Redox behavior of trinuclear M3(μ-H)(μ3-μ1:μ2:μ2-C2Fe)(Co)9 and tetranuclear RuM3 3(μ-H)(μ4-μ1:μ1:μ1:μ2-C2Fe)(Co)12 (M=Ru or Os; and Fc=ferrocenyl) clusters. Electronic interaction between the ferrocenylacetylide ligand and the metal core of the cluster

The redox properties of the clusters Ru₃(CO)₁₂(1), Ru₃(μ-H)(μ₃-μ¹:μ²:μ²-C₂Fe)(CO)₉ (2), OS₃(μ-H)(μ₃-μ¹:μ²:μ²-C₂Fe)(CO)₉ (3), Ru₄(μ-H)(μ₄-μ¹:μ¹:μ¹:μ²-C₂Fe)(CO)₁₂ (4), and RuOS₃(μ-H)(μ₄-μ¹:μ¹:μ¹:μ²-C₂Fe)(CO)₁₂ (5) in THF have been studied by cyclic voltammetry in the temperature range from ?60 to +20°C. It was demonstrated that reversible one-electron oxidation of the ferrocenyl fragment in clusters 2–5 occurs at more positive potentials (δE ⁰=0.15–0.26 V) than that of free ferrocene. This is indicative of the electron-withdrawing character of the cluster core with respect to the ferrocenylacetylide ligand. The electron-withdrawing effect of the metal core is more pronounced in tetranuclear clusters4 and 5 than in trinuclear clusters2 and3. Unlike complexes1–3, which undergo irreversible reduction, complexes4 and5 undergo reversible one-electron reduction to form the corresponding radical anions4 ^? and5 ^?.     

Protonation of (μ-H)3Ru3(μ3-CR)(CO)9. Evidence for the formation of an agostic metalhydrogencarbon bond

Protonation of (μ-H)₃M₃(μ₃-CR)(CO)₉ (M = Ru, R = Et or M = Os, R = Me) by dissolution in HSO₃CF₃ yields H₃M₃(HCR)(CO)₉⁺, containing a MHC bridge. The products were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Decompositions of other protonated methylidyne clusters from CH₃R and a variety of metal-containing products.     

Synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of the electron-deficient metal carbonyl cluster [Os3(CO)5(μ3-H)(μ-H)(μ-PtBu2)2(μ-Ph2PCH2PPh2)]

The reaction of [Os₃(CO)₁₀(μ-dppm)] (1) with ^tBu₂PH in refluxing diglyme results in the electron-deficient metal cluster complex [Os₃(CO)₅(μ₃-H)(μ-P^tBu₂)₂(μ-dppm)] (2) (dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) in good yields. The molecular structure of 2 has been established by a single crystal X-ray structure analysis. In contrast to the known homologue [Ru₃(μ-CO)(CO)₄(μ₃-H)(μ-H)(μ-P^tBu₂)₂(μ-dppm)] (3), no bridging carbonyl ligand was found in 2. The electronically unsaturated cluster 2 does not react with carbon monoxide under elevated pressure, therefore 2 seems to be coordinatively saturated by reason of the high steric demands of the phosphido ligands.     

Synthesis,characterization and crystal structures of heterometallic trinuclear carbonyl sulfido clusters (η5-Cp)MoFeCo- (CO)8(μ3-S) and [(η5-Cp)Mo]2Fe(CO)7(μ3-S)

HFe2Co(CO)9(3-S) reacts with (5-Cp)Mo(CO)3Cl in refluxing THF to give heterometallic trinuclear clusters (5-Cp)MoFeCo(CO)8(3-S) and [(5-Cp)Mo]2Fe(CO)7-(3-S), which have been characterized by elemental analyses, i.r., 1H- and 13C-n.m.r. and X-ray crystal structure determination. An electrophilic addition–elimination sequence is proposed for their formation.     

New triosmium–iridium clusters: Synthesis and molecular structure of [Os3Ir2(Cp1)2(μ-OH)(μ-CO)2(CO)8Cl] (1), [Os3IrCp1(μ-OH)(CO)10Cl] (2), [Os3IrCp1(μ-H)(μ-Cl)(η3,μ3-C5H2N(NH2)Br)(CO)9] (3) and [Os3IrCp1(μ-Cl)2(η2,μ3-C5H3N(NH)Br)(CO)7] (4)

The trinuclear osmium carbonyl cluster, [Os₃(CO)₁₀(MeCN)₂], is allowed to react with 1 equiv. of [IrCp¹Cl₂]₂ (Cp¹ = pentamethylcyclopentadiene) in refluxing dichloromethane to give two new osmium–iridium mixed-metal clusters, [Os₃Ir₂(Cp¹)₂(μ-OH)(μ-CO)₂(CO)₈Cl] (1) and [Os₃IrCp¹(μ-OH)(CO)₁₀Cl] (2), in moderate yields. In the presence of a pyridyl ligand, [C₅H₃N(NH₂)Br], however, the products isolated are different. Two osmium–iridium clusters with different coordination modes of the pyridyl ligand are afforded, [Os₃IrCp¹(μ-H)(μ-Cl)(η³,μ₃-C₅H₂N(NH₂)Br)(CO)₉] (3) and [Os₃IrCp¹(μ-Cl)₂ (η²,μ₃-C₅H₃N(NH)Br)(CO)₇] (4). All of the new compounds are characterized by conventional spectroscopic methods, and their structures are determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthesis and structure of an open-type trinuclear molybdenum cluster compound[Mo_3(μ_3-S)(μ-S)_2-(μ-OAc)(S_2CNC_4H_8)_3(O)_2]·0.5CH_2Cl_2·2H_2O

The title compound was prepared by the reaction of Mo_3S_4(dtp)_4(H_2O)[ctp=S_2P(OEt)_2]with NaOAc·3H_2O and C_4H_8NCS_2NH_4.Crystallographic data:[Mo_3(μ_3-S)(μ-S)_2(μ-OAc)-(S_2CNC_4H_8)_3(O)_2]·0.5CH_2CI_2·2H_2O,Mr=980.18,triclinic,space group P,α=12.360(3),b=16.653(6),c=9.206(2)A,α=101.97(2),β=108.32(2),γ=86.14(3)°.V=1759.6(9)A~3,Z=2,Dc=1.85 g/cm~3,F(000)=962,μ(Mo K_α)=16.53 cm~(-1).Final R=0.044 for 4301 reflections with I≥3σ(I).This compoundmay be regarded as a mixed-valent trinuclear molybdenum cluster{Mo_2(V)Mo(Ⅳ)(μ_3-S)(μ-S)_2-(μ-OAc)(S_2CNC_4H_8)_3(O)_2}.The Mo-Mo distances are 2.783(1),2.833(1)and 3.374(2)A in the Mo_3non-equilateral triangle and there exist only two Mo-Mo bonds.The cluster was obtained by oxi-dation and ligand substitution of{Mo_3(μ_3-S)(μ-S)_3[μ-S_2P(OEt_2)][S_2P(OEt)_2]_3(H_2O)}.     

Synthesis and decarbonylation reactions of the triiron phosphinidene complex [Fe3Cp3(μ-H)(μ3-PPh)(CO)4]: easy cleavage and formation of P-H and Fe-Fe bonds

The binuclear phosphine complex [Fe(2)Cp(2)(μ-CO)(2)(CO)(PH(2)Ph)] (Cp = η(5)-C(5)H(5)) reacted with the acetonitrile adduct [Fe(2)Cp(2)(μ-CO)(2)(CO)(NCMe)] in dichloromethane at 293 K to give the trinuclear hydride-phosphinidene derivative [Fe(3)Cp(3)(μ-H)(μ(3)-PPh)(CO)(4)] as a mixture of cis,anti and trans isomers (Fe-Fe = 2.7217(6) ? for the cis,anti isomer). In contrast, photochemical treatment of the phosphine complex with [Fe(2)Cp(2)(CO)(4)] gave the phosphide-bridged complex trans-[Fe(3)Cp(3)(μ-PHPh)(μ-CO)(2)(CO)(3)] as the major product, along with small amounts of the binuclear hydride-phosphide complexes [Fe(2)Cp(2)(μ-H)(μ-PHPh)(CO)(2)] (cis and trans isomers), which are more selectively prepared from [Fe(2)Cp(2)(CO)(4)] and PH(2)Ph at 388 K. The photochemical decarbonylation of either of the mentioned triiron compounds led reversibly to three different products depending on the reaction conditions: (a) the 48-electron phosphinidene cluster [Fe(3)Cp(3)(μ-H)(μ(3)-PPh)(μ-CO)(2)] (Fe-Fe = 2.592(2)-2.718(2) ?); (b) the 50-electron complex [Fe(3)Cp(3)(μ-H)(μ(3)-PPh)(μ-CO)(CO)(2)], also having carbonyl- and hydride-bridged metal-metal bonds (Fe-Fe = 2.6177(3) and 2.7611(4) ?, respectively); and (c) the 48-electron phosphide cluster [Fe(3)Cp(3)(μ-PHPh)(μ(3)-CO)(μ-CO)(2)], an isomer of the latter phosphinidene complex now having three intermetallic bonds (Fe-Fe = 2.5332(8)-2.6158(8) ?).     

Peroxidase activity of dimanganese(III) complexes with the [Mn2(μ-OAc)(μ-OR)2] core

Catalytic activity of three dinuclear Mn^III complexes of general formula [Mn₂(μ-OAc)(μ-OMe)(L)]BPh₄ (H₃L = 1,5-bis[(2-hydroxy-5-X-benzyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amino] pentan-3-ol, 1: X = H, 2: X = OMe, 3: X = Br) in the oxidation of phenol, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol and wood pulp by H₂O₂ has been investigated. The role of pH, electronic properties of the ligand and metal coordination environment on the ability of these complexes to activate H₂O₂ has been examined. The three catalysts showed similar activity independently of the aromatic substituent in the ligand and were found to be 2–3 times more active at pH 9.00 than at neutral pH. Bleaching of Kraft pulp by H₂O₂ activated by 1 in alkaline media decreased the kappa number of the pulp by 16%, at room temperature and low catalyst concentration, without damage of cellulose fibers. It was found that the exchange of the methoxo- and acetato-bridges by an oxo-bridge reduces the catalytic activity of these compounds, probably by direct binding of phenolate to a vacant site on the metal center.     

Stepwise O2-Induced Rearrangement and Disassembly of the [NiFe4(OH)(μ3-S)4] Active Site Cluster of CO Dehydrogenase

Ni,Fe-containing carbon monoxide dehydrogenases (CODHs) catalyze the reversible reduction of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide. CODHs are found in anaerobic microorganisms and can rapidly lose their activity when exposed to air. What causes the loss of activity is unclear. In this study, we analyzed the time-dependent structural changes induced by the presence of air on the metal centers of CODH-II. We show that inactivation is a multistep process. In a reversible step, the open coordination site on the Ni ion is blocked by a Ni,Fe-bridging μ-sulfido or chlorido ligand. Blocking this open coordination site with a cyanide ligand stabilizes the cluster against O₂-induced decomposition, indicating that O₂ attacks at the Ni ion. In the subsequent irreversible phase, nickel is lost, the Fe ions rearrange and the sulfido ligands disappear. Our data are consistent with a reversible reductive reactivation mechanism to protect CODHs from transient over-oxidation.     

Synthesis and structures of new heterometallic clusters [Fe2(MCp x )(CO)6(μ3-S)2] (M = Rh, Ir; Cp x = Cp*, C5H3But 2)

The reaction of the [Fe₂(CO)₆(μ-S)₂]^2? anion (prepared in situ by reduction of [Fe₂(CO)₆(μ-S₂)] with Na/K alloy) with [Cp″RhCl₂]₂ (Cp″ = η⁵-(1,3-Bu^t ₂)C₅H₃) and [Cp*Ir(CH₃CN)₃](CF₃SO₃)₂ (Cp^* is pentamethylcyclopentadienide) yielded new heterometallic clusters [Fe₂(MCp ^x )(CO)₆(μ₃-S)₂]. The core of the resulting clusters can be described as the distorted [Fe₂S₂M] square pyramid with the M atom in the apical position. The structures of the clusters were established by X-ray diffraction.     

Selective two-step oxidation of μ2-S ligands in trigonal prismatic unit {Re3(μ6-C)(μ2-S)3Re3} of the bioctahedral cluster anion [Re12CS17(CN)6]6–

An oxidation of cluster anion [Re(12)CS(17)(CN)(6)](6-) by H(2)O(2) in water has been investigated. It was shown that selective two-step oxidation of bridging μ(2)-S-ligands in trigonal prismatic unit {Re(3)(μ(6)-C)(μ(2)-S)(3)Re(3)} takes place. The first stage runs rapidly, whereas the speed of the second stage depends on intensity of ultraviolet irradiation of the reaction mixture. Each stage of the reaction is accompanied by a change in the solution's color. In the first stage of the oxidation, the cluster anion [Re(12)CS(14)(SO(2))(3)(CN)(6)](6-) is produced, in which all bridging S-ligands are turned into bridging SO(2)-ligands. The second stage of the oxidation leads to formation of the anion [Re(12)CS(14)(SO(2))(2)(SO(3))(CN)(6)](6-), in which one of the SO(2)-ligands underwent further oxidation forming the bridging SO(3)-ligand. Seven compounds containing these anions were synthesized and characterized by a set of different methods, elemental analyses, IR and UV/vis spectroscopy, and quantum-chemical calculations. Structures of some compounds based on similar cluster anions, [Cu(NH(3))(5)](3)[Re(12)CS(14)(SO(2))(3)(CN)(6)]·9.5H(2)O, [Ni(NH(3))(6)](3)[Re(12)CS(14)(SO(2))(3)(CN)(6)]·4H(2)O, and [Cu(NH(3))(5)](2.6)[Re(12)CS(14)(SO(2))(3)(CN)(6)](0.6)[{Re(12)CS(14)(SO(2))(2)(SO(3))(CN)(5)(μ-CN)}{Cu(NH(3))(4)}](0.4)·5H(2)O, were investigated by X-ray analysis of single crystals.     

Application of the impulse oscillation model for modelling the formation of peroxocarbonates via carbon dioxide reaction with dioxygen transition metal complexes: A comparison with the experimental results obtained for Rh(η2-O2)ClP3 [P=phosphane ligand]

The reaction of CO₂ with (η²-dioxygen)-transition metal complexes to give peroxocarbonates has been modelled using the Impulse Oscillation Model (IOM).¹ In accordance with our experimental findings concerning the reactivity of P₃ClRh(η²-O₂) (P=phosphane ligand) complexes towards carbon dioxide, application of the model to this reaction shows that the insertion of carbon dioxide into the OO bond is the preferred pathway. In fact, the probability for CO₂ insertion into the OO bond equals maximum to 0.98 while into the M–O bond equals to 0.02. The concordance of calculated and experimental stretching frequencies indicates the possibility of identifying, through the vibration modes, proper ligands and metal systems that behave as selective catalysts at molecular level.     

Studies on the reactivity of the clusters [Ru3(CO)8(μ-H)2(μ-PR2)2] (R=But,Cy) towards phosphine ligands

The reaction behavior of the 48e-clusters [Ru₃(CO)₈(μ-H)₂(μ-PR₂)₂] (R=Bu^t, 1a; R=Cy, 1b) towards phosphine ligands has been studied. Whereas 1a reacts spontaneously with many phosphines at room temperature, a lack of reactivity for 1b under similar conditions is observed. Thus 1a reacts with dppm (Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) to the known 46e-cluster [Ru₃(μ-CO)(CO)₄(μ₃-H)(μ-H)(μ-PBu^t₂)₂(μ-dppm)] (2a), and the reaction of 1a with dppe (Ph₂PC₂H₄PPh₂) yields analogously [Ru₃(μ-CO)(CO)₄(μ₃-H)(μ-H)(μ-PBu^t₂)₂(μ-dppe)] (3). Reactions of 1a with dmpm (Me₂PCH₂PMe₂), dmpe (Me₂PC₂H₄PMe₂) and PBuⁿ₃, respectively, gave in each case a mixture of products which could not be characterized. Contrary to the reaction behavior at room temperature, 1b reacts with phosphines in THF under reflux yielding the novel complexes [Ru₃(CO)₆(μ-H)₂(μ-PCy₂)₂L₂] (L=Cy₂PH, 4a; L=Bu^t₂PH, 4b; L=Ph₂PH, 4c; L=P(OEt)₃, 4d). 4a is also obtained directly by the reaction of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] with an excess of Cy₂PH. The molecular structure of 4a has been determined by a single-crystal X-ray analysis. Moreover, the thermolysis of 1a in octane affords [Ru₃(CO)₈(μ-H)₂(μ₃-PBu^t)(Bu^t₂PH)] (6) as the main product, and the thermolysis of [Ru₃(CO)₉(Bu^t₂PH)(μ-dppm)] (7) yields 2a to a considerable extent. Treatment of 1a with carbon tetrachloride leads to [Ru₃(CO)₇(μ-H)(μ-PBu^t₂)₂(μ-Cl)] (8) as the main product.     

Synthesis of homo- and heteronuclear ruthenium-gold clusters with diphosphine and thiolato bridged ligands. Single crystal molecular structure of [Ru3(CO)10(μ-AuPPh3)(μ-SC5H4N)] and [Ru3(CO)8(μ-H)(μ-SC5H4N)(μ-dppe)]

The reaction between [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(NCMe)₂] and [AuClPPh₃] gave compound [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ-Cl)(μ-AuPPh₃)] (1) in quantitative yield under very mild conditions. The reaction of 1 with 4-mercaptopyridine (4-pyS) using ultrasonic reaction conditions gave the heteronuclear compound [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ-AuPPh₃)(μ-SC₅H₄N)] (2) in moderate yield. There was no spectroscopic evidence that indicates the formation of the hydride isolobal analog in this reaction. The homonuclear cluster [Ru₃(CO)₈(μ-H)(μ-SC₅H₄N)(μ-dppe)] (3) was prepared by a selective reaction employing the ruthenium-diphosphine derivative [Ru₃(CO)₁₀(μ-dppe)] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphine)ethane) with 4-pyS in THF solution. The isolobal analog to compound 3, compound [Ru₃(CO)₈(μ-AuPPh₃)(μ-SC₅H₄N)(μ-dppe)] (4) was synthesized by the reaction between compound 2 and dppe in refluxing dichloromethane. Compounds 1-4 were characterized in solution by spectroscopic methods and the molecular structure of compounds 2 and 3 in the solid state was obtained by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Ligand shift in mixed-cluster complexes: synthesis of alkyne-bridged Co2Mo2 clusters with two triply-bridging sulphur atoms: crystal structure of [Co2Mo2(η5-Cp)2(μ3-S)2(μ4-CF3C2Me)(CO)4]

Reaction of the complexes [(CO)₃Co(μ-RC₂R′)Co(CO)₃] (R = R′ = CF₃; R = Ph, CF₃ and R′ = H) with the MoMo dinuclear derivative [Mo₂Cp₂(μ-SMe)₂(CO)₂] leads to cleavage of both CS and CH bonds with the formation of closo-octahedral Mo₂CO₂C₂ clusters stabilised by a μ₄-η²-bound alkyne. An X-ray diffraction study has shown that the two Mo₂Co faces of the octahedron are capped by triply-bridging sulphur atoms.     

Reactions of Unsaturated Quinoline Triosmium Clusters [Os3(CO)9(μ3-η2-C9H5(4-R)N)(μ-H)] (R=Me or H) with Tetramethylthiourea: X-ray Structures of [Os3(CO)8(μ-η2-C9H5(4-Me)N)(η2-SC(NMe2NCH2Me)(μ-H)2] and [Os3(CO)9(μ-η2-C9H6N)(η1-SC(NMe2)2)(μ-H)]

Treatment of the electronically unsaturated 4-methylquinoline triosmium cluster $[\hbox{Os}_{3}\hbox{(CO)}_{9}(\upmu_3\hbox{-}\upeta^{2}\hbox{-}\hbox{C}_{9}\hbox{H}_{5} \hbox{(4-Me)N})(\upmu\hbox{-H})]$ (1) with tetramethylthiourea in refluxing cyclohexane at 81°C gave $[\hbox{Os}_{3}\hbox{(CO)}_{8}(\upmu\hbox{-}\upeta^{2}\hbox{-C}_{9}\hbox{H}_{5} \hbox{(4-Me)N})(\upeta^2\hbox{-SC}(\hbox{NMe}_2\hbox{NCH}_2\hbox{Me})(\upmu \hbox{-H})_2]$ (2) and $[\hbox{Os}_{3}\hbox{(CO)}_{9}(\upmu\hbox{-}\upeta^{2}\hbox{-C}_{9}\hbox{H}_{5}\hbox{(4-Me)N})(\upeta^1\hbox{-SC}(\hbox{NMe}_2)_2)(\upmu\hbox{-H})]$ (3). In contrast, a similar reaction of the corresponding quinoline compound $[\hbox{Os}_{3}\hbox{(CO)}_{9}(\upmu_{3}\hbox{-}\upeta^{2}\hbox{-C}_{9}\hbox{H}_{6}\hbox{N})(\upmu\hbox{-H})]$ (4) with tetramethylthiourea afforded $[\hbox{Os}_{3}\hbox{(CO)}_{9}(\upmu\hbox{-}\upeta^{2}\hbox{-C}_{9}\hbox{H}_{6}\hbox{N})(\upeta^{1}\hbox{-SC(NMe}_{2})_{2})(\upmu\hbox{-H)}]$ (5) as the only product. Compound 2 contains a cyclometallated tetramethylthiourea ligand which is chelating at the rear osmium atom and a quinolyl ligand coordinated to the Os₃ triangle via the nitrogen lone pair and the C(8) atom of the carbocyclic ring. In 3 and 5, the tetramethylthiourea ligand is coordinated at an equatorial site of the osmium atom, which is also bound to the carbon atom of the quinolyl ligand. Compounds 3 and 5 react with PPh₃ at room temperature to give the previously reported phosphine substituted products $[\hbox{Os}_{3}\hbox{(CO)}_{9}(\upmu \hbox{-}\upeta^{2}\hbox{-C}_{9}\hbox{H}_{5}\hbox{(4-Me)N)(PPh}_{3})(\upmu\hbox{-H)}]$ (6) and $[\hbox{Os}_{3}\hbox{(CO}_{9}(\upmu \hbox{-}\upeta^{2}\hbox{-C}_{9}\hbox{H}_{6}\hbox{N)(PPh}_{3})(\upmu\hbox{-H)}]$ (7) by the displacement of the tetramethylthiourea ligand.     

Molecular vibration spectroscopy studies on novel trinuclear rhodium-7-hydride complexes of the general type {[Rh(PP*)X]3(μ(2-X)3(μ3-X)}(BF4)2 (X = H, D)

Novel trinuclear rhodium-hydride complexes with diphosphine ligands Tangphos, t-Bu-BisP*, and Me-DuPHOS which contain bridging μ(2)- and μ(3)-hydrides as well as terminal hydrides in one molecule have been reported recently. In this work, these different rhodium-hydride bonds are characterized by Raman spectroscopy and the results are compared with those obtained by means of the more commonly applied IR spectroscopy. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out to support the experimental findings. The structure of the Rh(3)H(7) core is described in the context of their vibrational stretching modes.     

Reactions of carbonyl clusters with potentially tridentate thioethers: Crystal and molecular structures of [Os4(CO) 13([12]aneS3)] and [Ru6(CO)15(μ4-η2- CO)([12]aneS3)] [([12]aneS3) = {(CH2) 3S}3]

The reaction of [Os₃(CO)₁₂ with [12]aneS₃ ([12]aneS₃  {(CH₂)₃S}₃) in octane for 6 h, under reflux, led to isolation of two products [Os₃(CO)₁₁([12]aneS₃)] (1) and [Os₄(CO) ₁₃([12]aneS₃)] (2), while with [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] under similar conditions, in THF, a number of products were obtained, including [Ru₄(CO)₁₁([12]aneS₃)] (3), [Ru₅(CO)₁₃([12]aneS₃)] (4), and [Ru₆(CO)₁₆([12]aneS₃)] (5). An X-ray diffraction study of 2 shows that the macrocycle is coordinated to the ‘wingtips’ of an Os₄ butterfly through the two electron pairs on one sulphur atom, while in 5 all three sulphur atoms of the macrocycle coordinate to two of the Ru atoms in a spiked edge-bridged tetrahedral metal framework.     

Insight into the photoinduced ligand exchange reaction pathway of cis-[Rh2(μ-O2CCH3)2(CH3CN)6]2+ with a DNA model chelate

We previously showed that [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) binds to dsDNA only upon irradiation with visible light and that photolysis results in a 34-fold enhancement of its cytotoxicity toward Hs-27 human skin fibroblasts, making it potentially useful for photodynamic therapy (PDT). With the goal of gaining further insight on the photoinduced binding of DNA to the complex, we investigated by NMR spectroscopy the mechanism by which 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), a model for biologically relevant bidentate nitrogen donor ligands, binds to [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) upon irradiation in D(2)O. The photochemical results are compared to the reactivity in the dark in D(2)O and CD(3)CN. The photolysis of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) with equimolar bpy solutions in D(2)O with visible light affords [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(eq/eq-bpy)(CH(3)CN)(2)(D(2)O(ax))(2)](2+) (eq/eq) with the reaction reaching completion in ~8 h. Only vestiges of eq/eq are observed at the same time in the dark, however, and the reaction is ~20 times slower. Conversely, the dark reaction of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) with an equimolar amount of bpy in CD(3)CN affords [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(η(1)-bpy(ax))(CH(3)CN)(5)](2+) (η(1)-bpy(ax)), which remains present even after 5 days of reaction. The photolysis results in D(2)O are consistent with the exchange of one equiv CH(3)CNeq for solvent, and the resulting species quickly reacting with bpy to generate eq/eq; the initial eq ligand dissociation is assisted by absorption of a photon, thus greatly enhancing the reaction rate. The photolytic reaction of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+):bpy in a 1:2 ratio in D(2)O affords the eq/eq and (eq/eq)(2) adducts. The observed differences in the reactivity in D(2)O vs CD(3)CN are explained by the relative ease of substitution of eq D(2)O vs CD(3)CN by the incoming bpy molecule. These results clearly highlight the importance of dissociation of an eq CH(3)CN molecule from the dirhodium core to attain high reactivity and underscore the importance of light for the reactivity of these compounds, which is essential for PDT agents.