Kinetics and mechanism of the stoichiometric oxygenation of [Cu(fla)(idpa)]ClO4 [fla=flavonolate, IDPA=3,3′-imino-bis(N,N-dimethylpropylamine)] and the [Cu(fla)(idpa)]ClO4-catalysed oxygenation of flavonol

Oxygenation of [Cu^II(fla)(idpa)]ClO₄ (fla=flavonolate; IDPA=3,3′-iminobis(N,N-dimethylpropylamine)) in dimethylformamide gives [Cu^II(idpa)(O-bs)]ClO₄ (O-bs=O-benzoylsalicylate) and CO. The oxygenolysis of [Cu^II(fla)(idpa)]ClO₄ in DMF was followed by electronic spectroscopy and the rate law −d[{Cu^II(fla)(idpa)}ClO₄]/dt=k_obs[{Cu^II(fla)(idpa)}ClO₄][O₂] was obtained. The rate constant, activation enthalpy and entropy at 373 K are k_obs=6.13±0.16×10⁻³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹, ΔH^‡=64±5 kJ mol⁻¹, ΔS^‡=−120±13 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, respectively. The reaction fits a Hammett linear free energy relationship and a higher electron density on copper gives faster oxygenation rates. The complex [Cu^II(fla)(idpa)]ClO₄ has also been found to be a selective catalyst for the oxygenation of flavonol to the corresponding O-benzoylsalicylic acid and CO. The kinetics of the oxygenolysis in DMF was followed by electronic spectroscopy and the following rate law was obtained: −d[flaH]/dt=k_obs[{Cu^II(fla)(idpa)}ClO₄][O₂]. The rate constant, activation enthalpy and entropy at 403 K are k_obs=4.22±0.15×10⁻² M⁻¹ s⁻¹, ΔH^‡=71±6 kJ mol⁻¹, ΔS^‡=−97±15 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, respectively.     

Radical-scavenging activity of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and its metabolites

To clarify the radical-scavenging activity of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a food additive, stoichiometric factors (n) and inhibition rate constants (k_inh) were determined for 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) and its metabolites 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone (BHT-Q), 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (BHA-CHO) and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroperoxy-4-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-one (BHT-OOH). Values of n and k_inh were determined from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) monitoring of the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by 2,2′-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) or benzoyl peroxide (BPO) at 70 °C in the presence or absence of antioxidants (BHT-related compounds). The n values declined in the order BHT (1–2) > BHT-CHO, BHT-OOH (0.1–0.3) > BHT-Q (0). The n value for BHT with AIBN was approximately 1.0, suggesting dimerization of BHT. The k_inh values declined in the order BHT-Q ((3.5–4.6)×10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹) > BHT-OOH (0.7–1.9×10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹) > BHT-CHO ((0.4–1.7)×10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹) > BHT ((0.1–0.2)×10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹). The k_inh for metabolites was greater than that for the parent BHT. Growing MMA radicals initiated by BPO were suppressed much more efficiently by BHT or BHT-Q compared with those initiated by AIBN. BHT was effective as a chain-breaking antioxidant.     

Hetero-polynuclear complexes containing bridging diphenylphosphino-alkenes and -alkynes. The crystal structure of an Rh2{μ−ν:ν−P(Ph2) (CH2)3C≡CR}Co2 complex

The phosphinoalkenes Ph₂P(CH₂)_nCH=CH₂ (n= 1, 2, 3) and phosphinoalkynes Ph₂P(CH₂)_n C≡CR (R = H, N = 2, 3; R = CH₃, N = 1) have been prepared and reacted with the dirhodium complex (η−C₅H₅)₂Rh₂(μ−CO) (μ−η²−CF₃C₂CF₃). Six new complexes of the type (ν−C₅H₅)₂(Rh₂(CO) (μ−η¹:η¹−CF₃C₂CF₃)L, where L is a P-coordinated phosphinoalkene, or phosphinoalkyne have been isolated and fully characterized; the carbonyl and phosphine ligands are predominantly trans on the Rh---Rh bond, but there is spectroscopic evidence that a small amount of the cis-isomer is formed also. Treatment of the dirhodium-phosphinoalkene complexes with (η−CH₃C₅H₄)Mn(CO)₂thf resulted in coordination of the manganese to the alkene function. The Rh₂---Mn complex [(η−C₅H₅)₂Rh₂(CO) (μ−η¹:η¹−CF₃C₂CF₃) {Ph₂P(CH₂)₃CH=CH₂} (η−CH₃C₅H₄)Mn(CO)₂] was fully characterized. Simi treatment of the dirhodium-phosphinoalkyne complexes with Co₂(CO)₈ resulted in the coordination of Co₂(CO)₆ to the alkyne function. The Rh₂---Co₂ complex [(η−C₅H₅)₂Rh₂(CO) (μ−η¹:η¹−CF₃C₂CF₃) {Ph₂PCH₂C≡CCH₃}Co₂(CO)₂], C₃₇H₂₅Co₂F₆O₇PRh₂, was fully characteriz spectroscopically, and the molecular structure of this complex was determined by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study. It is triclinic, space group (C_i¹, No. 2) with a = 18.454(6), B = 11.418(3), C = 10.124(3) Å, = 112.16(2), β = 102.34(3), γ = 91.62(3)°, Z = 2. Conventional R on |F| was 0.052 fo observed (I > 3σ(I)) reflections. The Rh₂ and Co₂ parts of the molecule are distinct, the carbonyl and phosphine are mutually trans on the Rh---Rh bond, and the orientations of the alkynes are parallel for Rh₂ and perpendicular for Co₂. Attempts to induce Rh₂Co₂ cluster formation were unsuccessful.     

Comparison in halide binding ability between the unsaturated clusters [Pd3(μ-dppm)3(CO)] and [PdPtCo(μ-dppm)2(CO)3(CNBu)] (dppm = Ph2PCH2PPh2)

The trinuclear clusters [Pd₃(μ-dppm)₃(CO)]²⁺ and [PtPdCo(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₃(CN^tBu)]⁺ exhibit a large and a small cavity, respectively, formed by the phenyl rings of the bridging diphosphine ligands. Their binding constants (K₁₁) with halide ions (X⁻) were obtained by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The binding ability varies as I⁻ > Br⁻ > Cl⁻, and [Pd₃(μ-dppm)₃(CO)]²⁺ > [ptPdCo(μ-dppm)₂-(CO)₃(CN^tBu)]⁺. The MO diagram for the related cluster [Pd₂Co(μ-dppm)₂(CO)₄]⁺ has been addressed theoretically in order to predict the nature of the lowest energy electronic bands. For this class of compounds, the lowest energy bands are assigned to charge transfers from the Co center to the Pd₂ centers.     

The new enneanuclear nickel carbonyl anion [Ni9(CO)16] and its relationships with the [Ni12(CO)21] and [Ni6Rh3(CO)17] clusters

The reaction of [N(PPh₃)₂]₂[Ni₆(CO)₁₂] with Cu(PPh₃)_xCl (x=1, 2), as well as the degradation of [N(PPh₃)₂]₂[H₂Ni₁₂(CO)₂₁] with PPh₃, affords the new and unstable dark orange–brown [N(PPh₃)₂]₂[Ni₉(CO)₁₆].THF salt in low yields. This salt has been characterized by a CCD X-ray diffraction determination, along with IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The close-packed two-layer metal core geometry of the [Ni₉(CO)₁₆]²⁻ dianion is directly related to that of the bimetallic [Ni₆Rh₃(CO)₁₇]³⁻ trianion and may be envisioned to be formally derived from the hcp three-layer geometry of [Ni₁₂(CO)₂₁]⁴⁻ by the substitution of one of the two outer [Ni₃(CO)₃(μ−CO)₃]²⁻ layers with a face-bridging carbonyl group.     

Model reactions of a carbonylation catalyst: phosphite induced migratory CO insertion in [MeIr(CO)2I3]

Carbonylation of the anionic iridium(III) methyl complex, [MeIr(CO)₂I₃]⁻ (1) is an important step in the new iridium-based process for acetic acid manufacture. A model study of the migratory insertion reactions of 1 with P-donor ligands is reported. Complex 1 reacts with phosphites to give neutral acetyl complexes, [Ir(COMe)(CO)I₂L₂] (L = P(OPh)₃ (2), P(OMe)₃ (3)). Complex 2 has been isolated and fully characterised from the reaction of Ph₄As[MeIr(CO)₂I₃] with AgBF₄ and P(OPh)₃; comparison of spectroscopic properties suggests an analogous formulation for 3. IR and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy indicate initial formation of unstable isomers of 2 which isomerise to the thermodynamic product with trans phosphite ligands. Kinetic measurements for the reactions of 1 with phosphites in CH₂Cl₂ show first order dependence on [1], only when the reactions are carried out in the presence of excess iodide. The rates exhibit a saturation dependence on [L] and are inhibited by iodide. The reactions are accelerated by addition of alcohols (e.g. 18× enhancement for L = P (OMe)₃ in 1:3 MeOH-CH₂Cl₂). A reaction mechanism is proposed which involves substitution of an iodide ligand by phosphite, prior to migratory CO insertion. The observed rate constants fit well to a rate law derived from this mechanism. Analysis of the kinetic data shows that k₁, the rate constant for iodide dissociation, is independent of L, but is increased by a factor of 18 on adding 25% MeOH to CH₂Cl₂. Activation parameters for the k₁ step are ΔH^≠ = 71 (±3) kJ mol⁻, ΔS^≠ = −81 (±9) J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹ in CH₂Cl₂ and ΔH^≠ = 60(±4) kJ mol⁻¹, ΔS^≠ = −93(± 12) J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹ in 1:3 MeOH-CH₂Cl₂. Solvent assistance of the iodide dissociation step gives the observed rate enhancement in protic solvents. The mechanism is similar to that proposed for the carbonylation of 1.     

Design and properties of mixed metal multinuclear molecules: Part 1. Molecular structures of [Ag(PR3)2]2[Ni(mnt)2] type complexes (R=Me, Et, Cy and MNT=maleonitriledithiolate) and [AgL]2[Ni(mnt)2] type complexes with chelating diphosphines (L=dppf and dppm)

The trinuclear complexes [Ag(PR₃)₂]₂[Ni(mnt)₂] and [AgL]₂[Ni(mnt)₂] have been prepared by reactions of (NEt₄)₂[Ni(mnt)₂] and Ag₂SO₄ with alkyl phosphines (PR₃=P(CH₃)₃ (PMe₃) for 1, P(C₂H₅)₃ (PEt₃) for 2 and P(C₆H₁₁)₃ (PCy₃) for 3), or with chelating diphosphines (L=1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) for 4 and bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) for 5). The structures of all the complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Interactions between the [Ag(PR₃)₂]⁺ and [Ni(mnt)₂]²⁻ groups occur in compounds 1 and 2 with Ni---Ag distances of 3.063(4) and 2.9311(6) Å, respectively. Only one sulfur atom of each mnt ligand bridged [Ag(PR₃)₂]⁺ cations and [Ni(mnt)₂]²⁻ anions in compound 1 through 3 with Ag---S distances of about 2.7 Å. There is no interaction between Ag and Ni in compound 3 due to the flexibility of the cyclohexyl groups. Interactions between [AgL]⁺ and [Ni(mnt)₂]²⁻ groups also occur in compound 4 with a much shorter Ag---Ni distance of 2.7213(7) Å, while silver atoms and the NiS₄ plane in compound 4 make a chair conformation with Ag---S distances of about 2.8 Å. In compound 5, dppm bridges two silver atoms, and interaction between silver atoms occurs at a distance of 2.9859(11) Å, and only one sulfur atom of mnt is used to bridge Ni and Ag atoms with Ag---S distances of 2.582(3) and 2.663(3) Å.     

Mixed-metal butterfly acetamidediato clusters derived from a highly reactive ruthenium oxo cluster: synthesis and characterization of [(PPh3)2N][MRu3(CO)12(η-μ3-NC(μ-O)CH3)], (M = Mn or Re)

Analogy with the isolable oxo cluster [Fe₃(CO)₉(μ₃-O)]²⁻, which is structurally interesting and synthetically useful, prompted the present attempt to synthesize its ruthenium analog. Although the high reactivity of [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ₃-O)]²⁻ (I) prevented its isolation, the reaction of this species with [M(CO)₃(NCCH₃)]⁺, where M = Mn or Re, yields [PPN][MRu₃(CO)₁₂(η²-μ₃-NC(μ-O)CH₃]⁻. The high nucleophilicity of the oxo ligand in [Ru₃(CO)₉(μ₃-O)]²⁻ (I) appears to be responsible for the conversion of acetonitrile to an acetamidediato ligand and for the instability of I. The crystal structure of [PPN][MnRu₃(CO)₁₂(η²-μ₃-NC(μ-O)CH₃)]] reveals a hinged butterfly array of metal atoms in which the acetamidediato ligand bridges the two wings with μ₃-N bonding to an Mn and two Ru atoms, and μ-O bonding to an Ru atom.     

Monovalent copper as a potential catalyst for formation of acetaldehyde via the migration of methyl radicals to the coordinated carbonyl in the complex (CO)Cu-CH3

Cu_aq⁺ forms stable complexes with carbon monoxide in aqueous solutions. Furthermore it reacts very fast with aliphatic radicals. The reaction of Cu(CO)_maq⁺ with methyl radicals, ^•CH₃ was studied using the pulse-radiolysis technique. The results point out that methyl radicals react with Cu(CO)_aq⁺ to form an unstable intermediate with a Cu^II-C σ bond identified as (CO)Cu^II-CH₃⁺, k = (1.1±0.2) × 10⁹ M⁻¹ s⁻¹. This intermediate has a strong LMCT charge transfer band (λ_max = 385 nm, _max = 2500 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹) which is similar to the absorption bands of other transient complexes with Cu^II-alkyl σ bonds. The coordinated carbon monoxide in (CO)Cu^II-CH₃⁺ inserts into the copper—carbon bond (or rather the coordinated methyl migrates to the coordinated carbon monoxide ligand) at a rate of (3.0±0.8) × 10² s⁻¹ to form the copperacetyl complex (CO)_mCu^II-C(CH₃)=O⁺ (λ_max = 480 nm, _max = 2100 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹). The rate of formation of (CO)Cu^II-CH₃⁺ and of the insertion reaction are pH independent. The complex (CO)_mCu^II-C(CH₃)=O⁺ is also unstable and decomposes heterolytically to yield acetaldehyde and Cu_aq²⁺ as the final stable products. This reaction is slightly pH dependent. The same reactivity pattern has been observed for the Cu(CO_naq⁺ complexes (n = 2 or 3). The results clearly point out that CO remains coordinated to transient complexes of the type Cu^II-alkyl.     

Chelated alkyl halide manganese complexes (η:η-C5H4CH2CH2X)Mn(CO)2 from photolysis of (η-C5H4CH2CH2X)Mn(CO)3

Manganese tricarbonyl complexes (η⁵-C₅H₄CH₂CH₂Br)Mn(CO)₃ (3) and (η⁵-C₅H₄CH₂CH₂I)Mn(CO)₃ (4), with an alkyl halide side chain attached to the cyclopentadienyl ligand, were synthesized as possible precursors to chelated alkyl halide manganese complexes. Photolysis of 3 or 4 in toluene, hexane or acetone-d₆ resulted in CO dissociation and intramolecular coordination of the alkyl halide to manganese to produce (η⁵:η¹-C₅H₄CH₂CH₂Br)Mn(CO)₂ (5) and (η⁵:η¹-C₅H₄CH₂CH₂I)Mn(CO)₂ (6). Low temperature NMR and IR spectroscopy established the structures of 5 and 6. Photolysis of 3 in a glass matrix at 91 K demonstrated CO release from manganese. Low temperature NMR spectroscopy established that the coordinated alkyl halide complexes are stable to approximately −20°C.     

The versatile coordination chemistry of tricyanoethenolate, [(NC)2C=C(CN)O]

The reaction of meso-tetrakis (4-dimethoxyphenyl) porphinatomanganese(II), MnTP_OMeP, with TCNE (TCNE = tetracyanoethylene) leads to the formation of [MnTP_OMeP]⁺ [TCNE]⁻ and [MnTP_OMeP]⁺[OC(CN)C(CN)₂]⁻. The single-crystal X-ray structures of the latter as well as [Cu(bipy)₂Cl]⁺ [OC(CN)C(CN)₂]⁻ were determined. The former has a disordered [OC(CN)C(CN)₂]⁻ bridging via C and O between a pair of Mn^III sites, whereas the latter has an isolated [OC(CN)C(CN)₂]⁻ unbound to Cu^II. The IR characterization for μ₂-C,O bound [OC(CN)C(CN)₂]⁻ is at 2219m and 2196s (νCN) cm⁻¹ and at 1558s (νCO) cm⁻¹ while for unbound [OC(CN)C(CN)₂]⁻ it is at 2210m, 2203m, 2181m (νCN) cm⁻¹ and at 1583s (νCO) cm⁻¹.     

Steric control in the formation of Co2(CO)6-alkyne complexes from Group 14 tetraalkynes and their reactions with acid

A series of tetrakis(trimethylsilylethyne) derivatives of Group 14 metals (2–4) was prepared. Co₂(CO)₆ complexes 5–10 were synthesised by the reaction of 2–4 with Co₂(CO)₈. From the silyl and germyl based compounds 2 and 3, either one or two alkynes could be complexed with Co₂(CO)₆. In contrast, the tin derived compound 4 could accommodate up to four Co₂(CO)₆ complexes. The longest wavelength UV-Vis absorbances of the silicon and germanium-based complexes were consistent with multiple, non-conjugated Co₂(CO)₆ chromophores. The tetrakis Co₂(CO)₆ complex 10, however, absorbs at a much longer wavelength suggesting conjugation of Co₂(CO)₆ complexes through the tin. The reactivity towards protonolysis of the uncomplexed alkynes 2–4 is a consequence of the hyperconjugative stabilisation of the intermediate β-vinyl cation (the β-effect): Sn(CCSiMe₃)₃>SnOTf(CCSiMe₃)₂>SiMe₃>Ge(CCSiMe₃)₃. The reactivity of the Co₂(CO)₆ complexes, however, was quite different from the reactions of 2–4 and from analogous all-carbon systems. Treatment of 5–10 with strong acid led neither to protiodemetallation of the complexed or non-complexed alkynes but to decomplexation of the cobalt. Similarly, ligand metathesis reactions between 10 and Ph₂SiCl₂ were not observed. The normal reactivity of silylalkynes towards electrophiles, which was expected to be enhanced by the presence of the cobalt complex, was diminished by the particular steric environment of the molecules under examination (5–10). As a result, the favoured reaction under these conditions was decomplexation of the cobalt.     

Spin-crossover iron(II) complexes [Fe(Medpq)(py)2(NCS)2] and [Fe(Medpq)(py)2(NCSe)2]: syntheses, characterization and magnetic properties

Two new spin-crossover complexes, [Fe(Medpq)(py)₂(NCS)₂] · py · 0.5H₂O (1) and [Fe(Medpq)(py)₂(NCSe)₂] · py (2) (Medpq = 2-methyldipyrido[3,2-f:2′,3′-h]-quinoxaline, py = pyridine), have been synthesized. The crystal structures were determined at both room temperature (298 K) and low temperature (110 K). Complexes 1 and 2 crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbca and monoclinic space group P2₁/n, respectively. In both complexes, the distorted [FeN₆] octahedron is formed by six nitrogen atoms from Medpq, the trans pyridine molecules and the cis NCX⁻ groups. The thermal spin transition is accompanied by the shortening of the mean Fe–N distances by 0.194 Å for 2. The mononuclear [Fe(Medpq)(py)₂(NCS)₂] and [Fe(Medpq)(py)₂(NCSe)₂] neutral species interact each other via π-stacking, resulting in a one-dimensional extended structure for both 1 and 2. There exist C–HX (X = S, Se) hydrogen bonds for both complexes. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy reveal the occurrence of a gradual spin transition. The transitions are centered at T_1/2 = 120 K for 1 and T_1/2 = 180 K for 2, respectively.     

Kinetics and mechanisms of ligand substitution reactions of molybdenum SO2 complexes. Synthesis and X-ray structure of trans-Mo(CO)2 (dmpe) (PPh3) (SO2)

Kinetic results are reported for intramolecular PPh₃ substitution reactions of Mo(CO)₂(η¹-L)(PPh₃)₂(SO₂) to form Mo(CO)₂(η²-L)(PPh₃)(SO₂) (L = DMPE = (Me)₂PC₂H₄P(Me)₂ and dppe=Ph₂PC₂H₄PPh₂) in THF solvent, and for intermolecular SO₂ substitutions in Mo(CO)₃(η²-L)(η²-SO₂) (L = 2,2′-bipyridine, dppe) with phosphorus ligands in CH₂Cl₂ solvent. Activation parameters for intramolecular PPh₃ substitution reactions: ΔH^≠ values are 12.3 kcal/mol for dmpe and 16.7 kcal/mol for dppe; ΔS^≠ values are −30.3 cal/mol K for dmpe and −16.4 cal/mol K for dppe. These results are consistent with an intramolecular associative mechanism. Substitutions of SO₂ in MO(CO)₃(η²-L)(η²-SO₂) complexes proceed by both dissociative and associative mechanisms. The facile associative pathways for the reactions are discussed in terms of the ability of SO₂ to accept a pair of electrons from the metal, with its bonding transformations of η²-SO₂ to η¹-pyramidal SO₂, maintaining a stable 18-e count for the complex in its reaction transition state. The structure of Mo(CO)₂(dmpe)(PPh₃)(SO₂) was determined crystallographically: P2₁/c, A=9.311(1), B = 16.344(2), C = 18.830(2) Å, ß=91.04(1)°, V=2865.1(7) ų, Z=4, R(F)=3.49%.     

In situ IR and NMR study of the interactions between proton donors and the Re(I) hydride complex [{MeC(CH2PPh2)3}Re (CO)2H]. ReH…H bonding and proton-transfer pathways

The reactions of various proton donors (phenol, hexafluoro-2-propanol, perfluoro-2-methyl-2-propanol, monochloroacetic acid, and tetrafluoroboric acid) with the rhenium (I) hydride complex [(triphos)Re(CO)₂H] (1) have been studied in dichloromethane solution by in situ IR and NMR spectroscopy. The proton donors from [(triphos)Re(CO)₂H…HOR] adducts exhibiting rather strong H…H interactions. The enthalpy variations associated with the formation of the H-bonds (−ΔH = 4.4–6.0 kcal mol⁻¹) have been determined by IR spectroscopy, while the H…H distance in the adduct [(triphos)Re(CO)₂H…HOC(CF₃)₃] (1.83 Å) has been calculated by NMR spectroscopy through the determination of the T_1min relaxation time of the Re---H proton. It has been shown that the [(triphos)Re(CO)₂H…HOR] adducts are in equilibrium with the dihydrogen complex [(triphos)Re(CO)₂(η²-H₂)]⁺, which is thermodynamically more stable than any H-bond adduct.     

A mechanistic study of thermal C-H reductive elimination from a six-coordinate d iridium complex

The thermolysis of trans-IrL₂(CO)Cl(H)(C₆H₅) (1abd; L=P(i-Pr)₃; H trans to CO) produces benzene and the Vaska-type complex IrL₂(CO)Cl. A mechanistic study of the reaction has shown that 1a reversibly loses CO at 120 °C (as evidenced by the incorporation of ¹³CO) and isomerizes to the previously unreported 1b (H trans to Cl). It was found that 1b is the complex primarily responsible for the formation of benzene upon thermolysis under CO atmosphere; direct loss of benzene from 1a was determined to be, at most, a minor pathway. Benzaldehyde was also formed as a product of thermolysis of 1a under CO atmosphere. The first-order rate constant for benzene elimination in the absence of CO was found to be 8.5 × 10⁻⁵ s⁻¹. The presence of only 5 Torr CO results in a decrease to 2.0 × 10⁻⁵ s⁻¹, but little further inhibition is observed above 5 Torr CO. Added dihydrogen (100 Torr) was found to effect a novel catalysis of benzene elimination from 1a in the absence of CO atmosphere; it is suggested that trace amounts of dihydrogen, present in solutions of 1a, are responsible for the enhanced rate of elimination in the absence of CO. The thermolysis of 1-d₆ in toluene was found to proceed without any toluene incorporation, implying that arene loss is irreversible.     

Dissolution of [RhCl(PPh3)3] in the ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloroaluminate(III), and its reaction with H2. The stabilization of Rh(I) species in an ionic liquid

The solution of [RhCl(PPh₃)₃] in acidic 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloroaluminate(III) ionic liquid (AlCl₃ molar fraction, x_AlCl3=0.67) was investigated by ¹H and ³¹P{¹H} NMR. One triphenyl phosphine is lost from the complex and is protonated in the acidic media, and cis-[Rh(PPh₃)₂ClX], (2), where X is probably [AlCl₄]⁻, is formed. On, standing, 2 is converted to trans-[Rh(H)(PPh₃)₂X], (3). The reaction of 2 and H₂ also produces trans-[Rh(H)(PPh₃)₂X], (3). ¹H and ³¹P{¹H} NMR support the suggestion that a weak ligand such as [AlCl₄]⁻, present in solution may interact with the metal centre. When [RhCl(PPh₃)₃] is dissolved in CH₂Cl₂/AlCl₃/HCl for comparison, two exchanging isomers of what is probably [RhH{(μ-Cl)₂AlCl₂}{(μ-Cl)AlCl₃}(PPh₃)₂], (6) and (7), are formed.     

Kinetics of nucleophilic attack on coordinated organic moieties Part 29. Mechanism of addition of tertiary phosphines and phosphites to the tropylium ring of [M(CO)3(η-C7H7] (M = Cr, Mo, W) cations

Kinetic studies of the addition of a wide range of tertiary phosphines and phosphites to the tropylium ring of the cation [Cr(CO)₃(η⁷-C₇H₇]⁺ (1) reveal the two-term raw, k_obs = k₁[PR₃] + k₋₁. This is consistent with the reversible equilibrium process (i) which is also confirmed from IR and ¹H NMR studies. In the case of the highly basic nucleophiles PBu₃ⁿ and PEt₂Ph, the rate is dominated by the k₁ term and the equilibrium lies far to the right.

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The first-order rate constants k₁, for addition to the tropylium ring decrease markedly down the series PBu₃ⁿ>PEt₂Ph>P(4-MeOC₆H₄)₃>P(4-MeC₆H₄)₃>P(C₆H_{11 3}>PPh₂(4-MeC₆H₄)>PPh₃>P(2-CNC₂H₄)₃>P(OBuⁿ)₃ (overall variation 10⁴). This reactivity order parallels the decreasing electron availability at the phosphorus centres, as confirmed by the linear correlation between log k₁ and the Tolman Σ_χ values for the nucleophiles. Excellent Hammett and Brønsted correlations are also observed for ring addition by a range of P(4-XC₆H₄)₃ nucleophiles. The Brønsted slope, , of 0.7 conirms the major importance of basicity in determining nucleophilicity towards cation 1. Kinetic studies of the related additions of PBu₃ⁿ to the cations [M(CO)₃(η⁷-C₇H₇]⁺ (M = Mo, W) reveal the rate law, Rate = k₁[M][PBu₃ⁿ, and show only a small dependence of k₁ on the nature of metal (Cr>WMo; 2:1.1:1). These data, together with the associated activation parameters, support a mechanism involving direct addition (k₁) of the phosphorus nucleophiles to the tropylium ring, and are inconsistent with initial rate-determining attack at the metal centre.     

The ReH6[P(C6H5)3]2 ion as a ligand: complexes with M(CO)3 fragments (M = Cr, Mo, W)

The reactions of [(H₅C₆)₃P]₂ReH₆⁻ with (CH₃CN)₃Cr(CO)₃, (diglyme)Mo(CO)₃ or (C₃H₇CN)₃W(CO)₃ led to the formation of [(H₅C₆)₃P]₂ReH₆M(CO)₃⁻ (M = Cr, Mo, W) complexes. These have been characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopies, as well as elemental analyses. A single crystal X-ray diffraction study has also been carried out for the M = Cr complex as a K(18-crown-6)⁺ salt. The complex crystallizes as a THF monosolvate in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a = 22.323(6), B = 9.523(2), C = 27.502(5) Å, β = 104.98(2)⁰ and V = 5648 ų for Z = 4. The Re---Cr separation is 2.5745(12) Å, and the two phosphine ligands are oriented unsymmetrically. Although the hydride ligands were not found, the presence of three bridging hydrides and a dodecahedral coordination geometry about rhenium could be inferred. Low temperature ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopic studies did not reveal the low symmetry of the solid state structure.     

Kinetics and equilibria of Ga(III)---thiocyanate complex formation. Mechanism of ligand substitution reactions of Ga(III) in aqueous solution

The kinetics and equilibria of complex formation by Ga(III) with NCS⁻ in aqueous solution have been measured over a range of acidities and temperatures, the contributing paths to the reaction resolved, and their rate constants and activation parameters determined. The hydrolysis equilibria required to carry out this resolution of kinetic behaviour have also been measured.

Unlike the other reported complexation reactions of Ga(III) in aqueous solution, the separate reaction pathways can be assigned with no ambiguity. At 25 °C and ionic strength 0.5 M, the observed forward rate constant for the complex formation is described by {k₁ + k₂K_1h/[H⁺] + k₃K_1hK_2h/[H⁺]²} M⁻¹ s⁻¹. For these conditions, the first and second successive hydrolysis constants of Ga(H₂O)₆³⁺ are given by pK_1h = 3.69 ± 0.01 and pK_2h = 3.74 ± 0.04. The rate constants corresponding to the reactions of the species Ga(H₂O)₆³⁺, Ga(H₂O)₅(OH)²⁺ and Ga(H₂O)₄(OH)₂⁺ with NCS⁻ are k₁ = 57 ± 4 M^{−1 −1}, k₂ = (1.08 ± 0.01) × 10⁵ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ and k₃ = 3 × 10⁶ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ respectively. The complexation equilibrium quotient [GaNCS²⁺]/([Ga³⁺][NCS⁻]) has been independently determined by spectrophotometric titration to be 20.8 ± 0.3 M⁻¹ at 25 °C and ionic strength 0.5 M.

These kinetic results lead to an interpretation of the data, and a reinterpretation of other data for aquo-Ga(III) complex formation kinetics from the literature which support the assignment of a dissociative interchange mechanism for these reactions rather than the associative activation mode sometimes proposed.