Stepwise synthesis of a hydrido, N-heterocyclic dicarbene iridium(III) pincer complex featuring mixed NHC/abnormal NHC ligands

We describe a stepwise synthesis of the hydrido, N-heterocyclic dicarbene iridium(III) pincer complex [Ir(H)I(C(NHC)CC(aNHC))(NCMe)] (3) which features a combination of normal and abnormal NHC ligands. The reaction of the bis(imidazolium) diiodide [(CH(imid)CHCH(imid))]I(2) (1) with [Ir(μ-Cl)(cod)](2) afforded first the mono-NHC Ir(I) complex [IrI(cod)(CH(imid)CHC(NHC))]I (2), which was then reacted with 2 equiv. of Cs(2)CO(3) in acetonitrile at 60 °C for 40 h to yield 3. These observations support our previously proposed mechanism for the formation of hydrido, N-heterocyclic dicarbene iridium(III) pincer complexes from the reaction of bis(imidazolium) salts with weak bases involving a mono-NHC Ir(I) intermediate. We describe the reactivity of the mono-NHC Ir(I) complex 2 under various conditions. By changing the reaction solvent from MeCN to toluene, we observed the cleavage of the imidazol-2-ylidene ring and the formation of an iminoformamide-containing mono-NHC Ir(I) complex [IrI(cod){[NHCH=CHN(Ad)CHO]CHC(NHC)}] (4). Complex 4 was also prepared in high yield from the reaction of 2 with strong bases (potassium tert-butoxide or potassium hexamethyldisilazane), via the initial formation of the complex [IrI(cod)(CH(NHC)CHC(NHC))] (5), which contains a coordinated NHC moiety and a free carbene arm, followed by subsequent hydrolysis of the latter. The bis(imidazolium) salt 1 can be deprotonated by strong bases to form the bis(carbene) ligand C(NHC)CHC(NHC) (6), which readily reacts with [Ir(μ-Cl)(cod)](2) to give the dinuclear complex [{IrI(cod)}(2)(μ-C(NHC)CHC(NHC))] (7), in which the N-heterocyclic bis(carbene) ligand bridges the two metals through the carbene carbon atoms.     

N-Heterocyclic carbene functionalized iridium phosphinidene complex [Cp*(NHC)Ir=PMes*]: comparison of phosphinidene,imido, and carbene complexes

The novel phosphinidene complex [Cp*(NHC)Ir=PMes*] (3; NHC=1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene) was prepared in high yield from [Cp*(NHC)IrCl(2)] (2) and [LiPHMes*].3 THF. It represents the first example of an NHC ligated transition metal phosphinidene complex. The X-ray crystal structure for 3 is also reported. DFT calculations on the N-heterocyclic carbene containing parent complexes [Cp(NHC)Ir=E] (E=PH, NH, CH(2)) show that the NHC ligand acts as good sigma-donor/weak pi-acceptor ligand and forms strong Ir-C(NHC) single bonds. The Ir=E double bonds result from strong triplet-triplet interactions between [Cp(NHC)Ir] and E.     

Synthesis of monodentate bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) complexes of iridium: Mixed complexes of abnormal NHCs, normal NHCs, and triazole NHCs

A stepwise synthesis of mixed monodentate bis-NHC complexes of Ir(I), employing Ag(I)NHC complexes as transfer agents, yields complexes with two monodentate NHCs having different steric and electronic characteristics. The crystal structure of the mixed complex (5) with both a triazole-derived NHC ligand and an imidazole-derived NHC ligand is reported and both the NHC ring geometry and the M-NHC bond lengths are similar to related complexes. The complexes maintain their integrity over time and do not disproportionate, consistent with the NHC ligands not being labile.     

Preparation and structure of mono- and binuclear half-sandwich iridium, ruthenium, and rhodium carbene complexes containing 1,2-dichalcogenolao 1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes

The synthesis of half-sandwich transition metal complexes containing both 1,2-dichalcogenolato-1,2-dicarba-closo-docecaborane (Cab(E,E)) [Cab(E,E)=E(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10)); E = S, Se] and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands is described. Addition of mono-NHC ligand to the 16e half-sandwich dichalcogenolato carborane complexes [Cp*Rh(Cab(E,E))], [Cp*Ir(Cab(S,S))], [(p-cymene)Ru(Cab(S,S))] (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) gives corresponding mononuclear 18e dithiolate complexes of the type [LM(Cab(E,E))(NHC)]: [Cp*M(Cab(S,S))(1-ethenyl-3-methylimidazolin-2-ylidene)] (M = Ir (2), Rh (3)), [Cp*Rh(Cab(E,E))(3-methyl-1-picolyimidazolin-2-ylidene)] [E = S (6), Se (7)], [(p-cymene)Ru(Cab(S,S))(NHC)] [NHC = 1-ethenyl-3-methylimidazolin-2-ylidene (4), 3-methyl-1-picolyimidazolin-2-ylidene (8)], whereas bis-NHC give centrosymmetric binuclear complexes [{Cp*M(Cab(S,S))}(2)(1,1'-dimethyl-3,3'-methylene(imidazolin-2-ylidene))] [M = Rh (10), Ir (11)]. The complexes were characterized by IR, NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. In addition, X-ray structure analyses were performed on complexes 2-4, 6, 8, 10 and 11.     

Quinoline-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of iridium: Synthesis, structures and catalytic activities in transfer hydrogenation

Iridium complexes containing quinoline-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been synthesized by the transmetalation route from silver carbene precursors. The silver complexes undergo a facile reaction with [Ir(COD)Cl]₂ (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) to yield a series of carbene complexes [(NHC)Ir(COD)Cl] (NHC = 3-methyl-1-(8-quinolylmethyl)imidazole-2-ylidene (2a); 3-n-butyl-1-(8-quinolylmethyl)imidazole-2-ylidene (2b); 3-benzyl-1-(8-quinolylmethyl)imidazole-2-ylidene (2c); 1,3-di(8-quinolylmethyl)imidazole-2-ylidene (2d). The coordinated COD was replaced by carbon monoxide to yield the corresponding carbonyl species [(NHC)Ir(CO)₂Cl] (3). Complexes 2 and 3 have been characterized by IR, ESI-MS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR and elemental analyses. The molecular structures of complexes 2b and 2c have been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Two analogous Ir(I) complexes 5 and 6 with naphthalene-containing NHC have also been synthesized and characterized. These Ir(I) complexes in the current work have been proved to be active catalysts in the transfer hydrogenation of ketones to alcohols using 2-propanol as the hydrogen source.     

Cyclometalated iridium(III) diimine bis(biotin) complexes as the first luminescent biotin-based cross-linkers for avidin

Four luminescent cyclometalated iridium(III) diimine complexes [Ir(N-C)2(N-N)](PF6) (HN-C = 2-(4-(N-((2-biotinamido)ethyl)aminomethyl)phenyl)pyridine, Hppy-4-CH2NHC2NH-biotin, N-N = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, Me4-phen (1a); N-N = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, Ph2-phen (2a); HN-C = 2-(4-(N-((6-biotinamido)hexyl)aminomethyl)phenyl)pyridine, Hppy-4-CH2NHC6NH-biotin, N-N = Me4-phen (1b); N-N = Ph2-phen (2b)), each containing two biotin units, have been synthesized and characterized. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of these complexes have been investigated. Photoexcitation of these iridium(III) diimine bis(biotin) complexes in fluid solutions at 298 K and in alcohol glass at 77 K resulted in intense and long-lived luminescence. The emission is assigned to a triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (3MLCT) (d pi(Ir) --> pi*(N-N)) excited state. The emissive states of complexes 1a,b are probably mixed with some 3IL (pi --> pi*) (Me4-phen) character. The interactions of these iridium(III) diimine bis(biotin) complexes with avidin have been studied by 4'-hydroxyazobenzene-2-carboxylic acid (HABA) assays and emission titrations. The potential for these complexes to act as cross-linkers for avidin has been examined by resonance-energy transfer- (RET-) based emission quenching experiments, microscopy studies using avidin-conjugated microspheres, and HPLC analysis.     

Stabilisation of iridium(III) fluoride complexes with NHCs

The first neutral, [IrClF(2)(NHC)(COD)] and [IrClF(2)(CO)(2)(NHC)] (NHC = IMes, IPr), and cationic, [IrF(2)py(IMes)(COD)][BF(4)] and [IrF(2)L(CO)(2)(NHC)][BF(4)] (NHC = IMes, L = PPh(2)Et, PPh(2)CCPh, py; NHC = IPr, L = py), NHC iridium(III) fluoride complexes, have been synthesised by the xenon difluoride oxidation of iridium(I) substrates. The stereochemistries of these iridium(III) complexes have been confirmed by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy in solution and no examples of fluoride-trans-NHC arrangements were observed. Throughout, CO was found to be a better co-ligand for the stabilisation of the iridium(III) fluoride complexes than COD. Attempts to generate neutral trifluoroiridium(III) complexes, [IrF(3)(CO)(NHC)], via the ligand substitution reaction of [IrF(3)(CO)(3)] with the free NHCs were unsuccessful.     

Unusual NHC–Iridium(I) Complexes and Their Use in the Intramolecular Hydroamination of Unactivated Aminoalkenes

N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands with naphthyl side chains were employed for the synthesis of unsaturated, yet isolable [(NHC)Ir(cod)]⁺ (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) complexes. These compounds are stabilised by an interaction of the aromatic wingtip that leads to a sideways tilt of the NHC?Ir bond. Detailed studies show how the tilting of such N‐heterocyclic carbenes affects the electronic shielding properties of the carbene carbon atom and how this is reflected by significant upfield shifts in the ¹³C NMR signals. When employed in the intramolecular hydroamination, these [(NHC)Ir(cod)]⁺ species show very high catalytic activity under mild reaction conditions. An enantiopure version of the catalyst system produces pyrrolidines with excellent enantioselectivities.     

Protonation reactions of dinuclear pyrazolato iridium(I) complexes

The complex [[Ir(mu-Pz)(CNBu(t))(2)](2)] (1) undergoes double protonation reactions with HCl and with HO(2)CCF(3) to give the neutral dihydride complexes [[Ir(mu-Pz)(H)(X)(CNBu(t))(2)](2)] (X = Cl, eta(1)-O(2)CCF(3)), in which the hydride ligands were located trans to the X groups and in the boat of the complexes, both in the solid state and in solution. The complex [[Ir(mu-Pz)(H)(Cl)(CNBu(t))(2)](2)] evolves in solution to the cationic complex [[Ir(mu-Pz)(H)(CNBu(t))(2)](2)(mu-Cl)]Cl. Removal of the anionic chloride by reaction with methyltriflate allows the isolation of the triflate salt [[Ir(mu-Pz)(H)(CNBu(t))(2)](2)(mu-Cl)]OTf. This complex undergoes a metathesis reaction of hydride by chloride in CDCl(3) under exposure to the direct sunlight to give the complex [[Ir(mu-Pz)(Cl)(CNBu(t))(2)](2)(mu-Cl)]OTf. Protonation of both metal centers in [[Ir(mu-Pz)(CO)(2)](2)] with HCl occurs at low temperature, but eventually the mononuclear compound [IrCl(HPz)(CO)(2)] is isolated. The related complex [[Ir(mu-Pz)(CO)(P[OPh](3))](2)] reacts with HCl and with HO(2)CCF(3) to give the neutral Ir(III)/Ir(III) complexes [[Ir(mu-Pz)(H)(X)(CO)(P[OPh](3))](2)], respectively. Both reactions were found to take place stepwise, allowing the isolation of the intermediate monohydrides. They are of different natures, i.e., the metal-metal-bonded Ir(II)/Ir(II) compound [(P[OPh](3))(CO)(Cl)Ir(mu-Pz)(2)Ir(H)(CO)(P[OPh](3))] and the mixed-valence Ir(I)/Ir(III) complex [(P[OPh](3))(CO)Ir(mu-Pz)(2)Ir(H)(eta(1)-O(2)CCF(3))(CO)(P[OPh](3))].     

Voltammetric behaviour of dichlorobis(2,2′-bipyridine) iridium(III) and dichlorobis(1,10-phenanthroline) iridium(III) complexes

The electrochemical behaviour of [Ir(bipy)₂Cl₂]⁺ and [Ir(phen)₂Cl₂]⁺ (bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) has been investigated in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). In potential sweep voltammetry [Ir(bipy)₂Cl₂]⁺ exhibits four reduction peaks. The first two processes involve one electron and are reversible in our conditions. The third reduction step is irreversible and has been attributed to the addition of three electrons to [Ir(bipy)₂Cl₂]⁺ followed by fast liberation of ligands. The data obtained for the fourth peak are consistent with a one-electron reversible process. The behaviour of [Ir(phen)₂Cl₂]⁺ is more complicated than that found for the bipy complex. In this case in fact, in addition to the four peaks observed in the case of the bipy complex, two other peaks appear. The latter have been attributed to the reduction of phen molecules liberated by the reduction of the complex. A qualitative MO discussion of the nature of the molecular levels involved in the reduction processes is also reported.     

Thin-layer chromatographic separation of rhodium(III) and iridium(III, IV) by anion exchange

Summary The TLC behaviour of Rh(III), Ir(III) and Ir(IV) has been investigated in the two systems consisting of DEAE-cellulose or ECTEOLA-cellulose and 5 M HCl media containing H₂O₂. These systems, especially in combination with a simple chemical pretreatment of samples (with LiCl, HCl and H₂O₂), can effectively be applied to the complete separation of mixtures of Rh(III) and Ir(III) or Ir(IV) in a wide range of ratios and amounts (Rh: Ir=1100 to 1001).

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Dünnschicht-chromatographische Trennung von Rhodium(III) und Iridium(III, IV) durch Anionenaustausch

Zusammenfassung Das dünnschicht-chromatographische Verhalten von Rh(III), Ir(III) und Ir(IV) wurde in H₂O₂-haltiger 5 M salzsaurer Lösung auf DEAE-sowie ECTEOLA-Cellulose untersucht. In Kombination mit einer einfachen chemischen Vorbehandlung der Probe (mit LiCl, HCl, H₂O₂) kann eine wirkungsvolle Trennung von Rh(III) und Ir(III) oder Ir(IV) über einen weiten Konzentrationsbereich erzielt werden (Rh: Ir=1100 bis 1001).

     

Chiral iridium(I) bis(NHC) complexes as catalysts for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation

The common use of NHC complexes in transition‐metal mediated C–C coupling and metathesis reactions in recent decades has established N‐heterocyclic carbenes as a new class of ligand for catalysis. The field of asymmetric catalysis with complexes bearing NHC‐containing chiral ligands is dominated by mixed carbene/oxazoline or carbene/phosphane chelating ligands. In contrast, applications of complexes with chiral, chelating bis(NHC) ligands are rare. In the present work new chiral iridium(I) bis(NHC) complexes and their application in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones are described. A series of chiral bis(azolium) salts have been prepared following a synthetic pathway, starting from L ‐valinol and the modular buildup allows the structural variation of the ligand precursors. The iridium complexes were formed via a one‐pot transmetallation procedure. The prepared complexes were applied as catalysts in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of various prochiral ketones, affording the corresponding chiral alcohols in high yields and moderate to good enantioselectivities of up to 68%. The enantioselectivities of the catalysts were strongly affected by the various, terminal N‐substituents of the chelating bis(NHC) ligands. The results presented in this work indicate the potential of bis‐carbenes as stereodirecting ligands for asymmetric catalysis and are offering a base for further developments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Unprecedented diastereoselective generation of chiral-at-metal, half sandwich Ir(III) and Rh(III) complexes via anomeric isomerism on "sugar-coated" N-heterocyclic carbene ligands

The first example of the diastereoselective synthesis induced by anomeric isomerism of sugar units in ligands of metal complexes was demonstrated. S and R configurations of chiral-at-metal Ir(III) and Rh(III) complexes were selectively obtained by using chelate-type NHC ligands with α- and β-glucopyranosyl units, respectively.     

Rhodium(I) and iridium(I) complexes of pyrazolyl-N-heterocyclic carbene ligands

Several Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes containing an N-heterocyclic carbene-pyrazolyl chelate ligand have been synthesised. Determination of the single-crystal X-ray structure of the Ir(I) complex showed a novel binding mode with the iridium centre coordinated to two ligands via two carbene donors in preference to one ligand forming the entropically favoured chelate. The hydrogenation activity of several of these complexes was investigated along with that of previously synthesised Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes containing an analogous phosphine-pyrazolyl chelate.     

Solid-state electrochemiluminescence of a novel iridium（Ⅲ） complex

The solid-state ECL behavior of a water-insoluble bis-cyclometalated （pq）2Ir（N-phMA） complex is presented, in which pq is a 2-phenylquinoline anion and N-phMA is N-phenyl methacrylamide, a monoanionic bidentate ligand. The MWNTs/（pq）2Ir（N-phMA） film, MWNTs/Ru（bpy）3^2＋ film and （pq）2Ir（N-phMA） directly modified glassy carbon electrode were fabricated; only the MWNTs/（pq）2Ir（N-phMA） film can produce steady ECL in the presence of tri-n-propylamine as a coreactant.     

Rhodium and iridium complexes of an asymmetric bicyclic NHC bearing secondary pyridyl donors

A tridentate N^C^N ligand, 1, containing a bicyclic central NHC ring and two flanking pyridyl groups has been coordinated to Rh(I) and Ir(I) to give complexes of the type [M(κ(3)-1)(1,5-COD)]PF(6) (2 M = Rh; 3 M = Ir). In contrast to our earlier study with this ligand, the complexes have been shown to approximate to a trigonal bipyramidal geometry in the solid state and exist as an isomeric mixture in solution as determined by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. Electrochemical studies revealed that both complexes undergo a 1-electron oxidation with the potential of the Rh complex 0.1 V less than that of the Ir complex in CH(2)Cl(2). Preliminary DFT studies confirm the lowest energy conformations as those seen in the solid state and show the location and energy of the HOMOs to be identical in 2 and 3. Partial charge analysis shows a greater positive charge on the Ir in 3 compared to the Rh in 2. Some preliminary studies of hydrogenation reactivity have shown the complexes to be efficient for both transfer and direct hydrogenation of prochiral ketones and alkenes at moderate temperatures but without any discernible enantioselectivity.     

Pentacoordinated iridium(I) complexes incorporating azopyridine chelation. Synthesis,structure and bonding

The reaction of [Ir(COD)Cl]₂ with 2-(arylazo)pyridine (L) in dichloromethane solution has afforded the nonelectrolytic pentacoordinated species of type Ir(L)(COD)(Cl) from which the corresponding bromides and iodides have been synthesised by metathesis (COD=1,5-cyclooctadiene). L ligands used are: 2-(phenylazo)pyridine (L¹); 2-(m-tolylazo)pyridine (L²) and 2-(p-chlorophenylazo)pyridine (L³). The X-ray structures of Ir(L²)(COD)(Cl)·0.5 CH₂Cl₂ and Ir(L³)(COD)(I) have been determined revealing square-pyramidal geometry. The relatively short IrN(azo) lengths (∼2.00 Å) and the relatively long NN bond distance (∼1.30 Å) are consistent with significant dππ* (azo) back-bonding. The HOMO (50% Ir and 15% azo character) and LUMO (50% azo and 30% Ir character) are primarily localised in the IrL fragment and the absorption bands near 600 nm is assigned tentatively to the HOMO→LUMO transition. The stability of the pentacoordinated structures and the inertness to oxidative addition of the present complexes in contrast to the behaviour of corresponding 2,2′-bipyridine species (tetracoordinated, reactive) is rationalised in terms of π-acidity order L≫bpy.     

Synthesis, opto-physics, and electroluminescence of cyclometalated iridium (III) complex with alkyltrifluorene picolinic acid

To improve the opto-physics, electroluminescence, and dispersibility of iridium (III) complexes in polymer light-emitting devices, we synthesized and characterized two red-emitting heteroleptic cyclometalated iridium (III) complexes of (Piq)₂Ir(Tfl-pic) and (Piq)₂Ir(Brfl-pic), in which Piq is 1-phenylisoquinoline, Tfl-pic and Brfl-pic are alkyltrifluorene- and dibromoalkylfluorene-containing picolinic acid derivatives bridged with alkoxy chain, respectively. Compared to (Piq)₂Ir(pic) and (Piq)₂Ir(Brfl-pic), (Piq)₂Ir(Tfl-pic) exhibited higher thermal stability, better dispersibility and excellent quantum efficiency. High-efficiency red emission with a maximum current efficiency of 6.28 cdA⁻¹ and a maximum EL peak at 608 nm was obtained in the (Piq)₂Ir(Tfl-pic)-doped devices using a blend of poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) and 2-(4-biphenyl)-5-(4-tert -butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole as a host matrix.     

Anion-exchange TLC of rhodium(III) and iridium(III,IV) on DEAE-cellulose or ECTEOLA-cellulose

Summary The TLC behaviour and separation of Rh(III), Ir(III) and Ir(IV) has been investigated in the two systems composed of DEAE-cellulose or ECTEOLA-cellulose using 3 M or 5 M HCl containing NaClO₃ as solvent. These systems, especially in combination with a sample treatment with LiCl, HCl and H₂O₂ solutions, allow the clean-cut separations of Rh(III) from Ir(III) as well as Ir(IV), coexisting in an extremely wide range of amounts and ratios (RhIr=1500 to 2001). A brief discussion on the characteristic adsorption behaviour of Rh(III), dependent on the previous history of the sample solutions, is also included.

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Anionenaustausch-Dünnschicht-Chromatographie von Rhodium(III) und Iridium(III, IV) auf DEAE- oder ECTEOLA-Cellulose

Zusammenfassung Zur dünnschicht-chromatographischen Trennung von Rh und Ir wurden DEAE- bzw. ECTEOLA-Cellulose mit 3 M bzw. 5 M NaClO₃-haltiger Salzsäure als Lösungsmittel benutzt. Besonders in Verbindung mit einer Probevorbehandlung mit LiCl, HCl und H₂O₂ konnten mit diesen Systemen scharfe Trennungen von Rh(III), Ir(III) und Ir(IV) in einem weiten Konzentrationsbereich erzielt werden (RhIr=1500 bis 2001). Das Adsorptionsverhalten des Rh(III) in Abhängigkeit von der Vorbehandlung der Probelösung wird diskutiert.