Ruthenium mediated C-H activation of 2-(arylazo)phenols: characterization of an intermediate and the final organoruthenium complex

Reaction of 2-(arylazo)phenols with [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(2)Cl(2)] affords a family of organometallic complexes of ruthenium(II) of type [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(CNO-R)], where the 2-(arylazo)phenolate ligand (CNO-R; R = OCH(3), CH(3), H, Cl, and NO(2)) is coordinated to the metal center as tridentate C,N,O-donor. Another group of intermediate complexes of type [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(NO-R)(H)] has also been isolated, where the 2-(arylazo)phenolate ligand (NO-R) is coordinated to the metal center as bidentate N,O-donor. Structures of the [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(NO-OCH(3))(H)] and [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(CNO-OCH(3))] complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. All the complexes are diamagnetic and show characteristic (1)H NMR signals and intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. Both the [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(NO-R)(H)] and [Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(CNO-R)] complexes show two oxidative responses on the positive side of SCE.     

The inverse sandwich complex [(K(18-crown-6))2Cp][CpFe(CO)2]--unpredictable redox reactions of [CpFe(CO)2]I with the silanides Na[SiRtBu2] (R = Me, tBu) and the isoelectronic phosphanyl borohydride K[PtBu2BH3

The dimeric iron carbonyl [CpFe(CO)(2)](2) and the iodosilanes tBu(2)RSiI were obtained from the reaction of [CpFe(CO)(2)]I with the silanides Na[SiRtBu(2)] (R = Me, tBu) in THF. By the reactions of [CpFe(CO)(2)]I and Na[SiRtBu(2)] (R = Me, tBu) the disilanes tBu(2)RSiSiRtBu(2) (R = Me, tBu) were additionally formed using more than one equivalent of the silanide. In this context it should be noted that reduction of [CpFe(CO)(2)](2) with Na[SitBu(3)] gives the disilanes tBu(3)SiSitBu(3) along with the sodium ferrate [(Na(18-crown-6))(2)Cp][CpFe(CO)(2)]. The potassium analogue [(K(18-crown-6))(2)Cp][CpFe(CO)(2)] (orthorhombic, space group Pmc2(1)), however, could be isolated as a minor product from the reaction of [CpFe(CO)(2)]I with [K(18-crown-6)][PtBu(2)BH(3)]. The reaction of [CpFe(CO)(2)](2) with the potassium benzophenone ketyl radical and subsequent treatment with 18-crown-6 yielded the ferrate [K(18-crown-6)][CpFe(CO)(2)] in THF at room temperature. The crown ether complex [K(18-crown-6)][CpFe(CO)(2)] was analyzed using X-ray crystallography (orthorhombic, space group Pna2(1)) and its thermal behaviour was investigated.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of PHP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)], a monodentate chiral phosphine derived from intramolecular C-C coupling of tetramethylcyclopentadienyl groups: an evaluation of steric and electronic properties

The chiral monodentate phosphine PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] is readily obtained by oxidation of the lithium complex Li(2)[PhP(C(5)Me(4))(2)] with I(2), which couples the two cyclopentadienyl groups to form a five-membered heterocyclic ring. The steric and electronic properties of PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] have been evaluated by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopic studies on a variety of derivatives, including Ph[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]PE (E = S, Se), Cp*MCl(4)[P[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]Ph] (M = Mo, Ta), Ir[P[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]Ph](2)(CO)Cl, and CpFe(CO)[PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)]]Me. For comparison purposes, derivatives of the related phospholane ligand PhP[Me(2)C(4)H(6)] have also been investigated, including Ph[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]PS, Ir[Ph[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]](2)(CO)Cl, Ir[Ph[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]](2)(CO)Me, Ir[PPh[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]](COD)(Cl), and Pd[P[Me(2)C(4)H(6)]Ph][eta(2)-C(6)H(4)C(H)(Me)NMe(2)]Cl. The steric and electronic properties of PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] are determined to be intermediate between those of PPh(2)Me and PPh(3). Thus, the crystallographic cone angles increase in the sequence PPh(2)Me (134.5 degrees) < PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] (140.2 degrees) < PPh(3) (148.2 degrees), while the electron donating abilities decrease in the sequence PPh(2)Me > PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] > PPh(3). Finally, PhP[(C(5)Me(4))(2)] has a smaller cone angle and is less electron donating than the structurally similar phosphine, PhP[Me(2)C(4)H(6)].     

Controlled syntheses, characterization, and reactivity of neutral and anionic lanthanide amides supported by methylene-linked bis(phenolate) ligands

A series of neutral and anionic bis(phenolate) lanthanide amides were synthesized by general metathesis reactions, and their reactivity was explored. Protolytic ligand exchange reactions of MBMPH2 (MBMP = 2,2'-methylene bis(6-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenolate)) with [Ln{N(TMS)2}2(mu-Cl)(THF)]2 (TMS = SiMe3) afforded the desired bridged bis(phenolate) lanthanide chlorides [(MBMP)Ln(mu-Cl)(THF)2]2 [Ln = Nd (1), Yb (2)] in high isolated yields. These lanthanide chlorides were found to be useful precursors for the synthesis of the corresponding lanthanide derivatives. Reactions of 1 and 2 with 2 equiv of NaN(TMS)2 in THF produced the expected neutral bis(phenolate) lanthanide amido complexes (MBMP)Ln[N(TMS)2](THF)2 [Ln = Nd (3), Yb (4)] in high yields. Whereas the reactions of 1 and 2 with LiN(TMS)2 in a 1:4 molar ratio gave the anionic bis(phenolate) lanthanide amides as discrete ion-pair complexes [Li(THF)4][(MBMP)Ln{N(TMS)2}2] [Ln = Nd (5), Yb (6)] in high isolated yields. Further study revealed that 5 and 6 can also be conveniently synthesized in high yields by the direct reactions of MBMPH2 with [Ln{N(TMS)2}2(mu-Cl)(THF)]2 in a 2:1 molar ratio, and then with 4 equiv of nBuLi. The reactivity of the neutral and anionic bis(phenolate) lanthanide amides was comparatively investigated. It was found that the insertion reactions of carbodiimide into the Ln-N bond of neutral lanthanide amido complexes 3 and 4 gave the anticipated bis(phenolate) lanthanide guanidinate complexes [(mu-O-MBMP)Nd{(iPrN)2CN(TMS)2}]2 (7) and (MBMP)Yb[(iPrN)2CN(TMS)2] (8), respectively, in high yields, whereas the similar reaction of carbodiimide with anionic amido complex 5 provided the unexpected ligand-redistributed products, and the homoleptic ion-pair bis(phenolate) neodymium complex [Li(DME)2(THF)][(MBMP)2Nd(THF)2] (9) was finally isolated as one of the products. Furthermore, the anionic bis(phenolate) lanthanide amides showed higher catalytic activity for the polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone than the neutral ones. All of the complexes were characterized with elemental analysis and IR spectra, and the definitive molecular structures of 1-3 and 5-9 were provided by single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

Organometallic chemistry of fluorinated allenes

Reaction of 1,1-difluoroallene and tetrafluoroallene with a series of transition metal complex fragments yields the mononuclear allene complexes [CpMn(CO)(2)(allene)] (1), [(CO)(4)Fe(allene)] (2), [(Ph(3)P)(2)Pt(C(3)H(2)F(2))] (4), [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(C(3)H(2)F(2))(2)Cl] (5), and the dinuclear complexes [mu-eta(1)-eta(3)-C(3)H(2)F(2))Fe(2)(CO)(7)] (3), [Ir(PPh(3))(C(3)H(2)F(2))(2)Cl](2) (6), and [mu-eta(2)-eta(2)-C(3)H(2)F(2))(CpMo(CO)(2))(2)] (9), respectively. In attempts to synthesize cationic complexes of fluorinated allenes [CpFe(CO)(2)(C(CF(3))=CH(2))] (7a), [CpFe(CO)(2)(C(CF(3))=CF(2))] (7b) and [mu-I-(CpFe(CO)(2))(2)][B(C(6)H(3)-3,5-(CF(3))(2))(4)] were isolated. The spectroscopic and structural data of these complexes revealed that the 1,1-difluoroallene ligand is coordinated exclusively with the double bond containing the hydrogen-substituted carbon atom. 1,1-Difluoroallene and tetrafluoroallene proved to be powerful pi acceptor ligands.     

Acetic acid induced self-assembly of supramolecular compounds [Et4N]3[(WS4Cu2)2(mu-CN)3].2MeCN and [PPh4][WS4Cu3(mu-CN)2].MeCN from preformed clusters [A]2[WS4(CuCN)2] (A = Et4N, PPh4)

Reactions of two preformed trinuclear W/Cu/S clusters, [A](2)[WS(4)(CuCN)(2)] (1: A = Et(4)N; 2: A = PPh(4)), with different concentrations of acetic acid in MeCN generate two interesting 2D polymeric clusters [Et(4)N](3)[(WS(4)Cu(2))(2)(mu-CN)(3)].2MeCN (3), and [PPh(4)][WS(4)Cu(3)(mu-CN)(2)].MeCN (4), respectively. Compound 4 can also be readily obtained in a high yield from the reaction of 2 with equimolar [Cu(MeCN)(4)]PF(6) in MeCN. These compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, thermal analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. An X-ray analysis reveals that compound 3 retains the WS(4)Cu(2) cluster core, which serves as a 3-connecting node to link equivalent nodes via single cyanide bridges, forming an anionic 2D (6,3) net. Compound 4 consists of a T-shaped WS(4)Cu(3) core, which also acts as a 3-connecting node, with links to 3 equivalent clusters either through single or double cyanide bridges, affording a different anionic 2D (6,3) network. The acetic acid induced aggregation of 3 and 4 from the two cluster precursors 1 and 2 suggests that this simple synthetic strategy is likely to be applicable to many related systems.     

Solid-state structures of zinc(II) benzoate complexes. Catalyst precursors for the coupling of carbon dioxide and epoxides

Zinc complexes derived from benzoic acids containing electron-withdrawing substituents have been synthesized from Zn(II)(bis-trimethylsilyl amide)(2) and the corresponding carboxylic acid (2,6-X(2)C(6)H(3)COOH, where X = F, Cl, or OMe) in THF and structurally characterized via X-ray crystallography. The 2,6-difluorobenzoate complex crystallizes from THF or CH(3)CN as a seven membered zinc aggregate, where the metal atoms are interconnected by a combination of 10 mu-benzoates and mu(4)-oxo ligands, that is, [(2,6-difluorobenzoate)(10)O(2)Zn(7)](solvent)(2), solvent = THF (1) and CH(3)CN (1a). On the other hand, the 2,6-dichlorobenzoate zinc derivative crystallizes from THF as a dimer, [(2,6-dichlorobenzoate)(4)Zn(2)](THF)(3) (2), where the two zinc centers are bridged by three benzoate ligand. One of the zinc centers possesses a tetrahedral ligand environment where the fourth ligand is a unidentate benzoate, and the other zinc center has an octahedral arrangement of ligands which is accomplished by the additional binding of three THF molecules. Upon dissolution of complex 1 or 2 in the strongly binding pyridine solvent, disruption of these zinc carboxylates occurs with concomitant formation of mononuclear zinc bis-benzoates with three pyridine ligands in the metal coordination sphere. Complexes 1 and 2 were found to be effective catalysts for the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide and carbon dioxide to afford polycarbonates devoid of polyether linkages, that is, completely alternating copolymers. Although these catalysts or catalyst precursors in the presence of CO(2)/propylene oxide afforded mostly propylene carbonate, they did serve as efficient catalysts for the terpolymerization of carbon dioxide/cyclohexene oxide/propylene oxide. The reactivities of these zinc carboxylates were very similar to those previously reported analogous complexes which have not been structurally characterized. Hence, it is suggested here that all of these zinc carboxylates provide similar catalytic sites for CO(2)/epoxide coupling processes.     

Chiral organometallic triangles with Rh-Rh bonds. 1. Compounds prepared from racemic cis-Rh2(C6H4PPh2)2(OAc)2

Reaction of racemic cis-Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)(OAc)(2)(HOAc)(2) with excess Me(3)OBF(4) in CH(3)CN results in the formation of racemic cis-[Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](BF(4))(2).0.5H(2)O (1.0.5H(2)O), an ionic dirhodium complex which has two cisoid nonlabile orthometalated phosphine bridging anions and six labile CH(3)CN ligands in equatorial and axial positions. Reactions of 1 with tetraethylammonium salts of the linear dicarboxylates, oxalate, terephthalate, and 4,4'-biphenyl-dicarboxylate, in organic solvents, produced racemic crystals of the triangular compounds [Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)](3)(C(2)O(4))(3)(py)(6).6MeOH.H(2)O (2.6MeOH.H(2)O), [Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)](3)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(3)(DMF)(6).6.5DMF.0.5H(2)O (3.6.5DMF.0.5H(2)O), and [Rh(2)(C(6)H(4)PPh(2))(2)](3)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)C(6)H(4)CO(2))(3)(py)(6).4.5CH(3)OH.0.75H(2)O (4.4.5CH(3)OH.0.75H(2)O), respectively. All compounds are electrochemically active. The relative chiralities of the dirhodium units in each triangle have been established using a combination of data from X-ray crystallography and (31)P NMR spectroscopy.     

Mechanism of beta-hydrogen elimination from square planar iridium(I) alkoxide complexes with labile dative ligands

Mechanistic studies were conducted on beta-hydrogen elimination from complexes of the general formula [Ir(CO)(PPh(3))(2)(OR)], which are square planar alkoxo complexes with labile ligands. The dependence of rate, isotope effect, and alkoxide racemization on phosphine concentration revealed unusually detailed information on the reaction pathway. The alkoxo complexes were remarkably stable, including those with a variety of electronically and sterically distinct groups at the beta-carbon. These complexes were much more stable than the corresponding alkyl complexes. Thermolysis of these complexes in the presence of PPh(3) yielded the iridium hydride [Ir(CO)(PPh(3))(3)H] and the corresponding aldehyde or ketone with rate constants that were affected little by the groups at the beta-carbon. The reactions were first order in iridium complexes. At low [PPh(3)], the reaction rate was nearly zero order in PPh(3), but reactions at high [PPh(3)] revealed an inverse dependence of reaction rate on PPh(3). The rate constants were similar in toluene, THF, and chlorobenzene. The y-intercept of a 1/k(obs) vs [PPh(3)] plot displayed a primary isotope effect, indicating that the y-intercept did not simply correspond to phosphine dissociation. These data and a dependence of alkoxide racemization on [PPh(3)] showed that the elementary beta-hydrogen elimination step was reversible. A mechanism involving reversible beta-hydrogen elimination followed by associative displacement of the coordinated ketone or aldehyde by PPh(3) was consistent with all of our data. This mechanism stands in contrast with the pathways proposed recently for alkoxide beta-hydrogen elimination involving direct elimination, protic catalysts, or binuclear mechanisms and shows that alkoxide elimination can follow pathways similar to those for beta-hydrogen elimination from alkyl complexes.     

Chemically induced cyclometalation of 2-(arylazo)phenols. Synthesis,characterization, and redox properties of a family of organoosmium complexes

Reaction of 2-(arylazo)phenols (H(2)ap-R; R = OCH(3), CH(3), H, Cl, and NO(2)) with [Os(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(2)(HCOO)(2)] affords a family of organometallic complexes of osmium(II) of type [Os(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(ap-R)] where the 2-(arylazo)phenolate ligand is coordinated to the metal center as a tridentate C,N,O-donor. Structure of the [Os(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(ap-H)] complex has been determined by X-ray crystallography. All the [Os(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(ap-R)] complexes are diamagnetic and show characteristic (1)H NMR signals and intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. They also show emission in the visible region at ambient temperature. Cyclic voltammetry on the [Os(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(ap-R)] complexes shows a reversible Os(II)-Os(III) oxidation within 0.39-0.73 V vs SCE, followed by a reversible Os(III)-Os(IV) oxidation within 1.06-1.61 V vs SCE. Coulometric oxidation of the [Os(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(ap-R)] complexes generates the [Os(III)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(ap-R)](+) complexes, which have been isolated as the hexafluorophosphate salts. The [Os(III)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(ap-R)]PF(6) complexes are one-electron paramagnetic and show axial ESR spectra. In solution they behave as 1:1 electrolytes and show intense LMCT transitions in the visible region. The [Os(III)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(ap-R)]PF(6) complexes have been observed to serve as mild one-electron oxidants in a nonaqueous medium.     

The use of 1,2-dipiperidinoacetylene for the preparation of monometallic diaminoacetylene and homo- or heterobimetallic diaminodicarbene ruthenium(II) complexes

The reaction of the ynediamine 1,2-dipiperidinoacetylene (1) with [(η(2)-COE)Cr(CO)(5)], [(THF)W(CO)(5)] and [RuCl(2)(η(6)-cymene)](2) afforded homobimetallic complexes 2a, 2b and 3, in which the diaminoacetylene 1 acts as a bis(aminocarbene) ligand by bridging two complex fragments Cr(CO)(5) (in 2a), W(CO)(5) (in 2b) and RuCl(2)(η(6)-cymene) (in 3). The reaction of 1 with [RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(3)] gave trans-[(1)RuCl(PPh(3))(2)]Cl, [4]Cl, in which the alkyne 1 coordinates as a 4-electron donor ligand. The cation 4 represents a rare example of a square-planar Ru(II) complex with a low-spin ground state (S = 0), and its stability can be ascribed to the strong alkyne-metal π-interaction as confirmed by DFT calculations. Treatment with one or two equivalents of NaBPh(4) in acetonitrile gave [4]BPh(4) and the dicationic [(1)Ru(PPh(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)](BPh(4))(2), [5](BPh(4))(2). [4]Cl can be used for the preparation of heterobimetallic Ru-Pd bis(aminocarbene) complexes by reaction with [(MeCN)(2)PdCl(2)], resulting in the formation of bimetallic 6 and tetrametallic 7.     

Synthesis of ruthenium(II) complexes of tetradentate bis(N-pyridylimidazolylidenyl)methane and their reactivities towards N- donors

A family of hexa-coordinated ruthenium(II) complexes of bis(N-pyridylimidazolylidenyl)methane (L) were prepared and structurally characterized. Carbene transfer reactions of [Ru(p-cymene)Cl(2)](2), [Ru(CO)(2)Cl(2)](n) and RuHCl(CO)(PPh(3))(3) with silver-NHC complexes in situ generated from [H(2)L](PF(6))(2) and Ag(2)O afforded [RuL(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6))(2) (1), [Ru(2)L(p-cymene)(2)Cl(2)](PF(6))(2) (2), [RuL(CO)(2)](PF(6))(2) (3) and [RuL(PPh(3))(2)](PF(6))(2) (4), respectively. The reactions of 1 towards several N- and P-donors were studied. The treatment of 1 with 1,10-phenanthroline resulted in the substitution of one pyridine and one acetonitrile molecule affording [RuL(phen)(CH(3)CN)](PF(6))(2) (5) as a mixture of two isomers. Reaction of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) and 1 gave [RuL(dppe)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6))(2) (7), in which two pyridines were substituted by a dppe ligand trans to two NHC groups. In contrast, reactions of 1 with ethane-1,2-diamine, propane-1,3-diamine and 3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole led to the substitution of acetonitrile and subsequent N-H addition of the C≡N bond of the coordinated acetonitrile yielding [RuL(ethane-1,2-diamine)(N-(2-aminoethyl)acetimidamide)](PF(6))(2) (8), [RuL(propane-1,3-diamine)(N-(3-aminopropyl)acetimidamide)](PF(6))(2) (9) and RuL(1-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethanimine)(CH(3)CN)](PF(6))(2) (10), respectively.     

Diferrous cyanides as models for the Fe-only hydrogenases

The first systematic study of diferrous dicyano dithiolates is described. Oxidation of [Fe2(S2C2H4)(CN)2(CO)4](2-) in the presence of cyanide and tertiary phosphines and of Fe2(S2C2H4)(CO)4(PMe3)2 in the presence of cyanide affords a series of diferrous cyanide derivatives that bear a stoichiometric, structural, and electronic relationship to the H(ox)(air) state of the Fe-only hydrogenases. With PPh3 as the trapping ligand, we obtained an unsymmetrical isomer of Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CN)2(PPh3)2(CO)2, as confirmed crystallographically. This diferrous cyanide features the semibridging CO-ligand, with Fe-muC bond lengths of 2.15 and 1.85 A. Four isomers of Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CN)2(PMe3)2(CO)2 were observed, the initial product again being unsymmetrical but more stable isomers being symmetrical. DFT calculations confirm that the most stable isomers of Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CN)2(PMe3)2(CO)2 have cyanide trans to mu-CO. Oxidative decarbonylation also afforded the new tetracyanide [Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CN)4(CO)2]2-. Insights into the oxidative decarbonylation mechanism of these syntheses come from the spectroscopic characterization of the tetracarbonyl [Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CN)3(CO)3](-). This species reacts with PEt3 to produce the stable adduct [Fe2(S2C2H4)(mu-CO)(CN)3(CO)2(PEt3)](-).     

Synthesis and characterization of technetiumtetrakis(acetonitrile)bis(triphenylphosphine) cationic complexes

A new route to low-valent technetium complexes containing multiple acetonitrile ligands has been developed. The reduction of TcCl(4)(PPh(3))(2) with zinc metal dust in acetonitrile results in the formation of [Tc(CH(3)CN)(4)(PPh(3))(2)][Zn(2)Cl(6)](1/2). The hexafluorophosphate salt of the analogous Tc(II) cation can be prepared via chemical oxidation of the Tc(I) species, and the Tc(I) cation can be regenerated via chemical reduction. The compounds have been characterized in the solid state via single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and in solution via a combination of spectroscopic techniques and cyclic voltammetry. The structural parameters found in the two complexes are similar to each other; however, the difference in oxidation state is reflected, as expected, in the spectroscopic results. The electrochemical data, obtained from cyclic voltammograms of Tc(CH(3)CN)(4)(PPh(3))(2)](PF(6))(n)() (n = 1,2), mirror the synthetic results in that both compounds possess a reversible redox couple at -0.55 V versus ferrocene, which has been assigned to the Tc(II)/Tc(I) couple.     

Synthesis,molecular structure,and C-C coupling reactions of carbeneruthenium(II) complexes with C5H5Ru(=CRR') and C5Me5Ru(=CRR') as molecular units

The ethene derivatives [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuX(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))] with R=H and Me, which have been prepared from the eta(3)-allylic compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))Ru(eta(3)-2-MeC(3)H(4))(PPh(3))] (1, 2) and acids HX under an ethene atmosphere, are excellent starting materials for the synthesis of a series of new halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes. The olefinic ligand is replaced not only by CO and pyridine, but also by internal and terminal alkynes to give (for X=Cl) alkyne, vinylidene, and allene compounds of the general composition [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuCl(L)(PPh(3))] with L=C(2)(CO(2)Me)(2), Me(3)SiC(2)CO(2)Et, C=CHCO(2)R, and C(3)H(4). The allenylidene complex [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=C=C=CPh(2))(PPh(3))] is directly accessible from 1 (R=H) in two steps with the propargylic alcohol HC triple bond CC(OH)Ph(2) as the precursor. The reactions of the ethene derivatives [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuX(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))] (X=Cl, CF(3)CO(2)) with diazo compounds RR'CN(2) yield the corresponding carbene complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuX(=CRR')(PPh(3))], while with ethyl diazoacetate (for X=Cl) the diethyl maleate compound [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl[eta(2)-Z-C(2)H(2)(CO(2)Et)(2)](PPh(3))] is obtained. Halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)R(5))RuCl(=CHR')(PPh(3))] with secondary carbenes as ligands, as well as cationic species [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(=CPh(2))(L)(PPh(3))]X with L=CO and CNtBu and X=AlCl(4) and PF(6), have also been prepared. The neutral compounds [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=CRR')(PPh(3))] react with phenyllithium, methyllithium, and the vinyl Grignard reagent CH(2)=CHMgBr by displacement of the chloride and subsequent C-C coupling to generate halfsandwich-type ruthenium(II) complexes with eta(3)-benzyl, eta(3)-allyl, and substituted olefins as ligands. Protolytic cleavage of the metal-allylic bond in [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(eta(3)-CH(2)CHCR(2))(PPh(3))] with acetic acid affords the corresponding olefins R(2)C=CHCH(3). The by-product of this process is the acetato derivative [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Ru(kappa(2)-O(2)CCH(3))(PPh(3))], which can be reconverted to the carbene complexes [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))RuCl(=CR(2))(PPh(3))] in a one-pot reaction with R(2)CN(2) and Et(3)NHCl.     

Solution and solid-state structures of phosphine adducts of monomeric zinc bisphenoxide complexes. Importance of these derivatives in CO2/epoxide copolymerization processes

Phosphine derivatives of the monomeric zinc phenoxide complexes, (phenoxide)2ZnLn, where phenoxide equals 2,6-di-tert-butylphenoxide, 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenoxide, and 2,6-diphenylphenoxide and n = 1 or 2, have been synthesized from the reaction of Zn[N(SiMe3)2]2 and the corresponding phenol followed by the addition of phosphine. The complexes have been characterized in solution by 31P NMR spectroscopy and in selected instances in the solid-state by X-ray crystallography. The small, basic phosphine, PMe3, provided the only case of an isolated complex possessing two phosphine ligands (i.e., n = 2). For all other larger phosphines only the monophosphine adducts were obtained. Furthermore, only fairly basic phosphines were found to bind to zinc, e.g., whereas PPh3 (pKa = 2.73) was ineffective, PPh2Me (pKa = 4.57) did form a strong bond to zinc. The solid-state structures of the monophosphine adducts consist of a near-trigonal planar geometry about the zinc center, where the average P-Zn-O angles are larger than the O-Zn-O angles. On the other hand, the bisphosphine adduct, Zn(O-2,4,6-tBu3C6H2)(2).2PMe3, is a distorted tetrahedral structure with O-Zn-O and P-Zn-P bond angles of 108.8(2) degrees and 107.1(9) degrees, respectively. Competitive phosphine binding studies monitored by 31P NMR spectroscopy provided a relative binding order of PPh3 approximately PtBu3 < PPh2Me < PCy3 < PMe2Ph < PnBu3 < PEt3 < PMe3. Hence, the relative binding of basic phosphine ligands at these congested zinc sites is largely determined by their steric requirements. All phosphine adducts, with the exception of PMe2Ph and PMe3, were found to undergo slow self-exchange (< 600 s-1) with free phosphine by 31P NMR spectroscopy. However, the two small phosphines, PMe2Ph (cone angle = 122 degrees) and PMe3 (cone angle = 118 degrees), were shown to undergo rapid exchange presumably via an associative mechanism. Although there was no kinetic preferences for PCy3 binding to cadmium vs zinc, cadmium was thermodynamically favored by about a factor of 2.5. The addition of up to 3 equiv of PCy3 to the Zn(O-2,6-tBu2C6H3)2 or Zn(O-2,4,6-tBu3C6H2)2 derivatives did not significantly alter the reactivity of these catalysts for the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and CO2 to high-molecular weight poly(cyclohexene carbonate). However, the presence of PCy3 greatly retarded their ability to homopolymerize CHO to polyether or to afford polyether linkages during the copolymerization of CHO/CO2.     

Photochemical synthesis and reactivity studies of dirhenacarboranes

Ultraviolet irradiation of [PPh(4)][closo-1-CB(8)H(9)] with [Re(2)(CO)(10)] in THF (tetrahydrofuran) at ambient temperature affords the dirhenacarborane anion [6,10-{Re(CO)(4)}-10-(micro-H)-6,6,6-(CO)(3)-closo-6,1-ReCB(8)H(8)]-, isolated as its [PPh(4)]+ salt (1). Further irradiation of 1 yields a second isomeric anion [6,10-{Re(CO)(4)}-6-(micro-H)-10,10,10-(CO)(3)-closo-10,1-ReCB(8)H(8)]- that was characterized as a [N(PPh(3))(2)]+ salt (2). Reaction of 1 with NOBF(4) produces the neutral dirhenacarborane compound [8,10-{Re(CO)(4)}-8,10-(micro-H)2-6,6-(CO)(2)-6-NO-closo-6,1-ReCB(8)H(7)] (3). Compounds 1-3 all consist of a central {closo-ReCB(8)} cluster with a second rhenium center which is exo-polyhedral. Attempts to substitute the carbonyl ligands of 3 with other donor ligands such as phosphines, isocyanides, or alkynes resulted in loss of the exo-polyhedral rhenium moiety and formation of a monorhenium anion, [6,6-(CO)(2)-6-NO-closo-6,1-ReCB(8)H(9)]-, isolated as its [N(PPh(3))(2)]+ salt (4). The heterometallic dimetallacarborane species, [6,7,10-{Cu(PPh(3))}-7,10-(micro-H)2-6,6-(CO)(2)-6-NO-closo-6,1-ReCB(8)H(7)] (5) and [6,7-{Au(PPh(3))}-7-(micro-H)-6,6-(CO)(2)-6-NO-closo-6,1-ReCB(8)H(8)] (6) were formed from reactions of 4 with {Cu(PPh(3))}+ and {Au(PPh(3))}+, respectively. Similarly, reaction of 4 with {Ir(CO)(PPh(3))(2)}+ afforded two products, [6,10-{Ir(micro-PPh(2))(Ph)(CO)(PPh(3))}-10-(micro-H)-6-CO-6-NO-closo-6,1-ReCB(8)H(8)] (7) and [6,9,10-{Ir(micro-PPh(2))(H)(PPh(3))}-9-(micro-H)-6-CO-6-NO-10-Ph-closo-6,1-ReCB(8)H(8)] (8). The solid-state structures of compounds 1-8 were all unequivocally established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments.     

Pyrazolyl-bridged iridium dimers. 18.(1) influence of metal-metal bonding on the geometry of diiridium(II) adducts and hydrido-diiridium complexes formed from the diiridium(I) prototype [Ir(mu-pz)(PPh(3))(CO)](2) (pzH = Pyrazole) by dihydrogen addition or protonation

Slow uptake of molecular dihydrogen by the diiridium(I) prototype [Ir(mu-pz)(PPh(3))(CO)](2) (1: pzH = pyrazole) is accompanied by formation of a 1,2-dihydrido-diiridium(II) adduct [IrH(mu-pz)(PPh(3))(CO)](2) (2), for which an X-ray crystal structure determination reveals that (unlike in 1) the PPh(3) ligands are axial, with the hydrides occupying trans coequatorial positions across the Ir-Ir bond (2.672 A). Reaction with CCl(4) effects hydride replacement in 2, affording the monohydride Ir(2)H(Cl)(mu-pz)(2)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(2) (3) in which Ir-Ir = 2.683 A. At one metal center, H is equatorial and PPh(3) is axial, while at the other, Cl is axial as is found in the symmetrically substituted product [Ir(mu-pz)(PPh(3))(CO)Cl](2) (4) (Ir-Ir = 2.754 A) that is formed by action of CCl(4) on 1. Treatment of 1 with I(2) yields the diiodo analogue 5 of 4, which reacts with LiAlH(4) to afford the isomorph Ir(2)H(I)(mu-pz)(2)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(2) (6) of 3 (Ir-Ir = 2.684 A). Protonation (using HBF(4)) of 1 results in formation of the binuclear cation Ir(2)H(mu-pz)(2)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(2)(+) (7: BF(4)(-) salt), which shows definitive evidence (from NMR) for a terminally bound hydride in solution (CH(2)Cl(2) or THF), but 7 crystallizes as an axially symmetric unit in which Ir-Ir = 2.834 A. Reaction of 7 with water or wet methanol leads to isolation of the cationic diiridium(III) products [Ir(2)H(2)(mu-OX)(mu-pz)(2)(PPh(3))(2)(CO)(2)]BF(4) (8, X = H; 9, X = Me).     

Two halogeno(cyano)cuprates with long-lived and strong luminescence

Solvothermal reactions of copper(I) cyanide with tetramethylammonium salts in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (THF) lead to two novel halogeno(cyano)cuprates, namely, [Me(4)N][Cu(3)(CN)(2)Br(2)] (1) with a 1-D ribbon motif and [Me(4)N](2)[Cu(4)(CN)(5)Cl] (2) with a 3-D nanoporous framework. In 1, four Cu(I) ions are connected via two mu-Br and two mu(3)-Br atoms into a neutral [Cu(4)Br(4)] cluster, and such clusters are further double bridged by [Cu(CN)(2)](2-) linkers to form a 1-D ribbonlike chain. While in 2, Cu(I) ions are connected via mu-CN and mu(3)-CN ligands and mu-Cl atoms into a 2-D fluctuant sheet along the a-c plane, and these sheets are further linked by another kind of mu-CN ligand to form a 3-D nanoporous framework in whose channels reside [Me(4)N](+) cations. Results of optical and luminescent studies indicate that both two complexes are potential materials for semiconductors and long-lived highly luminescent materials.