Nickel nitrosyl complexes in a sulfur-rich environment: The first poly(mercaptoimidazolyl)borate derivatives

The diamagnetic nickel mononitrosyl complexes (Tm^R)Ni(NO) (R = Bu^t, p-Tol) and (Bm^R)Ni(PPh₃)(NO) (R = Me, Bu^t) have been readily prepared from Ni(PPh₃)₂(NO)Br and the appropriate Na(Tm^R) or Na(Bm^R) reagents, respectively. These species constitute the first nickel nitrosyl complexes supported by these ligand systems. An X-ray diffraction study of (Tm^p-Tol)Ni(NO) confirmed its pseudo-tetrahedral geometry and the presence of a nearly linear nitrosyl ligand. In contrast, (Bm^Me)Ni(PPh₃)(NO) can be best described as having a trigonal pyramidal geometry, a spatial arrangement unprecedented in nickel nitrosyl chemistry, which is facilitated by the disposition of the Bm^Me ligand and the presence of a weak intramolecular Ni?H–B interaction opposite to the apical triphenylphosphine ligand.     

A Diazabutadiene stabilized Nickel(0) Cyclooctadiene Complex: Synthesis,Characterization and the Reaction with Diphenylacetylene

The reaction of [Ni(COD)₂] with one equivalent of DAB^Mes (DAB^Mes = (2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂)N=C(Me)‐C(Me)=N(2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂)) affords a mixture of the compound [Ni(DAB^Mes)₂] ( 2 ) and starting material [Ni(COD)₂]. The crystallographically characterized, diamagnetic complex 2 can be obtained in a stoichiometric reaction of [Ni(COD)₂] and two equivalents of DAB^Mes. This reaction can be accelerated by addition of 1‐chloro‐fluorobenzene or methyl iodide. In the presence of 1‐chloro‐fluorobenzene, [Ni(DAB^Mes)(COD)] ( 3 ) is available via reaction of [Ni(COD)₂] and one equivalent of DAB^Mes. The crystallographically characterized complex 3 reacts with diphenylacetylene to afford [Ni(DAB^Mes)(Ph‐C≡C‐Ph)] ( 4 ). A long‐wavelength absorption band in the UV‐Vis spectrum of this compound has to be assigned to a mixed MLCT/LL′CT transition, as quantum chemical calculations reveal.     

The synthesis of thionitrosodimethylamine (Me2NNS) complexes of ruthenium,osmium, and iridium

Neutral hydrido complexes [ML]ClH(PPh₃)₃ ([ML] = Ru(CO), Os(CO) and Ir(Cl)] react with thionitrosodimethylamine, Me₂NNS, to give [ML]ClH-(SNNMe₂)(PPh₃)₂ with H trans to Me₂NNS, while the hydrido cations cis,trans-[[ML]H(SNNMe₂)₂(PPh₃)₂]⁺ are obtained from Me₂NNS and [Ru(NCMe)₂(CO)-(PPh₃)₂]⁺, [OsH(OH₂)(CO)(PPh₃)₃]⁺ and [IrClH(NCMe)₂(PPh₃)₂]⁺, respectively. The coordinatively unsaturated aryl complexes [ML′]Cl(p-tolyl)(PPh₃)₂ ([ML′]Ru(CO), Os(CO) and Os(CS)) coordinate one molecule of Me₂NNS to give [ML′]Cl(p-tolyl)(SNNMe₂)(PPh₃)₂, the chloride ligands of which are labile. Spectroscopic data suggest that in all these complexes the Me₂NNS ligand adopts a η¹(S) coordination mode.     

The Synthesis,Crystal, Molecular and Electronic Structure of [ReCl2(NO)(py)3]

In line with our investigations of rhenium nitrosyl complexes, we have studied the reaction of [ReCl₃(NO)(OPPh₃)(PPh₃)] with pyridine. The [ReCl₂(NO)(py)₃] complex obtained in this reaction has been characterised by IR, electronic spectra and magnetochemical measurements; ligand field parameters and the electronic structure have been determined. The crystal and molecular structure of [ReCl₂(NO)(py)₃] has been solved by the heavy atom method. Crystals of [ReCl₂(NO)(py)₃] contain distorted octahedral molecules with the pyridine ligands in the mer-arrangement. The nitrosyl group is coordinated linearly to the rhenium atom as NO⁺.     

Tetrahedral nickel nitrosyl complexes with tripodal [N3] and [Se3] donor ancillary ligands: structural and computational evidence that a linear nitrosyl is a trivalent ligand

Linear nickel nitrosyl compounds supported by tridentate nitrogen and selenium ligands, namely the tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)hydroborato and tris(2-seleno-1-mesitylimidazolyl)hydroborato complexes, [TpMe2]NiNO and [TseMes]NiNO, have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. Computational studies demonstrate that the linear nitrosyl ligand behaves as a trivalent X3 ligand such that the Ni-N interaction has multiple bond character.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of silver(I) complexes with moon-shaped benzo[1,2-b;4,3-b′]dithiophene phosphine derivative ligands

New silver complexes of general formula [Ag(O₃SCF₃)(PPh₂{bzt})_n] (n = 1–3, bzt = benzo[1,2-b;4,3-b′]dithiophene) have been synthesized and characterized. Spectroscopic studies shown neutral ligand fluxionallity, typical of silver(I) complexes. The solid state structure of the complexes was determined by X-ray crystallographic studies, showing a decrease in structure complexity with increasing number of neutral ligands in silver coordination sphere: [Ag(O₃SCF₃)(PPh₂{bzt})] is a dimer with two bridging triflate anions, further linked into polymeric bidimensional chains along bc plane, through Ag?Ph close contacts; Ag(O₃SCF₃)(PPh₂{bzt})₂] is also a dimmer with two bridging triflate anions, displaying an interesting packing feature, with zig-zag alignment of bzt groups along direction b; [Ag(O₃SCF₃)(PPh₂{bzt})₃] is a monomer.     

Structural variations of nickel complexes in NiS4 and NiS2PN coordination environments: spectral and single-crystal X-ray structural studies on bis(4-methylpiperidinecarbodithioato-S,S′)nickel(II) and (4-methylpiperidinecarbodithioato-S,S′)(thiocyanato-N)(triphenylphosphine)nickel(II)

Abstract  

[Ni(4-mpipdtc)₂] and [Ni(4-mpipdtc)(PPh₃)(NCS)] (4-mpipdtc = 4-methylpiperidinecarbodithioate anion) have been characterized by electronic, IR, and NMR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray analysis, and cyclic voltammetry. IR spectra of the complexes show the contribution of the thioureide form to the structures. ¹H NMR spectra show the deshielding of α-CH₂ protons on complexation. ¹³C NMR spectra shows interesting differences between the N¹³CS₂ carbon signals of the parent complex [Ni(4-mpipdtc)₂] and the mixed ligand complex [Ni(4-mpipdtc)(PPh₃)(NCS)]. The N¹³CS₂ carbon signal for [Ni(4-mpipdtc)(PPh₃)(NCS)] is observed at 204.85 ppm with an upfield shift of about 3.8 ppm compared with that found in [Ni(4-mpipdtc)₂] (201.06 ppm). The observed shielding in [Ni(4-mpipdtc)(PPh₃)(NCS)] indicates the effect of PPh₃ on the mesomeric drift of electron density toward nickel through the thioureide C–N bond. Single crystal X-ray analysis of [Ni(4-mpipdtc)₂] and [Ni(4-mpipdtc)(PPh₃)(NCS)] confirms the presence of four-coordinated nickel in a distorted square-planar arrangement with the NiS₄ and NiS₂PN chromophores, respectively. The C–N (thioureide) bond lengths of [Ni(4-mpipdtc)(PPh₃)(NCS)] are shorter than those found in [Ni(4-mpipdtc)₂], because of the presence of the π-acid (triphenylphosphine) in [Ni(4-mpipdtc)(PPh₃)(NCS)]. Significant asymmetry in Ni–S bond distances was observed in Ni(4-mpipdtc)(PPh₃)(NCS)] (2.162(2) and 2.211(2) ?). This observation clearly supports the less effective trans effect of SCN^– over PPh₃. The piperidine ring in the dithiocarbamate fragment is in the normal chair conformation.     

New nitrosyl(perfluorocarboxylato) complexes of the platinum metals

Perfluorocarboxylic acids (R_FCOOH) (R_F = CF₃,C₂F₅ and (for Rh) C₆F₅) react with the species [M(NO)₂(PPh₃)₂] (M = Ru, Os) and [M′(NO)(PPh₃)₃] (M′ = Rh, Ir) to yield new nitrosyl complexes [Ru(OCOR_F)₃(NO)(PPh₃)₂], [OsH(OCOR_F)₂(NO)(PPh₃)₂], [Os(OCOR_F)(NO)₂(PPh₃)₂][OCOR_F], [Ir(OCOR_F)(NO)(PPh₃)₂][OCOR_F] and [Rh(OCOR_F)₂(NO)(PPh₃)₂].     

The Nature of the UC Double Bond: Pushing the Stability of High‐Oxidation‐State Uranium Carbenes to the Limit

Treatment of [K(BIPM^MesH)] (BIPM^Mes={C(PPh₂NMes)₂}^2?; Mes=C₆H₂‐2,4,6‐Me₃) with [UCl₄(thf)₃] (1 equiv) afforded [U(BIPM^MesH)(Cl)₃(thf)] ( 1 ), which generated [U(BIPM^Mes)(Cl)₂(thf)₂] ( 2 ), following treatment with benzyl potassium. Attempts to oxidise 2 resulted in intractable mixtures, ligand scrambling to give [U(BIPM^Mes)₂] or the formation of [U(BIPM^MesH)(O)₂(Cl)(thf)] ( 3 ). The complex [U(BIPM^Dipp)(μ‐Cl)₄(Li)₂(OEt₂)(tmeda)] ( 4 ) (BIPM^Dipp={C(PPh₂NDipp)₂}^2?; Dipp=C₆H₃‐2,6‐iPr₂; tmeda=N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine) was prepared from [Li₂(BIPM^Dipp)(tmeda)] and [UCl₄(thf)₃] and, following reflux in toluene, could be isolated as [U(BIPM^Dipp)(Cl)₂(thf)₂] ( 5 ). Treatment of 4 with iodine (0.5 equiv) afforded [U(BIPM^Dipp)(Cl)₂(μ‐Cl)₂(Li)(thf)₂] ( 6 ). Complex 6 resists oxidation, and treating 4 or 5 with N‐oxides gives [{U(BIPM^DippH)(O)₂‐ (μ‐Cl)₂Li(tmeda)] ( 7 ) and [{U(BIPM^DippH)(O)₂(μ‐Cl)}₂] ( 8 ). Treatment of 4 with tBuOLi (3 equiv) and I₂ (1 equiv) gives [U(BIPM^Dipp)(OtBu)₃(I)] ( 9 ), which represents an exceptionally rare example of a crystallographically authenticated uranium(VI)–carbon σ bond. Although 9 appears sterically saturated, it decomposes over time to give [U(BIPM^Dipp)(OtBu)₃]. Complex 4 reacts with PhCOtBu and Ph₂CO to form [U(BIPM^Dipp)(μ‐Cl)₄(Li)₂(tmeda)(OCPhtBu)] ( 10 ) and [U(BIPM^Dipp)(Cl)(μ‐Cl)₂(Li)(tmeda)(OCPh₂)] ( 11 ). In contrast, complex 5 does not react with PhCOtBu and Ph₂CO, which we attribute to steric blocking. However, complexes 5 and 6 react with PhCHO to afford (DippNPPh₂)₂C?C(H)Ph ( 12 ). Complex 9 does not react with PhCOtBu, Ph₂CO or PhCHO; this is attributed to steric blocking. Theoretical calculations have enabled a qualitative bracketing of the extent of covalency in early‐metal carbenes as a function of metal, oxidation state and the number of phosphanyl substituents, revealing modest covalent contributions to U?C double bonds.     

A structural and n.m.r. investigation of chlorodinitrosyl bis(triphenyl phosphine) osmium(1+) tetrafluoroborate, [OsCl(NO)2(PPh3)2]BF4

Summary [OsCl(NO)₂(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ has been synthesised from [OsCl(CO)(NO)(PPh₃)₂] and NOBF₄ and characterised in the solid state by a single crystal x-ray analysis determination and in solution by³¹P{¹H} and¹⁵N n.m.r. studies. The nitrosyl ligands in [OsCl(NO)₂(PPh₃)₂]⁺ are approximately linear, and 170(1)⁰, and the co-ordination geometry about the metal ion is close to trigonal bipyramidal. This contrasts with the occurrence of a linear and a bent nitrosyl ligand in [RuCl(NO)₂(PPh₃)₂]⁺ and a square-pyramidal metal geometry. In solution the¹⁵N n.m.r. spectrum of a 50%¹⁵N enriched sample of [OsCl(NO)₂(PPh₃)₂]⁺ shows an equilibrium isotope effect similar to that reported for [RuCl(NO)₂(PPh₃)₂]⁺ and suggests that both complexes exist in solution as rapidly equilibrating isomeric forms.     

Synthesis and structural characterisation of a ruthenium dinitrosyl complex with atrans-chelating bidentate diphosphine (1,10-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl) [a] benzophenanthrene) chlorodi(nitrosyl)ruthenium tetrafluoroborate, [RuCl(NO)2{(Ph2PCH2)2-C18H10}]BF4

Summary [RuCl(NO)₂(dppbp)]BF₄ (dppbp=(Ph₂PCH₂)_2–) has been synthesised from [RuCl(NO)₂(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ and dppbp and characterised in the solid state by a single crystal x-ray determination. The [RuCl(NO)₂(dppbp)]⁺ cation, has an approximately square-pyramidal co-ordination geometry with the dppbp ligand occupyingtrans-basal sites. The nitrosyl ligand in the apical site is partially bent [Ru–N–O=156.2(7)⁰] and the nitrosyl ligand in the basal side is essentially linear [Ru–N–O=172.5(6)⁰]. The¹Hn.m.r. spectrum of [RuCl(NO)₂(dppbp)]BF₄ in solution has provided some insight into the dynamics of the complex in solution.     

Nickelocene chemistry : III. Reactions of Bromo(η5-cyclopentadienyl)triphenylphosphinenickel with phosphorus,arsenic and sulphur ylids

The phosphorus ylids Ph₃PCHR (R = Me, Et, Prⁿ, Prⁱ, Bu_n, Cl, and OMe), and the ylids Ph₃AsCH₂, Me₂SCH₂, and Me₂S(O)CH₂ react with [Ni(η⁵-C₅H₅)Br(PPh₃)] at room temperature to give the complexes [Ni(Ph₃PCHR)(η⁵-C₅H₅(PPh₃)] Br, [Ni(Ph₃AsCH₂)(η⁵-C₅H₅)(PPh₃)]Br, [Ni(Me₂SCH₂)(η⁵-C₅H₅)(PPh₃)]Br and [Ni{Me₂S(O)CH₂} (η⁵-C₅H₅)(PPh₃)]Br, respectively. These are readily converted into the corresponding hexafluorophosphate salts on reaction with ammonium hexafluorophosphate. Under more forcing conditions the stabilised ylid Ph₃PCHCOPh gives a product believed to be the complex [Ni(Ph₃PCHCOPh)₂(η⁵-C₅H₅)]Br, isolated and characterised as its PF₆^? salt.     

Synthesis of trans-[Re(NO)2-(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)2][BF4], a formal dinitrosyl complex of rhenium(-I) and its protic denitrosylation. X-Ray structure of trans-[ReF(NO)-(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)2][BF4]

Treatment of a THF solution of trans-[ReCl(N₂)(dppe)₂] (dppe = Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂) with NO, in the presence of Tl[BF₄], forms trans-[Re(NO)₂(dppe)₂][BF₄], a rare formal 20-electron d⁸-rhenium nitrosyl complex which, by reaction with HX (X = BF₄, Cl or HSO₄), gives trans-[ReF(NO)(dppe)₂][BF₄] (2) (the X-ray structure of which is reported) or trans-[ReX(NO)(dppe)₂]X (3, X = Cl or HSO₄), respectively, as well as nitrous oxide.     

Nitrosyl derivatives of the unsaturated dihydrides [Mn2(μ-H)2(CO)6(μ-L2)] (L2 = Ph2PCH2PPh2, (EtO)2POP(OEt)2)

The title dimanganese complexes react with NO (5% in N₂) at room temperature to give as major products the corresponding hexanitrosyl derivatives [Mn₂(NO)₆(μ-L₂)] in moderate yields, and they react rapidly with NO₂ to give the corresponding hydride derivatives [Mn₂(μ-H)(μ-NO₂)(CO)₆(μ-L₂)], these having a nitrite ligand bridging the dimetal centre through the N and O atoms. The dppm-bridged dihydride also reacts selectively at 273 K with (PPN)NO₂ to give first the nitro derivative (PPN)[Mn₂(μ-H)(H)(NO₂)(CO)₆(μ-dppm)], which then transforms into the nitrosyl complex (PPN)[Mn₂(μ-CO)(CO)₅(NO)(μ-dppm)] at room temperature or above (dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂; PPN⁺ = [N(PPh₃)₂]⁺). The latter anion reacts with (NH₄)PF₆ to give the hydride-bridged nitrosyl complex [Mn₂(μ-H)(μ-NO)(CO)₆(μ-dppm)] and with [AuCl(PPh₃)] to give the trinuclear cluster [AuMn₂(μ-NO)(CO)₆(μ-dppm)(PPh₃)] (Mn-Au = ca. 2.68 Å; Mn-Mn = 2.879(2) Å). Both products are derived from the addition of the added electrophile at the intermetallic bond and rearrangement of the nitrosyl ligand into a bridging position. In contrast, methylation of the anion with CF₃SO₃Me takes place at the nitrosyl ligand to yield the unstable methoxylimide derivative [Mn₂(μ-NOMe)(CO)₆(μ-dppm)]. Analogous reactions at the nitrosyl ligand take place upon the addition of HBF₄·OEt₂ to the nitrosyl-bridged hydrides [Mn₂(μ-H)(μ-NO)(CO)_n(μ-dppm)_m] (n = 6, m = 1; n = 4, m = 2) to give the corresponding hydroxylimide derivatives [Mn₂(μ-H)(μ-NOH)(CO)_n(μ-dppm)_m]BF₄, which were also thermally unstable and could not be isolated nor fully characterized.     

Generation of the dichloromethane complex [(η5-C5Me5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(ClCH2Cl]+ BF4−, and its conversion to the oxidative addition product [(η5-C5Me5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(Cl)(CH2Cl)]+ BF4−

Reaction of (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(CH₃) and HBF₄ · OEt₂ in CH₂Cl₂ at −78°C gives the dichloromethane complex [η⁵-C₅Me₅Re(NO)(PPh₃)(ClCH₂Cl)]⁺ BF₄⁻, which undergoes the title transformation at −35°C. The ReClCH₂Cl carbon is attacked by halide nucleophiles (X⁻) to give XCH₂Cl and the chloride complex (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(Cl), and exhibits a ¹³C NMR resonance that is coupled to phosphorus (d, ³J(CP) 5.0 Hz) and geminal hydrogens (t, ¹J(CH) 186 Hz).     

Ein- und zweikernige Dinitrosylkomplexe von Molybdän und Wolfram. Die Kristallstrukturen von (PPh3Me)2[WCl4(NO)2], (PPh3Me)2[MoCl3(NO)2]2 und von (PPh3Me)2[WCl3(NO)2]2

Mono- and Binuclear Dinitrosyl Complexes of Molybdenum and Tungsten. Crystal Structures of (PPh₃Me)₂[WCl₄(NO)₂], (PPh₃Me)₂[MoCl₃(NO)₂]₂, and (PPh₃Me)₂[WCl₃(NO)₂]₂ The complexes (PPh₃Me)₂[MCl₄(NO)₂] (M = Mo, W), and (PPh₃Me)₂[MCl₃(NO)₂]₂, respectively, are prepared by reactions of the polymeric compounds MCl₂(NO)₂ with triphenylmethylphosphonium chloride in CH₂Cl₂, forming green crystals. According to the IR spectra the nitrosyl groups are in cis-position in all cases. The tungsten compounds as well as (PPh₃Me)₂[MoCl₃(NO)₂]₂ were characterized by structure determinations with X-ray methods. (PPh₃Me)₂[WCl₄(NO)₂]: space group C2/c, Z = 4. a = 1874, b = 1046, c = 2263 pm, β = 119.99°. Structure determination with 3492 independent reflexions, R = 0.057. The compound consists of PPh₃Me^⊕ ions, and anions [WCl₄(NO)₂]^2? with the nitrosyl groups in cis-position (symmetry C_2v). (PPh₃Me)₂[WCl₃(NO)₂]₂: Space group C2/c, Z = 4. Structure determination with 2947 independent reflexions, R = 0.059. (PPH₃Me)₂[MoCl₃(NO)₂]₂: Space group P1 , Z = 1. a = 989, b = 1134, c = 1186 pm; α = 63.25°, β = 80.69°, γ = 69.94°. Structure determination with 3326 independent reflexions, R = 0.046. The compounds consist of PPh₃Me^⊕ ions, and centrosymmetric anions [MCl₃(NO)₂]₂^2?, in which the metal atoms are associated via MCl₂M bridges of slightly different lengths. One of the NO groups is in an axial position, the other one in equatorial position (symmetry C_2h).     

Preparation and reactions of nitrosyl-tetrazene derivatives of Rh and Ir

Compounds of formula [M(NO)(PPh₃)(N₄R₂)] (I) (M  Rh, Ir; R  SO_2^? C₆H₄CH₃) have been obtained by the interaction of M(NO)(PPh₃)₃ with p-toluene-sulphonyl azide in benzene. These new compounds are formulated as tetrazene derivatives on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic data. They react with ligands, L, (e.g. CO, PPh₃ to give pentacoordinated species of formula [M(NO)(PPh₃(L)(N₄R₂)].The tetrazene derivatives yield the new nitrosyl compounds, M(NO)(PPh₃)Cl₂ (II) on treatment with HCl, the nitrogen-containing residue being converted into RN₃ and RNH₂ species. The compounds (II) are coordinatively unsaturated, and react with ligands L in the same manner as compounds (I), giving new derivatives of formula M(NO)(PPh₃)(L)Cl₂.IR and NMR spectra of the new compounds are reported and discussed. The presence in solution of a structure in which the chelate tetrazene ring has opened {e.g. [M(NO)(PPh₃)(NR)(N₃R)]} is suggested by NMR studies.     

Synthesis and structural properties of a series of pentacoordinate rhodium nitrosyl complexes: Crystal and molecular structures of cis-dibromonitrosylbis(methoxydiphenylphosphine)rhodium and trans-dibromonitrosylbis(iso-propoxydiphenylphosphine)rhodium

The pentacoordinate rhodium nitrosyl complexes [RhBr₂(NO)L₂ [L = P(OPh)₂Ph, P(OMe)Ph₂ or P(OPrⁱ)Ph₂] have been synthesized and the structures of [RhBr₂(NO){P(OMe)Ph₂}₂] and [RhBr₂(NO){P(OPrⁱ)Ph₂}₂] have been determined X-ray crystallographically. Both of these latter compounds are tetragonal pyramidal with the nitrosyl group apical. The methoxydiphenylphosphine ligands in [RhBr₂(NO){P(OMe)Ph₂}₂] are cis-disposed whereas the larger cis-propoxydiphenylphosphine ligands in [RhBr₂(NO){P(OPrⁱ)Ph₂}₂] are mutually trans. The nitrosyl group in trans-[RhBr₂(NO){P(OPrⁱ)Ph₂}₂] eclipses an Rh-P axis but in cis-[RhBr₂(NO){P(OMe)Ph₂}₂] it is staggered with respect to the P-Rh-P linkage. The isomeric behaviour of nitrosyl complexes of type [RhX₂(NO)L₂] (X = halogen, L = phosphorus donor ligand) is rationalized in terms of the size of the ligand L.     

Conversion of Nitric Oxide into Nitrous Oxide as Triggered by the Polarization of Coordinated NO by Hydrogen Bonding

Reduction of the {Co(NO)}⁸ cobalt–nitrosyl N‐confused porphyrin (NCP) [Co(CTPPMe)(NO)] ( 1 ) produced electron‐rich {Co(NO)}⁹ [Co(CTPPMe)(NO)][Co(Cp*)₂] ( 2 ), which was necessary for NO‐to‐N₂O conversion. Complex 2 was NO‐reduction‐silent in neat THF, but was partially activated to a hydrogen‐bonded species 2 ??? MeOH in THF/MeOH (1:1, v/v). This species coupling with 2 transformed NO into N₂O, which was fragmented from an [N₂O₂]‐bridging intermediate. An intense IR peak at 1622 cm^?1 was ascribed to ν(NO) in an [N₂O₂]‐containing intermediate. Time–course ESI(?) mass spectra supported the presence of the dimeric [Co(NCP)]₂(N₂O₂) intermediate. Five complete NO‐to‐N₂O conversion cycles were possible without significant decay in the amount of N₂O produced.     

Synthesis and structural characterisation of rhodium hydride complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands

Addition of excesses of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) IEt₂Me₂, IⁱPr₂Me₂ or ICy (IEt₂Me₂ = 1,3-diethyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene; IⁱPr₂Me₂ = 1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene; ICy = 1,3-dicyclohexylimidazol-2-ylidene) to [HRh(PPh₃)₄] (1) affords an isomeric mixture of [HRh(NHC)(PPh₃)₂] (NHC = IEt₂Me₂ (cis-/trans-2), IⁱPr₂Me₂ (cis-/trans-3), ICy (cis-/trans-4) and [HRh(NHC)₂(PPh₃)] (IEt₂Me₂(cis-/trans-5), IⁱPr₂Me₂ (cis-/trans-6), ICy (cis-/trans-7)). Thermolysis of 1 with the aryl substituted NHC, 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene (IMesH₂), affords the bridging hydrido phosphido dimer, [{(PPh₃)₂Rh}₂(μ-H)(μ-PPh₂)] (8), which is also the reaction product formed in the absence of carbene. When the rhodium precursor was changed from 1 to [HRh(CO)(PPh₃)₃] (9) and treated with either IMes (=1,3-dimesitylimidazol-2-ylidene) or ICy, the bis-NHC complexes trans-[HRh(CO)(IMes)₂] (10) and trans-[HRh(CO)(ICy)₂] (11) were formed. In contrast, the reaction of 9 with IⁱPr₂Me₂ gave [HRh(CO)(IⁱPr₂Me₂)₂] (cis-/trans-12) and the unusual unsymmetrical dimer, [(PPh₃)₂Rh(μ-CO)₂Rh(IⁱPr₂Me₂)₂] (13). The complexes trans-3, 8, 10 and 13 have been structurally characterised.