Synthesis and reactivity of hydride and dihydrogen complexes of ruthenium with tris(pyrazolyl)borate and phosphite ligands

Chloro phosphite complexes RuClTpL(PPh₃) (1a, 1b) [L = P(OEt)₃, PPh(OEt)₂] and RuClTp[P(OEt)₃]₂ (1c) [Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate] were prepared by allowing RuClTp(PPh₃)₂ to react with an excess of phosphite. Treatment of the chloro complexes 1 with NaBH₄ in ethanol yielded the hydride RuHTpL(PPh₃) (2a, 2b) and RuHTp[P(OEt)₃]₂ (2c) derivatives. Protonation reaction of 2 with Brønsted acids was studied and led to thermally unstable (above 10 °C) dihydrogen [Ru(η²- H₂)TpL(PPh₃)]⁺ (3a, 3b) and [Ru(η²-H₂)Tp{P(OEt)₃}₂]⁺ (3c) complexes. The presence of the η²-H₂ ligand is indicated by short T_1 min values and J_HD measurements of the partially deuterated derivatives. Aquo [RuTp(H₂O)L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (4), carbonyl [RuTp(CO)L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (5), and nitrile [RuTp(CH₃CN)L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (6) derivatives [L = P(OEt)₃] were prepared by substituting H₂ in the η²-H₂ derivatives 3. Vinylidene [RuTp{CC(H)R}L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (7, 8) (R = Ph, ^tBu) and allenylidene [RuTp(CCCR1R2)L(PPh₃)]BPh₄ (9-11) complexes (R1 = R2 = Ph, R1 = Ph R2 = Me) were also prepared by allowing dihydrogen complexes 3 to react with the appropriate HCCR and HCCC(OH)R1R2 alkynes. Deprotonation of vinylidene complexes 7, 8 with NEt₃ was studied and led to acetylide Ru(CCR)TpL(PPh₃) (12, 13) derivatives. The trichlorostannyl Ru(SnCl₃)TpL(PPh₃) (14) compound was also prepared by allowing the chloro complex RuClTpL(PPh₃) to react with SnCl₂ · 2H₂O in CH₂Cl₂.     

Preparation and reactivity of osmium(II) hydride complexes with phosphites and polypyridyls

Chloro-complexes [OsCl(N-N)P₃]BPh₄ (1, 2) [N-N=2,2^′-bipyridine (bpy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen); P=P(OEt)₃ and PPh(OEt)₂] were prepared by allowing OsCl₄(N-N) to react with zinc dust in the presence of phosphites. Treatment of the chloro-complexes 1, 2 with NaBH₄ yielded, in the case of bpy, the hydride [OsH(bpy)P₃]BPh₄ (4) derivatives. Mono-phosphite [OsCl(bpy)₂P]BPh₄ (3) complexes were also prepared by reacting the [OsCl₂(bpy)₂]Cl compound with zinc dust in the presence of phosphite. Protonation reaction of the hydride [OsH(bpy)P₃]⁺ (4) cations with Brønsted acid was studied and led to thermally unstable (above 0 °C) dihydrogen [Os(η²-H₂)(bpy)P₃]²⁺ (4*) derivatives. The presence of the H₂ ligand is supported by variable-temperature NMR spectra and T_1min measurements. Carbonyl [Os(CO)(bpy){P(OEt)₃}₃](BPh₄)₂ (5), nitrile [Os(CH₃CN)(bpy){P(OEt)₃}₃](BPh₄)₂ (6), and hydrazine [Os(bpy)(NH₂NH₂){P(OEt)₃}₃](BPh₄)₂ (7) complexes were prepared by substituting the H₂ ligand in the η²-H₂ (4*) derivatives. Aryldiazene complex [Os(C₆H₅NNH)(bpy){P(OEt)₃}₃](BPh₄)₂ (8) was also obtained by allowing the hydride [OsH(bpy)P₃]BPh₄ to react with phenyldiazonium cation.     

Nucleophilic substitution reactions at the Si-Cl bonds of the dichloro(methyl)silyl ligand in five- and six-coordinate complexes of ruthenium(II) and osmium(II)

Treatment of either RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₃ or MPhCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ with HSiMeCl₂ produces the five-coordinate dichloro(methyl)silyl complexes, M(SiMeCl₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (1a, M = Ru; 1b, M = Os). 1a and 1b react readily with hydroxide ions and with ethanol to give M(SiMe[OH]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (2a, M = Ru; 2b, M = Os) and M(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (3a, M = Ru; 3b, M = Os), respectively. 3b adds CO to form the six-coordinate complex, Os(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (4b) and crystal structure determinations of 3b and 4b reveal very different Os-Si distances in the five-coordinate complex (2.3196(11) Å) and in the six-coordinate complex (2.4901(8) Å). Reaction between 1a and 1b and 8-aminoquinoline results in displacement of a triphenylphosphine ligand and formation of the six-coordinate chelate complexes M(SiMeCl₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N)-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (5a, M = Ru; 5b, M = Os), respectively. Crystal structure determination of 5a reveals that the amino function of the chelating 8-aminoquinoline ligand is located adjacent to the reactive Si-Cl bonds of the dichloro(methyl)silyl ligand but no reaction between these functions is observed. However, 5a and 5b react readily with ethanol to give ultimately M(SiMe[OEt]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (6a, M = Ru; 6b, M = Os). In the case of ruthenium only, the intermediate ethanolysis product Ru(SiMeCl[OEt])Cl(CO)(PPh₃)(κ²(N,N-NC₉H₆NH₂-8) (6c) was also isolated. The crystal structure of 6c was determined. Reaction between 1b and excess 2-aminopyridine results in condensation between the Si-Cl bonds and the N-H bonds with formation of a novel tridentate “NSiN” ligand in the complex Os(κ³(Si,N,N)-SiMe[NH(2-C₅H₄N)]₂)Cl(CO)(PPh₃) (7b). Crystal structure determination of 7b shows that the “NSiN” ligand coordinates to osmium with a “facial” arrangement and with chloride trans to the silyl ligand.     

C-H Activation of 3,3-diphenylcyclopropene in the reaction with Os(CO)2(PPh3)3: 3,3-diphenylcyclopropenyl, 2,2-diphenylcyclopropyl, and 3-phenylindenyl complexes of osmium(II)

Reaction between Os(CO)₂(PPh₃)₃ and 3,3-diphenylcyclopropene under quartz-halogen irradiation leads to C(sp²)-H bond activation and the formation of the 3,3-diphenylcyclopropenyl complex, OsH[C₃H(Ph-2)₂](CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (1). When complex 1 is heated there is ring-opening of the cyclopropene ring and rearrangement to the 3-phenylindenyl complex, OsH[C₉H₆(Ph-3)](CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (2). Compound 1 reacts with HCl forming the 2,2-diphenylcyclopropyl complex, OsCl[C₃H₃(Ph-2)₂](CO)₂(PPh₃)₂ (3). Reaction of either 1 or 3 with excess HCl leads to reversible formation of the hydroxycarbene complex, OsCl₂[C(OH)C₃H₃(Ph-2)₂](CO)(PPh₃)₂ (4), through protonation of the acyl group formed by a migratory insertion reaction involving a carbonyl ligand and the σ-bound 2,2-diphenylcyclopropanyl ligand. An X-ray crystal structure determination of 2 is reported.     

Ruthenium(II), copper(I) and silver(I) complexes of large bite bisphosphinite, bis(2-diphenylphosphinoxynaphthalen-1-yl)methane: Application of Ru(II) complexes towards the hydrogenation of styrene and phenylacetylene

Ruthenium(II), copper(I) and silver(I) complexes of large bite bisphosphinite Ph₂P{(-OC₁₀H₆)(μ-CH₂)(C₁₀H₆O-)}PPh₂ (1) are described. Reactions of bisphosphinite 1 with [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ and RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃ afford mono- and bis-chelate complexes [RuCl(η⁶-p-cymene){η²-Ph₂P{(-OC₁₀H₆)(μ-CH₂)(C₁₀H₆O-)}PPh₂-κP,κP}]Cl (2) and trans-[RuCl₂{η²-Ph₂P{(-OC₁₀H₆)(μ-CH₂)(C₁₀H₆O-)}PPh₂-κP,κP}₂] (3), respectively. Treatment of 1 with CuX (X = Cl, Br and I) furnish 10-membered chelate complexes of the type [Cu(X){η²-Ph₂P(-OC₁₀H₆)(μ-CH₂)(C₁₀H₆O-)PPh₂-κP,κP}] (4, X = Cl; 5, X = Br; 6, X = I), whereas [Cu(MeCN)₄]PF₆ affords a bis-chelated cationic complex [Cu{η²-Ph₂P(-OC₁₀H₆)(μ-CH₂)(C₁₀H₆O-)PPh₂-κP,κP}₂][PF₆] (7). Reaction between 1 and AgOTf produce both mono- and bis-chelated complexes [Ag{η²-Ph₂P(-OC₁₀H₆)(μ-CH₂)(C₁₀H₆O-)PPh₂-κP,κP}(SO₃CF₃)] (8) and [Ag{η²-Ph₂P(-OC₁₀H₆)(μ-CH₂)(C₁₀H₆O-)PPh₂-κP,κP}₂][SO₃CF₃] (9), respectively; whereas the similar reaction of 1 with[Ag(OTf)PPh₃] affords chelate complex of the type [Ag{η²-Ph₂P(-OC₁₀H₆)(μ-CH₂)(C₁₀H₆O-)PPh₂-κP,κP}(PPh₃)(SO₃CF₃)] (10). All the complexes were characterized by ¹H NMR, ³¹P NMR, elemental analysis and mass spectrometry, including low-temperature NMR studies in the case of silver complexes. The molecular structures of 4 and 6 are determined by X-ray diffraction studies. Ruthenium complexes 2 and 3 promote catalytic hydrogenation of styrene and phenylacetylene with good turnover numbers.     

Protonation of palladium(II)-allyl and palladium(0)-olefin complexes containing 2-pyridyldiphenylphosphine

The pendant nitrogen atom of the Ph₂PPy ligand in the Pd(II)-allyl complexes [PdCl(η³-2-CH₃-C₃H₄)(Ph₂PPy)] (1) and [Pd(η³-2-CH₃-C₃H₄)(Ph₂PPy)₂]BF₄ (3) has been protonated with methanesulfonic acid to afford the corresponding pyridinium salts [PdCl(η³-2-CH₃-C₃H₄)(Ph₂PPyH)](CH₃SO₃) (1a) and [Pd(η³-2-CH₃-C₃H₄)(Ph₂PPyH)₂](CH₃SO₃)₂(BF₄) (3a).Protonation strongly influences the ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral parameters of the allyl moieties of 1a and 3a whose signals resonate at lower fields with respect to the parent species indicating that upon protonation Ph₂PPy becomes a weaker σ-donor and a stronger Π-acceptor. The allyl moiety, which in 1 is static, becomes dynamic in 1a, the observed syn-syn and anti-anti exchange being due to deligation of the protonated phosphine from the metal centre. Treatment of complex 3 with diethylamine in the presence of fumaronitrile gives the new Pd(0)-olefin complex [Pd(η²-fumaronitrile)(PPh₂Py)₂] (4) which has been characterized by elemental analysis and NMR spectroscopy. Low temperature protonation of 4 with methanesulfonic acid leads to the bis-protonated species [Pd(η²-fumaronitrile)(Ph₂PPyH)₂](CH₃SO₃)₂ (4a) which is stable only at temperatures <0 °C.     

1-Methyl-4-ferrocenylmethyl-3,5-diphenylpyrazole: A versatile ligand for palladium(II) and platinum(II)

The syntheses and characterization of two novel ferrocene derivatives containing 3,5-diphenylpyrazole units of general formula [1-R-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc] {Fc = (η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄) and R = H (2) or Me (3)} together with a study of their reactivity with palladium(II) and platinum(II) salts or complexes under different experimental conditions is described. These studies have allowed us to isolate and characterize trans-[Pd{1-Me-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc]}₂Cl₂] (4a) and three different types of heterodimetallic complexes: cis-[M{1-Me-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc]}Cl₂(dmso)] {M = Pd (5a) or Pt (5b)}, the cyclometallated products [M{κ²-C,N-[3-(C₆H₄)-1-Me-5-Ph-(C₃N₂)]-CH₂-Fc}Cl(L)] with L = PPh₃ and M = Pd (6a) or Pt (6b) or L = dmso and M = Pt (8b) and the trans-isomer of [Pt{1-Me-3,5-Ph₂-(C₃N₂)-CH₂-Fc]}Cl₂(dmso)] (7b). In compounds 4a, 5a, 5b and 7b, the ligand behaves as a neutral N-donor group; while in 6a, 6b and 8b it acts as a bidentate [C(sp²,phenyl),N(pyrazole)]⁻ group. A comparative study of the spectroscopic properties of the compounds, based on NMR, IR and UV-Visible experiments, is also reported.     

Platinum-catalyzed double silylations of alkynes with bis(dichlorosilyl)methanes

Bis(dichlorosilyl)methanes 1 undergo the two kind reactions of a double hydrosilylation and a dehydrogenative double silylation with alkynes 2 such as acetylene and activated phenyl-substituted acetylenes in the presence of Speier’s catalyst to give 1,1,3,3-tetrachloro-1,3-disilacyclopentanes 3 and 1,1,3,3-tetrachloro-1,3-disilacyclopent-4-enes 4 as cyclic products, respectively, depending upon the molecular structures of both bis(dichlorosilyl)methanes (1) and alkynes (2). Simple bis(dichlorosilyl)methane (1a) reacted with alkynes [R¹-CC-R²: R¹ = H, R² = H (2a), Ph (2b); R¹ = R² = Ph (2c)] at 80 °C to afford 1,1,3,3-tetrachloro-1,3-disilacyclopentanes 3 as the double hydrosilylation products in fair to good yields (33-84%). Among these reactions, the reaction with 2c gave a trans-4,5-diphenyl-1,1,3,3-tetrachloro-1,3-disilacyclopentane 3ac in the highest yield (84%). When a variety of bis(dichlorosilyl)(silyl)methanes [(Me_nCl_3 − nSi)CH(SiHCl₂)₂: n = 0 (1b), 1 (1c), 2 (1d), 3 (1e)] were applied in the reaction with alkyne (2c) under the same reaction conditions. The double hydrosilylation products, 2-silyl-1,1,3,3-tetrachloro-1,3-disilacyclopentanes (3), were obtained in fair to excellent yields (38-98%). The yields of compound 3 deceased as follows: n = 1 > 2 > 3 > 0. The reaction of alkynes (2a-c) with 1c under the same conditions gave one of two type products of 1,1,3,3-tetrachloro-1,3-disilacyclopentanes 3 and 1,1,3,3-tetrachloro-1,3-disilacyclopent-4-enes (4): simple alkyne 2a and terminal 2b gave the latter products 4ca and 4cb in 91% and 57% yields, respectively, while internal alkyne 2c afforded the former cyclic products 3cc with trans form between two phenyl groups at the 3- and 4-carbon atoms in 98% yield, respectively. Among platinum compounds such as Speier’s catalyst, PtCl₂(PEt₃)₂, Pt(PPh₃)₂(C₂H₄), Pt(PPh₃)₄, Pt[ViMeSiO]₄, and Pt/C, Speier’s catalyst was the best catalyst for such silylation reactions.     

Four mono-/bi-nuclear palladium(II) complexes of triphenylphosphine and heterocyclic-N/NS ligands: Synthesis, structural characterization and luminescence properties

The reactions of palladium(II) chloride, PPh₃ and heterocyclic-N/NS ligand in a mixture of CH₃CN (5 ml) and CH₃OH (5 ml) produced [PdCl₂(PPh₃)(L1)]·(CH₃CN) (1) (L1 = ADMT = 3-amino-5,6-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazine), [PdCl₂(PPh₃)(L2)] (2) (L2 = 3-CNpy = 3-cyanopyridine), [PdCl(PPh₃)(L3)]₂·(CH₃CN) (3), [PdCl(PPh₃)₂(HL3)]Cl (4) (HL3 = Hmbt = 2-mercaptobenzothiazole). The coordination geometry around the Pd atoms in these complexes is a distorted square plane. In 3, L3 acts as a bidentate ligand, bridging two metal centers, while in 4, HL3 appears as monodentate ligand with one nitrogen donor atom uncoordinated. Complexes 1-4 are characterized by IR, luminescence, NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All complexes exhibit luminescence in solid state at room temperature.     

Photochemistry of tris(pyrazolyl)borate titanium(IV) complexes

The electronic features and photochemistry of TpTiCl₃ (1) (Tp = hydrotris(pyrazol-1-yl)borate) and Tp*TiCl₃ (2) (Tp* = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate) were studied in THF. Reactive decay of the excited states produced either (or ) and metal center Ti(III) radicals via homolytic cleavage of the Tp → Ti (Tp* → Ti) bond. Cleavage of the Tp → Ti and the Tp* → Ti bond as a primary photoprocess is shown to be consistent with LMCT Tp → Ti and Tp* → Ti excitation. TpTiCl₂(THF) (3) and Tp*TiCl₂(THF) (4) were also prepared by stoichiometric reduction of 1 and 2 with Li₃N. The THF ligand in 3 and 4 was replaced by the stable nitroxyl radical TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy) to provide the new complexes TpTiCl₂(TEMPO) (5) and Tp*TiCl₂(TEMPO) (6) in which the TEMPO ligand is η¹ coordinated to Ti(IV). Photolysis of 5 and 6 generate Ti(III) and the TEMPO radical in the primary photochemical step.     

Factors affecting the lability of the σ(M-X) bond in cycloplatinated and cyclopalladated complexes containing [C(sp, ferrocene),N,X] or [C(sp, phenyl),N,X] (X = S, N) terdentate ligands

The reactions of the cyclometallated complexes [M{[(η⁵-C₅H₃)-CHN-(C₆H₄-2-SMe)]Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)}Cl] [with M = Pt (5a) or Pd (5b)] with PPh₃ under different experimental conditions are reported. These studies have allowed the isolation of [M{[(η⁵-C₅H₃)-CHN-C₆H₄-2-SMe]Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)}(PPh₃)]X [M = Pt and X⁻ = Cl⁻ (6a) or (7a) or M = Pd and X⁻ = Cl⁻ (6b) or (7b)] and the neutral complex [Pd{[(η⁵-C₅H₃)-CHN-(C₆H₄-2-SMe)]Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)}Cl(PPh₃)] (8b). In 6-7a,b the ferrocenyl Schiff base behaves as a [C(sp², ferrocene),N,S]⁻ group while in 8b it acts as a [C(sp², ferrocene),N]⁻ ligand. The X-ray crystal structure of 7b confirms the mode of binding of the ferrocenyl ligand. The comparison of the results obtained and those reported for [M{(C₆H₄)-CHN-(CH₂-CH₂-2-SEt)}Cl] and [M{(C₆H₄)-CHN-(C₆H₄-2-SMe)}Cl] {with a [C(sp², phenyl),N,S]⁻ terdentate ligand} or [M{[(η⁵-C₅H₃)-CHN-(CH₂)₃-NMe₂]Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)}Cl] {in which the ligand acts as a [C(sp², ferrocene),N,N′]⁻ group} have allowed the elucidation of the relative importance of the factors affecting the lability of the M-X (X = S or N′) and M-Cl bonds in cyclometallated compounds with [C,N,S]⁻ and [C(sp², ferrocene),N,X]⁻ ligands.     

Synthesis and reactivity of ruthenium complexes with 1,1′-dithiolate ligands

Reactions of [Ru(PPh₃)₃Cl₂] with ROCS₂K in THF at room temperature and at reflux gave the kinetic products trans-[Ru(PPh₃)₂(S₂COR)₂] (R = ⁿPr 1, ⁱPr 2) and the thermodynamic products cis-[Ru(PPh₃)₂(S₂COR)₂] (R = ⁿPr 3, ⁱPr 4), respectively. Treatment of [RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₃] with ROCS₂K in THF afforded [RuH(CO)-(S₂COR)(PPh₃)₂] (R = ⁿPr 5, ⁱPr 6) as the sole isolable products. Reaction of [RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃] with tetramethylthiuram disulfide [Me₂NCS₂]₂ gave a Ru(III) dithiocarbamate complex, [Ru(PPh₃)₂(S₂CNMe₂)Cl₂] (7). This reaction involved oxidation of ruthenium(II) to ruthenium(III) by the disulfide group in [Me₂NCS₂]₂. Treatment of 7 with 1 equiv. of [M(MeCN)₄][ClO₄] (M = Cu, Ag) gave the stable cationic ruthenium(III)-alkyl complexes [Ru{C(NMe₂)QC(NMe₂)S}(S₂CNMe₂)(PPh₃)₂][ClO₄] (Q = O 8, S 9) with ruthenium-carbon bonds. The crystal structures of complexes 1, 2, 4·CH₂Cl₂, 6, 7·2CH₂Cl₂, 8, and 9·2CH₂Cl₂ have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The ruthenium atom in each of the above complexes adopts a pseudo-octahedral geometry in an electron-rich sulfur coordination environment. The 1,1′-dithiolate ligands bind to ruthenium with bite S-Ru-S angles in the range of 70.14(4)-71.62(4)°. In 4·CH₂Cl₂, the P-Ru-P angle for the mutually cis PPh₃ ligands is 103.13(3)°, the P-Ru-P angles for other complexes with mutually trans PPh₃ ligands are in the range of 169.41(4)-180.00(6)°. The alkylcarbamate [C(NMe₂)QC(NMe₂)S]⁻ (Q = O, S) ligands in 8 and 9 are planar and bind to the ruthenium centers via the sulfur and carbon atoms from the CS and NC double bonds, respectively. The Ru-C bond lengths are 1.975(5) and 2.018(3) Å for 8 and 9·2CH₂Cl₂, respectively, which are typical for ruthenium(III)-alkyl complexes. Spectroscopic properties along with electrochemistry of all complexes are also reported in the paper.     

Synthesis, characterization, and norbornene polymerization of η-benzylnickel(II) complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes

Neutral η¹-benzylnickel carbene complexes, [Ni(η¹-CH₂C₆H₅)(IiPr)(PMe₃)(Cl)] (3) (IiPr = 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) and [Ni(η¹-CH₂C₆H₅)(SIiPr)(PMe₃)(Cl)] (4) (SIiPr = 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene), were prepared by the reaction between [Ni(η³-CH₂C₆H₅)(PMe₃)(Cl)] and an equivalent amount of the corresponding free N-heterocyclic carbene. The preparation of η³-benzylnickel carbene complexes, [Ni(η³-CH₂C₆H₅)(IiPr)(Cl)] (5) and [Ni(η³-CH₂C₆H₅)(SIiPr)(Cl)] (6) were carried out by the abstraction of PMe₃ from 3 and 4 by the treatment of B(C₆F₅)₃. The treatment of AgX on 5 and 6 produced the anion-exchanged complexes, [Ni(η³-CH₂C₆H₅)(NHC)(X)] (7, NHC = IiPr, X = O₂CCF₃; 8, NHC = IiPr, X = O₃SCF₃; 9, NHC = SIiPr, X = O₂CCF₃; 10, NHC = SIiPr, X = O₃SCF₃). The solid state structures of 3 and 10 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The η³-benzyl complexes of IiPr (5, 7, and 8) alone, in the absence of any activators such as borate and MAO, showed good catalytic activity towards the vinyl-type norbornene polymerization. The catalyst was thermally robust and the activity increases as the temperature rises to 130 °C.     

Trichlorostannyl complexes of iridium with both P-donor and N-donor ligands: Preparation and activity as hydrogenation catalysts

Bis(trichlorostannyl) complex IrH(SnCl₃)₂(PPh₃)₂ (1) was prepared by allowing the chloro-derivative IrHCl₂(PPh₃)₃ to react with SnCl₂·2H₂O in ethanol. Instead, treatment of phosphite complexes IrHCl₂P₃ [P = P(OEt)₃ and PPh(OEt)₂] with SnCl₂·2H₂O gave stannyl derivatives IrCl₂(SnCl₃)P₃ (2). Pyrazole-trichlorostannyl complexes IrHCl(SnCl₃)(HRpz)P₂ (3, 4) (R = H, 3-Me; P = PPh₃, PⁱPr₃) were prepared by allowing chloro-derivatives IrHCl₂(HRpz)P₂ to react with SnCl₂·2H₂O. 1,2-Bipyridine-trichlorostannyl complexes IrHCl(SnCl₃)(bpy)P (5) (P = PPh₃, PⁱPr₃) were also prepared. Complexes 1-5 were characterised spectroscopically (IR, ¹H, ³¹P, ¹¹⁹Sn NMR) and a geometry in solution was also established. The trichlorostannyl iridium complexes were evaluated as catalyst precursors for the hydrogenation of 2-cyclohexen-1-one and cinnamaldehyde. The influence of the stannyl group, as well as the steric hindrance of both N-donor and P-donor ligands in the catalytic activity of the complexes is discussed.     

Novel hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate ruthenium(II) complexes containing the water-soluble phosphane 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane: Synthesis and evaluation of DNA binding properties

A series of half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes containing κ³(N,N,N)-hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate (κ³(N,N,N)-Tp) and the water-soluble phosphane 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) [RuX{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)_2−n(PTA)_n] (n = 2, X = Cl (1), n = 1, X = Cl (2), I (3), NCS (4), H (5)) and [Ru{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(PTA)L][PF₆] (L = NCMe (6), PTA (7)) have been synthesized. Complexes containing 1-methyl-3,5-diaza-1-azonia-7-phosphaadamantane(m-PTA) triflate [RuCl{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(m-PTA)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ (8) and [RuX{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(m-PTA)][CF₃SO₃] (X = Cl (9), H (10)) have been obtained by treatment, respectively, of complexes 1, 2 and 5 with methyl triflate. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for complexes 1, 2 and 4 have been carried out. DNA binding properties by using a mobility shift assay and antimicrobial activity of selected complexes have been evaluated.     

Pyridine- and pyrimidine-2-thiolate complexes of ruthenium

A series of mononuclear ruthenium complexes containing pyridine- and pyrimidine-2-thiolato ligands was prepared and characterized. The new compounds of general formula CpRu(PPh₃)(κ²S,N-SR) (1) (SR = pyridine-2-thiolate (a), pyrimidine-2-thiolate (b)) were prepared directly by reacting the thiolato anions (RS⁻) with CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl. Complexes 1 readily react with NOBF₄ or CO in THF at room temperature to give [CpRu(PPh₃)(NO)(κ¹S-HSR)][BF₄]₂ (2) and CpRu(PPh₃)(CO)(κ¹S-SR) (3), respectively. The one-pot reaction of CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl, thiolato anions and bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) gave CpRu(dppe)(κ¹S-SR) [dppe: Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂ (4)]. The complex salts, [CpRu(PPh₃)₂(κ¹S-HSR)]BPh₄ (5) are prepared by mixing CpRu(PPh₃)₂Cl, HSR and NaBPh₄ at room temperature. The structures of CpRu(PPh₃)(κ²S,N-Spy) (1a), [CpRu(PPh₃)(NO)(κ¹S-HSpy)][BF₄]₂ (2a) and CpRu(PPh₃)(CO)(κ¹S-Spy) (3a), (py = C₅H₄N) have been determined.     

Synthesis, characterization, protonation studies and X-ray crystal structure of ReH5(PPh3)2(PTA) (PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane)

The novel rhenium pentahydride complex [ReH₅(PPh₃)₂(PTA)] (2) was synthesized by dihydrogen replacement from the reaction of [ReH₇(PPh₃)₂] with PTA in refluxing THF. Variable temperature NMR studies indicate that 2 is a classic polyhydride (T_1(min) = 133 ms). This result agrees with the structure of 2, determined by X-ray crystallography at low temperature. The compound shows high conformational rigidity which allows for the investigation of the various hydride-exchanging processes by NMR methods. Reactions of 2 with equimolecular amounts of either HFIP or HBF₄ · Et₂O at 183 K afford [ReH₅(PPh₃)₂{PTA(H)}]⁺ (3) via protonation of one of the nitrogen atoms on the PTA ligand. When 5 equivalents of HBF₄ · Et₂O are used, additional protonation of one hydride ligand takes place to generate the thermally unstable dication [ReH₄(η²-H₂)(PPh₃)₂{PTA(H)}]²⁺ (4), as confirmed by ¹H NMR and T₁ analysis. IR monitoring of the reaction between 2 and CF₃COOD at low temperature shows the formation of the hydrogen bonded complex [ReH₅(PPh₃)₂{PTA?DOC(O)CF₃}] (5) and of the ionic pair [ReH₅(PPh₃)₂{PTA(D)?OC(O)CF₃}] (6) preceding the proton transfer step leading to 3.     

Synthesis, characterization and luminescence properties of copper(I) complexes containing 2-phenyl-3-(benzylamino)-1,2-dihydroquinazolin-4(3H)-one and triphenylphosphine as ligands

Some copper(I) complexes of the formula [Cu(L)(PPh₃)₂]X (1-4) [where L = 2-phenyl-3-(benzylamino)-1,2-dihydroquinazolin-4(3H)-one; PPh₃ = triphenylphosphine; X = Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, ClO₄⁻ and BF₄⁻] have been prepared and characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis and ¹H NMR spectral studies. The representative complex of the series 4 has been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction which reveal that in the complex the central copper(I) ion assumes the irregular distorted-tetrahedral geometry. Cyclic voltammetry of the complexes indicate a quasireversible redox behavior corresponding to Cu(II)/Cu(I) couple. All the complexes exhibit intraligand (π → π^∗) fluorescence with high quantum yield in dichloromethane solution.     

Palladium(II)/allylpalladium(II) complexes with xanthate ligands: Single-source precursors for the generation of palladium sulfide nanocrystals

In an effort to find simple and common single-source precursors for palladium sulfide nanostructures, palladium(II) complexes, [Pd(S₂X)₂] (X = COMe (1), COⁱPr (2)) and η³-allylpalladium complexes with xanthate ligands, [(η³-CH₂C(CH₃)CR₂)Pd(S₂X)] (R = H, X = COMe (3); R = H, X = COEt (4); R = H, X = COⁱPr (5); R = CH₃, X = COMe (6)), have been investigated. The crystal structures of [Pd(S₂X)₂] (X = COMe (1), CoⁱPr (2)) and [(η³-CH₂C(CH₃)CH₂)Pd(S₂COMe)] (3) have been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The complexes, 1, 2 and 3 all contain a square planar palladium(II) centre. In the allyl complex 3, this is defined by the two sulfurs of the xanthate and the outer carbons of the 2-methylallyl ligand, while in the complexes, 1 and 2 it is defined by the four sulfur atoms of the xanthate ligand. Thermogravimetric studies have been carried out to evaluate the thermal stability of η³-allylpalladium(II) analogues. The complexes are useful precursors for the growth of nanocrystals of PdS either by furnace decomposition or solvothermolysis in dioctyl ether. The solvothermal decomposition of complexes in dioctyl ether gives a new metastable phase of PdS which can be transformed to the more stable tetragonal phase at 320 °C. The nanocrystals obtained have been characterized by PXRD, SEM, TEM and EDX.