How Ligand Geometry Affects the Reactivity of Co(II) Cyclam Complexes

Cobalt complexes are extensively studied as bioinspired models for non-heme oxygenases as they facilitate both the stabilization and characterization of metal-oxygen intermediates. As an analog to the well-known Co(cyclam) complex Co{N₄} (cyclam=1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), the Co^II complex Co{i-N₄} with the isomeric isocyclam ligand (isocyclam=1,4,7,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) was synthesized and characterized. Despite the identical N₄ donor set of both complexes, Co{i-N₄} enables the 2e⁻/2H⁺ reduction of O₂ with a lower overpotential (η_eff of 385 mV vs. 540 mV for Co{N₄} ), albeit with a diminished turnover frequency. Characterization of the intermediates formed upon O₂ activation of Co{i-N₄} reveals a structurally identified stable μ-peroxo Co^III dimer as the main product. A superoxo Co^III species is also formed as a minor product, as indicated by EPR spectroscopy. In further reactivity studies, the electrophilicity of these in situ generated Co−O₂ species was demonstrated by the oxidation of the O−H bond of TEMPO−H (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-ol) via a H atom abstraction process. Unlike the known Co(cyclam), Co{i-N₄} can be employed in oxygen atom transfer reactions oxidizing triphenylphosphine to the corresponding phosphine oxide highlighting the impact of geometrical modifications of the ligand while preserving the ring size and donor atom set on the reactivity of biomimetic oxygen activating complexes.     

An NHC–Silyl–NHC Pincer Ligand for the Oxidative Addition of C−H,N−H,and O−H Bonds to Cobalt(I) Complexes

N‐Heterocyclic carbene based pincer ligands bearing a central silyl donor, [CSiC]⁻, have been envisioned as a class of strongly σ‐donating ligands that can be used for synthesizing electron‐rich transition‐metal complexes for the activation of inert bonds. However, this type of pincer ligand and complexes thereof have remained elusive owing to their challenging synthesis. We herein describe the first synthesis of a CSiC pincer ligand scaffold through the coupling of a silyl–NHC chelate with a benzyl–NHC chelate induced by one‐electron oxidation in the coordination sphere of a cobalt complex. The monoanionic CSiC ligand stabilizes the Co^I dinitrogen complex [(CSiC)Co(N₂)] with an unusual coordination geometry and enables the challenging oxidative addition of E−H bonds (E=C, N, O) to Co^I to form Co^III complexes. The structure and reactivity of the cobalt(I) complex are ascribed to the unique electronic properties of the CSiC pincer ligand, which provides a strong trans effect and pronounced σ‐donation.     

An NHC–Silyl–NHC Pincer Ligand for the Oxidative Addition of C−H,N−H,and O−H Bonds to Cobalt(I) Complexes

N‐Heterocyclic carbene based pincer ligands bearing a central silyl donor, [CSiC]⁻, have been envisioned as a class of strongly σ‐donating ligands that can be used for synthesizing electron‐rich transition‐metal complexes for the activation of inert bonds. However, this type of pincer ligand and complexes thereof have remained elusive owing to their challenging synthesis. We herein describe the first synthesis of a CSiC pincer ligand scaffold through the coupling of a silyl–NHC chelate with a benzyl–NHC chelate induced by one‐electron oxidation in the coordination sphere of a cobalt complex. The monoanionic CSiC ligand stabilizes the Co^I dinitrogen complex [(CSiC)Co(N₂)] with an unusual coordination geometry and enables the challenging oxidative addition of E−H bonds (E=C, N, O) to Co^I to form Co^III complexes. The structure and reactivity of the cobalt(I) complex are ascribed to the unique electronic properties of the CSiC pincer ligand, which provides a strong trans effect and pronounced σ‐donation.     

A Cobalt(I) Pincer Complex with an η2‐Caryl−H Agostic Bond: Facile C−H Bond Cleavage through Deprotonation,Radical Abstraction,and Oxidative Addition

The synthesis and reactivity of a Co^I pincer complex [Co(ϰ³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ featuring an η²‐ C_aryl−H agostic bond is described. This complex was obtained by protonation of the Co^I complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]. The Co^III hydride complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)₂(H)]⁺ was obtained upon protonation of [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)₂]. Three ways to cleave the agostic C−H bond are presented. First, owing to the acidity of the agostic proton, treatment with pyridine results in facile deprotonation (C−H bond cleavage) and reformation of [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]. Second, C−H bond cleavage is achieved upon exposure of [Co(ϰ³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ to oxygen or TEMPO to yield the paramagnetic Co^II PCP complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺. Finally, replacement of one CO ligand in [Co(ϰ³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ by CNtBu promotes the rapid oxidative addition of the agostic η²‐C_aryl−H bond to give two isomeric hydride complexes of the type [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)(CO)(H)]⁺.     

Adapting Synthetic Models of Heme/Cu Sites to Energy-Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction

In nature, cytochrome c oxidases catalyze the 4e⁻ oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the heme/Cu site, in which Cu^I is used to assist O₂ activation. Because of the thermodynamic barrier to generate Cu^I, synthetic Fe-porphyrin/Cu complexes usually show moderate electrocatalytic ORR activity. We herein report on a Co-corrole/Co complex 1-Co for energy-efficient electrocatalytic ORR. By hanging a Co^II ion over Co corrole, 1-Co realizes electrocatalytic 4e⁻ ORR with a half-wave potential of 0.89 V versus RHE, which is outstanding among corrole-based electrocatalysts. Notably, 1-Co outperforms Co corrole hanged with Cu^II or Zn^II. We revealed that the hanging Co^II ion can provide an electron to improve O₂ binding thermodynamically and dynamically, a function represented by the biological Cu^I ion of the heme/Cu site. This work is significant to present a remarkable ORR electrocatalyst and to show the vital role of a second-sphere redox-active metal ion in promoting O₂ binding and activation.     

Uncovering Dynamic Edge-Sites in Atomic Co−N−C Electrocatalyst for Selective Hydrogen Peroxide Production

Understanding the nature of single-atom catalytic sites and identifying their spectroscopic fingerprints are essential prerequisites for the rational design of target catalysts. Here, we apply correlated in situ X-ray absorption and infrared spectroscopy to probe the edge-site-specific chemistry of Co−N−C electrocatalyst during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) operation. The unique edge-hosted architecture affords single-atom Co site remarkable structural flexibility with adapted dynamic oxo adsorption and valence state shuttling between Co^(2−δ)+ and Co²⁺, in contrast to the rigid in-plane embedded Co₁−N_x counterpart. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the synergistic interplay of in situ reconstructed Co₁−N₂-oxo with peripheral oxygen groups gives a rise to the near-optimal adsorption of *OOH intermediate and substantially increases the activation barrier for its dissociation, accounting for a robust acidic ORR activity and 2e⁻ selectivity for H₂O₂ production.     

Structural and Electronic Influences on Rates of Tertpyridine−Amine CoIII−H Formation During Catalytic H2 Evolution in an Aqueous Environment

In this work, the differences in catalytic performance for a series of Co hydrogen evolution catalysts with different pentadentate polypyridyl ligands (L), have been rationalized by examining elementary steps of the catalytic cycle using a combination of electrochemical and transient pulse radiolysis (PR) studies in aqueous solution. Solvolysis of the [Co^II−Cl]⁺ species results in the formation of [Co^II(κ⁴-L)(OH₂)]²⁺. Further reduction produces [Co^I(κ⁴-L)(OH₂)]⁺, which undergoes a rate-limiting structural rearrangement to [Co^I(κ⁵-L)]⁺ before being protonated to form [Co^III−H]²⁺. The rate of [Co^III−H]²⁺ formation is similar for all complexes in the series. Using E_1/2 values of various Co species and pK_a values of [Co^III−H]²⁺ estimated from PR experiments, we found that while the protonation of [Co^III−H]²⁺ is unfavorable, [Co^II−H]⁺ reacts with protons to produce H₂. The catalytic activity for H₂ evolution tracks the hydricity of the [Co^II−H]⁺ intermediate.     

Formation,Expansion, and Interconversion of Metallarings in a Sulfur‐Bridged AuICoIII Coordination System

A novel Au^ICo^III coordination system that is derived from the newly prepared [Co(D ‐nmp)₂]⁻ ( 1 ⁻; D ‐nmp=N‐methyl‐D ‐penicillaminate) and a gold(I) precursor Au^I is reported. Complex 1 ⁻ acts as a sulfur‐donating metallaligand and reacts with the gold(I) precursor to give [Au₂Co₂(D ‐nmp)₄] ( 2 ), which has an eight‐membered Au^I₂Co^III₂ metallaring. Treatment of 2 with [Au₂(dppe)₂]²⁺ (dppe=1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) leads to the formation of [Au₄Co₂(dppe)₂(D ‐nmp)₄]²⁺ ( 3 ²⁺), which consists of an 18‐membered Au^I₄Co^III₂ metallaring that accommodates a tetrahedral anion (BF₄⁻, ClO₄⁻, ReO₄⁻). In solution, the metallaring structure of 3 ²⁺ is readily interconvertible with the nine‐membered Au^I₂Co^III metallaring structure of [Au₂Co(dppe)(D ‐nmp)₂]⁺ ( 4 ⁺); this process depends on external factors, such as solvent, concentration, and nature of the counteranion. These results reveal the lability of the Au S and Au P bonds, which is essential for metallaring expansion and contraction.     

Dinitrogen Activation Upon Reduction of a Triiron(II) Complex

Reaction of a trinuclear iron(II) complex, Fe₃Br₃ L ( 1 ), with KC₈ under N₂ leads to dinitrogen activation products ( 2 ) from which Fe₃(NH)₃ L ( 2‐1 ; L is a cyclophane bridged by three β‐diketiminate arms) was characterized by X‐ray crystallography. ¹H NMR spectra of the protonolysis product of 2 synthesized under ¹⁴N₂ and ¹⁵N₂ confirm atmospheric N₂ reduction, and ammonia is detected by the indophenol assay (yield ～30 %). IR and Mössbauer spectroscopy, and elemental analysis on 2 and 2‐1 as well as the tri(amido)triiron(II) 3 and tri(methoxo)triiron 4 congeners support our assignment of the reduction product as containing protonated N‐atom bridges.     

Structure and Reactivity of a Cobalt(I) Phthalaldehyde Complex with Both σ‐ and π‐Bonded Aldehyde Groups

A bidentate phthalaldehyde ligand with both σ and π coordination of the aldehyde groups is found in [(C₅Me₅)Co{(C(O)H)₂C₆H₄}] (structure depicted). This complex is the “resting state” of the catalyst in the ring closure of the dialdehyde to give the lactone. Interchange of coordination modes occurs with a barrier of 70 kJ mol⁻¹ at 35°C. Investigation of other Co^I chelate complexes with a single aldehyde group shows that the coordination mode of the aldehyde is dictated by the nature of the bonding of the other ligating group.     

Trichloro(Dinitrogen)Platinate(II)

Zeise's salt, [PtCl₃(H₂C=CH₂)]⁻_, is the oldest known organometallic complex, featuring ethylene strongly bound to a platinum salt. Many derivatives are known, but none involving dinitrogen, and indeed dinitrogen complexes are unknown for both platinum and palladium. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of K₂[PtCl₄] solutions generate strong ions corresponding to [PtCl₃(N₂)]⁻, the identity of which was confirmed through ion-mobility spectrometry and MS/MS experiments that proved it to be distinct from its isobaric counterparts [PtCl₃(C₂H₄)]⁻ and [PtCl₃(CO)]⁻. Computational analysis established a gas-phase platinum–dinitrogen bond strength of 116 kJ mol⁻¹, substantially weaker than the ethylene and carbon monoxide analogues but stronger than for polar solvents such as water, methanol and dimethylformamide, and strong enough that the calculated N−N bond length of 1.119 Å represents weakening to a degree typical of isolated dinitrogen complexes.     

Enhanced third‐order nonlinear optical properties determined in thin films using the Z‐scan technique: bis(μ‐4,4′‐oxydibenzoato)bis[(4′‐phenyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine)cobalt(II)]

π‐Conjugated organic materials exhibit high and tunable nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, and fast response times. 4′‐Phenyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (PTP) is an important N‐heterocyclic ligand involving π‐conjugated systems, however, studies concerning the third‐order NLO properties of terpyridine transition metal complexes are limited. The title binuclear terpyridine Co^II complex, bis(μ‐4,4′‐oxydibenzoato)‐κ³O,O′:O′′;κ³O′′:O,O′‐bis[(4′‐phenyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine‐κ³N,N′,N′′)cobalt(II)], [Co₂(C₁₄H₈O₅)₂(C₂₁H₁₅N₃)₂], (1), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. In the crystal structure, each Co^II cation is surrounded by three N atoms of a PTP ligand and three O atoms, two from a bidentate and one from a symmetry‐related monodentate 4,4′‐oxydibenzoate (ODA²⁻) ligand, completing a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. Neighbouring [Co(PTP)]²⁺ units are bridged by ODA²⁻ ligands to form a ring‐like structure. The third‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of (1) and PTP were determined in thin films using the Z‐scan technique. The title compound shows a strong third‐order NLO saturable absorption (SA), while PTP exhibits a third‐order NLO reverse saturable absorption (RSA). The absorptive coefficient β of (1) is −37.3 × 10⁻⁷ m W⁻¹, which is larger than that (8.96 × 10⁻⁷ m W⁻¹) of PTP. The third‐order NLO susceptibility χ⁽³⁾ values are calculated as 6.01 × 10⁻⁸ e.s.u. for (1) and 1.44 × 10⁻⁸ e.s.u. for PTP.     

One-Step Preparation of Fe/N/C Single-Atom Catalysts Containing Fe−N4 Sites from an Iron Complex Precursor with 5,6,7,8-Tetraphenyl-1,12-Diazatriphenylene Ligands

Fe/N/C single-atom catalysts containing Fe−N_x sites prepared by pyrolysis are promising cathode materials for fuel cells and metal-air batteries due to their high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activities. We have developed iron complexes containing N2- or N3-chelating coordination structures with preorganized aromatic rings in a 1,12-diazatriphenylene framework tethering bromo substituents as precursors to precisely construct Fe−N₄ sites in an Fe/N/C catalyst. One-step pyrolysis of the iron complex with carbon black forms atomically dispersed Fe−N₄ sites without iron aggregates. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and electrochemical measurements revealed that the iron complex with N3-coordination is more effectively converted to Fe−N₄ sites catalyzing ORR with a TOF value of 0.21 e site⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 0.8 V vs. RHE. This indicates that the formation of Fe−N₄ sites is controlled by precise tuning of the chemical structure of the iron complex precursor.     

C−H and C−M Activation,Aromaticity Tuning,and Co⋅⋅⋅Ru Interactions Confined in the Azuliporphyrin Framework

Taking advantage of the specific properties of azuliporphyrin and the reactivity of cobalt(II), activation of an azulene C(sp²)−H bond occurred and organometallic complexes with Co−C bonding were formed. The system allowed for macrocyclic aromaticity tuning through metal coordination and oxidation. Thanks to the Co^II−C and parallel tested Cu^II−C reactivity and the affinity of metal centers to dioxygen, oxygen atom insertion into the M−C bond could be investigated. Insertion starts with an oxygen molecule coordination and leads to monomeric and dimeric complexes of specific electronic structures. Formation of unique paramagnetic σ/π-hybrid bimetallic complexes enabled spectroscopic and theoretical investigations of peculiar Co^II⋅⋅⋅Ru⁰ interactions.     

A Cobalt(I) Pincer Complex with an η2‐Caryl−H Agostic Bond: Facile C−H Bond Cleavage through Deprotonation,Radical Abstraction,and Oxidative Addition

The synthesis and reactivity of a Co^I pincer complex [Co(?³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ featuring an η²‐ C_aryl?H agostic bond is described. This complex was obtained by protonation of the Co^I complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]. The Co^III hydride complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)₂(H)]⁺ was obtained upon protonation of [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)₂]. Three ways to cleave the agostic C?H bond are presented. First, owing to the acidity of the agostic proton, treatment with pyridine results in facile deprotonation (C?H bond cleavage) and reformation of [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]. Second, C?H bond cleavage is achieved upon exposure of [Co(?³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ to oxygen or TEMPO to yield the paramagnetic Co^II PCP complex [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺. Finally, replacement of one CO ligand in [Co(?³P,CH,P‐P(CH)P^NMe‐iPr)(CO)₂]⁺ by CNtBu promotes the rapid oxidative addition of the agostic η²‐C_aryl?H bond to give two isomeric hydride complexes of the type [Co(PCP^NMe‐iPr)(CNtBu)(CO)(H)]⁺.     

Fluoro Nitrenoid Complexes FN=MF2 (M=Co,Rh, Ir): Electronic Structure Dichotomy and Formation of Nitrido Fluorides N≡MF3

The fluoronitrenoid metal complexes FNCoF₂ and FNRhF₂ as well as the first ternary Rh^VI and Ir^VI complexes NIrF₃ and NRhF₃ are described. They were obtained by the reaction of excited Group-9 metal atoms with NF₃ and their IR spectra, isolated in solid rare gases (neon and argon), were recorded. Aided by the observed ^14/15N isotope shifts and quantum-chemical predictions, all four stretching fundamentals of the novel complexes were safely assigned. The F−N stretching frequencies of the fluoronitrenoid complexes FNCoF₂ (1056.8 cm⁻¹) and FNRhF₂ (872.6 cm⁻¹) are very different and their N−M bonds vary greatly. In FNCoF₂, the FN ligand is singly bonded to Co and bears considerable iminyl/nitrene radical character, while the N−Rh bond in FNRhF₂ is a strong double bond with comparatively strong σ- and π-bonds. The anticipated rearrangement of FNCoF₂ to the nitrido Co^VI complex is predicted to be endothermic and was not observed.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic properties of diaquabis(2,6‐diamino‐7H‐purin‐1‐ium‐κN9)bis(4,4′‐oxydibenzoato‐κO)cobalt(II) dihydrate

The title mononuclear Co^II complex, [Co(C₅H₇N₆)₂(C₁₄H₈O₅)₂(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O, has been synthesized and its crystal structure determined by X‐ray diffraction. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P, with one formula unit per cell (Z = 1 and Z′ = ). It consists of a mononuclear unit with the Co^II ion on an inversion centre coordinated by two 2,6‐diamino‐7H‐purin‐1‐ium cations, two 4,4′‐oxydibenzoate anions (in a nonbridging κO‐monodentate coordination mode, which is less common for the anion in its Co^II complexes) and two water molecules, defining an octahedral environment around the metal atom. There is a rich assortment of nonbonding interactions, among which a strong N⁺—H…O⁻ bridge, with a short N…O distance of 2.5272 (18) Å, stands out, with the H atom ostensibly displaced away from its expected position at the donor side, towards the acceptor. The complex molecules assemble into a three‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded network. A variable‐temperature magnetic study between 2 and 300 K reveals an orbital contribution to the magnetic moment and a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between Co^II centres as the temperature decreases. The model leads to the following values: A (crystal field strength) = 1.81, λ (spin‐orbit coupling) = −59.9 cm⁻¹, g (Landé factor) = 2.58 and zJ (exchange coupling) = −0.5 cm⁻¹.     

Chemical Transformations of (2,3,9,10-Tetramethyl-1,4,5,7,8,11,12,14-Octa-Azacyclotetradeca-1,3,8,10-Tetraenato)Cobalt(II)Perchlorate

The monomeric octa-aza bis-α-diimine macrocyclic complex [Co^II(C₁₀H₂₀N₈)(H²O)](ClO₄)₂ I, undergoes various reactions on the macrocyclic ligand. Reaction of complex I with triethylamine in double molar proportions, followed by slow aerial oxidation, produces a molecular dimeric complex [Co^II(C₁₀H₁₄N₈)]₂, III, and a novel Co(I) complex [Co^I(C₁₀H₁₉N₈)], IV. Complex III is a staggered cofacial dimer with a cobalt-cobalt bond length 2.86(1) Å. The macrocyclic ligand of the complex contains an a-diimine function in each five-membered chelate ring, and a three-atom N-C-N^? delocalized system in each six-membered chelate ring. Complex IV has the 5-5-6-6 chelate arrangement because one α-diimine moiety is rearranged to a syn-anti configuration. In the structure, the two fused six-membered chelate rings are fully conjugated and the two fused five-membered rings are saturated. However, when complex I reacts with excess triethylamine under the similar conditions, a dimeric complex of another type, [Co^II(C₁₀H_l6N₈)]₂, II, was generated, in which one N-N bond of the macrocyclic ligand is broken. Complex IV can be isolated also from the reaction of complex I with excess hydrazine, followed by slow aerial oxidation. When hydrazine in double molar proportions was used, complex [Co^I(C₁₀H₁₇N₈)(NHNH)] V, which contains a coordinated diazene ligand, was obtained. Only one six-membered chelate ring of complex V is deprotonated and oxidized to form a three-atom N-C-N^? delocalized system. The structures of octa-aza complexes I-V are determined by X-ray crystallography: I, orthorhombic, C mca, a = 11.646(4), b = 17.049(3), c = 10.706(3) Å, Z = 4, R = 0.045, R_w = 0.047, based on 1024 reflections with I > 2σ(I); II, monoclinic, P 2₁/c, a = 9.814(3), b = 22.583(6). c = 14.632(9) Å, β = 98.90(5)°, Z = 4, R = 0.085, R_w = 0.101, based on 2033 reflections with I > 2σ(I); III, tetragonal, P 4/nmm, a = 15.614(3), c = 6.498(2) Å, Z = 4, R = 0.081, R_w = 0.115, based on 340 reflections with I > 2σ(I); IV, orthorhombic, P bca, a = 8.484(1), b = 16.662(3), c = 18.760(2) Å, Z = 8, R = 0.029, R_w = 0.024, based on 1441 reflections with I > 2σ(I); V, monoclinic, P 2₁/m, a = 7.892(3), b = 11.713(6), c = 9.326(4) Å, β = 108.03(3), Z = 2, R = 0.047, R_w = 0.056, based on 948 reflections with I > 2σ(I).     

A charge-separation-type ionic solid composed of hexanuclear complexes with a macrocyclic tetragold(I) metalloligand

The reaction of Na[Co^III(d -ebp)] (d -H₄ebp = N,N′-ethylenebis[d -penicillamine]) with [(Au^ICl)₂(dppe)] (dppe = 1,2-bis[diphenylphosphino]ethane) gave a cationic Au^I₄Co^III₂ hexanuclear complex, [Co^III₂(L^Au4)]²⁺ ([ 1 ]²⁺), where [L^Au4]⁴⁻ is a cyclic tetragold(I) metalloligand with a 32-membered ring, [Au^I₄(dppe)₂(d -ebp)₂]⁴⁻. Complex [ 1 ]²⁺ crystallized with NO₃⁻ to produce a charge-separation (CS)-type ionic solid of [ 1 ](NO₃)₂. In [ 1 ](NO₃)₂, the complex cations are assembled to form cationic supramolecular hexamers of {[ 1 ]²⁺}₆, which are closely packed in a face-centered cubic (fcc) lattice structure. The nitrate anions of [ 1 ](NO₃)₂ were accommodated in hydrophilic and hydrophobic tetrahedral interstices of the fcc structure to form tetrameric and hexameric nitrate clusters of {NO₃⁻}₄ and {NO₃⁻}₆, respectively. An analogous CS-type ionic solid formulated as [Ni^IICo^III(L^Au4)](NO₃) ([ 2 ](NO₃)) was obtained when a 1:1 mixture of Na[Co^III(d -ebp)] and [Ni^II(d -H₂ebp)] was reacted with [(Au^ICl)₂(dppe)], accompanied by the conversion of the diamagnetic, square-planar [Ni^II(d -H₂ebp)] to the paramagnetic, octahedral [Ni^II(d -ebp)]²⁻. While the overall fcc structure in [ 2 ](NO₃) was similar to that of [ 1 ](NO₃)₂, none of the nitrate anions were accommodated in any hydrophobic tetrahedral interstice, reflecting the difference in the complex charges between [ 1 ]²⁺ and [ 2 ]⁺.     

Rhodium Complexes in P−H Bond Activation Reactions

The feasibility of oxidative addition of the P−H bond of PHPh₂ to a series of rhodium complexes to give mononuclear hydrido-phosphanido complexes has been analyzed. Three main scenarios have been found depending on the nature of the L ligand added to [Rh(Tp)(C₂H₄)(PHPh₂)] (Tp= hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate): i) clean and quantitative reactions to terminal hydrido-phosphanido complexes [RhTp(H)(PPh₂)(L)] (L=PMe₃, PMe₂Ph and PHPh₂), ii) equilibria between Rh^I and Rh^III species: [RhTp(H)(PPh₂)(L)]⇄[RhTp(PHPh₂)(L)] (L=PMePh₂, PPh₃) and iii) a simple ethylene replacement to give the rhodium(I) complexes [Rh(κ²-Tp)(L)(PHPh₂)] (L=NHCs-type ligands). The position of the P−H oxidative addition–reductive elimination equilibrium is mainly determined by sterics influencing the entropy contribution of the reaction. When ethylene was used as a ligand, the unique rhodaphosphacyclobutane complex [Rh(Tp)(η¹-Et)(κ^C,P-CH₂CH₂PPh₂)] was obtained. DFT calculations revealed that the reaction proceeds through the rate limiting oxidative addition of the P−H bond, followed by a low-barrier sequence of reaction steps involving ethylene insertion into the Rh−H and Rh−P bonds. In addition, oxidative addition of the P−H bond in OPHPh₂ to [Rh(Tp)(C₂H₄)(PHPh₂)] gave the related hydride complex [RhTp(H)(PHPh₂)(POPh₂)], but ethyl complexes resulted from hydride insertion into the Rh−ethylene bond in the reaction with [Rh(Tp)(C₂H₄)₂].