Synthesis and catalytic properties of palladium(II) complexes with P,π-chelating ferrocene phosphinoallyl ligands and their non-tethered analogues

Hybrid phosphines usually combine a phosphine moiety with another heteroatom secondary donor group in their structures while compounds equipped with hydrocarbyl π-donor moieties remain uncommon. This contribution reports the synthesis and structural characterization of the first P/π-allyl-chelating complexes that were obtained using the structurally flexible and redox-active ferrocene unit as the scaffold, viz. [PdCl(R2PfcCHCHCH2-η3:κP)] (1R; R = Ph and cyclohexyl (Cy); fc = ferrocene-1,1'-diyl). These compounds were synthesized from the respective phosphinoferrocene carboxaldehydes R2PfcCHO via reaction with vinylmagnesium bromide to generate 1-(phosphinoferrocenyl)allyl alcohols, which were subsequently acetylated. The resulting allyl acetates reacted smoothly with [Pd2(dba)3]/[Et3NH]Cl (dba = dibenzylideneacetone) to produce the target compounds. Complexes 1R and their nontethered analogues [PdCl(η3-C3H5)(FcPR2-κP)] (5R; Fc = ferrocenyl) were evaluated as pre-catalysts for the Pd-catalysed allylic amination of cinnamyl acetate with aliphatic amines and Suzuki-Miyaura-type cross-coupling of 4-tolylboronic acid with benzoyl chloride. In these reactions, better results were achieved with compounds 5R (particularly with 5Ph), presumably because they form more stable LPd(0)-type catalysts.

Syntheses and Structures of 5-Membered Heterocycles Featuring 1,2-Diphospha-1,3-Butadiene and Its Radical Anion

LGa(P2 OC)cAAC 2 features a 1,2-diphospha-1,3-butadiene unit with a delocalized π-type HOMO and a π*-type LUMO according to DFT calculations. [LGa(P2 OC)cAAC][K(DB-18-c-6)] 3[K(DB-18-c-6] containing the 1,2-diphospha-1,3-butadiene radical anion 3⋅- was isolated from the reaction of 2 with KC8 and dibenzo-18-crown-6. 3 reacted with [Fc][B(C6 F5 )4 ] (Fc=ferrocenium) to 2 and with TEMPO to [L-H Ga(P2 OC)cAAC][K(DB-18-c-6)] 4[K(DB-18-c-6] containing the 1,2-diphospha-1,3-butadiene anion 4- . The solid state structures of 2, 3K(DB-18-c-6], and 4[K(DB-18-c-6] were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (sc-XRD).

Modulating the frontier orbitals of L(X)Ga-substituted diphosphenes [L(X)GaP]2 (X = Cl, Br) and their facile oxidation to radical cations

Modulating the electronic structures of main group element compounds is crucial to control their chemical reactivity. Herein we report on the synthesis, frontier orbital modulation, and one-electron oxidation of two L(X)Ga-substituted diphosphenes [L(X)GaP]2 (X = Cl 2a, Br 2b; L = HC[C(Me)N(Ar)]2, Ar = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3). Photolysis of L(Cl)GaPCO 1 gave [L(Cl)GaP]22a, which reacted with Me3SiBr with halide exchange to [L(Br)GaP]22b. Reactions with MeNHC (MeNHC = 1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene) gave the corresponding carbene-coordinated complexes L(X)GaPP(MeNHC)Ga(X)L (X = Cl 3a, Br 3b). DFT calculations revealed that the carbene coordination modulates the frontier orbitals (i.e. HOMO/LUMO) of diphosphenes 2a and 2b, thereby affecting the reactivity of 3a and 3b. In marked contrast to diphosphenes 2a and 2b, the cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of the carbene-coordinated complexes each show one reversible redox event at E 1/2 = -0.65 V (3a) and -0.36 V (3b), indicating their one-electron oxidation to the corresponding radical cations as was confirmed by reactions of 3a and 3b with the [FeCp2][B(C6F5)4], yielding the radical cations [L(X)GaPP(MeNHC)Ga(X)L]B(C6F5)4 (X = Cl 4a, Br 4b). The unpaired spin in 4a (79%) and 4b (80%) is mainly located at the carbene-uncoordinated phosphorus atoms as was revealed by DFT calculations and furthermore experimentally proven in reactions with n Bu3SnH, yielding the diphosphane cations [L(X)GaPHP(MeNHC)Ga(X)L]B(C6F5)4 (X = Cl 5a, Br 5b). Compounds 2-5 were fully characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as by single crystal X-ray diffraction (sc-XRD), and compounds 4a and 4b were further studied by EPR spectroscopy, while their bonding nature was investigated by DFT calculations.

Stability of Carbocyclic Phosphinyl Radicals: Effect of Ring Size, Delocalization, and Sterics

In this computational study, we report on the stability of cyclic phosphinyl radicals with an aim for a systematical assessment of stabilization effects. The radical stabilization energies (RSEs) were calculated using isodesmic reactions for a large number of carbocyclic radicals possessing different ring sizes and grades of unsaturation. In general, the RSE values range from −1.2 to −14.0 kcal·mol^–1, and they show practically no correlation with the spin populations at the P-centers. The RSE values correlate with the reaction Gibbs free energies calculated for the dimerization of the studied simple radicals. Therefore, the more easily accessible RSE values offer a cost-effective estimation of global stability in a straightforward manner. To explore the effect of unsaturation on the RSE values, delocalization energies were determined using appropriate isodesmic reactions. Introducing unsaturations beside the P-center into the backbone of the rings leads to an additive increase in the magnitude of the delocalization energy (∼10, 20, and 30 kcal·mol^–1, respectively, for radicals with one, two, and three C=C bonds in the conjugation). Parallelly, the spin populations at the P-centers also dwindle gradually by ∼0.1 e in the same order, indicating that the lone electron delocalizes over the π-system. Radicals containing exocyclic C=C π-bonds were also investigated, and all of these radicals have rather similar stabilities independently of the ring size, outlining the primary importance of the two exocyclic π-bonds in the conjugation. Among the radicals involved in our study, those with the best electronic stabilization are the unsaturated three-, five-, six-, and seven-membered rings containing the maximum number of conjugated vinyl fragments. The largest delocalization energy of 31.5 kcal·mol^–1 and the lowest obtained spin population of 0.665 e were found for the fully unsaturated seven-membered radical (phosphepin derivative). Importantly, the electronic stabilization effects alone are insufficient for stabilizing the radicals in monomeric forms epitomized by the exothermic dimerization energies (−40 to −58 kcal·mol^–1). Therefore, it is essential to apply sterically demanding bulky substituents on the α-C-atoms. Tweaking the steric congestion enabled us to propose radicals that are expected to be stable against dimerization and, consequently, may be realistic target species for synthetic investigations. The effects contributing to the stability of radicals having sterically encumbered substituents have also been explored.

To systematically evaluate the stabilization effects, the radical stabilization energies of various carbocyclic phosphinyl radicals having saturated backbones or unsaturation(s) in either endocyclic or exocyclic manner have been determined and analyzed. As the electronic stabilization is alone insufficient to hamper the possible dimerization of these species, the effect of several sterically demanding substituents has been explored for the congeners with best electronic stabilizations, thus enabling us to propose synthetically accessible candidates in the future.

On metal coordination of neutral open-shell P-ligands focusing on phosphanoxyls, their electron residence and reactivity

This feature article highlights the discovery and development of phosphanoxyl complex chemistry starting from (neutral) low-coordinate phosphorus radicals and the quest of metal ligation effects. We describe synthesis and reactions of precursors, namely 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinoxyl (TEMPO) substituted phosphane tungsten(0) complexes. Trapping reactions of transient phosphanoxyl complexes, formed via thermal homolytic N-O bond cleavage, as well as their use in radical polymerisations are illustrated, thus revealing an interesting reactivity dichotomy. DFT calculations provide insight into thermal stabilities of precursors and the resulting spin density distributions (SDDs) in these reactive intermediates. Systematic studies on the dependance of the electron delocalisation in phosphanoxyl complexes have been performed examining different substitution pattern at phosphorus and different co-ligand combinations at the tungsten(0) center. Preliminary results on Mn and Fe complexes are reported.

1,3,2-Diheterophospholane complexes: access to new tuneable precursors of phosphanoxyl complexes and P-functional polymers

Synthesis of a testbed of P-H functional diheterophospholane complexes (3 and 6a,b) with no or little steric bulk at the α-position was achieved using [NEt₄][WH(CO)₅] as a combined reductant and complexation reagent. Reaction with TEMPO leads to P-OTEMP substituted tungsten complexes (4 and 7a,b) possessing different thermostabilities towards N-O bond cleavage. The transient phosphanoxyl complexes obtained were used for the polymerisation of styrene and acrylonitrile. DFT calculations were performed on the formation of various open-shell complexes and Loewdin spin density distributions.

Palladium(II) complexes of bis(diphosphene) with different coordination behaviors

Organophosphorus compounds possessing a P-P double-bond character are intriguing materials in coordination chemistry because it is possible to form a variety of coordination modes from the π-bond in addition to the lone pairs. We report herein the complexation of a new bidentate ligand, ethylene-tethered bis(binaphthyldiphosphene) (S,S)-2, with palladium(II) species. The reaction of (S,S)-2 with [Pd(π-allyl)(cod)](SbF₆) and PdCl₂(cod) afforded η¹/η¹-bis(diphosphene) complex 7 and η¹-diphosphene/η²-phosphanylphosphide complex 8, respectively. The latter was characterized by a chloride migration from the palladium atom to a phosphorus atom due to the high electron-accepting character of the PP moiety. Theoretical calculations revealed the migration process and nature of complex 8.

Phosphorus radicals and radical ions

Synthesis and characterization of isolable radicals of main-group elements have been a long-pursued quest. Although there has been considerable progress in this area, particularly in isolating carbon- radicals, the isolation...

Reactivity of the pentelidene complexes [Cp*E{W(CO)5}2] (E = P, As) towards dichalcogenides and chalcogenols - synthesis of novel chalcogenopentelidene complexes

Pentelidene complexes of the type [Cp*E{W(CO)₅}₂] (Cp* = C₅Me₅; 1a: E = P, 1b: E = As) were reacted with the dichalcogenides R₂Ch₂ (R = Ph, Mes, Tipp; Ch = S, Se, Te; Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl; Tipp = 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl) and the chalcogenols PhChH (Ch = S, Se). It has been shown that the formation of new E-Ch bonds proceeds under elimination of the Cp* substituent. The resulting chalcogenopentelidene complexes, which have been isolated and fully characterised, represent a novel class of phosphinidene complexes which can be synthesised through this general synthetic route.

Isolable cyclic radical cations of heavy main-group elements

The first stable radical cations bearing both heavy group 14 and 15 elements have been isolated and fully characterized.

Interconversion of Phosphinyl Radical and Phosphinidene Complexes by Proton Coupled Electron Transfer

The isolable complex [Os(PHMes*)H(PNP)] (Mes*=2,4,6-t Bu3 C6 H3 ; PNP=N{CHCHPt Bu2 }2 ) exhibits high phosphinyl radical character. This compound offers access to the phosphinidene complex [Os(PMes*)H(PNP)] by P-H proton coupled electron transfer (PCET). The P-H bond dissociation energy (BDE) was determined by isothermal titration calorimetry and supporting DFT computations. The phosphinidene product exhibits electrophilic reactivity as demonstrated by intramolecular C-H activation.

Ring Expansions of Nonpolar Polyphosphorus Rings

The reaction of the phosphinidene complex [Cp*P{W(CO)₅ }₂ ] (1 a) (Cp*=C₅ Me₅ ) with the anionic cyclo-P_n ligand complex [(η³ -P₃ )Nb(ODipp)₃ ]^- (2, Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl) resulted in the formation of [{W(CO)₅ }₂ {μ₃ ,η^3:1:1 -P₄ Cp*}Nb(ODipp)₃ ]^- (3), which represents an unprecedented example of a ring expansion of a polyphosphorus-ligand complex initiated by a phosphinidene complex. Furthermore, the reaction of the pnictinidene complexes [Cp*E{W(CO)₅ }₂ ] (E=P: 1 a, As: 1 b) with the neutral complex [Cp'''Co(η⁴ -P₄ )] (Cp'''=1,2,4-tBu₃ C₅ H₂ ) led to a cyclo-P₄ E ring (E=P, As) through the insertion of the pentel atom into the cyclo-P₄ ligand. Starting from 1 a, the two isomers [Cp'''Co(μ₃ ,η^4:1:1 -P₅ Cp*){W(CO)₅ }₂ ] (5 a,b), and from 1 b, the three isomers [Cp'''Co(μ₃ ,η^4:1:1 -AsP₄ Cp*){W(CO)₅ }₂ ] (6 a-c) with unprecedented cyclo-P₄ E ligands (E=P, As) were isolated. The complexes 6 a-c represent unique examples of ring expansions which lead to new mixed five-membered cyclo-P₄ As ligands. The possible reaction pathways for the formation of 5 a,b and 6 a-c were investigated by a combination of temperature-dependent ³¹ P{¹ H} NMR studies and DFT calculations.

Syntheses, structures and theoretical calculations of stable triarylarsine radical cations

Two stable triarylarsine radical cation salts have been synthesized and fully characterized by X-ray crystallography and EPR spectroscopy.

The Charge Transfer Approach to Heavier Main-Group Element Radicals in Transition-Metal Complexes

The Co^II and Fe^II complexes 1Co and 1Fe with a coordinated phosphorus radical were easily obtained through a charge-transfer approach from the M^I precursors LM^I (tol) (M=Co, Fe; L=CH(MeC=NDipp)₂ , Dipp=2,6-iPr₂ C₆ H₃ ) to the diazafluorenylidene-substituted phosphaalkene 1. Structural, magnetic, and computational studies on 1Co and 1Fe indicate a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the high-spin M^II ion and the phosphorus radical, resulting in a triplet and quartet ground state, respectively. Complexes 1Co and 1Fe are the first examples of phosphorus-radical-coordinated transition-metal complexes synthesized by charge transfer, providing a new approach to access radicals of heavier main-group elements.

α-Radical Phosphines: Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity

A series of phosphines featuring a persistent radical were synthesized in two steps by condensation of dialkyl-/diarylchlorophosphines with stable cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (cAACs) followed by one-electron reduction of the corresponding cationic intermediates. Structural, spectroscopic, and computational data indicate that the spin density in these phosphines is mainly localized on the original carbene carbon from the cAAC fragment; thus, it remains in the α-position with respect to the central phosphorus atom. The potential of these α-radical phosphines to serve as spin-labeled ligands is demonstrated through the preparation of several Au^I derivatives, which were also structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Isolation and Characterization of Radical Anions Derived from a Boryl-Substituted Diphosphene

Radical anions of a diphosphene with two boryl substituents were isolated and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electron spin resonance (ESR), and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy as well as DFT calculations. Structural analysis of the radical anions revealed an elongation of the P=P bond and a contraction of the B-P bonds relative to the neutral diphosphene. The UV/Vis spectra of these radical anions showed a strong absorption in the visible region, which was assigned to SOMO-related transitions on the basis of DFT calculations. The ESR spectra revealed that the hyperfine coupling constant with the phosphorus nuclei is the smallest that has been reported thus far. The results of the DFT calculations furthermore suggest that this should be attributed to a soaking of electron spin to the vacant p orbitals of the boryl substituents.

Oxidative formation of phosphinyl radicals from a trigonal pyramidal terminal phosphide Rh(i) complex, with an unusually long Rh–P bond

A coordinatively saturated triolefinic rhodium(i) complex, bearing a terminal pyramidal phosphido ligand, generates phosphinyl radical species under oxidative conditions.

Direct coordination of a germanium(ii) dicationic center to transition metals

A group 14 E(ii) dicationic center effortlessly coordinates to transition metal centers, demonstrating as an efficient cationic ligand.

Synthesis of a Molecule with Four Different Adjacent Pnictogens

The synthesis of a molecule containing four adjacent different pnictogens was attempted by conversion of a Group 15 allyl analogue anion [Mes*NAsPMes*](-) (Mes*=2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl) with antimony(III) chloride. A suitable precursor is Mes*N(H)AsPMes* (1) for which several syntheses were investigated. The anions afforded by deprotonation of Mes*N(H)AsPMes* were found to be labile and, therefore, salts could not be isolated. However, the in situ generated anions could be quenched with SbCl3 , yielding Mes*N(SbCl2 )AsPMes* (4).

Diphosphane 2,2'-binaphtho[1,8-de][1,3,2]dithiaphosphinine and the easy formation of a stable phosphorus radical cation

A convenient synthesis route to 2,2'-binaphtho[1,8-de][1,3,2]di-thiaphosphinine () was found. Its stable radical cation 3˙(+) was accessed easily through one-electron oxidation with NOBF4.

Insight into the Reaction of a Dinuclear Phosphinidene Complex with Nitriles

The phosphinidene complex [Cp*P{W(CO)5}2] (1; Cp*=C5 Me5 ) reacted with malononitrile to give the 1,2-dihydro-1,3,2-diazaphosphinine derivative 2. The reaction of 1 with 1,4-benzodinitrile gave [1,4-{{W(CO)5}2 P-N=C(Cp*)}2 (C6 H4)] (3), the first example of a cumulene-like aminophosphinidene complex. The reaction of 1 with aniline gave the aminophosphinidene complex [(Ph)N(H)P{W(CO)5}2] (4). To compare the reactivity of benzonitrile and aniline with 1, the phosphinidene complex 1 was reacted with three different isomers of aminobenzonitrile (2-, 3-, and 4-aminobenzonitrile). These reactions gave an insight into the reaction pathway of 1 with benzonitrile derivatives. Compounds 5, 6 a, 6 b, and 7, which are derivatives of 1,2-dihydro-1,3,2-diazaphosphinine or benzo-2H-1,2-azaphospholes, were, as well as all other products, characterized by mass spectrometry, NMR and IR spectroscopy, and X-ray structure analysis.

Recent highlights in mixed-coordinate oligophosphorus chemistry

This review aims to highlight and comprehensively summarize recent developments in the field of mixed-coordinate phosphorus chemistry. Particular attention is focused on the synthetic approaches to compounds containing at least two directly bonded phosphorus atoms in different coordination environments and their unexpected properties that are derived from spectroscopic and crystallographic data. Novel substance classes are discussed in order to supplement previous reviews about mixed-coordinate phosphorus compounds.

Synthesis and EPR/UV/Vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical investigation of a persistent phosphanyl radical dication

The reaction of the bis(imidazoliumyl)-substituted P(I)  cation [(2-Im(Dipp) )P(4-Im(Dipp) )](+) (10(+) ) (2-Im=imidazolium-2-yl; 4-Im=imidazolium-4-yl; Dipp=2,6-di-isopropylphenyl) with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (HOTf) or methyl trifluoromethylsulfonate (MeOTf) yields the corresponding protonated [(2-Im(Dipp) )PH(4-Im(Dipp) )](2+) (11(2+) ) and methylated [(2-Im(Dipp) )PMe(4-Im(Dipp) )](2+) (12(2+) ) dications, respectively. EPR/UV/Vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical investigation of the low-coordinated P(I)  cation 10(+) predicted a stable and "bottleable" P-centered radical dication [(2-Im(Dipp) )P(4-Im(Dipp) )](2+.) (13(2+.) ). The reaction of 10(+) with the nitrosyl salt NO[OTf] yields the persistent phosphanyl radical dication 13(2+.) as triflate salt in crystalline form. Quantum chemical investigation revealed an exceptional high spin density at the P atom.

Theoretical Characterisation of Phosphinyl Radicals and Their Magnetic Properties: g Matrix

The g matrices (g tensors) of various phosphinyl radicals (R2 P(.) ) were calculated using the DFT and multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) methods. The g matrices were distinctly dependent on the molecular structure of the radical. To thoroughly examine this dependence, the contributions from individual atoms and excited states were calculated. The former revealed the gain from the phosphorus atom to be preeminent unless PO or PS bonds are present in the radical molecule. The contributions owing to excited states arising from electronic transitions between doubly occupied molecular orbitals and the SOMO were clearly positive, as in the case of semiquinone and niroxide radicals. The transitions from the phosphorus lone pair were of paramount importance. Surprisingly, unlike for semiquinones and nitroxides, a significant negative contribution was observed from excitations from the SOMO to unoccupied molecular orbitals. For radicals with PO bonds, this contribution to the g2 component was dominant.

Two phosphaalkene radical cations with inverse spin density distributions

Two phosphaalkene radical cations have been made by using a weakly coordinating anion, and they exhibit inverse spin density distributions.

Direct access to [(Mes*P)2As](-), a 1,3-diphosphaarsa-2-allyl anion, isoelectronic with the allyl anion (Mes* = 2,4,6-(t)Bu3C6H2)

The reaction of As(NMe2)3 with Mes*PHLi provides a direct source of the 1,3-diphosphaarsa-2-allyl anion, [(Mes*P)2As](-) (isoelectronic with the allyl anion). The equilibrium between the E,E and E,Z isomers of this anion depends on the extent of Li(+) ion-pairing.

Reactivity of bridged pentelidene complexes with isonitriles: a new way to pentel-containing heterocycles

The reaction of [Cp*E{W(CO)5 }2 ] (E=P (1 a), As (1 b); Cp*=1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) with isonitriles RNC (R=tBu, cyclohexyl (Cy), nBu) depends on the steric demand of the substituent at the isonitrile as well as on the stoichiometry of the starting materials. With tBuNC only the Lewis acid/base adducts [Cp*E{W(CO)5 }2 (CNtBu)] (E=P (2 a), As (2 b)) are formed. The use of Cy and n-butylisonitrile leads first to the formation of the Lewis acid/base adduct, but only at low temperatures. At ambient temperatures, a rearrangement occurs and bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane derivatives of the type [{C(Me)C(CH2 )C(Me)C(Me)C(Me)}C(NR)- E{W(CO)5 }2 ] (E=P, As; R=Cy, nBu) (3 a-Cy, 3 b-Cy, 3 a-nBu and 3 b-nBu) are obtained. The use of a further equivalent of isonitrile results in products revealing two new structural motifs, the four-membered ring derivatives [C(Cp*)N(R)C(NR)E{W(CO)5 }2 ] (4: E=P, As; R=Cy, nBu) and the bicyclic complexes [[{C(Me)C- (CH2 )C(Me)C(Me)C(Me)}C(NR)2 - E{W(CO)5 }2 ] (5: E=As; R=Cy). The reaction pathway depends on the substituent at the isonitrile. By treatment of 1 a with two equivalents of CyNC only a 2H-1,3-azaphosphet complex 4 a-Cy (E=P; R=Cy) is formed. Treatment of 1 b with two equivalents of CyNC exclusively leads to the complex 5 b-Cy (E=As; R=Cy). Treatment of 1 a with two equivalents of nBuNC results in a mixture of complexes, the 2H-1,3-azaphosphet 4 a-nBu (E=P; R=nBu) and the bicyclic complex 5 a-nBu (E=P; R=nBu). For the arsenidene complex 1 b a mixture of the 2H-1,3-azarsete complex 4 b-nBu (E=As; R=nBu) and the bicyclic complex 5 b-nBu (E=P, As; R=Cy, nBu) is obtained. Complex 4 b-nBu is the first example of a 2H-1,3-azarsete complex. All products have been characterized by using mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis.

Carbene-Stabilized Main Group Radicals and Radical Ions

Shortly after their discovery at the end of the 80s, stable singlet carbenes have been recognized as excellent ligands for transition metal based catalysts, and as organo-catalysts in their own right. At the end of the 2000s, it has been shown that they can coordinate main group elements in their zero oxidation state, and even activate small molecules. This review covers examples in the literature dealing with the most recent application of stable singlet carbenes, namely their use to stabilize radicals and radical ions that are otherwise unstable.