A Redox-Active Heterobimetallic N-Heterocyclic Carbene Based on a Bis(imino)pyrazine Ligand Scaffold

Low-Valent Transition Metalate Anions in Synthesis, Small Molecule Activation, and Catalysis

This review surveys the synthesis and reactivity of low-oxidation state metalate anions of the d-block elements, with an emphasis on contributions reported between 2006 and 2022. Although the field has a long and rich history, the chemistry of transition metalate anions has been greatly enhanced in the last 15 years by the application of advanced concepts in complex synthesis and ligand design. In recent years, the potential of highly reactive metalate complexes in the fields of small molecule activation and homogeneous catalysis has become increasingly evident. Consequently, exciting applications in small molecule activation have been developed, including in catalytic transformations. This article intends to guide the reader through the fascinating world of low-valent transition metalates. The first part of the review describes the synthesis and reactivity of d-block metalates stabilized by an assortment of ligand frameworks, including carbonyls, isocyanides, alkenes and polyarenes, phosphines and phosphorus heterocycles, amides, and redox-active nitrogen-based ligands. Thereby, the reader will be familiarized with the impact of different ligand types on the physical and chemical properties of metalates. In addition, ion-pairing interactions and metal-metal bonding may have a dramatic influence on metalate structures and reactivities. The complex ramifications of these effects are examined in a separate section. The second part of the review is devoted to the reactivity of the metalates toward small inorganic molecules such as H2, N2, CO, CO2, P4 and related species. It is shown that the use of highly electron-rich and reactive metalates in small molecule activation translates into impressive catalytic properties in the hydrogenation of organic molecules and the reduction of N2, CO, and CO2. The results discussed in this review illustrate that the potential of transition metalate anions is increasingly being tapped for challenging catalytic processes with relevance to organic synthesis and energy conversion. Therefore, it is hoped that this review will serve as a useful resource to inspire further developments in this dynamic research field.

Applications of iron pincer complexes in hydrosilylation reactions

Due to its abundance, low cost and low toxicity, the first-row transition metal, iron is widely preferred as a catalyst in organic synthesis. The only drawback of lower selectivity due to high reactivity and low stability of the metal centre is tuned by using pincer ligands of different types. The different iron pincer complexes thus prepared are extensively used in catalyzing different types of organic reactions with great selectivity and functional group tolerance under moderate reaction conditions. In this review, we focus on the applications of iron pincer complexes in hydrosilylation reactions, especially the hydrosilylation of carbonyl derivatives and alkene/alkynes.

Iron pincer complexes are efficient in catalyzing various organic reactions with excellent selectivity and functional group tolerance at moderate reaction conditions. This review focuses on the applications of iron pincer complexes in hydrosilylation reactions.

Redox Activity of Iron Diazine-Diimine Carbonyl and Dinitrogen Complexes: A Comparative Study of the Influence of the Heterocyclic Ring

A detailed investigation of the electronic structure of diazinediimine iron complexes and their comparison with the pyridine analogues reveals subtle but important differences, imparted by the supporting heterocycle. In the case of LFe(CO)₂ complexes (L = pyrazine- and pyrimidinediimine), the characterization of three available redox states confirmed that whereas the nature of the electron-transfer processes is similar, the differences in π-acidity of the supporting heterocycle significantly affect the redox potentials. The reduction of LFe(CO)₂ can yield either a ligand-centered radical (for L = pyrimidine) or a C-C-bonded dimer (for L = pyrazine), supported by a dearomatized core. In the latter case, the C-C bond can be reversibly cleaved oxidatively. Compared to the carbonyl analogues, employing weak-field N₂ ligands triggers changes in electronic structure for the neutral and reduced LFe(N₂) complexes (L = pyrimidinediimine). En route to the synthesis of the nitrogen complexes, the square-planar LFeCl (L = pyrimidinediimine) was isolated. The monoradical character of the supporting chelate triggers the asymmetric distribution of electron density around the heterocycle.