Strain-controlled, photochemically, or thermally promoted haptotropic shifts of cyclopentadienyl ligands in group 8 metallocenophanes

Cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ligands in moderately strained [1]- and [2]ferrocenophanes [Fe{(eta5-C5H4)2(ERx)y}: Fe{(eta5-C5H4)2SiMe2} (1), Fe{(eta5-C5H4)CH2}2 (10)] and highly strained [2]ruthenocenophanes [Ru{(eta5-C5H4)CR2}2 {R = H (15), Me (16)}] are susceptible to partial substitution by P donors and form mixed-hapticity metallocycles-[M(L2){(eta5-C5H4)(ERx)y(eta1-C5H4)}]: [Fe(dppe){(eta5-C5H4)SiMe2(eta1-C5H4)}] (5), [Fe(dmpe){(eta5-C5H4)SiMe2(eta1-C5H4)}] (6), [Fe(dmpe){(eta5-C5H4)(CH2)2(eta1-C5H4)}] (11), [Ru(dmpe){(eta5-C5H4)(CH2)2(eta1-C5H4)}] (17), [Ru(dmpe){(eta5-C5H4)(CMe2)2(eta1-C5H4)}] (18), and [Ru(PMe3)2{(eta5-C5H4)(CH2)2(eta1-C5H4)}] (19)-through haptotropic reduction of one eta5-, pi-bound Cp to eta1, sigma-coordination. These reactions are strain-controlled, as highly ring-tilted [2]ruthenocenophanes 15 and 16 [tilt angles (alpha) approximately 29-31 degrees ] react without irradiation to form thermodynamically stable products, while moderately strained [n]ferrocenophanes 1 and 10 (alpha approximately 19-22 degrees ) require photoactivation. The iron-containing photoproducts 5 and 11 are metastable and thermally retroconvert to their strained precursors and free phosphines at 70 degrees C. In contrast, the unprecedented ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of the essentially ring-strain-free adduct 6 to afford poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) [Fe(eta5-C5H4)2SiMe2]n (Mw approximately 5000 Da) was initiated by the thermal liberation of small amounts of P donor. Unlike reactions with bidentate analogues, monodentate phosphines promoted photolytic ROP of ferrocenophanes 1 and 10. MALDI-TOF analysis suggested a cyclic structure for the soluble poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane), 8-cyclic, produced from 1 in this manner. While the polymer likewise produced from 10 was insoluble, the initiation step in the ROP process was modeled by isolation of a tris(phosphine)-substituted ring-opened ferrocenophane [Fe(PMe3)3{(eta5-C5H4)(CH2)2(C5H5)}][OCH2CH3] (13[OCH2CH3]) generated by irradiation of 10 and PMe3 in a protic solvent (EtOH). Studies of the cation 13 revealed that the Fe center reacts with a Cp- anion with loss of the phosphines to form [Fe(eta5-C5H5){(eta5-C5H4)(CH2)2(C5H5)}] (14) under conditions identical to those of the ROP experiments, confirming the likelihood of "back-biting" reactions to yield cyclic structures or macrocondensation to produce longer chains.     

Synthesis and Reactivity of a Strained Silicon‐Bridged [1]Ferrocenophanium Ion

Not blue but red‐brown : A [1]ferrocenophanium ion has been synthesized and isolated as a red‐brown crystalline salt, surprisingly different in color from characteristically blue‐green unstrained ferrocenium ions. Compared to the neutral iron(II) counterpart, the [1]ferrocenophanium ion displays a considerably higher ring tilt and an increased propensity for ring‐opening reactions.

     

Vinylcyclopropane [3+2] Cycloaddition with Acetylenic Sulfones Based on Visible Light Photocatalysis**

The first intermolecular visible light [3+2] cycloaddition reaction performed on a meta photocycloadduct employing acetylenic sulfones is described. The developed methodology exploits the advantages of combining UV and visible-light in a two-step sequence that provides a photogenerated cyclopropane which, through a strain-release process, generates a new cyclopentane ring while significantly increasing the molecular complexity. Mechanistic studies and DFT calculations indicate an energy transfer pathway for the visible light-driven reaction step. This strategy could be extended to simpler vinylcyclopropanes.     

Influence of pH on the photochemical and electrochemical reduction of the dinuclear ruthenium complex, [(phen)2Ru(tatpp)Ru(phen)2)Cl4, in water: proton-coupled sequential and concerted multi-electron reduction

The dinuclear ruthenium complex [(phen)2Ru(tatpp)Ru(phen)2]4+ (P; in which phen is 1,10-phenanthroline and tatpp is 9,11,20,22-tetraaza tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2'3'-c:3',2'-l:2',3']-pentacene) undergoes a photodriven two-electron reduction in aqueous solution, thus storing light energy as chemical potential within its structure. The mechanism of this reduction is strongly influenced by the pH, in that basic conditions favor a sequential process involving two one-electron reductions and neutral or slightly acidic conditions favor a proton-coupled, bielectronic process. In this complex, the central tatpp ligand is the site of electron storage and protonation of the central aza nitrogen atoms in the reduced products is observed as a function of the solution pH. The reduction mechanism and characterization of the rich array of products were determined by using a combination of cyclic and AC voltammetry along with UV-visible reflectance spectroelectrochemistry experiments. Both the reduction and protonation state of P could be followed as a function of pH and potential. From these data, estimates of the various reduced species' pKa values were obtained and the mechanism to form the doubly reduced, doubly protonated complex, [(phen)2Ru(H2tatpp)Ru(phen)2]4+ (H2P) at low pH (< or =7) could be shown to be a two-proton, two-electron process. Importantly, H2P is also formed in the photochemical reaction with sacrificial reducing agents, albeit at reduced yields relative to those at higher pH.     

The influence of differently substituted cyclopentadienyl CpR ligands on the reactivity of [CpRFe(CO)2]2 with yellow arsenic

The influence of differently substituted cyclopentadienyl Cp^R ligands on the reaction outcome of [Cp^RFe(CO)₂]₂ (Cp^R = C₅Me₅, EtC₅Me₄, 1,3-Bu₂tC₅H₃) with As₄ is examined. For C₅Me₅ and EtC₅Me₄, the pentaarsaferrocene derivatives [Cp^RFe(η⁵-As₅)] are formed together with [(Cp^RFe)₃As₆] and [(Cp^RFe)₃As₆{(η³-As₃)Fe}], while for 1,3-Bu₂^tC₅H₃ only [(Cp^RFe)₃As₆] is formed. The reaction of [(Me₅C₅Fe)₃As₆{(η³-As₃)Fe}] with Tl⁺ leads to [{(Me₅C₅Fe)₃As₆Fe}₂(μ,η³:η³-As₃)]²⁺ representing an unexpected dicationic cluster.     

N,N'-dialkyl- and N-alkyl-N-mesityl-substituted N-heterocyclic carbenes as ligands in Grubbs catalysts

Various symmetrically and asymmetrically substituted N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands bearing aliphatic nitrogen-containing side groups have been synthesised. In our attempts to isolate the corresponding second-generation Grubbs catalysts, we were unsuccessful when using the symmetrical aliphatic NHC ligands. For the asymmetrical ligands bearing an aliphatic moiety on one side and an aromatic mesityl group on the other side, substitution of a phosphine ligand was achieved. The performance of a so-formed series of Ru-based metathesis initiators has been evaluated for the ring-opening metathesis polymerisation (ROMP) of cycloocta-1,5-diene and the ring-closing metathesis (RCM) of diethyl diallylmalonate.     

Ruthenium complexes of thiocinnamaldehydes: synthesis, structure, and [4+2]-cycloaddition reactions

Ruthenium hydrogensulfido complexes [CpRu(P-P)(SH)] ((P-P)=Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2) (dppm), Ph(2)PC(2)H(4)PPh(2) (dppe)) were obtained from the corresponding chloro complexes by Cl/SH exchange. Condensation with a range of cinnamaldehydes gave thiocinnamaldehyde complexes [CpRu(P-P)(S=CH-CR(2)=CHR(1))]PF(6) (R(1)=C(6)H(4)X, R(2)=H, Me, X=H, OMe, NMe(2), Cl, NO(2)) as highly-colored crystalline compounds. The thiocinnamaldehyde complexes undergo [4+2]-cycloaddition reactions with vinyl ethers CH(2)=CHOR(3) (R(3)=Et, Bu) and styrenes H(2)C=CHC(6)H(4)Y (Y=H, Me, OMe, Cl, Br, NO(2)) to give complexes of 2,4,5-trisubstituted 3,4-dihydro-2H-thiopyrans as mixtures of two diastereoisomers. The rate of addition of para-substituted styrenes H(2)C=CHC(6)H(4)Y to [CpRu(dppm)(S=CH-CH=CHPh)]PF(6) increases in the series Y=NO(2), Br, Cl, H, Me, OMe, indicating that the cycloaddition is dominated by the HOMO(dienophile)-LUMO(diene) interaction. The strained dienophiles norbornadiene and norbornene also add, giving ruthenium complexes of 3-thia-tricyclo[6.2.1.0(2,7)]undeca-4,9-dienes and 3-thia-tricyclo[6.2.1.0(2,7)]undec-4-enes, respectively. Addition reactions with acrolein, methacrolein, methyl vinyl ketone, acrylic ester, or ethyl propiolate finally yielded ruthenium complexes of 3,4-disubstituted 3,4-dihydro-2H-thiopyrans and 4H-thiopyrans, respectively.     

Binding H2, N2, H-, and BH3 to transition-metal sulfur sites: synthesis and properties of [RuL(PR3)(N2Me2S2)] Complexes (L=eta2-H2, H-, BH3; R=Cy, iPr)

The reactions of [Ru(N₂)(PR₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] [‘N₂Me₂S₂’=1,2‐ethanediamine‐N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐bis(2‐benzenethiolate)(2?)] [ 1 a (R=iPr), 1 b (R=Cy)] and [μ‐N₂{Ru(N₂)(PiPr₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)}₂] ( 1 c ) with H₂, NaBH₄, and NBu₄BH₄, intended to reduce the N₂ ligands, led to substitution of N₂ and formation of the new complexes [Ru(H₂)(PR₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] [ 2 a (R=iPr), 2 b (R=Cy)], [Ru(BH₃)(PR₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] [ 3 a (R=iPr), 3 b (R=Cy)], and [Ru(H)(PR₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)]^? [ 4 a (R=iPr), 4 b (R=Cy)]. The BH₃ and hydride complexes 3 a , 3 b , 4 a , and 4 b were obtained subsequently by rational synthesis from 1 a or 1 b and BH₃?THF or LiBEt₃H. The primary step in all reactions probably is the dissociation of N₂ from the N₂ complexes to give coordinatively unsaturated [Ru(PR₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] fragments that add H₂, BH₄^?, BH₃, or H^?. All complexes were completely characterized by elemental analysis and common spectroscopic methods. The molecular structures of [Ru(H₂)(PR₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] [ 2 a (R=iPr), 2 b (R=Cy)], [Ru(BH₃)(PiPr₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] ( 3 a ), [Li(THF)₂][Ru(H)(PiPr₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] ([Li(THF)₂]‐ 4 a ), and NBu₄[Ru(H)(PCy₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] (NBu₄‐ 4 b ) were determined by X‐ray crystal structure analysis. Measurements of the NMR relaxation time T₁ corroborated the η² bonding mode of the H₂ ligands in 2 a (T₁=35 ms) and 2 b (T₁=21 ms). The H,D coupling constants of the analogous HD complexes HD‐ 2 a (¹J(H,D)=26.0 Hz) and HD‐ 2 b (¹J(H,D)=25.9 Hz) enabled calculation of the H? D distances, which agreed with the values found by X‐ray crystal structure analysis ( 2 a : 92 pm (X‐ray) versus 98 pm (calculated), 2 b : 99 versus 98 pm). The BH₃ entities in 3 a and 3 b bind to one thiolate donor of the [Ru(PR₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] fragment and through a B‐H‐Ru bond to the Ru center. The hydride complex anions 4 a and 4 b are extremely Brønsted basic and are instantanously protonated to give the η²‐H₂ complexes 2 a and 2 b .     

Characterization of three members of the electron-transfer series [Fe(pda)2]n (n=2-, 1-, 0) by spectroscopy and density functional theoretical calculations [pda=redox non-innocent derivatives of N,N'-bis(pentafluorophenyl)-o-phenylenediamide(2-, 1.-, 0)

The four-coordinate iron complexes, [Fe(III)(pda(2-))(pda(.-))] (1) and [AsPh(4)](2)[Fe(II)(pda(2-))(2)] (2) were synthesized and fully characterized; pda(2-) is the closed-shell ligand N,N'-bis(pentafluorophenyl)-o-phenylenediamido(2-), and pda(.-) represents its one-electron-oxidized pi-radical anion. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 1 and 2 performed at 100(2) K reveal a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment at the iron centers, as a result of the intramolecular pi-pi interactions between C(6)F(5) rings. The electronic structures of 1 and 2 were unambiguously determined by a combination of (57)Fe M?ssbauer and electronic spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements, X-ray crystallography, and DFT calculations. Compound 1 contains an intermediate-spin Fe(III) ion (S(Fe)=3/2) strongly antiferromagnetically coupled to a pi-ligand radical (S(R)=1/2) yielding an S(t)=1 ground state. Complex 2 possesses a high-spin Fe(II) center (S(Fe)=2) with two closed-shell dianionic ligands. Complexes 1 and 2 are members of the redox series [Fe(pda)(2)](n) with n=0 for 1 and n=2- for 2. The anion n=1- has been reported previously in the coordination salt [Fe(dad)(3)][Fe(pda)(2)] (3; dad=N,N'-bis(phenyl)-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene). A complicated temperature-dependent electronic structure has been observed for this salt. Here, DFT calculations performed on 3 confirm the previous assignments of spin- and oxidation-states. Thus, [Fe(pda)(2)](n) (n=0, 1-, 2-) constitutes an electron-transfer series, which has also been established by cyclic voltammetry; the mono- and dications (n=1+ and 2+) are also accessible in solution, but have not been further investigated. The (57)Fe M?ssbauer spectra of [Fe(pda)(2)](n) species in 1 and 3 show extremely large quadrupole splitting constants due to addition of the valence and covalence contributions that have been confirmed by DFT calculations.     

Photochemistry of RuII 4,4′‐Bi‐1,2,3‐triazolyl (btz) Complexes: Crystallographic Characterization of the Photoreactive Ligand‐Loss Intermediate trans‐[Ru(bpy)(κ2‐btz)(κ1‐btz)(NCMe)]2+

We report the unprecedented observation and unequivocal crystallographic characterization of the meta‐stable ligand loss intermediate solvento complex trans‐[Ru(bpy)(κ²‐btz)(κ¹‐btz)(NCMe)]²⁺ ( 1 a ) that contains a monodentate chelate ligand. This and analogous complexes can be observed during the photolysis reactions of a family of complexes of the form [Ru($\widehat{NN}$ )(btz)₂]²⁺ ( 1 a – d : btz=1,1′‐dibenzyl‐4,4′‐bi‐1,2,3‐triazolyl; $\widehat{NN}$ =a) 2,2′‐bipyridyl (bpy), b) 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl (dmbpy), c) 4,4′‐dimethoxy‐2,2′‐bipyridyl (dmeobpy), d) 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen)). In acetonitrile solutions, 1 a – d eventually convert to the bis‐solvento complexes trans‐[Ru($\widehat{NN}$ )(btz)(NCMe)₂]²⁺ ( 3 a – d ) along with one equivalent of free btz, in a process in which the remaining coordinated bidentate ligands undergo a new rearrangement such that they become coplanar. X‐ray crystal structure of 3 a and 3 d confirmed the co‐planar arrangement of the $\widehat{NN}$ and btz ligands and the trans coordination of two solvent molecules. These conversions proceed via the observed intermediate complexes 2 a – d , which are formed quantitatively from 1 a – d in a matter of minutes and to which they slowly revert back on being left to stand in the dark over several days. The remarkably long lifetime of the intermediate complexes (>12 h at 40 °C) allowed the isolation of 2 a in the solid state, and the complex to be crystallographically characterized. Similarly to the structures adopted by complexes 3 a and d , the bpy and κ²‐btz ligands in 2 a coordinate in a square‐planar fashion with the second monodentate btz ligand coordinated trans to an acetonitrile ligand.     

Templated synthesis of a rotaxane with a [Ru(diimine)3]2+ core

A rotaxane containing a ruthenium bisphenanthroline complex, acting as an axis, and a macrocycle incorporating a 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) unit, threaded by the axis, has been synthesized. The bisphenanthroline ligand is such that its ruthenium(II) complexes possess a clearly identified axis, making such compounds ideal components of rotaxanes constructed around an octahedral ruthenium(II) center, which serves as a template. The ring is threaded by the axial ruthenium(II) precursor complex, to afford the corresponding pseudorotaxane in moderate yield. The X-ray structure analysis of this compound reveals the threaded nature of the complex. The length of the threaded ring (35 atoms in the periphery) is too short to allow easy threading of the axis through the macrocycle. As a consequence, an isomer is also obtained for which the axial ruthenium complex is attached in an exo fashion. (1)H NMR studies have been carried out, which reveal various conformational equilibria for the pseudorotaxane. Light-induced decoordination of the bpy-containing cyclic fragment was shown to be quantitative and to lead to the free ring and the axial ruthenium(II) complex, regardless of the starting compound (pseudorotaxane or exo isomer). Finally, the real rotaxane could be prepared, although it could not be separated from its exo isomer.     

New benzo[h]quinoline-based ligands and their pincer Ru and Os complexes for efficient catalytic transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds

New benzo[h]quinoline ligands (HCN'N) containing a CHRNH2 (R=H (a), Me (b), tBu (c)) function in the 2-position were prepared starting from benzo[h]quinoline N-oxide (in the case of ligand a) and 2-chlorobenzo[h]quinoline (for ligands b and c). These compounds were used to prepare ruthenium and osmium complexes, which are excellent catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation (TH) of ketones. The reaction of a with [RuCl2(PPh3)3] in 2-propanol at reflux afforded the terdentate CN'N complex [RuCl(CN'N)(PPh3)2] (1), whereas the complexes [RuCl(CN'N)(dppb)] (2-4; dppb=Ph2P(CH2)4PPh2) were obtained from [RuCl2(PPh3)(dppb)] with a-c, respectively. Employment of (R,S)-Josiphos, (S,R)-Josiphos*, (S,S)-Skewphos, and (S)-MeO-Biphep in combination with [RuCl2(PPh3)3] and ligand a gave the chiral derivatives [RuCl(CN'N)(PP)] (5-8). The osmium complex [OsCl(CN'N)(dppb)] (12) was prepared by treatment of [OsCl2(PPh3)3] with dppb and ligand a. Reaction of the chloride 2 and 12 with NaOiPr in 2-propanol/toluene afforded the hydride complexes [MH(CN'N)(dppb)] (M=Ru 10, Os 14), through elimination of acetone from [M(OiPr)(CN'N)(dppb)] (M=Ru 9, Os 13). The species 9 and 13 easily reacted with 4,4'-difluorobenzophenone, via 10 and 14, respectively, affording the corresponding isolable alkoxides [M(OR)(CN'N)(dppb)] (M=Ru 11, Os 15). The complexes [MX(CN'N)(P2)] (1-15) (M=Ru, Os; X=Cl, H, OR; P=PPh3 and P2=diphosphane) are efficient catalysts for the TH of carbonyl compounds with 2-propanol in the presence of NaOiPr (2 mol %). Turnover frequency (TOF) values up to 1.8x10(6) h(-1) have been achieved using 0.02-0.001 mol % of catalyst. Much the same activity has been observed for the Ru--Cl, --H, --OR, and the Os--Cl derivatives, whereas the Os--H and Os--OR derivatives display significantly lower activity on account of their high oxygen sensitivity. The chiral Ru complexes 5-8 catalyze the asymmetric TH of methyl-aryl ketones with TOF approximately 10(5) h(-1) at 60 degrees C, up to 97 % enatiomeric excess (ee) and remarkably high productivity (0.005 mol % catalyst loading). High catalytic activity (TOF up to 2.2x10(5) h(-1)) and enantioselectivity (up to 98 % ee) have also been achieved with the in-situ-generated catalysts prepared from [MCl2(PPh3)3], (S,R)-Josiphos or (S,R)-Josiphos*, and the benzo[h]quinoline ligands a-c.     

DNA Sequence and Ancillary Ligand Modulate the Biexponential Emission Decay of Intercalated [Ru(L)2dppz]2+ Enantiomers

The bi‐exponential emission decay of [Ru(L)₂dppz]²⁺ (L=N,N′‐diimine ligand) bound to DNA has been studied as a function of polynucleotide sequence, enantiomer, and nature of L (phenanthroline vs. bipyridine). The lifetimes (τ_i) and pre‐exponential factors (α_i) depend on all three parameters. With [poly(dA‐dT)]₂, the variation of α_i with [Nu]/[Ru] has little dependence on L for Λ‐[Ru(L)₂dppz]²⁺ but a substantial dependence for Δ‐[Ru(L)₂dppz]²⁺. With [poly(dG‐dC)]₂, by contrast, the Λ‐enantiomer α_i values depend strongly on the nature of L, whereas those of the Δ‐enantiomer are relatively unaffected. DNA‐bound linked dimers show similar photophysical behaviour. The lifetimes are identified with two geometries of minor‐groove intercalated [Ru(L)₂dppz]²⁺, resulting in differential water access to the phenazine nitrogen atoms. Interplay of cooperative and anti‐cooperative binding resulting from complex–complex and complex–DNA interactions is responsible for the observed variations of α_i with binding ratio. [Ru(phen)₂dppz]²⁺ emission is quenched by guanosine in DMF, which may further rationalise the shorter lifetimes observed with guanine‐rich DNA.     

An acidity scale of tetrafluoroborate salts of phosphonium and iron hydride compounds in [D2]dichloromethane

Equilibrium constants (K) for reactions between acids and the conjugate base forms of a number of phosphonium salts, [HPR3][BF4], and iron hydrides, [Fe(CO)3H(PR3)2][BF4], in CD(2)Cl(2) have been determined by means of 31P and 1H NMR spectroscopy at 20 degrees C. The anchor compound chosen for pK(CD(2)Cl(2)) determinations was [HPCy3][BF4] with a pK(CD(2)Cl(2)) value of 9.7, as assigned by literature convention (Cy: cyclohexyl). A continuous scale of pK(CD(2)Cl(2)) values covering the range from 9.7 to -3 was created and correlated with the DeltaH values reported by Angelici and co-workers and literature pK(a) values. The pK(CD(2)Cl(2)) values for 15 other hydride or dihydrogen complexes of the iron group elements and of diethyl ether were also placed on this scale. The crystal structures of [Fe(CO)3H(PCy(2)Ph)2][BF4] and [Fe(CO)3(PCy(2)Ph)2] revealed that the trans-oriented, bulky, unsymmetrical phosphane ligands distort the equatorial plane of the complexes. The acidity of iron carbonyl hydrides is an important feature of the reactions of iron hydrogenase enzymes.