Methine (CH) transfer via a chlorine atom abstraction/benzene-elimination strategy: molybdenum methylidyne synthesis and elaboration to a phosphaisocyanide complex

A Transient Iron Carbide Generated by Cyaphide Cleavage

Despite their potential relevance as molecular models for industrial and biological catalysis, well-defined mononuclear iron carbide complexes are unknown, in part due to the limited number of appropriate C1 synthons. Here, we show the ability of the cyaphide anion (C≡P-) to serve as a C1 source. The high spin (S = 2) cyaphide complex PhB(tBuIm)3Fe-C≡P (PhB(tBuIm)3- = phenyl(tris(3-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidene)borate) is readily accessed using the new cyaphide transfer reagent [Mg(DippNacNac)(CP)]2 (DippNacNac = CH{C(CH3)N(Dipp)}2 and Dipp = 2,6-di(iso-propyl)phenyl). Phosphorus atom abstraction is effected by the three-coordinate Mo(III) complex Mo(NtBuAr)3 (Ar = 3,5-Me2C6H3), which produces the known phosphide (tBuArN)3Mo≡P along with a transient iron carbide complex PhB(tBuIm)3Fe≡C. Electronic structure calculations reveal that PhB(tBuIm)3Fe≡C adopts a doublet ground state with nonzero spin density on the carbide ligand. While isolation of this complex is thwarted by rapid dimerization to afford the corresponding diiron ethynediyl complex, the carbide can be intercepted by styrene to provide an iron alkylidene.

Origin of Reactivity Trends of an Elusive Metathesis Intermediate from NMR Chemical Shift Analysis of Surrogate Analogues

Olefin metathesis has become an efficient tool in synthetic organic chemistry to build carbon-carbon bonds, thanks to the development of Grubbs- and Schrock-type catalysts. Olefin coordination, a key and often rate-determining elementary step for d0 Schrock-type catalysts, has been rarely explored due to the lack of accessible relevant molecular analogues. Herein, we present a fully characterized surrogate of this key olefin-coordination intermediate, namely, a cationic d0 tungsten oxo-methylidene complex bearing two N-heterocyclic carbene ligands─[WO(CH2)Cl(IMes)2](OTf) (1) (IMes = 1,3-dimesitylimidazole-2-ylidene, OTf-triflate counteranion), resulting in a trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) geometry, along with its neutral octahedral analogue [WO(CH2)Cl2(IMes)2] (2)─and an isostructural oxo-methylidyne derivative [WO(CH)Cl(IMes)2] (3). The analysis of their solid-state 13C and 183W MAS NMR signatures, along with computed 17O NMR parameters, helps to correlate their electronic structures with NMR patterns and evidences the importance of the competition among the three equatorial ligands in the TBP complexes. Anchored on experimentally obtained NMR parameters for 1, computational analysis of a series of olefin coordination intermediates highlights the interplay between σ- and π-donating ligands in modulating their stability and further paralleling their reactivity. NMR spectroscopy descriptors reveal the origin for the advantage of the dissymmetry in σ-donating abilities of ancillary ligands in Schrock-type catalysts: weak σ-donors avoid the orbital-competition with the oxo ligand upon formation of a TBP olefin-coordination intermediate, while stronger σ-donors compromise M≡O triple bonding and thus render olefin coordination step energy demanding.

Arsinocarbyne reactivity

The reactivity of the tungsten diphenylarsinocarbyne [W(CAsPh₂)(CO)₂(Tp*)] (1; Tp* = hydrotris(dimethylpyrazolyl)borato) is described. The pyramidal arsenic coordinates to a selection of 5d metal centres, forming heterobi- or trimetallic complexes with osmium(II), iridium(III), platinum(II) and gold(I). In the latter case, the WC bond provides a competitive site for gold(I) coordination. Treatment with MeOSO₂CF₃ results in methylation at arsenic to give the first example of an arsoniocarbyne, [W(CAsPh₂CH₃)(CO)₂(Tp*)]O₃SCF₃, for which only the WC bond remains available for gold(I) coordination.

Iridium(VII)-Corrole Terminal Carbides Should Exist as Stable Compounds

Scalar-relativistic DFT calculations with multiple exchange-correlation functionals and large basis sets foreshadow the existence of stable iridium(VII)-corrole terminal carbide derivatives. For the parent compound Ir[Cor](C), OLYP/STO-TZ2P calculations predict a short Ir-C bond distance of 1.69 Å, a moderately domed macrocycle with no indications of ligand noninnocence, a surprisingly low electron affinity of ∼1.1 eV, and a substantial singlet-triplet gap of ∼1.8 eV. These results, and their essential invariance with respect to the choice of the exchange-correlation functional, lead us to posit that Ir(VII)-corrole terminal carbide complexes should be isolable and indefinitely stable under ambient conditions.

Transition Metal Carbide Complexes

Carbide complexes remain a rare class of molecules. Their paucity does not reflect exceptional instability but is rather due to the generally narrow scope of synthetic procedures for constructing carbide complexes. The preparation of carbide complexes typically revolves around generating L_nM-CE_x fragments, followed by cleavage of the C-E bonds of the coordinated carbon-based ligands (the alternative being direct C atom transfer). Prime examples involve deoxygenation of carbonyl ligands and deprotonation of methyl ligands, but several other p-block fragments can be cleaved off to afford carbide ligands. This Review outlines synthetic strategies toward terminal carbide complexes, bridging carbide complexes, as well as carbide-carbonyl cluster complexes. It then surveys the reactivity of carbide complexes, covering stoichiometric reactions where the carbide ligands act as C₁ reagents, engage in cross-coupling reactions, and enact Fischer-Tropsch-like chemistry; in addition, we discuss carbide complexes in the context of catalysis. Finally, we examine spectroscopic features of carbide complexes, which helps to establish the presence of the carbide functionality and address its electronic structure.

Terminal, Open-Shell Mo Carbide and Carbyne Complexes: Spin Delocalization and Ligand Noninnocence

Open-shell compounds bearing metal-carbon triple bonds, such as carbides and carbynes, are of significant interest as plausible intermediates in the reductive catenation of C₁ oxygenates. Despite the abundance of closed-shell carbynes reported, open-shell variants are very limited, and an open-shell carbide has yet to be reported. Herein, we report the synthesis of the first terminal, open-shell carbide complexes, [K][1] and [1][BAr^F₄] (1 = P2Mo(≡C:)(CO), P2 = a terphenyl diphosphine ligand), which differ by two redox states, as well as a series of related open-shell carbyne complexes. The complexes are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR, EPR, and IR spectroscopies, while the electronic structures are probed by EPR studies and DFT calculations to assess spin delocalization. In the d₁ complexes, the spin is primarily localized on the metal (∼55-77% Mo d_xy) with delocalization on the triply bonded carbon of ∼0.05-0.09 e^-. In the reduced carbide [K][1], a direct metal-arene interaction enables ancillary ligand reduction, resulting in reduced radical character on the terminal carbide (⩽0.02 e^-). Reactivity studies with [K][1] reveal the formation of mixed-valent C-C coupled products at -40 °C, illustrating how productive reactivity manifolds can be engendered through the manipulation of redox states. Combined, the results inform on the electronic structure and reactivity of a new and underrepresented class of compounds with potential significance to a wide array of reactions involving open-shell species.

Heterocyclic arsinocarbynes via tandem transmetallation

Gold(i)-catalysed tandem transmetallation (Sn→Au→As) of the stannylcarbyne [W(≡CSnⁿBu₃)(CO)₂(Tp*)] (Tp* = hydrotris-(dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) with haloarsines gives direct access to a range of novel arsinocarbyne complexes, L_nM≡CAsR₂, including unusual heterocyclic phenarsazininyl and arsolyl examples.

Tetrel and pnictogen functionalised propargylidynes

The reaction of [W([triple bond, length as m-dash]CC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe₃)(CO)₂(Tp*)] (Tp* = tris(dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) with AgNO₃ affords {[W([triple bond, length as m-dash]CC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CAg)-(CO)₂(Tp*)][AgNO₃]}_n while [Hg{C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CC[triple bond, length as m-dash]W(CO)₂(Tp*)}₂] with ⁿBuLi affords [W([triple bond, length as m-dash]CC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CLi)(CO)₂(Tp*)]. These anhydrous reagents allow the installation of main group elements (e.g., Si, Sn, Pb, P, As) as propargylidyne termini.

Carbones and Carbon Atom as Ligands in Transition Metal Complexes

This review summarizes experimental and theoretical studies of transition metal complexes with two types of novel metal-carbon bonds. One type features complexes with carbones CL₂ as ligands, where the carbon(0) atom has two electron lone pairs which engage in double (σ and π) donation to the metal atom [M]⇇CL₂. The second part of this review reports complexes which have a neutral carbon atom C as ligand. Carbido complexes with naked carbon atoms may be considered as endpoint of the series [M]-CR₃ → [M]-CR₂ → [M]-CR → [M]-C. This review includes some work on uranium and cerium complexes, but it does not present a complete coverage of actinide and lanthanide complexes with carbone or carbide ligands.

Bent Phosphaallenes With "Hidden" Lone Pairs as Ligands

Phosphaheteroallenes R-P=C=L, with L = N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), can be viewed to a certain extent as phosphaisonitriles stabilized with NHCs, R-P=C:←L. The suitability of these molecules as ligands for coinage-metal ions was investigated and coordination through the central carbon center was observed in most cases. A combination of experiments, spectroscopic methods, and DFT calculations indicates the presence of a hidden electron pair at the carbon center of R-P=C:←L. Remarkably, this lone pair also inserts intramolecularly in C-H bonds showing the carbene-type reactivity which is expected for phosphaisonitriles.

Platinum(ii) as an assembly point for carbide and nitride ligands

The sequential treatment of (Cy₃P)₂Cl₂RuC with [PtCl₂(C₂H₄)]₂ and (dbm)₂CrN affords a platinum(ii) center coordinated by both carbide and nitride ligands.

Phosphaisonitrile umpolung – synthesis and reactivity of chloro aminophosphino carbynes

The synthesis of the first P-halo-aminophosphinocarbyne complex is described in addition to exploration of its ligand-based reactivity towards nucleophilic substitution and P-halide abstraction processes as a possible route to cationic aminophosphaisonitrile derivatives.

Ti-Catalyzed Radical Alkylation of Secondary and Tertiary Alkyl Chlorides Using Michael Acceptors

Alkyl chlorides are common functional groups in synthetic organic chemistry. However, the engagement of unactivated alkyl chlorides, especially tertiary alkyl chlorides, in transition-metal-catalyzed C-C bond formation remains challenging. Herein, we describe the development of a TiIII-catalyzed radical addition of 2° and 3° alkyl chlorides to electron-deficient alkenes. Mechanistic data are consistent with inner-sphere activation of the C-Cl bond featuring TiIII-mediated Cl atom abstraction. Evidence suggests that the active TiIII catalyst is generated from the TiIV precursor in a Lewis-acid-assisted electron transfer process.

A complete set of pnictocarbynes: [M(CAPh2)(CO)2(Tp*)] (M = Mo, W; A = N, P, As, Sb, Bi; Tp* = hydrotris(dimethylpyrazolyl)-borate)

The first two complete series of pnictogen functionalised carbyne complexes, [M(CAPh₂)(CO)₂(Tp*)] (M = Mo, W; A = N, P, As, Sb, Bi; Tp* = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate), have been prepared.

Alkynylbis(alkylidynyl)phosphines: {LnMC}2PCCR

Synthetic strategies are presented for the formation of alkynylbis(alkylidynyl)phosphines which represent promising building blocks for unsaturated 2- and 3-dimensional assemblies. Parent ethynyl derivatives provide a means for installing further donor functionalities, e.g., AsPh₂ as shown.

Bis(alkylidynyl)arsines

The synthesis and characterization of the first examples of bimetallic bis(alkylidynyl)arsines are described. For the tungsten complexes, these may be prepared by a potentially generalizable route: successive treatment of [W(CBr)(CO)₂(Tp*)] with ⁿBuLi, ACl₃ (A = P, As) and a nucleophilic source of R⁻via the inferred intermediacy of [ClA{CW(CO)₂(Tp*)}₂].

Synthons for carbide complex chemistry

Harnessing lability, the miniaturized ligand sphere in a [RuC–Pt] complex establishes a straightforward building-block approach to carbide complexes.

Rearrangement of bis(alkylidynyl)phosphines to phospha-acyls

A range of bis(alkylidynyl)phosphines RP{CM(CO)₂(Tp*)}₂ (M = Mo, W; R = Cl, Ph, Cy; Tp* = hydrotris(dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) are obtained from the reactions of [M(CLi)(CO)₂(Tp*)] with Cl₂PR or alternatively via the palladium(0)-mediated reactions of [W(CBr)(CO)₂(Tp*)] with RPH₂ (R = Py, Cy).

An exploding N-isocyanide reagent formally composed of anthracene, dinitrogen and a carbon atom

An anthracene-based N-isocyanide was synthesized and its reactivity studied. This sensitive compound was structurally characterized as a free species and as a ligand in a ruthenium complex, and underwent C-atom transfer upon treatment with an O-atom donor to evolve CO.

Delivering carbide ligands to sulfide-rich clusters

The propensity of the terminal ruthenium carbide Ru(C)Cl₂(PCy₃)₂ (RuC) to form carbide bridges to electron-rich transition metals enables synthetic routes to metal clusters with coexisting carbide and sulfide ligands.

The titanium tris-anilide cation [Ti(N[tBu]Ar)3]+ stabilized as its perfluoro-tetra-phenylborate salt: structural characterization and synthesis in connection with redox activity of 4,4′-bipyridine dititanium complexes

A rare cationic d⁰ metal tris-amide complex, containing an intriguing pyramidal TiN₃ core geometry, namely {Ti(N[^tBu]Ar)₃}⁺, is isolated as its [B(C₆F₅)₄]⁻ salt.

NO2 bond cleavage by MoL3 complexes

The cleavage of one N-O bond in NO2 by two equivalents of Mo(NRAr)3 has been shown to occur to form molybdenum oxide and nitrosyl complexes. The mechanism and electronic rearrangement of this reaction was investigated using density functional theory, using both a model Mo(NH2)3 system and the full [N((t)Bu)(3,5-dimethylphenyl)] experimental ligand. For the model ligand, several possible modes of coordination for the resulting complex were observed, along with isomerisation and bond breaking pathways. The lowest barrier for direct bond cleavage was found to be via the singlet η(2)-N,O complex (7 kJ mol(-1)). Formation of a bimetallic species was also possible, giving an overall decrease in energy and a lower barrier for reaction (3 kJ mol(-1)). Results for the full ligand showed similar trends in energies for both isomerisation between the different isomers, and for the mononuclear bond cleavage. The lowest calculated barrier for cleavage was only 21 kJ mol(-1)via the triplet η(1)-O isomer, with a strong thermodynamic driving force to the final products of the doublet metal oxide and a molecule of NO. Formation of the full ligand dinuclear complex was not accompanied by an equivalent decrease in energy seen with the model ligand. Direct bond cleavage via an η(1)-O complex is thus the likely mechanism for the experimental reaction that occurs at ambient temperature and pressure. Unlike the other known reactions between MoL3 complexes and small molecules, the second equivalent of the metal does not appear to be necessary, but instead irreversibly binds to the released nitric oxide.

Terminal, anionic carbide, nitride, and phosphide transition-metal complexes as synthetic entries to low-coordinate phosphorus derivatives

Anionic terminal one-atom nitride, phosphide, and carbide complexes are excellent starting materials for the synthesis of ligands containing low-coordinate phosphorus centers in the protecting coordination sphere of the metal complex. Salt-elimination reactions with chlorophosphanes lead to phosphaisocyanide, iminophosphinimide, and diorganophosphanylphosphinidene complexes in which the unusual phosphorus ligands are stabilized by coordination. X-ray structure analyses and density-functional calculations illuminate the bonding in these compounds.

Synthesis and characterization of cationic tungsten(V) methylidynes

Cationic tungsten(V) methylidynes [L4W(X)[triple bond]CH]+[B(C6F5)4]- [L = PMe3, 0.5dmpe (dmpe = Me2PCH2CH2PMe2), X = Cl, OSO2CF3] have been prepared in high yield by a one-electron oxidation of the neutral tungsten(IV) methylidynes L4W(X)[triple bond]CH with [Ph3C]+[B(C6F5)4]-. The ease and reversibility of the one-electron oxidation of L4W(X)[triple bond]CH were demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry in tetrahydrofuran (E1/2 is approximately -0.68 to -0.91 V vs Fc). The paramagnetic d1 (S = 1/2) complexes were characterized in solution by electron spin resonance (g = 2.023-2.048, quintets due to coupling to 31P) and NMR spectroscopy and Evans magnetic susceptibility measurements (mu = 2.0-2.1 muB). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction showed that the cationic methylidynes are structurally similar to the neutral precursor methylidynes. In addition, the neutral (PMe3)4W(Cl)[triple bond]CH was deprotonated with a strong base at the trimethylphosphine ligand to afford (PMe3)3(Me2PCH2)W[triple bond]CH, a tungsten(IV) methylidyne complex that features a (dimethylphosphino)methyl ligand.