Synthesis and characterization of new cationic hydride complexes of rhodium(III)

New cationic hydride complexes of rhodium(III) with PR₃ and R-DAB ligands have been prepared and characterised. The tertiary phosphines employed were PPh₃, PMePh₂, PEt₃ and the R-DAB ligands, (RN:CR′CR′:NR), c-Hex-DAB, Ph-DAB, NH2-DAB-(CH₃,CH₃). Hexacoordinate-dihydride complexes, characterized by ¹H and ³¹P NMR, with stoichiometry [RhH₂(R-DAB)(PR₃)₂]X were obtained. Compounds with other stoichiometries (R-DAB/PR₃=1 or 2) are also possible. Preliminary studies of the catalytic activity in hydrogenation of olefins have been carried out.     

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.     

The structure of 2-carboxyquinolinatobis(triphenylphosphite)rhodium(I)

2-Carboxyquinolinatobis(triphenylphosphite)rhodium (I) was prepared by means of the following reaction: [Rh(Qin)(CO)₂] + 2P(OPh)₃→ [Rh(Qin)(P(OPh)₃)₂] + 2CO It crystallizes in the triclinic space groupP] witha = 12.406,b = 18.702,c = 9.547 Å, α = 76.36, β = 111.35, γ = 97.88^o and Z = 2. The structure was determined from 4520 observed reflections. the final R value was 0.051. The RhP bond distances may indicate (although the difference is only about 3σ) that the nitrogen atom the chelate ring has the largest trans influence. The chelate ring is significantly folded along the N---O axis.     

Diphosphinoazine rhodium(III) and iridium(III) octahedral complexes

Rhodium(III) and iridium(III) octahedral complexes of general formula [MCl₃{R₂PCH₂C(Bu^t)NNC(Bu^t)CH₂PR₂}] (M = Rh, Ir; R = Ph, c-C₆H₁₁, Prⁱ, Bu^t; not all the combinations) were prepared either from the corresponding diphosphinoazines and RhCl₃ · 3H₂O or by the oxidation of previously reported bridging complexes [{MCl(1,2-η:5,6-η-CHCHCH₂CH₂CHCHCH₂CH₂)}₂{μ-R₂PCH₂C(Bu^t)NNC(Bu^t)CH₂PR₂}] with chlorine-containing solvents. Depending on the steric properties of the ligands, complexes with facial or meridional configuration were obtained. Crystal and molecular structures of three facial and two meridional complexes were determined by X-ray diffraction. Hemilability of ligand in the complex fac-[RhCl₃{(C₆H₁₁)₂PCH₂C(Bu^t)NNC(Bu^t)CH₂P(C₆H₁₁)₂}] consisting in reversible decoordination of the phosphine donor group in the six-membered ring was observed as the first step of isomerization between fac and mer isomers.     

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.     

Synthesis and characterisation of ferrocene-containing β-diketonato complexes of rhodium(I) and rhodium(III)

The synthesis of new β-diketonato rhodium(I) complexes of the type [Rh(FcCOCHCOR)(CO)₂] and [Rh(FcCOCHCOR)(CO)(PPh₃)] with Fc=ferrocenyl and R=Fc, C₆H₅, CH₃ and CF₃ are described. ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR data showed that for each of the non-symmetric β-diketonato mono-carbonyl rhodium(I) complexes, two isomers exist in solution. The equilibrium constant, K_c, which relates these two isomers in an equilibrium reaction, are concentration independent but temperature and solvent dependent. Δ_rG, Δ_rH and Δ_rS values for this equilibrium have been determined and a linear relationship between solvent polarity on the Dimroth scale and K_c exists. The relationship between RhP bond lengths, d(RhP), and ³¹P NMR peak positions as well as coupling constants ¹J(³¹P¹⁰³Rh) has been quantified to allow calculation of approximate d(RhP) values. Variations in d(RhP) for [Rh(RCOCHCOR′)(CO)(PPh₃)] complexes have also been related to the group electronegativities (Gordy scale) of the terminal β-diketonato R groups trans to PPh₃. A measure of the electron density on the rhodium centre of [Rh(RCOCHCOR′)(CO)(PPh₃)] may be expressed in terms of the IR carbonyl stretching wave number, ν(CO), the sum of the group electronegativities of the R and R′ groups, (χ_R+χ_R′), or the observed pK_a^′ values of the free β-diketones RCOCH₂COR^′. An empirical relationship between ν(CO) and either pK_a^′ or (χ_R+χ_R′) has also been quantified.     

Secondary ligand-metal interactions in rhodium(III) and iridium(III) phosphoramidite complexes

The synthesis, characterization, and application in asymmetric catalytic cyclopropanation of Rh(III) and Ir(III) complexes containing (S_a,R_C,R_C)-O,O′-[1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-diyl]-N,N′-bis[1-phenyl-ethyl]phosphoramidite (1) are reported. The X-ray structures of the half-sandwich complexes [MCl₂(C₅Me₅)(1,κP)] (M = Rh, 2a; M = Ir, 2b) show that the metal-phosphoramidite bond is significantly shorter in the Ir(III) analog. Chloride abstraction from 2a (with CF₃SO₃SiMe₃ or with CF₃SO₃Me) and from 2b (with AgSbF₆) gives the cationic species [MCl(C₅Me₅)(1,2-η-1,κP)]⁺ (M = Rh, 3a; M = Ir, 3b), which display a secondary interaction between the metal and a dangling phenethyl group (NCH(CH₃)Ph) of the phosphoramidite ligand, as indicated by NMR spectroscopic studies. Complexes 3a and 3b slowly decompose in solution. In the case of 3b, the binuclear species [Ir₂Cl₃(C₅Me₅)₂]⁺ is slowly formed, as indicated by an X-ray study. Preliminary catalytic tests showed that 3a cyclopropanates styrene with moderate yield (35%) and diastereoselectivity (70:30 trans:cis ratio) and with 32% ee (for the trans isomer).     

Synthesis and spectroscopic properties of CpRuCl(R-DAB(4e)) and CpRuCo(CO)3(R-DAB(6e)). Part XVII. X-ray structure determination of CpRuCo(CO)3(t-Bu-DAB(6e))

CpRuCl(PPh₃)₂ reacted with excess R-DAB in refluxing toluene to give CpRuCl(R-DAB(4e)) (1a: R = i-Pr; 1b: R = t-Bu; 1c: R = neo-Pent; 1d: R =p-Tol). ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic data indicated that in these complexes the R-DAB ligand is bonded in a chelating 4e coordination mode.Reaction of 1a and 1b with one equivalent of [Co(CO)₄]⁻ afforded CpRuCo(CO)₃(R-DAB(6e)) (2a: R = i-Pr; 2b: R = t-Bu). The structure of 2b was determined by a single crystal X-ray structure determination. Crystals of 2b are monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, with four molecules in a unit cell of dimensions: a = 16.812(4), b = 12.233(3), c = 9.938(3) Å and β = 105.47(3)°. The structure was solved via the heavy atom method and refined to R = 0.060 and R_w = 0.065 for the 3706 observed reflections. The molecule contains a RuCo bond of 2.660(3) Å and a cyclopentadienyl group that is η⁵-coordinated to ruthenium [RuC(cyclopentadienyl) = 2.208(3) Å (mean)]. Two carbonyls are terminally coordinated to cobalt (CoC(1) = 1.746(7) and CoC(2) = 1.715(6) Å) while the third is slightly asymmetrically bridging the RuCo bond (RuC(3) = 2.025(6) and CoC(3) = 1.912(6) Å). The RuC(3)O(3) and CoC(3)O(3) angles are 138.4(5)° and 136.5(5)°, respectively. The t-Bu-DAB ligand is in the bridging 6e coordination mode: σ-N coordinated to Ru (RuN(2) = 2.125(4) Å), μ₂-N′ bridging the RuCo bond and η²-CN coordinated to Co (RuN(1) = 2.113(5), CoN(1) = 1.941(4) and CoC(4) = 2.084(5) Å). The η²-CN′ bonded imine group has a bond length of 1.394(7) Å indicating substantial π-backbonding from Co into the anti-bonding orbital of this CN bond.¹H NMR spectroscopy indicated that 2a and 2b are fluxional on the NMR time scale. The fluxionality of 6e bonded R-DAB ligands is rarely observed and may be explained by the reversible interchange of the σ-N and η²-CN′ coordinated imine parts of the R-DAB ligand.     

Reactions of 2-thiopyridone rhodium(III) complexes with tertiary phosphines

The rhodium(III) complexes containing 2-thiopyridone (pySH) and its conjugate anion 2-thiopyridonato (pyS) as the only ligands, [Rh(pyS)₂(pySH)₂]Cl, [Rh(pyS)₃(pySH)], and [Rh(pyS)₃], react with the tertiary phosphines PMe₂Ph, PPh₃, Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂ (dppm), and Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂ (dppe) to give mixed pyS/tertiary phosphine complexes of the type [Rh(pyS)₃L], [Rh(pyS)₃L₂], and [Rh(pyS)₂L₂]ClO₄ where L represents a single phosphorus donor atom. These compounds were characterized mainly by ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy.     

Diether functionalized rhodium(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes and their catalytic application for transfer hydrogenation reactions

N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of rhodium(I) (3 and 4) bearing one diether (MeOCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂-NHC) functionality on N¹ and bulky benzyl groups (CH₂-C₆H₂(CH₃)₃-2,4,6 and CH₂-C₆(CH₃)₅) on N³ of (5,6-dimethyl)benzimidazole were synthesized by deprotonation of the corresponding benzimidazolium salt with [Rh(μ-OMe)(1,5-cod)]₂ in dichloromethane at ambient temperature. All compounds have been fully characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction studies on single crystals of 3a and 3b confirm the cis square planar geometry. All of the new benzimidazol-2-ylidene rhodium(I) complexes were found to be effective catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation reaction.     

Synthesis of cyclopentadienyl ruthenium(II) complexes containing tethered functionalities

The reaction of [C₅H₄(CH₂)_nX]Tl (1: n = 2, X = NMe₂, OMe, CN; n = 3, X = NMe₂) with [(η⁶-C₆H₆)RuCl(μ-Cl)]₂, 2, afforded the sandwich compounds [{η⁵-C₅H₄(CH₂)_nX}Ru(η⁶-C₆H₆)]PF₆, 3, and [η⁵-C₅H₄(CH₂)_nX]₂Ru, 4. Photolytic cleavage of 3 in acetonitrile afforded the tethered products [{η⁵:κN-C₅H₄(CH₂)_nX}Ru(CH₃CN)₂]PF₆, 5.     

On the identification of ionic species of neutral halogen dimers, monomers and pincer type palladacycles in solution by electrospray mass and tandem mass spectrometry

Electrospray (ESI) mass spectra analysis of acetonitrile solutions of a series of neutral chloro dimers, pincer type, and monomeric palladacycles has enabled the detection of several of their derived ionic species. The monometallic cationic complexes Pd[κ¹-C,κ¹-N,κ¹-S-C(CH₃S-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂]⁺ (1a) and [Pd[κ¹-C,κ¹-N,κ¹-S-C(CH₃S-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂](CH₃CN)]⁺ (1b) and the bimetallic cationic complex [κ¹-C,κ¹-N,κ¹-S-C(CH₃S-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂]Pd-Cl-Pd[κ¹-C,κ¹-N,κ¹-S-C(CH₃S-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂]⁺ (1c) were detected from an acetonitrile solution of the pincer palladacycles Pd[κ¹-C,κ¹-N,κ¹-S-C(CH₃S-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂](Cl) 1. For the dimeric compounds {Pd[κ¹-C,κ¹-N-C(Y-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂](μ-Cl)}₂ (2, Y=H and 3, CF₃), highly electronically unsaturated palladacycles [Pd[κ¹-C,κ¹-N-C(Y-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂]⁺ (2d, 3d) and their mono and di-acetonitrile adducts, namely, [Pd[κ¹-C,κ¹-N-C(Y-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂](CH₃CN)]⁺ (2e, 3e) and [Pd[κ¹-C,κ¹-N-C(Y-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂](CH₃CN)₂]⁺ (2f and 3f) were detected together with the bimetallic complex [Pd[κ¹-C,κ¹-N-C(Y-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂]-Cl-Pd[κ¹-C,κ¹-N-C(Y-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N](CH₃)₂]⁺ (2a, 3a) and its acetonitrile adducts [κ¹-C,κ¹-N-C(Y-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂](CH₃CN)Pd-Cl-Pd[ κ¹-C,κ¹-N-C(Y-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂]⁺ (2b, 3b) and [κ¹-C,κ¹-N-C(Y-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂](CH₃CN)Pd-Cl-Pd[κ¹-C, κ¹-N-C(Y-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂(CH₃CN)]⁺ (2c, 3c). The dimeric palladacycle {Pd[κ¹-C,κ¹-N-C(CH₃O-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂](μ-Cl)}₂ (4) is unique as it behaves as a pincer type compound with the OCH₃ substituent acting as an intramolecular coordinating group which prevents acetonitrile full coordination, thus forming the cationic complexes [(C₆H₄(o-CH₃O)CC(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂-κO,κC,κN)Pd]⁺ (4b), [(C₆H₄(o-CH₃O)CC(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂- κO,κC,κN)Pd(CH₃CN)]⁺ (4c) and [(C₆H₄ (o-MeO)CC(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂-κO, κC,κN)Pd-Cl-Pd(C₆H₄(o-CH₃O)CC(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂-κO,κC,κN)]⁺ (4a). ESI-MS spectra analysis of acetonitrile solutions of the monomeric palladacycles Pd[κ¹-C,κ¹-N-C(Y-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂](Cl)(Py) (5, Y=H and 6, Y=CF₃) allows the detection of some of the same species observed in the spectra of the dimeric palladacycles, i.e., monometallic cationic 2d-3d, 2e-3e and {Pd[κ¹-C,κ¹-N-C(Y-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂](Py)}⁺ (5a, 6a) and {Pd[κ¹-C,κ¹-N-C(Y-2-C₆H₄)C(Cl)CH₂N(CH₃)₂](CH₃CN)(Py)}⁺ (5b, 6b) and the bimetallic 2a, 3a, 2b, 3b, 2c and 3c. In all cationic complexes detected by ESI-MS, the cyclometallated moiety was intact indicating the high stability of the four or six electron anionic chelate ligands. The anionic (chloride) or neutral (pyridine) ligands are, however, easily replaced by the acetonitrile solvent.     

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.     

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.     

Coordination chemistry of higher oxidation states. Part 15. Cobalt(III) complexes of bi- and multi-dentate phenylphosphines

Six-coordinate cobalt(III) complex trans-[Co{o-C₆H₄(PPh₂)₂}₂X₂]ClO₄, fac-[Co{PhP(CH₂CH₂PPh₂)₂}X₃],cis-[Co{P(CH₂CH₂PPh₂)₃}X₂]ClO₄ and cis-β-[Co{-CH₂P(Ph)CH₂CH₂PPh₂}₂X₂]PF₆ (X = Cl, Br) have been prepared by halogen oxidation of the Co(II) analogues, and characterised by IR, electronic and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. The failure to obtain complexes with X = I, and with some related ligands is discussed, and the rather low stability of the above complexes is rationalised in terms of steric crowding at the metal centre.     

Interaction of [RuCl2(PR3)3] (R = Ph, p-tolyl) with some Rh(III), Ir(III) and Pt(IV) tertiary phosphine complexes

Reactions of RuCl₂(PR₃)₃ [PR₃ = PPh₃ or P(p-tolyl)₃ with several monomeric phosphine complexes of rhodium(III), iridium(III) and platinum(IV) have been studied. The reactions with mer-MCl₃(P′R₃)₃ (M = Rh, P′R₃ = PEt₂Ph, PMe₂Ph, PMe₂Ph; M = Ir, P′R₃ = PBuPh₂, PMePh₂, PEt₂Ph) involves a phosphine ligand transfer between metal atoms to afford novel dark coloured heterobimetallic complexes containing a triple chloro-bridge. The reactions of RuCl₂(PR₃)₃ with PtCl₄(P′R₃)₂ (P′R₃ = PEt₂Ph, PBu₂Ph), however, do not give evidence for the formation of dinuclear complexes containing the (RuCl₃Pt) unit, but a reduction of Pt^IV to Pt^II occurs with transfer of phosphine ligands between the two metals. The formulation of these complexes has been established by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy.     

Structure and catalytic activity of rhodium(I) carbene complexes in polymerization of phenylacetylene

Rh(I) carbene complexes of [RhX(bmim)(η⁴-1,5-cod)] type (bmim = 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium cation, X = Cl 2, Br 3, I 4), obtained in the reaction of [Rh(OMe)(η⁴-1,5-cod)]₂ (1) with [bmim]X ionic liquids, catalyzed polymerization of phenylacetylene (PA) to cis-polyphenylacetylene (PPA) in CH₂Cl₂ and in ionic liquids. The yield of PPA increased and molecular weight (M_w) decreased after addition of phosphorus ligands PPh₃ or P(OPh)₃. Complex 4 reacted with P(OPh)₃ giving cis-[RhI(bmim)(P(OPh)₃)₂] (5) complex which catalyzed oligomerization but not polymerization of PA.     

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).     

Oxidative addition of methyl iodide to [Rh(CO)2I]2: synthesis, structure and reactivity of neutral rhodium acetyl complexes, [Rh(CO)(NCR)(COMe)I2]2

Reaction of [Rh(CO)₂I]₂ (1) with MeI in nitrile solvents gives the neutral acetyl complexes, [Rh(CO)(NCR)(COMe)I₂]₂ (R=Me, 3a; ^tBu, 3b; vinyl, 3c; allyl, 3d). Dimeric, iodide-bridged structures have been confirmed by X-ray crystallography for 3a and 3b. The complexes are centrosymmetric with approximate octahedral geometry about each Rh centre. The iodide bridges are asymmetric, with Rh-(μ-I) trans to acetyl longer than Rh-(μ-I) trans to terminal iodide. In coordinating solvents, 3a forms mononuclear complexes, [Rh(CO)(sol)₂(COMe)I₂] (sol=MeCN, MeOH). Complex 3a reacts with pyridine to give [Rh(CO)(py)(COMe)I₂]₂ and [Rh(CO)(py)₂(COMe)I₂] and with chelating diphosphines to give [Rh(Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂)(COMe)I₂] (n=2, 3, 4). Addition of MeI to [Ir(CO)₂(NCMe)I] is two orders of magnitude slower than to [Ir(CO)₂I₂]⁻. A mechanism for the reaction of 1 with MeI in MeCN is proposed, involving initial bridge cleavage by solvent to give [Rh(CO)₂(NCMe)I] and participation of the anion [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ as a reactive intermediate. The possible role of neutral Rh(III) species in the mechanism of Rh-catalysed methanol carbonylation is discussed.     

Silver(I)-organophosphane complexes of the dihydridobis(3-nitro-1,2,4-triazolyl)borate ligand. X-ray crystal structure of {[H2B(tz)2]Ag[P(m-tolyl)3]2} with the scorpionate ligand co-ordinated in an unidentate κ-N fashion

New silver(I) complexes have been synthesised from the reaction of AgNO₃, monodentate PR₃ (PR₃ = P(o-tolyl)₃, P(m-tolyl)₃, P(p-tolyl)₃, P(p-C₆H₄F), SeP(C₆H₅)₃) or bidentate tertiary (dppe = bis(diphenylphosphane)ethane, dppf = 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphane)ferrocene) phosphanes and potassium dihydrobis(3-nitro-1,2,4-triazolyl)borate, K[H₂B(tz^NO2)₂]. These compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, ESI-MS and multinuclear (¹H and ³¹P) NMR spectral data. The adduct {[H₂B(tz^NO2)₂]Ag[P(m-tolyl)₃]₂} has been characterized by single crystal X-ray studies. In the former, the H₂B(tz^NO2)₂ acts as a monodentate ligand utilizing the coordinating capability of only one of the additional (exo-) ring nitrogens to complete the coordination array about the silver atom.