Diferrate [Fe2 (CO)6 (µ-CO){µ-P(aryl)2 }]- as Self-Assembling Iron/Phosphor-Based Catalyst for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Photocatalytic Proton Reduction-Spectroscopic Insights.

This work is focused on the identification and investigation of the catalytically relevant key iron species in a photocatalytic proton reduction system described by Beller and co-workers. The system is driven by visible light and consists of the low-cost [Fe3 (CO)12 ] as catalyst precursor, electron-poor phosphines P(R)3 as co-catalysts, and a standard iridium-based photosensitizer dissolved in a mixture of THF, water, and the sacrificial reagent triethylamine. The catalytic reaction system was investigated by operando continuous-flow FTIR spectroscopy coupled with H2 gas volumetry, as well as by X-ray absorption spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and cyclic voltammetry. Several iron carbonyl species were identified, all of which emerge throughout the catalytic process. Depending on the applied P(R)3 , the iron carbonyl species were finally converted into [Fe2 (CO)6 (µ-CO){µ-P(R)2 }]- . This involves a P-C cleavage reaction. The requirements of P(R)3 and the necessary reaction conditions are specified. [Fe2 (CO)6 (µ-CO){µ-P(R)2 }]- represents a self-assembling, sulfur-free [FeFe]-hydrogenase active-site mimic and shows good catalytic activity if the substituent R is electron poor. Deactivation mechanisms have also been investigated, for example, the decomposition of the photosensitizer or processes observed in the case of excessive amounts of P(R)3 . [Fe2 (CO)6 (µ-CO){µ-P(R)2 }]- has potential for future applications.

Base-free non-noble-metal-catalyzed hydrogen generation from formic acid: scope and mechanistic insights.

The iron-catalyzed dehydrogenation of formic acid has been studied both experimentally and mechanistically. The most active catalysts were generated in situ from cationic Fe(II) /Fe(III) precursors and tris[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]phosphine (1, PP3 ). In contrast to most known noble-metal catalysts used for this transformation, no additional base was necessary. The activity of the iron catalyst depended highly on the solvent used, the presence of halide ions, the water content, and the ligand-to-metal ratio. The optimal catalytic performance was achieved by using [FeH(PP3 )]BF4 /PP3 in propylene carbonate in the presence of traces of water. With the exception of fluoride, the presence of halide ions in solution inhibited the catalytic activity. IR, Raman, UV/Vis, and EXAFS/XANES analyses gave detailed insights into the mechanism of hydrogen generation from formic acid at low temperature, supported by DFT calculations. In situ transmission FTIR measurements revealed the formation of an active iron formate species by the band observed at 1543 cm(-1) , which could be correlated with the evolution of gas. This active species was deactivated in the presence of chloride ions due to the formation of a chloro species (UV/Vis, Raman, IR, and XAS). In addition, XAS measurements demonstrated the importance of the solvent for the coordination of the PP3 ligand.

Photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water with iron carbonyl phosphine complexes: improved water reduction catalysts and mechanistic insights.

An extended study of a novel visible-light-driven water reduction system containing an iridium photosensitizer, an in situ iron(0) phosphine water reduction catalyst (WRC), and triethylamine as sacrificial reductant is described. The influences of solvent composition, ligand, ligand-to-metal ratio, and pH were studied. The use of monodentate phosphine ligands led to improved activity of the WRC. By applying a WRC generated in situ from Fe(3) (CO)(12) and tris[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]phosphine (P[C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)](3), Fe(3)(CO)(12)/PR(3)=1:1.5), a catalyst turnover number of more than 1500 was obtained, which constitutes the highest activity reported for any Fe WRC. The maximum incident photon to hydrogen efficiency obtained was 13.4% (440 nm). It is demonstrated that the evolved H(2) flow (0.23 mmol H(2) h(-1) mg(-1) Fe(3)(CO)(12)) is sufficient to be used in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, which generate electricity directly from water with visible light. Mechanistic studies by NMR spectroscopy, in situ IR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations allow for an improved understanding of the mechanism. With respect to the Fe WRC, the complex [HNEt(3)](+)[HFe(3)(CO)(11)](-) was identified as the key intermediate during the catalytic cycle, which led to light-driven hydrogen generation from water.

Solvent dependent asymmetric hydrogenation with self-assembled catalysts: a combined catalytic, NMR- and IR-study.

For the first time the hydrogen bond based structure of self-aggregated Rh-phosphine complexes in fluorinated alcohols was directly determined, which gives a rationale for the high enantioselectivity observed in the asymmetric hydrogenation.

Highly active and selective photochemical reduction of CO2 to CO using molecular-defined cyclopentadienone iron complexes.

Herein, we report highly active (cyclopentadienone)iron-tricarbonyl complexes for CO2 photoreduction using visible light with an Ir complex as photosensitizer and TEOA as electron/proton donor. Turnover numbers (TON) of ca. 600 (1 h) with initial turnover frequencies (TOF) up to 22.2 min(-1) were observed. Operando FTIR measurements allowed for the proposal of a plausible mechanism for catalyst activation.

Base-free hydrogen generation from methanol using a bi-catalytic system.

A bi-catalytic system, in which Ru-MACHO-BH and Ru(H)2(dppe)2 interact in a synergistic manner, was developed for the base-free dehydrogenation of methanol. A total TON > 4200 was obtained with only trace amounts of CO contamination (<8 ppm) in the produced gas.