Conversion of novel palladacycles into oxopyrrolo[3,4-b]quinolines

The quinolinylcyclopalladated complexes 3a–b were synthesised in good yields (81% and 77%) by the insertion reaction of the prepared dinuclear palladium complexes [Pd(C,N-2-C₉H₄N-CHO-3-R-6)Cl(PPh₃)]₂ [(R = H (2a), R = OMe (2b)] with isonitrile XyNC (Xy = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃). The cyclopalladated complexes 3a–b were also obtained in low yields (39% and 33.5%) via a one pot oxidative addition reaction of quinoline chloride 1a–b with isonitrile XyNC:Pd(dba)₂ (4:1). The reactions of 3a–b with Tl(TfO) (TfO = triflate, CF₃SO₃) in the presence of H₂O or EtOH causes depalladation reactions of the complexes to provide the corresponding organic compounds 4a–b, 5a–b and 6a–b in yields (41%, 27% and 18–19%). The products were characterized by satisfactory elemental analyses and spectral studies (IR, ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR). The crystal structures of 2a, 3a and 3b were determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Synthesis and reaction chemistry of [(μ-SeR)(μ-σ,π-CCPh)]Fe2(CO)6

RSeCCPh (1a, R = Et; 1b, R = n-Bu; 1c, R = Ph; 1d, R = 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂) reacts with equimolar amounts of Fe₂(CO)₉ (2) to give [(μ-SeR)(μ-σ,π-CCPh)]Fe₂(CO)₆ (3a, R = Et; 3b, R = n-Bu; 3c, R = Ph; 3d, R = 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂).Complexes 3a-3d exist as two isomers, depending on the axial or equatorial position of R at selenium.Addition of P(OⁱC₃H₇)₃ (4) to 3d affords {(μ-Se-2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂)[μ-η¹-CCPh(P(OⁱC₃H₇)₃)]}Fe₂(CO)₆ (5) along with {(μ-Se-2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂)[μ-η¹:η¹-PhCC(P(OⁱC₃H₇)₃)]}Fe₂(CO)₆ (6).The solid-state structures of 3d, 5 and 6 were determined by single X-ray structure analysis.In mononuclear 3d the Fe(CO)₃ fragments are bridged by a μ-Se-2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂ and a μ-σ,π-CCPh unit, resulting in an over-all butterfly arrangement.Due to steric reasons, the mesityl group is pointing away from the PhCC entity and hence, is located in an equatorial position.Compounds 5 and 6, which co-crystallise in the ratio of 7:93, feature aμ-bridging 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂Se unit and either a vinylidenic CCPh(P(OⁱC₃H₇)₃) (complex 5) or a olefinic PhCC(P(OⁱC₃H₇)₃) (complex 6) building block of which the latter entity is part of a diiron cyclobutene ring.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and spectroscopic characterization of new neutral and cationic (η-p-cymene)–ruthenium(II) complexes with phosphine–amide ligands

The dimeric starting material [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ reacts with the phosphino-amides o-Ph₂P–C₆H₄CO–NH–R [R = ⁱPr (a), Ph (b), 4-MeC₆H₄ (c), 4-FC₆H₄ (d)] to give the mononuclear compounds 1a–d [RuCl(η⁶-p-cymene)(o-Ph₂P–C₆H₄–CO–NH–R)]Cl. The subsequent reaction of these complexes with KPF₆ produced the cationic species 2a–d [RuCl(η⁶-p-cymene)(o-Ph₂P–C₆H₄–CO–NH–R)][PF₆] in which phosphino-amides also act as rigid P,O-chelating ligands. The molecular structures of 2b–d were determined crystallographically. Amide deprotonation is achieved when complexes 2a–d were made react with 1 M aqueous solution of KOH, affording the corresponding neutral species 3a–d [RuCl(η⁶-p-cymene)(o-Ph₂P–C₆H₄–CO–N–R)] in which a P,N-coordination mode is suggested.     

Triphenylpyrylium salt-sensitized photoreactions of 1,4-diaryl-2,3-dioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes through competitive single electron-transfer pathway and proton-catalyzed pathway

2,4,6-Triphenylpyrylium tetrafluoroborate (TPPBF₄)-sensitized photoinduced electron-transfer (PET) reactions of 1,4-diaryl-2,3-dioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes 5 (a: Ar¹ = Ar² = p-MeOC₆H₄, b: Ar¹ = Ar² = p-MeC₆H₄, c: Ar¹ = Ar² = Ph) underwent novel fragmentation through their radical cations to give 1,4-diarylbutan-1,4-diones 6 accompanied by elimination of ethylene. On the other hand, 4-aryl-cyclohex-3-en-1-ones 7, p-substituted phenols 8, and 4-aryl-4-aryloxycyclohexanones 9 were produced through proton-catalyzed pathways when the PET reactions of 5 were performed in the absence of a certain base such as 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine (DTBP). Particularly, the formation of 9 is consistent with the novel cationic rearrangement involving nucleophilic O-1,2-aryl shifts and C-1,4-aryl shifts.     

Catalytic hydrogenation of CO and CN bonds via heterolysis of H2 mediated by metal-sulfur bonds of rhodium and iridium thiolate complexes

Coordinatively unsaturated rhodium and iridium complexes having a bulky thiolate, [Cp∗M(PMe₃)(SDmp)](BAr^F₄) (1a: M = Rh; 1b: M = Ir; Dmp = 2,6-(mesityl)₂C₆H₃, Ar^F = 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃), catalyzed the hydrogenation of benzaldehyde, N-benzylideneaniline, and cyclohexanone, under 1 atm of H₂ at low temperatures. In these catalytic reactions, the M-H/S-H complexes [Cp∗M(PMe₃)(H)(HSDmp)](BAr^F₄) (2a: M = Rh; 2b: M = Ir) generated via H₂ heterolysis by 1a or 1b were suggested to transfer both M-H hydride and S-H proton to substrates. The catalytic reactions were terminated by the dissociation of H-SDmp from the metal centers of 2a and 2b that occurs at ambient temperature under H₂ atmosphere.     

Synthesis and characterization of aluminum complexes of 2-pyrazol-1-yl-ethenolate ligands

The synthesis and the characterization of some new aluminum complexes with bidentate 2-pyrazol-1-yl-ethenolate ligands are described. 2-(3,5-Disubstituted pyrazol-1-yl)-1-phenylethanones, 1-PhC(O)CH₂-3,5-R₂C₃HN₂ (1a, R = Me; 1b, R = Bu^t), were prepared by solventless reaction of 3,5-dimethyl pyrazole or 3,5-di-tert-butyl pyrazole with PhC(O)CH₂Br. Reaction of 1a or 1b with (R¹ = Me, Et) yielded N,O-chelate alkylaluminum complexes (2a, R = R¹ = Me; 2b, R = Bu^t, R¹ = Me; 2c, R = Me, R¹ = Et). Compound 1a was readily lithiated with LiBuⁿ in thf or toluene to give lithiated species 3. Treatment of 3 with 0.5 equiv of MeAlCl₂ or AlCl₃ yielded five-coordinated aluminum complexes [XAl(OC(Ph)CH{(3,5-Me₂C₃HN₂)-1})₂] (4, X = Me; 5, X = Cl). Reaction of 5 with an equiv of LiHBEt₃ generated [Al(OC(Ph)CH{(3,5-Me₂C₃HN₂)-1})₃] (6). Complex 6 was also obtained by reaction of 3 with 1/3 equiv of AlCl₃. Treatment of 5 with 2 equiv of AlMe₃ yielded complex 2a, whereas with an equiv of AlMe₃ afforded a mixture of 2a and [Me(Cl)AlOC(Ph)CH{(3,5-Me₂C₃HN₂)-1}] (7). Compounds 1a, 1b, 2a-2c and 4-6 were characterized by elemental analyses, NMR and IR (for 1a and 1b) spectroscopy. The structures of complexes 2a and 5 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Both 2a and 5 are monomeric in the solid state. The coordination geometries of the aluminum atoms are a distorted tetrahedron for 2a or a distorted trigonal bipyramid for 5.     

Synthesis of neutral and cationic monocyclopentadienyl alkyl niobium and tantalum complexes

Compound [NbCp′Me₄] (Cp′ = η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃, 1) reacted with several ROH compounds (R = tBu, SiiPr₃, 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) to give the derivatives [NbCp′Me₃(OR)] (R = tBu 2a, SiiPr₃2b, 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃2c). The diaryloxo tantalum compound [TaCp^∗Me₂(OR)₂] (Cp^∗ = η⁵-C₅Me₅, R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃3) was obtained by reaction of [TaCp^∗Cl₂Me₂] with 2 equiv of LiOR (R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃). Abstraction of one methyl group from these neutral compounds 1-3 with the Lewis acids E(C₆F₅)₃ (E = B, Al) gave the ionic derivatives [NbCp′Me₂X][MeE(C₆F₅)₃] (X = Me 4-E. X = OR; R = SiiPr₃5b-E, 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃5c-E. E = B, Al) and [TaCp^∗Me(OR)₂][MeE(C₆F₅)₃] (R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃6-E; E = B, Al). Polymerization of MMA with the aryloxoniobium compound 2c and Al(C₆F₅)₃ gave syndiotactic PMMA in a low yield, whereas the tetramethylniobium compound 1 and the diaryloxotantalum derivative 3 were inactive.     

From symmetrical to unsymmetrical bimetallic nickel complexes bearing aryl-linked iminopyridines; synthesis, structures and ethylene polymerisation studies

Both symmetrical and unsymmetrical tetramethylphenyl-linked iminopyridines, 1,4-{(2-C₅H₄N)RCN}₂-2,3,5,6-Me₄C₆ [R = H (L1a), Me (L1b)] and 1-{(2-C₅H₄N)HCN}-4-{(2-C₅H₄N)MeCN}-2,3,5,6-Me₄C₆ (L1c), have been prepared in good yield using straightforward condensation strategies. The molecular structures of L1a and L1c reveal the adjacent imino and pyridyl nitrogen atoms to adopt transoid configurations. Interaction of L1x with two equivalents of NiX₂ [NiX₂ = (DME)NiBr₂ (DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane), NiCl₂] in n-BuOH at elevated temperature affords the paramagnetic bimetallic complexes, [(L1x)Ni₂X₄] [L1x = L1a, X = Br (1a); L1x = L1b, X = Br (1b); L1x = L1c, X = Br (1c); L1x = L1a, X = Cl (1d)] in moderate to good yield. Adduct formation results on treatment of bromide-containing 1a-1c with DMF (dimethylformamide) to yield dicationic [(L1x)Ni₂Br₂(DMF)₆]Br₂ [L1x = L1a (2a), L1b (2b), L1c (2c)], while with chloride-containing 1d the neutral species [(L1a)Ni₂Cl₄(DMF)₄] (3) is obtained. Activation of 1a-1d and 2c with excess methylaluminoxane (MAO) generates active ethylene polymerisation catalysts (1b/MAO > 1c/MAO > 1a/MAO ∼ 1d/MAO > 2c/MAO) affording mixtures of waxes and low molecular weight solid polyethylene. Multinuclear NMR and GC analysis of the waxy components reveal methyl branched materials that contain mostly internal unsaturation along with low levels of α-olefins. Broad molecular weight distributions are observed for all the polymers obtained, with that from 1b/MAO leading to the highest molecular weight. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies have been performed on L1a, L1c, 2a-2c and 3.     

Reactivity and electrochemical behavior of ruthenium dithiolene complexes with coordinatively unsaturated metal centers: cycloaddition and dimerization reactions

The novel ruthenium dithiolene complexes [(arene)Ru{S₂C₂(COOMe)₂}] (arene = C₆H₆ (1a), C₆H₄(Me)(iPr) (1b), C₆Me₆ (1c)) were synthesized. The equilibrium between complex 1a and the corresponding dimer [(C₆H₆)Ru{S₂C₂(COOMe)₂}]₂ (1a′) was confirmed in solution. The reaction of complex 1a with dimethyl- or diethylacetylene dicaboxylate gave the alkene-bridged adducts [(C₆H₆)Ru{S₂C₂(COOMe)₂}{C₂(COOR)₂}] (R = Me (2a), Et (3a)) as [2 + 2] cycloaddition products formally. The reactions of complex 1a with diazo compounds also gave the alkylidene-bridged adducts [(C₆H₆)Ru{S₂C₂(COOMe)₂}(CHR)] (R = H (4a), SiMe₃ (5a), COOEt (6a)) as [2 + 1] cycloaddition products. The electrochemical behavior of complex 1a was investigated. The reductant of complex 1a was a stable species for several minutes. The oxidant of complex 1a was very unstable; the cation 1a⁺ formed was immediately converted to the corresponding cationic dimer 1a′⁺. The cationic dimer 1a′⁺ was stable for several minutes, and it was rapidly and quantitatively converted to the neutral complex 1a when it was reduced.     

Synthesis and thermal behavior of dimethyl scandium complexes featuring anilido-phosphinimine ancillary ligands

A family of N,N donor ligands [1-(NHAr)-2-(PR₂NAr′)C₆H₄] (1a-d; Ar = 2,6-ⁱPr₂-C₆H₃, R = Me, Ph, Ar′ = 2,4,6-Me₃-C₆H₂, 2-ⁱPr-C₆H₄, 2,6-ⁱPr₂-C₆H₃) has been prepared and fully characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Lithiation of the N-H unit and subsequent salt metathesis protocols with ScCl₃THF₃ provides an avenue to organometallic scandium complexes. The resultant base-free monomeric dichlorides LScCl₂, 3a-d, have been fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy as well as X-ray crystallography (3a,c,d). Alkylation of the dichlorides using LiMe results in clean formation of dialkyl complexes LScMe₂4a-c. Thermolysis of these materials under argon and hydrogen leads to decomposition products as a result of C-H activation of the ligand. Analysis of these results provides a qualitative assessment of the metalative resistance of each ligand framework.     

Reactions of trimethylsiloxychlorosilanes with lithium metal - On the mechanism of the formation of trimethylsiloxysilyllithium compounds LiSiRR’(OSiMe3)

The reaction pathway for the formation of the trimethylsiloxysilyllithium compounds (Me₃SiO)RR′SiLi (2a: R = Et, 2b: R = ⁱPr, 2c: R = 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂ (Mes); 2a-c: R′ = Ph; 2d: R = R′ = Mes) starting from the conversion of the corresponding trimethylsiloxychlorosilanes (Me₃SiO)RR′SiCl (1a-d) in the presence of excess lithium in a mixture of THF/diethyl ether/n-pentane at −110 °C was investigated.The trimethylsiloxychlorosilanes (Me₃SiO)RPhSiCl (1a: R = Et, 1b: R = ⁱPr, 1c: R = Mes) react with lithium to give initially the trimethylsiloxysilyllithium compounds (Me₃SiO)RPhSiLi (2a-c). These siloxysilyllithiums 2 couple partially with more trimethylsiloxychlorosilanes 1 to produce the siloxydisilanes (Me₃SiO)RPhSi-SiPhR(OSiMe₃) (Ia-c), and they undergo bimolecular self-condensation affording the trimethylsiloxydisilanyllithium compounds (Me₃SiO)RPhSi-RPhSiLi (3a-c). The siloxydisilanes I are cleaved by excess of lithium to give the trimethylsiloxysilyllithiums (Me₃SiO)RPhSiLi (2). In the case of the two trimethylsiloxydisilanyllithiums (Me₃SiO)RPhSi-RPhSiLi (3a: R = Et, 3b: R = ⁱPr) a reaction with more trimethylsiloxychlorosilanes (Me₃SiO)RPhSiCl (1a, 1b) takes place under formation of siloxytrisilanes (Me₃SiO)RPhSi-RPhSi-SiPhR(OSiMe₃) (IIa: R = Et, IIb: R = ⁱPr) which are cleaved by lithium to yield the trimethylsiloxysilyllithiums (Me₃SiO)RPhSiLi (2a, 2b) and the trimethylsiloxydisilanyllithiums (Me₃SiO)RPhSi-RPhSiLi (3a, 3b). The dimesityl-trimethylsiloxy-silyllithium (Me₃SiO)Mes₂SiLi (2d) was obtained directly by reaction of the trimethylsiloxychlorosilane (Me₃SiO)Mes₂SiCl (1d) and lithium without formation of the siloxydisilane intermediate. Both silyllithium compounds 2 and 3 were trapped with HMe₂SiCl giving the products (Me₃SiO)RR′Si-SiMe₂H and (Me₃SiO)RPhSi-RPhSi-SiMe₂H.     

Allylpalladium (II) complexes with dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinate ligands: Synthesis, structure, spectroscopy and their transformation into palladium chalcogenides

The synthesis, characterization and thermal behavior of new monomeric allylpalladium (II) complexes with dichalcogenoamidodiphosphinate anions are reported. The complexes [R = H, R′ = Prⁱ, E = S (1a); R = H, R′ = Prⁱ, E = Se (1b); R = H, R′ = Ph, E = S (1c); R = H, R′ = Ph, E = Se (1d); R = Me, R′ = Prⁱ, E = S (2a); R = Me, R′ = Prⁱ, E = Se (2b); R = Me, R′ = Ph, E = S (2c); R = Me, R′ = Ph, E = Se (2d)] have been prepared by room temperature reaction of [Pd(η³-CH₂C(R)CH₂)(acac)] (acac = acetylacetonate) with dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinic acids in acetonitrile solution. The complexes have been characterized by multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C{¹H}, ³¹P{¹H}, ⁷⁷Se{¹H}), FT-IR and elemental analyses. The crystal structures of complexes 1a, 1d and 2d have been reported and they consist of a six-membered PdE₂P₂N ring (E = S for 1a and Se for 1d and 2d) and an allyl group, C₃H₄R(R = H for 1a and 1d and Me for 2d). Thermogravimetric studies have been carried out for few representative complexes. The complexes thermally decompose in argon atmosphere to leave a residue of palladium chalcogenides, which have been characterized by PXRD, SEM and EDS.     

The cyclopalladation reaction of 2-phenylaniline revisited

2-Phenylaniline reacted with Pd(OAc)₂ in toluene at room temperature for 24 h in a one-to-one molar ratio and with the system PdCl₂, NaCl and NaOAc in a 1 (2-phenylaniline):1 (PdCl₂):2 (NaCl):1 (NaOAc) molar ratio in methanol at room temperature for one week to give the dinuclear cyclopalladated compounds (μ-X)₂[Pd{κ²-N2′,C1-2-(2′-NH₂C₆H₄)C₆H₄}]₂ [1a (X = OAc) and 1b (X = Cl)] in high yield. Moreover, the reaction between 2-phenylaniline and Pd(OAc)₂ in one-to-one molar ratio in acid acetic at 60 °C for 4 h, followed by a metathesis reaction with LiBr, allowed isolation of the dinuclear cyclopalladated compound (μ-Br)₂[Pd{κ²-N2′,C1-2-(2′-NH₂C₆H₄)C₆H₄}]₂ (1c) in moderate yield. A parallel treatment, but using monodeuterated acetic acid (DOAc) as solvent in the cyclopalladation reaction, allowed isolation of a mixture of compounds 1c, 1c_d1 [Pd{κ²-N2′,C1-2-(2′-NH₂C₆H₄)C₆H₄](μ-Br)₂[Pd{κ²-N2′,C1-2-(2′-NH₂C₆H₄)-3-d-C₆H₃] and 1c_d2 (μ-Br)₂[Pd{κ²-N2′,C1-2-(2′-NH₂C₆H₄)-3-d-C₆H₃}]₂ in moderate yield and with a deuterium content of ca. 60%. 1a and 1b reacted with pyridine and PPh₃ affording the mononuclear cyclopalladated compounds [Pd{κ²-N2′,C1-2-(2′-NH₂C₆H₄)C₆H₄}(X)(L)] [2a (X = OAc, L = py), 2b (X = Cl, L = py), 3a (X = OAc, L = PPh₃) and 3b (X = Cl, L = PPh₃)] in a yield from moderate to high. Furthermore, 1a reacted with Na(acac) · H₂O to give the mononuclear cyclopalladated compound 4 [Pd{κ²-N2′,C1-2-(2′-NH₂C₆H₄)C₆H₄}(acac)] in moderate yield. ¹H NMR studies in CDCl₃ solution of 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b and 4 showed that 2a and 3a presented an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the acetato ligand and the amino group, and were involved in a dynamic equilibrium with water present in the CDCl₃ solvent; and that the enantiomeric molecules of 2b and 4 were in a fast exchange at room temperature, while they were in a slow exchange for 2a, 3a and 3b. The X-ray crystal structures of 3b and 4 were determined. 3b crystallized in the triclinic space group with a = 9.9170(10), b = 10.4750(10), c = 12.0890(10) Å, α = 98.610(10)°, β = 94.034(10)° and γ = 99.000(10)° and 4 in the monoclinic space group P2₁/a with a = 11.5900(10), b = 11.2730(10), c = 12.2150(10) Å, α = 90°, β = 107.6560(10)° and γ = 90°.     

Cyclopalladation of N-phenyl-4-ferrocenylmethylpyrazoles: Crystal structure of [Pd{κ-C,N-C6H4-1-[(3,5-Me2-C3N2)-CH2-(η-C5H4)Fe(η-C5H5)]}Cl(PPh3)] · CH2Cl2

The synthesis and characterization of pyrazole derivatives of general formula [C₆H₄-4-R-1-{(3,5-Me₂-C₃N₂)-CH₂-(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)}] [R = OMe (1a) or H (1b)] with a ferrocenylmethyl substituent are described.The study of the reactivity of compounds 1 with palladium(II) acetate has allowed the isolation of complexes (μ-AcO)₂[Pd{κ²-C,N-C₆H₃-4-R-1-[(3,5-Me₂-C₃N₂)-CH₂-(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)]}]₂ (2) [R = OMe (2a) or H (2b)] that contain a bidentate [C(sp², phenyl), N]⁻ ligand and a central “Pd(μ-AcO)₂Pd” unit.Furthermore, treatment of 2 with LiCl produced complexes (μ-Cl)₂[Pd{κ²-C,N-C₆H₃-4-R-1-[(3,5-Me₂-C₃N₂)-CH₂-(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)]}]₂ (3) [R = OMe (3a) or H (3b)] that arise from the replacement of the acetato ligands by the Cl⁻.Compounds 2 and 3 also react with PPh₃ giving the monomeric complexes [Pd{κ²-C,N-C₆H₃-4-R-1-[(3,5-Me₂-C₃N₂)-CH₂-(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)]}X(PPh₃)] {X⁻ = AcO⁻ and R = OMe (5a) or H (5b) or X⁻ = Cl⁻ and R = OMe (6a) or H (6b)}, where the phosphine is in a cis-arrangement to the metallated carbon atom. Treatment of 3 with thallium(I) acetylacetonate produced [Pd{κ²-C,N-C₆H₃-4-R-1-[(3,5-Me₂-C₃N₂)-CH₂-(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)]}(acac)] (7) [R = OMe (7a) or H (7b)]. Electrochemical studies of the free ligands and the cyclopalladated complexes are also reported. The dimeric complexes 3 also react with MeO₂C-CC-CO₂Me (in a 1:4 molar ratio) giving [Pd{(MeO₂C-CC-CO₂Me)₂C₆H₃-4-R-1-[(3,5-Me₂-C₃N₂)-CH₂-(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)]}Cl] (8) [R = OMe (8a) or H (8b)], which arise from the bis(insertion) of the alkyne into the σ{Pd-C(sp², phenyl)} bond of 3.     

New N-heterocyclic carbene silver(I) and mercury(II) 2-D supramolecular layers by the π-π stacking interactions

The precursor 1-(9-anthracenylmethyl)-3-alkylbenzimidazolium chlorides (1a, alkyl = C₄H₉, 1b, alkyl = C₆H₁₃) and their three new NHC silver(I) and mercury(II) complexes {[1-(9-anthracylmethyl)-3-alkylbimy]MCl}₂ (2a, alkyl = C₄H₉, M = Ag; 2b, alkyl = C₆H₁₃, M = Ag; 3a, alkyl = C₄H₉, M = Hg; bimy = benzimidazol-2-ylidene) have been prepared and characterized. The crystal structures of 2a, 2b and 3a showed that 2-D supramolecular layers are formed by both benzimidazole ring head to tail π-π stacking interactions and anthracene ring face-to-face π-π stacking interactions.     

Olefin-aminocarbyne coupling in diiron complexes: Synthesis of new bridging aminoallylidene complexes

The bridging aminocarbyne complexes [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Me, 1a; Xyl, 1b; 4-C₆H₄OMe, 1c; Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆ H₃) react with acrylonitrile or methyl acrylate, in the presence of Me₃NO and NaH, to give the corresponding μ-allylidene complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³- C_α(N(Me)(R))C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R′)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R = Me, R′ = CN, 3a; R = Xyl, R′ = CN, 3b; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, R′ = CN, 3c; R = Me, R′ = CO₂Me, 3d; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, R′ = CO₂Me, 3e). Likewise, 1a reacts with styrene or diethyl maleate, under the same reaction conditions, affording the complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(R′)C_γ(H)(R″)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = H, R″ = C₆H₅, 3f; R′ = R″ = CO₂Et, 3g). The corresponding reactions of [Ru₂{μ-CN(Me)(CH₂Ph)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (1d) with acrylonitrile or methyl acrylate afford the complexes [Ru₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(Me)(CH₂Ph))C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R′)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (R′ = CN, 3h; CO₂Me, 3i), respectively.The coupling reaction of olefin with the carbyne carbon is regio- and stereospecific, leading to the formation of only one isomer. C-C bond formation occurs selectively between the less substituted alkene carbon and the aminocarbyne, and the C_β-H, C_γ-H hydrogen atoms are mutually trans.The reactions with acrylonitrile, leading to 3a-c and 3h involve, as intermediate species, the nitrile complexes [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NC-CHCH₂)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (M = Fe, R = Me, 4a; M = Fe, R = Xyl, 4b; M = Fe, R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, 4c; M = Ru, R = CH₂C₆H₅, 4d).Compounds 3a, 3d and 3f undergo methylation (by CH₃SO₃CF₃) and protonation (by HSO₃CF₃) at the nitrogen atom, leading to the formation of the cationic complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(Me)₃)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = CN, 5a; R = CO₂Me, 5b; R = C₆H₅, 5c) and [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(N(H)(Me)₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = CN, 6a; R = CO₂Me, 6b; R = C₆H₅, 6c), respectively.Complex 3a, adds the fragment [Fe(CO)₂(THF)(Cp)]⁺, through the nitrile functionality of the bridging ligand, leading to the formation of the complex [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(CNFe(CO)₂Cp)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (9).In an analogous reaction, 3a and [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)₂(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃], in the presence of Me₃NO, are assembled to give the tetrameric species [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C_α(NMe₂)C_β(H)C_γ(H)(CN[Fe₂{μ- CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂])}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Me, 10a; R = Xyl, 10b; R = 4-C₆H₄OMe, 10c).The molecular structures of 3a and 3b have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Cyclopalladation of 3-methoxyimino-2-phenyl-3H-indoles

The direct cyclopalladation of 3-methoxyimino-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3H-indole (1a) and 3-methoxyimino-2-phenyl-3H-indole (1b) results in the regioselective activation of the ortho σ[C(sp², phenyl)-H] bond affording (μ-OAc)₂[Pd{κ²-C,N-C₆H₃-4R-1-(C₈H₄N-3′-NOMe)}]₂ (2) {R = Cl (2a) or H (2b)} that contain a central “Pd(μ-OAc)₂Pd” core. Compounds 2a and 2b reacted with triphenylphosphine (in a molar ratio PPh₃:2 = 2) giving [Pd{κ²-C,N-C₆H₃-4R-1-(C₈H₄N-3′-NOMe)}(OAc)(PPh₃)] (3) {R = Cl (3a) or H (3b)}. Treatment of 2a or 2b with a slight excess of LiCl in acetone produced the metathesis of the bridging ligands and the formation of (μ-Cl)₂[Pd{κ²-C,N-C₆H₃-4R-1-(C₈H₄N-3′-NOMe)}]₂ (4) {R = Cl (4a) or H (4b)} with a central “Pd(μ-Cl)₂Pd” moiety. The reactions of 4a or 4b with deuterated pyridine (py-d₅) or triphenylphosphine gave the monomeric derivatives [Pd{κ²-C,N-C₆H₃-4R-1-(C₈H₄N-3′-NOMe)}Cl(L)] with R = Cl or H and L = py-d₅ (5) or PPh₃ (6). The crystal structure of 6b·1/2CH₂Cl₂ confirmed the mode of binding of the ligand, the nature of the metallated carbon atom and a trans-arrangement of the phosphine ligand and the heterocyclic nitrogen. Theoretical calculations on the free ligands are also reported and have allowed the rationalization of the regioselectivity of the cyclopalladation process.     

The effect of titanium alkoxides in the synthesis of heterobimetallic complexes by titanocene(III) alkoxide-induced metal-metal bond cleavage of metal carbonyl dimers

A series of titanocene(III) alkoxides L₂Ti(III)OR where L = Cp, R = Et(1b), ^tBu(1a), 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃(1c), 2,6-^tBu₂-4-Me-C₆H₂(1d), or L = Cp*, R = Me(2e), ^tBu(2a), Ph(2f) was synthesized and subjected to reaction with [CpM(CO)₃]₂ [M = Mo, W], [CpRu(CO)₂]₂, and Co₂(CO)₈. The Ti(III) precursors 1a, 1c, 2a, 2e, and 2f reacted with [CpM(CO)₃]₂ [M = Mo, W] to form heterobimetallic complexes L₂Ti(OR)(μ-OC)(CO)₂MCp [M = Mo, W], of which Ti and M are linked by an isocarbonyl bridge. Reactions of these Ti(III) complexes with Co₂(CO)₈ resulted in formation of Ti-Co₁ heterobimetallic complexes, from 2a, 2e, or 2f, or Ti-Co₃ tetrametallic complexes, Cp₂Ti(O^tBu)(μ-OC)Co₃(CO)₉ from 1a, 1b, or 1c. The products were characterized by NMR, IR, and X-ray crystallography. Reaction mechanisms were proposed from these results, in particular, from steric/electronic effects of titanium alkoxides.