Spectroscopic Manifestations and Implications for Catalysis of Quasi-d10 Configurations in Formal Gold(III) Complexes.

Several gold +I and +III complexes are investigated computationally and spectroscopically, focusing on the d-configuration and physical oxidation state of the metal center. Density functional theory calculations reveal the non-negligible electron-sharing covalent character of the metal-to-ligand σ-bonding framework. The bonding of gold(III) is shown to be isoelectronic to the formal CuIII complex [Cu(CF3 )4 ]1- , in which the metal center tries to populate its formally unoccupied 3dx2-y2 orbital via σ-bonding, leading to a reduced d10 CuI description. However, Au L3 -edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals excitation into the d-orbital of the AuIII species is still possible, showing that a genuine d10 configuration is not achieved. We also find an increased electron-sharing nature of the σ-bonds in the AuI species, relative to their AgI and CuI analogues, due to the low-lying 6s orbital. We propose that gold +I and +III complexes form similar bonds with substrates, owing primarily to participation of the 5dx2-y2 or 6s orbital, respectively, in bonding, indicating why AuI and AuIII complexes often have similar reactivity.

Ligand Redox Noninnocence in [CoIII(TAML)]0/- Complexes Affects Nitrene Formation.

The redox noninnocence of the TAML scaffold in cobalt-TAML (tetra-amido macrocyclic ligand) complexes has been under debate since 2006. In this work, we demonstrate with a variety of spectroscopic measurements that the TAML backbone in the anionic complex [CoIII(TAMLred)]- is truly redox noninnocent and that one-electron oxidation affords [CoIII(TAMLsq)]. Multireference (CASSCF) calculations show that the electronic structure of [CoIII(TAMLsq)] is best described as an intermediate spin (S = 1) cobalt(III) center that is antiferromagnetically coupled to a ligand-centered radical, affording an overall doublet (S = 1/2) ground-state. Reaction of the cobalt(III)-TAML complexes with PhINNs as a nitrene precursor leads to TAML-centered oxidation and produces nitrene radical complexes without oxidation of the metal ion. The ligand redox state (TAMLred or TAMLsq) determines whether mono- or bis-nitrene radical complexes are formed. Reaction of [CoIII(TAMLsq)] or [CoIII(TAMLred)]- with PhINNs results in the formation of [CoIII(TAMLq)(N•Ns)] and [CoIII(TAMLq)(N•Ns)2]-, respectively. Herein, ligand-to-substrate single-electron transfer results in one-electron-reduced Fischer-type nitrene radicals (N•Ns-) that are intermediates in catalytic nitrene transfer to styrene. These nitrene radical species were characterized by EPR, XANES, and UV-vis spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, magnetic moment measurements, and supporting CASSCF calculations.

Examination of Protonation-Induced Dinitrogen Splitting by in Situ EXAFS Spectroscopy.

The splitting of dinitrogen into nitride complexes emerged as a key reaction for nitrogen fixation strategies at ambient conditions. However, the impact of auxiliary ligands or accessible spin states on the thermodynamics and kinetics of N-N cleavage is yet to be examined in detail. We recently reported N-N bond splitting of a {Mo(µ2:η1:η1-N2)Mo}-complex upon protonation of the diphosphinoamide auxiliary ligands. The reactivity was associated with a low-spin to high-spin transition that was induced by the protonation reaction in the coordination periphery, mainly based on computational results. Here, this proposal is evaluated by an XAS study of a series of linearly N2 bridged Mo pincer complexes. Structural characterization of the transient protonation product by EXAFS spectroscopy confirms the proposed spin transition prior to N-N bond cleavage.

[FeFe]-Hydrogenase Mimic Employing κ2-C,N-Pyridine Bridgehead Catalyzes Proton Reduction at Mild Overpotential.

Two novel κ2-C,N-pyridine bridged [FeFe]-H2ase mimics (1 and 2) have been prepared and are shown to function as efficient molecular catalysts for electrocatalytic proton reduction. The elemental and structural composition of the complexes are confirmed by NMR and IR spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Electrochemical investigations reveal that the complexes reduce protons at their first reduction potential, resulting in the lowest overpotential (120 mV) ever reported for [FeFe]-H2ase mimics in proton reduction catalysis when mild acid (phenol) is used as proton source.

Linear CuI2 Pd0 , CuI Pd02 , and AgI2 Pd0 Metal Chains Supported by Rigid N,N'-Diphosphanyl N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands and Metallophilic Interactions.

Selective copper(I) to palladium(0) transmetallation of P-donors from the rigid N,N'-diphosphanyl-imidazol-2-ylidene C3 H2 [NP(tBu)2 ]2 (PCNHC P) was observed when known [Cu3 (µ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)3 was reacted with [Pd(PPh3 )4 ]. When 1.2 equivalents of [Pd(PPh3 )4 ] was used, the product [Cu2 Pd(µ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)2 (2(OTf)2 ) was obtained, which features a CuI -CuI -Pd0 chain and appears to be the first linear heterotrinuclear complex with d10 -d10 interactions between Pd0 and CuI . When the Cu3 precursor was reacted with 3.0 equivalents of [Pd(PPh3 )4 ], the complex [CuPd2 (µ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)2 (3(OTf)2 ) was obtained, which, on the basis of magnetic measurements, DFT calculations, and computed nuclear shieldings, was formulated as containing a Pd0 -CuI -Pd0 chain with an electron hole delocalized over the whole cation, including the metal chain. Similarly, selective transmetallation of the P-donors in [Ag3 (µ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)3 from silver to palladium (originating from [Pd(PPh3 )4 ]) gave the linear chain [Ag2 Pd(µ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)2 (5(OTf)2 ), which on the basis of NMR spectroscopy comprises an AgI -AgI -Pd0 metal core. However, X-ray diffraction data collected on various samples of 5(OTf)2 were modeled with 50:50 metal disorder at the terminal positions, corresponding to a (AgI /Pd0 )-AgI -(AgI /Pd0 ) formulation. Upon standing in solution, 5(OTf)2 transformed to 6(OTf)2 , the regioisomer of 5(OTf)2 in which the Pd center has migrated to the central position of an AgI -Pd0 -AgI chain. Prolonged standing in CH2 Cl2 or by reaction with [PtCl2 (NCMe)2 ] converts complex 6(OTf)2 to the AgI /PdII complex [Ag2 PdCl2 (µ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)2 (7(OTf)2 ). The structural data of 2(OTf)2 , 3(OTf)2 , and 7(OTf)2 establish significant heterometallophilic interactions.

Pump-probe XAS investigation of the triplet state of an Ir photosensitizer with chromenopyridinone ligands.

The triplet excited state of a new Ir-based photosensitizer with two chromenopyridinone and one bipyridine-based ligands has been studied by pump-probe X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy coupled with DFT calculations. The excited state has a lifetime of 0.5 µs in acetonitrile and is characterized by very small changes of the local atomic structure with an average metal-ligand bond length change of less than 0.01 Å. DFT-based calculations allow the interpretation of the XANES in the energy range of ∼50 eV around the absorption edge. The observed transient XANES signal arises from an additional metal-centered Ir 5d vacancy in the excited state which appears as a result of electron transfer from the metal to the ligand. The overall energy shift of the excited state spectrum originates from the shift of 2p and unoccupied states induced by screening effects. The approach for the analysis of time-resolved spectra of 5d metal complexes is quite general and can also be used if excited and ground state structures are significantly different.

Transient Formation and Reactivity of a High-Valent Nickel(IV) Oxido Complex.

A reactive high-valent dinuclear nickel(IV) oxido bridged complex is reported that can be formed at room temperature by reaction of [(L)2Ni(II)2(µ-X)3]X (X = Cl or Br) with NaOCl in methanol or acetonitrile (where L = 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane). The unusual Ni(IV) oxido species is stabilized within a dinuclear tris-µ-oxido-bridged structure as [(L)2Ni(IV)2(µ-O)3]2+. Its structure and its reactivity with organic substrates are demonstrated through a combination of UV-vis absorption, resonance Raman, 1H NMR, EPR, and X-ray absorption (near-edge) spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry, and DFT methods. The identification of a Ni(IV)-O species opens opportunities to control the reactivity of NaOCl for selective oxidations.

Chemical Non-Innocence of an Aliphatic PNP Pincer Ligand.

The synthesis of the divinylamido PNP nickel(II) complex [NiBr{N(CHCHPtBu2 )2 }] is reported. This compound exhibits reversible, ligand-centered oxidation and protonation reactions. The resulting pincer chemical non-innocence can be utilized for benzylic C-H hydrogen atom abstraction. The thermochemistry and kinetics of hydrogen atom transfer were examined.

Linear, Trinuclear Cobalt Complexes with o-Phenylene-bis-Silylamido Ligands.

Transamination of [Co{N(SiMe3 )2 }2 ]2 with C6 H4 (NHSiiPr3 )2 gave the centrosymmetric trinuclear [{Coter N(SiMe3 )2 (µ-η-[o-C6 H4 (κNSiiPr3 )2 ])}2 Coint ] (1) (Coter , Coint =terminal, internal Co, respectively), with 3-coordinate Coter , and Coint "sandwiched" between the o-phenylenes of the two ligands; experimental and computational data support CoII centres and ditopic o-amido-imino-cyclohexen-allyl ligands; magnetic studies reveal intermetallic ferromagnetic interactions and single-molecule magnet (SMM) character. One-electron reduction of 1 yielded the salt [K(18-crown-6)(THF)2 ][{Coter N(SiMe3 )2 (µ-η-[o-C6 H4 (κNSiiPr3 )2 ])}2 Coint ] (4) with the anion isostructural to 1. The centrosymmetric Fe complex [{Feter N(SiMe3 )2 (µ-η-[o-C6 H4 (κNSiiPr3 )2 ])}2 Feint ] (5), analogous to 1, was also obtained.

Co(III)-Carbene Radical Approach to Substituted 1H-Indenes.

A new strategy for the catalytic synthesis of substituted 1H-indenes via metalloradical activation of o-cinnamyl N-tosyl hydrazones is presented, taking advantage of the intrinsic reactivity of a Co(III) carbene radical intermediate. The reaction uses readily available starting materials and is operationally simple, thus representing a practical method for the construction of functionalized 1H-indene derivatives. The cheap and easy to prepare low spin cobalt(II) complex [Co(II)(MeTAA)] (MeTAA = tetramethyltetraaza[14]annulene) proved to be the most active catalyst among those investigated, which demonstrates catalytic carbene radical reactivity for a nonporphyrin cobalt(II) complex, and for the first time catalytic activity of [Co(II)(MeTAA)] in general. The methodology has been successfully applied to a broad range of substrates, producing 1H-indenes in good to excellent yields. The metallo-radical catalyzed indene synthesis in this paper represents a unique example of a net (formal) intramolecular carbene insertion reaction into a vinylic C(sp(2))-H bond, made possible by a controlled radical ring-closure process of the carbene radical intermediate involved. The mechanism was investigated computationally, and the results were confirmed by a series of supporting experimental reactions. Density functional theory calculations reveal a stepwise process involving activation of the diazo compound leading to formation of a Co(III)-carbene radical, followed by radical ring-closure to produce an indanyl/benzyl radical intermediate. Subsequent indene product elimination involving a 1,2-hydrogen transfer step regenerates the catalyst. Trapping experiments using 2,2,6,6-tetra-methylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) radical or dibenzoylperoxide (DBPO) confirm the involvement of cobalt(III) carbene radical intermediates. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic spin-trapping experiments using phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) reveal the radical nature of the reaction.

Catalysis seen in action.

Synchrotron radiation techniques are widely applied in materials research and heterogeneous catalysis. In homogeneous catalysis, its use so far is rather limited despite its high potential. Here, insights in the strengths and limitations of X-ray spectroscopy technique in the field of homogeneous catalysis are given, including new technique developments. A relevant homogeneous catalyst, used in the industrially important selective oligomerization of ethene, is taken as a worked-out example. Emphasis is placed on time-resolved operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy with outlooks to novel high energy resolution and emission techniques. All experiments described have been or can be done at the Diamond Light Source Ltd (Didcot, UK).

The benefit of the European User Community from transnational access to national radiation facilities.

Transnational access (TNA) to national radiation sources is presently provided via programmes of the European Commission by BIOSTRUCT-X and CALIPSO with a major benefit for scientists from European countries. Entirely based on scientific merit, TNA allows all European scientists to realise synchrotron radiation experiments for addressing the Societal Challenges promoted in HORIZON2020. In addition, by TNA all European users directly take part in the development of the research infrastructure of facilities. The mutual interconnection of users and facilities is a strong prerequisite for future development of the research infrastructure of photon science. Taking into account the present programme structure of HORIZON2020, the European Synchrotron User Organization (ESUO) sees considerable dangers for the continuation of this successful collaboration in the future.

Effects of adsorbate coverage and bond-length disorder on the d-band center of carbon-supported Pt catalysts.

Determination of the factors that affect the d-band center of catalysts is required to explain their catalytic properties. Resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) enables direct imaging of electronic transitions in the d-band of Pt catalysts in real time and in realistic environmental conditions. Through a combination of in situ, temperature-resolved RIXS measurements and theoretical simulations we isolated and quantified the effects of bond-length disorder and adsorbate coverage (CO and H2) on the d-band center of 1.25 nm size Pt catalysts supported on carbon. We found that the decrease in adsorbate coverage at elevated temperatures is responsible for the d band shifts towards higher energies relative to the Fermi level, whereas the effect of the increase in bond-length disorder on the d-band center is negligible. Although these results were obtained for a specific case of non-interacting support and weak temperature dependence of the metal-metal bond length in a model catalyst, this work can be extended to a broad range of real catalysts.

Time-resolved, in situ DRIFTS/EDE/MS studies on alumina-supported rhodium catalysts: effects of ceriation and zirconiation on rhodium-CO interactions.

The effects of ceria and zirconia on the structure-function properties of supported rhodium catalysts (1.6 and 4 wt % Rh/γ-Al2O3) during CO exposure are described. Ceria and zirconia are introduced through two preparation methods: 1) ceria is deposited on γ-Al2O3 from [Ce(acac)3] and rhodium metal is subsequently added, and 2) through the controlled surface modification (CSM) technique, which involves the decomposition of [M(acac)x] (M=Ce, x=3; M=Zr, x=4) on Rh/γ-Al2O3. The structure-function correlations of ceria and/or zirconia-doped rhodium catalysts are investigated by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy/energy-dispersive extended X-ray absorption spectroscopy/mass spectrometry (DRIFTS/EDE/MS) under time-resolved, in situ conditions. CeOx and ZrO2 facilitate the protection of Rh particles against extensive oxidation in air and CO. Larger Rh core particles of ceriated and zirconiated Rh catalysts prepared by CSM are observed and compared with Rh/γ-Al2O3 samples, whereas supported Rh particles are easily disrupted by CO forming mononuclear Rh geminal dicarbonyl species. DRIFTS results indicate that, through the interaction of CO with ceriated Rh particles, a significantly larger amount of linear CO species form; this suggests the predominance of a metallic Rh phase.

Structural characterization of alumina-supported Rh catalysts: effects of ceriation and zirconiation by using metal-organic precursors.

The effects of the addition of ceria and zirconia on the structural properties of supported rhodium catalysts (1.6 and 4 wt % Rh/γ-Al2O3) are studied. Ceria and zirconia are deposited by using two preparation methods. Method I involves the deposition of ceria on γ-Al2O3 from Ce(acac)3, and the rhodium metal is subsequently added, whereas method II is based on a controlled surface reaction technique, that is, the decomposition of metal-organic M(acac)x (in which M=Ce, x=3 and M=Zr, x=4) on Rh/γ-Al2O3. The structures of the prepared catalyst materials are characterized ex situ by using N2 physisorption, transmission electron microscopy, high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission election microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS). All supported rhodium systems readily oxidize in air at room temperature. By using ceriated and zirconiated precursors, a larger rhodium-based metallic core fraction is obtained in comparison to the undoped rhodium catalysts, suggesting that ceria and zirconia protect the rhodium particles against extensive oxidation. XPS results indicate that after the calcination and reduction treatments, a small amount of chlorine is retained on the support of all rhodium catalysts. EXAFS analysis shows significant Rh-Cl interactions for Rh/Al2O3 and Rh/CeOx /Al2O3 (method I) catalysts. After reaction with H2/He in situ, for series of samples with 1.6 wt % Rh, the EXAFS first shell analysis affords a mean size of approximately 30 atoms. A broader spread is evident with a 4 wt % rhodium loading (ca. 30-110 atoms), with the incorporation of zirconium providing the largest particle sizes.

Kinetic studies on Lewis acidic metal polyesterification catalysts - hydrolytic degradation is a key factor for catalytic performance.

Kinetic analysis of polyesterification reactions using Lewis-acidic metal catalysts have been performed. While Sn-based catalysts are superior to Ti-based catalysts under neat polycondensation conditions (high [H2O]), the result is inverted under azeotropic conditions (low [H2O]). These findings show that the catalytic activity is crucially determined by the robustness of the catalyst against hydrolytic degradation.

Mechanistic elucidation of monoalkyltin(iv)-catalyzed esterification.

Monoalkyltin(iv) complexes are well-known catalysts for esterification reactions and polyester formation, yet the mode of operation of these Lewis acidic complexes is still unknown. Here, we report on mechanistic studies of n-butylstannoic acid in stoichiometric and catalytic reactions, analyzed by NMR, IR and MS techniques. While the chemistry of n-butyltin(iv) carboxylates is dominated by formation of multinuclear tin assemblies, we found that under catalytically relevant conditions only monomeric n-BuSn(OAc)3 and dimeric (n-BuSnOAc2OEt)2 are present. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide support for a mononuclear mechanism, where n-BuSn(OAc)3 and dimeric (n-BuSnOAc2OEt)2 are regarded as off-cycle species, and suggest that carbon-oxygen bond breaking is the rate-determining step.

Molybdenum Oxide Supported on Ti3AlC2 is an Active Reverse Water-Gas Shift Catalyst.

MAX phases are layered ternary carbides or nitrides that are attractive for catalysis applications due to their unusual set of properties. They show high thermal stability like ceramics, but they are also tough, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity like metals. Here, we study the potential of the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase as a support for molybdenum oxide for the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction, comparing this new catalyst to more traditional materials. The catalyst showed higher turnover frequency values than MoO3/TiO2 and MoO3/Al2O3 catalysts, due to the outstanding electronic properties of the Ti3AlC2 support. We observed a charge transfer effect from the electronically rich Ti3AlC2 MAX phase to the catalyst surface, which in turn enhances the reducibility of MoO3 species during reaction. The redox properties of the MoO3/Ti3AlC2 catalyst improve its RWGS intrinsic activity compared to TiO2- and Al2O3-based catalysts.

Electronically Asynchronous Transition States for C-N Bond Formation by Electrophilic [CoIII(TAML)]-Nitrene Radical Complexes Involving Substrate-to-Ligand Single-Electron Transfer and a Cobalt-Centered Spin Shuttle.

The oxidation state of the redox noninnocent tetra-amido macrocyclic ligand (TAML) scaffold was recently shown to affect the formation of nitrene radical species on cobalt(III) upon reaction with PhI=NNs [van Leest N. P.; J. Am. Chem. Soc.2020, 142, 552-563]. For the neutral [Co III (TAML sq )] complex, this leads to the doublet (S = 1/2) mono-nitrene radical species [Co III (TAML q )(N • Ns)(Y)] (bearing an unidentified sixth ligand Y in at least the frozen state), while a triplet (S = 1) bis-nitrene radical species [Co III (TAML q )(N • Ns) 2 ] - is generated from the anionic [Co III (TAML red )] - complex. The one-electron-reduced Fischer-type nitrene radicals (N•Ns-) are formed through single (mono-nitrene) or double (bis-nitrene) ligand-to-substrate single-electron transfer (SET). In this work, we describe the reactivity and mechanisms of these nitrene radical complexes in catalytic aziridination. We report that [Co III (TAML sq )] and [Co III (TAML red )] - are both effective catalysts for chemoselective (C=C versus C-H bonds) and diastereoselective aziridination of styrene derivatives, cyclohexane, and 1-hexene under mild and even aerobic (for [Co III (TAML red )] -) conditions. Experimental (Hammett plots; [Co III (TAML)]-nitrene radical formation and quantification under catalytic conditions; single-turnover experiments; and tests regarding catalyst decomposition, radical inhibition, and radical trapping) in combination with computational (density functional theory (DFT), N-electron valence state perturbation theory corrected complete active space self-consistent field (NEVPT2-CASSCF)) studies reveal that [Co III (TAML q )(N • Ns)(Y)], [Co III (TAML q )(N • Ns) 2 ] -, and [Co III (TAML sq )(N • Ns)] - are key electrophilic intermediates in aziridination reactions. Surprisingly, the electrophilic one-electron-reduced Fischer-type nitrene radicals do not react as would be expected for nitrene radicals (i.e., via radical addition and radical rebound). Instead, nitrene transfer proceeds through unusual electronically asynchronous transition states, in which the (partial) styrene substrate to TAML ligand (single-) electron transfer precedes C-N coupling. The actual C-N bond formation processes are best described as involving a nucleophilic attack of the nitrene (radical) lone pair at the thus (partially) formed styrene radical cation. These processes are coupled to TAML-to-cobalt and cobalt-to-nitrene single-electron transfer, effectively leading to the formation of an amido-γ-benzyl radical (NsN--CH2-•CH-Ph) bound to an intermediate spin (S = 1) cobalt(III) center. Hence, the TAML moiety can be regarded to act as a transient electron acceptor, the cobalt center behaves as a spin shuttle, and the nitrene radical acts as a nucleophile. Such a mechanism was hitherto unknown for cobalt-catalyzed hypovalent group transfer and the more general transition-metal-catalyzed nitrene transfer to alkenes but is now shown to complement the known concerted and stepwise mechanisms for N-group transfer.

Spectroscopic Investigation of the Activation of a Chromium-Pyrrolyl Ethene Trimerization Catalyst.

1-Hexene is an important α-olefin for polyethylene production and is produced from ethene. Recent developments in the α-olefin industry have led to the successful commercialization of ethene trimerization catalysts. An important industrially applied ethene trimerization system uses a mixture of chromium 2-ethylhexanoate, AlEt3, AlEt2Cl, and 2,5-dimethylpyrrole (DMP). Here, we have studied the activation of this system using catalytic and spectroscopic experiments (XAS, EPR, and UV-vis) under conditions employed in industry. First, chromium 2-ethylhexanoate was prepared and characterized to be [Cr3O(RCO2)6(H2O)3]Cl. Next, the activation of chromium 2-ethylhexanoate with AlEt3, AlEt2Cl, and DMP was studied, showing immediate reduction (<5 ms) of the trinuclear Cr(III) carboxylate and formation of a neutral polynuclear Cr(II) carboxylate complex. Over time, this Cr(II) carboxylate complex is partially converted into a chloro-bridged dinuclear Cr(II) pyrrolyl complex. In cyclohexane, small quantities of an unknown Cr(I) complex (∼1% after 1 h) are observed, while in toluene, the quantity of Cr(I) is much higher (∼23% after 1 h). This is due to the formation of cationic bis(tolyl)Cr(I) complexes, which likely leads to the observed inferior performance using toluene as the reaction solvent. Catalytic studies allow us to exclude some of the observed Cr(I) and Cr(II) complexes as the active species in this catalytic system. Using this combination of techniques, we have been able to structurally characterize complexes of this selective Cr-catalyzed trimerization system under conditions which are employed in industry.