Fe II Carbonyl Complexes Featuring Small to Bulky PNP Pincer Ligands – Facile Substitution of κ 2 P , N ‐Bound PNP Ligands by Carbon Monoxide

Iron Complexes of 4,5-Bis(diorganophosphinomethyl)acridine Ligands

The search for an iron analog of the established ruthenium-based catalysts containing methylene-extended 4,5-bis(diorganophosphinomethyl)acridine ligands, [FeHCl(CO)(LR)], resulted in the discovery of a bidentate coordination mode of these usually tridentate pincer ligands toward iron. The acridines nitrogen atom does not coordinate to iron, leading to the formation of iron diphos-type complexes with unusually large cis bite angles of up to 124° as well as trans bite angles around 155°. The iron-containing complexes [FeCl2(κ2-LR)] (R = iPr, Ph), [FeX2(κ2-LCy)] (X = Cl, Br) and [Fe(CO)3(κ2-LR)] (R = iPr, Cy) have been isolated in crystalline form and characterized by spectroscopic methods and mass spectrometry. Their structures were verified unambiguously through X-ray diffraction. The stability of the iron(II) complexes decreased in the order Cy > Ph > iPr and Cl > Br > I, although all iron(II) complexes were found to be relatively stable enough for short-term handling in air in the solid state. Notably, no iron(0) complex of the phenyl derivative could be isolated. The iron(0) complex [Fe(CO)3(κ2-LCy)] was found to be significantly more stable toward hydrolysis and oxygen compared to [Fe(CO)3(κ2-LiPr)] and can be stored in air for months without significant decomposition in the solid state, while [Fe(CO)3(κ2-LiPr)] decomposes in air within seconds. The decomposition products [FeI2(κ2-O2LCy)], [{Fe(CO)3(κ2-HLR)}2] (R = iPr, Cy) and [FeCl2(CO)2(κ1-LCy)(κ1-OLCy)] were identified and characterized crystallographically. The iron(0) complex [Fe(CO)3(κ2-LCy)] is oxidized by [Fe(Cp)2](BPh4) to give the paramagnetic, low-spin iron(I) cation [Fe(CO)3(κ2-LCy)]+. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum of the highly sensitive cation as well as density functional theory calculations suggest a partial delocalization of the unpaired electron over the three carbonyl ligands and the acridines aromatic ring system. The catalytic activity and photophysical properties of the complexes have been preliminarily investigated.

Iron-catalysed quinoline synthesis via acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling

An iron-catalysed atom-economical and straightforward methodology for the synthesis of quinolines from α-2-aminoaryl alcohols and secondary alcohols is presented.

Systematic Variation of 3d Metal Centers in a Redox-Innocent Ligand Environment: Structures, Electrochemical Properties, and Carbon Dioxide Activation

Coordination compounds of earth-abundant 3d transition metals are among the most effective catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂). While the properties of the metal center are crucial for the ability of the complexes to electrochemically activate CO₂, systematic variations of the metal within an identical, redox-innocent ligand backbone remain insufficiently investigated. Here, we report on the synthesis, structural and spectroscopic characterization, and electrochemical investigation of a series of 3d transition-metal complexes [M = Mn(I), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(I), and Zn(II)] coordinated by a new redox-innocent PNP pincer ligand system. Only the Fe, Co, and Ni complexes reveal distinct metal-centered electrochemical reductions from M(II) down to M(0) and show indications for interaction with CO₂ in their reduced states. The Ni(0) d¹⁰ species associates with CO₂ to form a putative Aresta-type Ni-η²-CO₂ complex, where electron transfer to CO₂ through back-bonding is insufficient to enable electrocatalytic activity. By contrast, the Co(0) d⁹ intermediate binding CO₂ can undergo additional electron uptake into a formal cobalt(I) metallacarboxylate complex able to promote turnover. Our data, together with the few literature precedents, single out that an unsaturated coordination sphere (coordination number = 4 or 5) and a d⁷-to-d⁹ configuration in the reduced low oxidation state (+I or 0) are characteristics that foster electrochemical CO₂ activation for complexes based on redox-innocent ligands.

A series of 3d transition-metal complexes (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) coordinated by a new redox-innocent PNP pincer ligand system were synthesized and structurally as well as electrochemically analyzed to illuminate the role of the metal center in molecular electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO₂) activation.

Structural and Electronic Properties of Iron(0) PNP Pincer Complexes

In the present work we have prepared and fully characterized several Fe(0) complexes of the type [Fe(PNP)(CO)2] treating Fe(II) complexes [Fe(PNP)(Cl)2] with KC8 in the presence of carbon monoxide. While complexes [Fe(PNPNMe-iPr)(CO)2], [Fe(PNPNEt-iPr)(CO)2] adopt a trigonal bipyramidal geometry, the bulkier and more electron rich [Fe(PNPNH-tBu)(CO)2] is closer to a square pyramidal geometry. Mössbauer spectra showed isomer shifts very close to 0 and similar to those reported for Fe(I) systems. Quadrupole splitting values range between 2.2 and 2.7 mm s-1 both in experiments and DFT calculations, while those of Fe(I) complexes are much smaller (∼0.6 mm s-1).

Five-Coordinate Low-Spin {FeNO}7 PNP Pincer Complexes

The synthesis and characterization of air-stable cationic mono nitrosonium Fe(I) PNP pincer complexes of the type [Fe(PNP)(NO)Cl]⁺ are described. These complexes are obtained via direct nitroslyation of [Fe(PNP)Cl₂] with nitric oxide at ambient pressure. On the basis of magnetic and EPR measurements as well as DFT calculations, these compounds were found to adopt a low-spin d⁷ configuration and feature a nearly linear bound NO ligand suggesting Fe^INO⁺ rather than Fe^IINO^• character. X-ray structures of all nitrosonium Fe(I) PNP complexes are presented. Preliminary investigations reveal that [Fe(PNP^NH- iPr)(NO)(Cl)]⁺ efficiently catalyzes the conversion of primary alcohols and aromatic and benzylic amines to yield mono N-alkylated amines in good isolated yields.

Isoelectronic Manganese and Iron Hydrogenation/Dehydrogenation Catalysts: Similarities and Divergences

Sustainable processes that utilize nontoxic, readily available, and inexpensive starting materials for organic synthesis constitute a major objective in modern chemical research. In this context, it is highly important to perform reactions under catalytic conditions and to replace precious metal catalysts by earth-abundant nonprecious metal catalysts. In particular, iron and manganese are promising candidates, as these are among the most abundant metals in the earth's crust, are inexpensive, and exhibit a low environmental impact. As far as chemical processes are concerned, hydrogenations and acceptorless alcohol dehydrogenation (AAD), sometimes in conjunction with hydrogen autotransfer reactions, are becoming important areas of research. While the first is a very important synthetic process representing a highly atom-efficient and clean methodology, AAD is an oxidant-free, environmentally benign reaction where carbonyl compounds together with dihydrogen as a valuable product and/or reactant (autotransfer) and water are formed. Carbonyl compounds, typically generated in situ, can be converted into other useful organic materials such as amines, imines, or heterocycles. In 2016 several groups, including ours, discovered for the first time the potential of hydride biscarbonyl Mn(I) complexes bearing strongly bound PNP pincer ligands or related tridentate ligands as highly effective and versatile catalysts for hydrogenation, transfer hydrogenation, and dehydrogenation reactions. These complexes are isoelectronic analogues of the respective hydride monocarbonyl Fe(II) PNP compounds and display similar reactivities but also quite divergent behavior depending on the coligands. Moreover, manganese compounds show improved long-term stability and high robustness toward harsh reaction conditions. In light of these recent achievements, this Account contrasts Mn(I) and Fe(II) PNP pincer catalysts, highlighting specific features that are connected to particular structural and electronic properties. It also addresses opportunities and restrictions in their catalytic applications. Apart from classical hydrogenations, it also covers the most recent developments of these catalysts for AAD resulting in the synthesis of complex organic molecules such as heterocycles via multicomponent reactions. The ambivalent hydrogen-based redox chemistry provides access to a variety of synthetically valuable reductive and oxidative coupling reactions. Hence, these catalysts cover a broad scope of catalytic applications and exhibit activities and productivities that are becoming competitive with those of well-established precious metal catalysts. The knowledge about the nature and characteristics of active Mn(I)- and Fe(II)-based systems paves the way for conceptually and mechanistically well-founded research, which might lead to further developments and the discovery of novel catalysts extending the current scope and limitations of reactivity. It underlines that base metal catalysts are beginning to challenge precious metal catalysts and contributes to the further advancement of waste-free sustainable base metal catalysis.

Crystal structure of the tetra-hydro-furan disolvate of a 94:6 solid solution of [N2,N6-bis-(di-tert-butyl-phosphan-yl)pyridine-2,6-di-amine]-dibromido-manganese(II) and its monophosphine oxide analogue

The MnBr2 complex of N2,N6-bis-(di-tert-butyl-phosphan-yl)pyridine-2,6-di-amine (1·MnBr2) co-crystallizes with 5.69% of the monophosphine oxide analogue (1O·MnBr2) and two tetra-hydro-furan (THF) mol-ecules, namely [N2,N6-bis-(di-tert-butyl-phosphan-yl)pyridine-2,6-di-amine]-dibromido-manganese(II)-[bis-(di-tert-butyl-phosphan-yl)({6-[(di-tert-butyl-phosphan-yl)amino]-pyridin-2-yl}amino)-phosphine oxide]di-bromido-manganese(II)-tetra-hydro-furan (0.94/0.06/2), [MnBr2(C21H41N3P2)]0.94[MnBr2(C21H41N3OP2)]0.06·2C4H8O. The 1·MnBr2 and 1O·MnBr2 complexes are occupationally disordered about general positions. Both complexes feature square-pyramidal coordination of the MnII atoms. They are connected by weak N-H⋯Br hydrogen bonding into chains extending along [001]. The THF mol-ecules are located between the layers formed by these chains. One THF mol-ecule is involved in hydrogen bonding to an amine H atom.

Iron pyrrole-based PNP pincer ligand complexes as catalyst precursors

The structure of a pincer ligand consists of a backbone and two `arms' which typically contain a P or N atom. They are tridentate ligands that coordinate to a metal center in a meridional configuration. A series of three iron complexes containing the pyrrole-based PNP pincer ligand 2,5-bis[(diisopropylphosphanyl)methyl]pyrrolide (PNpyrP) has been synthesized. These complexes are possible precursors to new iron catalysts. {2,5-Bis[(diisopropylphosphanyl)methyl]pyrrolido-κ3 P,N,P′}carbonylchlorido(trimethylphosphane-κP)iron(II), [Fe(C18H34NP2)Cl(C3H9P)(CO)] or [Fe(PNpyrP)Cl(PMe3)(CO)], (I), has a slightly distorted octahedral geometry, with the Cl and CO ligands occupying the apical positions. {2,5-Bis[(diisopropylphosphanyl)methyl]pyrrolido-κ3 P,N,P′}chlorido(pyridine-κN)iron(II), [Fe(C18H34NP2)Cl(C5H5N)] or [Fe(PNpyrP)Cl(py)] (py is pyridine), (II), is a five-coordinate square-pyramidal complex, with the pyridine ligand in the apical position. {2,5-Bis[(diisopropylphosphanyl)methyl]pyrrolido-κ3 P,N,P′}dicarbonylchloridoiron(II), [Fe(C18H34NP2)Cl(CO)2] or [Fe(PNpyrP)Cl(CO)2], (III), is structurally similar to (I), but with the PMe3 ligand replaced by a second carbonyl ligand from the reaction of (II) with CO. The two carbonyl ligands are in a cis configuration, and there is positional disorder of the chloride and trans carbonyl ligands.

High-spin iron(II) complexes with mono-phosphorylated 2,6-diaminopyridine ligands

Abstract

Several new monophosphorylated 2,6-diaminopyridine ligands bearing PiPr₂ and PtBu₂ units (PN^NH2-iPr, PN^NH2-tBu, PN^NHMe-iPr, and PN^NHEt-iPr) are prepared by treatment of the respective 2,6-diaminopyridines with the chlorophosphines PiPr₂Cl and PtBu₂Cl in the presence of a base. Treatment of anhydrous FeCl₂ with 1 equiv of these afforded the tetracoordinated coordinatively unsaturated 14e⁻ complexes [Fe(κ²P,N-PN^NH2-iPr)Cl₂] and [Fe(κ²P,N-PN^NH2-tBu)Cl₂], while with PN^NHMe-iPr and PN^NHEt-iPr a phosphine transfer reaction of a second PN ligand took place to yield the known PNP pincer complexes [Fe(κ³P,N,P-PNP^Me-iPr)Cl₂] and [Fe(κ³P,N,P-PNP^Et-iPr)Cl₂]. The four-coordinate complexes [Fe(κ²P,N-PN^NH2-iPr)Cl₂] and [Fe(κ²P,N-PN^NH2-tBu)Cl₂] did not react with CO and the formation of iron PNC pincer complexes was not observed. The reason for the reluctance to add CO was investigated in detail by DFT calculations.

Graphical abstract

Synthesis and characterization of cationic dicarbonyl Fe(II) PNP pincer complexes

ABSTRACT

In the present work, we have prepared a series of octahedral Fe(II) complexes of the type trans-[Fe(PNP)(CO)2Cl]+-PNP are tridentate pincer-type ligands based on 2,6-diaminopyridine. These complexes are formed irrespective of the size of the substituents at the phosphorus sites and whether cis-[Fe(PNP)(Cl2)(CO)] or trans-[Fe(PNP)(Cl2)(CO)] are reacted with CO in the presence of 1 equiv of silver salts. X-ray structures of representative complexes are presented. Based on simple bonding considerations the selective formation of trans-dicarbonyl Fe(II) complexes is unexpected. In fact, DFT calculations confirm that trans-dicarbonyl complexes are indeed thermodynamically disfavored over the respective cis-dicarbonyl compounds, but are favored for kinetic reasons.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Synthesis and reactivity of BINEPINE-based chiral Fe(II) PNP pincer complexes

ABSTRACT

A new asymmetric chiral PNP ligand based on the 2,6-diaminopyridine scaffold featuring a R-BINEPINE moiety was prepared. Treatment of anhydrous FeX2 (X = Cl, Br) with 1 equiv of PNP-iPr,BIN at room temperature afforded the coordinatively unsaturated paramagnetic complexes [Fe(PNP-iPr,BIN)X2]. The structure of [Fe(PNP-iPr,BIN)Cl2] is described. Both complexes react readily with the strong π-acceptor ligand CO in solution to afford selectively the diamagnetic complexes trans-[Fe(PNP-iPr,BIN)(CO)X2] in quantitative yield. Due the lability of the CO ligand, these complexes are only stable under a CO atmosphere and isolation in pure form was not possible. The preparation of the carbonyl hydride complex [Fe(PNP-iPr,BIN)(H)(CO)Br] was achieved albeit in low yields via a one pot procedure by treatment of [Fe(PNP-iPr,BINEP)Br2] with CO and subsequent reaction with Na[HBEt3]. This complex was obtained as an inseparable mixture of two diastereomers in a ca. 1:1 ratio and was tested as catalyst for the hydrogenation of ketones. The catalyst showed acceptable activity under mild conditions (5 bar H2, room temperature) with yields up to >99 % within 18 h.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT