Divergent Synthesis of Densely Substituted Arenes and Pyridines via Cyclotrimerization Reactions of Alkynyl Triazenes.

Densely substituted fused aromatic triazenes can be prepared by [2 + 2 + 2] cyclotrimerization reactions of 1-alkynyl triazenes. The Cp*Ru-catalyzed cyclization proceeds well with both simple alkynyl triazenes and tethered 1-diynyl triazenes. Attractively, the methodology can be extended to pyridine synthesis by replacing an alkyne with a nitrile. The reaction is regioselective and yields the sterically more hindered product. The triazene group precisely installed on the synthesized aryl and pyridyl ring is a highly versatile moiety, which is effortlessly converted into the most important and frequently used functional aryl substituents, including fluorides. It is also suited for intramolecular transformations to afford a variety of valuable heterocycles. The coordination chemistry of alkynyl triazenes and Cp*RuCl was studied and led to the structural characterization of a Cp*RuCl(η2-alkyne) complex, a Cp*RuCl(η4-cyclobutadiene) complex, and an unusual dinuclear Ru complex with a bridging tetramethylfulvene ligand. Complexes of this type are potentially involved in catalyst deactivation pathways.

Azo-MICs: Redox-Active Mesoionic Carbene Ligands Derived from Azoimidazolium Dyes.

Azoimidazolium dyes were used as precursors for mesoionic carbene ligands (Azo-MICs). The properties of these ligands were examined by synthesizing RhI , AuI , and PdII complexes. Experimental (NMR, IR) and theoretical investigations show that Azo-MICs are potent σ-donor ligands. Yet, they feature a small singlet-triplet gap and very low-lying LUMO levels. The unique electronic properties of Azo-MICs allow for reversible one-electron reductions of the metal complexes, as evidenced by cyclic voltammetry.

Selective C-H Activation at a Molecular Rhodium Sigma-Alkane Complex by Solid/Gas Single-Crystal to Single-Crystal H/D Exchange.

The controlled catalytic functionalization of alkanes via the activation of C-H bonds is a significant challenge. Although C-H activation by transition metal catalysts is often suggested to operate via intermediate σ-alkane complexes, such transient species are difficult to observe due to their instability in solution. This instability may be controlled by use of solid/gas synthetic techniques that enable the isolation of single-crystals of well-defined σ-alkane complexes. Here we show that, using this unique platform, selective alkane C-H activation occurs, as probed by H/D exchange using D2, and that five different isotopomers/isotopologues of the σ-alkane complex result, as characterized by single-crystal neutron diffraction studies for three examples. Low-energy fluxional processes associated with the σ-alkane ligand are identified using variable-temperature X-ray diffraction, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and periodic DFT calculations. These observations connect σ-alkane complexes with their C-H activated products, and demonstrate that alkane-ligand mobility, and selective C-H activation, are possible when these processes occur in the constrained environment of the solid-state.

A Rhodium-Pentane Sigma-Alkane Complex: Characterization in the Solid State by Experimental and Computational Techniques.

The pentane σ-complex [Rh{Cy2 P(CH2 CH2 )PCy2 }(η(2) :η(2) -C5 H12 )][BAr(F) 4 ] is synthesized by a solid/gas single-crystal to single-crystal transformation by addition of H2 to a precursor 1,3-pentadiene complex. Characterization by low temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction (150 K) and SSNMR spectroscopy (158 K) reveals coordination through two Rh⋅⋅⋅H-C interactions in the 2,4-positions of the linear alkane. Periodic DFT calculations and molecular dynamics on the structure in the solid state provide insight into the experimentally observed Rh⋅⋅⋅H-C interaction, the extended environment in the crystal lattice and a temperature-dependent pentane rearrangement implicated by the SSNMR data.

Solid-state synthesis and characterization of σ-alkane complexes, [Rh(L2)(η(2),η(2)-C7H12)][BAr(F)4] (L2 = bidentate chelating phosphine).

The use of solid/gas and single-crystal to single-crystal synthetic routes is reported for the synthesis and characterization of a number of σ-alkane complexes: [Rh(R2P(CH2)nPR2)(η(2),η(2)-C7H12)][BAr(F)4]; R = Cy, n = 2; R = (i)Pr, n = 2,3; Ar = 3,5-C6H3(CF3)2. These norbornane adducts are formed by simple hydrogenation of the corresponding norbornadiene precursor in the solid state. For R = Cy (n = 2), the resulting complex is remarkably stable (months at 298 K), allowing for full characterization using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The solid-state structure shows no disorder, and the structural metrics can be accurately determined, while the (1)H chemical shifts of the Rh···H-C motif can be determined using solid-state NMR spectroscopy. DFT calculations show that the bonding between the metal fragment and the alkane can be best characterized as a three-center, two-electron interaction, of which σCH → Rh donation is the major component. The other alkane complexes exhibit solid-state (31)P NMR data consistent with their formation, but they are now much less persistent at 298 K and ultimately give the corresponding zwitterions in which [BAr(F)4](-) coordinates and NBA is lost. The solid-state structures, as determined by X-ray crystallography, for all these [BAr(F)4](-) adducts are reported. DFT calculations suggest that the molecular zwitterions within these structures are all significantly more stable than their corresponding σ-alkane cations, suggesting that the solid-state motif has a strong influence on their observed relative stabilities.

PCP Pincer Complexes of Titanium in the +3 and +4 Oxidation States.

Ti(IV) and Ti(III) complexes using the tBuPCP ligand have been synthesized (tBuPCP = C6H3-2,6-(CH2PtBu2)2). The [tBuPCP]Li synthon can be reacted with TiCl4(THF)2 to form (tBuPCP)TiCl3 (1) in limited yields due to significant reduction of the titanium synthon. The Ti(III) complex (tBuPCP)TiCl2 (2) has been further characterized. This can have half an equivalent of halide abstracted to form [{(tBuPCP)TiCl}2{µ-Cl}][B(C6F5)4] (3) and can also be methylated, forming (tBuPCP)TiMe2 (4). All the Ti(III) complexes have been characterized using EPR and X-ray crystallography, giving insight into their electronic structures, which are further supported by DFT calculations.

Synthesis and reactivity of titanium 'POCOP' pincer complexes.

The 'POCOP' pincer ligand, [2,6-(OPR2)2C6H3], has been attached to titanium in both Ti(III) and Ti(IV) complexes for the first time. Using a lithium-halogen exchange route [2,6-(OPR2)2C6H3]Li ([RPOCOP]Li) can be synthesised. Both the iso-propyl and tert-butyl derivatives can be made, but only the latter isolated. These can be reacted with the Ti(III) and Ti(IV) synthons to make a range of [POCOP]TiClx species. In the presence of Ti(IV), THF and [RPOCOP]Li, an unprecedented ligand rearrangement occurs. (tBuPOCOP)TiCl2, 1, can be derivatised with alkylating agents to make bis-methyl, phenyl and neopentyl complexes. The last of these can activate H2 to make a rare example of a titanium chlorohydride, with the metal pincer fragment staying attached. EPR has been used to characterise the paramagnetic complexes and locate their electron spins, which is further validated with DFT calculations. This opens the door for this archetypical pincer ligand to be used with early transition metals.

Asymmetric bis-PNP pincer complexes of zirconium and hafnium - a measure of hemilability.

Asymmetrically-bound pyrrolide-based bis-PNP pincer complexes of zirconium and hafnium have been formed. The [κ2-PNPPh][κ3-PNPPh]MCl2 species are in direct contrast to previous zirconium PNP pincer complexes. The pincer ligands are fluxional in their binding and the energy barrier for exchange has been approximated using VT-NMR spectroscopy and the result validated by DFT calculations.

Brønsted and Lewis acid adducts of triazenes.

The synthetic utility of triazenes rests on the fact that the triazene function can be cleaved by Brønsted or Lewis acids, liberating diazonium compounds. However, the preferred coordination site of the acid is still a matter of debate. We have analyzed triflic acid, B(C6F5)3, and PdCl2 adducts of triazenes by NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray crystallography. In all cases, we observe coordination of the acid to the N1 atom of the triazene. This finding is not only of relevance for acid-induced cleavage reactions, but also for metal-catalyzed reactions with triazenes, which are increasingly being used in synthetic organic chemistry.

Solid-state molecular organometallic chemistry. Single-crystal to single-crystal reactivity and catalysis with light hydrocarbon substrates.

Single-crystal to single-crystal solid/gas reactivity and catalysis starting from the precursor sigma-alkane complex [Rh(Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2)(η2η2-NBA)][BArF 4] (NBA = norbornane; ArF = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3) is reported. By adding ethene, propene and 1-butene to this precursor in solid/gas reactions the resulting alkene complexes [Rh(Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2)(alkene) x ][BArF 4] are formed. The ethene (x = 2) complex, [Rh(Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2)(ethene)2][BArF 4]-Oct, has been characterized in the solid-state (single-crystal X-ray diffraction) and by solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Rapid, low temperature recrystallization using solution methods results in a different crystalline modification, [Rh(Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2)(ethene)2][BArF 4]-Hex, that has a hexagonal microporous structure (P6322). The propene complex (x = 1) [Rh(Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2)(propene)][BArF 4] is characterized as having a π-bound alkene with a supporting γ-agostic Rh···H3C interaction at low temperature by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, variable temperature solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy, as well as periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A fluxional process occurs in both the solid-state and solution that is proposed to proceed via a tautomeric allyl-hydride. Gas/solid catalytic isomerization of d3-propene, H2C[double bond, length as m-dash]CHCD3, using [Rh(Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2)(η2η2-NBA)][BArF 4] scrambles the D-label into all possible positions of the propene, as shown by isotopic perturbation of equilibrium measurements for the agostic interaction. Periodic DFT calculations show a low barrier to H/D exchange (10.9 kcal mol-1, PBE-D3 level), and GIPAW chemical shift calculations guide the assignment of the experimental data. When synthesized using solution routes a bis-propene complex, [Rh(Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2)(propene)2][BArF 4], is formed. [Rh(Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2)(butene)][BArF 4] (x = 1) is characterized as having 2-butene bound as the cis-isomer and a single Rh···H3C agostic interaction. In the solid-state two low-energy fluxional processes are proposed. The first is a simple libration of the 2-butene that exchanges the agostic interaction, and the second is a butene isomerization process that proceeds via an allyl-hydride intermediate with a low computed barrier of 14.5 kcal mol-1. [Rh(Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2)(η2η2-NBA)][BArF 4] and the polymorphs of [Rh(Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2)(ethene)2][BArF 4] are shown to be effective in solid-state molecular organometallic catalysis (SMOM-Cat) for the isomerization of 1-butene to a mixture of cis- and trans-2-butene at 298 K and 1 atm, and studies suggest that catalysis is likely dominated by surface-active species. [Rh(Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2)(η2η2-NBA)][BArF 4] is also shown to catalyze the transfer dehydrogenation of butane to 2-butene at 298 K using ethene as the sacrificial acceptor.

Encapsulation of an organometallic cationic catalyst by direct exchange into an anionic MOF.

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are porous crystalline materials that have emerged as promising hosts for the heterogenization of homogeneous organometallic catalysts, forming hybrid materials which combine the benefits of both classes of catalysts. Herein, we report the encapsulation of the organometallic cationic Lewis acidic catalyst [CpFe(CO)2(L)]+ ([Fp-L]+, Cp = η5-C5H5, L = weakly bound solvent) inside the pores of the anionic [Et4N]3[In3(BTC)4] MOF (H3BTC = benzenetricarboxylic acid) via a direct one-step cation exchange process. To conclusively validate this methodology, initially [Cp2Co]+ was used as an inert spatial probe to (i) test the stability of the selected host; (ii) monitor the stoichiometry of the cation exchange process and (iii) assess pore dimensions, spatial location of the cationic species and guest-accessible space by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Subsequently, the quasi-isosteric [Fp-L]+ was encapsulated inside the pores via partial cation exchange to form [(Fp-L)0.6(Et4N)2.4][In3(BTC)4]. The latter was rigorously characterized and benchmarked as a heterogeneous catalyst in a simple Diels-Alder reaction, thus verifying the integrity and reactivity of the encapsulated molecular catalyst. These results provide a platform for the development of heterogeneous catalysts with chemically and spatially well-defined catalytic sites by direct exchange of cationic catalysts into anionic MOFs.

Double CO2 activation by 14-electron η(8)-permethylpentalene titanium dialkyl complexes.

The novel 14 electron species η(8)-Pn*TiR2 (Pn* = C8Me6; R = Me, CH2Ph) have been synthesised and spectroscopically and structurally characterised. Subsequent reaction with CO2 leads to the activation and double insertion of CO2 into both Ti-alkyl bonds to form the electronically saturated η(8)-Pn*Ti(κ(2)-O2CR)2 (R = Me, CH2Ph) complexes.

A CH2Cl2 complex of a [Rh(pincer)](+) cation.

The CH2Cl2 complex [Rh((tBu)PONOP)(κ(1)-ClCH2Cl)][BAr(F)4] is reported, that also acts as a useful synthon for other complexes such as N2, CO and H2 adducts; while the analogous PNP complex undergoes C-Cl activation.

Group 9 bimetallic carbonyl permethylpentalene complexes.

We describe the synthesis, structure and bonding of the first iridium and rhodium permethylpentalene complexes, syn-[M(CO)2]2(µ:η(5):η(5)-Pn*) (M = Rh, Ir). In fact, [Ir(CO)2]2(µ:η(5):η(5)-Pn*) is the first iridium pentalene complex. An interesting preference for the isolation of the sterically more demanding syn-isomer is observed and substantiated by DFT analysis. Upon photolysis, the rhodium analogue yields an unusual tetrameric species Rh4(CO)6(µ:η(3):η(5)-Pn*)2 with bridging carbonyls and Rh-Rh bonds, which has been characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction and by solution NMR spectroscopy.

Bis(permethylpentalene)uranium.

The reaction of Li(2)(C(14)H(18))(TMEDA)(x) with UCl(4) yields U(eta(8)-C(14)H(18))(2), (UPn*(2); Pn* = C(14)H(18)) an analogue of CePn*(2) and U{eta(8)-C(8)H(4)(1,4-Si(i)Pr(3))(2)}(2). The UPn*(2) molecule is structurally characterised via a variety of techniques, its magnetism is probed in the solution and solid phase and the redox properties are investigated using cyclic voltammetry. During this study it was shown to be reducible and the reduced species reacted with N(2)to form a stable complex. An analogous complex was not found under Ar.