Reduction pathway of end-on terminally coordinated dinitrogen. IV. Geometric, electronic, and vibrational structure of a W(IV) dialkylhydrazido complex and its two-electron-reduced derivative undergoing N-N cleavage upon protonation

The molybdenum and tungsten dialkylhydrazido complexes [M(dppe)2 (NNC5H10)]2+ (M = Mo, W; compounds A(Mo) and A(W)) and their two-electron-reduced counterparts [M(dppe)2 (NNC5H10)] (compounds B(Mo) and B(W)) are characterized structurally and spectroscopically. The crystal structure of B(W) indicates a geometry between square pyramidal and trigonal bipyramidal with the NNC5H10 group in the apical position and in the trigonal plane of the complex, respectively. Temperature-dependent 31P NMR spectra of B(Mo) show that this geometry is present in solution as well. At room temperature, rapid Berry pseudorotation between the "axial" and "equatorial" ligand positions gives rise to a singlet in the 31P NMR spectrum. This exchange process is slowed at low temperature, leading to a doublet. The N-N distance of B(W) is 1.388 A, and the W-N distance is 1.781 A. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy applied to A(W), B(W), and their 15N isotopomers reveals extensive mixing between the N-N and W-N vibrations of the metal-N-N core with the modes of the piperidine ring. The N-N force constant of A(W) is determined to be 6.95 mdyn/A, which is close to the values of the Mo and W NNH2 complexes. In B(W), the N-N force constant decreases to 6.4 mdyn/A, which is between the values found for the Mo/W NNH3 and NNH2 complexes. This allows us to attribute N-N double bond character to A(W) and intermediate character between the double and single bonds for the N-N bond of B(W). These findings are supported by DFT calculations. More importantly, the HOMO of B(W) corresponds to a linear combination of the metal d(sigma) orbital with a ligand orbital having N-N sigma* character, inducing a weakening of the N-N bond. This contributes to the cleavage of the N-N bond taking place upon protonation of B(W) at the Nbeta atom of the NNC5H10 group.     

Reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia at a well-protected reaction site in a molybdenum triamidoamine complex

We have synthesized a triamidoamine ligand ([(RNCH2CH2)3N]3-) in which R is 3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3 (HexaIsoPropylTerphenyl or HIPT). The reaction between MoCl4(THF)2 and H3[HIPTN3N] in THF followed by 3.1 equiv of LiN(SiMe3)2 led to formation of orange [HIPTN3N]MoCl. Reduction of [HIPTN3N]MoCl with magnesium in THF under dinitrogen led to formation of salts that contain the {[HIPTN3N]Mo(N2)}- ion. The {[HIPTN3N]Mo(N2)}- ion can be oxidized by zinc chloride to give [HIPTN3N]Mo(N2) or protonated to give [HIPTN3N]Mo-N=N-H. Other relevant compounds that have been prepared include {[HIPTN3N]Mo-N=NH2}+, [HIPTN3N]MoN, {[HIPTN3N]Mo=NH}+, and {[HIPTN3N]Mo(NH3)}+. (The anion is usually {B(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)4}- = {BAr'4}-.) Reduction of [HIPTN3N]Mo(N2) with CoCp2 in the presence of {2,6-lutidinium}BAr'4 in benzene leads to formation of ammonia and {[HIPTN3N]Mo(NH3)}+. Preliminary X-ray studies suggest that the HIPT substituent creates a deep, three-fold symmetric cavity that protects a variety of dinitrogen reduction products against bimolecular decomposition reactions, while at the same time the metal is left relatively open toward reactions near the equatorial amido ligands.     

Electronic structure, spectroscopic properties, and reactivity of molybdenum and tungsten nitrido and imido complexes with diphosphine coligands: influence of the trans ligand

A series of molybdenum and tungsten nitrido, [M(N)(X)(diphos)2], and imido complexes, [M(NH)(X)(diphos)2)]Y, (M = Mo, W) with diphosphine coligands (diphos = dppe/depe), various trans ligands (X = N3-, Cl-, NCCH3) and different counterions (Y-= Cl-, BPh4-) is investigated. These compounds are studied by infrared and Raman spectroscopies; they are also studied with isotope-substitution and optical-absorption, as well as emission, spectroscopies. In the nitrido complexes with trans-azido and -chloro coligands, the metal-N stretch is found at about 980 cm(-1); upon protonation, it is lowered to about 920 cm(-1). The 1A1 --> 1E (n --> pi) electronic transition is observed for [Mo(N)(N3)(depe)2] at 398 nm and shows a progression in the metal-N stretch of 810 cm(-1). The corresponding 3E --> 1A (pi --> n) emission band is observed at 542 nm, exhibiting a progression in the metal-N stretch of 980 cm(-1). In the imido system [Mo(NH)(N3)(depe)2]BPh4, the n --> pi transition is shifted to lower energy (518 nm) and markedly decreases in intensity. In the trans-nitrile complex [Mo(N)(NCCH3)(dppe)2]BPh4, the metal-N(nitrido) stretching frequency increases to 1016 cm(-1). The n --> pi transition now is found at 450 nm, shifting to 525 nm upon protonation. Most importantly, the reduction of this nitrido trans-nitrile complex is drastically facilitated compared to its counterparts with anionic trans-ligands (Epred = -1.5 V vs Fc+/Fc). On the other hand, the basicity of the nitrido group is decreased (pKa{[Mo(NH)(NCCH3)(dppe)2](BPh4)2} = 5). The implications of these findings with respect to the Chatt cycle are discussed.     

Synthesis and reactions of molybdenum triamidoamine complexes containing hexaisopropylterphenyl substituents

We have synthesized a triamidoamine ligand ([(RNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N](3)(-)) in which R is 3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr(3)C(6)H(2))(2)C(6)H(3) (hexaisopropylterphenyl or HIPT). The reaction between MoCl(4)(THF)(2) and H(3)[HIPTN(3)N] in THF followed by 3.1 equiv of LiN(SiMe(3))(2) led to formation of orange [HIPTN(3)N]MoCl. Reduction of MoCl (Mo = [HIPTN(3)N]Mo) with magnesium in THF under dinitrogen led to formation of salts that contain the ((Mo(N(2)))(-) ion. The (Mo(N(2)))(-) ion can be oxidized by zinc chloride to give Mo(N(2)) or protonated to give MoN=NH. The latter was found to decompose to yield MoH. Other relevant compounds that have been prepared include (Mo=N-NH(2))(+) (by protonation of MoN=NH), M=1;N, (Mo=NH)(+) (by protonation of M=N), and (Mo(NH(3)))(+) (by treating MoCl with ammonia). (The anion is usually (B(3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3))(4))(-) = (BAr'(4))(-).) X-ray studies were carried out on (Mg(DME)(3))(0.5)[Mo(N(2))], MoN=NMgBr(THF)(3), Mo(N(2)), M=N, and (Mo(NH(3)))(BAr'(4)). These studies suggest that the HIPT substituent on the triamidoamine ligand creates a cavity that stabilizes a variety of complexes that might be encountered in a hypothetical Chatt-like dinitrogen reduction scheme, perhaps largely by protecting against bimolecular decomposition reactions.     

A theoretical investigation on the N–N bond cleavage in Ta(IV) hydrazidium and Ta(V) hydrazido complexes

The reaction mechanism of the N–N bond cleavage in Ta(IV) hydrazido and hydrazidium complexes is studied using density functional theory. The N–N bond cleavage in Ta(IV) hydrazidium generates formal Ta(IV) nitridyl. The N–N bond cleavage in Ta(V) hydrazido gives terminal Ta(V) nitrido species. In the tetrahydrofuran solvent, terminal Ta(V) nitrido dimerizes through a one-step direct pathway leading to the [Ta(V),Ta(V)] bis(μ-nitrido) product. Two Ta–N bonds form simultaneously between the Ta center of one molecule and the terminal N atom of another. In the toluene solvent, there are two pathways of H atom abstraction and protonation producing mononuclear Ta(V) parent imide. The former consists of three steps originated from formal Ta(IV) nitridyl. The latter is unfavorable with terminal Ta(V) nitrido as the precursor.     

On the origin of selective nitrous oxide N-N bond cleavage by three-coordinate molybdenum(III) complexes

Reaction of Mo(N[R]Ar)(3) (R = (t)Bu or C(CD(3))(2)CH(3)) with N(2)O gives rise exclusively to a 1:1 mixture of nitride NMo(N[R]Ar)(3) and nitrosyl ONMo(N[R]Ar)(3), rather than the known oxo complex OMo(N[R]Ar)(3) and dinitrogen. Solution calorimetry measurements were used to determine the heat of reaction of Mo(N[R]Ar)(3) with N(2)O and, independently, the heat of reaction of Mo(N[R]Ar)(3) with NO. Derived from the latter measurements is an estimate (155.3 +/- 3.3 kcal.mol(-1)) of the molybdenum-nitrogen bond dissociation enthalpy for the terminal nitrido complex, NMo(N[R]Ar)(3). Comparison of the new calorimetry data with those obtained previously for oxo transfer to Mo(N[R]Ar)(3) shows that the nitrous oxide N-N bond cleavage reaction is under kinetic control. Stopped-flow kinetic measurements revealed the reaction to be first order in both Mo(N[R]Ar)(3) and N(2)O, consistent with a mechanism featuring post-rate-determining dinuclear N-N bond scission, but also consistent with cleavage of the N-N bond at a single metal center in a mechanism requiring the intermediacy of nitric oxide. The new 2-adamantyl-substituted molybdenum complex Mo(N[2-Ad]Ar)(3) was synthesized and found also to split N(2)O, resulting in a 1:1 mixture of nitrosyl and nitride products; the reaction exhibited first-order kinetics and was found to be ca. 6 times slower than that for the tert-butyl-substituted derivative. Discussed in conjunction with studies of the 2-adamantyl derivative Mo(N[2-Ad]Ar)(3) is the role of ligand-imposed steric constraints on small-molecule, e.g. N(2) and N(2)O, activation reactivity. Bradley's chromium complex Cr(N(i)Pr(2))(3) was found to be competitive with Mo(N[R]Ar)(3) for NO binding, while on its own exhibiting no reaction with N(2)O. Competition experiments permitted determination of ratios of second-order rate constants for NO binding by the two molybdenum complexes and the chromium complex. Analysis of the product mixtures resulting from carrying out the N(2)O cleavage reactions with Cr(N(i)Pr(2))(3) present as an in situ NO scavenger rules out as dominant any mechanism involving the intermediacy of NO. Simplest and consistent with all the available data is a post-rate-determining bimetallic N-N scission process. Kinetic funneling of the reaction as indicated is taken to be governed by the properties of nitrous oxide as a ligand, coupled with the azophilic nature of three-coordinate molybdenum(III) complexes.     

The (Calix[4]arene)chloromolybdate(IV) anion [MoCl(Calix)](-): a convenient entry into molybdenum Calix[4]arene chemistry

The complex (HNEt(3))[MoCl(NCMe)(Calix)] (1), prepared from the reaction of [MoCl(4)(NCMe)(2)] with p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene, H(4)Calix, in the presence of triethylamine, has been used as a source of the d(2)-[Mo(NCMe)(Calix)] fragment. Complex 1 is readily oxidized with PhICl(2) to afford the molybdenum(VI) dichloro complex [MoCl(2)(Calix)] (2). Both complexes are a convenient entry point into molybdenum(VI) and molybdenum(IV) calixarene chemistry. The reaction of 1 with trimethylphosphine and pyridine in the presence of catalytic amounts [Ag(OTf)] led to the formation of neutral d(2) complexes [Mo(PMe(3))(NCMe)(Calix)] (3) and [Mo(NC(5)H(5))(NCMe)(Calix)] (4). The role of the silver salt in the reaction mixture is presumably the oxidation of the chloromolybdate anion of 1 to give a reactive molybdenum(V) species. The same reactions can also be initiated with ferrocenium cations such as [Cp(2)Fe](BF(4)). Without the presence of coordinating ligands, the dimeric complex [[Mo(NCMe)(Calix)](2)] (5) was isolated. The reaction of 1 with Ph(2)CN(2) led to the formation of a metallahydrazone complex [Mo(N(2)CPh(2))(NCMe)(Calix)] (6), in which the diphenyldiazomethane has been formally reduced by two electrons. Molybdenum(VI) complexes were also obtained from reaction of 1 with azobenzene and sodium azide in the presence of catalytic amounts of silver salt. The reaction with azobenzene led under cleavage of the nitrogen nitrogen bond to an imido complex [Mo(NPh)(NCMe)(Calix)] (7), whereas the reaction with sodium azide afforded the mononuclear molybdenum(VI) nitrido complex (HNEt(3))[MoN(Calix)] (8).     

Catalytic reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia by molybdenum: theory versus experiment

Molybdenum complexes that contain the triamidoamine ligand [(RNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N](3-) (R = 3,5-(2,4,6-iPr(3)C(6)H(2))(2)C(6)H(3)) catalyze the reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia at 22 degrees C and 1 atm with protons from 2,6-dimethylpyridinium and electrons from decamethylchromocene. Several theoretical studies have been published that bear on the proposed intermediates in the catalytic dinitrogen reduction reaction and their reaction characteristics, including DFT calculations on [(HIPTNCH(2)CH(2))(3)N]Mo species (HIPT =hexaisopropylterphenyl = 3,5-(2,4,6-iPr(3)C(6)H(2))(2)C(6)H(3)), which contain the actual triamidoamine ligand that is present in catalytic intermediates. Recent theoretical findings are compared with experimental findings for each proposed step in the catalytic reaction.     

Site selectivity and reversibility in the reactions of titanium hydrazides with Si-H, Si-X, C-X and H+ reagents: Ti=N(α) 1,2-silane addition, Nβ alkylation, Nα protonation and σ-bond metathesis

We report a combined experimental and computational comparative study of the reactions of the homologous titanium dialkyl- and diphenylhydrazido and imido compounds Cp*Ti{MeC(N(i)Pr)(2)}(NNR(2)) (R = Me (1) or Ph (2)) and Cp*Ti{MeC(N(i)Pr)(2)}(NTol) (3) with silanes, halosilanes, alkyl halides and [Et(3)NH][BPh(4)]. Compound 1 underwent reversible Si-H 1,2-addition to Ti=N(α) with RSiH(3) (experimental ΔH ca. -17 kcal mol(-1)), and irreversible addition with PhSiH(2)X (X = Cl, Br). DFT found that the reaction products and certain intermediates were stabilised by β-NMe(2) coordination to titanium. The Ti-D bond in Cp*Ti{MeC(N(i)Pr)(2)}(D){N(NMe(2))SiD(2)Ph} underwent σ-bond metathesis with BuSiH(3) and H(2). Compound 1 reacted with RR'SiCl(2) at N(α) to transfer both Cl atoms to Ti; 2 underwent a similar reaction. Compound 3 did not react with RSiH(3) or alkyl halides but formed unstable Ti=N(α) 1,2-addition or N(α) protonation products with PhSiH(2)X or [Et(3)NH][BPh(4)]. Compound 1 underwent exclusive alkylation at N(β) with RCH(2)X (R = H, Me or Ph; X = Br or I) whereas protonation using [Et(3)NH][BPh(4)] occurred at N(α). DFT studies found that in all cases electrophile addition to N(α) (with or without NMe(2) chelation) was thermodynamically favoured compared to addition to N(β).     

Activation and cleavage of dinitrogen by three-coordinate metal complexes involving Mo(III) and Nb(II/III)

Density functional calculations have been employed to rationalize why the heteronuclear N(2)-bridged Mo(III)Nb(III) dimer, [Ar((t)Bu)N](3)Mo(mu-N(2))Nb[N((i)Pr)Ar](3)(Ar = 3,5-C(6)H(3)Me(2)), does not undergo cleavage of the dinitrogen bridge in contrast to the analogous Mo(III)Mo(III) complex which, although having a less activated N-N bond, undergoes spontaneous dinitrogen cleavage at room temperature. The calculations reveal that although the overall reaction is exothermic for both systems, the actual cleavage step is endothermic by 144 kJ mol(-1) for the Mo(III)Nb(III) complex whereas the Mo(III)Mo(III) system is exothermic by 94 kJ mol(-1). The reluctance of the Mo(III)Nb(III) system to undergo N(2) cleavage is attributed to its d(3)d(2) metal configuration which is one electron short of the d(3)d(3) configuration necessary to reductively cleave the dinitrogen bridge. This is confirmed by additional calculations on the related d(3)d(3) Mo(III)Nb(II) and Nb(II)Nb(II) systems for which the cleavage step is calculated to be substantially exothermic, accounting for why in the presence of the reductant KC(8), the [Ar((t)Bu)N](3)Mo(mu-N(2))Nb[N((i)Pr)Ar](3) complex was observed to undergo spontaneous cleavage of the dinitrogen bridge. On the basis of these results, it can be concluded that the level of activation of the N-N bond does not necessarily correlate with the ease of cleavage of the dinitrogen bridge.     

Carbon monoxide-induced N-N bond cleavage of nitrous oxide that is competitive with oxygen atom transfer to carbon monoxide as mediated by a Mo(II)/Mo(IV) catalytic cycle

In the presence of CO, facile N-N bond cleavage of N(2)O occurs at the formal Mo(II) center within coordinatively unsaturated mononuclear species derived from Cp*Mo[N((i)Pr)C(Me)N((i)Pr)](CO)(2) (Cp* = η(5)-C(5)Me(5)) (1) and {Cp*Mo[N((i)Pr)C(Me)N((i)Pr)]}(2)(μ-η(1):η(1)-N(2)) (9) under photolytic and dark conditions, respectively, to produce the nitrosyl, isocyanate complex Cp*Mo[N((i)Pr)C(Me)N((i)Pr)](κ-N-NO)(κ-N-NCO) (7). Competitive N-O bond cleavage of N(2)O proceeds under the same conditions to yield the Mo(IV) terminal metal oxo complex Cp*Mo[N((i)Pr)C(Me)N((i)Pr)](O) (3), which can be recycled to produce more 7 through oxygen-atom-transfer oxidation of CO to produce CO(2).     

Influence of polyoxometalate ligands on the nature of high-valent transition metal nitrido species. A theoretical analysis of experimentally known and unprecedented compounds

The electronic structure of group 6-8 transition metal (TM) nitrido derivatives [PW(11)O(39){TM(VI)N}](4-) is studied computationally and the potential reactivity of the polyoxoanions is discussed. The observed electrophilic reactivity for the Ru(VI) nitrido derivative is rationalized from frontier molecular orbital analysis. When we move to the left or down in the periodic table (TM = Os, Tc, Re, Mo and W) the electrophilic character of the polyoxometalate decreases or the cluster should be better regarded as a nucleophile. The DFT analysis of the redox properties suggests that the still unknown high-valent Mn(VI)N and Fe(VI)N units could be stabilized by the porphyrin-like ligand [PW(11)O(39)](7-) and their electronic structure indicates that these anions should have a high potential reactivity towards nucleophiles.     

Stereochemical consequences of oxygen atom transfer and electron transfer in imido/oxido molybdenum(IV, V, VI) complexes with two unsymmetric bidentate ligands

Two equivalents of the unsymmetrical Schiff base ligand (L(tBu))(-) (4-tert-butyl phenyl(pyrrolato-2-ylmethylene)amine) and MoCl(2)(NtBu)O(dme) (dme = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) gave a single stereoisomer of a mixed imido/oxido Mo(VI) complex 2(tBu). The stereochemistry of 2(tBu) was elucidated using X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. The complex is active in an oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reaction to trimethyl phosphane. The putative intermediate five-coordinate Mo(IV) imido complex coordinates a PMe(3) ligand, giving the six-coordinate imido phosphane Mo(IV) complex 5(tBu). The stereochemistry of 5(tBu) is different from that of 2(tBu) as shown by NMR spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and X-ray diffraction. Single-electron oxidation of 5(tBu) with ferrocenium hexafluorophosphate gave the stable cationic imido phosphane Mo(V) complex [5(tBu)](+) as the PF(6)(-) salt. EPR spectra of [5(tBu)](PF(6)) confirmed the presence of PMe(3) in the coordination sphere. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of [5(tBu)](PF(6)) revealed that electron transfer occurred under retention of the stereochemical configuration. The rate of OAT, the outcome of the electron transfer reaction, and the stabilities of the imido complexes presented here differ dramatically from those of analogous oxido complexes.     

Preparation and reactivity of mixed-ligand ruthenium(II) hydride complexes with phosphites and polypyridyls

Chloro complexes [RuCl(N-N)P3]BPh4 (1-3) [N-N = 2,2'-bipyridine, bpy; 1,10-phenanthroline, phen; 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, 5,5'-Me2bpy; P = P(OEt)3, PPh(OEt)2 and PPh2OEt] were prepared by allowing the [RuCl4(N-N)].H2O compounds to react with an excess of phosphite in ethanol. The bis(bipyridine) [RuCl(bpy)2[P(OEt)3]]BPh4 (7) complex was also prepared by reacting RuCl2(bpy)2.2H2O with phosphite and ethanol. Treatment of the chloro complexes 1-3 and 7 with NaBH4 yielded the hydride [RuH(N-N)P3]BPh4 (4-6) and [RuH(bpy)2P]BPh4 (8) derivatives, which were characterized spectroscopically and by the X-ray crystal structure determination of [RuH(bpy)[P(OEt)3]3]BPh4 (4a). Protonation reaction of the new hydrides with Br?nsted acid was studied and led to dicationic [Ru(eta2-H2)(N-N)P3]2+ (9, 10) and [Ru(eta(2-H2)(bpy)2P]2+ (11) dihydrogen derivatives. The presence of the eta2-H2 ligand was indicated by a short T(1 min) value and by the measurements of the J(HD) in the [Ru](eta2-HD) isotopomers. From T(1 min) and J(HD) values the H-H distances of the dihydrogen complexes were also calculated. A series of ruthenium complexes, [RuL(N-N)P3](BPh4)2 and [RuL(bpy)2P](BPh4)2 (P = P(OEt)3; L = H2O, CO, 4-CH3C6H4NC, CH3CN, 4-CH3C6H4CN, PPh(OEt)2], was prepared by substituting the labile eta2-H2 ligand in the 9, 10, 11 derivatives. The reactions of the new hydrides 4-6 and 8 with both mono- and bis(aryldiazonium) cations were studied and led to aryldiazene [Ru(C6H5N=NH)(N-N)P3](BPh4)2 (19, 21), [[Ru(N-N)P3]2(mu-4,4'-NH=NC6H4-C6H4N=NH)](BPh4)4 (20), and [Ru(C6H5N=NH)(bpy)2P](BPh4)2 (22) derivatives. Also the heteroallenes CO2 and CS2 reacted with [RuH(bpy)2P]BPh4, yielding the formato [Ru[eta1-OC(H)=O](bpy)2P]BPh4 and dithioformato [Ru[eta1-SC(H)=S](bpy)2P]BPh4 derivatives.     

Investigation of transition metal-imido bonding in M(NBut)2(dpma)

A complete series down group 6 of the formula M(NBu(t))(2)(dpma) has been synthesized, where dpma is N,N-di(pyrrolyl-alpha-methyl)-N-methylamine. A fourth complex, Mo(NAr)(2)(dpma) (4), was also prepared, where Ar is 2,6-diisopropylphenyl. All four of these complexes display geometries in the solid state best described as square pyramidal with one imido ligand occupying the axial position and the other an equatorial site. In all cases, the axial imido ligand has a significantly smaller M-N(imido)-C bond angle with respect to the equatorial multiple-bond substituent. From the (1)H, (13)C, and (14)N NMR spectra, the axial (bent) imido appears to be more electron-rich than the equatorial and linear imido, with the differences becoming less pronounced down the column. The angular deformation energies for the axial imido ligands were studied by DFT in order to discern if and to what extent imido bond angles were important energetically. The electronic energies associated with straightening the axial imido ligand, while holding the remainder of the molecule at the ground-state geometry, for the Cr, Mo, and W derivatives were calculated as 4.5, 2.7, and 2.0 kcal/mol, respectively. A straight-line plot is found for deformation energies versus estimated electronegativity of the group 6 metals in the +6 oxidation state. The study suggests that the electronic differences between metal imido ligands of different angles are quite small; however, the effects may be more pronounced for metal centers with higher electronegativity, e.g. Cr(VI) with electron-withdrawing ligands.     

C--N bond formation on addition of aryl carbanions to the electrophilic nitrido ligand in TpOs(N)Cl(2).

The osmium(VI) nitrido complex TpOs(N)Cl(2) (1) has been prepared from K[Os(N)O(3)] and KTp in aqueous ethanolic HCl. It reacts rapidly with PhMgCl and related reagents with transfer of a phenyl group to the nitrido ligand. This forms Os(IV) metalla-analido complexes, which are readily protonated to give the analido complex TpOs(NHPh)Cl(2) (4). The nitrido-phenyl derivatives TpOs(N)PhCl and TpOs(N)Ph(2) react more slowly with PhMgCl and are not competent intermediates for the reaction of 1 with PhMgCl. Reactions of 1 with alkyl- and arylboranes similarly result in transfer of one organic group to nitrogen, leading to isolable borylamido complexes such as TpOs[N(Ph)(BPh(2))]Cl(2) (11). This is an unprecedented insertion of a nitrido ligand into a boron--carbon bond. Hydrolysis of 11 gives 4. Mechanistic studies suggest that both the Grignard and borane reactions proceed by initial weak coordination of Mg or B to the nitrido ligand, followed by migration of the carbanion to nitrogen. The hydrocarbyl group does not go to osmium and then move to nitrogen--there is no change in the atoms bound to the osmium during the reactions. It is suggested that there may be a general preference for nucleophiles to add directly to the metal--ligand multiple bond rather than binding to the metal first and migrating. Ab initio calculations show that the unusual reactivity of 1 results from its accessible LUMO and LUMO + 1, which are the Os = N pi* orbitals. The bonding in 1 and its reactivity with organoboranes are reminiscent of CO.     

"True" iron(V) and iron(VI) porphyrins: a first theoretical exploration

We present here a first theoretical characterization of iron(V) (S = (3)/(2)) and iron(VI) (S = 0) porphyrin intermediates. The Fe(V) calculations exhibit exceptionally narrow convergence radii and we believe that for this reason they have long eluded researchers working on high-valent iron intermediates. The Fe(V)-N(nitrido) bond distance in the DFT(PW91/TZP) optimized geometry of Fe(V)(P)(N) is 1.722 A, comparable to and slightly longer than the Fe(IV)-O bond distance of 1.684 A in Fe(IV)(P)(O) and the Fe(IV)-N(imido) bond distance of 1.698 A in Fe(IV)(P)(NH). In contrast, the Fe(VI)-N(nitrido) bond distances in [Fe(VI)(P)(N)](+) (S = 0) and Fe(VI)(P)(N)(F) (S = 0) are dramatically shorter, 1.508 and 1.533 A, respectively, consistent with the formal triple bond character of the Fe(VI)-N(nitrido) bond. The nitrido ligand appears to be uniquely capable of stabilizing a "true" Fe(V) center, in the sense defined in the paper. All three unpaired electrons in Fe(V)(P)(N) are completely localized on the Fe(V)-N(nitrido) axis, with the Fe and N gross atomic spin populations being 1.579 and 1.550, respectively. In contrast, an axial ligand set consisting of an oxide and a fluoride do not stabilize an Fe(V) ground state but favor an electronic structure best described as an Fe(IV)-oxo porphyrin pi-cation radical.     

Reactions of the Complexes ReNCl2(PMe2Ph)3, [ReNCl4]—, [OsO3N]—, and Cl3VNCl with Metal Halides

The nitrido complexes ReNCl₂(PMe₂Ph)₃ and [OsO₃N]^— have strong basic terminal nitrido ligands which can react with Lewis acidic metal halides to form nitrido bridges. The synthesis and structure of complexes with ReNCl₂(PMe₂Ph)₃ and nitrido bridges Re≡N‐M (M = B, Ga, Sn, Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, Re, Pd, Au, and Zn) as well as of complexes with [OsO₃N]^— and nitrido bridges Os≡N‐M (M = Pd and Pt) are reported. Strong Lewis acids can also remove phosphine or chloro ligands from ReNCl₂(PMe₂Ph)₃. The resulting complex fragments subsequently combine to yield oligomeric complexes with nitrido bridges Re≡N‐Re. If the reaction with strong Lewis acids is carried out in a chlorinated solvent the solvent can be decomposed to form HCl which then protonates the nitrido ligand affording an imido complex. [ReNCl₄]^— is able to form nitrido bridges to electrophilic halides if a donor ligand is coordinated in trans position to the nitrido ligand to enhance its basicity sufficiently. The synthesis and structure of examples with nitrido bridges Re≡N‐M (M = Pd, Pt, Ta) are reported. The chloro imido complex Cl₃V≡N‐Cl can act as a nitride ion transfer reagent. Its reaction with MoCl₅ yields Mo₂NCl₈ whereas with MoCl₃ the nitride chlorides Mo₃N₂Cl₁₁ and MoNCl₃ are obtained. Cl₃VNCl can also act as an reactive intermediate by the reaction of VN with a halide as was shown by the reaction of MoCl₅ with VN yielding Mo₂NCl₇. The structures of these molybdenum nitride chlorides are discussed.     

Synthesis of [(HIPTNCH2CH2)3N]V compounds (HIPT = 3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3) and an evaluation of vanadium for the reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia

Green [HIPTN3N]V(THF) ([HIPTN3N]3- = [(HIPTNCH2CH2)3N]3-, where HIPT = 3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3) can be prepared in a 70-80% yield via the addition of H3[HIPTN3N] to VCl3(THF)3 in THF, followed by the addition of LiN(SiMe3)2. From [HIPTN3N]V(THF), the following have been prepared: {[HIPTN3N]VN2}K, [HIPTN3N]V(NH3), [HIPTN3N]V=NH, [HIPTN3N]V=NSiMe3, [HIPTN3N]V=O, [HIPTN3N]V=S, and [HIPTN3N]V(CO). No ammonia is formed from dinitrogen using {[HIPTN3N]VN2}K, [HIPTN3N]V=NH, or [HIPTN3N]V(NH3) as the initial species under conditions that were successful in the analogous [HIPTN3N]Mo system. X-ray structural studies are reported for [HIPTN3N]V(THF) and [HIPTN3N]V(NH3).