Linear and bent oxo-bridged dinuclear rhenium(V) complexes with terminal and bridging pyrazole ligands

The [ReOX₃(AsPh₃)(OAsPh₃)] (X = Cl or Br) complexes react with two equivalents of 3,5-dimetylopyrazole (3,5-Me₂pzH) in acetone at room temperature to give [{Re(O)X₂(3,5- Me₂pzH)₂}₂(μ-O)] (1 and 2). In the case of [ReOBr₃(AsPh₃)(OAsPh₃)], a small quantity of the dinuclear rhenium complex [{Re(O)Br(3,5-Me₂pzH)}₂(μ-O)(μ-3,5-Me₂pz)₂] (3) has been isolated next to the main product 2. Treatment of [ReOX₃(PPh₃)₂] compounds with two equivalents of 3,5-Me₂pzH in acetone at room temperature leads to the isolation of symmetrically substituted dinuclear rhenium complexes [{Re(O)X(PPh₃)}₂(μ-O)(μ-3,5-Me₂pz)₂] (4 and 5). Refluxing of [ReO(OEt)X₂(PPh₃)₂] complexes with 3,5-Me₂pzH in ethanol affords unsymmetrically substituted dinuclear rhenium [{Re(O)X(PPh₃)}(μ-O)(μ-3,5-Me₂pz)₂{Re(O)X(3,5- Me₂pzH)}] complexes (6 and 7). The complexes obtained in these reactions have been characterised by IR, UV-Vis, ¹H and ³¹P NMR. The crystal and molecular structures have been determined for 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 complexes.     

Syntheses and characterization of new (pyrazolato)(pyrazole) rutheniums with κ-polypyrazolylborates: Halogeno-anion binding through the tris(pyrazole) moiety

(Polypyrazolylborato)(benzonitrile) ruthenium(II) complexes [RuCl{BR(pz)₃}(PhCN)₂] (R = pz, H; pz = pyrazol-1-yl), prepared from trans-[RuCl₂(PhCN)₄] and K[BR(pz)₃], were allowed to react with potassium 3,5-dimethyl-substituted polypyrazolylborate salt K[BH(3,5-Me₂pz)₃], and gave (pyrazolato)(pyrazole) species of [Ru{BR(pz)₃}(3,5-Me₂pz)(3,5-Me₂pzH)₂] {R = pz (1), H (2)}, respectively. Upon protonation with HBF₄ (Et₂O), the species 1 was converted to a fairly stable tris(pyrazole) derivative [Ru{B(pz)₄}(3,5-Me₂pzH)₃]BF₄ (3), which worked as a novel halogeno-anion receptor. Moreover, the complex [RuCl₂(PhCN)₄] was treated with K[BH(3,5-Me₂-4-Brpz)₃] in the presence of 3,5-dimethyl-4-bromopyrazole, 3,5-Me₂-4-BrpzH, to afford [Ru{BH(3,5-Me₂-4-Brpz)₃}(3,5-Me₂-4-Brpz)(3,5-Me₂-4-BrpzH)₂] and [Ru{BH(3,5-Me₂-4-Brpz)₃}(3,5-Me₂-4-Brpz)(3,5-Me₂-4-BrpzH)(PhCN)]. Single-crystal X-ray structural analyses were carried out for 1, 3 · CHCl₃, [Ru{B(pz)₄}(3,5-Me₂pzH)₂(OH₂)]O₃SC₆H₄CH₃ · CH₃OH, and [RuCl{B(pz)₄}(3,5-Me₂pzH)₂] · CHCl₃.     

Coordination chemistry of Re complexes with 2(2′-pyridyl)benzimidazole

Two new Re(III) and Re(IV) complexes with 2(2′-pyridyl)benzimidazole (pbimz) were prepared and their crystal and molecular structures established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Reaction of [ReOCl₂(OEt)(PPh₃)₂] with the ligand gave red cis(Cl),trans(P)-[ReCl₂(PPh₃)₂(pbimz)]Cl (1), while red [ReCl₄(pbimz)] · OPPh₃ (2) was obtained from [ReCl₃(PhC(O)C(O)Ph)(PPh₃)] and pbimz in the presence of perchlorate. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, FAB-MS, UV-Vis, IR, NMR spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements.     

Reactions of 1,8-bis(diphenylphosphino)naphthalene with ruthenium cluster carbonyls: C-H and C-P bond cleavage reactions

Reactions between Ru₃(CO)₁₂ and 1,8-bis(diphenylphosphino)naphthalene (dppn) have given the four complexes Ru₃(μ-H){μ₃-PPh₂(nap)PPh(C₆H₄)}(CO)₈ (1), Ru₄(μ-H){μ₃-PPh₂(nap)PPh(C₆H₄)}(μ-CO)₃(CO)₇ (2) and Ru₄(μ-H)(μ₃-C₆H₄){μ-PPh(nap)PPh₂}(CO)₁₁ (3) (in refluxing thf), and Ru₄{μ₄-P(nap)PPh₂}(μ₄-C₆H₄)(μ-CO)(CO)₉ (4) (in refluxing toluene) which have been characterised by single crystal X-ray studies. They have been formed by aryl C-H and aryl C-P bond cleavage reactions, presumably from an initial (unobserved) chelate dppn complex. The unchanged chelating ligand is found in Ru₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₈(dppn) (5), obtained from Ru₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₁₀ and dppn in refluxing thf.     

Synthesis, characterization and redox behaviour of benzoyldiazenido- and oxorhenium complexes bearing N,N- and S,S-type ligands

The reactions of [ReCl₂{η²-N₂C(O)Ph}(PPh₃)₂] (1) with 2-aminopyrimidine (H₂Npyrm), 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) and tetraethylthiuram disulfide (tds), in MeOH upon reflux, lead to the new η¹-(benzoyldiazenido)rhenium(III) complexes [ReCl{η¹-N₂C(O)Ph}(HNpyrm)(PPh₃)₂] (2) and [ReCl₂{η¹-N₂C(O)Ph}(bpy)(PPh₃)] (3), and the known oxo(diethyldithiocarbamato)dirhenium(v) complex [Re₂O₂(μ-O){Et₂NC(S)S}₄] (4), respectively. The Et₂NC(S)S ligands in 4 result from S-S bond rupture of tds molecules. The obtained compounds have been characterized by IR, ¹H, ³¹P{¹H} and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopies, FAB⁺-MS, elemental and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (for 2 and 4) analyses. Complex 2 represents the first structurally characterized Re compound derived from 2-aminopyrimidine. Besides, the redox behaviour of 2-4 in CH₂Cl₂ solution has been studied by cyclic voltammetry, and the Lever electrochemical ligand parameter (E_L) has been estimated, for the first time, for HNpyrm. The electrochemical results are discussed in terms of electronic properties of the Re centres and the ligands.     

Reactions of Re(III) with α-diketones: Oxidative addition

The reactions of [ReCl₃(CH₃CN)(PPh₃)₂] with benzil PhC(O)C(O)Ph, and with a natural 1,2-naphthoquinone derivative, β-lapachone (Lap), result in oxidative addition with the formation of Re(V) complexes with stilbenediolate, [ReCl₃(PhC(O)C(O)Ph)(PPh₃)] (1) and with a reduced semiquinonic form of lapachone, [Re^IVCl₃(Lap⁻)(PPh₃)] (2). The structures of both compounds were established by X-ray crystallography.     

The arylation of [Pt2(μ-S)2(PPh3)4]

Routes to the synthesis of the mixed sulfide-phenylthiolate complex [Pt₂(μ-S)(μ-SPh)(PPh₃)₄]⁺ have been explored; reaction of [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄] with excess Ph₂IBr proceeds readily to selectively produce this complex, which was structurally characterised as its PF₆⁻ salt. Reactions of [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄] with other potent arylating reagents (1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene) also produce the corresponding nitroaryl-thiolate complexes [Pt₂(μ-S){μ-SC₆H₂(NO₂)₂X}(PPh₃)₄]⁺ (X = H, F). The complex [Pt₂(μ-S)(μ-SPh)(PPh₃)₄]⁺ reacts with Me₂SO₄ to produce the mixed alkyl/aryl bis-thiolate complex [Pt₂(μ-SMe)(μ-SPh)(PPh₃)₄]²⁺, but corresponding reactions with the nitroaryl-thiolate complexes are plagued by elimination of the nitroaryl group and formation of [Pt₂(μ-SMe)₂(PPh₃)₄]²⁺. [Pt₂(μ-S)(μ-SPh)(PPh₃)₄]⁺ also reacts with Ph₃PAuCl to give [Pt₂(μ-SAuPPh₃)(μ-SPh)(PPh₃)₄]²⁺.     

Effect of pyrazole-substitution on the structure and nuclearity of Cu(II)-pyrazolato complexes

Trinuclear Cu(II)-pyrazolates of the general formula (Bu₄N)₂[Cu₃(μ₃-Cl)₂(μ-4-R-pz)₃Cl₃] (pz=pyrazolato anion, R=Cl, Br, I, Me), 1-4, have been prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction and/or ¹H NMR, IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Their structure and spectroscopic properties match the ones of the parent unsubstituted complex (Bu₄N)₂[Cu₃(μ₃-Cl)₂(μ-pz)₃Cl₃], indicating that 4-substitution of the pyrazole ligands with halogen or methyl groups does not induce structural variation. In contrast, dinuclear complexes (Bu₄N)₄[Cu₂(μ-3-Me-pz)₂Cl₄]Cl₂ · 4H₂O, Cu₂(μ-Cl)(μ-3,5-Me₂-pz)(3,5-Me₂-pzH)₄Cl₂, Cu₂(μ-Cl)(μ-OH)(3-Me-5-Ph-pzH)₄Cl₂ · 3-Me-5-Ph-pzH and Cu₂(μ-Cl)₂(3,5-Ph₂-pzH)₄Cl₂, 5-8, have been prepared with 3- and 3,5-substituted pyrazoles by the same or similar synthetic protocols.     

Rh and Ir dibenzo[a,e]cyclooctatetraene complexes: Chloro, hydroxo, and mixed Au oxo complexes

New and improved procedures are reported for the synthesis of [M(DBCOT)(μ-Cl)]₂ (M = Rh, Ir; DBCOT = dibenzo[a,e]cyclooctatetraene) from MCl₃(H₂O)_x or [M(COD)(μ-Cl)]₂ and DBCOT. Treatment of [M(DBCOT)(μ-Cl)]₂ with [(LAu)₃(μ-O)]BF₄(L = PPh₃, P^tBu₃) yields the mixed-metal oxo complexes [M(DBCOT)(μ⁴-O)(AuL)₂]₂(BF₄)₂. Dimeric [Rh(DBCOT)(μ-OH)]₂ is obtained from the reaction of [M(DBCOT)(μ-Cl)]₂ with KOH in EtOH/H₂O. All complexes except [Rh(DBCOT)(μ-Cl)]₂ have been structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Insertion of heteroallenes into the rhenium-hydride bond

Dithioformato [Re{η²-SC(H)S}(NO)P₃]BPh₄ (1), thioformamido [Re{η²-RNC(H)S}(NO)P₃]BPh₄ (2) (R = Et, p-tolyl), formamido [Re{η²-PhNC(H)O}(NO)P₃]BPh₄ (3) and formamidinato [Re{η²-p-tolylNC(H)Np-tolyl}(NO)P₃]BPh₄ (4) (P = PPh₂OEt) complexes were prepared by allowing the hydride ReH₂(NO)P₃ to react first with triflic acid and then with the appropriate heteroallene CS₂, RNCS, PhNCO and p-tolylNCNp-tolyl. Treatment of the ReH₂(NO)L(PPh₃)₂ [L = P(OEt)₃, PPh(OEt)₂] and ReH₂(NO)(PPh₃)₃ hydrides first with triflic acid and then with isothiocyanate RNCS (R = Et, p-tolyl) gave the [Re{η²-RNC(H)S}(NO){P(OEt)₃}(PPh₃)₂]BPh₄ (5, 6) and [Re(η²-RNC(H)S)(NO)(PPh₃)₃]BPh₄ (7) derivatives. Depending on the nature of the phosphite, instead, the reaction of ReH₂(NO)L(PPh₃)₂ and ReH₂(NO)(PPh₃)₃ hydrides first with CF₃SO₃H and then with isocyanate R1NCO (R1 = Ph, p-tolyl) gave the chelate [Re{η²-R1NC(H)O}(NO){P(OEt)₃}(PPh₃)₂]BPh₄ (8) and [Re{η²-R1NC(H)O}(NO)(PPh₃)₃]BPh₄(10) complexes with P(OEt)₃ or PPh₃, while the η¹-coordinate [Re{η¹-RNC(H)S}(NO){PPh(OEt)₂}₂(PPh₃)₂]BPh₄ (9) derivative was obtained with the PPh(OEt)₂ phosphite ligand. η¹-Coordinate dithioformato [Re{η¹-SC(H)S}(NO){PPh(OEt)₂}₂(PPh₃)₂]BPh₄ (11) and formato [Re{η¹-OC(H)O}(NO){PPh(OEt)₂}₂(PPh₃)₂]BPh₄ (12) complexes, as well as the formamidinato [Re{η²-p-tolylNC(H)Np-tolyl}(NO){P(OEt)₃}(PPh₃)₂]BPh₄ (13) derivative were also prepared.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of new dinuclear Mn(III) compounds with 4-ClC6H4COO and 4-BrC6H4COO bridges

Four new dinuclear Mn(III) compounds have been synthesised: [{Mn(bpy)(H₂O)}₂(μ-4-ClC₆H₄COO)₂(μ-O)}](ClO₄)₂ (1), [{Mn(EtOH)(phen)}₂(μ-O)(μ-4-ClC₆H₄COO)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), [{Mn(bpy)(EtOH)}(μ-4-BrC₆H₄COO)₂(μ-O){Mn(bpy)(ClO₄)](ClO₄) (3) and [{Mn(H₂O)(phen)}₂(μ-4-BrC₆H₄COO)₂(μ-O)](ClO₄)₂ (4). The crystal structures of 2 and 3 are evidence for the tendency of the ethanol and the perchlorate to act as ligands. Due to the coordination of these groups, the environment of the manganese ions is elongated in the monodentate ligand direction, and this distortion is more important when this ligand is the perchlorate. The magnetic properties of the four compounds have been analysed: compounds 1, 3 and 4 show antiferromagnetic behaviour, with J = −6.33 cm⁻¹ for 1, J = −6.76 cm⁻¹ for 3 and J = −3.08 cm⁻¹ for 4 (H = −JS₁·S₂), while compound 2 shows a very weak ferromagnetic coupling. For this compound, at low temperature the most important effect on the χ_MT data is the zero-field splitting of the ion, and the best fit was obtained with |D_Mn| = 2.38 cm⁻¹ and |E_Mn| = 0.22 cm⁻¹.     

Novel p-tolylimido rhenium(V) complexes incorporating quinoline-2-carboxylate ion - Synthesis, X-ray studies, spectroscopic characterization and DFT calculations

Novel p-tolylimido rhenium(V) complexes trans-[Re(p-NC₆H₄CH₃)X₂(quin-2-COO)(PPh₃)] and cis-[Re(p-NC₆H₄CH₃)X₂(quin-2-COO)(PPh₃)]·MeCN have been obtained in the reactions of [Re(p-NC₆H₄CH₃)X₃(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br) with quinoline-2-carboxylic acid. The compounds were identified by elemental analysis IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The electronic structures of trans- and cis-halide isomers of [Re(p-NC₆H₄CH₃)Cl₂(quin-2-COO)(PPh₃)] have been calculated with the density functional theory (DFT) method. Additional information about binding in the compounds [Re(p-NC₆H₄CH₃)Cl₂(quin-2-COO)(PPh₃)] with cis- and trans-halide arrangement has been obtained by NBO analysis. The electronic spectra of trans and cis isomers of [Re(p-NC₆H₄CH₃)Cl₂(quin-2-COO)(PPh₃)] were investigated at the TDDFT level employing B3LYP functional in combination with LANL2DZ.     

Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical behavior of oxo-bridged (arylimido)[tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borato] molybdenum(V) complexes

Reaction of the oxo-molybdenum(V) precursor [MoTp*(O)Cl₂] [Tp* = hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate] with H₂NC₆H₄R-4 (R = OEt; OPr) in refluxing toluene in the presence of Et₃N afforded the binuclear oxo-bridged oxo(arylimido) molybdenum(V) complexes [Tp*Mo(O)Cl](μ-O)[Tp*Mo(NC₆H₄OR-4)Cl]. Surprisingly, a similar reaction between [MoTp*(O)Cl₂] and C₆H₅NH₂ yielded the previously reported compound [{MoTp*(O)Cl}₂(μ-O)] as the only product. The new compounds were characterized by microanalytical data, mass spectrometry, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetric studies of the new compounds, of the previously reported compounds [Tp*Mo(O)Cl](μ-O)[Tp*Mo(NAr)Cl] (Ar = C₆H₄OMe-4, C₆H₄F-3, C₆H₄Cl-4, C₆H₄Br-4, and C₆H₄I-3), and of [{MoTp*(O)Cl}₂(μ-O)] revealed a reversible one-electron oxidation process that is little affected by the nature of the substituent on the aryl group, whereas it is greatly affected by replacement of the imido ligand with an oxo ligand. The [{MoTp*(O)Cl}₂(μ-O)] compound also shows a one-electron reduction process.     

Further studies on the dialkylation chemistry of [Pt2(μ-S)2(PPh3)4] with activated alkyl halides RC(O)CH2X (X = Cl, Br)

Further studies have been carried out into the reactivity of [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄] towards a range of activated alkylating agents of the type RC(O)CH₂X (R = organic moiety, e.g. phenyl, pyrenyl; X = Cl, Br). Alkylation of both sulfide centers is observed for PhC(O)CH₂Br, 3-(bromoacetyl)coumarin [CouC(O)CH₂Br], and 1-(bromoacetyl)pyrene [PyrC(O)CH₂Br], giving dications [Pt₂{μ-SCH₂C(O)R}₂(PPh₃)₄]²⁺, isolated as their PF₆⁻ salts. The X-ray structure of [Pt₂{μ-SCH₂C(O)Ph}₂(PPh₃)₄](PF₆)₂ shows the presence of short Pt?O contacts. In contrast, the corresponding chloro compounds [typified by PhC(O)CH₂Cl] and imino analogues [e.g. PhC(NOH)CH₂Br] do not dialkylate [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄]. The ability of PhC(O)CH₂Br to dialkylate [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄] allows the synthesis of new mixed-alkyl dithiolate derivatives of the type [Pt₂{μ-SCH₂C(O)Ph}(μ-SR)(PPh₃)₄]²⁺ (R = Et or n-Bu), through alkylation of in situ-generated monoalkylated compounds [Pt₂(μ-S)(μ-SR)(PPh₃)₄]⁺ (from [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄] and excess RBr). In these heterodialkylated systems ligand replacement of PPh₃ occurs by the bromide ions in the reaction mixture forming monocations [Pt₂{μ-SCH₂C(O)Ph}(μ-SR)(PPh₃)₃Br]⁺. This ligand substitution can be easily suppressed by addition of PPh₃ to the reaction mixture. The complex [Pt₂{μ-SCH₂C(O)Ph}(μ-SBu)(PPh₃)₄]²⁺ was crystallographically characterized. X-ray crystal structures of the bromide-containing complexes [Pt₂{μ-SCH₂C(O)Ph}(μ-SR)(PPh₃)₃Br]⁺ (R = Et, Bu) are also reported. In both structures the coordinated bromide is trans to the SCH₂C(O)Ph ligand, which adopts an axial position, while the ethyl and butyl substituents adopt equatorial positions, in contrast to the structures of the dialkylated complexes [Pt₂{μ-SCH₂C(O)Ph}₂(PPh₃)₄]²⁺ and [Pt₂{μ-SCH₂C(O)Ph}(μ-SBu)(PPh₃)₄]²⁺ (and many other known analogues) where both alkyl groups adopt axial positions.     

‘Synthetic prospecting’ using an electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry directed survey of the alkylation and arylation chemistry of [Pt2(μ-S)2(PPh3)4]

Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) has been used as an analytical tool in a wide-ranging scoping study of the alkylation and arylation reactions of [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄]. From these experiments, the factors that influence the formation of different product species - formed by mono- or di-alkylation - are determined. If the alkylating agent is an alkyl chloride or sulfate, monoalkylation followed by dialkylation of the two sulfido groups occurs, dependent on the alkylating power of the reagent used. For example, n-butyl chloride gives solely [Pt₂(μ-S)(μ-SBu)(PPh₃)₄]⁺ while dimethyl sulfate gives [Pt₂(μ-SMe)₂(PPh₃)₄]²⁺. This species, previously unisolated is stable in the absence of good nucleophiles, but the addition of potassium iodide results in rapid conversion to [Pt₂(μ-SMe)₂(PPh₃)₃I]⁺. This iodo complex is also observed from the reaction of [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄] with excess MeI, after the initial formation of mono- and di-methylated species. In these reactions, the iodide presumably displaces a phosphine ligand, which is then quaternised by excess alkylating agent. Changing the alkylating agent to a longer chain alkyl iodide or methyl bromide decreases the rate of alkylation of the sulfide in the initially formed [Pt₂(μ-S)(μ-SR)(PPh₃)₄]⁺. Mixed-thiolate species of the type [Pt₂(μ-SMe)(μ-SR)(PPh₃)₄]²⁺ are easily generated by reaction of [Pt₂(μ-S)(μ-SR)(PPh₃)₄]⁺ with excess Me₂SO₄ and is also dependent on the avoidance of nucleophiles. Reactions towards α,ω-dialkylating agents are surveyed; the chain length is found to have a dramatic effect on the rate of the second intramolecular cyclisation process, illustrated by a competitive reactivity study involving a mixture of Br(CH₂)₄Br and Br(CH₂)₅Br; on completion of the reaction the former gives [Pt₂{μ-S(CH₂)₄S}(PPh₃)₄]²⁺ while the latter predominantly gives monoalkylated[Pt₂(μ-S){μ-S(CH₂)₅Br}(PPh₃)₄]⁺. The reactivity of o- and p-dihaloxylenes has been explored, with the reaction with p-BrCH₂C₆H₄CH₂Br giving the bridged species [(PPh₃)₄Pt₂(μ-S)(μ-SCH₂C₆H₄CH₂S)(μ-S)Pt₂(PPh₃)₄]²⁺. Arylation reactions of [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄] with halobenzenes and 2-bromoheterocyclic compounds (pyridine, thiophene) are also described.     

Hydrolysis of the amide bond in histidine- and methionine-containing dipeptides promoted by pyrazine and pyridazine palladium(II)-aqua dimers: Comparative study with platinum(II) analogues

Two dinuclear palladium(II) complexes, [{Pd(en)Cl}₂(μ-pz)](NO₃)₂ and [{Pd(en)Cl}₂(μ-pydz)](NO₃)₂, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental microanalysis and spectroscopic (¹H and ¹³C NMR, IR and UV–vis) techniques (en is ethylenediamine; pz is pyrazine and pydz is pyridazine). The square planar geometry of palladium(II) metal centers in these complexes has been predicted by DFT calculations. The chlorido complexes were converted into the corresponding aqua complexes, [{Pd(en)(H₂O)}₂(μ-pz)]⁴⁺ and [{Pd(en)(H₂O)}₂(μ-pydz)]⁴⁺, and their reactions with N-acetylated l-histidylglycine (Ac–l–His–Gly) and l-methionylglycine (Ac–l–Met–Gly) were studied by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The palladium(II)-aqua complexes and dipeptides were reacted in 1:1 M ratio, and all reactions performed in the pH range 2.0 < pH < 2.5 in D₂O solvent and at 37 °C. In the reactions of these complexes with Ac–l–His–Gly and Ac–l–Met–Gly dipeptides, the hydrolysis of the amide bonds involving the carboxylic group of both histidine and methionine amino acids occurs. The catalytic activities of the palladium(II)-aqua complexes were compared with those previously reported in the literature for the analogues platinum(II)-aqua complexes, [{Pt(en)(H₂O)}₂(μ-pz)]⁴⁺ and [{Pt(en)(H₂O)}₂(μ-pydz)]⁴⁺.     

Influence of chain length on mono- versus di-alkylation in the reactivity of [Pt2(μ-S)2(PPh3)4] towards α,ω-dihalo-n-alkanes; a synthetic route to platinum(II) ω-haloalkylthiolate complexes

The reactions of [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄] with α,ω-dibromoalkanes Br(CH₂)_nBr (n = 4, 5, 6, 8, 12) gave mono-alkylated [Pt₂(μ-S){μ-S(CH₂)_nBr}(PPh₃)₄]⁺ and/or di-alkylated [Pt₂(μ-S(CH₂)_nS}(PPh₃)₄]²⁺ products, depending on the alkyl chain length and the reaction conditions. With longer chains (n = 8, 12), intramolecular di-alkylation does not proceed in refluxing methanol, with the mono-alkylated products [Pt₂(μ-S){μ-S(CH₂)_nBr}(PPh₃)₄]⁺ being the dominant products when excess alkylating agent is used. The bridged complex [{Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄}₂{μ-(CH₂)₁₂}]²⁺ was accessible from the reaction of [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄] with 0.5 mol equivalents of Br(CH₂)₁₂Br. [Pt₂(μ-S){μ-S(CH₂)₄Br}(PPh₃)₄]⁺ can be cleanly isolated as its BPh₄⁻ salt, but undergoes facile intramolecular di-alkylation at −18 °C, giving the known species [Pt₂(μ-S(CH₂)₄S}(PPh₃)₄]²⁺. The reaction of I(CH₂)₆I with [Pt₂(μ-S)₂(PPh₃)₄] similarly gives [Pt₂(μ-S){μ-S(CH₂)₆I}(PPh₃)₄]⁺, which is fairly stable towards intramolecular di-alkylation once isolated. These reactions provide a facile route to ω-haloalkylthiolate complexes which are poorly defined in the literature. X-ray crystal structures of [Pt₂(μ-S){μ-S(CH₂)₅Br}(PPh₃)₄]BPh₄ and [Pt₂(μ-S(CH₂)₅S}(PPh₃)₄](BPh₄)₂ are reported, together with a study of these complexes by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. All complexes fragment by dissociation of PPh₃ ligands, and the bromoalkylthiolate complexes show additional fragment ions [Pt₂(μ-S){μ-S(CH₂)_n−2CHCH₂}(PPh₃)_m]⁺ (m = 2 or 3; m ≠ 4), most significant for n = 4, formed by elimination of HBr.     

Molecular structure of tetranuclear [{Mo2O(S2CNEt2)(η-O2CCF3)(μ-N-o-tol)2}2(μ-O)(μ-O2CCF3)2] formed upon addition of trifluoroacetic acid to syn-[MoO(μ-N-o-tol)(S2CNEt2)]2

Addition of trifluoroacetic acid to syn-[MoO(μ-N-o-tol)(S₂CNEt₂)]₂ in chloroform affords tetranuclear [{Mo₂O(S₂CNEt₂)(η¹-O₂CCF₃)(μ-N-o-tol)₂}₂(μ-O)(μ-O₂CCF₃)₂] which has been crystallographically characterised. It consists of four molybdenum(V) centres linked via bridging imido, trifluoroacetate and oxo ligands and results from replacement of a dithiocarbamate by two trifluoroacetate ligands.     

New acylhydridorhodium(III) complexes containing terdentate PNN ligands from the reaction of diolefinic rhodium(I) complexes with o-(diphenylphosphino)benzaldehyde in the presence of chelating amino ligands

[{Rh(cod)Cl}₂] (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene) reacts with o-(diphenylphosphino)benzaldehyde (PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CHO)) (Rh:P=1:1) in the presence of aromatic diamines or 8-aminoquinoline (NN) to give acylhydride [Rh(Cl)(H){PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CO)}(NN)] species. The oxidative addition of PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CHO) in the presence of (NN) and PPh₃ gives cationic species [Rh(H){PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CO)} (PPh₃)(NN)]⁺ containing mutually trans phosphorus atoms. When (NN)=8-aminoquinoline, a mixture of two isomers is obtained. These isomers differ in the nitrogen cis to the hydride, amino or quinolinic. By using Rh:PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CHO)=1:2 stoichiometric ratios, oxidative addition of one PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CHO) and P-coordination of another PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CHO) occurs. The aldehyde group undergoes then a condensation reaction with the coordinated amine to afford new PNN terdentate ligands, phosphine-amino-imine when (NN)=diamine or phosphine-diimine when (NN)=8-aminoquinoline. These reactions give selectively the corresponding complexes [Rh(H){PPh₂(o-C₆H₄CO)}(PNN)]⁺ containing trans phosphorus atoms and the hydride cis to the new imino group. X-ray diffraction studies of the PNN complexes are reported.     

Single and double nucleophilic attack on cluster-bonded allenylidenes: Synthesis of phosphorus heterocycles

Further studies of the attack of bidentate tertiary phosphines, such as dppm and dppe, and the related diarsine dpam, on Ru₃(μ-H){μ₃-C₂CHR(OH)}(CO)₉ (R = H, Me) are described, together with the X-ray determined structures of [Ru₃(μ₃-C₂CH₂PPh₂CH₂CH₂PPh₂)(CO)₉]BF₄ (6) and Ru₃(μ-H){μ₃-C₂CHMePPh₂CHPPh₂}(CO)₉ (7) (containing diphospha heterocycles), Ru₃(μ-H){μ₃-CH₂(OH)C₂PPh₂CH₂PPh₂}(CO)₈ (8) (containing a phosphonium-alkynyl ligand also coordinated to a cluster Ru atom) and Ru₃(μ-H)(μ₃-CCCHAsPh₂CH₂AsPh₂)(CO)₉ (9) (containing an arsino-allenylidene ligand). These complexes are formed by nucleophilic attack of the Group 15 ligand on an alkynyl or allenylidene ligand on the cluster.