Synthesis, structure, and electrocatalysis of diiron C-functionalized propanedithiolate (PDT) complexes related to the active site of [FeFe]-hydrogenases

New C-functionalized propanedithiolate-type model complexes (1-8) have been synthesized by functional transformation reactions of the known complex (mu-SCH2)2CH(OH)]Fe2(CO)6 (A). Treatment of A with the acylating agents PhC(O)Cl, 4-pyridinecarboxylic acid chloride, 2-furancarbonyl chloride, and 2-thiophenecarbonyl chloride in the presence of Et3N affords the expected C-functionalized complexes (mu-SCH2)2CHO2CPh]Fe2(CO)6 (1), (mu-SCH2)2CHO2CC5H4N-4]Fe2(CO)6 (2), (mu-SCH2)2CHO2CC4H3O-2]Fe2(CO)6 (3), and (mu-SCH2)2CHO2CC4H3S-2]Fe2(CO)6 (4). However, when A is treated with the phosphatizing agents Ph2PCl, PCl3 and PBr3, both C- and Fe-functionalized complexes (mu-SCH2) 2CHOPPh2-eta1]Fe2(CO)5 (5), (mu-SCH2) 2CHOPCl2-eta1]Fe2(CO)5 (6), and (mu-SCH2) 2CHOPBr2-eta1]Fe2(CO)5 (7) are unexpectedly obtained via intramolecular CO substitution by P atoms of the initially formed phosphite complexes. The simplest C-functionalized model complex (mu-SCH2) 2CO]Fe2(CO)6 (8) can be produced by oxidation of A with Dess-Martin reagent. While 8 is found to be an electrocatalyst for proton reduction to hydrogen, starting complex A can be prepared by another method involving the reaction of HC(OH)(CH2Br)2 with the in situ generated (mu-LiS) 2Fe2(CO)6. X-ray crystallographic studies reveal that the bridgehead C atom of 8 is double-bonded to an O atom to form a ketone functionality, whereas the bridgehead C atoms of A, 1, 3, and 4 are equatorially-bonded to their functionalities and those of 5-7 axially-bonded to their functionalities due to formation of the corresponding P-Fe bond-containing heterocycles.