New Rh(III) complexes of 5‐methyl‐5‐(pyridyl)‐2,4‐imidazolidenedione: Synthesis,X‐ray structure,electrochemical study and catalytic behaviour for hydrogenation of ketones

We describe the reaction of anion [RhCl₆]³⁻ with a series of hydantoin ligands (HL1, HL2 and HL3 = 5‐methyl‐5‐(2‐, 3‐ and 4‐pyridyl)‐2,4‐imidazolidenedione, respectively). Based on spectroscopic, cyclic voltammetric, elemental and MS analyses, the complexes have the general formula K[RhCl₂(L1)₂] ( 1 ), cis ‐ and trans ‐K[RhCl₄(HL2)₂] ( 2a and 2b ) and cis ‐ and trans ‐K[RhCl₄(HL3)₂] ( 3a and 3b ). Complexes 2a , 2b , 3a and 3b were characterized successfully using infrared, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectral analyses. Dissolution of complex 1 in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) led to elimination of one KL1 ligand and coordination of two DMSO molecules as ligands and transformation of this complex to cis ‐ and trans ‐[RhCl₂L1(DMSO)₂] ( 1a and 1b ). Recrystallization led to separation and isolation of crystals of 1a from the initial mixture. X‐ray analysis results showed that this complex was crystallized as solvated complex cis ‐[RhCl₂L1(DMSO)₂]DMSO. The catalytic activity of these complexes was then evaluated for the hydrogenation of various ketones.