Dimethylsulfoxide as a ligand for RhI and IrI complexes--isolation, structure, and reactivity towards X-H bonds (X=H, OH, OCH3)

Novel neutral and cationic Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes that contain only DMSO molecules as dative ligands with S-, O-, and bridging S,O-binding modes were isolated and characterized. The neutral derivatives [RhCl(DMSO)(3)] (1) and [IrCl(DMSO)(3)] (2) were synthesized from the dimeric precursors [M(2)Cl(2)(coe)(4)] (M=Rh, Ir; COE=cyclooctene). The dimeric Ir(I) compound [Ir(2)Cl(2)(DMSO)(4)] (3) was obtained from 2. The first example of a square-planar complex with a bidentate S,O-bridging DMSO ligand, [(coe)(DMSO)Rh(micro-Cl)(micro-DMSO)RhCl(DMSO)] (4), was obtained by treating [Rh(2)Cl(2)(coe)(4)] with three equivalents of DMSO. The mixed DMSO-olefin complex [IrCl(cod)(DMSO)] (5, COD=cyclooctadiene) was generated from [Ir(2)Cl(2)(cod)(2)]. Substitution reactions of these neutral systems afforded the complexes [RhCl(py)(DMSO)(2)] (6), [IrCl(py)(DMSO)(2)] (7), [IrCl(iPr(3)P)(DMSO)(2)] (8), [RhCl(dmbpy)(DMSO)] (9, dmbpy=4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), and [IrCl(dmbpy)(DMSO)] (10). The cationic O-bound complex [Rh(cod)(DMSO)(2)]BF(4) (11) was synthesized from [Rh(cod)(2)]BF(4). Treatment of the cationic complexes [M(coe)(2)(O=CMe(2))(2)]PF(6) (M=Rh, Ir) with DMSO gave the mixed S- and O-bound DMSO complexes [M(DMSO)(2)(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) (Rh=12; Ir=in situ characterization). Substitution of the O-bound DMSO ligands with dmbpy or pyridine resulted in the isolation of [Rh(dmbpy)(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) (13) and [Ir(py)(2)(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) (14). Oxidative addition of hydrogen to [IrCl(DMSO)(3)] (2) gave the kinetic product fac-[Ir(H)(2)Cl(DMSO)(3)] (15) which was then easily converted to the more thermodynamically stable product mer-[Ir(H)(2)Cl(DMSO)(3)] (16). Oxidative addition of water to both neutral and cationic Ir(I) DMSO complexes gave the corresponding hydrido-hydroxo addition products syn-[(DMSO)(2)HIr(micro-OH)(2)(micro-Cl)IrH(DMSO)(2)][IrCl(2)(DMSO)(2)] (17) and anti-[(DMSO)(2)(DMSO)HIr(micro-OH)(2)IrH(DMSO)(2)(DMSO)][PF(6)](2) (18). The cationic [Ir(DMSO)(2)(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) complex (formed in situ from [Ir(coe)(2)(O=CMe(2))(2)]PF(6)) also reacts with methanol to give the hydrido-alkoxo complex syn-[(DMSO)(2)HIr(micro-OCH(3))(3)IrH(DMSO)(2)]PF(6) (19). Complexes 1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, and 19 were characterized by crystallography.     

Heteroleptic Ir(III) complexes containing both azolate chromophoric chelate and diphenylphosphinoaryl cyclometalates; reactivities, electronic properties and applications

The synthesis of a new family of octahedral Ir(III) complexes with dual cyclometalating phosphine chelates, namely: 1-(diphenylphosphino)naphthalene (dpnaH) and isoquinoline (dppiH), is reported. Two series of intermediate complexes, [Ir(dpna)(tht)(2)Cl(2)] (1), [Ir(dpna)(2)(OAc)] (2), [Ir(dppiH)(dppi)Cl(2)] (3) and [Ir(dppi)(2)(OAc)] (4), which can be classified by the coexistence of either a pair of cis-chlorides or a single acetate chelate, were obtained from treatment of phosphine with [IrCl(3)(tht)(3)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene). The in situ generated acetate complexes 2 and 4 could react with azolate chelates, namely: 5-(2-pyridyl)-3-trifluoromethyl pyrazole (fppzH) and 5-(1-isoquinolyl)-3-tert-butyl-1,2,4-triazole (iqbtzH), to afford a new series of luminescent complexes [Ir(dpna)(2)(fppz)] (5a and 5b), [Ir(dpna)(2)(iqbtz)] (6a and 6b), [Ir(dppi)(2)(fppz)] (7a) and [Ir(dppi)(2)(iqbtz)] (8a). The phosphorescence lifetime (τ(obs)) fell in the range of a few tens of μs, showing possession of excessive ligand-centered ππ* mixed in part with MLCT character. A density functional theory (DFT) study was also conducted in order to shed light on the origin of the transitions in the absorption and emission spectra and to predict emission energies for these complexes. Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) displaying bright orange emission and with maximum η(ext) up to 17.1% were fabricated employing complexes 6a and 8a as the phosphorescent dopants.     

Protonation reactions of dinuclear pyrazolato iridium(I) complexes

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

The preparation and characterisation of bimetallic iridium(II) complexes containing derivatised bridging naphthalene-1,8-disulfur or 4,5-dithiolato acephenanthrylene ligands

Oxidative addition of the disulfide compounds naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole, 2-tert-butylnaptho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole, 2,7-di-tert-butylnaphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole, 4,5-dithiaacephenanthrylene and the thio/sulfinyl and thio/sulfonyl compounds naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole 1-oxide, and naphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]dithiole 1,1-dioxide respectively to [[Ir(mu-Cl)(cod)](2)] give dinuclear Ir-Ir bonded Ir(II) compounds [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-nap)] 1, [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-2-(t)Bu-nap)] 2, [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1,8-S(2)-2,7-di-(t)Bu-nap)]] 3, [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-4,5-S(2)-phenan)] 4, [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1-S,8-[S(O)]-nap)] 5 and [[IrCl(cod)](2)(mu(2)-1-S,8-[S(O)(2)]-nap)] 6 where the di-sulfur ligands act as bridges between the two Ir(II) metal centres. The compounds were obtained in moderate to good yields as orange or deep red powders or crystalline solids. Five of the new complexes have been structurally characterised and were found to have Ir-Ir bond lengths in the range 2.7630(8) to 2.8113(11) A.     

Synthesis and reactivity of Ir(I) and Ir(III) complexes with MeNH2, Me2C=NR (R = H, Me), C,N-C6H4{C(Me)=N(Me)}-2, and N,N'-RN=C(Me)CH2C(Me2)NHR (R = H, Me) ligands

Complexes [Ir(Cp*)Cl(n)(NH2Me)(3-n)]X(m) (n = 2, m = 0 (1), n = 1, m = 1, X = Cl (2a), n = 0, m = 2, X = OTf (3)) are obtained by reacting [Ir(Cp*)Cl(mu-Cl)]2 with MeNH2 (1:2 or 1:8) or with [Ag(NH2Me)2]OTf (1:4), respectively. Complex 2b (n = 1, m = 1, X = ClO 4) is obtained from 2a and NaClO4 x H2O. The reaction of 3 with MeC(O)Ph at 80 degrees C gives [Ir(Cp*){C,N-C6H4{C(Me)=N(Me)}-2}(NH2Me)]OTf (4), which in turn reacts with RNC to give [Ir(Cp*){C,N-C6H4{C(Me)=N(Me)}-2}(CNR)]OTf (R = (t)Bu (5), Xy (6)). [Ir(mu-Cl)(COD)]2 reacts with [Ag{N(R)=CMe2}2]X (1:2) to give [Ir{N(R)=CMe2}2(COD)]X (R = H, X = ClO4 (7); R = Me, X = OTf (8)). Complexes [Ir(CO)2(NH=CMe2)2]ClO4 (9) and [IrCl{N(R)=CMe2}(COD)] (R = H (10), Me (11)) are obtained from the appropriate [Ir{N(R)=CMe2}2(COD)]X and CO or Me4NCl, respectively. [Ir(Cp*)Cl(mu-Cl)]2 reacts with [Au(NH=CMe2)(PPh3)]ClO4 (1:2) to give [Ir(Cp*)(mu-Cl)(NH=CMe2)]2(ClO4)2 (12) which in turn reacts with PPh 3 or Me4NCl (1:2) to give [Ir(Cp*)Cl(NH=CMe2)(PPh3)]ClO4 (13) or [Ir(Cp*)Cl2(NH=CMe2)] (14), respectively. Complex 14 hydrolyzes in a CH2Cl2/Et2O solution to give [Ir(Cp*)Cl2(NH3)] (15). The reaction of [Ir(Cp*)Cl(mu-Cl)]2 with [Ag(NH=CMe2)2]ClO4 (1:4) gives [Ir(Cp*)(NH=CMe2)3](ClO4)2 (16a), which reacts with PPNCl (PPN = Ph3=P=N=PPh3) under different reaction conditions to give [Ir(Cp*)(NH=CMe2)3]XY (X = Cl, Y = ClO4 (16b); X = Y = Cl (16c)). Equimolar amounts of 14 and 16a react to give [Ir(Cp*)Cl(NH=CMe2)2]ClO4 (17), which in turn reacts with PPNCl to give [Ir(Cp*)Cl(H-imam)]Cl (R-imam = N,N'-N(R)=C(Me)CH2C(Me)2NHR (18a)]. Complexes [Ir(Cp*)Cl(R-imam)]ClO4 (R = H (18b), Me (19)) are obtained from 18a and AgClO4 or by refluxing 2b in acetone for 7 h, respectively. They react with AgClO4 and the appropriate neutral ligand or with [Ag(NH=CMe2)2]ClO4 to give [Ir(Cp*)(R-imam)L](ClO4)2 (R = H, L = (t)BuNC (20), XyNC (21); R = Me, L = MeCN (22)) or [Ir(Cp*)(H-imam)(NH=CMe2)](ClO4)2 (23a), respectively. The later reacts with PPNCl to give [Ir(Cp*)(H-imam)(NH=CMe2)]Cl(ClO4) (23b). The reaction of 22 with XyNC gives [Ir(Cp*)(Me-imam)(CNXy)](ClO4)2 (24). The structures of complexes 15, 16c and 18b have been solved by X-ray diffraction methods.     

Iridium(III) complexes formed by O-H and/Or C-H activation of 2-(arylazo)phenols

Reaction of 2-(arylazo)phenols with [Ir(PPh(3))(3)Cl] in refluxing ethanol in the presence of a base (NEt(3)) affords complexes of three different types, viz. [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(NO-R)(H)Cl] (R = OCH(3), CH(3), H, Cl and NO(2)), [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(NO-R)(H)(2)] and [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(CNO-R)(H)]. Structures of the [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(NO-Cl)(H)Cl], [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(NO-Cl)(H)(2)] and [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(CNO-Cl)(H)] complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. In the [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(NO-R)(H)Cl] and [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(NO-R)(H)(2)] complexes, the 2-(arylazo)phenolate ligands are coordinated to the metal center as monoanionic bidentate N,O-donors, whereas in the [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(CNO-R)(H)] complexes, they are coordinated to iridium as dianionic tridentate C,N,O-donors. In all three products formed in ethanol, the two PPh(3) ligands are trans. Reaction of 2-(arylazo)phenols with [Ir(PPh(3))(3)Cl] in refluxing toluene in the presence of NEt(3) affords complexes of two types, viz. [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(CNO-R)(H)] and [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(CNO-R)Cl]. Structure of the [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(CNO-Cl)Cl] complex has been determined by X-ray crystallography, and the 2-(arylazo)phenolate ligand is coordinated to the metal center as a dianionic tridentate C,N,O-donor and the two PPh(3) ligands are cis. All of the iridium(III) complexes show intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. Cyclic voltammetry shows an Ir(III)-Ir(IV) oxidation on the positive side of SCE and an Ir(III)-Ir(II) reduction on the negative side for all of the products.     

Doping metal-organic frameworks for water oxidation, carbon dioxide reduction, and organic photocatalysis

Catalytically competent Ir, Re, and Ru complexes H(2)L(1)-H(2)L(6) with dicarboxylic acid functionalities were incorporated into a highly stable and porous Zr(6)O(4)(OH)(4)(bpdc)(6) (UiO-67, bpdc = para-biphenyldicarboxylic acid) framework using a mix-and-match synthetic strategy. The matching ligand lengths between bpdc and L(1)-L(6) ligands allowed the construction of highly crystalline UiO-67 frameworks (metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) 1-6) that were doped with L(1)-L(6) ligands. MOFs 1-6 were isostructural to the parent UiO-67 framework as shown by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and exhibited high surface areas ranging from 1092 to 1497 m(2)/g. MOFs 1-6 were stable in air up to 400 °C and active catalysts in a range of reactions that are relevant to solar energy utilization. MOFs 1-3 containing [Cp*Ir(III)(dcppy)Cl] (H(2)L(1)), [Cp*Ir(III)(dcbpy)Cl]Cl (H(2)L(2)), and [Ir(III)(dcppy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]OTf (H(2)L(3)) (where Cp* is pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, dcppy is 2-phenylpyridine-5,4'-dicarboxylic acid, and dcbpy is 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid) were effective water oxidation catalysts (WOCs), with turnover frequencies (TOFs) of up to 4.8 h(-1). The [Re(I)(CO)(3)(dcbpy)Cl] (H(2)L(4)) derivatized MOF 4 served as an active catalyst for photocatalytic CO(2) reduction with a total turnover number (TON) of 10.9, three times higher than that of the homogeneous complex H(2)L(4). MOFs 5 and 6 contained phosphorescent [Ir(III)(ppy)(2)(dcbpy)]Cl (H(2)L(5)) and [Ru(II)(bpy)(2)(dcbpy)]Cl(2) (H(2)L(6)) (where ppy is 2-phenylpyridine and bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine) and were used in three photocatalytic organic transformations (aza-Henry reaction, aerobic amine coupling, and aerobic oxidation of thioanisole) with very high activities. The inactivity of the parent UiO-67 framework and the reaction supernatants in catalytic water oxidation, CO(2) reduction, and organic transformations indicate both the molecular origin and heterogeneous nature of these catalytic processes. The stability of the doped UiO-67 catalysts under catalytic conditions was also demonstrated by comparing PXRD patterns before and after catalysis. This work illustrates the potential of combining molecular catalysts and MOF structures in developing highly active heterogeneous catalysts for solar energy utilization.     

Preparation of benzyl azide complexes of iridium(III)

Hydride complexes IrHCl(2)(PiPr(3))P(2) (1) and IrHCl(2)P(3) (2) [P = P(OEt)(3) and PPh(OEt)(2)] were prepared by allowing IrHCl(2)(PiPr(3))(2) to react with phosphite in refluxing benzene or toluene. Treatment of IrHCl(2)P(3), first with HBF(4).Et(2)O and then with an excess of ArCH(2)N(3), afforded benzyl azide complexes [IrCl(2)(eta(1)-N(3)CH(2)Ar)P(3)]BPh(4) (3, 4) [Ar = C(6)H(5), 4-CH(3)C(6)H(4); P = P(OEt)(3), PPh(OEt)(2)]. Azide complexes reacted in CH(2)Cl(2) solution, leading to the imine derivative [IrCl(2){eta(1)-NH=C(H)C(6)H(5)}P(3)]BPh(4) (5). The complexes were characterized by spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structure determination of [IrCl(2)(eta(1)-N(3)CH(2)C(6)H(5)){P(OEt)(3)}(3)]BPh(4) (3a) and [IrCl(2){eta(1)-NH=C(H)C(6)H(5)}{P(OEt)(3)}(3)]BPh(4) (5a). Both solid-state structure and (15)N NMR data indicate that the azide is coordinated through the substituted Ngamma [Ir]-Ngamma(CH(2)Ar)NNalpha nitrogen atom.     

Iridium(III) silyl alkyl and iridacyclic compounds supported by 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridyl

Treatment of IrCl(3)x H(2)O with one equivalent of 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (dtbpy) in N,N-dimethylformamide (dmf) afforded [IrCl(3)(dmf)(dtbpy)] (1). Alkylation of 1 with Me(3)SiCH(2)MgCl resulted in C--Si cleavage of the Me(3)SiCH(2) group and formation of the Ir(III) silyl dialkyl compound [Ir(CH(2)SiMe(3))(dtbpy)(Me)(SiMe(3))] (2), which reacted with tBuNC to afford [Ir(tBuNC)(CH(2)SiMe(3))(dtbpy)(Me)(SiMe(3))] ([2(tBuNC)]). Reaction of 2 with phenylacetylene afforded dimeric [{Ir(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)(dtbpy)(SiMe(3))}(2)(mu-C[triple chemical bond]CPh)(2)] (3), in which the bridging PhC[triple chemical bond]C(-) ligands are bound to Ir in a mu-sigma:pi fashion. Alkylation of 1 with PhMe(2)CCH(2)MgCl afforded the cyclometalated compound [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(4))(2-C(6)H(4)CMe(3))] (4), which features an agostic interaction between the Ir center and the 2-tert-butylphenyl ligand. The cyclic voltammogram of 4 in CH(2)Cl(2) shows a reversible Ir(IV)-Ir(III) couple at about 0.02 V versus ferrocenium/ferrocene. Oxidation of 4 in CH(2)Cl(2) with silver triflate afforded an Ir(IV) species that exhibits an anisotropic electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal in CH(2)Cl(2) glass at 4 K with g( parallel)=2.430 and g( perpendicular)=2.110. Protonation of 4 with HCl and p-toluenesulfonic acid (HOTs) afforded [{Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)Ph)Cl}(2)(mu-Cl)(2)] (5) and [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)Ph)(OTs)(2)] (6), respectively. Reaction of 5 with Li[BEt(3)H] gave the cyclometalated complex [{Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(4))}(2)(mu-Cl)(2)] (7). Reaction of 4 with tetracyanoethylene in refluxing toluene resulted in electrophilic substitution of the iridacycle by C(2)(CN)(3) with formation of [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(3){4-C(2)(CN)(3)})(2-C(6)H(4)CMe(3))] (8). Reaction of 4 with diethyl maleate in refluxing toluene gave the iridafuran compound [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(4)){kappa(2)(C,O)-C(CO(2)Et)CH(CO(2)Et)}] (9). Treatment of 9 with 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide (xylNC) led to cleavage of the iridafuran ring and formation of [Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)C(6)H(4)){C(CO(2)Et)CH(CO(2)Et)}(xylNC)] (10). Protonation of 9 with HBF(4) afforded the dinuclear neophyl complex [(Ir(dtbpy)(CH(2)CMe(2)Ph){kappa(2)(C,O)-C(CO(2)Et)CH(CO(2)Et)})(2)][BF(4)](2) (11). The solid-state structures of complexes 2-5 and 8-11 have been determined.     

Stepwise formation of iridium(III) complexes with monocyclometalating and dicyclometalating phosphorus chelates

With the motivation of assembling cyclometalated complexes without nitrogen-containing heterocycle, we report here the design and systematic synthesis of a class of Ir(III) metal complexes functionalized with facially coordinated phosphite (or phosphonite) dicyclometalate tripod, together with a variety of phosphine, chelating diphosphine, or even monocyclometalate phosphite ancillaries. Thus, treatment of [IrCl(3)(tht)(3)] with stoichiometric amount of triphenylphosphite (or diphenyl phenylphosphonite), two equiv of PPh(3), and in presence of NaOAc as cyclometalation promoter, gives formation of respective tripodal dicyclometalating complexes [Ir(tpit)(PPh(3))(2)Cl] (2a), [Ir(dppit)(PPh(3))(2)Cl] (2b), and [Ir(dppit)(PMe(2)Ph)(2)Cl] (2c) in high yields, where tpitH(2) = triphenylphosphite and dppitH(2) = diphenyl phenylphosphonite. The reaction sequence that afforded these complexes is established. Of particular interest is isolation of an intermediate [Ir(tpitH)(PPh(3))(2)Cl(2)] (1a) with monocyclometalated phosphite, together with the formation of [Ir(tpit)(tpitH)(PPh(3))] (3a) with all tripodal, bidentate, and monodentate phosphorus donors coexisting on the coordination sphere, upon treatment of 2a with a second equiv of triphenylphosphite. Spectroscopic studies were performed to explore the photophysical properties. For all titled Ir(III) complexes, virtually no emission can be observed in either solution at room temperature or 77 K CH(2)Cl(2) matrix. Time-dependent DFT calculation indicates that the lowest energy triplet manifold involves substantial amount of metal centered (3)MC dd contribution. Due to its repulsive potential energy surface (PES) that touches the PES of ground state, the (3)MC dd state executes predominant nonradiative deactivation process.     

Syntheses, structures, and reactivities of mono- and dinuclear iridium thiolato complexes containing nitrosyl ligands

Reactions of the iridium(III) nitrosyl complex [Ir(NO)Cl2(PPh3)2] (1) with hydrosulfide and arenethiolate anions afforded the square-pyramidal iridium(III) complex [Ir(NO)(SH)2(PPh3)2] (2) with a bent nitrosyl ligand and a series of the square-planar iridium(I) complexes [Ir(NO)(SAr)2(PPh3)] (3a, Ar = C6H2Me3-2,4,6 (Mes); 3b, Ar = C6H3Me2-2,6 (Xy); 3c, Ar = C6H2Pri3-2,4,6) containing a linear nitrosyl ligand, respectively. Complex 1 also reacted with alkanethiolate anions or alkanethiols to give the thiolato-bridged diiridium complexes [Ir(NO)(mu-SPri)(SPri)(PPh3)]2 (4) and [Ir(NO)(mu-SBut)(PPh3)]2 (5). Complex 4 contains two square-pyramidal iridium(III) centers with a bent nitrosyl ligand, whereas 5 contains two tetrahedral iridium(0) centers with a linear nitrosyl ligand and has an Ir-Ir bond. Upon treatment with benzoyl chloride, 3a and 3b were converted into the (diaryl disulfide)- and thiolato-bridged dichlorodiiridium(III) complexes [[IrCl(mu-SC6HnMe4-nCH2)(PPh3)]2(mu-ArSSAr)] (6a, Ar = Mes, n = 2; 6b, Ar = Xy, n = 3) accompanied by a loss of the nitrosyl ligands and cleavage of a C-H bond in an ortho methyl group of the thiolato ligands. Similar treatment of 4 gave the dichlorodiiridium complex [Ir(NO)(PPh3)(mu-SPri)3IrCl2(PPh3)] (7), which has an octahedral dichloroiridium(III) center and a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal Ir(I) atom with a linear nitrosyl ligand. The detailed structures of 3a, 4, 5, 6a, and 7 have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Syntheses and properties of emissive iridium(III) complexes with tridentate benzimidazole derivatives

A series of novel emissive Ir(III) complexes having the coordination environments of [Ir(N--N--N)2]3+, [Ir(N--N--N)(N--N)Cl]2+, and [Ir(N--N--N)(N--C--N)]2+ with 2,6-bis(1-methyl-benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine (L1, N--N--N), 1,3-bis(1-methyl-benzimidazol-2-yl)benzene (L2H, N--C--N), 4'-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine (ttpy, N--N--N), and 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy, N--N) have been synthesized and their photophysical and electrochemical properties studied. The Ir(III) complexes exhibited phosphorescent emissions in the 500-600 nm region, with lifetimes ranging from approximately 1-10 micros at 295 K. Analysis of the 0-0 energies and the redox potentials indicated that the lowest excited state of [Ir(L1)(L2)]2+ possessed the highest contribution of 3MLCT (MLCT = metal-to-ligand charge transfer) among the Ir(III) complexes, reflecting the sigma-donating ability of the tridentate ligand, ttpy < L1 < L2. The emission quantum yields (phi) of the Ir(III) complexes ranged from 0.037 to 0.19, and the highest phi value (0.19) was obtained for [Ir(L1)(bpy)Cl]2+. Radiative rate constants (k(r)) were 1.2 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(ttpy)2]3+, 3.7 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(L1)(bpy)Cl]2+, 3.8 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(ttpy)(bpy)Cl]2+, 3.9 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(L1)2]3+, and 6.6 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(L1)(L2)]2+. The highest radiative rate for [Ir(L1)(L2)]2+ with the highest contribution of 3MLCT could be explained in terms of the singlet-triplet mixing induced by spin-orbit coupling of 5d electrons in the MLCT electronic configurations.     

New diphosphine ligands containing ethyleneglycol and amino alcohol spacers for the rhodium-catalyzed carbonylation of methanol

The new diphosphine ligands Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)C(O)X(CH(2))(2)OC(O)C(6)H(4)PPh(2) (1: X=NH; 2: X=NPh; 3: X=O) and Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)C(O)O(CH(2))(2)O(CH(2))(2)OC(O)C(6)H(4)PPh(2) (5) as well as the monophosphine ligand Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)C(O)X(CH(2))(2)OH (4) have been prepared from 2-diphenylphosphinobenzoic acid and the corresponding amino alcohols or diols. Coordination of the diphosphine ligands to rhodium, iridium, and platinum resulted in the formation of the square-planar complexes [(Pbond;P)Rh(CO)Cl] (6: Pbond;P=1; 7: Pbond;P=2; 8: Pbond;P=3), [(Pbond;P)Rh(CO)Cl](2) (9: Pbond;P=5), [(P-P)Ir(cod)Cl] (10: Pbond;P=1; 11: Pbond;P=2; 12: Pbond;P=3), [(Pbond;P)Ir(CO)Cl] (13: Pbond;P=1; 14: Pbond;P=2; 15: Pbond;P=3), and [(Pbond;P)PtI(2)] (18: Pbond;P=2). In all complexes, the diphosphine ligands are trans coordinated to the metal center, thanks to the large spacer groups, which allow the two phosphorus atoms to occupy opposite positions in the square-planar coordination geometry. The trans coordination is demonstrated unambiguously by the single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of complex 18. In the case of the diphosphine ligand 5, the spacer group is so large that dinuclear complexes with ligand 5 in bridging positions are formed, maintaining the trans coordination of the P atoms on each metal center, as shown by the crystal structure analysis of 9. The monophosphine ligand 4 reacts with [[Ir(cod)Cl](2)] (cod=cyclooctadiene) to give the simple derivative [(4)Ir(cod)Cl] (16) which is converted into the carbonyl complex [(4)Ir(CO)(2)Cl] (17) with carbon monoxide. The crystal structure analysis of 16 also reveals a square-planar coordination geometry in which the phosphine ligand occupies a position cis with respect to the chloro ligand. The diphosphine ligands 1, 2, 3, and 5 have been tested as cocatalysts in combination with the catalyst precursors [[Rh(CO)(2)Cl](2)] and [[Ir(cod)Cl](2)] or [H(2)IrCl(6)] for the carbonylation of methanol at 170 degrees C and 22 bar CO. The best results (TON 800 after 15 min) are obtained for the combination 2/[[Rh(CO)(2)Cl](2)]. After the catalytic reaction, complex 7 is identified in the reaction mixture and can be isolated; it is active for further runs without loss of catalytic activity.     

C-H activation and C=C double bond formation reactions in iridium ortho-methyl arylphosphane complexes

The Vaska-type iridium(I) complex [IrCl(CO){PPh(2)(2-MeC(6)H(4))}(2)] (1), characterized by an X-ray diffraction study, was obtained from iridium(III) chloride hydrate and PPh(2)(2,6-MeRC(6)H(3)) with R=H in DMF, whereas for R=Me, activation of two ortho-methyl groups resulted in the biscyclometalated iridium(III) compound [IrCl(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-CH(2)MeC(6)H(3))}(2)] (2). Conversely, for R=Me the iridium(I) compound [IrCl(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))}(2)] (3) can be obtained by treatment of [IrCl(COE)(2)](2) (COE=cyclooctene) with carbon monoxide and the phosphane in acetonitrile. Compound 3 in CH(2)Cl(2) undergoes intramolecular C-H oxidative addition, affording the cyclometalated hydride iridium(III) species [IrHCl(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-CH(2)MeC(6)H(3))}{PPh(2)(2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))}] (4). Treatment of 2 with Na[BAr(f) (4)] (Ar(f)=3,5-C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)) gives the fluxional cationic 16-electron complex [Ir(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-CH(2)MeC(6)H(3))}(2)][BAr(f) (4)] (5), which reversibly reacts with dihydrogen to afford the delta-agostic complex [IrH(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-CH(2)MeC(6)H(3))}{PPh(2)(2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))}][BAr(f)(4)] (6), through cleavage of an Ir-C bond. This species can also be formed by treatment of 4 with Na[BAr(f)(4)] or of 2 with Na[BAr(f)(4)] through C-H oxidative addition of one ortho-methyl group, via a transient 14-electron iridium(I) complex. Heating of the coordinatively unsaturated biscyclometalated species 5 in toluene gives the trans-dihydride iridium(III) complex [IrH(2)(CO){PPh(2)(2,6-MeC(6)H(3)CH=CHC(6)H(3)Me-2,6)PPh(2)}][BAr(f) (4)] (7), containing a trans-stilbene-type terdentate ligand, as result of a dehydrogenative carbon-carbon double bond coupling reaction, possibly through an iridium carbene species.     

Mono(sulfido)-bridged mixed-valence nitrosyl complex: protonation and oxidative addition of iodine across the Ir(II)-Ir(0) bond

Treatment of [Cp*IrH(SH)(PMe3)] (Cp* = eta5-C5Me5) with [IrCl2(NO)(PPh3)2] in the presence of triethylamine yielded the sulfido-bridged Ir(II)Ir0 complex [Cp*Ir(PMe3)(mu-S)Ir(NO)(PPh3)], which further reacted with I2 and triflic acid to give the diiodo complex [Cp*Ir(PMe3)(mu-I)(mu-S)IrI(NO)(PPh3)] and the hydrido complex [Cp*Ir(PMe3)(mu-H)(mu-S)Ir(NO)(PPh3)][OSO2CF3], respectively.     

Rapid ketone transfer hydrogenation by employing simple, in situ prepared iridium(I) precatalysts supported by "non-N--H" P,N ligands

The catalytic utility in ketone transfer hydrogenation (TH) of the preformed complexes [Ir(cod)(kappa(2)-2-NMe(2)-3-PiPr(2)-indene)](+)X(-) ([2 a](+)X(-); X: PF(6), BF(4), and OTf; cod: eta(4)-1,5-cyclooctadiene; OTf: trifluoromethanesulfonate), [Ir(cod)(kappa(2)-1-PiPr(2)-2-NMe(2)-indene)](+)OTf(-) ([2 b](+)OTf(-)), [Ir(cod)(kappa(2)-2-NMe(2)-3-PiPr(2)-indenide)] (3), and [Ir(cod)(kappa(2)-o-tBu(2)P-C(6)H(4)-NMe(2))](+)PF(6) (-) ([4](+)PF(6) (-)), as well as of related mixtures prepared from [{IrCl(cod)}(2)] and various P,N-substituted indene or phenylene ligands, was examined. Whereas [2 a](+)X(-), [2 b](+)OTf(-), 3, and related in situ prepared Ir catalysts derived from P,N-indenes proved to be generally effective in mediating the reduction of acetophenone to 1-phenylethanol in basic iPrOH at reflux (0.1 mol % Ir; 81-99 % conversion) in a preliminary catalytic survey, the structurally related Ir catalysts prepared from (o-R(2)P-C(6)H(4))NMe(2) (R: Ph, iPr, or tBu) were observed to outperform the corresponding P,N-indene ligands under similar conditions. In the course of such studies, it was observed that alteration of the substituents at the donor fragments of the supporting P,N ligand had a pronounced influence on the catalytic performance of the derived catalysts, with ligands featuring bulky dialkylphosphino donors proving to be the most effective. Notably, the crystallographically characterized complex [4](+)PF(6) (-), either preformed or prepared in situ from a mixture of [{IrCl(cod)}(2)], NaPF(6), and (o-tBu(2)P-C(6)H(4))NMe(2), proved to be highly effective in mediating the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (TH) of ketones in basic iPrOH, with near quantitative conversions for a range of alkyl and/or aryl ketones and with very high turnover-frequency values (up to 230 000 h(-1) at >50 % conversion); this thereby enabled the use of Ir loadings ranging from 0.1 to 0.004 mol %. Catalyst mixtures prepared from [{IrCl(cod)}(2)], NaPF(6), and the chiral (alphaS,alphaS)-1,1'-bis[alpha-(dimethylamino)benzyl]-(R,R)-2,2'-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ferrocene (Cy-Mandyphos) ligand proved capable of mediating the asymmetric TH of aryl alkyl ketones, including that of the hindered substrate 2,2-dimethylpropiophenone with an efficiency (0.5 mol % Ir; 95 % conversion, 95 % ee) not documented previously in TH chemistry.     

Effects of Pt...Pt bonding, anions, solvate molecules, and hydrogen bonding on the self-association of Chugaev's cation, a platinum complex with a chelating carbene ligand

Five salts, [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)](BPh(4)).CH(3)OH, [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)](PF(6)).CH(2)Cl(2), [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)]Cl.4H(2)O, [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)]Br.3.5H(2)O, and [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)]Cl.0.1H(2)O, have been crystallized and examined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. While the internal structure of the cation is similar in all salts, the interactions between cations vary in the different salts. Yellow [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)](BPh(4)).CH(3)OH and red [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)](PF(6)) form face-to-face dimers with Pt...Pt separations of 3.6617(6) and 3.340(2) A, respectively. In the latter, hydrogen bonding of the chelating ligand to adjacent anions facilitates the close approach of pairs of cations. The salts [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)]Cl.4H(2)O, [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)]Br.3.5H(2)O, and [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)]Cl.0.1H(2)O form columnar structures with Pt...Pt separations that range from 3.2514(5) to 3.5643(6) A. The water molecules and anions surround these columns and form bridges between neighboring columns. The electronic spectra of aqueous solutions of [(C(4)H(9)N(4))Pt(II)(CNCH(3))(2)]Cl.4H(2)O show spectral changes upon increasing concentrations of the platinum complex that are indicative of the formation of a dimer in solution with an equilibrium constant for dimerization of 23(1).     

Redox chemistry, acid reactivity, and hydrogenation reactions of two-electron mixed valence diiridium and dirhodium complexes

The syntheses and reaction chemistry of two electron mixed-valence diphosphazane-bridged dirhodium and diiridium complexes M(2)(0,II)(tfepma)(2)(CN(t)Bu)(2)Cl(2) [M = Rh (1), Ir (2); tfepma = MeN[P(OCH(2)CF(3))(2)](2), CN(t)Bu = tert-butyl isocyanide] are described. 1 and 2 undergo addition and two-electron oxidation and reduction chemistries. In the presence of CN(t)Bu, the addition product with the stoichiometry M(2)(0,II)(tfepma)(2)(CN(t)Bu)(3)Cl(2) [M = Rh (3), Ir (3)] is generated; in the presence of 1 equiv of CN(t)Bu and 2 equiv of bis(pentamethyl-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt(II), 1 and 2 are reduced to furnish M(2)(0,0)(tfepma)(2)(CN(t)Bu)(3) [M = Rh (5), Ir (6)], which feature both four- and five-coordinate M(0) centers. Complexes 1, 2, 5, and 6 all possess coordinatively unsaturated square planar M(0) centers that are reactive: (1) 2 reacts with PhICl(2) to produce Ir(2)(II,II)(tfepma)(2)(CN(t)Bu)(2)Cl(4) (7); (2) protonation of 2 with HX yields Ir(2)(II,II)(tfepma)(2)(CN(t)Bu)(2)Cl(2)HX [X = Cl(-) (8), OTs(-) (9)]; (3) protonation of 5 with HOTs produces [Rh(2)(I,I)(tfepma)(2)(CN(t)Bu)(3)(μ-H)](OTs); and (4) the reversible hydrogenation of 2 proceeds smoothly, furnishing the cis-dihydride complex Ir(2)(II,II)(tfepma)(2)(CN(t)Bu)(2)(H)(2)Cl(2) (11). Substitution of tfepma in 2 with bis(diphenylphsophino)methane (dppm) yields the orthometalated complex Ir(2)(II,II)(dppm)(PPh(o-C(6)H(4))CH(2)PPh(2))(CN(t)Bu)(2)Cl(2)H (12). The X-ray crystal structures of 11 compounds are presented and discussed, and spectroscopic characterization by multinuclear and variable temperature NMR provides details about solution structures and in some cases the formation of isomeric products. The electronic spectra of the new complexes are also described briefly, with absorption and emission features derived from the bimetallic core.     

Luminescent complexes of iridium(III) containing N/\C/\N-coordinating terdentate ligands

A family of bis-terdentate iridium(III) complexes is reported which contain a cyclometalated, N/\C[wedge]N-coordinating 1,3-di(2-pyridyl)benzene derivative. This coordination mode is favored by blocking competitive cyclometalation at the C4 and C6 positions of the ligand. Thus, 1,3-di(2-pyridyl)-4,6-dimethylbenzene (dpyxH) reacts with IrCl3 x 3H2O to generate a dichlorobridged dimer [Ir(dpyx-N,C,N)Cl(mu-Cl)]2, 1. This dimer is cleaved by DMSO to give [Ir(dpyx)(DMSO)Cl2], the X-ray crystal structure of which is reported here, confirming the N/\C/\N coordination mode of dpyx. The dimer 1 can also be cleaved by a variety of other ligands to generate novel classes of mononuclear complexes. These include charge-neutral bis-terdentate complexes of the form [Ir(N/\C/\N)(C/\N/\C)] and [Ir(N/\C/\N)(C/\N/\O)], by reaction of 1 with C/\N/\C-coordinating ligands (e.g., 2,6-diphenylpyridine and derivatives) and C/\N/\O-coordinating ligands (based on 6-phenylpicolinate), respectively. Treatment of 1 with terpyridines leads to dicationic complexes of the type [Ir(N/\C/\N)(N/\N/\N)]2+, while 2-phenylpyridine gives [Ir(dpyx-N/\C/\N)(ppy-C,N)Cl]. All of the charge-neutral complexes are luminescent in fluid solution at room temperature. Assignment of the emission to charge-transfer excited states with significant MLCT character is supported by DFT calculations. In the [Ir(N/\C/\N)(C/\N/\C)] class, fluorination of the C/\N/\C ligand at the phenyl 2' and 4' positions leads to a blue-shift in the emission and to an increase in the quantum yield (lambda(max) = 547 nm, phi = 0.41 in degassed CH(3)CN at 295 K) compared to the nonfluorinated parent complex (lambda(max) = 585 nm, phi = 0.21), as well as to a stabilization of the compound with respect to photodissociation through cleavage of mutually trans Ir-C bonds. [Ir(dpyx-N/\C/\N)(ppy-C,N)Cl] is an exceptionally bright emitter: phi = 0.76, lambda(max) = 508 nm, in CH(3)CN at 295 K. In contrast, the [Ir(N/\C/\N)(C/\N/\O)] complexes are much less emissive, shown to be due to fast nonradiative decay of the excited state, probably involving reversible Ir-O bond cleavage. The [Ir(N/\C/\N)(N/\N/\N)]2+ complexes are very feeble emitters even at 77 K, probably due to the almost exclusively interligand charge-transfer nature of the lowest-energy excited state in these complexes.     

Oxidative addition of water to novel Ir(I) complexes stabilized by dimethyl sulfoxide ligands.

The oxidative addition of water to novel Ir(I) DMSO complexes is described. IrCl(DMSO)3 (1) is synthesized in 90% yield when treating a toluene slurry of [Ir2Cl2(COE)4] (COE = cyclooctene) with excess DMSO. Its dimer, [Ir2Cl2(DMSO)4] (2) is obtained in 95% yield starting from 1. The cationic complex [Ir(DMSO)4]PF6 (6) is prepared in situ from [Ir(COE)2(O=CMe2)2]PF6 (5). These complexes add water at room temperature, giving rise to the oxidative addition products syn-[(DMSO)2HIr(mu-OH)2(mu-Cl)IrH(DMSO)2] [IrCl2(DMSO)2] (3) and anti-[(DMSO)2(DMSO)HIr(mu-OH)2IrH(DMSO)2(DMSO)](PF6)2 (7), respectively. Reductive elimination in pyridine leads to quantitative isolation of mixed Ir(I) DMSO-pyridine complexes IrCl(py)(DMSO)2 (4) and [Ir(py)2(DMSO)2]PF6 (8), respectively. Compounds 1, 3, and 7 have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. 3 and 7 show dimeric structures with the hydroxo ligands bridging the iridium atoms and in 7 both O- and S-bonded DMSO ligands are present.