Synthesis, characterization and electrocatalysis of diiron propanediselenolate derivatives as the active site models of [FeFe]-hydrogenases

As an extension of our study on the H-cluster model compounds, a series of diiron propanediselenolate (PDS)-type models have been successfully synthesized. Reaction of diselenol HSe(CH₂)₃SeH with Fe₃(CO)₁₂ in THF (tetrahydrofuran) at reflux gave the parent model compound [μ-Se(CH₂)₃Se-μ]Fe₂(CO)₆ (1) in 48% yield. Further reaction of 1 with PPh₃ or PPh₂H in the presence of Me₃NO in MeCN at room temperature afforded the phosphine-monosubstituted model compounds [μ-Se(CH₂)₃Se-μ]Fe₂(CO)₅(L) (2, L = PPh₃; 3, L = PPh₂H) in 76% and 68% yields, respectively. Similarly, the N-heterocyclic carbene I_Mes-monosubstituted model compound [μ-Se(CH₂)₃Se-μ]Fe₂(CO)₅(I_Mes) (4) could be prepared in 46% yield by reaction of imidazolium salt I_Mes · HCl with n-BuLi followed by treatment of the resulting I_Mes ligand with 1 in THF at room temperature. Compounds 1-4 were fully characterized by elemental analysis and various spectroscopic methods. While the structures of 1-4 were further confirmed by X-ray crystallography, the comparative study of 1 and its analog [μ-S(CH₂)₃S-μ]Fe₂(CO)₆ demonstrates that 1 is a better catalyst for TsOH proton reduction to hydrogen under electrochemical conditions.     

A new cumulene diiron complex related to the active site of Fe-only hydrogenases and its phosphine substituted derivatives: synthesis, electrochemistry and structural characterization

A new cumulene diiron complex related to the Fe-only hydrogenase active site [(μ-SCH₂C(S)CCH₂)Fe₂(CO)₆] (1) was obtained by treatment of (μ-LiS)₂Fe₂(CO)₆ with excess 1,4-dichloro-2-butyne. By controllable CO displacement of 1 with PPh₃ and bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm), mono- and di-substituted complexes, namely [(μ-SCH₂C(S)CCH₂)Fe₂(CO)₅L] (2: L = PPh₃; 3: L = dppm) and [(μ-SCH₂C(S)CCH₂)Fe₂(CO)₄L₂] (4: L = PPh₃; 5: L = dppm) could be prepared in moderate yields. Treatment of 1 with bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) afforded a double butterfly complex [(μ-SCH₂C(S)CCH₂)Fe₂(CO)₅]₂(μ-dppe) (7). With dppm in refluxing toluene, a dppm-bridged complex [(μ-SCH₂C(S)CCH₂)Fe₂(CO)₄(μ-dppm)] (6) was obtained. These model complexes were characterized by IR, ¹H, ³¹P NMR spectra and the molecular structures of 1, 2 and 5-7 were determined by single crystal X-ray analyses. The electrochemistry of 1-3 was studied and the electrocatalytic property of 1 was investigated for proton reduction in the presence of HOAc.     

Syntheses and molecular structures of 6-halogeno-pyridin-2-olate complexes with the diruthenium(2+) core

The complexes [Ru₂(CO)₅(μ-FpyO)₂]₂ (1), [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-ClpyO)₂]₂ (2), and [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-BrpyO)₂]₂ (3) were prepared from Ru₃(CO)₁₂ and 6-fluoro-2-hydroxypyridine (FpyOH), 6-chloro-2-hydroxypyridine (ClpyOH) and 6-bromo-2-hydroxypyridine (BrpyOH), respectively, in hot toluene. Compounds 1-3 are coordination dimers with a cyclo-RuORuO motif. By carrying out the reaction in hot methanol, the dinuclear complexes [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-ClpyO)₂(CH₃OH)] (4) and [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-BrpyO)₂(CH₃OH)] (5), respectively, were obtained. Treatment of 2 and 3 with triphenylphosphane provided the complexes [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-ClpyO)₂(PPh₃)] (6) and [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-BrpyO)₂(PPh₃)] (7), respectively. The solid-state structures of complexes 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In all cases, a head-head coordination of the two 6-halopyridinolate ligands at the core was found. In all chlorine- or bromine-containing complexes, the axial coordination site at the ruthenium atom neighbored by two Cl or Br atoms remains unoccupied due to steric shielding by the halogen atom. In the fluoropyridinolate complex 1, the same coordination site is occupied by a carbonyl ligand.     

Molecular and polymeric Hg(II) complexes with a PTA (1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) complex of the [Re6(μ3-Se)8] core-containing cluster as ligand

Two Hg(II) complexes with the cluster-complex ligand [Re₆(μ₃-Se)₈(PEt₃)₅(PTA)](SbF₆)₂ (PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane), {[Re₆(μ₃-Se)₈(PEt₃)₅(PTA)(Hg₃I₇)](SbF₆)}_n·(CH₃CN)_n (1) and {[Re₆(μ₃-Se)₈(PEt₃)₅(PTA)]₂(Hg₄I₉)}(SbF₆)₃·2CH₃CN (2), were prepared and structurally characterized. The two compounds were obtained from reactions conducted at different temperatures under otherwise identical conditions. Recrystallization of the room-temperature product 2 in a different solvent mixture produced yet another new Hg(II) complex, {[Re₆(μ₃-Se)₈(PEt₃)₅(PTA)](Hg₃I₈)}·CH₃CN (3) which may be considered as a consequence of the dissociation of the kinetic product 2 in solution and the re-assembly of necessary components to generate the new compound upon crystallization. The solid-state structure of 1 contains polymeric cluster columns, in which the PTA ligand adopts a hitherto unknown coordination mode with simultaneous coordination of all four (one P and three N atoms) potentially coordinating atoms.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of the mono- and diphosphine-containing diiron propanedithiolate complexes related to [FeFe]-hydrogenases. Biomimetic H2 evolution catalyzed by (mu-PDT)Fe2(CO)4[(Ph2P)2N(n-Pr)

As the new H-cluster models, six diiron propanedithiolate (PDT) complexes with mono- and diphosphine ligands have been prepared and structurally characterized. The monophosphine model complex (μ-PDT)Fe₂(CO)₅[Ph₂PNH(t-Bu)] (1) was prepared by reaction of parent complex (μ-PDT)Fe₂(CO)₆ (A) with 1 equiv of Ph₂PNH(t-Bu) in refluxing xylene, whereas A reacted with 1 equiv of Me₃NO · 2H₂O in MeCN at room temperature followed by 1 equiv of Ph₂PH to give the corresponding monophosphine model complex (μ-PDT)Fe₂(CO)₅(Ph₂PH) (2). Further treatment of 2 with 1 equiv of n-BuLi in THF at −78 °C followed by 1 equiv of CpFe(CO)₂I from −78 °C to room temperature afforded monophosphine model complex (μ-PDT)Fe₂(CO)₅[Ph₂PFe(CO)₂Cp] (3), whereas the diphosphine model complexes (μ-PDT)Fe₂(CO)₄(Ph₂PC₂H₄PPh₂) (4), (μ-PDT)Fe₂(CO)₄[(Ph₂P)₂N(n-Pr)] (5) and (μ-PDT)Fe₂(CO)₄[(Ph₂P)₂N(n-Bu)] (6) were obtained by reactions of A with ca.1 equiv of the corresponding diphosphines in refluxing xylene. All the new model complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopy and particularly for 1 and 3-6 by X-ray crystallography. On the basis of electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies, model 5 was found to be a catalyst for HOAc proton reduction to H₂, and for this electrocatalytic reaction an ECCE mechanism was proposed.     

Synthesis, structure, photophysical and electrochemical behavior of 2-amino-anthracene triosmium clusters

The reactions of 2-amino-anthracene with [Os₃(CO)₁₀(CH₃CN)₂] have been studied and the products structurally characterized by spectroscopic, X-ray diffraction, photophysical and electrochemical techniques. At room temperature in CH₂Cl₂ two major, isomeric products are obtained [Os₃(CO)₁₀(μ-η²-(N-C(1))-NH₂C₁₄H₈)(μ-H)] (1, 14%) and [Os₃(CO)₁₀(μ-η²-(N-C(3))-NHC₁₄H₉)(μ-H)] (2, 35%) along with a trace amount of the dihydrido complex [Os₃(CO)₉(μ-η²-(N-C(3))-NHC₁₄H₈)(μ-H)₂] (3). In refluxing tetrahydrofuran only complexes 2 and 3 are obtained in 24% and 28%, respectively. A separate experiment shows that complex 1 slowly converts to 2 and that the rearrangement is catalyzed by adventitious water and involves proton transfer to the anthracene ring. Complex 1 is stereochemically non-rigid; exhibiting edge to edge hydride migration while 2 is stereochemically rigid. Complex 3 is also stereochemically non-rigid showing a site exchange process of the magnetically nonequivalent hydrides typical for trinuclear dihydrides. Interestingly, 2 decarbonylates cleanly to the electronically unsaturated 46e⁻ cluster [Os₃(CO)₉(μ₃-η²-(N-C(3))-NHC₁₀H₉)(μ-H)] (4, 68%) in refluxing cyclohexane, while photolysis of 2 in CH₂Cl₂ yields only a small amount of 3 along with considerable decomposition. The mechanism of the conversion of 1 to 2 and the dependence of the product distribution on solvent are discussed. All four compounds are luminescent with compounds 1-3 showing emissions that can be assigned to radiative decay associated with the anthracene ligand. Complexes 1-3 all show irreversible 1e⁻ reductions in the range of −1.85-2.14 V while 4 shows a nicely reversible 1e⁻ wave at −1.16 V and a quasi-reversible second 1e⁻ wave at −1.62 V. Irreversible oxidations are observed in the range from +0.35 to +0.49 V. The relationship between the cluster ligand configurations and the observed electrochemical and photochemical behavior is discussed and compared with that of the free ligand.     

Bioinspired FeIIICdII and FeIIIHgII complexes: synthesis, characterization and promiscuous catalytic activity evaluation

In this work we report on the synthesis, crystal structure, and physicochemical characterization of the novel dinuclear [Fe^IIICd^II(L)(μ-OAc)₂]ClO₄·0.5H₂O (1) complex containing the unsymmetrical ligand H₂L = 2-bis[{(2-pyridyl-methyl)-aminomethyl}-6-{(2-hydroxy-benzyl)-(2-pyridyl-methyl)}-aminomethyl]-4-methylphenol. Also, with this ligand, the tetranuclear [Fe₂^IIIHg₂^II(L)₂(OH)₂](ClO₄)₂·2CH₃OH (2) and [Fe^IIIHg^II(L)(μ-CO₃)Fe^IIIHg^II(L)](ClO₄)₂·H₂O (3) complexes were synthesized and fully characterized. It is demonstrated that the precursor [Fe^III₂Hg^II₂(L)₂(OH)₂](ClO₄)₂·2CH₃OH (2) can be converted to (3) by the fixation of atmospheric CO₂ since the crystal structure of the tetranuclear organometallic complex [Fe^IIIHg^II(L)(μ-CO₃)Fe^IIIHg^II(L)](ClO₄)₂·H₂O (3) with an unprecedented {Fe^III(μ-O_phenoxo)₂(μ-CO₃)Fe^III} core was obtained through X-ray crystallography. In the reaction 2 → 3 a nucleophilic attack of a Fe^III-bound hydroxo group on the CO₂ molecule is proposed. In addition, it is also demonstrated that complex (3) can regenerate complex (2) in aqueous/MeOH/NaOH solution. Magnetochemical studies reveal that the Fe^III centers in 3 are antiferromagnetically coupled (J = − 7.2 cm^− 1) and that the Fe^III-OR-Fe^III angle has no noticeable influence in the exchange coupling. Phosphatase-like activity studies in the hydrolysis of the model substrate bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl) phosphate (2,4-bdnpp) by 1 and 2 show Michaelis-Menten behavior with 1 being ~ 2.5 times more active than 2. In combination with k_H/k_D isotope effects, the kinetic studies suggest a mechanism in which a terminal Fe^III-bound hydroxide is the hydrolysis-initiating nucleophilic catalyst for 1 and 2. Based on the crystal structures of 1 and 3, it is assumed that the relatively long Fe^III…Hg^II distance could be responsible for the lower catalytic effectiveness of 2.     

Synthesis, protonation and electrochemical properties of trinuclear NiFe2 complexes Fe2(CO)6(μ3-S)2[Ni(Ph2PCH2)2NR] (R = n-Bu, Ph) with an internal pendant nitrogen base as a proton relay

Two trinuclear NiFe₂ complexes Fe₂(CO)₆(μ₃-S)₂[Ni(Ph₂PCH₂)₂NR] (R = n-Bu, 1; Ph, 2) containing an internal base were prepared as biomimetic models for the active sites of FeFe and NiFe hydrogenases. Treatment of complex Fe₂(CO)₆(μ₃-S)₂[Ni(Ph₂PCH₂)₂N(n-Bu)] (1) with HOTf gave an N-protonated complex [Fe₂(CO)₆(μ₃-S)₂{Ni(Ph₂PCH₂)₂NH(n-Bu)}][OTf] ([1H][OTf]). The structures of complexes 1, 2 and [1H][OTf] were determined by X-ray crystallography, which shows that the proton held by the N atom of [1H][OTf] lies in an equatorial position. Cyclic voltammograms of complexes 1 and [1H][OTf] were studied and compared with that of Fe₂(CO)₆(μ₃-S)₂[Ni(dppe)].     

Synthesis and characterization of tetrairon-tungsten cluster complex containing a μ4, η-carbonyl ligand

Reaction of [(PPh₂C₅H₄)Cp₃Fe₄(CO)₄] (1) with (CO)₄W(CH₃CN)₂ at ambient temperature affords [(CO)₄W(PPh₂C₅H₄)Cp₃Fe₄(CO)₄] (2) as the major product, together with a small amount of [(CO)₅W(PPh₂C₅H₄)Cp₃Fe₄(CO)₄] (3). Compound 3 can be obtained in good yield by treating (CO)₅W(CH₃CN) with equal molar of 1, and reaction of 3 with Me₃NO in acetonitrile solvent produces 2 exclusively. The crystal structures of 2 and 3 have been determined by an X-ray diffraction study. Compound 2 contains an interesting μ₄, η²-CO ligand, where two electrons donated by the carbon atom are involved to bridge a Fe₃ face and two electrons from oxygen are donated to the tungsten(0) atom.     

Diiron and diruthenium aminocarbyne complexes containing pseudohalides: stereochemistry and reactivity

Acetonitrile is easily displaced from [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(MeCN)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (Xyl) (1a); Me (1b)) upon stirring in THF at room temperature in the presence of [NBu₄][SCN]. The resulting complexes trans-[Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NCS)(Cp)₂] (R = Xyl (trans-2a); Me (trans-2b)) are completely isomerised to cis-[Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NCS)(Cp)₂] (R = Xyl (cis-2a); Me (cis-2b)) when heated at reflux temperature. Similarly, the complexes cis-[M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NCO)(Cp)₂] (M = Fe, R = Me (4a); M = Ru, R = Xyl (4b); M = Ru, R = Me (4c)) and cis-[M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(N₃)(Cp)₂] (M = Fe, R = Xyl (5a); M = Fe, R = Me (5b); M = Ru, R = Xyl (5c)) can be obtained by heating at reflux temperature a THF solution of [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(MeCN)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (M = Fe, R = Xyl (1a); M = Fe, Me (1b); M = Ru, R = Xyl (1c); M = Ru, R = Me (1d)) in the presence of NaNCO and NaN₃, respectively. The reactions of 5 with MeO₂CCCCO₂Me, HCCCO₂Me and (NC)(H)CC(H)(CN) afford the triazolato complexes [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃C₂(CO₂Me)₂}(Cp)₂] (M = Fe, R = Xyl (6a); M = Fe, R = Me (6b); M = Ru, R = Xyl (6c)), [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ- CO)(CO){N₃C₂(H)(CO₂Me)}(Cp)₂] (M = Fe, R = Me (7a); M = Ru, R = Xyl (7b)) and [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃C₂(H)(CN)}(Cp)₂] (8), respectively. The asymmetrically substituted triazolato complexes 7-8 are obtained as mixtures of N(1) and N(2) bonded isomers, whereas 6 exists only in the N(2) form. Methylation of 6-8 results in the formation of the triazole complexes [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃(Me)C₂(CO₂Me)₂}(Cp)₂][CF₃SO₃] (9), [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃(Me)C₂(H)(CO₂Me)}(Cp)₂][CF₃SO₃] (M = Fe, R = Me (10a); M = Ru, R = Xyl (10b)) and [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃(Me)C₂(H)(CN)}(Cp)₂][CF₃SO₃], 11. The crystal structures of trans-2b, 4b · CH₂Cl₂, 5a, 6b · 0.5CH₂Cl₂ and 8 · CH₂Cl₂ have been determined.     

Synthesis and structure of new phosphine-substituted homo- and hetero-bimetallic carbonyl clusters of iron, ruthenium and nickel. Characterization of two inorganic-organometallic hybrid materials based on mesoporous SBA-15 silica

The reactions of the complexes Fe₃(CO)₁₂, H₂FeRu₃(CO)₁₃, H₂Ru₄(CO)₁₃ and CpNiRu₃(H)₃(CO)₉ with 2(diphenylphosphino)ethyl-triethoxysilane give considerable yields of the complexes Fe₃(CO)₁₀L₂ (1), H₂FeRu₃(CO)₁₀L₂ (2), Ru₄(CO)₁₀L₃ (3) and CpNiRu₃(H)₃(CO)₇L₂ (4) where L = Ph₂PCH₂CH₂Si(OEt)₃. The complexes (1-3) have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The structure of (4) has been determined by X-ray analysis. The presence of a phosphine containing the -Si(OEt)₃ group has been exploited for grafting complexes (3) and (4) on the mesoporous SBA-15 and the resulting inorganic-organometallic materials have been characterized by means of ICP-MS, FT-IR, DR-UV-vis spectroscopy, XRD and textural analysis.     

Synthesis, characterisation and natural abundance Os NMR spectroscopy of hydride bridged triosmium clusters with chiral diphosphine ligands

Treatment of [Os₃(μ-H)₂(CO)₁₀] with the chiral diphosphines BINAP, tolBINAP [(R)-2,2′-bis(di-4-tolylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl], DIOP [(4R,5R)-(−)-O-isopropenylidene-2,3-dihydroxy-1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane] affords [Os₃(μ-H)₂(CO)₈(μ-L)] (L = BINAP (1), tolBINAP (2), DIOP (4)) in high yield. The X-ray structures for 1, 2 and 4 are reported, and structural and spectroscopic comparisons are made between these clusters and [Os₃(μ-H)₂(CO)₈(μ-L)] (L = dppm (5), dppe (6), dppp (7)) which were synthesised similarly. Compounds 5 to 7 were previously synthesised by hydrogenation of 1,2-[Os₃(CO)₁₀(μ-L)] but the route from [Os₃(μ-H)₂(CO)₁₀] is preferable. The H-bridged Os?Os distances are similar in 1, 2 and 4 indicating that these species are formally unsaturated 46-electron clusters. The P?P distances vary from 4.24 to 4.30 Å in 1 and 2, respectively, to 4.53 Å in 4 and there are related changes in the angles associated with the ligand set around the H-bridged osmium atoms. Introduction of the diphosphine ligands completely suppresses the ability to add CO, to insert acetylene to form a μ-η¹,η²-vinyl compound, and to exchange hydride ligands with styrene-d₈, which are reactions characteristic of [Os₃(μ-H)₂(CO)₁₀]. Clusters 2 and 5-7 were also used to examine the potential of natural abundance ¹⁸⁷Os NMR spectroscopy through techniques based on inverse detection by HMQC, HSQC and HMBC spectroscopy.     

6-Halogenopyridin-2-olato complexes with the diruthenium(2+) core: Equilibria between head-to-head and head-to-tail structures

The dinuclear bis(6-X-pyridin-2-olato) ruthenium complexes [Ru₂(μ-XpyO)₂(CO)₄(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl (4B) and Br (5B)), [Ru₂(μ-XpyO)₂(CO)₄(CH₃CN)₂] (X = Cl (6B), Br (7B) and F (8B)) and [Ru₂(μ-ClpyO)₂(CO)₄(PhCN)₂] (9B) were prepared from the corresponding tetranuclear coordination dimers [Ru₂(μ-XpyO)₂(CO)₄]₂ (1: X = Cl; 2: X = Br) and [Ru₂(μ-FpyO)₂(CO)₆]₂ (3) by treatment with an excess of triphenylphosphane, acetonitrile and benzonitrile, respectively. In the solid state, complexes 4B-9B all have a head-to-tail arrangement of the two pyridonate ligands, as evidenced by X-ray crystal structure analyses of 4B, 6B and 9B, in contrast to the head-to-head arrangement in the precursors 1-3. A temperature- and solvent-dependent equilibrium between the yellow head-to-tail complexes and the red head-to-head complexes 4A-7A and 9A, bearing an axial ligand only at the O,O-substituted ruthenium atom, exists in solution and was studied by NMR spectroscopy. Full ¹H and ¹³C NMR assignments were made in each case. Treatment of 1 and 2 with the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolin-2-ylidene provided the complexes [Ru₂(μ-XpyO)₂(CO)₄(NHC)], X = Cl (11A) or Br (12A). An XRD analysis revealed the head-to-head arrangement of the pyridonate ligands and axial coordination of the carbene ligand at the O,O-substituted ruthenium atom. The conversion of 11A and 12A into the corresponding head-to-tail complexes was not possible.     

Electrochemical oxidation of ethanol using Nafion electrodes modified with heterobimetallic catalysts

Chemically modified electrodes were prepared by adsorption of Nafion/catalyst films of the type Nafion/Cp(PPh₃)Ru(μ-I)(μ-dppm)PdCl₂ (N1), Nafion/[η⁵-C₅H₄CH₂CH₂(NHMe₂)⁺]Ru(PPh₃)(μ-I)(μ-dppm)PtCl₂ (N2), Nafion/[η⁵-C₅H₄CH₂CH₂(NHMe₂)⁺]Ru(PPh₃)(μ-Cl)(μ-dppm)PdCl₂ (N3), Nafion/Cp(CO)Fe(μ-I)(μ-dppm)PdI₂ (N4) and Nafion/Cp(CO)Ru(μ-I)(μ-dppm)PtI₂ (N5) on glassy and vitreous carbon electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and bulk electrolysis experiments were performed to assess the ability of these modified electrodes to electrocatalytically oxidize ethanol. Cyclic voltammograms using the N1-N5 modified glassy carbon electrodes displayed significant catalytic activity compared to oxidation of ethanol catalyzed by 1 in homogeneous solution. Bulk electrolysis of ethanol using electrodes coated with Nafion supported complexes 1-3 resulted in formation of the two- and four-electron oxidation products acetaldehyde and acetic acid, respectively, whilst bulk electrolysis using the complexes 4 and 5 produced only acetaldehyde.     

Addition of protic nucleophiles to alkynyl methoxy carbene ligands in diiron complexes

Different protic nucleophiles (i.e.Ph₂CNH, PhSH, MeCO₂H, PhOH) can be added to the CC bond of [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){C(OMe)CCTol}(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (1), affording new diiron alkenyl methoxy carbene complexes.The additions of Ph₂CNH and MeCO₂H are regio and stereoselective, resulting in the formation of the 5-aza-1-metalla-1,3,5-hexatriene [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){C_α(OMe)C_βHC_γ(Tol)(NCPh₂)}(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (2), and the 2-(acyloxy)alkenyl methoxy carbene complex [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){C_α(OMe)C_βHC_γ(Tol)OC(O)Me)}(Cp)₂][CF₃SO₃] (5); the E isomer of the former and the Z of the latter are formed exclusively.Conversely, the addition of PhSH is regio but not stereoselective; thus, both the E and Z isomers of [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){C_α(OMe)C_βHC_γ(Tol)(SPh)}(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (3) are formed in comparable amounts.Compounds 3 and 5 are demethylated upon chromatography through Al₂O₃, resulting in the formation of the acyl complexes [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){C_α(O)C_βHC_γ(Tol)(SPh)}(Cp)₂] (4) and [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){C_α(O)C_βHC_γ(Tol)OC(O)Me}(Cp)₂] (6), respectively, both with a Z configured C_βC_γ bond.Finally, the reaction of 1 with PhOH proceeds only in the presence of an excess of Et₃N affording the 2-(alkoxy)alkenyl acyl complex [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ- CO)(CO){C_α(O)C_βHC_γ(Tol)(OPh)}(Cp)₂] (7). The crystal structures of 4 · CH₂Cl₂ and 7 · 0.5CH₂Cl₂ have been determined by X-ray diffraction experiments.     

Phosphorus-carbon(pyridyl) bond cleavage on reacting diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine with triiron dodecacarbonyl

The reaction of [Fe₃(CO)₁₂] with diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine (PPh₂Py) in refluxing toluene for 1 h afforded three compounds, [Fe₂(CO)₆(μ-PPh₂)(μ-κ²-C,N-C₅H₄N)] (1), [Fe(CO)₄(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)] (2), and [Fe(CO)₃(κ¹-P-PPh₂Py)₂] (3) in 23%, 10% and 3.5% yields after work-up, respectively. The PPh₂Py ligand acts as a terminal P-donor ligand in 2 and 3, while in 1 it underwent a selective phosphorus-carbon(pyridyl) bond cleavage to afford phosphido- and pyridyl-bridged ligands. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FAB-mass, FTIR, ¹H and ³¹P-{¹H}NMR spectroscopies. Compounds 1 and 2 were also characterized by X-ray single crystal.     

New highly water-soluble rhodium complexes bearing 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) and/or tris(hydroxymethyl) phosphine (THP)

A family of cationic and neutral highly water-soluble rhodium complexes [Cp∗Rh(PTA)₃]Cl₂ (1), [Cp∗RhCl₂(THP)] (2), [Cp∗RhCl(THP)₂]Cl (3), and [Cp∗RhCl(PTA)(THP)]Cl (4) have been synthesised and fully characterised [PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane; THP = tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine]. Their water-solubility increases as the number of the phosphines coordinated to the metal centre is increased. The X-ray crystal structure of compound 2 was obtained and shows the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding. NMR speciation studies of [Cp∗RhCl₂(PTA)] in deuterated water show the existence of several equilibria involving substitution processes in which the water molecules can substitute both chloride and PTA ligands.     

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition to the FeSC fragment 20. Preparation and properties of carbonyliron complexes of di-thiooxamide. Reactivity of the mononuclear (di-thiooxamide)Fe(CO)3 towards dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate

Reaction of Fe₂(CO)₉ at room temperature in THF with the di-thiooxamides (L), SC{N(R,R′)}C{(R,R′)N}S [R=Me, R′-R′=(CH₂)₂ (a); R=H, R′=ⁱPr (b); R=H, R′=iPr (c), R=H, R′=benzyl (d); R=H, R′=H (e)], results for ligands a-d initially in the formation of the mononuclear σ-S, σ-S′ chelate complexes Fe(CO)₃(L) (7a-d), which could be isolated in case of 7a and 7d. Under the reaction conditions, complexes 7a-d react further with [Fe(CO)₄] fragments to give three types of Fe₂(CO)₆(L) complexes (8a-d) in high yields, depending on the di-thiooxamide ligand used together with traces of the known complex S₂Fe₃(CO)₉ (14). The molecular structures of these complexes have been established by the single crystal X-ray diffraction determinations of 8a, 8b and 8d. In the reaction with ligand e the corresponding complex 7e was not detected and the well-known complexes 14 and S₂Fe₃(CO)₉ (15) were isolated in low yield. In situ prepared 7a reacts in a slow reaction with 1 equiv. of dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate in a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction to give the stable initial ferra [2.2.1] bicyclic complex 10a in 60% yield. In complex 10a an additional Fe(CO)₄ fragment is coordinated to the sulfido sulfur atom of the cycloadded FeSC fragment. When a toluene solution of 10a is heated to 50 °C it loses two terminal CO ligands to give the binuclear FeFe bonded complex 11a in almost quantitative yield. The molecular structures of 10a and 11a have been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Reaction of 7d at room temperature with 2 equiv. of dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate results in the mononuclear complex 12d in 5% yield. The molecular structure of 12b has been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction and comprises a tetra dentate ligand with two ferra-sulpha cyclobutene, and a ferra-disulpha cyclopentene moiety. When the reaction is performed at 60 °C a low yield of 2,3,4,5-thiophene tetramethyl tertracarboxylate is obtained besides complex 12d.     

Syntheses, crystal structures, and characterization of heteronuclear complexes based on a versatile ligand with both acetylacetonate and bis(2-pyridyl) units

A new type of multidentate ligand with both acetylacetonate and bis(2-pyridyl) units on the 1,3-dithiole moiety, 3-[2-(dipyridin-2-yl-methylene)-5-methylsulfanyl-[1,3]dithiol-4-ylsulfanyl]-pentane-2, 4-dione (L), has been prepared. Through reactions of the ligand with Re(CO)₅X (X = Cl, Br), new rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes ClRe(CO)₃(L) (2) and BrRe(CO)₃(L) (3), have been obtained. With the use of 2 or 3 as the precursors, the further reactions with (Tp^Ph2)Co(OAc)(Hpz^Ph2) (Tp^Ph2 = hydrotris(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-yl)borate); Hpz^Ph2 = 3,5-diphenyl-pyrazole) or M(OAc)₂(M = Mn, Zn), afford four new heteronuclear complexes: ClRe(CO)₃(L)Co(Tp^Ph2) (4), BrRe(CO)₃(L)Co(Tp^Ph2) (5), [ClRe(CO)₃(L)]₂Mn(CH₃OH)₂ (6) and [ClRe(CO)₃(L)]₂Zn(CH₃OH)₂ (7), respectively. Crystal structures of complexes 2 and 4-7 have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Their absorption spectra, photoluminescence and magnetic properties have been studied.     

Ligand substitution reactions of bis(μ-acetato)dichlorodicarbonyldiiridium(II)

Seven diiridium(II) complexes were synthesized by ligand substitution reactions of [Ir₂(μ-O₂CMe)₂Cl₂(CO)₂] (1) and [Ir₂(μ-O₂CMe)₂Cl₂(CO)₂(py)₂] (2).The reaction of 2 with the silver salt of a less coordinating anion, AgSbF₆, gave a cationic complex [Ir₂(μ-O₂CMe)₂Cl(CO)₂(py)₃]SbF₆ (3).A tricarbonyl cationic complex [Ir₂(μ-O₂CMe)₂(CO)₃Cl(py)₂]SbF₆ (4) was obtained under a CO atmosphere.Complex 2 reacted with AgO₂CCF₃ to give [Ir₂(μ-O₂CMe)₂Cl(O₂CCF₃)(CO)₂(py)₂] (5) in toluene.[Ir₂(μ-hiq)₂(CO)₂Cl₂] (Hhiq = 1-hydroxyisoquinoline, 6) was synthesized by the bridging-ligand substitution of 1 with Hhiq.Its axial adducts [Ir₂(μ-hiq)₂Cl₂(CO)₂L₂] (L = Mepy (4-methylpyridine), 7 or PPh₃, 8) were synthesized by addition of the ligands to a suspension of 6.In the structures of 7 and 8, two iridium atoms are bridged by two hiq ligands in a head-to-tail arrangement.The reaction of 1 with Hmhp (2-hydroxy-4-methylpyridine) led to triply bridged [Ir₂(μ-mhp)₃(CO)₂Cl(Hmhp)] (9).In complex 9, all the mhp ligands bridge between the Ir atoms in a head-to-head manner.The Ir-Ir distances of 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 are 2.6047(7), 2.6216(9), 2.5899(9), 2.5933(5) and 2.634(2) Å, respectively, which are similar to those observed in[Ir₂(μ-O₂CMe)₂Cl₂(CO)₂L₂]. The Ir-Ir distance of 2.5512(4) Å in 9 is shorter than in the other complexes.