Sn-S and Ru-Ru bonds cleavage reactions between [Ph3SnS(CH2)3SSnPh3] and Ru3(CO)12: X-ray crystal structures of [Ph3SnS(CH2)3SSnPh3] and trans-[Ru(CO)4(SnPh3)2]

The organotin complex [Ph₃SnS(CH₂)₃SSnPh₃] (1) was synthesized by PdCl₂ catalyzed reaction between Ph₃SnCl and disodium-1,3-propanedithiolate which in turn was prepared from 1,2-propanedithiol and sodium in refluxing THF. Reaction of 1 with Ru₃(CO)₁₂ in refluxing THF affords the mononuclear complex trans-[Ru(CO)₄(SnPh₃)₂] (2) and the dinuclear complex [Ru₂(CO)₆(μ-κ²-SCH₂CH₂CH₂S)] (3) in 20 and 11% yields, respectively, formed by cleavage of Sn-S bond of the ligand and Ru-Ru bonds of the cluster. Treatment of pymSSnPPh₃ (pymS = pyrimidine-2-thiolate) with Ru₃(CO)₁₂ at 55-60 °C also gives 2 in 38% yield. Both 1 and 2 have been characterized by a combination of spectroscopic data and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

The preparation and structural elucidation of uranium (VI) complexes and salts of the phosphorus ylides Ph3PCHCOPh, Ph3PC(COMe)(COPh) and Ph3PCHCOOCH2CH3

The reaction in methanol of the phosphorus ylides Ph₃PCHCOPh, benzoylmethylenetriphenylphosphorane (BPPY), and Ph₃PC(COMe)(COPh), α-acetyl-α-benzoylmethylenetriphenylphosphorane (ABPPY) with UO₂(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O at 273 K leads to the formation of O-coordinated bis(ylide)-uranium (VI) complexes of the type [UO₂(ylide)₂(NO₃)₂], whereas the reaction of BPPY and UO₂(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O under reflux in benzene yields the salt . The reaction of Ph₃PCHCOOCH₂CH₃, carbethoxymethylenetriphenylphosphorane (EPPY) with UO₂(CH₃COO)₂ · 2H₂O produces the salt [H-EPPY]⁺[UO₂(CH₃COO)₃]⁻. The structures of the free ylides ABPPY and EPPY are also discussed.     

[Co{Ph2P(O)CH2P(O)Ph2}3][CoCl4] · 8CHCl3: Crystal structure and formation from [Co2(Ph2PCH2PPh2)(CO)6] in chloroform

When a solution of [Co₂(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)(CO)₆] in chloroform or deuterochloroform is allowed to stand in air at room temperature, it deposits dark green crystals of [Co{Ph₂P(O)CH₂P(O)Ph₂}₃][CoCl₄] · 8CHCl₃. The same product is formed more quickly and in much higher yield (80% based on Co) if the reaction is carried out in the presence of 2 equiv. of [Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂]; the Co^II appears to catalyse the air-oxidation of [Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂]. The salt was characterised by X-ray crystallography and shown to contain octahedral Co^II cations and Co^II tetrahedral anions having normal bond lengths and angles.     

Synthesis and X-ray structure of an octahedral platinum-silver cluster [(Ph3P)2N]2[Pt2Ag4Cl2(C2Ph)8] with disordered silver atoms

Variable-temperature X-ray structural study of the complex [(Ph₃P)₂N]₂[Pt₂Ag₄Cl₂(C₂Ph)₈] prepared by the reaction of cis-[PtCl₂(AsPh₃)₂] and [(Ph₃P)₂N][Ag(C₂Ph)₂] in 1:2 M ratio, revealed isolated (non-polymerised) [Pt₂Ag₄Cl₂(CCPh)₈]²⁻ anions with a pseudo-octahedral arrangement of metal atoms. The Pt atoms (in mutually trans vertices) are each σ-bonded to four alkynyl ligands in a square planar arrangement; these moieties are bridged by four Ag atoms; each silver atom being η²-bonded to two alkynyl groups. Chloride ligands are asymmetrically bridging two opposite Ag-Ag edges. Silver atoms show strong and unusual temperature-dependent disorder.     

Versatile reaction of the potential host system [(Me3Sn) 4Ru(CN) 6]∞ with 4-thiopyridone/4-mercaptopyridine in water

Single crystals of three derivatives of the structurally still incompletely characterized coordination polymer [(Me₃Sn)₄Ru(CN)₆] 1b have been prepared and subjected to crystallographic studies: [1b · 4H₂O]=2b forms stacks of puckered _∞²[Ru{μ-CNSn(Me₃)NC}₂] sheets interlinked by hydrogen bonds in making use of two additional CNSn(Me₃)OH₂ ligands and quasi-zeolitic water. Mild drying of 2b leads to the “missing link” between 1b and 2b, [1b · 2H₂O], 3b. The structure of [1b · 2tp] (tp=4-thiopyridone) consists of a three-dimensional, negatively charged host framework comprising (via Sn-S bonds) one “aromatic” thione linkage and a [Me₃Sn · tp]⁺guest ion involving a more zwitterionic form of tp. Slow uptake of Me₃SnCl from the gas phase by an aqueous solution of K₄[Ru(CN)₆] and tp afforded the novel assembly [1b · 2H₂O · 0.8pms · 0.2pds] (pms/pds=4,4^′-dipyridylmono-/disulfide), the supramolecular architecture of which resembles that of 2b. Bridging pms or pds molecules occupy equivalent interlayer sites, and the pms/pds ratio is likely to vary. At least three further assemblies containing again 1b and either tp or pds/pms have likewise been isolated, however, not as single crystals.     

Electrochemical oxidation of Mo(CO)4(LL) and Mo(CO)3(LL)(CH3CN): Generation, infrared characterization, and reactivity of [Mo(CO)4(LL)] and [Mo(CO)3(LL)(CH3CN)] (LL = 2,2′-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline and related ligands)

Mo(CO)₄(LL) complexes, where LL = polypyridyl ligands such as 2,2′-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline, undergo quasi-reversible, one-electron oxidations in methylene chloride yielding the corresponding radical cations, [Mo(CO)₄(LL)]⁺. These electrogenerated species undergo rapid ligand substitution in the presence of acetonitrile, yielding [Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN)]⁺; rate constants for these substitutions were measured using chronocoulometry and were found to be influenced by the steric and electronic properties of the polypyridyl ligands. [Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN)]⁺ radical cations, which could also be generated by reversible oxidation of Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN) in acetonitrile, can be irreversibly oxidized yielding [Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN)₂]²⁺ after coordination by an additional acetonitrile. Infrared spectroelectrochemical experiments indicate the radical cations undergo ligand-induced net disproportionations that follow first-order kinetics in acetonitrile, ultimately yielding the corresponding Mo(CO)₄(LL) and [Mo(CO)₂(LL)(CH₃CN)₃]²⁺ species. Rate constants for the net disproportionation of [Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN)]⁺ and the carbonyl substitution reaction of [Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN)₂]²⁺ were measured. Thin-layer bulk oxidation studies also provided infrared characterization data of [Mo(CO)₄(ncp)]⁺ (ncp = neocuproine), [Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN)]⁺, [Mo(CO)₃(LL)(CH₃CN)₂]²⁺ and [Mo(CO)₂(LL)(CH₃CN)₃]²⁺ complexes.     

Ultrafast excited-state dynamics of photoisomerizing complexes fac-[Re(Cl)(CO)3(papy)2] and fac-[Re(papy)(CO)3(bpy)] (papy = trans-4-phenylazopyridine)

The character and dynamics of low-lying electronic excited states of the complexes fac-[Re(Cl)(CO)₃(papy)₂] and fac-[Re(papy)(CO)₃(bpy)]⁺ (papy = trans-4-phenylazopyridine) were investigated using stationary (UV-Vis absorption, resonance Raman) and ultrafast time-resolved (visible, IR absorption) spectroscopic methods. Excitation of [Re(Cl)(CO)₃(papy)₂] at 400 nm is directed to ¹ππ^∗(papy) and Re → papy ¹MLCT excited states. Ultrafast (?1.4 ps) intersystem crossing (ISC) to ³nπ^∗(papy) follows. Excitation of [Re(papy)(CO)₃(bpy)]⁺ is directed to ¹ππ^∗(papy), ¹MLCT(papy) and ¹MLCT(bpy). The states ³nπ^∗(papy) and ³MLCT(bpy) are then populated simultaneously in less then 0.8 ps. The ³MLCT(bpy) state decays to ³nπ^∗(papy) with a 3 ps time constant. ³nπ^∗(papy) is the lowest excited state for both complexes. It undergoes vibrational cooling and partial rotation around the -NN- bond, to form an intermediate with a nonplanar papy ligand in less than 40 ps. This species then undergoes ISC to the ground state potential energy surface, on which the trans and cis isomers are formed by reverse and forward intraligand papy rotation, respectively. This process occurs with a time constant of 120 and 100 ps for [Re(Cl)(CO)₃(papy)₂] and [Re(papy)(CO)₃(bpy)]⁺, respectively. It is concluded that coordination of papy to the Re center accelerates the ISC, switching the photochemistry from singlet to triplet excited states. Comparison with analogous 4-styrylpyridine complexes (M. Busby, P. Matousek, M. Towrie, A. Vl?ek Jr., J. Phys. Chem. A 109 (2005) 3000) reveals similarities of the decay mechanism of excited states of Re complexes with ligands containing -NN- and -CC- bonds. Both involve sub-picosecond ISC to triplets, partial rotation around the double bond and slower ISC to the trans or cis ground state. This process is about 200 times faster for the -NN- bonded papy ligand. The intramolecular energy transfer from the ³MLCT-excited ^∗Re(CO)₃(bpy) chromophore to the intraligand state of the axial ligand occurs for both L = stpy and papy with a comparable rate of a few ps.     

Bifunctional chelates with mixed aromatic and aliphatic amine donors for labeling of biomolecules with the {Tc(CO)3} and {Re(CO)3} cores

A series of tridentate ligands consisting of mixed aromatic and aliphatic amine derivatives of single amino acid chelates and phenylpiperazine have been developed, and their reactions with [NEt₄]₂[ReBr₃(CO)₃] have been investigated. The compounds [Re(CO)₃{(NC₅H₄CH₂)NCH₃(C₂H₄)NHCH₃}]Br (4), [Re(CO)₃{(NC₅H₄CH₂)NCH₃(C₂H₄)NCH₃(CH₂)_xCOOC₂H₅}]Br (x = 1, 5; x = 4, 6) [Re(CO)₃{(NC₅H₄CH₂)NH(C₂H₄)N(CH₃)₂}]Br (7), [Re(CO)₃{(NC₅H₄CH₂)N(CH ₂COOC₂H₅)(C₂H₄)N(CH₃)₂}]Br (8) and [Re(CO)₃(NC₅H₄CH₂)(C₂H₄NH₂)N(CH₂)₃-CH₃Ophenpip]Br (9) (phenpip: phenylpiperazine, -C₆H₄-(CH₂CH₂)₂N-) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, NMR, IR, HSMS and X-ray crystallography. All complexes exhibit fac-{Re(CO)₃N₃} coordination geometry in the cationic molecular unit. Crystal data for C₁₃H₁₇BrN₃O₃Re (4): orthorhombic, Pbca, a = 13.4510(8) Å, b = 10.5728(6) Å, c = 22.5378(13) Å, V = 3205.2(3) ų, Z = 8; C₁₇H₂₃BrN₃O₅Re (5): orthorhombic, Pcca, a = 16.5907(7) Å,b = 14.8387(6) Å, c = 16.7075(7) Å, V = 4113.1(3) ų, Z = 8; C₁₃H₂₅BrN₃O₇Re (7 · 4H₂O): monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 14.0698(17) Å, b = 9.6760(12) Å, c = 15.6099 (19) Å, β = 114.930(2)°, V = 1927.1(4) ų, Z = 4; C₁₇H₂₃BrN₃O₅Re (8): monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 7.5312(5) Å, b = 16.0366(10) Å, c = 16.8741(10) Å, β = 98.9990(10)°, V = 2012.9(2) ų, Z = 4.     

Single molecule magnet: Heterodinuclear cyano-bridged cubic cluster [(Tp)8Fe4Ni4(CN)12] (Tp = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate)

The octanuclear cyano-bridged cluster [(Tp)₈Fe₄Ni₄(CN)₁₂] · H₂O · 24CH₃CN (1) (Tp = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate) showing magnetic properties of single-molecule magnet has been synthesized by reaction of [fac-Fe(Tp)(CN)₃]⁻ with {(Tp)Ni(NO₃)} species formed from an equimolar reaction mixture of Ni(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O and KTp in MeCN. The X-ray analysis of 1 shows molecular cube structure in which Fe^III and Ni^II ions reside in alternate corners. The average intramolecular Fe?Ni distance is 5.124 Å. Out-of-phase ac susceptibility and reduce magnetization measurements show that 1 is a single molecule magnet with ground spin state S = 6 and spin reversal energy barrier U = 14 K. Magnetic hysteresis loops were also observed by applying fast sweeping field.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of dinuclear iridium hydrido complex with 3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)tetrazine, [Ir2(H)4(PPh3)4(bptz)](PF6)2 · 4CH2Cl2

Reaction of the precursor Ir complex [Ir(H)₂(PPh₃)₂(Me₂CO)₂]PF₆ with 3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)tetrazine (bptz) in CH₂Cl₂ gave a novel dinuclear Ir hydrido complex [Ir₂(H)₄(PPh₃)₄(bptz)](PF₆)₂ · 4CH₂Cl₂. Crystallographic study described an interesting coordination environment having a π-π interaction and ¹H NMR study showed unique upfield shifts of pyridyl rings that are likely induced by the ring current effect of neighboring PPh₃ ligands.     

Substitution reactions of tetrahydrofuran in [Cr(thf)3Cl3] with mono and bidentate N-donor ligands: X-ray crystal structures of [Cr(bipy)(OH2)Cl3] and [HpyNH2][Cr(bipy)Cl4]

Substitution of thf ligands in [Cr(thf)₃Cl₃] and [Cr(thf)₂(OH₂)Cl₃] was investigated. 2,2′-Bipyridine (bipy) was reacted with [Cr(thf)₃Cl₃] to form [Cr(bipy)(thf)Cl₃] (1), which was subsequently reacted with water to give [Cr(bipy)(OH₂)Cl₃] (2). Reaction of 1 with acetonitrile (CH₃CN), pyridine (py) and pyridine derivatives to form [Cr(bipy)(L)Cl₃] (L = CH₃CN 3, py 4 and 4-pyR with R = NH₂5, Bu^t6 and Ph 7). In addition, the substitution of bipy in [Cr(thf)₃Cl₃] was followed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy at room temperature, which showed completion of the reaction in ca. 100 min. Complex 2 was characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The theoretical powder diffraction pattern of 2 was compared to the experimentally obtained powder X-ray diffraction pattern, and shows excellent agreement. The dimer [Cr₂(bipy)₂Cl₄(μ-Cl)₂] was cleaved asymmetrically to give the anionic complex [Cr(bipy)Cl₄]⁻ (8) and [Cr(bipy)₂Cl₂]⁺ (9). Complexes 8 and 9 were characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

[S2], [S3], and [N3] coordination modes of hydrotris(thioxotriazolyl)borato. Zinc, nickel, cobalt, and bismuth complexes

The ligand hydrotris(1,4-dihydro-3-methyl-4-phenyl-5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazolyl)borato (Tr^Ph,Me) was synthetized as natrium salt and the complexes [Zn(Tr^Ph,Me)₂] · 7.5H₂O · 1.5CH₃CN (2a), [Zn(Tr^Ph,Me)₂] · 8DMF (2b), [Co(Tr^Ph,Me)₂] · 8DMF (3a), [Ni(Tr^Ph,Me)₂] · H₂O · 6DMSO (4a), [Bi(Tr^Ph,Me)₂]NO₃ (5), have been isolated and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. In the zinc derivatives the ligand adopts different denticity and coordination modes, η² and [S₂] for 2a and η³ and [N₃] for 2b, depending on the crystallization solvent, giving rise to tetrahedral and octahedral geometry, respectively. In the octahedral cobalt and nickel complexes the ligand is η³ and [N₃] coordinated whereas in the bismuth complex the η³ and [S₃] coordination is exhibited.     

Complexes of the fac-{Re(CO)3} core with tridentate ligands derived from arylpiperazines

Arylpiperazines, XC₆H₄N(CH₂CH₂)₂NH, are readily alkylated to give the N-alkylpiperazines of the type XC₆H₄N(CH₂CH₂)₂N(CH₂)_nNH₂. The amine functions of these derivatives are in turn easily subjected to mono- or dialkylation to provide potentially tridentate ligands of the types XC₆H₄N(CH₂CH₂)₂N(CH₂)_nN(H)(CH₂Y) and XC₆H₄N(CH₂CH₂)₂N(CH₂)_nN(CH₂Y)(CH₂Z), respectively. The latter class of dialkylated derivatives may be symmetrically (Y=Z) or unsymmetrically (Y ≠ Z) substituted. The donor groups Y and Z of this study include pyridine, imidazole, methyl-imidazole, thiazole, carboxylate and thiolate.The reactions of these ligands with [NEt₄]₂[Re(CO)₃Br₃] yield complexes of the type [Re(CO)₃{(YCH₂)N(H)(CH₂)_n(H)_xN(CH₂CH₂)₂N(H)_yC₆H₄X}]ⁿ and [Re(CO)₃{(ZCH₂)(YCH₂)N(CH₂)_n(H)_xN(CH₂CH₂)₂N(H)_yC₆H₄X}]ⁿ where the molecular charge n (0, +1, or +2) depends on the nature of the donor groups Y and Z (whether neutral or anionic or a combination of neutral and anionic) and on the degree of protonation of the piperazine unit (x=0 or 1; y=0 or 1). This variety of tridentate chelators provides complexes with fac-{Re(CO)₃N₃}, {Re(CO)₃N₂O}, {Re(CO)₃NO₂}, {Re(CO)₃N₂S} and {Re(CO)₃NS₂} coordination geometries. The structures of the model compound [Re(CO)₃{(CH₃N₂C₃H₂CH₂)N(H)CH₂CH₂-piperidine}]Br · H₂O, [Re(CO)₃{(CH₃N₂C₃H₂CH₂)N(H)CH₂CH₂-Fphenpip}]Br, [Re(CO)₃{(NC₅H₄CH₂)N(H)CH₂CH₂-Fphenpip}]Br, [Re(CO)₃{(O₂CCH₂)₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂-CH₃OphenpipH}] · xCH₃OH (x≈0.875), [Re(CO)₃{(NC₅H₄CH₂)₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂-CH₃OphenpipH}]Br₂ · 2CH₂Cl₂ · H₂O and [Re(CO)₃{(CH₃N₂C₃H₂CH₂)(O₂CCH₂)NCH₂CH₂CH₂-CH₃OphenpipH₂}]BrCl · 1.5CH₃OH · H₂O are discussed (phenpip: phenylpiperazine, -C₆H₄N(CH₂CH₂)₂N-).     

Synthesis and structural characterization of trans-[Mo2(H2DMepyF)2(CH3CN)4](BF4)6 (HDMepyF=N,N-di(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)formamidine)

Reaction of Mo₂(O₂CCH₃)₂(DMepyF)₂ (HDMepyF=N,N^′-di(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)formamidine) with HBF₄ in CH₂Cl₂/CH₃CN afforded the complex trans-[Mo₂(H₂DMepyF)₂(CH₃CN)₄](BF₄)₆ (1), which crystallized in two forms, trans-[Mo₂(H₂DMepyF)₂(CH₃CN)₄](ax-CH₃CN)₂(BF ₄)₆ · 2CH₃CN (1a), and trans- [Mo₂(H₂DMepyF)₂(CH₃CN)₄](ax-BF₄) ₂(BF₄)₄ · 2CH₃CN (1b). The molecular structures of complexes (1) consist of two quadruply bonded molybdenum atoms, which are spanned by two trans-bridging formamidinate ligands and coordinated by four trans-CH₃CN. Each H₂DMepyF⁺ ligand adopts an s-cis,s-cis- conformation. The difference between 1a and 1b is that complex 1a contains two CH₃CN molecules as axial ligands, while 1b contains two BF₄⁻ anions as axial ligands. Complex 1 is the first dimolybdenum complex containing a pair of trans bridging ligands and two pairs of trans-CH₃CN ligands.     

Gold acyls and imidoyls prepared from anionic Fischer-type carbene complexes

Reaction of [(CO)₅WC(O)Ph]Li or [(CO)₅WC(O)Ph]NBu₄ with Ph₃PAuCl affords acyl complexes of gold. In the latter conversion, both the crystalline products [(CO)₅WCl]NBu₄ (2) and Ph₃PAuC(O)Ph (3) have been isolated and fully characterised. Similarly, imidoyl gold compounds (4-8) result from deprotonated aminocarbene complexes, [(CO)₅MC(NR²)R¹]Li (M = Cr, W; R¹ = Ph, Me; R² = H, Me) and Ph₃PAuCl. Crystal and molecular structure determinations of dinuclear [Ph₃PAuC(NH)Ph] · Cr(CO)₅ (6) show N-coordination of the chromium carbonyl unit that selectively affords a Z-isomer.     

Assisted self-association of dicyanoaurate, [Au(CN)2], and dicyanoargentate, [Ag(CN)2], through hydrogen bonding to metal ammonia complexes

The salts - yellow [Cr(NH₃)₆][Ag(CN)₂]₃ · 2H₂O, red [Co(NH₃)₆][Ag(CN)₂]₃ · 2H₂O, red [Co(NH₃)₆][Au(CN)₂]₃ · 2H₂O, pale yellow [Ru(NH₃)₆][Ag(CN)₂]₃ · 2H₂O, yellow K[Cr(NH₃)₆]₂[Au(CN)₂]₇ · 4H₂O, and colorless [(μ²-NH₂)₂Pt₂(NH₃)₁₀][Au(CN)₂]₆ · 5.5{OS(CH₃)₂} · 0.5H₂O - have been prepared by evaporation of aqueous solutions of potassium dicyanoargenate or potassium dicyanoaurate and salts of the appropriate cations. Hydrogen bonding between the cations and the cyano groups of the anions facilitates the formation of structures with strong metallophilic interactions between the anions. Thus, the [Au(CN)₂]⁻ or [Ag(CN)₂]⁻ ions self-associate into linear trimers in the isostructural set of crystals, [Cr(NH₃)₆][Ag(CN)₂]₃ · 2H₂O (Ag?Ag distance; 3.1610(4) Å), [Co(NH₃)₆][Ag(CN)₂]₃ · 2H₂O (Ag?Ag distance; 3.1557(2) Å), [Co(NH₃)₆][Au(CN)₂]₃ · 2H₂O (Au?Au distance; 3.0939(4) Å), and [Ru(NH₃)₆][Ag(CN)₂]₃ · 2H₂O (Ag?Ag distance; 3.1584(5) Å). Crystalline [(μ²-NH₂)₂Pt₂(NH₃)₁₀][Au(CN)₂]₆ · 5.5{OS(CH₃)₂} · 0.5H₂O also contains nearly linear trimers of the dicyanoaurate ion. Yellow crystals of K[Cr(NH₃)₆]₂[Au(CN)₂]₇ · 4H₂O contain a centrosymmetric, bent chain of seven dicyanoaurate ions with Au?Au separations of 3.1806(3), 3.2584(4), and 3.1294(4) Å.     

Halo-complexes of titanium(III): The thermochromic behaviour of [NBu4][TiCl4(THF)2]

TiCl₃(thf)₃ reacts with ACl (A = NBu₄, PPN; PPN = Ph₃PNPPh₃) in dichloromethane solution, affording the compounds A[TiCl₄(thf)₂] (A = NBu₄, 1; A = PPN, 2). Compound 1, dissolved in CH₂Cl₂, exhibits thermochromic behaviour which has been the subject of variable-temperature UV-Vis investigations.     

Kinetic studies on the reactions of HCl with trans-[MoL(CNPh)(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)2] (L=N2, H2 or CO)

The kinetics of the reactions between anhydrous HCl and trans-[MoL(CNPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂] (L=CO, N₂ or H₂) have been studied in thf at 25.0 °C. When L=CO, the product is [MoH(CO)(CNPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]⁺, and when L=H₂ or N₂ the product is trans-[MoCl(CNHPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]. Using stopped-flow spectrophotometry reveals that the protonation chemistry of trans-[MoL(CNPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂] is complicated. It is proposed that in all cases protonation occurs initially at the nitrogen atom of the isonitrile ligand to form trans-[MoL(CNHPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]⁺. Only when L=N₂ is this single protonation sufficient to labilise L to dissociation, and subsequent binding of Cl⁻ gives trans-[MoCl(CNHPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]. At high concentrations of HCl a second protonation occurs which inhibits the substitution. It is proposed that this second proton binds to the dinitrogen ligand. When L=CO or H₂, a second protonation is also observed but in these cases the second protonation is proposed to occur at the carbon atom of the aminocarbyne ligand, generating trans-[MoL(CHNHPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]²⁺. Addition of the second proton labilises the trans-H₂ to dissociation, and subsequent rapid binding of Cl⁻ and dissociation of a proton yields the product trans-[MoCl(CNHPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]. Dissociation of L=CO does not occur from trans-[Mo(CO)(CHNHPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]²⁺, but rather migration of the proton from carbon to molybdenum, and dissociation of the other proton produces [MoH(CO)(CNPh)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂]⁺.     

Interactions of tertiary phosphines with p-benzoquinones; X-ray structures of [HO(CH2)3]3PC6H2(O)(OH)(MeO) and Ph3PC6H3(O)(OH)

Phosphonium zwitterions of a known type were obtained in high yield via a 1:1 reaction of p-benzoquinone or methoxy-p-benzoquinone with the tertiary phosphines R₃P [R = (CH₂)₃OH, Ph, Et, Me] and Ph₂MeP, in acetone or benzene at room temperature. In all cases, attack of the P-atom occurs at a C-atom rather than at an O-atom. The products were characterized to various degrees by elemental analysis, ³¹P{¹H}, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies, and mass spectrometry, and two of the zwitterions, the new [HO(CH₂)₃]₃P⁺C₆H₂(O⁻)(OH)(MeO) and the known Ph₃P⁺C₆H₃(O⁻)(OH), were structurally characterized by X-ray analysis. The PEt₃ reaction also produces small amounts of the ‘dimeric’, μ-oxo co-product Et₃P⁺C₆H₂(O⁻)(OH)-O-C₆H₃(O⁻)P⁺Et₃ that is tentatively characterized by 1D- and 2D-NMR data. 2,5-Di-tert-butyl- and 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-p-benzoquinone do not react with [HO(CH₂)₃]₃P under the conditions noted above. Heating D₂O solutions of the water-soluble zwitterions R₃P⁺C₆H₃(O⁻)(OH) [R = (CH₂)₃OH, Et] at 90 °C for 72 h leads to complete H/D exchange of the H-atom in the position ortho to the phosphonium center.     

A bicarbonate bridged diruthenium(I) complex: Key evidence for the decarboxylation step in the base-assisted reduction of Ru2Cl4(CO)6

Base-assisted reduction of [Ru(CO)₃Cl₂]₂ in the presence of NP-Me₂ (2,7-dimethyl-1,8-naphthyridine) in thf provides an unsupported diruthenium(I) complex [Ru₂(CO)₄Cl₂(NP-Me₂)₂] (1). Two NP-Me₂ and four carbonyls bind at equatorial positions and two chlorides occupy sites trans to the Ru-Ru single bond. Reaction of [Ru(CO)₃Cl₂]₂, TlOTf, KOH and NP-Me₂ in acetonitrile, in a sealed container, affords a bicarbonate bridged diruthenium(I) complex [Ru₂(CO)₂(μ-CO)₂(μ-O₂COH)(NP-Me₂)₂](OTf) (2). The in situ generated CO₂ is the source for bicarbonate under basic reaction medium. Isolation of 2 validates the decarboxylation step in the base-assisted reduction of [Ru^II(CO)₃Cl₂]₂ → [Ru^I₂(CO)₄]²⁺.