Deprotonation Induced Ligand-to-Metal Electron Transfer: Synthesis of a Mixed-Valence Rh(−I,I) Dinuclear Compound and Its Reaction with Dioxygen

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.

Metal-ligand synergy driven functionalisation of alkylene linked bis(aldimine) on a diruthenium(II) platform. Cyclisation versus oxygenation

This article addresses the impact of metal-ligand redox cooperativity on the functionalisation of coordinated ligands. It demonstrates the structure-reactivity correlation of bis(aldimine) derived bis-bidentate L (Py-CHN-(CH2)n-NCH-Py, with n = 2 (L1), 3 (L2), 4 (L3)) as a function of the conformation (syn/anti) of its alkylene linker as well as the overall structural form (cis/trans) of (acac)2RuII(μ-L)RuII(acac)2 complex moieties (1-5) possessing an electron-rich acetylacetonate (acac) co-ligand. A systematic variation of the bridging alkylene unit of L in RuII/RuII-derived 1-5 led to the following reactivity/redox events, which were validated through structural, spectroscopic, electrochemical and theoretical evaluations: (i) Cyclisation of the ethylene linked (syn conformation) bis-aldimine unit of L1 via C-C coupling yielded pyrazine bridged (acac)2RuII(μ-L1')RuII(acac)2, 1a, while the corresponding anti-form (ethylene linker) of the metal-bound L1 in 2 ((acac)2RuII(μ-L1)RuII(acac)2) led to oxygenation at the ligand backbone (bis-aldimine (L) → bis(carboxamido) (L'')) via O2 activation to generate RuIIIRuIII-derived (acac)2RuIII(μ-L1''2-)RuIII(acac)2 (2a). (ii) Consequently, propylene and butylene linked L2 and L3 bridged between two {Ru(acac)2} units in 3 and 4/5 underwent oxygenation of L to L'' to yield diruthenium(III) complexes 3a and 4a/5a, respectively. (iii) In contrast, analogous L bridged oxidised [(acac)2RuIII(μ-L)RuIII(acac)2](ClO4)2 ([2](ClO4)2-[5](ClO4)2) and [{(PPh3)2(CO)(H)RuII}2(μ-L)](ClO4)2 ([6](ClO4)2-[8](ClO4)2) involving electron poor co-ligands failed to undergo the oxygenation of L irrespective of its n value, reemphasising the effective role of redox interplay between RuII and L particularly in the presence of an electron-rich acac co-ligand in the functionalisation of the latter in 1a-5a.

Redox-Transmetalation Reactions: Easy Access to Homo- and Heterodimetallic d8,d10 Complexes

The ability of the imine PyCH═N-CH2Py (Py = 2-pyridyl, bpi) to behave as a heteroditopic ligand, which is suitable for creating two separate compartments to host metals in different oxidation states, has been developed by studying the reactions of the mixed-valence complexes [(cod)M-Ι(μ-bpi)MΙ(cod)] (M = Rh, Ir) with [M'(Cl)2(PPh3)2] (M' = Pd, Ni). The results depend on the molar ratio of the reagents used (1:1 or 1:2) to give the heterometallic complexes {d10-M',d8-M}-[(PPh3)(Cl)M'0(μ-bpi)MΙ(cod)] (Pd,Rh, 4; Pd,Ir, 5; Ni,Rh, 8; Ni,Ir, 9) and the two-electron mixed-valent compounds [(PPh3)(Cl)M'0(μ-bpi)M'ΙΙ(Cl)] (M' = Ni, 10; Pd, 11), respectively. A redox process occurs in the replacement of the low-valent [(cod)M-I] fragment, whereas the exchange of the [(cod)MI] fragment is redox-neutral. The metal with a d8 configuration in the products exhibits a square-planar geometry coordinated to two (Rh/Ir) or three (Ni/Pd) nitrogen atoms of the bridging bpi ligand. Conversely, the metal with a d10 configuration adopts trigonal-planar geometries, π-bonded to the imine C═N bond. The isolated complexes 4/5 and 10/11, along with the hypothetical heterometallic Pd,Ni compound (12), were studied by DFT methods. Additionally, the T-shaped moiety 'M'ΙΙ(PPh3)(Cl)(η1-CH-N(bpi))', stabilized by a secondary γ-agostic interaction, and the 'M'II(Cl)(κ3N-bpi)' fragment was found to be accessible redoxomers of complexes 10 and 11 by DFT calculations.

Iridium-Catalyzed Regio- and Diastereoselective Synthesis of C-Substituted Piperazines

Piperazine rings are essential motifs frequently found in commercial drugs. However, synthetic methodologies are mainly limited to N-substituted piperazines, preventing structural diversity. Disclosed herein is a straightforward catalytic method for the synthesis of complex C-substituted piperazines based on an uncommon head-to-head coupling of easily prepared imines. This 100% atom-economic process allows the selective formation of a sole diastereoisomer, a broad substrate scope, and a good functional group tolerance employing a bench-stable iridium catalyst under mild reaction conditions. Key to the success is the addition of N-oxides to the reaction mixture, as they notably enhance the catalytic activity and selectivity.

Dioxygen Activation by Redox-Active Bis(aldimine) Ligand Bridged Diruthenium Complex Possessing Singlet Ground State

The unexplored 'actor' behavior of redox-active bis(aldimine) congener, p-phenylene-bis(picoline)aldimine (L1), towards dioxygen activation and subsequent functionalization of its backbone was demonstrated on coordination with {Ru(acac)₂ } (acac= acetylacetonate). Reaction under aerobic condition led to the one-pot generation of dinuclear complexes with unperturbed L1, imino-carboxamido (L2^- ), and bis(carboxamido) (L3^2- )-bridged isovalent {Ru^II (μ-L1)Ru^II }, 1/ {Ru^III (μ-L3^2- )Ru^III }, 3 and mixed-valent {Ru^II (μ-L2^- )Ru^III }, 2. Authentication of the complexes along with the redox non-innocence behavior of their bridge have been validated through structure, spectroelectrochemistry and DFT calculations. Kinetic and isotope labelling experiments together with DFT analyzed transition states justified the consideration of redox shuttling at metal/L1 interface for ³ O₂ activation despite of the closed shell configuration of 1 (S=0) to give carboxamido derived 2/3.

Rhodium Diamidobenzene Complexes: A Tale of Different Substituents on the Diamidobenzene Ligand

Diamidobenzene ligands are a prominent class of redox-active ligands owing to their electron reservoir behaviour, as well as the possibility of tuning the steric and the electronic properties of such ligands through the substituents on the N-atoms of the ligands. In this contribution, we present Rh(iii) complexes with four differently substituted diamidobenzene ligands. By using a combination of crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, electrochemistry, UV-vis-NIR/EPR spectroelectrochemistry, and quantum chemical calculations we show that the substituents on the ligands have a profound influence on the bonding, donor, electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of the Rh complexes. We present, for the first time, design strategies for the isolation of mononuclear Rh(ii) metallates whose redox potentials span across more than 850 mV. These Rh(ii) metallates undergo typical metalloradical reactivity such as activation of O₂ and C–Cl bond activations. Additionally, we also show that the substituents on the ligands dictate the one versus two electron nature of the oxidation steps of the Rh complexes. Furthermore, the oxidative reactivity of the metal complexes with a [CH₃]⁺ source leads to the isolation of a unprecedented, homobimetallic, heterovalent complex featuring a novel π-bonded rhodio-o-diiminoquionone. Our results thus reveal several new potentials of the diamidobenzene ligand class in organometallic reactivity and small molecule activation with potential relevance for catalysis.

Diamidobenzene ligands are versatile platforms in organometallic Rh-chemistry. They allow the isolation of tunable mononuclear ate-complexes, and the formation of a unprecedented homobimetallic, heterovalent complex.

Mechanistic investigation of the aerobic oxidation of 2-pyridylacetate coordinated to a Ru(II) polypyridyl complex

A new ruthenium polypyridyl complex, [Ru(bpy)₂(acpy)]⁺ (acpy = 2-pyridylacetate, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine), was synthesized and fully characterized. Distinct from the previously reported analog, [Ru(bpy)₂(pic)]⁺ (pic = 2-pyridylcarboxylate), the new complex is unstable under aerobic conditions and undergoes oxidation to yield the corresponding α-keto-2-pyridyl-acetate (acpyoxi) coordinated to the Ru^II center. The reaction is one of the few examples of C-H activation at mild conditions using O₂ as the primary oxidant and can provide mechanistic insights with important implications for catalysis. Theoretical and experimental investigations of this aerobic oxidative transformation indicate that it takes place in two steps, first producing the α-hydroxo-2-pyridyl-acetate analog and then the final product. The observed rate constant for the first oxidation was in the order of 10^-2 h^-1. The reaction is hindered in the presence of coordinating solvents indicating the role of the metal center in the process. Theoretical calculations at the M06-L level of theory were performed for multiple reaction pathways in order to gain insights into the most probable mechanism. Our results indicate that O₂ binding to [Ru(bpy)₂(acpy)]⁺ is favored by the relative instability of the six-ring chelate formed by the acpy ligand and the resulting Ru^III-OO˙^- superoxo is stabilized by the carboxylate group in the coordination sphere. C-H activation by this species involves high activation free energies (ΔG^‡ = 41.1 kcal mol^-1), thus the formation of a diruthenium μ-peroxo intermediate, [(Ru^III(bpy)₂(O-acpy))₂O₂]²⁺via interaction of a second [Ru(bpy)₂(acpy)]⁺ was examined as an alternative pathway. The dimer yields two Ru^IVO centers with a low ΔG^‡ of 2.3 kcal mol^-1. The resulting Ru^IVO species can activate C-H bonds in acpy (ΔG^‡ = 23.1 kcal mol^-1) to produce the coordinated α-hydroxo-2-pyridylacetate. Further oxidation of this intermediate leads to the α-keto-2-pyridyl-acetate product. The findings provide new insights into the mechanism of C-H activation catalyzed by transition-metal complexes using O₂ as the sole oxygen source.

Inner-Sphere Oxygen Activation Promoting Outer-Sphere Nucleophilic Attack on Olefins

Alkoxylation and hydroxylation reactions of 1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod) in an iridium complex with alcohols and water promoted by the reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide are described. The exo configuration of the OH/OR groups in the products agrees with nucleophilic attack at the external face of the olefin as the key step. The reactions also require the presence of a coordinating protic acid (such as picolinic acid (Hpic)) and involve the participation of a cationic diolefin iridium(III) complex, [Ir(cod)(pic)₂ ]⁺ , which has been isolated. Independently, this cation is also involved in easy alkoxy group exchange reactions, which are very unusual for organic ethers. DFT studies on the mechanism of olefin alkoxylation mediated by oxygen show a low-energy proton-coupled electron-transfer step connecting a superoxide-iridium(II) complex with hydroperoxide-iridium(III) intermediates, rather than peroxide complexes. Accordingly, a more complex reaction, with up to four different products, occurred upon reacting the diolefin-peroxide iridium(III) complex with Hpic. Moreover, such hydroperoxide intermediates are the origin of the regio- and stereoselectivity of the hydroxylation/alkoxylation reactions. If this protocol is applied to the diolefin-rhodium(I) complex [Rh(pic)(cod)], free alkyl ethers ORC₈ H₁₁ (R=Me, Et) resulted, and the reaction is enantioselective if a chiral amino acid, such as l-proline, is used instead of Hpic.

Selective Carbanion-Pyridine Coordination of a Reactive P,N Ligand to RhI

Ligands with reactive carbon sites in the periphery of a metal center have emerged as a powerful approach for metal-ligand bond activation. These reactive carbon sites are commonly generated by deprotonation strategies. Carbon-silicon bond cleavage is a potential alternative to access such constructs. Herein, the monodesilylation of bis-silyl-substituted P,N scaffold PNSi2 in the coordination sphere of [RhI (Cl)(CO)(PNSi2 )] (1) with sodium azide is disclosed. This affords a unique dinucleating anionic κ2 -C,N-κ1 -P ligand with a carbanionic methine carbon atom directly bound to rhodium as part of a four-membered Rh-N-C-C rhodacycle. This dimer undergoes meta-pyridine C-H activation facilitated by weak bases, which leads to a desymmetrization of the system and provides a σ,π-bridging 3-pyridyl fragment bound to RhI . The facile Si-C cleavage strategy may pave the way to studying the reactivity and functionalization of a variety of κ2 -C,N-coordinated pyridine scaffolds for selective transformations.

A low-valent dinuclear ruthenium diazadiene complex catalyzes the oxidation of dihydrogen and reversible hydrogenation of quinones

The dinuclear ruthenium complex [Ru2H(μ-H)(Me2dad)(dbcot)2] contains a 1,4-dimethyl-diazabuta-1,3-diene (Me2dad) as a non-innocent bridging ligand between the metal centers to give a [Ru2(Me2dad)] core. In addition, each ruthenium is bound to one dibenzo[a,e]cyclooctatetraene (dbcot) ligand. This Ru dimer converts H2 to protons and electrons. It also catalyzes reversibly under mild conditions the selective hydrogenation of vitamins K2 and K3 to their corresponding hydroquinone equivalents without affecting the C[double bond, length as m-dash]C double bonds. Mechanistic studies suggest that the [Ru2(Me2dad)] moiety, like hydrogenases, reacts with H2 and releases electrons and protons stepwise.

Pseudo-tetrahedral Rhodium and Iridium Complexes: Catalytic Synthesis of E-Enynes

The reactions of the rhodium(I) and iridium(I) complexes [M(PhBP₃ )(C₂ H₄ )(NCMe)] (PhBP₃ =PhB(CH₂ PPh₂ )₃ ^- ) with alkynes have resulted in the synthesis of a new family of pseudo-tetrahedral complexes, [M(PhBP₃ )(RC≡CR')] (M=Rh, Ir), which contain the alkyne as a four-electron donor. The reactions of these unusual compounds with two-electron donors (L=PMe₃ , CNtBu) produced a change in the "donicity" of the alkyne from a 4e^- to a 2e^- donor to give five-coordinate complexes. These were the final products with the iridium complexes, whereas further reactions took place with the rhodium complexes. In particular, C(sp)-H bond activation of the alkyne occurred leading to hydrido alkynyl complexes. This process is essential for the further reactivity of the alkynes, and if the alkyne itself was used as reagent, E-enyne complexes were obtained. As a consequence of this chemistry, we show that the complex [Rh(PhBP₃ )(C₂ H₄ )(NCMe)] is a very efficient pre-catalyst for the regioselective di- and trimerization of terminal alkynes to E-enynes and benzene derivatives, respectively. Interestingly, acetonitrile significantly enhanced the catalytic activity by facilitating the C(sp)-H bond activation step. A hydrometalation mechanism to account for these experimental observations is proposed.

DFT Provides Insight into the Additive-Free Conversion of Aqueous Methanol to Dihydrogen Catalyzed by [Ru(trop2dad)]: Importance of the (Electronic) Flexibility of the Diazadiene Moiety

The mechanism for complete dehydrogenation of aqueous methanol to CO₂ and three equivalents of H₂ catalyzed by [Ru(trop₂dad)] was investigated with DFT (trop₂dad = 1,4-bis(5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-1,4-diazabuta-1,3-diene). To date, this is the only catalyst that promotes the acceptorless dehydrogenation of aqueous methanol in homogeneous phase under mild conditions without the addition of an additive (base, acid, or a secondary catalyst). A detailed understanding of the mechanism of this transformation may therefore be of significant importance for the conversion of liquid organic fuels. Previous computational studies using simplified models of the catalyst suggested entirely ligand-centered reaction pathways with rather high-energy barriers for complete dehydrogenation of aqueous methanol. These are, however, not consistent with the experimental data. In the present paper, we reveal a different reaction mechanism for aqueous methanol dehydrogenation that involves metal–ligand cooperativity involving the diazadiene (dad) ligand and has substantially lower barriers, in good agreement with the experimental data. The dad moiety of the ligand actively participates in the alcohol activation mechanism. In the first step of the reaction, the dad ligand rearranges from a σ- to a π-bound coordination mode. This adjusts the electronic structure of both the metal and the ligand, leading to an enhanced Brønsted basicity of the nitrogen centers and higher Lewis acidity of the ruthenium center. As a result, concerted proton-hydride transfer to/from metal-hydride and N-protonated dad-ligand moieties becomes possible, leading to low-barrier metal–ligand cooperative elementary steps for alcohol activation and H₂ elimination.

Versatile Coordination and C-C Coupling of Diphosphine-Tethered Imine Ligands with Ni(II) and Ni(0)

Ligands that can adapt their coordination mode to the electronic properties of a metal center are of interest to support catalysis or small molecule activation processes. In this context, the ability of imine moieties to bind in either an η¹(N)-fashion via σ-donation of the lone pair or, less commonly, in an η²(C,N)-fashion via π-coordination is potentially attractive for the design of new metal–ligand cooperative systems. Herein, the coordination chemistry of chelating ligands with a diphosphine imine framework (PCNP) to nickel is investigated. The imine moiety binds in an η¹(N)-fashion in a Ni(II)Cl₂ complex. The uncommon η²(C,N)-interaction is obtained in Ni(0) complexes in the presence of a PPh₃ coligand. Increasing the bulk on the phosphine side-arms in the Ni(0) complexes, by substituting phenyl for o-tolyl groups, leads to a distinct binding mode in which only one of the phosphorus atoms is coordinated. In the absence of a coligand, a mixture of two different dimeric Ni(0) complexes is formed. In one of them, the imine adopts an uncommon η¹(N)η²(C,N) bridging mode of the ligand to nickel, while the second one may involve reactivity on the ligand by the formation of a new C–C bond by oxidative coupling. The latter is supported by the isolation and structural characterization of a crystalline bis-CO derivative featuring a C–C bond formed by oxidative coupling of two imine moieties.

The coordination chemistry of a series of diphosphine-imine ligands (PCNP) to Ni is investigated, with the purpose of developing systems that present metal−ligand cooperativity. The ligands bind in versatile ways, adapting to the oxidation state and coordination environment of the metal center. Additionally, a dimeric derivative undergoes oxidative C−C coupling in the presence of CO, resulting in an unusual mixed valence Ni(II)/Ni(0) dinuclear complex.

Recent advances in well-defined, late transition metal complexes that make and/or break C-N, C-O and C-S bonds

Chemical transformations that result in either the formation or cleavage of carbon-heteroatom bonds are among the most important processes in the chemical sciences. Herein, we present a review on the reactivity of well-defined, late-transition metal complexes that result in the making and breaking of C-N, C-O and C-S bonds via fundamental organometallic reactions, i.e. oxidative addition, reductive elimination, insertion and elimination reactions. When appropriate, emphasis is placed on structural and spectroscopic characterization techniques, as well as mechanistic data.

Steric Enforcement about One Thiolate Donor Leads to New Oxidation Chemistry in a NiSOD Model Complex

Ni-containing superoxide dismutase (NiSOD) represents an unusual member of the SOD family due to the presence of oxygen-sensitive Ni-SCys bonds at its active site. Reported in this account is the synthesis and properties of the Ni^II complex of the N₃S₂ ligand [N₃S₂^Me2]^3- ([N₃S₂^Me2]^3- = deprotonated form of 2-((2-mercapto-2-methylpropyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)-N-(2-mercaptoethyl)acetamide), namely Na[Ni(N₃S₂^Me2)] (2), as a NiSOD model that features sterically robust gem-(CH₃)₂ groups on the thiolate α-C positioned trans to the carboxamide. The crystal structure of 2, coupled with spectroscopic measurements from ¹H NMR, X-ray absorption, IR, UV-vis, and mass spectrometry (MS), reveal a planar Ni^II (S = 0) ion coordinated by only the N₂S₂ basal donors of the N₃S₂ ligand. While the structure and spectroscopic properties of 2 resemble those of NiSOD_red and other models, the asymmetric S ligands open up new reaction paths upon chemical oxidation. One unusual oxidation product is the planar Ni^II-N₃S complex [Ni(L^ox)] (5; L^ox = 2-(5,5-dimethyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)thiazolidin-3-yl)-N-(2-mercaptoethyl)acetamide), where two-electron oxidation takes place at the substituted thiolate and py-CH₂ carbon to generate a thiazolidine heterocycle. Electrochemical measurements of 2 reveal irreversible events wholly consistent with thiolate redox, which were identified by comparison to the Zn^II complex Na[Zn(N₃S₂^Me2)] (3). Although no reaction is observed between 2 and azide, reaction of 2 with superoxide produces multiple products on the basis of UV-vis and MS data, one of which is 5. Density functional theory (DFT) computations suggest that the HOMO in 2 is π* with primary contributions from Ni-dπ/S-pπ orbitals. These contributions can be modulated and biased toward Ni when electron-withdrawing groups are placed on the thiolate α-C. Analysis of the oxidized five-coordinate species 2^ox* by DFT reveal a singly occupied spin-up (α) MO that is largely thiolate based, which supports the proposed Ni^III-thiolate/Ni^II-thiyl radical intermediates that ultimately yield 5 and other products.

Controlling the oxidation of bis-tridentate cobalt(ii) complexes having bis(2-pyridylalkyl)amines: ligand vs. metal oxidation

Two bis-tridentate chelated cobalt(ii) complexes, which differ in the ligand structure by a methylene group, activate molecular oxygen (O₂), and give different oxidation products.

Metal–ligand cooperation at tethered π-ligands

Recent advances in the use of tethered π-coordinating ligands for metal–ligand cooperation.

Elucidation of the resting state of a rhodium NNN-pincer hydrogenation catalyst that features a remarkably upfield hydride 1H NMR chemical shift

Rhodium(i) alkene complexes of an NNN-pincer ligand catalyze the hydrogenation of alkenes. The terminal or resting state of the catalyst, which exhibits an unusually upfield Rh–hydride ¹H NMR chemical shift, has been identified.

Characterization of Porphyrin-Co(III)-'Nitrene Radical' Species Relevant in Catalytic Nitrene Transfer Reactions

To fully characterize the Co(III)-'nitrene radical' species that are proposed as intermediates in nitrene transfer reactions mediated by cobalt(II) porphyrins, different combinations of cobalt(II) complexes of porphyrins and nitrene transfer reagents were combined, and the generated species were studied using EPR, UV-vis, IR, VCD, UHR-ESI-MS, and XANES/XAFS measurements. Reactions of cobalt(II) porphyrins 1(P1) (P1 = meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP)) and 1(P2) (P2 = 3,5-Di(t)Bu-ChenPhyrin) with organic azides 2(Ns) (NsN3), 2(Ts) (TsN3), and 2(Troc) (TrocN3) led to the formation of mono-nitrene species 3(P1)(Ns), 3(P2)(Ts), and 3(P2)(Troc), respectively, which are best described as [Co(III)(por)(NR″(•-))] nitrene radicals (imidyl radicals) resulting from single electron transfer from the cobalt(II) porphyrin to the 'nitrene' moiety (Ns: R″ = -SO2-p-C6H5NO2; Ts: R″ = -SO2C6H6; Troc: R″ = -C(O)OCH2CCl3). Remarkably, the reaction of 1(P1) with N-nosyl iminoiodane (PhI═NNs) 4(Ns) led to the formation of a bis-nitrene species 5(P1)(Ns). This species is best described as a triple-radical complex [(por(•-))Co(III)(NR″(•-))2] containing three ligand-centered unpaired electrons: two nitrene radicals (NR″(•-)) and one oxidized porphyrin radical (por(•-)). Thus, the formation of the second nitrene radical involves another intramolecular one-electron transfer to the "nitrene" moiety, but now from the porphyrin ring instead of the metal center. Interestingly, this bis-nitrene species is observed only on reacting 4(Ns) with 1(P1). Reaction of the more bulky 1(P2) with 4(Ns) results again in formation of mainly mono-nitrene species 3(P2)(Ns) according to EPR and ESI-MS spectroscopic studies. The mono- and bis-nitrene species were initially expected to be five- and six-coordinate species, respectively, but XANES data revealed that both mono- and bis-nitrene species are six-coordinate O(h) species. The nature of the sixth ligand bound to cobalt(III) in the mono-nitrene case remains elusive, but some plausible candidates are NH3, NH2(-), NsNH(-), and OH(-); NsNH(-) being the most plausible. Conversion of mono-nitrene species 3(P1)(Ns) into bis-nitrene species 5(P1)(Ns) upon reaction with 4(Ns) was demonstrated. Solutions containing 3(P1)(Ns) and 5(P1)(Ns) proved to be still active in catalytic aziridination of styrene, consistent with their proposed key involvement in nitrene transfer reactions mediated by cobalt(II) porphyrins.

Homoleptic nickel(II) complexes of redox-tunable pincer-type ligands

Different synthetic methods have been developed to prepare eight new redox-active pincer-type ligands, H(X,Y), that have pyrazol-1-yl flanking donors attached to an ortho-position of each ring of a diarylamine anchor and that have different groups, X and Y, at the para-aryl positions. Together with four previously known H(X,Y) ligands, a series of 12 Ni(X,Y)2 complexes were prepared in high yields by a simple one-pot reaction. Six of the 12 derivatives were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which showed tetragonally distorted hexacoordinate nickel(II) centers. The nickel(II) complexes exhibit two quasi-reversible one-electron oxidation waves in their cyclic voltammograms, with half-wave potentials that varied over a remarkable 700 mV range with the average of the Hammett σ(p) parameters of the para-aryl X, Y groups. The one- and two-electron oxidized derivatives [Ni(Me,Me)2](BF4)n (n = 1, 2) were prepared synthetically, were characterized by X-band EPR, electronic spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (for n = 2), and were studied computationally by DFT methods. The dioxidized complex, [Ni(Me,Me)2](BF4)2, is an S = 2 species, with nickel(II) bound to two ligand radicals. The mono-oxidized complex [Ni(Me,Me)2](BF4), prepared by comproportionation, is best described as nickel(II) with one ligand centered radical. Neither the mono- nor the dioxidized derivative shows any substantial electronic coupling between the metal and their bound ligand radicals because of the orthogonal nature of their magnetic orbitals. On the other hand, weak electronic communication occurs between ligands in the mono-oxidized complex as evident from the intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) transition found in the near-IR absorption spectrum. Band shape analysis of the IVCT transition allowed comparisons of the strength of the electronic interaction with that in the related, previously known, Robin-Day class II mixed valence complex, [Ga(Me,Me)2](2+).

Three-way cooperativity in d8 metal complexes with ligands displaying chemical and redox non-innocence

Reversible proton- and electron-transfer steps are crucial for various chemical transformations. The electron-reservoir behavior of redox non-innocent ligands and the proton-reservoir behavior of chemically non-innocent ligands can be cooperatively utilized for substrate bond activation. Although site-decoupled proton- and electron-transfer steps are often found in enzymatic systems, generating model metal complexes with these properties remains challenging. To tackle this issue, we present herein complexes [(cod-H)M(μ-L(2-)) M(cod-H)] (M = Pt(II), [1] or Pd(II), [2], cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene, H2L = 2,5-di-[2,6-(diisopropyl)anilino]-1,4-benzoquinone), in which cod acts as a proton reservoir, and L(2-) as an electron reservoir. Protonation of [2] leads to an unusual tetranuclear complex. However, [1] can be stepwise reversibly protonated with up to two protons on the cod-H ligands, and the protonated forms can be stepwise reversibly reduced with up to two electrons on the L(2-) ligand. The doubly protonated form of [1] is also shown to react with OMe(-) leading to an activation of the cod ligands. The site-decoupled proton and electron reservoir sources work in tandem in a three-way cooperative process that results in the transfer of two electrons and two protons to a substrate leading to its double reduction and protonation. These results will possibly provide new insights into developing catalysts for multiple proton- and electron-transfer reactions by using metal complexes of non-innocent ligands.

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.

Redox noninnocence of carbene ligands: carbene radicals in (catalytic) C-C bond formation

In this Forum contribution, we highlight the radical-type reactivities of one-electron-reduced Fischer-type carbenes. Carbene complexes of group 6 transition metals (Cr, Mo, and W) can be relatively easily reduced by an external reducing agent, leading to one-electron reduction of the carbene ligand moiety. This leads to the formation of "carbene-radical" ligands, showing typical radical-type reactivities. Fischer-type carbene ligands are thus clearly redox-active and can behave as so-called "redox noninnocent ligands". The "redox noninnocence" of Fischer-type carbene ligands is most clearly illustrated at group 9 transition metals in the oxidation state II+ (Co(II), Rh(II), and Ir(II)). In such carbene complexes, the metal effectively reduces the carbene ligand by one electron in an intramolecular redox process. As a result, the thus formed "carbene radicals" undergo a variety of radical-type C-C and C-H bond formations. The redox noninnocence of Fischer-type carbene ligands is not just a chemical curiosity but, in fact, plays an essential role in catalytic cyclopropanation reactions by cobalt(II) porphyrins. This has led to the successful development of new chiral cobalt(II) porphyrins as highly effective catalysts for asymmetric cyclopropanation with unprecedented reactivity and stereocontrol. The redox noninnocence of the carbene intermediates results in the formation of carbene-radical ligands with nucleophilic character, which explains their effectiveness in the cyclopropanation of electron-deficient olefins and their reduced tendency to mediate carbene dimerization. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first example in which the redox noninnocence of a reacting ligand plays a key role in a catalytic organometallic reaction. This Forum contribution ends with an outlook on further potential applications of one-electron-activated Fischer-type carbenes in new catalytic reactions.

Redox-active ligands and organic radical chemistry

Knowledge about bonding in diiminepyridine (L) halide, alkyl, and dinitrogen complexes of the metals iron, cobalt, and nickel is summarized, and two new examples are added to the set: L(1)Ni(Me) and L(1)Ni(N(2)). Reactivity of these types of complexes is discussed in terms of organic radical chemistry. New C-C couplings with L(2)CoAr complexes are described and proposed to involve halide abstraction and radical coupling. Calculations support the high tendency of the diiminepyridine ligand to accept an electron coming from a metal-carbon bond and so facilitate loss of a radical.