Experimental and computational studies of two new mono- and dinuclear iridium complexes containing a Buchwald biphenyl phosphine ligand

The reaction of [(η⁴-1,5-C₈H₁₂)₂Ir₂(μ-Cl)₂] with 2-di-t-butylphosphino-2′-methylbiphenyl (t-Bu₂Pbiph^Me) in the presence of AgBF₄ afforded the dichlorido-bridged Ir–Ag complex [(η⁴-1,5-C₈H₁₂)Ir(μ-Cl)₂Ag(t-Bu₂Pbiph^Me)] (1) which was fully characterized by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study. Sequential treatment of the diiridium precursor first with the silver salt and then with the phosphine yielded cyclometalated [(η⁴-1,5-C₈H₁₂)Ir(t-Bu₂Pbiph^Me–H⁺)] (2). Detailed DFT calculations gave evidence that the phosphine ligand of 2 forms a strained four-membered iridaheterocycle through orthometalation rather than a sterically congested six-membered chelate structure through C–H activation on the remote phenyl ring. The phosphonium salt [t-Bu₂P(H)biph^Me]BF₄ was isolated as a by-product of the preparations of 1 and 2; its crystal structure was determined.     

A hexanuclear iridium complex with a novel binding mode of a PCP-pincer ligand

The hexanuclear iridium complex [η⁴-(COD)Ir]₂{η⁶-[κ⁴-C₆H₂(CH₂P^tBu₂)₂]Ir₂H₂Cl₃} (1) has been prepared by the reaction of [Ir(COD)Cl]₂ with the “PCP” ligand precursor, 1,3-C₆H₄(CH₂P^tBu₂)₂ (PCP-H). Characterization by X-ray diffraction reveals that complex 1 has an unusual structure in which metalation (C-H addition) of the ligand has occurred at the 4- and 6-positions of the PCP aryl ring. This is in contrast to the widespread reactivity of this ligand precursor in which a single metalation typically occurs at the 2-position, thereby allowing coordination of both phosphino groups to a single metal center to give the κ³-meridional pincer coordination. The complex can be viewed as being composed of a dimer of two bis-metalated (Ir(III)) PCP units, held together by two bridges of three chlorides each; the aryl ring of each of the PCP ligands of this hypothetical tetra-iridium dianion is then bound to a cationic [Ir(I)(COD)]⁺ unit.The structure discussed here crystallizes as the tetra(acetone) solvate in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with lattice parameters a=14.4154(11) Å, b=15.4435(12) Å, c=19.5181(15) Å, b=99.996(1)° and V=4279.31(6) ų. Convergence to conventional R values of R(F)=0.041 and R_w(F)=0.092 was obtained for 445 variable parameters and 8085 reflections with F>4σ(F). Complex 1 also crystallizes as the octabenzene solvate in the orthorhombic space group Pbca, with lattice parameters a=16.4247(14) Å, b=24.1695(21) Å, c=28.0460(24) Å and V=11134(1) ų. Convergence of the orthorhombic phase to R(F)=0.038 and R_w(F)=0.084 was obtained for 595 variable parameters and 12 885 reflections with F>4σ(F).     

Synthesis of rhodium and iridium boryl complexes via oxidative addition of haloboranes

B-Chlorocatecholborane undergoes oxidative addition to M(PR₃)₃Cl (M = Rh, R = Me; M = Ir, R = Me, Et) yielding six-coordinate complexes of general formula mer,cis-(PR₃)₃Cl₂M(BO₂C₆H₄). The same M(PR₃)₃Cl complexes also react with B-bromocatecholborane to give a mixture of metal boryl homo- and heterodihalides (PR₃)₃X¹X²M(BO₂C₆H₄) (X¹, X² = Cl, Br), and the observed disproportionation is believed to involve the formation of a heteronuclear halide-bridged intermediate. The alkene 4-vinylanisole failed to react with the six-coordinate, 18-electron (PR₃)₃Cl₂M(BO₂C₆H₄) complexes at ambient temperatures.     

The first pincer-aryl [M-(NCN)] complexes {M = Pd(II); Pt(II)} with chiral pyridine donors: Synthesis and catalytic activity in C-C bond formation

The first chiral bis(pyridine) N-C(H)-N pincer ligand, (5S,7S)-1,3-bis(6,6-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,7-methanquinolin-2-yl)benzene (HL) has been synthesized and characterized by a thorough ¹H NMR analysis. Reaction of HL with K₂[PtCl₄] in acetic acid gives [Pt(L)Cl] (1), where L acts as a tridentate N-C-N pincer ligand. The analogous palladium(II) derivatives [Pd(L)Cl] (2), and [Pd(L)(OAc)] (3), were first prepared through a transmetalation reaction between Pd(OAc)₂ and the organomercury compound [Hg(L)Cl] (4). The structures of compounds 1 (Pt) and 2 (Pd), as determined by X-ray diffraction, are reported and compared. Compound 2 can also be obtained from Na₂[PdCl₄] and HL in refluxing acetic acid, i.e., under the same conditions used for compound 1. Apparently, this is the first palladium pincer derivative of a 1,3-bis(pyridyl)benzene ligand synthesized by direct C-H activation.The neutral complexes 1-3 are catalysts of modest activity, but devoid of enantioselectivity in the Heck reaction between iodobenzene and methyl acrylate and in the aldol condensation of benzaldehyde with methyl isocyanoacetate.     

4-Thiofuranoid Glycals: Versatile Synthons for Stereoselective Synthesis of 4′-Thionucleosides

Abstract

β-anomers of 4′-thionucleosides have been synthesized stereoselectively, through PhSeCl- or N-iodosuccimide (NIS)-initiated electrophilic glycosidation to 3,5-O-(di-t-butylsilylene)-4-thiofuranoid glycal (1). This synthetic method has been applied to the synthesis of those analogues branched at the anomeric position using 1-C-carbon-substituted 3,5-O-(tetraisopropyldisiloxane-1,3-diyl)-4-thiofuranoid glycals (11–14) prepared based on lithiation of 10.     

Iridium and rhodium complexes containing dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinato ligands

Treatment of [MCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂] with K[N(R₂PQ)₂] afforded [M{N(Ph₂PQ)₂}(CO)(PPh₃)] (M = Ir, Rh; Q = S, Se). The IR C=O stretching frequencies for [M(CO)(PPh₃){N(Ph₂PQ)₂}] were found to decrease in the order S > Se. Treatment of [M(COD)Cl]₂ with K[N(Ph₂PQ)₂] afforded [M(COD){N(Ph₂PQ)₂}] (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene; M = Ir, Rh; Q = S, Se). Treatment of [Ir(ol)₂Cl] with afforded (ol = cyclooctene COE, C₂H₄; Q = S, Se). Oxidative addition of [Ir(CO)(PPh₃){N(Ph₂PS)₂}] and [Ir(COD){N(Ph₂PS)₂}] with HCl afforded [Ir(H)(Cl)(CO)(PPh₃){N(Ph₂PS)₂}] and trans-[Ir(H)(Cl)(COD){N(Ph₂PS)₂}], respectively. Oxidative addition of [Ir(CO)(PPh₃){N(Ph₂PS)₂}] with MeI afforded [Ir(Me)(I)(CO)(PPh₃){N(Ph₂PS)₂}]. Treatment of [Ir(COE)₂Cl]₂ with K[N(R₂PO)₂] afforded [Ir(COE)₂{N(Ph₂PO)₂}] that reacted with MeOTf (OTf = triflate) to give [Ir{N(Ph₂PO)₂}(COE)₂(Me)(OTf)]. The crystal structures of [Ir(CO)(PPh₃){N(Ph₂PS)₂}], [M(COD){N(Ph₂PS)₂}] (M = Ir, Rh), (ol = COE, C₂H₄), trans-[Ir(H)(Cl)(COD){N(Ph₂PS)₂}], and [Ir(COE)₂{N(Ph₂PO)₂}] have been determined.     

Phosphorus-carbon bond formation via reactions of triphenylphosphine with acetylene and pentamethylcyclopentadienyl coordinated to iridium(III)

Phosphorus-carbon bond is formed via: (i) the apparent HCCH insertion into Ir-P bond to produce Ir-CHCH-PPh₃ group and (ii) the activation of the ring-methyl group of the coordinated Cp^* (C₅Me₅ ⁻) to produce Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₄CH₂-PPh₃) group from reactions of iridium(III)-Cp^* complexes, [Cp^*IrL₃]ⁿ⁺ (n=1, 2); Cp^*=C₅Me₅ ⁻; L₃=Cl(PPh₃)₂ (3), (CH₃CN)₃ (5). The following new P-C bond containing iridium(III) complexes have been prepared: [Cp^*Ir(-CHCH-PPh₃)Cl(PPh₃)]⁺ (4) from 3 with HCCH; [Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₄CH₂-PPh₃)(H)(PPh₃)₂]²⁺ (6) from 5 with PPh₃; [Cp^*Ir(-CHCH-PPh₃)₂(PPh₃)]²⁺ (7) from 5 with HCCH and PPh₃; [Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₄CH₂-PPh₃)(-CHCH-PPh₃)Cl(PPh₃)]²⁺ (8) from [Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₄CH₂-PPh₃)(Cl)(PPh₃)₂]²⁺ (6-Cl) with HCCH; [Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₃(1,3-CH₂-PPh₃)₂(H)(PPh₃)₂)]³⁺ (10) from [Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₄CH₂-PPh₃)(NCCH₃)₂(PPh₃)]³⁺ (9) with PPh₃; [Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₄CH₂-PPh₃)(-CHCH-PPh₃)₂(PPh₃)]³⁺ (11) from 9 with HCCH and PPh₃.     

Iron(II) complexes based on electron-rich,bulky PNN- and PNP-type ligands

Reaction of the PNN ligand ((2-(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)-6-diethylaminomethyl)pyridine) with 1 equiv. of anhydrous FeCl₂ in THF results in the formation of (PNN)FeCl₂ (1). The cationic complex [(PNN)Fe(THF)Cl](PF₆) (2) was obtained by chloride abstraction from 1 with 1 equiv. of TlPF₆. Similarly, the PNP-type complexes 3 and 4 were obtained from FeCl₂ with 1 equiv. of t-Bu-PNP (2,6-bis(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)pyridine) and i-Pr-PNP (2,6-bis(di-iso-propylphosphinomethyl)pyridine), respectively. Complexes 1 and 3 were characterized by X-ray diffraction and elemental analyses. In both structures the Fe(II) centers exhibit a distorted square pyramidal geometry comprising two chloride ligands and one tridentate PNN or PNP ligand. The magnetic properties of the paramagnetic complexes 1–4 are discussed.     

Palladium and rhodium complexes of a chiral pincer ligand derived from 1,3-trans disubstituted cyclohexane

Reactions of cis- and trans-1,3-bis(di-t-butylphosphinomethyl)cyclohexane (cis- and trans-PCyP), with rhodium and palladium chlorides afforded C_s and C₁ symmetrical pincer complexes, RhHCl(cis-PCyP), RhHCl(trans-PCyP), [(COD)Rh(μ-Cl)₂RhH(trans-PCyP)], PdCl(cis-PCyP), and PdCl(trans-PCyP), where the PCyP ligands are coordinated in a meridianal fashion through the two phosphorus atoms and the cyclometalated C-1 carbon of the cyclohexane ring. The rhodium complexes were structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. Isomers of the RhHCl(PCyP) and PdCl(PCyP) complexes were studied by DFT calculations.     

Platinum group metal complexes of bis(2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl benzylamine and bis(2-(diphenylarsino)ethyl)benzylamine

Rh(I), Ir(I), Pd(II) and Pt(II) metal complexes of bis(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl)benzylamine(DPBA) and bis(2-diphenylarsino)ethyl)benzylamine (DABA) have been synthesized using various starting materials. Reaction of RhCl(CO)(AsPh₃)₂ with DPBA or DABA in methanol resulted in the formation of cationic complexes of the composition, [Rh(CO)(L)]Cl (L = DPBA or DABA). Interaction of [IrCl(COD)]₂ with DPBA in benzene resulted in the formation of a neutral complex [IrCl(DPBA)]. Reaction of [PdCl₂(COD)] with the ligand DPBA in benzene resulted in a cationic complex of the composition [PdCl(DPBA)]Cl. Interaction of [PdCl(DPBA)]BPh₄ with SnCl₂ gave the complex [Pd(SnCl₃)(DPBA)]BPh₄. The ligands DPBA and DABA react with PtCl₂(COD) in acetone to give neutral, Pt(II) complexes of the type, [PtCl₂L] (L = DPBA or DABA). All the complexes were fully characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, IR and far-IR and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectral data.     

Synthesis, structures, and characterization of benzildiimine complexes of rhodium(III) and iridium(I)

The reactions of trans-[(PPh₃)₂M(CO)Cl] (M = Rh and Ir) with benzildiimine (H₂BDI = 2) derived from benzil-bis(trimethylsilyl)diimine (Si₂BDI) (1) in a 1:2 and 1:1 molar ratio afforded the cationic bis-benzildiiminato complexes [Rh(PPh₃)₂(HBDI)₂]Cl (3) and the mono-benzildiimine complex [Ir(PPh₃)₂(CO)(H₂BDI)]Cl (4), respectively. Both complexes are fully characterized using IR, FAB-MS, NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The single crystal X-ray structure analysis reveals a distorted octahedral coordination geometry for the Rh(III) in 3 and a highly distorted square pyramidal geometry for Ir(I) in 4. In addition, the solid-state structure of Si₂BDI is reported here for the first time showing the substituents highly twisted because of steric reasons.     

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.     

Bioorganometallics: First examples of cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes containing di- and tripeptide ester ligands

The synthesis of bis-cyclometalated [Ir(ptpy)₂(gly-gly-OEt)] (2, ptpy = 2-(p-tolyl)pyridinato; gly-gly-OEt = glycylglycine ethyl ester) and [Ir(ptpy)₂(gly-gly-gly-OEt)] (3, gly-gly-gly-OEt = glycylglycylglycine ethyl ester) from the reaction of [{Ir(μ-Cl)(ptpy)₂}₂] (1) with the corresponding peptide ester hydrochlorides in the presence of NaOMe is described. The molecular structure of 2 was confirmed by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The compound crystallized from dichloromethane/iso-hexane in the space group P2₁/a. In the crystal packing the molecules of 2 exhibit N–H?O hydrogen bonds to the neighbor molecules to form dimeric units. The absorption and emission spectra of 2 and 3 were recorded and exhibit these compounds as strong green-emitting complexes.     

Functional phosphines. Part XIV. Cationic (P,N)2-coordinated hydrides of iridium(III): catalysts for CO hydrogenation or transfer hydrogenation?

Treatment of trans-[IrCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂] with Ph₂PCH₂CH₂NH₂ in refluxing para-xylene gave (OC-6-43)-[Ir(H)(Cl)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂NH₂)₂]Cl (1) which interacted with K[BH(s-Bu₃)] to produce a mixture of (OC-6-22)-[IrH₂(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂NH₂)₂]Cl (2a) and (OC-6-32)-[Ir(H)(Cl)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂NH₂)₂]Cl (2b). The trans-dihydride 2a was isolated in pure form from the reaction between 1 and KOH/i-PrOH. Different from its isoelectronic (P,N)₂-coordinated Ru^II analogues, the cationic chloro hydrido complex 1 does not act as a catalyst for the direct hydrogenation of acetophenone by molecular H₂, if activated by strong alkoxide base, but rather catalyzes the transfer hydrogenation of the CO bond with methanol or isopropanol as proton/hydride sources. Dihydrido complex 2a is ascribed the role of the actual catalyst as it supports the transfer hydrogenation reaction even in the absence of base. The crystal structure of the addition compound 1 · 2EtOH has been determined.     

Synthesis and reactivity of five- and six-coordinate hydrido(vinyl) iridium(III) complexes

The reaction of the dihydrido iridium(III) precursor [IrH₂(Cl)(PiPr₃)₂] (5) with internal alkynes RCC(CO₂Me) (R = Me, CO₂Me) afforded the five-coordinate hydrido(vinyl) complexes [IrH(Cl){(E)-C(R)CH(CO₂Me)}(PiPr₃)₂] (6, 7), via insertion of the alkyne into one of the IrH bonds. Compounds 6 and 7 are also accessible by careful hydrogenation of the alkyne iridium(I) derivatives trans-[IrCl{RCC(CO₂Me)}(PiPr₃)₂] (9, 10), the latter being prepared from in situ generated trans-[IrCl(C₈H₁₄)(PiPr₃)₂] and RCC(CO₂Me). UV irradiation of 6 (R = CO₂Me) led to the formation of the isomer [IrH(Cl){κ²(C,O)-C(CO₂Me)CHC(OMe)O}(PiPr₃)₂] (3) having the vinyl ligand coordinated in a bidentate fashion. While 6 reacted with acetonitrile and CO to afford the six-coordinate iridium(III) compounds [IrH(Cl){(E)-C(CO₂Me)CH(CO₂Me)}(L′)(PiPr₃)₂] (11, 12), treatment of 6 with LiC₅H₅ gave the half-sandwich-type complex [(η⁵-C₅H₅)IrH{(E)-C(CO₂Me)CH(CO₂Me)}(PiPr₃)] (13) by, the loss of one PiPr₃. The reaction of 3 with CO under pressure resulted in the formation of [IrH(Cl){(Z)-C(CO₂Me)CH(CO₂Me)}(CO)(PiPr₃)₂] (14) in which, in contrast to the stereoisomer 12, the two CO₂Me substituents are trans disposed.     

Syntheses and characterization of iridium and rhodium ethylene complexes containing a doubly linked cyclopentadienyl ligand

The dimerization of 6,6-dimethylfulvene with Ni(cod)₂ yields the 4,4,8,8-tetramethyl-3a,4,7a,8-tetrahydro-s-indacene isomer (1a). Heating a solution of 1a converts it to the 1,4,5,8 (1b) and 1,4,7,8 (1c) tetrahydro-s-indacene isomers. The activation energy for the isomerization is 23(1) kcal/mol. 1b and 1c can be deprotonated with n-BuLi and the reaction of the dianion with [ClIr(C₂H₄)₂]₂ gives two isomers, cis-[(η⁵-C₅H₃)(CMe₂)Ir(C₂H₄)₂]₂ (cis-2) and trans-[(η⁵-C₅H₃)(CMe₂)Ir(C₂H₄)₂]₂ (trans-2). Reaction of 1b and 1c with RhCl₃ · xH₂O in refluxing methanol yields a red-orange solid, which was consistent with the empirical formula, [(C₅H₃)(CMe₂)RhCl₂]_n (3). Reaction of 3 with C₂H₄ in a Na₂CO₃/ethanol mixture afforded cis-[(η⁵-C₅H₃)(CMe₂)Rh(C₂H₄)₂]₂ in 5% yield.     

Mononuclear and dinuclear bromo bridged iridium(I) complexes with N-allyl substituted imidazolin-2-ylidene ligands

The reaction of 1-methyl-3-(2-propenyl)imidazolium bromide (1) or 1,3-bis(2-propenyl)-imidazolium bromide (2) with [Ir(μ-OMe)(cod)]₂ afforded the five coordinated iridium(I) carbene complexes [IrBr(L)(cod)] (3) (L=1-methyl-3-(2-propenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene) and (4) (L=1,3-bis(2-propenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene). The reaction proceeds via an in situ deprotonation of the imidazolium salt. Molecular structure determinations on 3 and 4 confirmed the coordination of the carbene ligands via the carbene carbon atom and one allyl group in both complexes. Treatment of complex 3 with an excess of AgBF₄ gave the dinuclear bromo bridged complex [(Ir(μ-Br)(L)(cod)]₂BF₄ (5) (L=1-methyl-3-(2-propenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene). The reaction of complex 4 with an excess of AgBF₄ led to the mononuclear complex [Ir(L)(cod)]BF₄ (6) (L=1,3-bis(2-propenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene) where both N-allyl substituents are coordinated to the iridium(I) center.     

Naphthyridine-imidazole hybrid ligands for the construction of multinuclear architecture

Reaction of 2-imidazolyl-5,7-dimethyl-1,8-naphthyridine (L¹) with [Rh(COD)Cl]₂ (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) affords the dinuclear complex [Rh(COD)Cl]₂(μ-L¹) (1). Elimination of chloride from the metal coordination sphere leads to a self-assembled tetranuclear macrocycle [Rh(COD)L¹]₄[ClO₄]₄ (2). A subtle alteration in the ligand framework results in the polymeric chain compound {Rh(COD)(L²)}_n(PF₆)_n (3) (L² = 2-imidazolyl-3-phenyl-1,8-naphthyridine). In all these complexes, the imidazole nitrogen and one of the naphthyridine nitrogen (away from the imidazole substituent) bind the metal. The ‘parallel’ and ‘perpendicular’ dispositions of nitrogens are observed in these compounds contributing to different Rh···Rh separations. The L¹ ligand adopts planar configuration, whereas the naphthyridine-imidazole rings deviate from planarity in L² yielding a polymeric structure. The extent of deviation is less in the polymeric structure {Mo₂(OAc)₄(L²)}_n (4) in which the ligand exhibits weak axial interactions to the metal.     

Synthesis and reactivity of imido niobium complexes containing the functionalized (dichloromethylsilyl)cyclopentadienyl ligand

The niobium complex [NbCp^ClCl₄] (Cp^Clη⁵-C₅H₄(SiCl₂Me)) (1) with a functionalized (dichloromethylsilyl)cyclopentadienyl ligand was isolated by the reaction of [NbCl₅] with C₅H₄(SiCl₂Me)(SiMe₃). Complex 1 was a precursor for the imido silylamido derivative [NbCp^NCl₂(NtBu)] (Cp^Nη⁵-C₅H₄[SiClMe(NHtBu)]) (2) after addition of LiNHtBu, which subsequently gave the dichlorosilyl compound [NbCp^ClCl₂(NtBu)] (3) when reacted with SiCl₃Me. Addition of LiNHtBu to complex 2 gave the niobium amido complex [NbCp^NCl(NHtBu)(NtBu)] (4), which slowly evolved with exchange of the niobium-amido and the silicon-chloro groups to give the dichloroniobium complex [NbCp^NNCl₂(NtBu)] (Cp^NNη⁵-C₅H₄[SiMe(NHtBu)₂]) (5). Reaction of 2 with excess LiNHtBu gave the silyl-η-amido constrained geometry complexes [Nb{η⁵-C₅H₄[SiMe(NHtBu)(-η-NtBu)]}(NHtBu)(NtBu)] (6) and [Nb{η⁵-C₅H₄[SiClMe(-η-NtBu)]}(NHtBu)(NtBu)] (7), whereas addition of one equimolecular amount of LiNHtBu to 5 in C₆D₆ afforded complex [NbCp^NNCl(NHtBu)(NtBu)] (8). All of the new complexes were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C and ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy.     

Reactions of rhodium(II) and iridium(III) complexes bearing a P,O-coordination with tetracyanoethylene in the presence of KPF6

Reactions of Cp*M(MDMPP-P,O)Cl (1a: M=Rh, 1b: M=Ir; MDMPP-P,O=PPh₂(2-O-6-MeOC₆H₃)) with tetracyanoethylene (tcne) in the presence of KPF₆ gave Cp*MCl[PPh₂{2-O-3-(C(CN)₂CH(CN)₂)-6-MeOC₆H₂}] (2), [{Cp*MPPh₂{2-O-3-(C(CN)C(CN)₂)-6-MeOC₆H₂}}₂(CN)](PF₆) (3), [{Cp*IrPPh₂{2-O-3-(C(CN)C(CN)₂)-6-MeOC₆H₂}}(CN){Cp*Ir(MDMPP-P,O)}](PF₆) (4b) and [{Cp*Ir(MDMPP-P,O)}₂(CN)](PF₆) (5b), depending on the reaction conditions. Reaction of 2 with KPF₆ or AgOTf in the absence and presence of xylyl isocyanide (XylNC) gave 3 or [Cp*MCl{PPh₂(2-O-3-(C(CN)₂-CH(CN)₂)-6-MeOC₆H₂)}(XylNC)](OTf) (6). The structure of 3a (M=Rh) was confirmed by X-ray crystal analysis.