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.     

Scandium and yttrium complexes of a heteroscorpionate [N,N,O]-donor-set ligand: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity in ethylene polymerization

New scandium and yttrium complexes ScL₂(bpzmp)(THF) {L = Cl (1); L = CH₂Si(CH₃)₃ (3)}, YL₂(bpzmp) {L = Cl (2); L = OTf (5)} and Y(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(bpzmp)(THF) (4) bearing the heteroscorpionate bpzmp ligand {bpzmp = (3,5-^tBu₂-2-phenoxo)bis(3,5-Me₂-pyrazol-1-yl)methane} have been synthesized and characterized by means of NMR and Mass spectroscopy. The tridentate monoanionic ligand resulted κ³-coordinated to the metal via the oxygen and both the sp² nitrogen atoms of the heterocycles, producing complexes in C_S symmetry.The behavior of 1-4 in ethylene polymerization was investigated after proper activation with different activating agents. Complex 4, in combination with the Brönsted or Lewis acids [PhNMe₂H][B(C₆F₅)₄] or [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄], produced linear high molecular weight polyethylene in good yield.     

Exchange of isonitrile ligands in the complex [Mo(O)Cl(CNMe)4] by the tetraphos ligand prP4: Stereochemical influences on the reaction course

Reaction of [Mo(O)Cl(CNMe)₄]⁺ with the linear tetraphos ligand meso and rac prP₄ leads to a mixture of [Mo(O)Cl(κ⁴-meso-prP₄)]⁺ and [Mo(O)Cl(CNMe)(κ³-rac-prP₄)]⁺ which are identified by X-ray structural analysis and/or ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. In the meso κ⁴-product both of the phenyl groups of the central phosphorus atoms are oriented towards the oxo ligand whereas in the rac κ³-product one of these phenyl groups is oriented to the oxo and the other to the chloro ligand. The origin of the different coordination modes lies in the different steric demands of the oxo and chloro ligands. The influences of the steric interactions are enhanced by the fact that exchange of the fourth isonitrile is difficult. This hypothesis is supported by the preparation of the complex [Mo(O)Cl(CNMe)(dpepp)]PF₆ whose isonitrile ligand is inert towards exchange by monophosphines, even under drastic conditions.     

2-Mercapto-1-t-butylimidazolyl as a bridging ligand: Synthesis and structural characterization of nickel and palladium paddlewheel complexes

Nickel and palladium paddlewheel complexes that feature 2-mercapto-1-t-butylimidazolyl (mim^But) bridging ligands, namely Ni₂[mim^But]₄ and Pd₂[mim^But]₄, have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. Since the mim^But ligand bridges in an asymmetric manner via a sulfur and nitrogen donor, paddlewheel compounds of the type M₂[mim^But]₄ may exist as isomers that are distinguished by the relative orientations of the ligands. In this regard, the (4,0)-Ni₂[mim^But]₄ and trans-(2,2)-Ni₂[mim^But]₄ isomers have been isolated for the nickel system, while the (4,0)-Pd₂[mim^But]₄ and (3,1)-Pd₂[mim^But]₄ isomers have been isolated for the palladium system.     

Copper(I)-organophosphine complexes of bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)dithioacetate ligand

Copper(I) complexes have been synthesized from the reaction of CuCl, monodentate tertiary phosphines PR₃ (PR₃ = P(C₆H₅)₃; P(C₆H₅)₂(4-C₆H₄COOH); P(C₆H₅)₂(2-C₆H₄COOH); PTA, 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane; P(CH₂OH)₃, tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine) and lithium bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)dithioacetate, Li[LCS₂]. Mono-nuclear complexes of the type [LCS₂]Cu[PR₃] have been obtained and characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, ESI-MS and multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P) NMR spectral data; in these complexes the ligand behaves as a κ³-N,N,S scorpionate system. One exception to this stoichiometry was observed in the complex [LCS₂]Cu[P(CH₂OH)₃]₂, where two phosphine co-ligands are coordinated to the copper(I) centre. The solid-state X-ray crystal structure of [LCS₂]Cu[P(C₆H₅)₃] has been determined. The [LCS₂]Cu[P(C₆H₅)₃] complex has a pseudo tetrahedral copper site where the bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)dithioacetate ligand acts as a κ³-N,N,S donor.     

Heteroligand copper(I) complexes of N-thiophosphorylated thioureas and phosphanes: Versatile structures and luminescence

Reaction of the potassium salts of (EtO)₂P(O)CH₂C₆H₄-4-(NHC(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂) (HL^I), (CH₂NHC(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂)₂ (H₂L^II) or cyclam(C(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)₂)₄ (H₄L^III) with [Cu(PPh₃)₃I] or a mixture of CuI and Ph₂P(CH₂)_1-3PPh₂ or Ph₂P(C₅H₄FeC₅H₄)PPh₂ in aqueous EtOH/CH₂Cl₂ leads to [Cu(PPh₃)L^I] (1), [Cu₂(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)₂L^II] (2), [Cu{Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂}L^I] (3), [Cu{Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂}L^I] (4), [Cu{Ph₂P(C₅H₄FeC₅H₄)PPh₂}L^I] (5), [Cu₂(PPh₃)₂L^II] (6), [Cu₂(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)L^II] (7), [Cu₂{Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂}₂L^II] (8), [Cu₂{Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂}₂L^II] (9), [Cu₂{Ph₂P(C₅H₄FeC₅H₄)PPh₂}₂L^II] (10), [Cu₈(Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂)₈L^IIII₄] (11), [Cu₄{Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂}₄L^III] (12), [Cu₄{Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂}₄L^III] (13) or [Cu₄{Ph₂P(C₅H₄FeC₅H₄)PPh₂}₄L^III] (14) complexes. The structures of these compounds were investigated by IR, ¹H, ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy; their compositions were examined by microanalysis. The luminescent properties of the complexes 1-14 in the solid state are reported.     

Complexes of 2-acetyl-gamma-butyrolactone and 2-furancarbaldehyde thiosemicarbazones: antibacterial and antifungal activity

Cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc coordination compounds of two thiosemicarbazones with general composition ML₂ (L: monodeprotonated ligand corresponding to 2-acetyl-γ-butyrolactone thiosemicarbazone, HL¹, and 2-furancarbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone, HL²) and also complexes with general composition MCl₂(HL²) were synthesized (except [NiCl₂(HL²)] and [Co(L²)₂]). The interaction of CuCl₂ with HL² gave [CuCl(HL²)], a copper(I) complex. The ligands and metal complexes were characterized by IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The crystal structure of [Ni(L²)₂] · 2dmso was determined and a trans-square planar coordination of the two κ²-N,S chelate rings forming polymeric strips through H-bonds with dmso was observed. Actually, in all the reported complexes both ligands behaved as κ²-N,S chelates, except in the case of [Co(L¹)₂] in which HL¹ is tridentate κ³-N,S,O. The antimicrobial properties of all compounds were studied using a wide spectrum of bacterial and fungal strains. The copper complexes of HL² were the most active against all strains, including dermatophytes and phytopathogenic fungi. Most of the studied compounds, especially [Cu(L¹)₂], presented good activity against Haemophilus influenzae, a very harmful bacterium to humans.     

Unusual ruthenium hydride complexes supported by the [N(2-PPh2-4-Me-C6H3)2] pincer ligand

Complexes of Ru(II) containing the pincer ligand [⁻N(2-PPh₂-4-Me-C₆H₃)₂] (PNP^Ph) were prepared. The complex (PNP^PhH)RuCl₂ (1) was treated with 2 equiv AgOTf to produce the triflate complex (PNP^PhH)Ru(OTf)₂ (2). Complex 1 was also treated with an excess of NaBH₄ to give a bimetallic complex [(PNP^Ph)RuH₃]₂ (3). A number of methods, including X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and computational studies, were used to probe the structure of 3. Addition of Lewis bases to 3 resulted in octahedral complexes containing a hydride ligand trans to a dihydrogen ligand.     

Synthesis of the manganese-monocarbollide dianion [1-NHBu-2,2,2-(CO)3-closo-2,1-MnCB10H10]: Reactions with transition metal cations

Reaction of [Mn(NCMe)₃(CO)₃][PF₆] with Li₃[7-NHBu^t-nido-7-CB₁₀H₁₀] in THF (THF = tetrahydrofuran) affords the twelve-vertex manganacarborane dianion [1-NHBu^t-2,2,2-(CO)₃-closo-2,1-MnCB₁₀H₁₀]²⁻, isolated as the bis-[N(PPh₃)₂]⁺ salt (5a). This species reacts with {Pt(dppe)}²⁺ (dppe = Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂) to afford the bimetallic complex [1-NH₂Bu^t-2,3-{Pt(dppe)}-2,2,2-(CO)₃-closo-2,1-MnCB₁₀H₉] (7) which has an Mn-Pt bond. In contrast, with {Cu(PPh₃)}⁺ the anion of 5a yields a CuMnCu trimetallic compound [1-{NH(Bu^t)Cu(PPh₃)}-2,3,7-{Cu(PPh₃)}-3,7-(μ-H)₂-2,2,2-(CO)₃-closo-2,1-MnCB₁₀H₈] (8) in which one of the Cu centers is bonded to Mn, whilst the other is attached to the pendant NHBu^t group. Upon treatment with Ag⁺, compound 5a is oxidized giving the very unusual Mn(III)-carbonyl complex [1,2-μ-NHBu^t-2,2,2-(CO)₃-closo-2,1-MnCB₁₀H₁₀] (9a) in which the carborane ligand formally acts as an eight-electron donor to manganese. The novel structural features of compounds 7, 8, and 9a have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies.     

Hyponitrite complexes: Crystal and molecular structure of [Ru2(CO)4(μ-PBu2)(μ-Ph2PCH2PPh2)(μ-η-ONNOMe)]

The new trans-hyponitrite derivative complex [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-P^tBu₂)(μ-dppm)(μ-η²-ONNOMe)] (2, dppm = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) was prepared by deprotonation of [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-H)(μ-P^tBu₂)(μ-dppm)(μ-η²-ONNOMe)][BF₄] (1) with the base DBU (1.8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene). The latter complex salt has been obtained in an improved synthesis starting from the trans-hyponitrite complex [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-H)(μ-P^tBu₂)(μ-dppm)(μ-η²-ONNO)]. Compound 2 has been characterized by spectroscopic methods as well as by X-ray diffraction and represents the first neutral complex bearing a deprotonated monoester of the hyponitrous acid as the bridging ligand.     

Syntheses and spectroscopic and structural characterization of silver(I) complexes containing tris(isobutyl)phosphine and poly(azol-1-yl)borates

Silver(I) derivatives [Ag(L)(PⁱBu₃)] (L = H₂B(tz)₂ (dihydrobis(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)borate), HB(tz)₃ (hydrotris(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)borate), Tp (hydrotris(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)borate), Tp∗ (hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)borate), Tp^Me (hydrotris(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)borate), Tp^CF3 (hydrotris(3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)borate), Tp^4Br (hydrotris(4-bromo-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)borate), HB(btz)₃ (hydrotris(1H-1,2,4-benzotriazol-1-yl)borate), Tm (hydrotris(3-methy-1-imidazolyl-2-thione)borate), pzTp (tetrakis(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)borate), pz⁰Tp^Me (tetrakis(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)borate) have been synthesized from the reaction of [Ag(NO₃)(PⁱBu₃)₂] with ML (M = Na or K) and characterized both in solution (¹H- and ³¹P{¹H} NMR, ESI MS spectroscopy, conductivity) and in the solid state (IR, single crystal X-ray structure analysis). These complexes are air-stable and light-sensitive and non-electrolytes in CH₂Cl₂ and acetone in which they slowly decompose, even with the strict exclusion of oxygen and light, yielding metallic silver and/or azolate (Az) species of formula [Ag(Az)(PⁱBu₃)_x] upon breaking of the bridging B-N_(azole) bond. The solid state structures of [Ag(Tp)(PⁱBu₃)], [Ag(Tp^Me)(PⁱBu₃)], [Ag(Tp^CF3)(PⁱBu₃)], [Ag{HB(btz)₃}(PⁱBu₃)], and [Ag(Tm)(PⁱBu₃)] show that the silver atom adopts a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry. [Ag(L)(PPh₃)] can be easily obtained from the reaction of [Ag(L)(PⁱBu₃)] with excess PPh₃, whereas from the reverse reaction of [Ag(L)(PPh₃)] with PⁱBu₃a mixture of [Ag(L)(PⁱBu₃)] and [Ag(L)]₂ and [Ag(L)(PPh₃)] was recovered. ³¹P{¹H} NMR variable temperature NMR studies showed that in the pz⁰Tp^x derivatives the scorpionate ligand acts as a bidentate donor, whereas tridentate coordination is found for all tris(azolyl)borate derivatives, both in solution and in the solid state. ESI MS data suggest the existence in solution of species such as [Ag(PⁱBu₃)₂]⁺ upon dissociation of the L ligand, and also the formation of dimeric species of the form [Ag₂(L)(PⁱBu₃)₂]⁺.     

Syntheses and structures of calcium and ytterbium bis(diphosphanylamido) complexes

Bis(diphosphanylamido) complexes of calcium and ytterbium, [{(Ph₂P)₂N}₂M(THF)₃] (M = Ca (1), Yb (2)), have been prepared by reaction of [K(THF)_nN(PPh₂)₂] (n = 1.25, 1.5) and MI₂. The single crystal X-ray structures of compounds 1 and 2 always show a η²-coordination of the ligand via the nitrogen and one phosphorus atom. In solution a dynamic behavior of the ligand is observed, which is caused by the rapid exchange of the two different phosphorus atoms.     

Two novel oxomolybdenum complexes derived from the reaction of chlorotrisulfidomolybdate precursor with a pyridine-containing tridentate ligand

Reaction of chlorotrisulfidomolybdate [PPh₄][MoClS₃] (1) with one equivalent of tridentate ligand PyCH₂NHC₂H₄SNa (PyNSNa) in THF generated both a mononuclear and a dinuclear complexes, [PPh₄][(PyNS)MoO(η²-S₂)₂] (2) and [PPh₄][(PyNS)Mo(O)(μ-S)₂Mo(S)(η²-S₂)]·0.5MeCN (3·0.5MeCN). These two complexes were separated mechanically and fully characterized using IR, UV/Vis spectra, ¹H NMR spectra and X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. In both complexes, one terminal sulfido ligand was substituted by one oxo group. In complex 3, two types of intermolecular hydrogen bonding in its solid state led to a 1-D structure in which each unit was a dimmer formed via hydrogen bonding.     

3,5-Bis(diphenylphosphinoethyl)pyrazolate ligand (PNNP) and its dirhodium complexes: Comparison with related quadridentate dinucleating diphenylphosphinomethyl (PNNP) and phthalazine derivatives (PNNP)

Dirhodium carbonyl complex with the 3,5-bis(diphenylphosphinoethyl)pyrazolato ligand (PNNP^C2), [(μ-κ²:κ²-PNNP^C2)Rh₂(CO)₃]BF₄, is prepared and its reactivity is studied as compared with the previously reported 3,5-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyrazolate (PNNP), [(μ-κ²:κ²-PNNP){Rh(CO)₂}₂]BF₄, and 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)phthalazine (PNNP^Ph) derivatives, [(μ-κ²:κ²-PNNP^Ph){Rh(CO)₂}₂](BF₄)₂. The three quadridentate ligands are different in the size of the central ring and the charge; six-membered ring/neutral (PNNP^C2) vs. five-membered ring/mono-negative (PNNP) vs. six-membered ring/neutral (PNNP^Ph). The number of the carbonyl ligands (n) in the dirhodium carbonyl complexes, [(μ-PNNP)Rh₂(CO)_n](BF₄)_x, is dependent on the dinucleating ligand: n = 2 (PNNP^Ph), 3 (PNNP^C2) and 4 (PNNP^Py). The three dirhodium carbonyl complexes serve as 4e-acceptors, and their reactivities turn out to be very similar as can be seen from formation of the analogous, unique tetranuclear μ₄-acetylide ([(μ-PNNP)₂{Rh(CO)}₄(μ₄-CC-R)](BF₄)_x) and μ₄-dicarbide complexes ([(μ-PNNP)₂{Rh(CO)}₄(μ₄-C₂)](BF₄)_x).     

Organotin(IV) 4-methoxyphenylethanoates: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, X-ray structures and in vitro anticancer activity against human prostate cell lines (PC-3)

A series of organotin(IV) carboxylates, [Bu₂SnL₂] (1), [Et₂SnL₂] (2), [Me₂SnL₂] (3), [Bu₃SnL]_n(4), [Me₆Sn₂L₂]_n(5), [Ph₃SnL]_n(6) and [Oct₂SnL₂] (7), where L = O₂CCH₂C₆H₄OCH₃-4, have been synthesized. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn). Based on spectroscopic results, the ligand appeared to coordinate to the Sn atom through COO moiety. Single crystal analysis has shown a bridging behavior of ligand in tributyl- and trimethyltin(IV) derivatives, and a chelating bidentate mode in diethyltin(IV) complex. Bioassay results have shown that these compounds have good antibacterial, antifungal and antitumor activity. The activity against prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3) decreased in the order 1 > 5 > 2 > 3 > 7.     

Rhenium(III) and rhenium(V) complexes stabilized by the potentially tetradentate ligand tris(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)amine

The reaction of the rhenium(V) nitrido complex [Re(N)Cl₂(PPh₃)₂] with the tripodal ligand N(CH₂CH₂PPh₂)₃ (NP₃) in THF gave [Re(N)Cl₂(η²-P,P-NP₃)] (1) in which NP₃ acts as a tridentate ligand using the nitrogen and two phosphorus donors for coordination. Refluxing 1 in a polar solvent such as ethanol produced [(η⁴-NP₃)Re(N)Cl]Cl (2) in which NP₃ acts as a tetradentate ligand. Treatment of complex [Re(O)Cl₃(AsPh₃)₂] containing the [ReO]³⁺ core with NP₃ in THF yielded [ReCl₃{η³-N,P,P-(N{CH₂CH₂Ph₂}₂{CH₂CH₂P(O)Ph₂})}] (3). Complexes 1 and 3 have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

New phospholyl complexes of groups 4 and 6: Syntheses, characterisation and polymerisation studies

[M(P₃C₂^tBu₂)(CO)₃I] (M = Mo, 1, W, 2) have been synthesised and reacted with PCl₅ for oxidation study purposes. Compounds Ti(P₃C₂^tBu₂)(Ind)Cl₂], 3, and [Zr(P₃C₂^tBu₂)(Cp)Cl₂], 4, were detected spectroscopically, but showed to be too unstable to be isolated. A Ti(IV) complex, [Ti(P₃C₂^tBu₂)Cl₃], 5, has been formed from the reaction of [TiCl₄] with the base-free ligand K(P₃C₂^tBu₂), while the Ti(III) species, [Ti(P₃C₂^tBu₂) Cl₂(THF)], 6, was prepared from [TiCl₃(THF)₃]. Compounds 5 and 6 were studied as ethylene catalyst precursors after activation with MAO. In the studied conditions, complex 5 is the most active one with an activity of 2.2 × 10⁵ g(molTi [E] h)⁻¹, one order of magnitude higher than compound 6. The produced polymer is linear polyethylene.     

Strain in organometallics II: controlling the properties of tetra-coordinated iridium complexes using diastereomers of a bis(tropp) ligand system

The tetra-chelating ligands 1,2-bis[(5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)phenylphosphanyl]-ethane, bis(tropp^Ph)ethane, and 1,3-bis[(5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)phenylphosphanyl]-propane, bis(tropp^Ph)propane, were synthesised. For the binding of transition metals, these ligands offer two olefin moieties and two phosphorus centres and form mixtures of diastereomers with a R,S-configuration at the phosphorus centres (meso), or a R,R(S,S)-configuration (rac), respectively. meso/rac-bis(tropp^Ph)ethane was separated by fractional crystallisation and reacted with [Ir(cod)₂]OTf (cod=cylcooctadiene, OTf⁻=CF₃SO₃ ⁻) to give the penta-coordinated complex-cations meso/rac-[Ir(bis(tropp^Ph)ethane)(cod)]⁺, where the bis(tropp^Ph)ethane serves as tridentate ligand merely. One olefin unit remains non-bonded, however, a slow intra-molecular exchange between this olefin and the coordinated olefin unit was established (meso-[Ir(bis(tropp^Ph)ethane)(cod)]⁺: k<0.5 s⁻¹; rac-[Ir(bis(tropp^Ph)ethane)(cod)]⁺: k≈35 s⁻¹). The ligand meso/rac-bis(tropp^Ph)propane reacts with [Ir(cod)₂]OTf to give the corresponding complexes containing the tetra-coordinated 16-electron complex-cations meso/rac-[Ir(bis(tropp^Ph)propane)]⁺. The diastereomers were separated by fractional crystallisation. The complex rac-[Ir(bis(tropp^Ph)propane)]⁺ is reduced at relatively low potentials (E¹_1/2=−0.95 V, E²_1/2=−1.33 V versus Ag/AgCl) to give the neutral 17-electron complex [Ir(bis(tropp^Ph)propane)]⁰ and the 18-electron anionic iridate [Ir(bis(tropp^Ph)propane)]⁻, respectively. With acetonitrile, [Ir(bis(tropp^Ph)propane)]⁺ reacts to give the penta-coordinated complex rac-[Ir(MeCN)(bis(tropp^Ph)propane)]⁺ (K=45 M⁻¹, k_f=6×10³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹, k_d=1×10² s⁻¹) and with chloride to yield the relatively stable complex rac-[Ir(Cl)(bis(tropp^Ph)propane)] (k_d<0.5 s⁻¹). Compared to the rac-isomer, the meso-[Ir(bis(tropp^Ph)propane)]⁺ shows significantly cathodically shifted reduction potentials (E¹_1/2=−1.25 V, E²_1/2=−1.64 V versus Ag/AgCl), an acetonitrile complex could not be detected, and the chloro-complex, meso-[Ir(Cl)(bis(tropp^Ph)propane)], is much more labile (k_d≈20′000 s⁻¹). meso-[Ir(bis(tropp^Ph)propane)]⁺ reacts with one equivalent H₂ to give the trans-dihydride complex-cation, meso-[Ir(H)₂(bis(tropp^Ph)propane)]⁺, while the rac-isomer, rac-[Ir(bis(tropp^Ph)propane)]+, reacts with two equivalents H₂ to give rac-{Ir(H)₂(OTf)[(tropp^Ph)(H₂tropp^Ph)propane]}, a cis-dihydride complex containing a hydrogenated 10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene unit, H₂tropp^Ph. The triflate anion in this complex is rather firmly bound and dissociates only slowly (k=29 s⁻¹). All differences between the different stereoisomers are attributed to the fact that the ligand backbone in the meso-isomer, meso-[Ir(bis(tropp^Ph)propane)]⁺, enforces a planar coordination sphere at the metal. On the contrary, already in the tetra-coordinated rac-[Ir(bis(tropp^Ph)propane)]⁺, the metal has a tetrahedrally distorted coordination sphere which does not impede the reduction to the d⁹-Ir(0) and d¹⁰-Ir(−1) complexes and allows more easily a distortion towards a trigonal bipyramidal (tbp) or octahedral structure for penta- or hexa-coordinated complexes, respectively. A comparison of the NMR data for iridium bonded olefins in equatorial or axial positions in tbp structures shows that the latter experience only modest metal-to-ligand back-donation, while the olefins in the equatorial positions have a high degree of metallacyclopropane character.     

A 31P1H NMR study of the reactions of [Rh2(μ-Cl)2(cod)2] with unsymmetrical,bidentate ligands and hydrogen

[Rh₂(μ-Cl)₂(cod)₂] reacts with Ph₂PCH₂CH₂OMe (PC₂O), Ph₂P(CH₂)₃NMe₂ (PC₃N), PBuⁿPh₂ or PPh₃ to give [Rh(cod)L₂]Cl (L = PC₂O, PC₃N, PBuⁿPh₂, PPh₃). In the presence of hydrogen, [Rh(cod)L₂]Cl is converted to [RhClH₂L₃]. In contrast, [Rh(cod)(PC₂O)₂]BPh₄ reacts with H₂ to give [RhH₂(PC₂O)₂S₂]BPh₄ (S = solvent). With Ph₂PCH₂CH₂NMe₂ (PC₂N) or Ph₂PCH₂CH₂SMe (PC₂S), [Rh₂(μ-Cl)₂(cod)₂] reacts to form the chelate complexes cis- [Rh(PC₂N)₂]⁺ or cis-[Rh(PC₂S)₂]⁺, neither of which reacts with hydrogen under ambient conditions. The products of the reactions are characterized in situ by ³¹P¹H NMR spectroscopy.     

Dimerisation versus polymerisation: Affects of donor position in isomeric dilithium diamine-bis(phenolate) complexes

The synthesis and structures of isomeric lithium diamine-bis(phenolate) complexes are reported. Deprotonation of the ligands, H₂O₂NN′^tBu [Me₂NCH₂CH₂N(CH₂ArOH)₂, Ar = 3,5-C₆H₂-^tBu₂] and H₂O₂N₂^tBu [HOArCH₂NMeCH₂CH₂NMeCH₂ArOH, Ar = 3,5-C₆H₂-^tBu₂], in diethyl ether affords base-free lithium complexes Li₂O₂NN′^tBu (1) and Li₂O₂N₂^tBu (2) upon solvent removal. The dioxane adduct of (1) exhibits a polymeric structure in the solid-state, whereas the dioxane adduct of (2) possesses a dimeric structure. The syntheses of K₂O₂NN′^tBu (3), K₂O₂N₂^tBu (4), Zr(O₂NN′^tBu)Cl₂ (5) and Y(O₂NN′^tBu)Cl(THF), (6), are also reported. The transition metal complexes were isolated in good yields via salt metathesis reactions using 1 or 3.