Electronic Effects in Phosphino-Iminophosphorane PdII Complexes upon Varying the N Substituent.

Three series of palladium(II) complexes supported by a phosphine-iminophosphorane ligand built upon an ortho-phenylene core were investigated to study the influence of the iminophosphorane N substituent. Cis-dichloride palladium(II) complexes 1 in which the N atom bears an isopropyl (iPr, 1 a), a phenyl (Ph, 1 b), a trimethylsilyl (TMS, 1 c) group or an H atom (1 d) were synthesized in high yield. They were characterized by NMR, IR spectroscopy, HR-mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction. A substantial bond length difference between the Pd-Cl bonds was observed in 1. Complexes 1 a-d were converted into [Pd(LR )Cl(CNt Bu)](OTf)] 2 a-d whose isocyanide is located trans to the iminophosphorane. The corresponding dicationic complexes [Pd(LR )(CNt Bu)2 ](OTf)2 3 a-d were also synthesized, however they exhibited lower stability in solution than 2, the isopropyl derivative 3 a being the most stable of the series. Molecular modeling was performed to rationalize the regioselectivity of the substitution of the single chloride by isocyanide (from 1 to 2) and to study the electronic distribution in the complexes. In particular differences between the TMS and H containing complexes vs. the iPr and Ph ones were found. This suggests that the nature of the N substituent is far from innocent and can help tune the reactivity of iminophosphorane complexes.

Phosphinoquinoline supported CoII, NiII, and FeII complexes: divergent behaviour upon reduction.

The reduction of [CoLBr2], a CoII complex supported by a diisopropylphosphinoquinoline (L) ligand, induced a ligand coupling giving access to a (PNNP) supported CoII complex which was isolated in 70% yield. This complex was formed using a minimum of 2 equivalents of a reductant (either Mn or KC8). The fate of [CoLBr2] in the presence of 1 equivalent of a reductant was more difficult to study; nevertheless, a CoI complex was characterised in the solid state. In order to determine whether this ligand coupling could occur with other 3d metals, L supported FeII and NiII complexes were synthesised. While no compound could be identified upon reduction of [FeLBr2], both [NiLBr2] and [NiL2Br](Br) led to the reduction at the metal center allowing the isolation of an original Ni0 trimer in a satisfactory yield. This study shows the different behaviours of these 3d metal complexes in the presence of a reductant.

FeII complexes supported by an iminophosphorane ligand: synthesis and reactivity.

The synthesis of iron complexes supported by a mixed phosphine-lutidine-iminophosphorane (PPyNP) ligand was carried out. While bidentate κ2-N,N coordination was observed for FeCl2, pincer coordination modes were adopted at cationic iron centers, either through dechlorination of [LFe(PPyNP)Cl2] (1) or direct coordination of PPyNP to Fe(OTf)2. Reaction with tert-butylisocyanide gave access to the diamagnetic octahedral complex [Fe(PPyNP)(CNtBu)3]X2 (X = OTf (4), Cl (4')). Both 1 and 4 were shown to undergo deprotonation of the phosphinomethyl group, but the resulting complexes were not active for the dehydrogenative coupling of hexan-1-ol. The hydrosilylation of acetophenones was catalyzed at room temperature with 1 mol% of a catalyst generated in situ from cationic PPyNP-supported iron triflate complexes and KHBEt3.

Phosphonium Ylides vs Iminophosphoranes: The Role of the Coordinating Ylidic Atom in cis-[Phosphine-Ylide Rh(CO)2] Complexes.

The coordinating properties of two families of ylides, namely, phosphonium ylides and iminophosphoranes, differently substituted at the ylidic center (CH2- vs NiPr-), have been investigated in structurally related cationic phosphine-ylide Rh(CO)2 complexes obtained from readily available phosphine-phosphonium salt precursors derived from an ortho-phenylene bridge. However, while the Rh(CO)2 complex bearing the P+-CH2- donor moiety proved to be stable, the P═NiPr donor end appeared to induce lability to one of the CO groups. All of the RhI carbonyl complexes in both ylide series were fully characterized, including through X-ray diffraction analysis. Based on the experimental and calculated infrared (IR) CO stretching frequencies in Rh(CO)2 complexes, we evidenced that the phosphonium ylide ligand is a stronger donor than the iminophosphorane ligand. However, we also found that the difference in the intrinsic electronic properties can be largely compensated by the introduction of an iPr substituent on the N atom of the iminophosphorane, hence pointing to the noninnocent role of the peripheral substituent and opening novel possibilities to tune the properties of metal complexes containing ylide ligands.

A cyclic divalent N(I) species isoelectronic to carbodiphosphoranes.

The formation of a rare type of diphosphazenium cation is described. Its synthesis features a unique oxidative dealkylation of an iminophosphorane-phosphole by a silver(I) salt. DFT study of this compound reveals the low valent character of the N(I) center.

Cobalt Complexes Supported by Phosphinoquinoline Ligands for the Catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Carbonyl Compounds.

P,N phosphinoquinoline based ligands differing by the nature of the phosphorus substituent (i Pr, Ph) were employed to synthesize a series of cobalt(II) complexes ([LCoBr2 ], [L2 CoBr](PF6 ) and [L'2 CoBr](PF6 )). The latter were obtained in high yield and characterized among others by X-ray analysis and elemental analysis. Complex [L2 CoBr](PF6 ) showed a very good catalytic activity for the hydrosilylation of various ketones. The catalysis proceeds at a low catalytic loading (1 mol %) with only 1 equivalent of Ph2 SiH2 in mild conditions and was efficient with aliphatic or aromatic ketones giving moderate to excellent yields of the corresponding silylated ether.

Reaction of Phosphines with 1-Azido-(2-halogenomethyl)benzene Giving Aminophosphonium-Substituted Indazoles.

The reaction between a 1-azido-(2-halogenomethyl)benzene and a phosphine gives different products depending on the nature of the halogen, the phosphine itself, and the solvent employed. While PPh3 (2 equiv) reacts with the chloro reagent in toluene to give the expected iminophosphorane-phosphonium adduct, trialkylphosphines (PCy3 and PEt3) surprisingly furnish an aminophosphonium substituted by a zwitterionic indazole. The bicyclic product can also form from PPh3 using the bromo reagent in acetonitrile. A mechanism is proposed for this cyclization based on DFT calculations.

Phosphasalen group IV metal complexes: synthesis, characterization and ring opening polymerization of lactide.

We report the synthesis of a series of Zr and Ti complexes bearing phosphasalen which differs from salen by the incorporation of two P atoms in the ligand backbone. The reaction of phosphasalen proligands (1a-1c)H2 with Zr(CH2Ph)4 led to different products depending on the nature of the N,N-linker in the ligand. In the case of ethylene-linked phosphasalen, octahedral Zr complex 2a formed as a single stereoisomer in trans geometry. With the phenylene linker, it was shown by dynamic NMR spectroscopy that complex 2b exists as a mixture of trans and cis-ß isomers in solution, both enantiomers (Δ and Λ) of the cis-ß isomer being in fast equilibrium with respect to the NMR time-scale. The use of a propylene-linked phosphasalen proligand 1cH2 led to a mixture of complexes among which a binuclear Zr complex 2c bridged only by one phosphasalen ligand could be isolated and characterized. Addition of 2 equiv. of iPrOH to 2a and 2b afforded diisoproxy Zr complexes 3a and 3b as a mixture of trans and cis-ß isomers, the latter undergoing fast Δ/Λ isomerization in solution. Addition of B(C6F5)3 to 2a and 2b gave cationic monobenzyl Zr complexes 4a and 4b which have been further converted into cationic alkoxy Zr complexes 5a-b and 6a-b by alcoholysis with iPrOH and (S)-methyl-lactate, respectively. The reaction of the phosphasalen proligands with Ti(NMe2)4 proceeded diastereoselectively giving rise to Ti complexes 7a-c in octahedral geometry with cis-ß wrapping of the ligand. The complexes have been tested for the ROP of rac-lactide. The neutral phosphasalen Ti and Zr complexes showed only poor activity probably due to the encumbered and electron donating nature of the phosphasalen ligand. In contrast, the cationic Zr alkoxides 5a, 6a and 6b are effective initiators for the controlled and hetero-selective ROP of rac-lactide.

FeIII and FeII Phosphasalen Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Application for 2-Naphthol Oxidative Coupling.

We report on the synthesis and characterization of three iron(III) phosphasalen complexes, [FeIII (Psalen)(X)] differing in the nature of the counter-anion/exogenous ligand (X- =Cl- , NO3 - , OTf- ), as well as the neutral iron(II) analogue, [FeII (Psalen)]. Phosphasalen (Psalen) differs from salen by the presence of iminophosphorane (P=N) functions in place of the imines. All the complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, UV/Vis, EPR, and cyclic voltammetry. The [FeII (Psalen)] complex was shown to remain tetracoordinated even in coordinating solvent but surprisingly exhibits a magnetic moment in line with a FeII high-spin ground state. For the FeIII complexes, the higher lability of triflate anion compared to nitrate was demonstrated. As they exhibit lower reduction potentials compared to their salen analogues, these complexes were tested for the coupling of 2-naphthol using O2 from air as oxidant. In order to shed light on this reaction, the interaction between 2-naphthol and the FeIII (Psalen) complexes was studied by cyclic voltammetry as well as UV/Vis spectroscopy.

Ruthenium complexes featuring cooperative phosphine-pyridine-iminophosphorane (PNN) ligands: synthesis, reactivity and catalytic activity.

The coordination to ruthenium(ii) centres of two phosphine-pyridine-iminophosphorane ligands LR (PPh2CH2(C6H3N)CH2N[double bond, length as m-dash]PR3, R = Ph or Cy) differing by the nature of the substituent of the P[double bond, length as m-dash]N phosphorus was explored. Coordination to [RuCl2(PPh3)3] afforded the complexes [RuLRCl2(PPh3)] that were successfully deprotonated at the acidic phosphinomethyl position. With LCy, coordination led to a mixture of two isomers. The complexes [RuLRHCl(PPh3)] were similarly obtained from [RuHCl(PPh3)3]. The stability of these complexes depends on the ligand substitution pattern; with LPh a CH activation process took place, while [RuLCyHCl(PPh3)] was thermally stable. Deprotonation of this latter complex was achieved and gave a catalytically competent species for the acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols.

Synthesis and Reactivity of Low-Valent f-Element Iodide Complexes with Neutral Iminophosphorane Ligands.

The coordination and reactivity of simple iodide salts of low-valent f elements [YbI2, SmI2, TmI2, and UI3(THF)4, where THF = tetrahydrofuran] with iminophosphorane (R3P═NR') ligands are reported. The studied chelates were observed to adapt their geometry and effectively bind divalent ytterbium and samarium centers, as well as the trivalent uranium cation. The reactivity of the ytterbium adducts with benzophenone was found to be dependent on the steric demand of the supporting iminophosphorane ligand. In particular, a rare example of a stable charge-separated ketyl radical species is reported with ytterbium. Additionally, divalent thulium was observed to induce a reductive coupling at the ligand's central pyridine ring.

Electronic Structures of Mono-Oxidized Copper and Nickel Phosphasalen Complexes.

Non-innocent ligands render the determination of the electronic structure in metal complexes difficult. As such, a combination of experimental techniques and quantum chemistry are required to correctly elucidate them. This paper deals with the one-electron oxidation of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes featuring a phosphasalen ligand (Psalen), which differs from salen analogues by the presence of iminophosphorane groups (P=N) instead of imines. Various experimental techniques (X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, NMR, EPR, and UV/Vis spectroscopies, and magnetic measurements) as well as quantum chemical calculations were used to define the electronic structure of the oxidized complexes. These can be modified by a small change in the ligand structure, that is, the replacement of a tert-butyl group by a methoxy on the phenoxide ring. The different techniques have allowed quantifying the amount of spin density located on the metal center and on the Psalen ligands. All complexes were found to possess a multi-configurational ground state, in which the ratio of the +II versus +III oxidation state of the metal center, and therefore the phenolate versus phenoxyl radical ligand character, varies upon the substituents. The tert-butyl group favors a strong localization on the metal center whereas with the methoxy group the metallic configurations decrease and the ligand configurations increase. The importance of the geometrical considerations compared with the electronic substituent effect is highlighted by the differences observed between the solid-state (EPR, magnetic measurements) and solution characterizations (EPR and NMR data).

Palladium(II) complexes featuring a mixed phosphine-pyridine-iminophosphorane pincer ligand: synthesis and reactivity.

An original mixed ligand (labelled L) of formula PPh2-CH2-Pyr-CH2-N[double bond, length as m-dash]PPh3, combining a pyridine core with phosphine and iminophosphorane, was synthesised. Its coordination with palladium(II) centers was studied. With [Pd(COD)Cl2], a cationic complex [LPdCl](Cl) 1, where L is coordinated in the pincer mode, was obtained. Chloride abstraction with silver salt in the presence of pyridine generated the dicationic complex [LPd(py)](BF4)2 (2). When reacting with a base such as potassium hexamethyldisilazane (KHMDS), 1 gave the neutral complex 3 [L*PdCl], wherein the benzylic position alpha to phosphine was selectively deprotonated, which induced dearomatisation of the pyridine ring. A similar complex [L*Pd(CH3)] (4) was obtained upon a reaction of [Pd(CH3)2(TMEDA)] and Lvia the departure of methane. Neutral complexes with the deprotonated ligand such as 3 yielded in the presence of deuterated methanol the corresponding deuterated complex, showing that the protonation is reversible with this ligand. Finally, upon attempting to dealkylate complex 4 using B(C6F5)3, an unexpected zwitterionic borated complex 5, resulting from the formation of a C-B bond in the benzylic position with restoration of the aromatic character of the pyridine, was isolated. Interestingly, when the metal was introduced after the ligand interacted with the borane reagent, another palladium complex formed, namely, [LPdMe][MeB(C6F5)3], originating from methyl abstraction.

Versatile coordination chemistry of a bis(methyliminophosphoranyl)pyridine ligand on copper centres.

The coordination of a bis(methyliminophosphoranyl)pyridine ligand (L) to copper centres was studied. The use of copper(I) bromide precursors gave access to [LCuBr] (2) in which only one iminophosphorane arm is coordinated to the metal, as observed by X-ray crystallography and MAS (31)P NMR. Its fluxional behaviour in solution was demonstrated by VT-(31)P NMR, and investigated by DFT calculations. On the other hand, coordination of L to [Cu(CH3CN)4]PF6 gave a dimer [L2Cu2](PF6)2 (3) in which the two copper centres do not have the same coordination sphere as shown by X-ray crystallography. Addition of a strong ligand such as PEt3 allows the preparation of a cationic monomeric copper complex (4) in which L has a behaviour similar to that observed for 2. Synthesis of copper(II) complexes was also achieved by chemical oxidation of 2, which shows an irreversible oxidation at -0.36 vs. Fc(+)/Fc, or directly via the coordination of L to CuBr2. In [LCuBr2] (5), L adopts a pincer coordination. Finally, the catalytic behaviour of copper(I) complexes 2 and 3 was investigated in cyclopropanation reactions and [3 + 2] cycloadditions.

Titanium imido complexes stabilised by bis(iminophosphoranyl)methanide ligands: the influence of N-substituents on solution dynamics and reactivity.

Terminal titanium imido complexes of the general formula [Ti(N(t)Bu)Cl{CH(Ph2PNR)2}] 4 (R = Ph, (i)Pr, (t)Bu) are reported. These compounds were synthesized from the corresponding Li adducts 3 of BIPMH (bis(iminophosphoranyl)methanide) and Mountford's complex [Ti(N(t)Bu)Cl2(Py)3]. The crystal structures of two of the Ti complexes (R = Ph, (t)Bu) and two of the Li compounds (R = (i)Pr, (t)Bu) are reported. Dynamic solution NMR spectroscopy reveals a dynamic isomerisation process in the case of the Ti complex 4c (R = (t)Bu). DFT studies showed that this dynamic process comes from steric repulsion between the imido ligand and the (t)Bu N-substituents on the BIPMH ligand. Complexes 4 were tested in alkyne hydroamination; 4a (R = Ph) displayed modest catalytic activity in the reaction of aniline with phenylacetylene.

A tetracoordinated phosphasalen nickel(III) complex.

The oxidation of a Ni(II) complex bearing a tetradentate phosphasalen ligand, which differs from salen by the presence of an iminophosphorane (PN) in place of an imine unit, was easily achieved by addition of a silver salt. The site of this oxidation was investigated with a combination of techniques (NMR, EPR, UV/Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, magnetic measurements) as well as DFT calculations. All data are in agreement with a high-valent Ni(III) center concentrating the spin density. This markedly differs from precedents in the salen series for which oxidation on the metal was only observed at low temperature or in the presence of additional ligands or anions. Therefore, thanks to the good electron-donating properties of the phosphasalen ligand, [Ni(Psalen)](+) represents a rare example of a tetracoordinated high-valent nickel complex in presence of a phenoxide ligand.

Cobalt-catalyzed electrophilic amination of arylzincs with N-chloroamines.

Roles reversed: An efficient cobalt-catalyzed electrophilic amination of arylzinc reagents has been achieved. A variety of functionalized arylzincs and N-chloroamines were coupled under mild conditions (see scheme). Both secondary and tertiary arylamines were obtained in moderate to excellent yields.

Ethylene dimerization catalyzed by mixed phosphine-iminophosphorane nickel(II) complexes: a DFT investigation.

A computational study utilizing density functional theory (DFT) was performed to analyze the mechanism of ethylene dimerization catalyzed by (P,N) nickel(II) complexes, where (P,N) is a mixed phosphine-iminophosphorane ligand. Two plausible reaction pathways were considered, namely the Cossee and metallacycle pathways, for three model systems. The fundamental role of ligand asymmetry and the importance of steric and trans effects were elucidated. In order to discriminate between both mechanisms, the activation of the precatalyst by trimethylaluminum was modeled. The results obtained allow the establishment of useful guidelines for creating new specifically tailored nickel-based catalysts for controlled dimerization.

Yttrium phosphasalen initiators for rac-lactide polymerization: excellent rates and high iso-selectivities.

Highly active yttrium phosphasalen initiators for the stereocontrolled ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide are reported. The initiators are coordinated by a new class of ancillary ligand: an iminophosphorane derivative of the popular "salen" ligand, termed "phosphasalen". Changing the phosphasalen structure enables access to high iso-selectivities (P(i) = 0.84) or hetero-selectivities (P(s) = 0.87). The initiators also show very high rates, excellent polymerization control, and tolerance to low loadings; furthermore, no chiral auxiliaries/ligands are needed for the stereocontrol. The combination of such high rates with high iso-selectivities is very unusual.

Phosphasalen yttrium complexes: highly active and stereoselective initiators for lactide polymerization.

Preparation and characterization of three yttrium alkoxide complexes with new phosphasalen ligands are reported. The phosphasalens are analogues of the well-known salen ligands but with iminophosphorane donors replacing the imine functionality. The three yttrium alkoxide complexes show mono- and dinuclear structures in the solid state, depending on the substituents on the ligand. The new ligands and complexes are characterized using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. The complexes are all rapid initiators for lactide polymerization; they show excellent polymerization control on addition of exogeneous alcohol. The mononuclear complex shows extremely rapid rates and a high degree of stereocontrol in rac-lactide polymerization, yielding heterotactic PLA (P(s) of 0.9). The phosphasalens are, therefore, excellent ligands for lactide ring-opening polymerization catalysis showing superior rates and stereocontrol versus salen ligands, which may be related to their excellent donating ability and the high degrees of steric protection they can confer.