Coordination-Number Dependence of Reactivity in an Imidoiron(III) Complex

Synthesis, Characterization, and the Effect of Lewis Bases on the Nuclearity of Iron Alkoxide Complexes

Inspired by the potential of alkoxides as weak-field ligands and their ability to bridge, we report herein a series of high-spin iron complexes supported by a bis-alkoxide framework PhDbf. A diiron complex [Fe2(PhDbf)2] (1a) is obtained upon metalation of the ligand, whereas addition of substituted pyridines affords five-coordinate mononuclear iron complexes [(R-Py)2Fe(PhDbf)] (2a-4a, R = H, p-tBu, p-CF3). The potential for nuclearity control of the metal complexes via auxiliary ligands is highlighted by the formation of asymmetric diiron species [(p-CF3-Py)Fe2(PhDbf)2] (5a) and [(m-CF3-Py)Fe2(PhDbf)2] (6a) with trifluoromethyl substituted pyridines, while electron-rich pyridines only produced monomeric species. Electronic properties analysis via UV-vis, electron paramagnetic resonance, 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, and time-dependent density functional theory, along with redox capabilities of these complexes are reported to illustrate the effect of nuclearity on reactivity and the potential of these complexes to access higher oxidation states relevant in oxidative chemistry. Species 1a-5a, [(THF)2Fe(PhDbf)][PF6] (7), [PyFe(PhDbf)Cl] (2b), and [Py2Fe(PhDbf)][PF6] (2c) were characterized via SCXRD. Indirect evidence for the formation of dimeric Fe(III) species (1b, 5b, and 6b) is discussed.

Iron(iv) alkyl complexes: electronic structure contributions to Fe-C bond homolysis and migration reactions that form N-C bonds from N2

High-valent iron alkyl complexes are rare, as they are prone to Fe-C bond homolysis. Here, we describe an unusual way to access formally iron(iv) alkyl complexes through double silylation of iron(i) alkyl dinitrogen complexes to form an NNSi2 group. Spectroscopically validated computations show that the disilylehydrazido(2-) ligand stabilizes the formal iron(iv) oxidation state through a strongly covalent Fe-N π-interaction, in which one π-bond fits an "inverted field" description. This means that the two bonding electrons are localized more on the metal than the ligand, and thus an iron(ii) resonance structure is a significant contributor, similar to the previously-reported phenyl analogue. However, in contrast to the phenyl complex which has an S = 1 ground state, the ground state of the alkyl complex is S = 2, which places one electron in the π* orbital, leading to longer and weaker Fe-N bonds. The reactivity of these hydrazido(2-) complexes is dependent on the steric and electronic properties of the specific alkyl group. When the alkyl group is the bulky trimethylsilylmethyl, the formally iron(iv) species is stable at room temperature and no migration of the alkyl ligand is observed. However, the analogous complex with the smaller methyl ligand does indeed undergo migration of the carbon-based ligand to the NNSi2 group to form a new N-C bond. This migration is followed by isomerization of the hydrazido ligand, and the product exists as two isomers that have distinct η1 and η2 binding of the hydrazido group. Lastly, when the alkyl group is benzyl, the Fe-C bond homolyzes to give a three-coordinate hydrazido(2-) complex which is likely due to the greater stability of a benzyl radical compared to that for methyl or trimethylsilylmethyl. These studies demonstrate the availability of a hydrocarbyl migration pathway at formally iron(iv) centers to form new N-C bonds directly to N2, though product selectivity is highly dependent on the identity of the migrating group.

Combining Donor Strength and Oxidative Stability in Scorpionates: A Strongly Donating Fluorinated Mesoionic Tris(imidazol-5-ylidene)borate Ligand

Strongly donating scorpionate ligands support the study of high-valent transition metal chemistry; however, their use is frequently limited by oxidative degradation. To address this concern, we report the synthesis of a tris(imidazol-5-ylidene)borate ligand featuring trifluoromethyl groups surrounding its coordination pocket. This ligand represents the first example of a chelating poly(imidazol-5-ylidene) mesoionic carbene ligand, a scaffold that is expected to be extremely donating. The {NiNO}10 complex of this ligand, as well as that of a previously reported strongly donating tris(imidazol-2-ylidene)borate, has been synthesized and characterized. This new ligand's strong donor properties, as measured by the υNO of its {NiNO}10 complex and natural bonding orbital second-order perturbative energy analysis, are at par with those of the well-studied alkyl-substituted tris(imidazol-2-ylidene)borates, which are known to effectively stabilize high-valent intermediates. The good donor properties of this ligand, despite the electron-withdrawing trifluoromethyl substituents, arise from the strongly donating imidazol-5-ylidene mesoionic carbene arms. These donor properties, when combined with the robustness of trifluoromethyl groups toward oxidative decomposition, suggest this ligand scaffold will be a useful platform in the study of oxidizing high-valent transition-metal species.

Enabling Nucleophilic Reactivity in High-Spin Fe(II) Imido Complexes: From Elementary Steps to Cooperative Catalysis

ConspectusTransition metal complexes featuring an M═NR bond have received great attention as critical intermediates in the synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds. In general, the properties of the imido ligand in these complexes are dependent on the nature of the metal center. Thus, the imido ligand tends to be nucleophilic in early transition metal complexes and electrophilic in late transition metal complexes. Nonetheless, the supporting ligand can have a dramatic effect on its reactivity. For example, there are sporadic examples of nucleophilic late transition metal imido complexes, often based on strongly donating supporting ligands. Building on these earlier works, in this Article, we show that the imido ligand in a low-coordinate high-spin bis(carbene)borate Fe(II) complex is able to access previously unknown reaction pathways, ultimately leading to new catalytic transformations. We first focus on the synthesis, characterization, and stoichiometric reactivity of a highly nucleophilic Fe(II) imido complex. The entry point for this system is the intermediate-spin three-coordinate Fe(III) imido complex, which is generated from the reaction of an Fe(I) synthon with an organic azide. Alkali metal reduction leads to a series of M+ (M = Li, Na, K) coordinated and charge-separated (M = K(18-C-6)) high-spin Fe(II) imido complexes, all of which have been isolated and fully characterized. Combined with the electronic structure calculations, these results reveal that the alkali ions moderately polarize the Fe═N bond according to K+ ≈ Na+ < Li+. As a result, the basicity of the imido ligand increases from the charged separated complex to K+, Na+, and Li+ coordinated complexes, as validated by intermolecular proton transfer equilibria. The impact of the counterion on imido ligand reactivity is demonstrated through protonation, alkylation, and hydrogen atom abstraction reactions. The counterion also directs the outcome of [2 + 2] reactions with benzophenone, where alkali coordination facilitates double bond metathesis. Building from here, we describe how the unusual nucleophilicity of the high-spin Fe(II) imido complex revealed in stoichiometric reactions can be extended to new catalytic transformations. For example, a [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction serves as the basis for the catalytic guanylation of carbodiimides under mild conditions. More interestingly, this complex also exhibits the first ene-like reactivity of an M═NR bond in reactions with alkynes, nitriles, and alkenes. These transformations form the basis of catalytic alkyne and nitrile α-deuteration and pKa-dictated alkene transposition reactions, respectively. Mechanistic studies reveal the critical role of metal-ligand cooperativity in facilitating these catalytic transformations and suggest the new avenues for transition metal imido complexes in catalysis that extend beyond classical nitrene transfer chemistry.

Iron-Catalyzed Intermolecular C-H Amination Assisted by an Isolated Iron-Imido Radical Intermediate

Here we report the use of a base metal complex [(tBu pyrpyrr2 )Fe(OEt2 )] (1-OEt2 ) (tBu pyrpyrr2 2- =3,5-tBu2 -bis(pyrrolyl)pyridine) as a catalyst for intermolecular amination of Csp3 -H bonds of 9,10-dihydroanthracene (2 a) using 2,4,6-trimethyl phenyl azide (3 a) as the nitrene source. The reaction is complete within one hour at 80 °C using as low as 2 mol % 1-OEt2 with control in selectivity for single C-H amination versus double C-H amination. Catalytic C-H amination reactions can be extended to other substrates such as cyclohexadiene and xanthene derivatives and can tolerate a variety of aryl azides having methyl groups in both ortho positions. Under stoichiometric conditions the imido radical species [(tBu pyrpyrr2 )Fe{=N(2,6-Me2 -4-tBu-C6 H2 )] (1-imido) can be isolated in 56 % yield, and spectroscopic, magnetometric, and computational studies confirmed it to be an S = 1 FeIV complex. Complex 1-imido reacts with 2 a to produce the ferrous aniline adduct [(tBu pyrpyrr2 )Fe{NH(2,6-Me2 -4-tBu-C6 H2 )(C14 H11 )}] (1-aniline) in 45 % yield. Lastly, it was found that complexes 1-imido and 1-aniline are both competent intermediates in catalytic intermolecular C-H amination.

Spin polarization assisted facile C-H activation by an S = 1 iron(iv)-bisimido complex: a comprehensive spectroscopic and theoretical investigation

High valent iron terminal imido species (Fe[double bond, length as m-dash]NR) have been shown to be key reactive intermediates in C-H functionalization. However, the detailed structure-reactivity relationship in Fe[double bond, length as m-dash]NR species derived from studies of structurally well-characterized high-valent Fe[double bond, length as m-dash]NR complexes are still scarce, and the impact of imido N-substituents (electron-donating vs. electron-withdrawing) on their electronic structures and reactivities has not been thoroughly explored. In this study, we report spectroscopic and computational studies on a rare S = 1 iron(iv)-bisimido complex featuring trifluoromethyl groups on the imido N-substituents, [(IPr)Fe(NC(CF3)2Ph)2] (2), and two closely related S = 0 congeners bearing alkyl and aryl substituents, [(IPr)Fe(NC(CMe3)2Ph)2] (3) and [(IPr)Fe(NDipp)2] (1), respectively. Compared with 1 and 3, 2 exhibits a decreased Fe[double bond, length as m-dash]NR bond covalency due to the electron-withdrawing and the steric effect of the N-substituents, which further leads to a pseudo doubly degenerate ground electronic structure and spin polarization induced β spin density on the imido nitrogens. This unique electronic structure, which differs from those of the well-studied Fe(iv)-oxido complexes and many previously reported Fe(iv)-imido complexes, provides both kinetic and thermodynamic advantages for facile C-H activation, compared to the S = 0 counterparts.

Stabilization of a high-spin three-coordinate Fe(III) imidyl complex by radical delocalization

High-spin, late transition metal imido complexes have attracted significant interest due to their group transfer reactivity and catalytic C−H activation of organic substrates. Reaction of a new two-coordinate iron complex,...

Free Energies of Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Reagents and Their Applications

We present an update and revision to our 2010 review on the topic of proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reagent thermochemistry. Over the past decade, the data and thermochemical formalisms presented in that review have been of value to multiple fields. Concurrently, there have been advances in the thermochemical cycles and experimental methods used to measure these values. This Review (i) summarizes those advancements, (ii) corrects systematic errors in our prior review that shifted many of the absolute values in the tabulated data, (iii) provides updated tables of thermochemical values, and (iv) discusses new conclusions and opportunities from the assembled data and associated techniques. We advocate for updated thermochemical cycles that provide greater clarity and reduce experimental barriers to the calculation and measurement of Gibbs free energies for the conversion of X to XH_n in PCET reactions. In particular, we demonstrate the utility and generality of reporting potentials of hydrogenation, E°(V vs H₂), in almost any solvent and how these values are connected to more widely reported bond dissociation free energies (BDFEs). The tabulated data demonstrate that E°(V vs H₂) and BDFEs are generally insensitive to the nature of the solvent and, in some cases, even to the phase (gas versus solution). This Review also presents introductions to several emerging fields in PCET thermochemistry to give readers windows into the diversity of research being performed. Some of the next frontiers in this rapidly growing field are coordination-induced bond weakening, PCET in novel solvent environments, and reactions at material interfaces.

Catalytic Carbodiimide Guanylation by a Nucleophilic, High Spin Iron(II) Imido Complex

Reduction of the three-coordinate iron(III) imido [Ph₂B(^tBuIm)₂Fe═NDipp] (1) affords [Ph₂B(^tBuIm)₂Fe═NDipp][K(18-C-6)THF₂] (2), a rare example of a high-spin (S = 2) iron(II) imido complex. Unusually for a late metal imido complex, the imido ligand in 2 has nucleophilic character, as demonstrated by the reaction with DippNH₂, which establishes an equilibrium with the bis(anilido) complex [Ph₂B(^tBuIm)₂Fe(NHDipp)₂][K(18-C-6)THF₂] (3). In an unusual transformation, formal insertion of ⁱPrN═C═NⁱPr into the Fe═N(imido) bond yields the guanidinate [Ph₂B(^tBuIm)₂Fe(ⁱPrN)₂CNDipp][K(18-C-6)THF₂] (4). Reaction of 4 with excess DippNH₂ provides 3, along with the guanidine (ⁱPrNH)₂C═NDipp. As suggested by these stoichiometric reactions, 2 is an efficient catalyst for the guanylation of carbodiimides, converting a wide range of aniline substrates under mild conditions.

Isolation of a Bimetallic Cobalt(III) Nitride and Examination of Its Hydrogen Atom Abstraction Chemistry and Reactivity toward H2

Room temperature photolysis of the bis(azide)cobaltate(II) complex [Na(THF)_x][(^ketguan)Co(N₃)₂] (^ketguan = [(tBu₂CN)C(NDipp)₂]^-, Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) (3a) in THF cleanly forms the binuclear cobalt nitride Na(THF)₄{[(^ketguan)Co(N₃)]₂(μ-N)} (1). Compound 1 represents the first example of an isolable, bimetallic cobalt nitride complex, and it has been fully characterized by spectroscopic, magnetic, and computational analyses. Density functional theory supports a Co^III═N═Co^III canonical form with significant π-bonding between the cobalt centers and the nitride atom. Unlike other group 9 bridging nitride complexes, no radical character is detected at the bridging N atom of 1. Indeed, 1 is unreactive toward weak C-H donors and even cocrystallizes with a molecule of cyclohexadiene (CHD) in its crystallographic unit cell to give 1·CHD as a room temperature stable product. Notably, addition of pyridine to 1 or photolyzed solutions of [(^ketguan)Co(N₃)(py)]₂ (4a) leads to destabilization via activation of the nitride unit, resulting in the mixed-valent Co(II)/Co(III) bridged imido species [(^ketguan)Co(py)][(^ketguan)Co](μ-NH)(μ-N₃) (5) formed from intermolecular hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA) of strong C-H bonds (BDE ∼ 100 kcal/mol). Kinetic rate analysis of the formation of 5 in the presence of C₆H₁₂ or C₆D₁₂ gives a KIE = 2.5 ± 0.1, supportive of a HAA formation pathway. The reactivity of our system was further probed by photolyzing benzene/pyridine solutions of 4a under H₂ and D₂ atmospheres (150 psi), which leads to the exclusive formation of the bis(imido) complexes [(^ketguan)Co(μ-NH)]₂ (6) and [(^ketguan)Co(μ-ND)]₂ (6-D), respectively, as a result of dihydrogen activation. These results provide unique insights into the chemistry and electronic structure of late 3d metal nitrides while providing entryway into C-H activation pathways.

Direct Manipulation of Metal Imido Geometry: Key Principles to Enhance C-H Amination Efficacy

We report the catalytic C-H amination mediated by an isolable Co^III imido complex (^TrL)Co(NR) supported by a sterically demanding dipyrromethene ligand (^TrL = 5-mesityl-1,9-(trityl)dipyrrin). Metalation of (^TrL)Li with CoCl₂ in THF afforded a high-spin (S = 3/2) three-coordinate complex (^TrL)CoCl. Chemical reduction of (^TrL)CoCl with potassium graphite yielded the high-spin (S = 1) Co^I synthon (^TrL)Co which is stabilized through an intramolecular η⁶-arene interaction. Treatment of (^TrL)Co with a stoichiometric amount of 1-azidoadamantane (AdN₃) furnished a three-coordinate, diamagnetic Co^III imide (^TrL)Co(NAd) as confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing a rare trigonal pyramidal geometry with an acute Co-N_imido-C angle 145.0(3)°. Exposure of 1-10 mol % of (^TrL)Co to linear alkyl azides (RN₃) resulted in catalytic formation of substituted N-heterocycles via intramolecular C-H amination of a range of C-H bonds, including primary C-H bonds. The mechanism of the C-N bond formation was probed via initial rate kinetic analysis and kinetic isotope effect experiments [k_H/k_D = 38.4(1)], suggesting a stepwise H-atom abstraction followed by radical recombination. In contrast to the previously reported C-H amination mediated by (^ArL)Co(NR) (^ArL = 5-mesityl-1,9-(2,4,6-Ph₃C₆H₂)dipyrrin), (^TrL)Co(NR) displays enhanced yields and rates of C-H amination without the aid of a cocatalyst, and no catalyst degradation to a tetrazene species was observed, as further supported by the pyridine inhibition effect on the rate of C-H amination. Furthermore, (^TrL)Co(NAd) exhibits an extremely low one-electron reduction potential (E°_red = -1.98 V vs [Cp₂Fe]^+/0) indicating that the highly basic terminal imido unit contributes to the driving force for H-atom abstraction.

Formation of a Ruthenium(V)-Imido Complex and the Reactivity in Substrate Oxidation in Water through the Nitrogen Non-Rebound Mechanism

A Ru^II-NH₃ complex, 2, was oxidized through a proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism with a Ce^IV complex in water at pH 2.5 to generate a Ru^V═NH complex, 5. Complex 5 was characterized with various spectroscopies, and the spin state was determined by the Evans method to be S = 1/2. The reactivity of 5 in substrate C-H oxidation was scrutinized in acidic water, using water-soluble organic substrates such as sodium ethylbenzene-sulfonate (EBS), which gave the corresponding 1-phenylethanol derivative as the product. In the substrate oxidation, complex 5 was converted to the corresponding Ru^III-NH₃ complex, 3. The formation of 1-phenylethanol derivative from EBS and that of 3 indicate that complex 5 as the oxidant does not perform nitrogen-atom transfer, in sharp contrast to other high-valent metal-imido complexes reported so far. Oxidation of cyclobutanol by 5 afforded only cyclobutanone as the product, indicating that the substrate oxidation by 5 proceeds through a hydride-transfer mechanism. In the kinetic analysis on the C-H oxidation, we observed kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) on the C-H oxidation with use of deuterated substrates and remarkably large solvent KIE (sKIE) in D₂O. These positive KIEs indicate that the rate-determining step involves not only cleavage of the C-H bond of the substrate but also proton transfer from water molecules to 5. The unique hydride-transfer mechanism in the substrate oxidation by 5 is probably derived from the fact that the Ru^IV-NH₂ complex (4) formed from 5 by 1e^-/1H⁺ reduction is unstable and quickly disproportionates into 3 and 5.

A Two-Coordinate Iron(II) Imido Complex with NHC Ligation: Synthesis, Characterization, and Its Diversified Reactivity of Nitrene Transfer and C-H Bond Activation

Iron terminal imido species are typically implicated as reaction intermediates in iron-catalyzed transformations. While a large body of work has been devoted to mid- and high-valent iron imidos, to date the chemistry of iron(II) imidos has remained largely unexplored due to the difficulty in accessing them. Herein, we present a study on the two-coordinate iron(II) imido complex [(IPr)Fe(NAr^Trip)] (3; IPr = 1,3-bis(2′,6′-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene; Ar^Trip = 2,6-bis(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylphenyl)phenyl) prepared from the reaction of an iron(0) complex with the bulky azide Ar^TripN₃. Spectroscopic investigations in combination with DFT calculations established a high-spin S = 2 ground spin state for 3, consistent with its long Fe–N multiple bond of 1.715(2) Å revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 3 exhibits unusual activity of nitrene transfer and C–H bond activation in comparison to the reported iron imido complexes. Specifically, the reactions of 3 with CH₂=CHAr^CF3, an electron-deficient alkene, and CO, a strong π acid, readily afford nitrene transfer products, Ar^CF3CH=CHNHAr^Trip and Ar^TripNCO, respectively, yet no similar reaction occurs when 3 is treated with electron-rich alkenes and PMe₃. Moreover, 3 is inert toward the weak C(sp³)–H bonds in 1,4-cyclohexadiene, THF, and toluene, whereas it can cleave the stronger C(sp)–H bond in p-trifluoromethylphenylacetylene to form an iron(II) amido alkynyl complex. Interestingly, intramolecular C(sp³)–H bond functionalization was observed by adding (p-Tol)₂CN₂ to 3. The unique reactivity of 3 is attributed to its low-coordinate nature and the high negative charge population on the imido N atom, which render its iron–imido unit nucleophilic in nature.

The two-coordinate iron(II) imido complex (IPr)Fe(NAr^Trip) (3) exhibits a high-spin ground state (S = 2) and was found to be reactive toward electron-deficient alkene, diazo compounds, terminal alkyne, et al., in which diversified reactivities of nitrene transfer, C−H bond activation, and C−N bond formation have been observed. The reactivity pattern reflects the nucleophilic nature of the imido moiety of the high-spin iron(II) complex.

Catalytic C-H Amination Mediated by Dipyrrin Cobalt Imidos

Reduction of (^ArL)Co^IIBr (^ArL = 5-mesityl-1,9-(2,4,6-Ph₃C₆H₂)dipyrrin) with potassium graphite afforded the novel Co^I synthon (^ArL)Co^I. Treatment of (^ArL)Co^I with a stoichiometric amount of various alkyl azides (N₃R) furnished three-coordinate Co^III alkyl imidos (^ArL)Co(NR), as confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (R: CMe₂Bu, CMe₂(CH₂)₂CHMe₂). The exclusive formation of four-coordinate cobalt tetrazido complexes (^ArL)Co(κ²-N₄R₂) was observed upon addition of excess azide, inhibiting any subsequent C-H amination. However, when a weak C-H bond is appended to the imido moiety, as in the case of (4-azido-4-methylpentyl)benzene, intramolecular C-H amination kinetically outcompetes formation of the corresponding tetrazene species to generate 2,2-dimethyl-5-phenylpyrrolidine in a catalytic fashion without requiring product sequestration. The imido (^ArL)Co(NAd) exists in equilibrium in the presence of pyridine with a four-coordinate cobalt imido (^ArL)Co(NAd)(py) ( K_a = 8.04 M^-1), as determined by ¹H NMR titration experiments. Kinetic studies revealed that pyridine binding slows down the formation of the tetrazido complex by blocking azide coordination to the Co^III imido. Further, (^ArL)Co(NR)(py) displays enhanced C-H amination reactivity compared to that of the pyridine-free complex, enabling higher catalytic turnover numbers under milder conditions. The mechanism of C-H amination was probed via kinetic isotope effect experiments [ k_H/ k_D = 10.2(9)] and initial rate analysis with para-substituted azides, suggesting a two-step radical pathway. Lastly, the enhanced reactivity of (^ArL)Co(NR)(py) can be correlated to a higher spin-state population, resulting in a decreased crystal field due to a geometry change upon pyridine coordination.

Protonation of a Cobalt Phenylazopyridine Complex at the Ligand Yields a Proton, Hydride, and Hydrogen Atom Transfer Reagent

Protonation of the Co(I) phenylazopyridine (azpy) complex [CpCo(azpy)] 2 occurs at the azo nitrogen of the 2-phenylazopyridine ligand to generate the cationic Co(I) complex [CpCo(azpyH)]⁺ 3 with no change in oxidation state at Co. The N-H bond of 3 exhibits diverse hydrogen transfer reactivity, as studies with a variety of organic acceptors demonstrate that 3 can act as a proton, hydrogen atom, and hydride donor. The thermodynamics of all three cleavage modes for the N-H bond (i.e., proton, hydride, and hydrogen atom) were examined both experimentally and computationally. The N-H bond of 3 exhibits a p K_a of 12.1, a hydricity of Δ G°_H- = 89 kcal/mol, and a bond dissociation free energy (BDFE) of Δ G°_H• = 68 kcal/mol in CD₃CN. Hydride transfer from 3 to the trityl cation (Δ G°_H- = 99 kcal/mol) is exergonic but takes several hours to reach completion, indicating that 3 is a relatively poor hydride donor, both kinetically and thermodynamically. Hydrogen atom transfer from 3 to 2,6-di- tert-butyl-4-(4'-nitrophenyl)phenoxyl radical (^tBu₂NPArO·, Δ G°_H• = 77.8 kca/mol) occurs rapidly, illustrating the competence of 3 as a hydrogen atom donor.

Effects of N2 Binding Mode on Iron-Based Functionalization of Dinitrogen to Form an Iron(III) Hydrazido Complex

Distinguishing the reactivity differences between N2 complexes having different binding modes is crucial for the design of effective N2-functionalizing reactions. Here, we compare the reactions of a K-bridged, dinuclear FeNNFe complex with a monomeric Fe(N2) complex where the bimetallic core is broken up by the addition of chelating agents. The new anionic iron(0) dinitrogen complex has enhanced electron density at the distal N atoms of coordinated N2, and though the N2 is not as weakened in this monomeric compound, it is much more reactive toward silylation by (CH3)3SiI (TMSI). Double silylation of N2 gives a three-coordinate iron(III) hydrazido(2-) complex, which is finely balanced between coexisting S = 1/2 and S = 3/2 states that are characterized by crystallography, spectroscopy, and computations. These results give insight into the interdependence between binding modes, alkali dependence, reactivity, and magnetic properties within an iron system that functionalizes N2.

Iron(II) Complexes of a Hemilabile SNS Amido Ligand: Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity

We report an easily prepared bis(thioether) amine ligand, S^MeN^HS^Me, along with the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of the paramagnetic iron(II) bis(amido) complex, [Fe(κ³-S^MeNS^Me)₂] (1). Binding of the two different thioethers to Fe generates both five- and six-membered rings with Fe-S bonds in the five-membered rings (av 2.54 Å) being significantly shorter than those in the six-membered rings (av 2.71 Å), suggesting hemilability of the latter thioethers. Consistent with this hypothesis, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and computational (TD-DFT) studies indicate that 1 in solution contains a five-coordinate component [Fe(κ³-S^MeNS^Me)(κ²-S^MeNS^Me)] (2). This ligand hemilability was demonstrated further by reactivity studies of 1 with 2,2'-bipyridine, 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane, and 2,6-dimethylphenyl isonitrile to afford iron(II) complexes [L₂Fe(κ²-S^MeNS^Me)₂] (3-5). Addition of a Brønsted acid, HNTf₂, to 1 produces the paramagnetic, iron(II) amine-amido cation, [Fe(κ³-S^MeNS^Me)(κ³-S^MeN^HS^Me)](NTf₂) (6; Tf = SO₂CF₃). Cation 6 readily undergoes amine ligand substitution by triphos, affording the 16e^- complex [Fe(κ²-S^MeNS^Me)(κ³-triphos)](NTf₂) (7; triphos = bis(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)phenylphosphine). These complexes are characterized by elemental analysis; ¹H NMR, Mössbauer, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy; and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Preliminary results of amine-borane dehydrogenation catalysis show complex 7 to be a selective and particularly robust precatalyst.

High-Spin Iron Imido Complexes Competent for C-H Bond Amination

Reduction of previously reported (ArL)FeCl with potassium graphite furnished a low-spin (S = 1/2) iron complex (ArL)Fe which features an intramolecular η6-arene interaction and can be utilized as an FeI synthon (ArL = 5-mesityl-1,9-(2,4,6-Ph3C6H2)dipyrrin). Treatment of (ArL)Fe with adamantyl azide or mesityl azide led to the formation of the high-spin (S = 5/2), three-coordinate imidos (ArL)Fe(NAd) and (ArL)Fe(NMes), respectively, as determined by EPR, zero-field 57Fe Mössbauer, magnetometry, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The high-spin iron imidos are reactive with a variety of substrates: (ArL)Fe(NAd) reacts with azide yielding a ferrous tetrazido (ArL)Fe(κ2-N4Ad2), undergoes intermolecular nitrene transfer to phosphine, abstracts H atoms from weak C-H bonds (1,4-cyclohexadiene, 2,4,6-tBu3C6H2OH) to afford ferrous amido product (ArL)Fe(NHAd), and can mediate intermolecular C-H amination of toluene [PhCH3/PhCD3 kH/kD: 15.5(3); PhCH2D kH/kD: 11(1)]. The C-H bond functionalization reactivity is rationalized from a two-step mechanism wherein each step occurs via maximal energy and orbital overlap between the imido fragment and the C-H bond containing substrate.

A Stable Aminyl Radical Coordinated to Cobalt

A family of cobalt complexes bearing the trop₂ NH [bis(5-H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-amine] and 2,2'-bpy (2,2'-bipyridine) chelate ligands were prepared and fully characterized. The compounds [Co(trop₂ N)(bpy)], [Co(trop₂ NH)(bpy)]⁺ , and [Co(trop₂ N)(bpy)]⁺ are cobalt complexes interrelated by one-electron redox processes and/or proton transfer. Two limiting resonance structures can be used to describe the paramagnetic complex [Co(trop₂ N)(bpy)]⁺ : [Co^II (trop₂ N^- )(bpy)]⁺ (Co^II amido) and [Co^I (trop₂ N^⋅ )(bpy)]⁺ (Co^I -aminyl radical). Structural data, DFT calculations, and reactivity toward H-abstraction indicate a slightly higher contribution of the aminyl radical form to the ground state of [Co(trop₂ N)(bpy)]⁺ . The results described here complete the series of Group 9 metal aminyl radical complexes bearing the diolefin amine ligand trop₂ NH.

Rational design of Fe catalysts for olefin aziridination through DFT-based mechanistic analysis

Experimental and DFT-based mechanistic studies are used to optimise Fe catalysts for aziridination.

Asymmetric dimerization of aniline-ruthenium-dioxolene complex driven by stepwise PCET

The base-assisted oxidation of an aniline-Ru-quinone complex produced an anilinyl radical-Ru-semiquinone. Furthermore, base-assisted oxidation of the radical complex resulted in selective C-N bond formation through an intermolecular coupling between nitrogen and carbon atoms at the para-position of the anilinyl ligand.

Effects of Ligand Halogenation on the Electron Localization, Geometry and Spin State of Low-Coordinate (β-Diketiminato)iron Complexes

This contribution explores the influences of incorporating electron-withdrawing CF3 and halide groups into β-diketiminate iron complexes of tetrazene and isocyanide. The synthesis of a new halogenated β-diketimine (LCF3,ClH) was accomplished via two different methods, including a novel microwave-assisted synthesis that improves the yield of the difficult condensation. Treatment of an iron(II) complex of this ligand with reductant and azide gives two diiron complexes with novel tetrazenes as bridging ligands. Structural and Mössbauer data show that the bridging tetrazene is a radical anion. The halogenation of the supporting ligand also influences iron(I) complexes of the type LFe(CNtBu)2, which are low-spin and square-planar with alkyl substituents but high-spin and pseudotetrahedral with halogen substituents. DFT calculations suggest that the changes from halogenation come from a combination of steric and electronic effects, and that the electronic influence of ligand halogenation is minor.

Facile hydrogen atom transfer to iron(iii) imido radical complexes supported by a dianionic pentadentate ligand

Facile hydrogen atom transfer from toluene.

A dianionic tetrapodal pentadentate diborate ligand is introduced. This ligand forms a high spin neutral iron(ii) complex that reacts with a variety of organoazides to yield transient Fe(iii) imido radicals that are extremely potent hydrogen atom abstractors. The nature of these species is supported by full characterization of the Fe(iii) amido products, kinetic studies, density functional computations and Mössbauer spectroscopy on the –C₆H₄-p-^tBu substituted derivative.

Group 5 chemistry supported by β-diketiminate ligands

β-Diketiminate (BDI) ligands are widely used supporting ligands in modern organometallic chemistry and are capable of stabilizing various metal complexes in multiple oxidation states and coordination environments.

Quasi-three-coordinate iron and cobalt terphenoxide complexes {Ar(iPr8)OM(μ-O)}2 (Ar(iPr8) = C6H-2,6-(C6H2-2,4,6-(i)Pr3)2-3,5-(i)Pr2; M = Fe or Co) with M(III)2(μ-O)2 core structures and the peroxide dimer of 2-oxepinoxy relevant to benzene oxidation

The bis(μ-oxo) dimeric complexes {Ar(iPr8)OM(μ-O)}2 (Ar(iPr8) = C6H-2,6-(C6H2-2,4,6-(i)Pr3)2-3,5-(i)Pr2; M = Fe (1), Co (2)) were prepared by oxidation of the M(I) half-sandwich complexes {Ar(iPr8)M(η(6)-arene)} (arene = benzene or toluene). Iron species 1 was prepared by reacting {Ar(iPr8)Fe(η(6)-benzene)} with N2O or O2, and cobalt species 2 was prepared by reacting {Ar(iPr8)Co(η(6)-toluene)} with O2. Both 1 and 2 were characterized by X-ray crystallography, UV-vis spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, and, in the case of 1, Mössbauer spectroscopy. The solid-state structures of both compounds reveal unique M2(μ-O)2 (M = Fe (1), Co(2)) cores with formally three-coordinate metal ions. The Fe···Fe separation in 1 bears a resemblance to that in the Fe2(μ-O)2 diamond core proposed for the methane monooxygenase intermediate Q. The structural differences between 1 and 2 are reflected in rather differing magnetic behavior. Compound 2 is thermally unstable, and its decomposition at room temperature resulted in the oxidation of the Ar(iPr8) ligand via oxygen insertion and addition to the central aryl ring of the terphenyl ligand to produce the 5,5'-peroxy-bis[4,6-(i)Pr2-3,7-bis(2,4,6-(i)Pr3-phenyl)oxepin-2(5H)-one] (3). The structure of the oxidized terphenyl species is closely related to that of a key intermediate proposed for the oxidation of benzene.

Iron and chromium complexes containing tridentate chelates based on nacnac and imino- and methyl-pyridine components: triggering C-X bond formation

Nacnac-based tridentate ligands containing a pyridyl-methyl and a 2,6-dialkyl-phenylamine (i.e., (2,6-R2-C6H3N═C(Me)CH═C(Me)NH(CH2py); R = Et, {Et(nn)PM}H; R = (i)Pr, {(i)Pr(nn)PM}H) were synthesized by condensation routes. Treatment of M{N(TMS)2}THFn (M = Cr, n = 2; M = Fe, Co, n = 1; TMS = trimethylsilane; THF = tetrahydrofuran) with {(i)Pr(nn)PM}H) afforded {(i)Pr(nn)PM}MN(TMS)2 (1-M(iPr); M = Cr, Fe); {Et(nn)PM}MN(TMS)2 (1-M(Et); M = Fe, Co) was similarly obtained. {R(nn)PM}FeBr (R = (i)Pr, Et; 2-Fe(R)) were prepared from FeBr2 and {R(nn)PM}Li, and alkylated to generate {R(nn)PM}Fe(neo)Pe (R = (i)Pr, Et; 3-Fe(R)). Carbonylation of 3-Fe(R) provided {(i)Pr(nn)PM}Fe(CO(neo)Pe)CO (4-Fe(iPr)), and carbonylations of 1-Fe(R) (R = Et, (i)Pr) and 1-Cr(iPr) induced deamination to afford {R(nn)PI}Fe(CO)2 (R = (i)Pr, 5-Fe(iPr); Et, 5-Fe(Et)), where PI is pyridine-imine, and {κ(2)-N,N-pyrim-pyr}Cr(CO)4 (6-Cr(iPr)), in which the aryl-amide side of the nacnac attacked the incipient PI group. Carbon-carbon bonds were formed at the imine carbon of the {R(nn)PI} ligand. Addition of [{(i)Pr(nn)PI}(2-)](K(+)(THF)x)2 to FeCl3 generated {(i)Pr(nn)CHpy}2Fe2Cl2 (7-Fe(iPr)), and TMSN3 induced the deamination of 1-Fe(Et), but with disproportionation to provide {[Et(nn)CHpy]2}Fe (8-Fe(Et)). Ph2CN2 induced C-C bond formation with 1-Fe(iPr) via its thermal degradation to ultimately afford {(i)Pr(nn)CHpy}2(FeN═CPh2)2 (9-Fe(iPr)). The compounds were examined by X-ray crystallography (1-M(iPr), M = Cr, Fe; 1-Co(Et); 2-Fe(iPr); 4-Fe(iPr); 5-Fe(iPr); 6-Cr(iPr); 7-Fe(iPr); 8-Fe(Et); 9-Fe(iPr)), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and NMR spectroscopy. Structural parameters assessing redox noninnocence are discussed, as are structural and mechanistic consequences of the various electronic environments.