Highly Strained Heterometallacycles of Group 4 Metallocenes with Bis(diphenylphosphino)methanide Ligands

A study of the coordination chemistry of different bis(diphenylphosphino)methanide ligands [Ph₂PC(X)PPh₂] (X=H, SiMe₃) with Group 4 metallocenes is presented. The paramagnetic complexes [Cp₂Ti{κ²‐P,P‐Ph₂PC(X)PPh₂}] (X=H ( 3 a ), X=SiMe₃ ( 3 b )) have been prepared by the reactions of [(Cp₂TiCl)₂] with [Li{C(X)PPh₂}₂(thf)₃]. Complex 3 b could also be synthesized by reaction of the known titanocene alkyne complex [Cp₂Ti(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] with Ph₂PC(H)(SiMe₃)PPh₂ ( 2 b ). The heterometallacyclic complex [Cp₂Zr(H){κ²‐P,P‐Ph₂PC(H)PPh₂}] ( 4 aH ) has been prepared by reaction of the Schwartz reagent with [Li{C(H)PPh₂}₂(thf)₃]. Reactions of [Cp₂HfCl₂] with [Li{C(X)PPh₂}₂(thf)₃] gave the highly strained corresponding metallacycles [Cp₂M(Cl){κ²‐P,P‐Ph₂PC(X)PPh₂}] ( 5 aCl and 5 bCl ) in very good yields. Complexes 3 a , 4 aH , and 5 aCl have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Complex 3 a has also been characterized by EPR spectroscopy. The structure and bonding of the complexes has been investigated by DFT analysis. Reactions of complexes 4 aH , 5 aCl , and 5 bCl did not give the corresponding more unsaturated heterometallacyclobuta‐2,3‐dienes.     

Four‐Membered Heterometallacyclic d0 and d1 Complexes of Group 4 Metallocenes with Amidato Ligands

A study of the coordination chemistry of different amidato ligands [(R)N?C(Ph)O] (R=Ph, 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl (Dipp)) at Group 4 metallocenes is presented. The heterometallacyclic complexes [Cp₂M(Cl){κ²‐N,O‐(R)N?C(Ph)O}] M=Zr, R=Dipp ( 1 a ), Ph ( 1 b ); M=Hf, R=Ph ( 2 )) were synthesized by reaction of [Cp₂MCl₂] with the corresponding deprotonated amides. Complex 1 a was also prepared by direct deprotonation of the amide with Schwartz reagent [Cp₂Zr(H)Cl]. Salt metathesis reaction of [Cp₂Zr(H)Cl] with deprotonated amide [(Dipp)N?C(Ph)O] gave the zirconocene hydrido complex [Cp₂M(H){κ²‐N,O‐(Dipp)N?C(Ph)O}] ( 3 ). Reaction of 1 a with Mg did not result in the desired Zr(III) complex but in formation of Mg complex [(py)₃Mg(Cl) {κ²‐N,O‐(Dipp)N?C(Ph)O}] ( 4 ; py=pyridine). The paramagnetic complexes [Cp′₂Ti{κ²‐N,O‐(R)N?C(Ph)O}] (Cp′=Cp, R=Ph ( 7 a ); Cp′=Cp, R=Dipp ( 7 b ); Cp′=Cp*, R=Ph ( 8 )) were prepared by the reaction of the known titanocene alkyne complexes [Cp₂′Ti(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] (Cp′=Cp ( 5 ), Cp′=Cp* ( 6 )) with the corresponding amides. Complexes 1 a , 2 , 3 , 4 , 7 a , 7 b , and 8 were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. The structure and bonding of complexes 7 a and 8 were also characterized by EPR spectroscopy.     

Reactions of Group 4 Metallocene Complexes with Mono‐ and Diphenylacetonitrile: Formation of Unusual Four‐ and Six‐Membered Metallacycles

Reactions of Group 4 metallocene alkyne complexes [Cp′₂M(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] ( 1 : M=Zr, Cp′=Cp*=η⁵‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; 2 a : M=Ti, Cp′=Cp*, and 2 b : M=Ti, Cp′₂=rac‐(ebthi)=rac‐1,2‐ethylene‐1,1′‐bis(η⁵‐tetrahydroindenyl)) with diphenylacetonitrile (Ph₂CHCN) and of the seven‐membered zirconacyclocumulene 3 with phenylacetonitrile (PhCH₂CN) were investigated. Different compounds were obtained depending on the metal, the cyclopentadienyl ligand and the reaction temperature. In the first step, Ph₂CHCN coordinated to 1 to form [Cp*₂Zr(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)(NCCHPh₂)] ( 4 ). Higher temperatures led to elimination of the alkyne, coordination of a second Ph₂CHCN and transformation of the nitriles to a keteniminate and an imine ligand in [Cp*₂Zr(NC₂Ph₂)(NCHCHPh₂)] ( 5 ). The conversion of 4 to 5 was monitored by using ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The analogue titanocene complex 2 a eliminated the alkyne first, which led directly to [Cp*₂Ti(NC₂Ph₂)₂] ( 6 ) with two keteniminate ligands. In contrast, the reaction of 2 b with diphenylacetonitrile involved a formal coupling of the nitriles to obtain the unusual four‐membered titanacycle 7 . An unexpected six‐membered fused zirconaheterocycle ( 8 ) resulted from the reaction of 3 with PhCH₂CN. The molecular structures of complexes 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 were determined by X‐ray crystallography.     

Reactions of Group 4 Metallocenes with Monosubstituted Acetonitriles: Keteniminate Formation versus CC Coupling

The reactions of the Group 4 metallocene dichlorides [Cp′₂MCl₂] ( 1 a : M=Ti, Cp′=Cp*=η⁵‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, 1 b : M=Zr, Cp′=Cp=η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl) with lithiated MesCH₂?C?N gave [Cp*₂TiCl(N=C=C(HMes))] ( 3 ; Mes=mesityl) in the case of 1 a . For compound 1 b , a nitrile–nitrile coupling resulted in a five‐membered bridge in 4 . The reaction of the metallocene alkyne complex [Cp*₂Zr(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] ( 2 ) with PhCH₂?C?N led in the first step to the unstable product [Cp*₂Zr(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)(NC?CH₂Ph)] ( 5 ). After the elimination of the alkyne, a mixture of products was formed. By variation of the solvent and the reaction temperature, three compounds were isolated: a diazadiene complex 6 , a bis(keteniminate) complex 7 , and 8 with a keteniminate ligand and a five‐membered metallacycle. Subsequent variation of the Cp ligand and the metal center by using [Cp₂Zr] and [Cp*₂Ti] with Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃ in the reactions with PhCH₂?C?N gave complex mixtures.     

The Binary Group 4 Azides [PPh4]2[Zr(N3)6] and [PPh4]2[Hf(N3)6]

The binary zirconium and hafnium polyazides [PPh₄]₂[M(N₃)₆] (M=Zr, Hf) were obtained in near quantitative yields from the corresponding metal fluorides MF₄ by fluoride–azide exchange reactions with Me₃SiN₃ in the presence of two equivalents of [PPh₄][N₃]. The novel polyazido compounds were characterized by their vibrational spectra and their X‐ray crystal structures. Both anion structures provide experimental evidence for near‐linear M‐N‐N coordination of metal azides. The species [M(N₃)₄], [M(N₃)₅]^? and [M(N₃)₆]^2? (M=Ti, Zr, Hf) were studied by quantum chemical calculations at the electronic structure density functional theory and MP2 levels.     

The Electronic Structure and Photochemistry of Group 6 Bimetallic (Fischer) Carbene Complexes: Beyond the Photocarbonylation Reaction

The UV spectra of Group 6 metal carbene complexes bearing a CpM(CO)₃ (Cp=cyclopentadienyl) moiety bonded to the carbene carbon atom exhibit a redshift of the absorption maxima at higher wavelengths with respect to the parent monometallic complexes. This redshift is partly due to a higher occupation on the p_z atomic orbital of the carbene carbon atom. Time‐dependent DFT calculations accurately assign this band to a metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer transition, thus showing that the presence of a second metal center does not affect the nature of the transition. However, the photochemical reactivity of Group 6 metal carbene complexes bearing a CpM(CO)₃ moiety strongly depends on the nature of this metal fragment. A new photoslippage reaction leading to fulvenes occurs when Mn‐derived products 11 a , 11 b , and 12 a are irradiated (both Cr and W derivatives), whereas Re‐derived product 11 c behaves like standard Fischer complexes and yields the usual photocarbonylation products. A new photoreduction process occurring in the metallacyclopropanone intermediate is also observed for these complexes. Both computational and deuteration experiments support this unprecedented photoslippage process. The key to this differential photoreactivity seems to be the M–Cp back‐donation, which hampers the slippage process for Re derivatives and favors the carbonylation reaction.     

Syntheses and Characterization of a Pair of Isomers of Heteroleptic Bis(Bidentate) Ruthenium(II) Complexes with Two Different Monodentate Ligands

Two isomers of heteroleptic bis(bidentate) ruthenium(II) complexes with dimethyl sulfoxide (dmso) and chloride ligands, trans(Cl,N_bpy)- and trans(Cl,N_Hdpa)-[Ru(bpy)Cl(dmso-S)(Hdpa)]⁺ (bpy: 2,2′-bipyridine; Hdpa: di-2-pyridylamine), are synthesized. This is the first report on the selective synthesis of a pair of isomers of cis-[Ru(L)(L′)XY]ⁿ⁺ (L≠L′: bidentate ligands; X≠Y: monodentate ligands). The structures of the ruthenium(II) complexes are clarified by means of X-ray crystallography, and the signals in the ¹H NMR spectra are assigned based on ¹H–¹H COSY spectra. The colors of the two isomers are clearly different in both the solid state and solution: the trans(Cl,N_bpy) isomer has a deep red color, whereas the trans(Cl,N_Hdpa) isomer is yellow. Although both complexes have intense absorption bands at λ≈440–450 nm, only the trans(Cl,N_bpy) isomer has a shoulder band at λ≈550 nm. DFT calculations indicate that the LUMOs of both isomers are the π* orbitals in the bpy ligand, and that the LUMO level of the trans(Cl,N_bpy) isomer is lower than that of the trans(Cl,N_Hdpa) isomer due to the trans effect of the Cl ligand; thus resulting in the appearance of the shoulder band. The HOMO levels are almost the same in both isomers. The energy levels are experimentally supported by cyclic voltammograms, in which these isomers have different reduction potentials and similar oxidation potentials.     

A Phosphorus Analogue of Bis(η4‐cyclobutadiene)iron(0)

P makes it possible : The convenient oxidative synthesis of the 16‐electron organophosphorus iron sandwich complex [Fe(η⁴‐P₂C₂tBu₂)₂] (see structure) suggests that the elusive all‐carbon complex [Fe(η⁴‐C₄H₄)₂] is a viable synthetic target.

     

Donor-Flexible Bis(pyridylidene amide) Ligands for Highly Efficient Ruthenium-Catalyzed Olefin Oxidation

An exceptionally efficient ruthenium-based catalyst for olefin oxidation has been designed by exploiting N,N′-bis(pyridylidene)oxalamide (bisPYA) as a donor-flexible ligand. The dynamic donor ability of the bisPYA ligand, imparted by variable zwitterionic and neutral resonance structure contributions, paired with the redox activity of ruthenium provided catalytic activity for Lemieux–Johnson-type oxidative cleavage of olefins to efficiently prepare ketones and aldehydes. The ruthenium bisPYA complex significantly outperforms state-of-the-art systems and displays extraordinary catalytic activity in this oxidation, reaching turnover frequencies of 650 000 h⁻¹ and turnover numbers of several millions.     

Insights into Functional‐Group‐Tolerant Polymerization Catalysis with Phosphine–Sulfonamide Palladium(II) Complexes

Two series of cationic palladium(II) methyl complexes {[(2‐MeOC₆H₄)₂PC₆H₄SO₂NHC₆H₃(2,6‐R¹,R²)]PdMe}₂[A]₂ ( ^X 1⁺‐A : R¹=R²=H: ^H 1⁺‐A ; R¹=R²=CH(CH₃)₂: ^DIPP 1⁺‐A ; R¹=H, R²=CF₃: ^CF3 1⁺‐A ; A =BF₄ or SbF₆) and neutral palladium(II) methyl complexes {[(2‐MeOC₆H₄)₂PC₆H₄SO₂NC₆H₃(2,6‐R¹,R²)]PdMe(L)} ( ^X 1‐acetone : L=acetone; ^X 1‐dmso : L=dimethyl sulfoxide; ^X 1‐pyr : L=pyridine) chelated by a phosphine–sulfonamide were synthesized and fully characterized. Stoichiometric insertion of methyl acrylate (MA) into all complexes revealed that a 2,1 regiochemistry dominates in the first insertion of MA. Subsequently, for the cationic complexes ^X 1⁺‐A , β‐H elimination from the 2,1‐insertion product ^X 2⁺‐A_MA‐2,1 is overwhelmingly favored over a second MA insertion to yield two major products ^X 4⁺‐A_MA‐1,2 and ^X 5⁺‐A_MA . By contrast, for the weakly coordinated neutral complexes ^X 1‐acetone and ^X 1‐dmso , a second MA insertion of the 2,1‐insertion product ^X 2_MA‐2,1 is faster than β‐H elimination and gives ^X 3_MA as major products. For the strongly coordinated neutral complexes ^X 1‐pyr , no second MA insertion and no β‐H elimination (except for ^DIPP 2‐pyr_MA‐2,1 ) were observed for the 2,1‐insertion product ^X 2‐pyr_MA‐2,1 . The cationic complexes ^X 1⁺‐A exhibited high catalytic activities for ethylene dimerization, affording butenes (C₄) with a high selectivity of up to 97.7 % (1‐butene: 99.3 %). Differences in activities and selectivities suggest that the phosphine–sulfonamide ligands remain coordinated to the metal center in a bidentate fashion in the catalytically active species. By comparison, the neutral complexes ^X 1‐acetone , ^X 1‐dmso , and ^X 1‐pyr showed very low activity towards ethylene to give traces of oligomers. DFT analyses taking into account the two possible coordination modes (O or N) of the sulfonamide ligand for the cationic system ^CF3 1⁺ suggested that the experimentally observed high activity in ethylene dimerization is the result of a facile first ethylene insertion into the O‐coordinated PdMe isomer and a subsequent favored β‐H elimination from the N‐coordinated isomer formed by isomerization of the insertion product. Steric hindrance by the N‐aryl substituent in the neutral systems ^CF3 1 and ^H 1 appears to contribute significantly to a higher barrier of insertion, which accounts for the experimentally observed low activity towards ethylene oligomerization.     

Sterically Less‐Hindered Half‐Titanocene(IV) Phenoxides: Ancillary‐Ligand Effect on Mono‐, Bis‐, and Tris(2‐Alkyl‐/arylphenoxy) Titanium(IV) Chloride Complexes

A series of mono‐, bis‐, and tris(phenoxy)–titanium(IV) chlorides of the type [Cp*Ti(2‐R? PhO)_nCl_3?n] (n=1–3; Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) was prepared, in which R=Me, iPr, tBu, and Ph. The formation of each mono‐, bis‐, and tris(2‐alkyl‐/arylphenoxy) series was authenticated by structural studies on representative examples of the phenyl series including [Cp*Ti(2‐Ph? PhO)Cl₂] ( 1 PhCl2 ), [Cp*Ti(2‐Ph? PhO)₂Cl] ( 2 PhCl ), and [Cp*Ti(2‐Ph? PhO)₃] ( 3 Ph ). The metal‐coordination geometry of each compound is best described as pseudotetrahedral with the Cp* ring and the 2‐Ph? PhO and chloride ligands occupying three leg positions in a piano‐stool geometry. The mean Ti? O distances, observed with an increasing number of 2‐Ph? PhO groups, are 1.784(3), 1.802(4), and 1.799(3) Å for 1 PhCl2 , 2 PhCl , and 3 Ph , respectively. All four alkyl/aryl series with Me, iPr, tBu, and Ph substituents were tested for ethylene homopolymerization after activation with Ph₃C⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]^? and modified methyaluminoxane (7% aluminum in isopar E; mMAO‐7) at 140 °C. The phenyl series showed much higher catalytic activity, which ranged from 43.2 and 65.4 kg (mmol of Ti?h)^?1, than the Me, iPr, and tBu series (19.2 and 36.6 kg (mmol of Ti?h)^?1). Among the phenyl series, the bis(phenoxide) complex of 2 PhCl showed the highest activity of 65.4 kg (mmol of Ti?h)^?1. Therefore, the catalyst precursors of the phenyl series were examined by treating them with a variety of alkylating reagents, such as trimethylaluminum (TMA), triisobutylaluminum (TIBA), and methylaluminoxane (MAO). In all cases, 2 PhCl produced the most catalytically active alkylated species, [Cp*Ti(2‐Ph? PhO)MeCl]. This enhancement was further supported by DFT calculations based on the simplified model with TMA.     

Einkristalle von (NH4)ZrF5 und (NH4)HfF5 durch Oxidation von Zirconium und Hafnium mit (NH4)HF2

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of (NH₄)ZrF₅ and (NH₄)HfF₅ by Oxidation of Zirconium and Hafnium with (NH₄)HF₂ Colourless single crystals of NH₄ZrF₅ ( 1 ) and NH₄HfF₅ ( 2 ) are obtained by reaction of the respective metal powders with NH₄HF₂ (4 weeks) in sealed Monel metal containers at 450 °C. They crystallize with the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with ( 1 / 2 ) a = 778.16(14)/786.35(12), b = 790.75(9)/786.64(8), c = 792.44(12)/786.01(12), β = 119.177(12)/119.828(10) isotypic to TlZrF₅.