support that the species 2 is a d⁹-d⁹ cage molecule-pair. The mechanism for the formation of the species 2 has been investigated initially by ³¹P NMR.     

A simple synthesis of tetraethynylethenes and representative molecular structures of some dicobalt derivatives

Palladium–copper catalysed cross-coupling reactions of tetracholoroethene with terminal acetylenes RCCH (R=SiMe₃, C₆H₅, C₆H₄CN-4) in refluxing triethylamine afford the corresponding tetraethynylethenes in 30–60% isolated yields. The reaction of 1,6-bis(trimethylsilyl)-3,4-bis(trimethylsilylethynyl)-hex-3-ene-1,5-diyne with [Co₂(CO)₆(L₂)] [L₂=(CO)₂ or μ-dppm] affords complexes in which one or two (trans) acetylene moieties are coordinated by a dicobalt fragment.     

Homo- and hetero-bridged mixed-valence dinuclear complexes which contain the fragment ‘Rh(C6F5)3’

The reaction of the anionic mononuclear rhodium complex [Rh(C₆F₅)₃Cl(Hpz)]^t- (Hpz = pyrazole, C₃H₄N₂) with methoxo or acetylacetonate complexes of Rh or Ir led to the heterodinuclear anionic compounds [(C₆F₅)₃Rh(μ-Cl)(μ-pz)M(L₂)] [M = Rh, L₂ = cyclo-octa-1,5-diene, COD (1), tetrafluorobenzobarrelene, TFB (2) or (CO)₂ (4); M = Ir, L₂ = COD (3)]. The complex [Rh(C₆F₅)₃(Hbim)]⁻ (5) has been prepared by treating [Rh(C₆F₅)₃(acac)]⁻ with H₂bim (acac = acetylacetonate; H₂bim = 2,2′-biimidazole). Complex 5 also reacts with Rh or Ir methoxo, or with Pd acetylacetonate, complexes affording the heterodinuclear complexes [(C₆F₅)₃Rh(μ-bim)M(L₂)]⁻ [M = Rh, L₂ = COD (6) or TFB (7); M = Ir, L₂ = COD (8); M = Pd, L₂ = η³-C₃H₅ (9)]. With [Rh(acac)(CO)₂], complex 5 yields the tetranuclear complex [{(C₆F₅)₃Rh(μ-bim)Rh(CO)₂}₂]₂₋. Homodinuclear Rh^III derivatives [{Rh(C₆F₅)₃}₂(μ-L)₂]^·- [L₂ = OH, pz (11); OH, S^tBu (12); OH, SPh (13); bim (14)] have been obtained by substitution of one or both hydroxo groups of the dianion [{Rh(C₆F₅)₃(μ-OH)}₂]²⁻ by the corresponding ligands. The reaction of [Rh(C₆F₅)₃(Et₂O)_x] with [PdX₂(COD)] produces neutral heterodinuclear compounds [(C₆F₅)₃Rh(μ-X)₂Pd(COD)] [X = Cl (15); Br (16)]. The anionic complexes 1–14 have been isolated as the benzyltriphenylphosphonium (PBzPh₃⁺) salts.     

Substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands—10. Intramolecular steric interactions in [(η-C5H3(SiMe3)2)Mo(CO)2(L)I]

Reaction of C₅H₄(SiMe₃)₂ with Mo(CO)₆ yielded [(η⁵-C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂)Mo(CO)₃]₂, which on addition of iodine gave [(η⁵-C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂Mo(CO)₃I]. Carbonyl displacement by a range of ligands: [L = P(OMe)₃, P(OPrⁱ)₃,P(O-o-tol)₃, PMe₃, PMe₂Ph, PMePh₂, PPh₃, P(m-tol)₃] gave the new complexes [(η⁵-C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂ MO(CO)₂(L)I]. For all the trans isomer was the dominant, if not exclusive, isomer formed in the reaction. An NOE spectral analysis of [(η⁵-C₅H₃(SiMe₃)₂)Mo(CO)₂(L)I] L = PMe₂Ph, P(OMe)₃] revealed that the L group resided on the sterically uncongested side of the cyclopentadienyl ligand and that the ligand did not access the congested side of the molecule. Quantification of this phenomenon [L = P(OMe)₃] was achieved by means of the vertex angle of overlap methodology. This methodology revealed a steric preference with the trans isomer (less congestion of CO than I with an SiMe₃ group) being the more stable isomer for L = P(OMe)₃.     

Protonation and hydrogenation of triosmium clusters containing the bridging diphosphine ligands Ph2P(CH2nPPh2 (n = 1 to 4)

Members of the series of bridging diphosphine clusters [Os₃(CO)₁₀(diphos)] where diphos = Ph₂P(CH_2nPPh₂ [dppm (n = 1), dppe (n = 2), dppp (n = 3), or dppb (n = 4)] show interesting differences in their reactivity towards H⁺ and H₂. Protonation leads to [Os₃(μ-H)(CO)₁₀(diphos)]⁺ with the hydrides bridging the same osmium atoms as the diphos ligand when diphos is dppe, dppp, or dppb, whereas the hydride and dppm bridge different edges in [Os₃9μ-H)(CO)₁₀(dppm)]⁺. Hydrogenation of the 1,2-diphos compounds leads to [Os₃(μ-H)₂(CO)₈(diphos)] (diphos = dppm, dppe, dppp) in good to excellent yield but the dppb analogue could not be made. Geometric and electronic factors affecting the ability to incorporate hydride ligands in these clusters are discussed.     

Multiple ligand transfer reaction between [CpRu(L)(AN)2][PF6] (L=AN, CO, P(OMe)3; AN=acetonitrile) and CpFe(CO)L′X (L′=CO, PMe3, PMe2Ph, PMePh2, PPh3, P(OPh)3; X=Cl, Br, I)

Treatment of ruthenium complexes [CpRu(AN)₃][PF₆] (1a) (AN=acetonitrile) with iron complexes CpFe(CO)₂X (2a–2c) (X=Cl, Br, I) and CpFe(CO)L′X (6a–6g) (L′=PMe₃, PMe₂Ph, PMePh₂, PPh₃, P(OPh)₃; X=Cl, Br, I) in refluxing CH₂Cl₂ for 3 h results in a triple ligand transfer reaction from iron to ruthenium to give stable ruthenium complexes CpRu(CO)₂X (3a–3c) (X=Cl, Br, I) and CpRu(CO)L′X (7a–7g) (L′=PMe₃, PMe₂Ph, PMePh₂, PPh₃, P(OPh)₃; X=Br, I), respectively. Similar reaction of [CpRu(L)(AN)₂][PF₆] (1b: L=CO, 1c: P(OMe)₃) causes double ligand transfer to yield complexes 3a–3c and 7a–7h. Halide on iron, CO on iron or ruthenium, and two acetonitrile ligands on ruthenium are essential for the present ligand transfer reaction. The dinuclear ruthenium complex 11a [CpRu(CO)(μ-I)]₂ was isolated from the reaction of 1a with 6a at 0°C. Complex 11a slowly decomposes in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature to give 3a, and transforms into 7a by the reaction with PMe₃.     

Syntheses, spectroscopic characteristics and thermolytic rearrangements of bis-[(trimethylgermyl)methyl]platinum(II) and bis-[(trimethylstannyl)methyl]platinum(II) complexes

The preparations and spectroscopic characteristics are reported of a series of (trimethylgermyl)methyl- and (trimethylstannyl)methylplatinum(II) complexes with diene and P-donor ancillary ligands, cis-Pt(CH₂GeMe₃)₂L₂ (L = PPh₃ or PPh₂Me; L₂ = dppe or cod) and cis-Pt(CH₂SnMe₃)₂L₂ (L = PPh₃; L₂ =cod). Thermolysis of toluene solutions of cis-Pt(CH₂GeMe₃)₂(PPh₃)₂ leads to cis-Pt(Me)(CH₂GeMe₂CH₂GeMe₃)(PPh₃)₂ via β-alkyl migration, after (non-rate-limiting) phosphine dissociation. Estimated activation parameters (ΔH_{298 K}^‡ = 126 ± 3 kJ mol⁻¹, ΔS^‡ = + 17 ± 7 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹ and hence Δ_{298 K}^‡ = 121 ± 5 kJ mol⁻¹) suggest that this system is more migration labile than its silicon analogue, primarily as a result of a lower activation enthalpy. While cis-Pt(CH₂GeMe₃)₂(PPh₂Me)₂ reacts similarly but less readily, Pt(CH₂GeMe₃)₂(dppe)₂ is inert at operable temperatures. Thermolysis of Pt(CH₂GeMe₃)₂(cod) generates 1,1,3,3,-tetramethyldi-1,3-germacyclobutane as the major organogermanium product, while from cis-Pt(CH₂SnMe₃)₂(PPh₃)₂, 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldi-1,3-stannacyclobutane predominates. Mechanistic implications are discussed.     

New rhodium---ruthenium heterobimetallic complexes with bridging bi- or tri-dentate phosphine ligands

The mononuclear chelated complex [RuCl(Cp)(η²-dppa)] has been synthesised and reacted with [Rh₂Cl₂(CO)₄] to form the heterobimetallic complex [(Cp)Ru(μ-CO)₂{(μ-Ph₂PN(H)PPh₂}RhCl₂]. Complexes of [RuCl(Cp){(PPh₂)₂CHCH₂PPh₂}] have been reacted with [Rh₂Cl₂(CO)₄] or [RhCl(CO)₂(p-toluidene)]. Characterisation of these new ruthenium complexes was carried out using ³¹P-NMR, FAB mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis and IR spectrophotometry.     

Dimerization of methyl acrylate by homogeneous transition metal catalysis. Part II. Activation of dihydridoruthenium(II) phosphane complexes by CF3 3H

The tail-to-tail dimerization of methyl acrylate (MA) in the presence of H₂Ru(PPh₃)₄ (1) or H₂(CO)Ru(PPh₃) ₃ (2) and CF₃SO₃H to give a mixture of linear dimers is described. In neat methyl acrylate at 85°C the reaction shows turnover numbers of 300 in 20 h and 640 in 7 d. Mechanistic studies show that the initial step of the reaction is the reduction of H₂Ru(PPh₃)₄ (1) by MA to form Ru(MA)₂ (PPh₃)₂ (5). After activation with CF₃SO₃H the catalytically active species contains only one phosphane ligand. The basic mechanistic features of the dimerization reaction have been revealed by ²H NMR spectroscopy involving the use of CF₃SO₃D. The deuterium-labelling studies indicate the intermediate formation of a ruthenium(II) hydride complex. Subsequent olefin insertions in this complex, followed by β-hydride elimination,lead to the linear dimeric products.     

Redox potential, ligand and structural effects in rhodium(I) complexes

The electrochemical behaviour of the set of tetracoordinate rhodium(I) complexes [Rh(O^∩O)(CO)L] [O^∩O=MeC(O)CHC(O)Me (acac), L=CO (1), P(NC₄H₄)₃ (2), PPh(NC₄H₄)₂ (3), PPh₂(NC₄H₄) (4), PPh₃ (5), PCy₃ (6), P(OPh)₃ (7) or PPh₂(C₆H₄OMe-4) (8); O^∩O=PhC(O)CHC(O)Me (bac), L=CO (9) or PPh₃ (10); O^∩O=PhC(O)CHC(O)CF₃(bta), L=CO (11) or PPh₃ (12)] and of the pentacoordinate [RhH(CO)L₃] [L=P(NC₄H₄)₃ (13), PPh₃ (14), P(OPh)₃ (15) or P(OC₆H₄Me-4)₃ (16)] and [RhHL₄] [L=PPh₃ (17) or P(OC₆H₄Me-3)₃ (18)] was studied by cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential electrolysis, in aprotic medium, at a Pt electrode. They present a single-electron oxidation wave (I) (irreversible or quasi-reversible) that can be followed, at a higher potential, by a second and irreversible one (II). The values of first oxidation potential for the tetracoordinate complexes fit the additive Lever's electrochemical parameterisation, and the ligand electrochemical Lever E_L and Pickett P_L parameters were estimated for the N-pyrrolyl phosphines PPh_n(NC₄H₄)_3−n (n=0, 1 or 2) and for the organophosphines PCy₃ and PPh₂(C₆H₄OMe-4), the former behaving as weaker net electron donors (the electron donor ability decreases with the increase of the number of N-pyrrolyl groups) than the latter phosphines. The pentacoordinate hydride complexes 13–18 fit a distinct relationship which enabled the estimate of the E_L ligand parameter for the phosphites P(OC₆H₄Me-3)₃ and P(OC₆H₄Me-4)₃. Electrochemical metal site parameters were obtained for the square planar and the pentacoordinate Rh(I)/Rh(II) couples and, for the former, the redox potential is shown to present a much higher sensitivity to a change of a ligand than the octahedral redox couples investigated so far. Linear relationships were also observed between the oxidation potential and the P_L ligand parameter (for the series [Rh(acac)(CO)L]) or the infrared ν(CO) frequency, and a generalisation of the former type of correlation is proposed for series of square-planar 16-electron complexes [M′_SL] with a common 14-electron T-shaped binding metal centre {M′_S}. Oxidation of 5 by Ag[PF₆] leads to the dimerisation of the derived Rh(II) species.     

Dimethylaluminum and gallium amino alkoxides

An S,S′-thioether—thioester chelating ligand [7,8-μ-SCH₂C(O)S-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₀]⁻ (L₁), incorporating the unit [—(C)₂B₉H₁₀]⁻ has been synthesized. Reactions have been conducted with RhCl(PPh₃)₃ and PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂ complexes in ethanol. With Rh, L₁ maintains its original cyclic nature and most probably chelation via thioether—thioester takes place. The carborane negative charge may stabilize this original thioether—thioester complex. The other two Rh positions are occupied by two PPh₃ ancillary ligands forming [Rh(L₁)(PPh₃)₂]. The reaction of L₁ with Pd induces ligand modifications and the cyclic nature of L₁ is lost. A transesterification process leading to a dianionic ligand L₂, [7-S-8-SCH₂C(O)OCH₂CH₃−7,8-C₂B₉H₁₀]²⁻ has taken place. In this way L₂ is capable of compensating the dipositive Pd charge. The other two Pd positions are occupied by two PPh₃. This reaction has been extended to methanol and isopropanol solvents. The crystal structure of [Pd(L₂)(PPh₃)₂] has been determined.     

New heterodimetallic cyclopentadienyl carbonyl complexes: crystal structure of (C5Me4Et)(μ-CO)3Ru(C5Me5)

A series of heterodimetallic complexes of general formula (C₅R₅)M(μ-CO)₃RuC₅Me₅ (M = Cr, Mo, W; R = Me, Et) has been prepared in good yields by the reaction of [C₅R₅M(CO)₃]⁻ with [C₅Me₅Ru(CH₃CN)₃]⁺. (C₅Me₄Et)W(μ-CO)₃Ru(C₅Me₅) was characterized by a crystal structure determination. The W---Ru bond length of 2.41 Å is consistent with the formulation of a metal-metal triple bond, while the unsymmetrical bonding mode of the three bridging carbonyl groups reflects the inherent non-equivalence of the two different C₅R₅M-units. Using [CpRu(CH₃CN)₃]⁺ or [CpRu(CO)₂(CH₃CN)]⁺ as the cationic precursor leads to the formation of dimetallic species (C₅R₅)M(CO)₅RuC₅H₅ with both bridging and terminal carbonyl groups.     

Rhodium complexes with dioximes as catalysts of hydroformylation and hydrogenation of 1-hexene

Rhodium(II) complexes with dioximes [Rh(Hdmg)₂(PPh₃)]₂ [I] (Hdmg=monoanion of dimethylglyoxime) and [Rh(Hdmg)(ClZndmg)(PPh₃)]₂ [II] catalyse hydroformylation and hydrogenation reactions of 1-hexene at 1 MPa CO/H₂ and 0.5 MPa H₂ at 353 K, respectively. Hydroformylation with complex [I] produces 94% of aldehydes (n/iso=2.2) and 6% 2-hexene whereas the second catalyst [II] gives ca. 40% of aldehydes (n/iso=2.1) and 60% of 2-hexene. Corresponding Rh(III) complexes are inactive in hydroformylation except of RhH(Hdmg)₂(PPh₃) [III], which shows activity similar to [I]. Complexes [Rh(Hdmg)₂(PPh₃)]₂ [I], [Rh(Hdmg)(ClZndmg)(PPh₃)]₂ [II], RhH(Hdmg)₂(PPh₃) [III] and [Rh(Hdmg)₂(PPh₃)₂]ClO₄ [V] catalyse 1-hexene hydrogenation with an average TON ca. 18 cycles/mol [Rh]×min. Complex [II] has also been found to catalyse hydrogenation of cyclohexene, 1,3-cyclohexadiene and styrene.     

Synthesis, characterization and the unpleasantly disordered crystal structure of Ir(Ome)(CO)(PPh3)2(SO4)

The adducts of O₂ and SO₂ with trans-MeOIr(CO)(PPh₃)₂ are formed in equilibria and have been characterized. Reaction of the SO₂ adduct, Ir(OMe)(SO₂)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ with dioxygen leads to the sulfato complex, Ir(Ome)(CO)(PPh₃)₂(SO₄), the structure of which has been determined. Ir(Ome)(CO)(PPh₃)₂(SO₄) crystallizes in the monoclinic system with a 11.958(2), b 14.163(3), c 12.231(2) Å, β 118.365(12)°, V 1822.7(6) ų and Z = 2. Diffraction data for 2θ = 4.5–45.0° (Mo-K) were collected with a Syntex P2₁ diffractometer and the structure was solved (assuming space group P2₁/m and an unpleasant 2-fold disordered model) and refined to R = 4.8% for all 2512 independent data (R = 3.5% for those 2042 data with ¦F_O¦ > 6σ(¦F¦)). The iridium(III) atom has a distorted octahedral coordination sphere with trans PPh₃ ligands and a cis-chelating bidentate O,O′-SO₄ group; the structure is completed by mutually cis OMe and CO ligands.