[Ni(NHC)2] as a Scaffold for Structurally Characterized trans [H−Ni−PR2] and trans [R2P−Ni−PR2] Complexes

The addition of PPh₂H, PPhMeH, PPhH₂, P(para-Tol)H₂, PMesH₂ and PH₃ to the two-coordinate Ni⁰ N-heterocyclic carbene species [Ni(NHC)₂] (NHC=IiPr₂, IMe₄, IEt₂Me₂) affords a series of mononuclear, terminal phosphido nickel complexes. Structural characterisation of nine of these compounds shows that they have unusual trans [H−Ni−PR₂] or novel trans [R₂P−Ni−PR₂] geometries. The bis-phosphido complexes are more accessible when smaller NHCs (IMe₄>IEt₂Me₂>IiPr₂) and phosphines are employed. P−P activation of the diphosphines R₂P−PR₂ (R₂=Ph₂, PhMe) provides an alternative route to some of the [Ni(NHC)₂(PR₂)₂] complexes. DFT calculations capture these trends with P−H bond activation proceeding from unconventional phosphine adducts in which the H substituent bridges the Ni−P bond. P−P bond activation from [Ni(NHC)₂(Ph₂P−PPh₂)] adducts proceeds with computed barriers below 10 kcal mol⁻¹. The ability of the [Ni(NHC)₂] moiety to afford isolable terminal phosphido products reflects the stability of the Ni−NHC bond that prevents ligand dissociation and onward reaction.     

Synthesis of β-homophenylalanine derivatives by Negishi cross-coupling reactions

Three approaches to the synthesis of β²-homophenylalanine derivatives using Negishi cross-coupling reaction are reported. In the first two approaches, two protected α-iodomethyl-β-amino esters are each converted into the corresponding organozinc iodides, which then undergo Pd-catalysed cross-coupling with aromatic halides to give β²-homophenylalanine derivatives, and the X-ray crystal structure of one product is reported. Alternatively, Negishi cross-coupling of the zinc reagent derived from N-benzyl 3-iodomethyl azetidin-2-one and aryl halides gave 3-benzylazetidin-2-ones, masked β²-homophenylalanine derivatives. The X-ray crystal structure of 1-benzyl-3-[(p-toluenesulfonyloxy)-methyl]-azetidin-2-one confirms the structural assignment.     

Übergangsmetallphosphidokomplexe. XV. (DRPE)Ni-Komplexe mit PH-haltigen η2-koordinierten Diphosphenliganden und die Diphosphorkomplexe [(DRPE)Ni]2P2

Transition Metal Phosphido Complexes. XV. (DRPE)Ni-Complexes with PH-Containing, η²-Coordinated Diphosphene Ligands and the Diphosphorus Complexes [(DRPE)Ni]₂P₂ The complexes (DRPE)NiCl₂ 1 (DRPE = R₂PCH₂CH₂PR₂; R = Et: DEPE a ; R = Cy: DCPE b ; R = Ph: DPPE c ) react with the silylphosphines (Me₃Si)₃P, (Me₃Si)₂PH, Me₃SiPH₂ and [(Me₃Si)₂P]₂ to form the diphosphorus complexes [(DRPE)Ni]₂P₂ 3a–c and the nickel(0) complexes (DRPE)₂Ni 4a–c . In the reaction of 1b with Me₃SiPH₂ the P₂H₂ complex (DCPE)Ni[η²-(PH)₂] 5b can be isolated at low temperature as an intermediate. Cleaving the Si? P bonds in (DRPE)Ni[η²-(PSiMe₃)₂] 2a, 2b with CH₃OH gives also the P₂ complexes 3a, 3b . Intermediates containing HP=PSiMe₃ and P₂H₂ as ligands can be detected nmr spectroscopically. Reacting 1a–c with (Me₃Si)₂PP(SiMe₃)CMe₃ the complexes (DRPE)Ni(η²-Me₃SiP?PCMe₃) 7a–c containing asymmetric diphosphene ligands can be obtained. 7a reacts with CH₃OH yielding the P₂ complex 3a directly, while 7b with CH₃OH first gives (DCPE)Ni(η²-HP?PCMe₃) 8b . In solution 8b can be transformed into 3b upon heating to 80°C. N.m.r. and mass spectral data are reported.     

Nickel Tetracarbonyl as Starting Material for the Synthesis of NHC-stabilized Nickel(II) Allyl Complexes

A novel, useful in situ synthesis for NHC nickel allyl halide complexes [Ni(NHC)(η³-allyl)(X)] starting from [Ni(CO)₄], NHC and allyl halides is presented. The reaction of [Ni(CO)₄] with (i) one equivalent of the corresponding NHC and (ii) with an excess of the corresponding allyl chloride at room temperature leads with elimination of carbon monoxide to complexes of the type [Ni(NHC)(η³-allyl)(X)]. This approach was used to synthesize the complexes [Ni(tBu₂Im)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Cl)] ( 2 ), [Ni(iPr₂Im^Me)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Cl)] ( 3 ), [Ni(iPr₂Im)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Cl)] ( 4 ), [Ni(iPr₂Im)(η³-H₂C -C (H)-C (Me)₂)(Br)] ( 5 ), [Ni(Me₂Im^Me)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Cl)] ( 6 ), and [Ni(EtiPrIm^Me)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Cl)] ( 7 ). The complexes 1 to 7 were characterized using NMR and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, and the molecular structures are provided for 2 and 7 . The allyl nickel complexes 1 – 7 are stereochemically non-rigid in solution due to (i) NHC rotation about the nickel-carbon bond, (ii) allyl rotation about the Ni–η³-allyl axis and (iii) π–σ–π allyl isomerization processes. The allyl halide complexes can be methylated as was demonstrated by the methylation of a number of the complexes [Ni(NHC)(η³-allyl)(X)] with methylmagnesium chloride or methyllithium, which led to isolation of the complexes [Ni(Me₂Im)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Me)] ( 8 ), [Ni(tBu₂Im)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Me)] ( 9 ), [Ni(iPr₂Im^Me)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Me)] ( 10 ), [Ni(iPr₂Im)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Me)] ( 11 ), [Ni(iPr₂Im)(η³-H₂C -C (H)-C (Me)₂)(Me)] ( 12 ), and [Ni(EtiPrIm^Me)(η³-H₂C -C (Me)-C H₂)(Me)] ( 13 ). These complexes were fully characterized including X-ray molecular structures for 10 and 11 .     

Case Study of N-iPr versus N-Mes Substituted NHC Ligands in Nickel Chemistry: The Coordination and Cyclotrimerization of Alkynes at [Ni(NHC)2]

A case study on the effect of the employment of two different NHC ligands in complexes [Ni(NHC)₂] (NHC=ⁱPr₂Im^Me 1^Me , Mes₂Im 2 ) and their behavior towards alkynes is reported. The reaction of a mixture of [Ni₂(ⁱPr₂Im^Me)₄(μ-(η² : η²)-COD)] B / [Ni(ⁱPr₂Im^Me)₂(η⁴-COD)] B’ or [Ni(Mes₂Im)₂] 2 , respectively, with alkynes afforded complexes [Ni(NHC)₂(η²-alkyne)] (NHC=ⁱPr₂Im^Me: alkyne=MeC≡CMe 3 , H₇C₃C≡CC₃H₇ 4 , PhC≡CPh 5 , MeOOCC≡CCOOMe 6 , Me₃SiC≡CSiMe₃ 7 , PhC≡CMe 8 , HC≡CC₃H₇ 9 , HC≡CPh 10 , HC≡C(p-Tol) 11 , HC≡C(4-^tBu-C₆H₄) 12 , HC≡CCOOMe 13 ; NHC=Mes₂Im: alkyne=MeC≡CMe 14 , MeOOCC≡CCOOMe 15 , PhC≡CMe 16 , HC≡C(4-^tBu-C₆H₄) 17 , HC≡CCOOMe 18 ). Unusual rearrangement products 11 a and 12 a were identified for the complexes of the terminal alkynes HC≡C(p-Tol) and HC≡C(4-^tBu-C₆H₄), 11 and 12 , which were formed by addition of a C−H bond of one of the NHC N-ⁱPr methyl groups to the C≡C triple bond of the coordinated alkyne. Complex 2 catalyzes the cyclotrimerization of 2-butyne, 4-octyne, diphenylacetylene, dimethyl acetylendicarboxylate, 1-pentyne, phenylacetylene and methyl propiolate at ambient conditions, whereas 1^Me is not a good catalyst. The reaction of 2 with 2-butyne was monitored in some detail, which led to a mechanistic proposal for the cyclotrimerization at [Ni(NHC)₂]. DFT calculations reveal that the differences between 1^{M e} and 2 for alkyne cyclotrimerization lie in the energy profile of the initiation steps, which is very shallow for 2 , and each step is associated with only a moderate energy change. The higher stability of 3 compared to 14 is attributed to a better electron transfer from the NHC to the metal to the alkyne ligand for the N-alkyl substituted NHC, to enhanced Ni-alkyne backbonding due to a smaller C_NHC−Ni−C_NHC bite angle, and to less steric repulsion of the smaller NHC ⁱPr₂Im^Me.     

Oxidative addition of heteroaromatic halides to Negishi reagent and subsequent cross-coupling reactions

Heteroarylzirconocene halides were prepared via the oxidative addition of heteroaryl halides to the Negishi reagent ‘Cp₂ZrBu₂’. The palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of the in situ generated organozirconium reagents with functionalized aryl and heteroaryl halides proceeded smoothly in the presence of CuCl to produce the cross-coupling products in high yields.     

Synthesis and properties of one-dimensional Ni(II) and Ni(II)Cu(II) complexes linked by hydrogen bond

Four dithiooxalato (Dto) bridged one-dimensional Ni(ll) and Ni(ll)Cu(ll) complexes (Me₆[14]dieneN₄)Ni₂(Dto)₂) (1), (Me₆[14]dieneN₄)CuNi(Dto)₂ (2), (Me₆[14]aneN₄)Ni₂(Dto)₂ (3), and (Me₆[14]aneN₄)CuNi(Dto)₂ (4), were synthesized. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV and ESR spectra. The crystal structure of complex3 was determined. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c with a = 2. 2425(4) nm,b = 1.0088(2) nm,c= 1.4665(3) nm, β= 125.32(3)δ Z = 4;R = 0.076, R_w = 0.079. In the complex, Ni(1) coordinates four sulphur atoms of two Dto ligands in plane square environment. Ni(2) lies in the center of macrocyclic ligand. For Dto ligand, two sulphur atoms coordinate Ni(1), and O(1) coordinates Ni(2) and forms weak coordination bond. O(2) is linked to N(2) of macrocyclic ligand through hydrogen bond.     

Sulfonated salicylidene thiadiazole complexes with Co (II) and Ni (II) ions as sustainable corrosion inhibitors and catalysts for cross coupling reaction

Condensation of 2,5‐dihydrazinyl thiadiazole with 5‐sodium sulfonate salicylaldehyde afforded dibasic tetradentate pincer N,O,O,N‐salicyldiene thiadiazole ligand (H₂Sanp). The novel dipolar ligand formed para‐magnetic pincer complexes within Co (II) and Ni (II) ions (Co‐Sanp and Ni‐Sanp) under sustainable conditions. The water‐soluble ligand and its metal‐complexes were estimated by mass, IR and UV–Visible spectroscopy, EA (elemental analyses), TGA (Thermogravimetric analyses), magnetic susceptibility, and conductivity measurements. The catalytic reactivity of Co‐Sanp and Ni‐Sanp were evaluated in the Suzuki and Buchwald‐Hartwig cross coupling reaction in aqueous‐methanol binary mixtures. Both reactions of boronic acid or aryl amines with aryl halides gave high chemoselective yield of C―C or C―N product. The inhibition characteristics of H₂Sanp and its Ni‐ and Co‐complexes were performed for the C‐steel corrosion in 1.0 M HCl using electrochemical measurements and surface analysis methods. These methods indicated that the synthesized compounds have served as efficient mixed‐type corrosion inhibitors and their adsorption on the steel surface obeyed isotherm model of Langmuir. Co‐Sanp inhibitor displays the best corrosion inhibition efficiency, and the capacity is up to 97.11% at of 250 mg L^?1. Surface analysis confirms formation of protective layer on the C‐steel surface.     

Oxidative addition of N-halosuccinimides to palladium(0): the discovery of neutral palladium(II) imidate complexes, which enhance Stille coupling of allylic and benzylic halides

The Stille coupling of organostannanes and organohalides, mediated by air and moisture stable palladium(II) phosphine complexes containing succinimide or phthalimide (imidate) ligands, has been investigated. An efficient synthetic route to several palladium(II) complexes containing succinimide and phthalimide ligands, has been developed. cis-Bromobis(triphenylphosphine)(N-succinimide)palladium(II) [(Ph₃P)₂Pd(N-Succ)Br] is shown to mediate the Stille coupling of allylic and benzylic halides with alkenyl, aryl and allyl stannanes. In competition experiments between 4-nitrobromobenzene and benzyl bromide with a cis-stannylvinyl ester, (Ph₃P)₂Pd(N-Succ)Br preferentially cross-couples benzyl bromide, whereas with other commonly employed precatalysts 4-nitrobromobenzene undergoes preferential cross-coupling. Furthermore, preferential reaction of deactivated benzyl bromides over activated benzyl bromides is observed for the first time. The type of halide and presence of a succinimide ligand are essential for effective Stille coupling. The type of phosphine ligand is also shown to alter the catalytic activity of palladium(II) succinimide complexes.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and X‐ray Crystal Structures of (Diphosphine)Ni(dmit) and (Diphosphine)Ni(dmio) (Diphosphine = dppv,dppb) Complexes

Four complexes with the ligands dmit and dmio were synthesized. Reaction of (PhCO)₂(dmit) and (PhCO)₂(dmio) with MeONa afforded the intermediates 2‐thioxo‐1,3‐dithiole‐4,5‐dithiolate dianion and 2‐oxo‐1,3‐dithiole‐4,5‐dithiolate dianion, respectively. Reaction of the two dianions with (diphosphine)NiCl₂ [diphosphine = (Z)‐1, 2‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane (dppv), 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)benzene (dppb)] gave (dppv)Ni(dmit) ( 1 ), (dppb)Ni(dmit) ( 2 ), (dppv)Ni(dmio) ( 3 ), and (dppb)Ni(dmio) ( 4 ). This synthesis route was found to be an efficient pathway to prepare dmit and dmio ligand complexes. Complexes, 1 – 4 were fully characterized by elemental analysis and IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the molecular structures of 1 , 3 and 4 were established by X‐ray diffraction.     

Hydrogenolysis of Dinuclear PCNR Ligated PdII μ-Hydroxides and Their Mononuclear PdII Hydroxide Analogues

The hydrogenolysis of mono- and dinuclear Pd^II hydroxides was investigated both experimentally and computationally. It was found that the dinuclear μ-hydroxide complexes {[(PCN^R)Pd]₂(μ-OH)}(OTf) (PCN^H=1-[3-[(di-tert-butylphosphino)methyl]phenyl]-1H-pyrazole; PCN^Me=1-[3-[(di-tert-butylphosphino)methyl]phenyl]-5-methyl-1H-pyrazole) react with H₂ to form the analogous dinuclear hydride species {[(PCN^R)Pd]₂(μ-H)}(OTf). The dinuclear μ-hydride complexes were fully characterized, and are rare examples of structurally characterized unsupported singly bridged μ-H Pd^II dimers. The {[(PCN^Me)Pd]₂(μ-OH)}(OTf) hydrogenolysis mechanism was investigated through experiments and computations. The hydrogenolysis of the mononuclear complex (PCN^H)Pd-OH resulted in a mixed ligand dinuclear species [(PCN^H)Pd](μ-H)[(PCC)Pd] (PCC=a dianionic version of PCN^H bound through phosphorus P, aryl C, and pyrazole C atoms) generated from initial ligand “rollover” C−H activation. Further exposure to H₂ yields the bisphosphine Pd⁰ complex Pd[(H)PCN^H]₂. When the ligand was protected at the pyrazole 5-position in the (PCN^Me)Pd−OH complex, no hydride formed under the same conditions; the reaction proceeded directly to the bisphosphine Pd⁰ complex Pd[(H)PCN^Me]₂. Reaction mechanisms for the hydrogenolysis of the monomeric and dimeric hydroxides are proposed.     

E4 Transfer (E=P,As) to Ni Complexes

The use of [Cp′′₂Zr(η^1:1-E₄)] (E=P ( 1 a ), As ( 1 b ), Cp′′=1,3-di-tert-butyl-cyclopentadienyl) as phosphorus or arsenic source, respectively, gives access to novel stable polypnictogen transition metal complexes at ambient temperatures. The reaction of 1 a/1 b with [Cp^RNiBr]₂ (Cp^R=Cp^Bn (1,2,3,4,5-pentabenzyl-cyclopentadienyl), Cp′′′ (1,2,4-tri-tert-butyl-cyclopentadienyl)) was studied, to yield novel complexes depending on steric effects and stoichiometric ratios. Besides the transfer of the complete E_n unit, a degradation as well as aggregation can be observed. Thus, the prismane derivatives [(Cp′′′Ni)₂(μ,η^3:3-E₄)] ( 2 a (E=P); 2 b (E=As)) or the arsenic containing cubane [(Cp′′′Ni)₃(μ₃-As)(As₄)] ( 5 ) are formed. Furthermore, the bromine bridged cubanes of the type [(Cp^RNi)₃{Ni(μ-Br)}(μ₃-E)₄]₂ (Cp^R=Cp′′′: 6 a (E=P), 6 b (E=As), Cp^R=Cp^Bn: 8 a (E=P), 8 b (E=As)) can be isolated. Here, a stepwise transfer of E_n units is possible, with a cyclo-E₄²⁻ ligand being introduced and unprecedented triple-decker compounds of the type [{(Cp^RNi)₃Ni(μ₃-E)₄}₂(μ,η^4:4-E′₄)] (Cp^R=Cp^Bn, Cp′′′; E/E′=P, As) are obtained.     

Palladium Complexes Based on Ylide-Functionalized Phosphines (YPhos): Broadly Applicable High-Performance Precatalysts for the Amination of Aryl Halides at Room Temperature

Palladium allyl, cinnamyl, and indenyl complexes with the ylide-substituted phosphines Cy₃P⁺−C⁻(R)PCy₂ (with R=Me ( L1 ) or Ph ( L2 )) and Cy₃P⁺−C⁻(Me)PtBu₂ ( L3 ) were prepared and applied as defined precatalysts in C−N coupling reactions. The complexes are highly active in the amination of 4-chlorotoluene with a series of different amines. Higher yields were observed with the precatalysts in comparison to the in situ generated catalysts. Changes in the ligand structures allowed for improved selectivities by shutting down β-hydride elimination or diarylation reactions. Particularly, the complexes based on L2 (joYPhos) revealed to be universal precatalysts for various amines and aryl halides. Full conversions to the desired products are reached mostly within 1 h reaction time at room temperature, thus making L2 to one of the most efficient ligands in C−N coupling reactions. The applicability of the catalysts was demonstrated for aryl chlorides, bromides and iodides together with primary and secondary aryl and alkyl amines, including gram-scale applications also with low catalyst loadings of down to 0.05 mol %. Kinetic studies further demonstrated the outstanding activity of the precatalysts with TOF over 10.000 h⁻¹.     

Aryl Phosphine Nickel(II) and Palladium(II) Complexes with N,O‐Amino‐carboxylate Chelate Ligands [(Aryl)(R3P)M(N,O‐α‐aminocarboxylate)](M = Ni,Pd). Catalysts for the Polymerization of Olefins

The title complexes [(Aryl)(R₃P)M(N,O‐α‐aminocarboxylate)] (M = Ni, Pd) were synthesized by reaction of [(o‐tolyl)(Ph₃P)₂NiBr] or of [(p‐Me₃CC₆H₄)(o‐tolyl₃P)Pd(μ‐Br)]₂ with the anions of α‐amino acids. The spectroscopic data indicate that the nickel complexes are formed as mixtures of isomers, whereas for the palladium complexes only one isomer is observed. The complex [(o‐tolyl)(Ph₃P)Ni(glycinate)] is – in the presence of AlEt₃ – a highly active catalyst for the polymerization of ethylene [up to 1800 kg PE / (mol Ni·h)] and gives polymers with remarkably high molecular weights (up to 900.000 g/mol) and with few branchings.     

Synthesis, thermal stability, electronic features, and antimicrobial activity of phenolic azo dyes and their Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes

Four water soluble azo dyes, 4-(isopropyl)-2-[(E)-(4-chlorophenyl)diazenyl]phenol (L ¹), 4-(isopropyl)-2-[(E)-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)diazenyl]phenol (L²), 4-(sec-butyl)-2-[(E)-(4-chlorophenyl) diazenyl]phenol (L ³), 4-(sec-butyl)-2-[(E)-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)diazenyl]phenol (L ⁴), and their Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic methods. Examination of their thermal stability revealed similar decomposition temperature of approximately 260–300°C and that they were more thermally stable than their metal complexes. Ni(II) complexes of ligands L² and L⁴ were more stable than the other coordination compounds. Among the synthesized ligands, L² and the complexes Cu(L³)₂ and Ni(L⁴)₂ showed both antimicrobial and antifungal activity. However, the other ligands and the complexes were poorly active against selected microorganisms.     

An efficient Negishi cross-coupling reaction catalyzed by nickel(II) and diethyl phosphite

A combination of diethyl phosphite-DMAP and Ni(II) salts forms a very effective catalytic system for the cross-coupling reactions of arylzinc halides with aryl, heteroaryl, and alkenyl bromides, chlorides, triflates, and nonaflates. The choice of solvent is quite important and the mixture of THF-N-ethylpyrrolidinone (NEP) (8:1) was found to be optimal. The reaction usually requires only 0.05 mol % of NiCl₂ or Ni(acac)₂ as catalyst and proceeds at room temperature within 1-48 h.     

Ruthenium(II), rhodium(III) and iridium(III) based effective catalysts for hydrogenation under aerobic conditions

The new cationic mononuclear complexes [(η⁶-arene)Ru(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ [η⁶-arene = benzene (1), p-cymene (2)], [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Ru(Ph-BIAN)PPh₃]BF₄ (3) and [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)M(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ [M = Rh (4), Ir (5)] incorporating 1,2-bis(phenylimino)acenaphthene (Ph-BIAN) are reported. The complexes have been fully characterized by analytical and spectral (IR, NMR, FAB-MS, electronic and emission) studies. The molecular structure of the representative iridium complex [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Ir(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ has been determined crystallographically. Complexes 1–5 effectively catalyze the reduction of terephthaldehyde in the presence of HCOOH/CH₃COONa in water under aerobic conditions and, among these complexes the rhodium complex [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Rh(Ph-BIAN)Cl]BF₄ (4) displays the most effective catalytic activity.     

Benzoylation of macrocyclic jäger type Ni(II) complexes and an efficient demetalation of γ,γ′-dibenzoylated products

The reaction of [Bzo₂Me₄[14]hexaenato(2?)N₄]Ni(II) and [Bzo₂Me₂Ph₂[14]hexaenato(2?)N₄]Ni(II) with benzoyl chloride leading to mono- and disubstituted derivatives is reported. The condition of the reliable demetalation of γ,γ′-dibenzoylated complexes by means of gaseous HCl are described. The Cu(II) complexes are synthesized from free ligands. All new compounds are characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR and MS data.     

Counterdisproportionation between cationic Ni(II) and phosphine Ni(0) complexes

The interaction of Ni(II) bis-tetrafluoroborate complexes [Ni(Dppe)₂](BF₄)₂ and [Ni(CH₃CN)₆](BF₄)₂ (where Dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane)) with Ni(0) phosphine complexes Ni(Dppe)₂ and Ni(PPh₃)₄ in 1 : 1 mixture of toluene-acetonitrile was studied by the EPR method. The counter-disproportionation was shown to occur in a solution between the cationic Ni(II) complexes and the Ni(0) complexes to give Ni(I) complexes almost in quantitative amounts. The structures of the cationic Ni(I) complexes obtained were found to depend on both the solvent nature and the presence of a free phosphine in a solution.     

Group 9 complexes of an N-heterocycle carbene bearing a pentafluorobenzyl substituent: attempted dehydrofluorinative coupling of cyclopentadienyl and N-heterocycle carbene ligands

Treatment of N-methylimidazole with pentafluorobenzyl bromide produces 1-pentafluorobenzyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (1), which reacts with silver(I) oxide to give the N-heterocycle carbene (NHC) complex 1-pentafluorobenzyl-3-methylimidazolin-2-ylidene silver(I) bromide (2). Complex 2 acts as a carbene transfer reagent giving the complexes [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)MCl₂(NHC)] (3a, M = Rh; 3b M = Ir) on reaction with [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)MCl(μ-Cl)]₂. An attempt to use intramolecular dehydrofluorinative coupling methodology to link the carbene and the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ligands of [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)RhCl(CN^tBu)(NHC)]BF₄ was unsuccessful.