Tricyclometalated Iridium Complexes as Highly Stable Photosensitizers for Light‐Induced Hydrogen Evolution

The development of an efficient and stable artificial photosensitizer for visible‐light‐driven hydrogen production is highly desirable. Herein, a new series of charge‐neutral, heteroleptic tricyclometalated iridium(III) complexes, [Ir(thpy)₂(bt)] ( 1 – 4 ; thpy=2,2′‐thienylpyridine, bt=2‐phenylbenzothiazole and its derivatives), were systematically synthesized and their structural, photophysical, and electrochemical properties were established. Three solid‐state structures were studied by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. This design offers the unique opportunity to drive the metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) band to longer wavelengths for these iridium complexes. We describe new molecular platforms that are based on these neutral iridium complexes for the production of hydrogen through visible‐light‐induced photocatalysis over an extended period of time in the presence of [Co(bpy)₃]²⁺ and triethanolamine (TEOA). The maximum amount of hydrogen was obtained under constant irradiation over 72 h and the system could regenerate its activity upon the addition of cobalt‐based catalysts when hydrogen evolution ceased. Our results demonstrated that the dissociation of the [Co(bpy)₃]²⁺ catalyst contributed to the loss of catalytic activity and limited the long‐term catalytic performance of the systems. The properties of the neutral complexes are compared in detail to those of two known non‐neutral bpy‐type complexes, [Ir(thpy)₂(dtb‐bpy)]⁺ ( 5 ) and [Ir(ppy)₂(dtb‐bpy)]⁺ ( 6 ; ppy=2‐phenylpyridine, dtb‐bpy=4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐dipyridyl). This work is expected to contribute toward the development of long‐lasting solar hydrogen‐production systems.     

Bio‐Inspired Transition Metal–Organic Hydride Conjugates for Catalysis of Transfer Hydrogenation: Experiment and Theory

Taking inspiration from yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (yADH), a benzimidazolium (BI⁺) organic hydride‐acceptor domain has been coupled with a 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) metal‐binding domain to afford a novel multifunctional ligand ( L ^BI+) with hydride‐carrier capacity ( L ^BI++H^?? L ^BIH). Complexes of the type [Cp*M( L ^BI)Cl][PF₆]₂ (M=Rh, Ir) have been made and fully characterised by cyclic voltammetry, UV/Vis spectroelectrochemistry, and, for the Ir^III congener, X‐ray crystallography. [Cp*Rh( L ^BI)Cl][PF₆]₂ catalyses the transfer hydrogenation of imines by formate ion in very goods yield under conditions where the corresponding [Cp*Ir( L ^BI)Cl][PF₆] and [Cp*M(phen)Cl][PF₆] (M=Rh, Ir) complexes are almost inert as catalysts. Possible alternatives for the catalysis pathway are canvassed, and the free energies of intermediates and transition states determined by DFT calculations. The DFT study supports a mechanism involving formate‐driven Rh?H formation (90 kJ mol^?1 free‐energy barrier), transfer of hydride between the Rh and BI⁺ centres to generate a tethered benzimidazoline (BIH) hydride donor, binding of imine substrate at Rh, back‐transfer of hydride from the BIH organic hydride donor to the Rh‐activated imine substrate (89 kJ mol^?1 barrier), and exergonic protonation of the metal‐bound amide by formic acid with release of amine product to close the catalytic cycle. Parallels with the mechanism of biological hydride transfer in yADH are discussed.     

Some transition metal complexes of new terdentate ligands: Bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]benzylamine and bis[2-(diphenylarsino)ethyl)benzylamine

Complexes of the terdentate ligands bis[2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl]benzylamine (DPBA) and bis[2-(diphenylarsino)ethyl]benzylamine (DABA) with Co(II), Ni(II), Pd(II), Pt(II), Rh(III), Ir(III), Rh(I) and Ir(I) are reported. The ligand DPBA reacts with Co(II) ion to form two types of complexes: a high-spin, paramagnetic, tetrahedral Co(II) complex of composition [CoCl(DPBA)]Cl and a low-spin, paramagnetic, square-planar complex of composition [CoBr(DPBA)]B(C₆H₅)₄. The reaction of DPBA with Ni(II) ion in methanol yields low-spin, diamagnetic, square-planar complexes of type [NiX(DPBA)]Y [X = Cl, Br or I; Y = Cl or B(C₆H₅)₄]. Four-coordinate, square-planar, cationic complexes of type [MY(L⁺[M = Pd(II), Pt(II), Rh(I) or Ir(I); Y = Cl or P(C₆H₅)₃; L = DPBA or DABA], were obtained on reaction of L with various starting materials containing these metal ions. Reaction of DPBA and DABA with rhodium and iridium trichlorides gave octahedral, neutral complexes of general formula [MCl₃(L)] (M = Rh or Ir, L = DPBA or DABA). All the complexes were characterized on the basis of their elemental analysis, molarconductance data, magnetic susceptibilities, electronic spectra, IR spectral measurements, and¹H and³¹P-{¹H} NMR spectral data.     

Synthesis and characterization of Ru(III), Rh(III), Pt(IV) and Ir(III) thiosemicarbazone complexes

Ru(III), Rh(III), Pt(IV) and Ir(III) complexes of 2-furfural thiosemicarbazone as ligand have been synthesised. These complexes have the composition [M(ligand)₂X₂]X (M = Ru(III) Rh(III) and Ir(III) X = Cl and Br) and [Pt(ligand)₂ X₂] X₂ (X = Cl, Br and 1/2SO₄). The deprotonated ligand forms the complexes of the formulae M(ligand-H)₃ and Pt(ligand-H)₃Cl. All these complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic measurements, electronic and infrared spectral studies. All the complexes are six-coordinate octahedral.     

Enhancement of Solar Fuel Production Schemes by Using a Ru,Rh,Ru Supramolecular Photocatalyst Containing Hydroxide Labile Ligands

Polyazine‐bridged Ru^IIRh^IIIRu^II complexes with two halide ligands, Cl^? or Br^?, bound to the catalytically active Rh center are efficient single‐component photocatalysts for H₂O reduction to H₂ fuel, with the coordination environment on Rh impacting photocatalysis. Herein reported is a new, halide‐free Ru^IIRh^IIIRu^II photocatalyst with OH^? ligands bound to Rh, further enhancing the photocatalytic reactivity of the structural motif. H₂ production experiments using the photocatalyst bearing OH^? ligands at Rh relative to the analogues bearing halides at Rh in solvents of varying polarity (DMF, CH₃CN, and H₂O) suggest that ion pairing with halides deactivates photocatalyst function, representing an exciting phenomenon to exploit in the development of catalysts for solar H₂ production schemes.     

Synthesis,One‐ and Two‐Photon Photophysical and Excited‐State Properties,and Sensing Application of a New Phosphorescent Dinuclear Cationic Iridium(III) Complex

A new phosphorescent dinuclear cationic iridium(III) complex ( Ir1 ) with a donor–acceptor–π‐bridge–acceptor–donor (D? A? π? A? D)‐conjugated oligomer ( L1 ) as a N^N ligand and a triarylboron compound as a C^N ligand has been synthesized. The photophysical and excited‐state properties of Ir1 and L1 were investigated by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and molecular‐orbital calculations, and they were compared with those of the mononuclear iridium(III) complex [Ir(Bpq)₂(bpy)]⁺PF₆^? ( Ir0 ). Compared with Ir0 , complex Ir1 shows a more‐intense optical‐absorption capability, especially in the visible‐light region. For example, complex Ir1 shows an intense absorption band that is centered at λ=448 nm with a molar extinction coefficient (ε) of about 10⁴, which is rarely observed for iridium(III) complexes. Complex Ir1 displays highly efficient orange–red phosphorescent emission with an emission wavelength of 606 nm and a quantum efficiency of 0.13 at room temperature. We also investigated the two‐photon‐absorption properties of complexes Ir0 , Ir1 , and L1 . The free ligand ( L1 ) has a relatively small two‐photon absorption cross‐section (δ_max=195 GM), but, when complexed with iridium(III) to afford dinuclear complex Ir1 , it exhibits a higher two‐photon‐absorption cross‐section than ligand L1 in the near‐infrared region and an intense two‐photon‐excited phosphorescent emission. The maximum two‐photon‐absorption cross‐section of Ir1 is 481 GM, which is also significantly larger than that of Ir0 . In addition, because the strong B? F interaction between the dimesitylboryl groups and F^? ions interrupts the extended π‐conjugation, complex Ir1 can be used as an excellent one‐ and two‐photon‐excited “ON–OFF” phosphorescent probe for F^? ions.     

The Potent Oxidant Anticancer Activity of Organoiridium Catalysts

Platinum complexes are the most widely used anticancer drugs; however, new generations of agents are needed. The organoiridium(III) complex [(η⁵‐Cp^xbiph)Ir(phpy)(Cl)] ( 1‐Cl ), which contains π‐bonded biphenyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl (Cp^xbiph) and C^N‐chelated phenylpyridine (phpy) ligands, undergoes rapid hydrolysis of the chlorido ligand. In contrast, the pyridine complex [(η⁵‐Cp^xbiph)Ir(phpy)(py)]⁺ ( 1‐py ) aquates slowly, and is more potent (in nanomolar amounts) than both 1‐Cl and cisplatin towards a wide range of cancer cells. The pyridine ligand protects 1‐py from rapid reaction with intracellular glutathione. The high potency of 1‐py correlates with its ability to increase substantially the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells. The unprecedented ability of these iridium complexes to generate H₂O₂ by catalytic hydride transfer from the coenzyme NADH to oxygen is demonstrated. Such organoiridium complexes are promising as a new generation of anticancer drugs for effective oxidant therapy.     

Applications of transition metal complexes containing aminophosphine ligand to transfer hydrogenation of ketones

Hydrogen transfer reduction processes are attracting increasing interest from synthetic chemists in view of their operational simplicity. Reaction of [Ph₂PNHCH₂‐C₄H₃S] with [Ru(η⁶‐benzene)(µ‐Cl)Cl]₂, [Rh(µ‐Cl)(cod)]₂ and [Ir(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(µ‐Cl)Cl]₂ gave a range of new monodendate complexes [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂‐C₄H₃S)(η⁶‐benzene)Cl₂], 1, [Rh(Ph₂PNHCH₂‐C₄H₃S)(cod)Cl], 2, and [Ir(Ph₂PNHCH₂‐C₄H₃S)(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Cl₂], 3, respectively. All new complexes were fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. ¹H? ³¹P NMR, ¹H? ¹³C HETCOR or ¹H? ¹H COSY correlation experiments were used to confirm the spectral assignments. 1–3 are suitable catalyst precursors for the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives. Notably [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂‐C₄H₃S)(η⁶‐benzene)Cl₂], 1, acts as an excellent catalyst, giving the corresponding alcohols in 98–99% yields in 30 min at 82 °C (TOF ≤200 h^?1) for the transfer hydrogenation reaction in comparison to analogous rhodium or iridium complexes. This transfer hydrogenation is characterized by low reversibility under these conditions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermodynamics of the hydrogenation of olefins catalyzed by Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes

The homogeneous hydrogenation of cyclohexene catalyzed by Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes of the terdentate ligands (L) HN(CH₂CH₂Aφ₂)₂ (A = P, As) was investigated in the temperature range 20 - 50°C. Thermodynamic parameters corresponding to the formation of the dihydrido complexes ML(H)₂Cl (M = Ir(I), Rh(I)) and the olefin complexes MLCl(olefin) were computed. The activation parameters corresponding to the rate constant were also calculated. An inverse relationship is found between the enthalpy of formation ΔH⁰ of the dihydrido complexes and the enthalpy of activation ΔH^≠ of the hydrogenation step. This relationship establishes the involvement of the dihydrido complexes as the active intermediates in olefin coordination and hydrogen transfer. The stereochemistry of the terdentate complexes in dihydride formation is discussed. It is concluded that the enthalpy of formation ΔH⁰ of the dihydrido complexes of terdentate ligands is very favourable, as there is no change in the configuration of the ligand in oxidative addition reaction. The significance of the steric factors in the hydrogenation step is discussed.     

A new phosphorescent heteroleptic cuprous complex with a neutral 2‐methylquinolin‐8‐ol ligand: synthesis,structure characterization,properties and TD–DFT calculations

Luminescent Cu^I complexes have emerged as promising substitutes for phosphorescent emitters based on Ir, Pt and Os due to their abundance and low cost. The title heteroleptic cuprous complex, [9,9‐dimethyl‐4,5‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)‐9H‐xanthene‐κ²P ,P ](2‐methylquinolin‐8‐ol‐κ²N ,O )copper(I) hexafluorophosphate, [Cu(C₁₀H₉NO)(C₃₉H₃₂OP₂)]PF₆, conventionally abbreviated as [Cu(Xantphos)(8‐HOXQ)]PF₆, where Xantphos is the chelating diphosphine ligand 9,9‐dimethyl‐4,5‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)‐9H‐xanthene and 8‐HOXQ is the N ,O‐chelating ligand 2‐methylquinolin‐8‐ol that remains protonated at the hydroxy O atom, is described. In this complex, the asymmetric unit consists of a hexafluorophosphate anion and a whole mononuclear cation, where the Cu^I atom is coordinated by two P atoms from the Xantphos ligand and by the N and O atoms from the 8‐HOXQ ligand, giving rise to a tetrahedral CuP₂NO coordination geometry. The electronic absorption and photoluminescence properties of this complex have been studied on as‐synthesized samples, whose purity had been determined by powder X‐ray diffraction. In the detailed TD–DFT (time‐dependent density functional theory) studies, the yellow emission appears to be derived from the inter‐ligand charge transfer and metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (M +L ′)→LCT excited state (LCT is ligand charge transfer).     

Theoretical studies of ground and excited electronic states in a series of heteroleptic iridium complexes using density functional theory

A series of new heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes [Ir(C^?N)₂(N^?N)]PF₆ ( 1 ‐ 6 ) (each with two cyclometalating C^?N ligands and one neutral N^?N ancillary ligand, where C^?N = 2‐phenylpyridine (ppy), 5‐methyl‐2‐(4‐fluoro)phenylpyridine (F‐mppy), and N^?N = 2,2′‐dipyridyl (bpy), 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen), 4,4′‐diphenyl‐2,2′‐dipyridy (dphphen) were found to have rich photophysical properties. Theoretical calculations are employed for studying the photophysical and electrochemical properties. All complexes are investigated using density functional theory. Excited singlet and triplet states are examined using time‐dependent density functional theory. The low‐lying excited‐state geometries are optimized at the ab initio configuration interaction singles level. Then, the excited‐state properties are investigated in detail, including absorption and emission properties, photoactivation processes. The excited state of complexes is complicated and contains triplet metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer, triplet ligand‐to‐ligand charge transfer simultaneously. Importantly, the absorption spectra and emission maxima can be tuned significantly by changing the N^?N ligands and C^?N ligands. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012     

Darstellung und spektroskopische Charakterisierung der Nona-halogenodiiridate(III), [Ir2X9]3−, X = Cl,Br

Preparation and Spectroscopic Characterization of Nonahalogenodiiridates(III), [Ir₂X₉]^3?, X = Cl, Br The pure nonahalogenodiiridates(III), A₃[Ir₂X₉] (A = K, Cs, tetraalkylammonium; X = Cl, Br) have been prepared. They are formed from the monomer hexahalogenoiridates(III) which are bridged to confacial bioctahedral complexes by ligand abstraction in less polar organic solvents. The IR and Raman spectra exhibit bands in three characteristic regions; at high wavenumbers stretching vibrations with terminal ligands ν(Ir?Cl_t): 360?300, ν(Ir?Br_t): 250?220; in a middle region with bridging ligands ν(Ir?Cl_b): 290?235, ν(Ir?Br_b): 205?190 cm^?1; the deformation bands are observed at distinct lower frequencies. The distance between ν(Ir?X_t) and ν(Ir?X_b) increases with decreasing size of the cations. The electronic spectra measured at thin films of the pure complex salts at 10 K show some intensive charge transfer transitions in the UV and one or two weak d? d bands in the visible region.     

The Versatile Coordination Modes of Monophosphine‐o‐Carborane in the Formation of Iridium and Rhodium Complexes: Synthesis,Reactivity, and Characterization

Monophosphine‐o‐carborane has four competitive coordination modes when it coordinates to metal centers. To explore the structural transitions driven by these competitive coordination modes, a series of monophosphine‐o‐carborane Ir,Rh complexes were synthesized and characterized. [Cp*M(Cl)₂{1‐(PPh₂)‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₁}] (M=Ir ( 1 a ), Rh ( 1 b ); Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅), [Cp*Ir(H){7‐(PPh₂)‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₁₁}] ( 2 a ), and [1‐(PPh₂)‐3‐(η⁵‐Cp*)‐3,1,2‐MC₂B₉H₁₀] (M=Ir ( 3 a ), Rh ( 3 b )) can be all prepared directly by the reaction of 1‐(PPh₂)‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₁ with dimeric complexes [(Cp*MCl₂)₂] (M=Ir, Rh) under different conditions. Compound 3 b was treated with AgOTf (OTf=CF₃SO₃^?) to afford the tetranuclear metallacarborane [Ag₂(thf)₂(OTf)₂{1‐(PPh₂)‐3‐(η⁵‐Cp*)‐3,1,2‐RhC₂B₉H₁₀}₂] ( 4 b ). The arylphosphine group in 3 a and 3 b was functionalized by elemental sulfur (1 equiv) in the presence of Et₃N to afford [1‐{(S)PPh₂}‐3‐(η⁵‐Cp*)‐3,1,2‐MC₂B₉H₁₀] (M=Ir ( 5 a ), Rh ( 5 b )). Additionally, the 1‐(PPh₂)‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₁ ligand was functionalized by elemental sulfur (2 equiv) and then treated with [(Cp*IrCl₂)₂], thus resulting in two 16‐electron complexes [Cp*Ir(7‐{(S)PPh₂}‐8‐S‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₉)] ( 6 a ) and [Cp*Ir(7‐{(S)PPh₂}‐8‐S‐9‐OCH₃‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₉)] ( 7 a ). Compound 6 a further reacted with nBuPPh₂, thereby leading to 18‐electron complex [Cp*Ir(nBuPPh₂)(7‐{(S)PPh₂}‐8‐S‐7,8‐C₂B₉H₁₀)] ( 8 a ). The influences of other factors on structural transitions or the formation of targeted compounds, including reaction temperature and solvent, were also explored.     

Polymerization of 3‐ethynylthiophene with homogeneous and heterogeneous Rh catalysts

3‐Ethynylthiophene (3ETh) was polymerized with Rh(I) complexes: [Rh(cod)acac], [Rh(nbd)acac], [Rh(cod)Cl]₂, and [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂ (cod is η²:η²‐cycloocta‐1,5‐diene and nbd η²:η²‐norborna‐2,5‐diene), used as homogeneous catalysts and with the last two complexes anchored on mesoporous polybenzimidazole (PBI) beads: [Rh(cod)Cl]₂/PBI and [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂/PBI used as heterogeneous catalysts. All tested catalyst systems give high‐cis poly(3ETh). In situ NMR study of homogeneous polymerizations induced with [Rh(cod)acac] and [Rh(nbd)acac] complexes has revealed: (i) a transformation of acac ligands into free acetylacetone (Hacac) occurring since the early stage of polymerization, which suggests that this reaction is part of the initiation, (ii) that the initiation is rather slow in both of these polymerization systems, and (iii) a release of cod ligand from [Rh(cod)acac] complex but no release of nbd ligand from [Rh(nbd)acac] complex during the polymerization. The stability of diene ligand binding to Rh‐atom in [Rh(diene)acac] catalysts remarkably affects only the molecular weight but not the yield of poly(3ETh). The heterogeneous catalyst systems also provide high‐cis poly(3ETh), which is of very low contamination with catalyst residues since a leaching of anchored Rh complexes is negligible. The course of heterogeneous polymerizations is somewhat affected by limitations arising from the diffusion of monomer inside catalyst beads. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2776–2787, 2008     

Highly Efficient Visible‐to‐NIR Luminescence of Lanthanide(III) Complexes with Zwitterionic Ligands Bearing Charge‐Transfer Character: Beyond Triplet Sensitization

Two zwitterionic‐type ligands featuring π–π* and intraligand charge‐transfer (ILCT) excited states, namely 1,1′‐(2,3,5,6‐tetramethyl‐1,4‐phenylene)bis(methylene)dipyridinium‐4‐olate (TMPBPO) and 1‐dodecylpyridin‐4(1 H)‐one (DOPO), have been prepared and applied to the assembly of lanthanide coordination complexes in an effort to understand the ligand‐direction effect on the structure of the Ln complexes and the ligand sensitization effect on the luminescence of the Ln complexes. Due to the wide‐band triplet states plus additional ILCT excitation states extending into lower energy levels, broadly and strongly sensitized photoluminescence of f→f transitions from various Ln³⁺ ions were observed to cover the visible to near‐infrared (NIR) regions. Among which, the Pr, Sm, Dy, and Tm complexes simultaneously display both strong visible and NIR emissions. Based on the isostructural feature of the Ln complexes, color tuning and single‐component white light was achieved by preparation of solid solutions of the ternary systems Gd‐Eu‐Tb (for TMPBPO) and La‐Eu‐Tb and La‐Dy‐Sm (for DOPO). Moreover, the visible and NIR luminescence lifetimes of the Ln complexes with the TMPBPO ligand were investigated from 77 to 298 K, revealing a strong temperature dependence of the Tm³⁺ (³H₄) and Yb³⁺ (²F_5/2) decay dynamics, which has not been explored before for their coordination complexes.     

Development of Strong Visible-Light-Absorbing Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes for Robust and Efficient Light-Driven Hydrogen Production

Weak light absorption of common Ir(III) complexes (e. g., using phenylpyridine as the ligand) has hindered their applications in photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water as an efficient photosensitizer. To address this issue, a series of cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes (Ir1–Ir5), featuring different electron-donating substituents to enhance the absorptivity, have been synthesized and studied as photosensitizers (PSs) for light-driven hydrogen production from water. Ir6–Ir7 were prepared as fundamental systems for comparisons. Electron donors, including 9-phenylcarbazole, triphenylamine, 4,4′-dimethoxytriphenylamine, 4,4′-di(N-hexylcarbazole)triphenylamine moieties were introduced on 6-(thiophen-2-yl)phenanthridine-based cyclometalating (C^N) ligands to explore the donor effect on the hydrogen evolution performance of these cationic Ir(III) complexes. Remarkably, Ir4 with 4,4′-dimethoxytriphenylamine achieved the highest turn-over number (TON) of 12 300 and initial turnover frequency (TOF_i) of 394 h⁻¹, with initial activity (activity_i) of 547 000 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ and initial apparent quantum yield (AQY_i) of 9.59 %, under the illumination of blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for 105 hours, which demonstrated a stable three-component photocatalytic system with high efficiency. The TON (based on n(H₂)/n(PSr)) in this study is the highest value reported to date among the similar photocatalytic systems using Ir(III) complexes with Pt nanoparticles as catalyst. The great potential of using triphenylamine-based Ir(III) PSs in boosting photocatalytic performance has also been shown.     

Synthesis and characterization of transition metal complexes of a new bidentate ligand {2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl}benzylamine

A new bidentate ligand {2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl}benzylamine(DPEBA) was synthesized and characterized based on the IR, mass and ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectra. Various complexes of platinum group metal ions and Ni(II) and Co(II) ions with the ligand were synthesized. Reaction of RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃ or RuCl₂(Me₂SO)₄ with the ligand DPEBA, resulted in formation of a penta-coordinate, Ru(II) species of the composition [RuCl(DPEBA)₂]Cl. Carbonylation of [RuCl(DPEBA)₂]Cl gave an octahedral carbonyl complex of the type [RuCl(CO)(DPEBA)₂]Cl. The reaction of RuCl₃·3H₂O or RuCl₃(AsPh₃)₂MeOH with a twofold excess of the ligand gave an octahedral Ru(III) cationic species [Ru(DPEBA)₂Cl₂]Cl. Carbonylation of the Ru(III) complex gave rise to a carbonyl complex [RuCl(CO)(DPEBA)₂]Cl₂. The ligand DPEBA reacts with cobalt(II) chloride in methanol to give the 1 : 1 complex [Co(DPEBA)Cl₂]. A series of Rh(I) complexes [Rh(DPEBA)₂Cl], [ RhCl(CO)(DPEBA)] and [Rh(DPEBA)₂]Cl were synthesized by the reaction of DPEBA with RhCl(PPh₃)₃, RhCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ and [Rh(COD)Cl]₂, respectively. Reaction of [Ir(COD)Cl]₂ and IrCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ with the ligand DPEBA, gave the square-planar complexes [Ir(DPBA)₂]Cl and [Ir(DPEBA)(CO)Cl], respectively. Octahedral cationic complexes of the type [M(DPEBA)₂Cl₂]Cl (M = Rh(III), Ir(III)) were synthesized by the reaction of the ligand DPEBA and rhodium and iridium trichlorides. Reaction of NiCl₂·6H₂O with DPEBA in 1 : 2 molar equivalents, in boiling butanol gave an octahedral neutral complex [Ni(DPEBA)₂Cl₂] which readily rearranges to the square-planar complex [Ni(DPEBA)₂]Cl₂ in methanol. Reaction of Pd(II) and Pt(II) chlorides with DPEBA gave square-planar, cationic complexes of the type [M(DPEBA)₂Cl]Cl (M = Pd, Pt). All the complexes were characterized on the basis of their analytical and spectral data.     

Versatile reactivity of half-sandwich Ir and Rh complexes toward carboranylamidinates and their derivatives: synthesis, structure, and catalytic activity for norbornene polymerization

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of carboranylamidinate‐based half‐sandwich iridium and rhodium complexes are reported for the first time. Treatment of dimeric metal complexes [{Cp*M(μ‐Cl)Cl}₂] (M=Ir, Rh; Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅) with a solution of one equivalent of nBuLi and a carboranylamidine produces 18‐electron complexes [Cp*IrCl(Cab^N‐DIC)] ( 1 a ; Cab^N‐DIC=[iPrN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NHiPr)]), [Cp*RhCl(Cab^N‐DIC)] ( 1 b ), and [Cp*RhCl(Cab^N‐DCC)] ( 1 c ; Cab^N‐DCC=[CyN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NHCy)]). A series of 16‐electron half‐sandwich Ir and Rh complexes [Cp*Ir(Cab^N′‐DIC)] ( 2 a ; Cab^N′‐DIC=[iPrN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NiPr)]), [Cp*Ir(Cab^N′‐DCC)] ( 2 b , Cab^N′‐DCC=[CyN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NCy)]), and [Cp*Rh(Cab^N′‐DIC)] ( 2 c ) is also obtained when an excess of nBuLi is used. The unexpected products [Cp*M(Cab^N,S‐DIC)], [Cp*M(Cab^N,S‐DCC)] (M=Ir 3 a , 3 b ; Rh 3 c , 3 d ), formed through BH activation, are obtained by reaction of [{Cp*MCl₂}₂] with carboranylamidinate sulfides [RN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NHR)]S^? (R=iPr, Cy), which can be prepared by inserting sulfur into the C? Li bond of lithium carboranylamidinates. Iridium complex 1 a shows catalytic activities of up to 2.69×10⁶ g_PNB ${{\rm{mol}}_{{\rm{Ir}}}^{ - {\rm{1}}} }Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of carboranylamidinate-based half-sandwich iridium and rhodium complexes are reported for the first time. Treatment of dimeric metal complexes [{Cp*M(μ-Cl)Cl}(2)] (M = Ir, Rh; Cp* = η(5)-C(5)Me(5)) with a solution of one equivalent of nBuLi and a carboranylamidine produces 18-electron complexes [Cp*IrCl(Cab(N)-DIC)] (1?a; Cab(N)-DIC = [iPrN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10))(NHiPr)]), [Cp*RhCl(Cab(N)-DIC)] (1?b), and [Cp*RhCl(Cab(N)-DCC)] (1?c; Cab(N)-DCC = [CyN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10))(NHCy)]). A series of 16-electron half-sandwich Ir and Rh complexes [Cp*Ir(Cab(N')-DIC)] (2?a; Cab(N')-DIC = [iPrN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10))(NiPr)]), [Cp*Ir(Cab(N')-DCC)] (2?b, Cab(N')-DCC = [CyN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10)(NCy)]), and [Cp*Rh(Cab(N')-DIC)] (2?c) is also obtained when an excess of nBuLi is used. The unexpected products [Cp*M(Cab(N,S)-DIC)], [Cp*M(Cab(N,S)-DCC)] (M = Ir 3?a, 3?b; Rh 3?c, 3?d), formed through BH activation, are obtained by reaction of [{Cp*MCl(2)}(2)] with carboranylamidinate sulfides [RN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10))(NHR)]S(-) (R = iPr, Cy), which can be prepared by inserting sulfur into the C-Li bond of lithium carboranylamidinates. Iridium complex 1?a shows catalytic activities of up to 2.69×10(6) g(PNB) mol(Ir)(-1) h(-1) for the polymerization of norbornene in the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO) as cocatalyst. Catalytic activities and the molecular weight of polynorbornene (PNB) were investigated under various reaction conditions. All complexes were fully characterized by elemental analysis and IR and NMR spectroscopy; the structures of 1?a-c, 2?a, b; and 3?a, b, d were further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry of non-volatile organometallic compounds. Rhodium,iridium and platinum complexes containing a cumulene ligand

Fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry has been used to examine a series of rhodium, iridium and platinum organimetallic complexes, in which a cumulene ligand is attached to the metal in either σ-or π-bonding fashion. The most intense ion formed in the rhodium and platinum series is the metal-bis(triphenylphosphine) ion, while the [Ir(P(C₆H₅)₃)₂CO]⁺ ion is most intense for the iridium series. The platinum complexes show the most intense molecular ion peaks (up to 35% relative intensity), while the rhodium complexes show the least intense molecular ion peaks. The primary fragmentations of all these complexes occur at the metal-ligand bonds. The cumulenic ligand is lost as an impact unit in all cases. The FAB mass spectra of Rh(P(C₆H₅)₃)₃Cl (Wilkinson's catalyst), Ir(P(C₆H₅)₃)₂COCl (Vaska's compound), Rh(P(C₆H₅)₃)₂COCl and Pt(P(C₆H₅)₃)₂(C₂H₄)–synthetic precursors or related compounds to the organometallic complexes examined here–are included for comparison.     

A computational investigation of the hydrogenation of imines catalyzed by rhodium thiolate complexes

The mechanism of imine hydrogenation catalyzed by thiolate complexes of Rh(III) bearing a hydrotris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)borato ligand has been investigated via the density functional theory calculations. The overall catalytic cycle for heterolytic cleavage of H₂ and hydrogenation of N‐benzylidenemethylamine by the model catalyst [TpRh(bdt)MeCN)] is presented in detail. The results show that the reaction proceeds via an ionic mechanism through three steps: formation of dihydrogen complex, protonation of imine and the hydride transfer process. Protonation of imine occurs after the formation of Rh(H)‐S(H) moiety. For the whole catalytic cycle, the heterolytic splitting of dihydrogen is the step with the highest free energy barrier. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.