Modulating the σ-Accepting Properties of an Antimony Z-type Ligand via Anion Abstraction: Remote-Controlled Reactivity of the Coordinated Platinum Atom

Rare-Earth Metalloligands for LowValent Cobalt Complexes: Fine Electronic Tuning via Co→RE Dative Interactions

Rare-earth metalloligand supported low-valent cobalt complexes were synthesized by utilizing a small-sized heptadentate phosphinomethylamine LsNH3 and a large-sized arene-anchored hexadentate phosphinomethylamine LlArH3 ligand precursors. The RE(III)-Co(-I)-N2 (RE = Sc, Lu, Y, Gd, La) complexes containing rare-earth metals including the smallest Sc and largest La were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, electrochemistry, and computational studies. The Co(-I)→RE(III) dative interactions were all polarized with major contributions from the 3dz2 orbital of the cobalt center, which was slightly affected by the identity of rare-earth metalloligands. The IR spectroscopic data and redox potentials obtained from cyclic voltammetry revealed that the electronic property of the Co(-I) center was finely tuned by the rare-earth metalloligand, which was revealed by variation of the ligand systems containing LsN, LmN, and LlAr. Unlike the direct alteration of the electronic property of metal center via an ancillary ligand, such a series of rare-earth metalloligand represents a smooth strategy to tune the electronic property of transition metals.

Palladium(II) and Platinum(II) Bis(Stibinidene) Complexes with Intramolecular Hydrogen-Bond Enforced Geometries

The coordination capability of two N,C,N pincer coordinated stibinidenes, i. e. bis(imino)- [2,6-(DippN=CH)2C6H3]Sb (1) or imino-amino- [2-(DippN=CH)-6-(DippNHCH2)C6H3]Sb (2) toward palladium(II) and platinum(II) centers was examined. In the course of this study, seven new square-planar bis(stibinidene) complexes were synthesized and characterized by NMR, IR, Raman, UV-vis spectroscopy and single crystal (sc)-X-ray diffraction analysis. In all cases, both stibinidene ligands 1 or 2 adopt trans positions, but differ significantly in the torsion angle describing mutual orientation of aromatic rings of the stibinidenes along the Sb-Pd/Pt-Sb axes. Furthermore, majority of complexes form isomers in solution most probably due to a hindered rotation around Sb-Pd/Pt bonds caused by bulkiness of 1 and 2. This phenomenon also seems to be influenced by the absence/presence of a pendant -CH2NH- group in 1/2 that is able to form intramolecular hydrogen bonds with the adjacent chlorine atom(s) attached to the metal centers. The whole problem was subjected to a theoretical study focusing on the role of hydrogen bonds in structure architecture of the complexes. To describe the UV-vis spectra of these highly coloured complexes, TD-DFT calculations were employed. These outline differences between the stibinidene ligands, the transition metals as well as between the charge of the complexes (neutral or anionic).

Sulfonium Cation in the Service of π-Acid Catalysis

While still rare, cationic ligands offer much promise as tunable electron-withdrawing ligands for π-acid catalysis. Recently, we introduced pincer-type sulfonium cations into the list of available strongly π-acidic ancillary ligands. However, the M-S bond in sulfonium complexes of these ligands was found highly labile, precluding their catalytic applications. Herein we demonstrate that this obstacle can be overcome by increasing the rigidity of the sulfonium pincer scaffold. X-ray analyses confirm that despite bearing a formal positive charge, the sulfur atom of this newly designed sulfonium ligand maintains its coordination to the Pt(II)-center, while DFT calculations indicate that by doing so it strongly enhances the electrophilic character of the metal. Kinetic studies carried out on three model cycloisomerization reactions prove that such a tris-cationic sulfonium-Pt(II) complex is highly reactive, compared to its thioether-based analogue. This proof-of-concept study presents the first example of employing sulfonium-based ligands in homogeneous catalysis.

Neutral and Anionic Square Planar Palladium(0) Complexes Stabilized by a Silicon Z-Type Ligand

Anionic [Pd(0)-X]- ate complex were proposed as key intermediates in Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling for decades, but their isolation remained elusive. Herein, a chelating Lewis acidic bis(amidophenolato)silane is introduced as a strong Z-type ligand which enables the characterization of the first anionic [Pd(0)-X]- ate complex. Intriguingly, these compounds and the neutral L-Pd(0) analogs exhibit a square planar coordination that is highly unusual for a d10 metal. Theoretical methods scrutinize the interaction between the Lewis acidic Si(IV) center and the late transition metal, while reactivity studies shed light on the potential role of anionic additives in oxidative addition reactions.

A Bidentate Antimony Pnictogen Bonding Host System

A bidentate pnictogen bonding host-system based on 1,8-diethynylanthracene was synthesized by a selective tin-antimony exchange reaction and investigated regarding its ability to act as a Lewis acidic host component for the complexation of Lewis basic or anionic guests. In this work, the novel C≡C-Sb(C2 F5 )2 unit was established to study the potential of antimony(III) sites as representatives for the scarcely explored pnictogen bonding donors. The capability of this partly fluorinated host system was investigated towards halide anions (Cl- , Br- , I- ), dimethyl chalcogenides Me2 Y (Y=O, S, Se, Te), and nitrogen heterocycles (pyridine, pyrimidine). Insights into the adduct formation behavior as well as the bonding situation of such E⋅⋅⋅Sb-CF moieties were obtained in solution by means of NMR spectroscopy, in the solid state by X-ray diffraction, by elemental analyses, and by computational methods (DFT, QTAIM, IQA), respectively.

Dinitrogen Complexes of Cobalt(-I) Supported by Rare-Earth Metal-Based Metalloligands

Sequential reactions of heptadentate phosphinoamine LH₃ with rare-earth metal tris-alkyl precursor (Me₃SiCH₂)₃Ln(THF)₂ (Ln = Sc, Lu, Yb, Y, Gd) and a low-valent cobalt complex (Ph₃P)₃CoI afforded rare-earth metal-supported cobalt iodide complexes. Reduction of these iodide complexes under N₂ allowed the isolation of the first series of dinitrogen complexes of Co(-I) featuring dative Co(-I) → Ln (Ln = Sc, Lu, Yb, Y, Gd) bonding interactions. These compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, electrochemistry, and computational studies. The correlation of N-N vibrational frequencies with the pK_a of [Ln(H₂O)₆]³⁺ showed that strongest activation of N₂ was achieved with the least Lewis acidic Gd(III) ion. Interestingly, these Ln-Co-N₂ complexes catalyzed silylation of N₂ in the presence of KC₈ and Me₃SiCl with turnover numbers (TONs) up to 16, where the lutetium-supported Co(-I) complex showed the highest activity within the series. The role of the Lewis acidic Ln(III) was crucial to achieve catalytic turnovers and tunable reactivity toward N₂ functionalization.

Inter-Alkali-Metal Dative Bond in the MMN3 - (M=Alkali Metal) Cluster

Alkali metals are generally Lewis acids. On the contrary, Lewis basic character of alkali metals forming donor - acceptor complexes is a very rare phenomenon. In this contribution, I have theoretically designed an anionic cluster MMN₃ ^- (M=alkali metals) on the basis of experimentally known reagent, alkali salt of azide ion MN₃ , which shows unprecedented M:^- →M donor-acceptor interaction. To the best of author's knowledge, the characterization of such donor-acceptor interaction among alkali metals is unprecedented. Formation of the 2c-2e donor-acceptor bonds have been confirmed by quantum theory of atoms in molecules and electron localization function analyses. The calculated bond dissociation energies are significant suggesting their possible spectroscopic identification.

Crystallographic evidence for a continuum and reversal of roles in primary-secondary interactions in antimony Lewis acids: applications in carbonyl activation

Primary and secondary interactions form the basis of substrate activation in Lewis-acid mediated catalysis, with most substrate activations occurring at the secondary binding site. We explore two series of antimony cations, [(NMe₂CH₂C₆H₄)(mesityl)Sb]⁺ (A) and [(NMe₂C₆H₄)(mesityl)Sb]⁺ (B), by coordinating ligands with varying nucleophilicity at the position trans to the N-donor. The decreased nucleophilicity of the incoming ligands leads to reversal from a primary bond to a secondary interaction in A, whereas a constrained N-coordination in B diminishes the border between primary and secondary bonding. Investigations on carbonyl olefin metathesis reactions and carbonyl reduction demonstrate increased reactivity of a Lewis acid when the substrate activation occurs at the primary binding site.

Phosphine Ligand Binding and Catalytic Activity of Group 10-14 Heterobimetallic Complexes

Heterobimetallic complexes have attracted much interest due to their broad range of structures and reactivities as well as unique catalytic abilities. Additionally, these complexes can be utilized as single-source precursors for the synthesis of binary intermetallic compounds. An example is the family of bis(pyridine-2-thiolato)dichloro-germanium and tin complexes of group 10 metals (Pd and Pt). The reactivity of these heterobimetallic complexes is highly tunable through substitution of the group 14 element and the neutral ligand bound to the transition metal. Here, we study the binding energies of three different phosphorous-based ligands, PR₃ (R = Bu, Ph, and OPh) by density functional theory and restricted Hartree-Fock methods. The PR₃ ligand-binding energies follow the trend of PBu₃ > PPh₃ > P(OPh)₃, in agreement with their sigma-bonding ability. These results are confirmed by ligand exchange experiments monitored with ³¹P NMR spectroscopy, in which a weaker binding PR₃ ligand is replaced with a stronger one. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the heterobimetallic complexes are active catalysts in the Negishi coupling reaction, where stronger binding PR₃ ligands inhibit access to an active site at the metal center. Similar strategies could be applied to other complexes to better understand their ligand-binding energetics and predict their reactivity as both precursors and catalysts.

Sulfonium cations as versatile strongly π-acidic ligands

More than a century old, sulfonium cations are still intriguing species in the landscape of organic chemistry. On one hand they have found broad applications in organic synthesis and materials science, but on the other hand, while isoelectronic to the ubiquitous tertiary phosphine ligands, their own coordination chemistry has been neglected for the last three decades. Here we report the synthesis and full characterization of the first Rh(i) and Pt(ii) complexes of sulfonium. Moreover, for the first time, coordination of an aromatic sulfonium has been established. A thorough computational analysis of the exceptionally short S–Rh bonds obtained attests to the strongly π-accepting nature of sulfonium cations and places them among the best π-acceptor ligands available today. Our calculations also show that embedding within a pincer framework enhances their π-acidity even further. Therefore, in addition to the stability and modularity that these frameworks offer, our pincer complexes might open the way for sulfonium cations to become powerful tools in π-acid catalysis.

Back to the scene: while isolobal to the ubiquitous tertiary phosphines, sulfonium cations as ligands were neglected for decades. This work revives the coordination chemistry of these species showing their potential as ligands for π-acid catalysis.

Facile Synthesis and Utilization of Bis(o-phosphinophenyl)zinc as Isolable PZnP-pincer Ligands Enabled by Boron-Zinc Double Transmetallation

Bis(o-phosphinophenyl)zinc derivatives were successfully synthesized by the reaction of o-phosphinophenylboronates with dimethylzinc via boron-zinc double transmetallation. The transmetallation was significantly accelerated by the presence of the ortho PR2 substituent to...

Phosphinoamido Ligand Supported Heterobimetallic Rare-Earth Metal-Palladium Complexes: Versatile Structures and Redox Reactivities

Heterobimetallic Ln(III)-Pd(0) complexes (Ln = Y, Sm, Gd, Yb) featuring tetranuclear structures with COD as bridges were obtained via the metallation of tris(phosphinoamido) rare-earth metal complexes [Ph2PNAd]3Ln (Ad = admantyl)...

Coordination and Electrochemical Switching on Paddle-Wheel Complexes Containing an As-Ru or a Sb-Ru Axis

Inspired by the known complex [PhP(μ-PyO)₄Ru(CO)] (PyO = 2-pyridyloxy), the family of group 15 paddle-wheel complexes has been expanded to [PhPn(μ-PyO)₄Ru(L)] (Pn = P, As, Sb; L = NCMe, CO). Solvent-dependent reversible switching between [PhAs(μ-PyO)₄Ru(NCMe)] and [PhAs(μ-PyO)₃Ru(κ²-PyO)] was detected. Electrochemical investigations of the [PhPn(μ-PyO)₄Ru(L)] complexes showed reversible oxidation of the complexes with L = NCMe and back-formation of the complexes with L = NCMe upon oxidation of the complexes with L = CO in NCMe. In the series of [PhPn(μ-PyO)₄Ru(L)] complexes, the Pn→Ru bonding mode is shifted from L-type Pn to X-type upon going from Pn = P and As to Pn = Sb, resulting in a pronounced electron-rich Ru site in the latter case. The easily accessible complex [PhSb(μ-PyO)₄RuCl] exhibits reversible electrochemical and coordinative exchange with its reduced analogue [PhSb(μ-PyO)₄Ru(NCMe)] under retention of the paddle-wheel motif and Sb-Ru bond properties.

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Metal-Nitrile Bonding in an Organo-Diiron System

Nitriles (N≡CR) are ubiquitous in coordination chemistry, yet literature studies on metal-nitrile bonding based on a multi-technique approach are rare. We selected an easily-available di-organoiron framework, containing both π-acceptor (CO, aminocarbyne) and donor (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅) ligands, as a suitable system to provide a comprehensive description of the iron-nitrile bond. Thus, the new nitrile (2-12)CF₃SO₃ and the related imine/amine complexes (8-9)CF₃SO₃ were synthesized in 58-83% yields from the respective tris-carbonyl precursors (1a-d)CF₃SO₃, using the TMNO strategy (TMNO = trimethylamine-N-oxide). The products were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR (solution and solid state) and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the structures of (2)CF₃SO₃, (3)CF₃SO₃, (5)CF₃SO₃ and (11)CF₃SO₃ were ascertained by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Salient spectroscopic data of the nitrile complexes are coherent with the scale of electron-donor power of the R substituents; otherwise, this scale does not match the degree of Fe → N π-back-donation and the Fe-N bond energies, which were elucidated in (2-7)CF₃SO₃ by DFT calculations.

Anion Chelation via Double Chalcogen Bonding: The Case of a Bis-telluronium Dication and Its Application in Electrophilic Catalysis via Metal-Chloride Bond Activation

Telluronium cations have long been known to engage their counteranions via secondary interactions. Yet, this property has rarely been exploited for anion binding. Motivated by such an application, we have now synthesized a bis-telluronium dication ([3]²⁺) that was obtained as a tetrafluoroborate salt by reaction of 2,7-di-tert-butyl-9,9-dimethylxanthene-4,5-diboronic acid with phenoxatellurine difluoride and BF₃·OEt₂. As confirmed by the formation of Te-(μ-BF₄)-Te bridges in the structure of [3][BF₄]₂, [3]²⁺ functions as a bidentate Lewis acid toward anions. [3][BF₄]₂ has also been converted into the more exposed [3][BArF₂₄]₂ ([BArF₂₄]^- = [B(3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃)₄]^-). The latter, which readily ionizes Ph₃CCl, displays a chloride anion binding constant that exceeds that of a monofunctional model compound by almost 4 orders of magnitude. The unique properties of this new bis-telluronium dication are further highlighted by its ability to activate Ph₃PAuCl and cis-(Ph₃P)₂PtCl₂, leading to catalytic systems highly active in the cycloisomerization of propargylamide or enyne substrates.

Three-Coordinate Pd(0) with Rare-Earth Metalloligands: Synergetic CO Activation and Double P-C Bond Cleavage-Formation Reactions

Metalation of β-diketiminato rare-earth metal complexes L^nacnacLn(PhNCH₂PPh₂)₂ (Ln = Y, Yb, Lu) with (COD)Pd(CH₂SiMe₃)₂ afforded three-coordinate Pd(0) complexes supported by two sterically less bulky phosphines and a Pd → Ln dative interaction. The Pd(0) center is prone to ligation with isonitrile and CO; in the latter case, the insertion of a second CO with the Y-N bond was assisted via a precoordination of CO on the Pd(0) center, which led to the formation of an anionic Pd(0) carbamoyl. The reaction of the Pd-Y complex with iodobenzene showed a remarkable double P-C bond cleavage-formation pathway within the heterobimetallic Pd-Y core to afford (Ph₃P)₂PdI(Ph), imine PhNCH₂, and a β-diketiminato yttrium diiodide. In the related reaction of L^nacnacY(PhNCH₂PPh₂)₂ with (Ph₃P)₂PdI(Ph), the P-C bond cleavage following with a N-C bond formation was observed. Computational studies revealed a synergetic bimetallic mechanism for these reactions.

Structural Evidence for Pnictogen-Centered Lewis Acidity in Cationic Platinum-Stibine Complexes Featuring Pendent Amino or Ammonium Groups

As part of our continuing interest in the chemistry of cationic antimony Lewis acids as ligands for late transition metals, we have now investigated the synthesis of platinum complexes featuring a triarylstibine ligand substituted by an o-[(dimethylamino)methyl]phenyl group referred to as Ar^N. More specifically, we describe the synthesis of the amino stibine ligand Ph₂SbAr^N (L) and its platinum dichloride complex [LPtCl]Cl which exists as a chloride salt and which shows weak coordination of the amino group to the antimony center. We also report the conversion of [LPtCl]Cl into a tricationic complex [LHPt(SMe₂)]³⁺ which has been isolated as a tris-triflate salt after reaction of [LPtCl]Cl with SMe₂, HOTf and AgOTf. Finally, we show that [LHPt(SMe₂)][OTf]₃ acts as a catalyst for the cyclization of 2-allyl-2-(2-propynyl)malonate.

Pd/Ni-Catalyzed Germa-Suzuki coupling via dual Ge–F bond activation

Pd/Ni → Ge–F interactions supported by phosphine-chelation were found to trigger dual activation of Ge–F bonds under mild conditions.

Enthalpy-Controlled Insertion of a "Nonspectator" Tricoordinate Phosphorus Ligand into Group 10 Transition Metal-Carbon Bonds

Insertion of a tricoordinate phosphorus ligand into late metal-carbon bonds is reported. Metalation of a P^P-chelating ligand (L1), composed of a nontrigonal phosphorous (i.e., P(III)) triamide moiety, P(N(o-N(Ar)C6H4)2, tethered by a phenylene linker to a -PiPr2 anchor, with group 10 complexes L2M(Me)Cl (M = Ni, Pd) results in insertion of the nontrigonal phosphorus site into the metal-methyl bond. The stable methylmetallophosphorane compounds thus formed are characterized spectroscopically and crystallographically. Metalation of L1 with (cod)PtII(Me)(Cl) does not lead to a metallophosphorane but rather to the standard bisphosphine chelate (κ2-L1)Pt(Me)(Cl). These divergent reactivities within group 10 are rationalized by reference to periodic variation in M-C bond enthalpies.

Tunable carbocation-based redox active ambiphilic ligands: synthesis, coordination and characterization

The synthesis of novel redox active ambiphilic ligands L1-L3 and their coordination chemistry to first-row late transition metal halides (M = Co and Ni) is reported. The heterocyclic carbocation scaffolds act as Lewis acid moieties while the pyridine anchor acts as the coordinating Lewis base. The high synthetic tunability of this ligand scaffold allows for control of its rigidity and electronic properties. Anion exchange and coordination of a chloride anion to the metal center was observed resulting in the formation of [MCl3]- metallate. Upon coordination to the pyridine anchor, the metallate centers adopt a canonical tetrahedral geometry, resulting in an overall neutral complex best described as a zwitterionic metallate trichloride bound to a cationic ligand. Characterization techniques including single crystal X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy were employed to better understand the structural and chemical properties of the ligands and metal complexes. A possible weak interaction between one of the chlorides and the carbenium moiety in the ligand is observed in crystals of both of the Co(ii) and Ni(ii) complexes with ligand L1. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations support that this electrostatic interaction for complexes 2a and 2b exists only in the solid state.

Impact of the Novel Z-Acceptor Ligand Bis{(ortho-diphenylphosphino)phenyl}zinc (ZnPhos) on the Formation and Reactivity of Low-Coordinate Ru(0) Centers

The preparation and reactivity with H₂ of two Ru complexes of the novel ZnPhos ligand (ZnPhos = Zn(o-C₆H₄PPh₂)₂) are described. Ru(ZnPhos)(CO)₃ (2) and Ru(ZnPhos)(IMe₄)₂ (4; IMe₄ = 1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene) are formed directly from the reaction of Ru(PPh₃)(C₆H₄PPh₂)₂(ZnMe)₂ (1) or Ru(PPh₃)₃HCl/LiCH₂TMS/ZnMe₂ with CO and IMe₄, respectively. Structural and electronic structure analyses characterize both 2 and 4 as Ru(0) species in which Ru donates to the Z-type Zn center of the ZnPhos ligand; in 2, Ru adopts an octahedral coordination, while 4 displays square-pyramidal coordination with Zn in the axial position. Under photolytic conditions, 2 loses CO to give Ru(ZnPhos)(CO)₂ that then adds H₂ over the Ru-Zn bond to form Ru(ZnPhos)(CO)₂(μ-H)₂ (3). In contrast, 4 reacts directly with H₂ to set up an equilibrium with Ru(ZnPhos)(IMe₄)₂H₂ (5), the product of oxidative addition at the Ru center. DFT calculations rationalize these different outcomes in terms of the energies of the square-pyramidal Ru(ZnPhos)L₂ intermediates in which Zn sits in a basal site: for L = CO, this is readily accessed and allows H₂ to add across the Ru-Zn bond, but for L = IMe₄, this species is kinetically inaccessible and reaction can only occur at the Ru center. This difference is related to the strong π-acceptor ability of CO compared to IMe₄. Steric effects associated with the larger IMe₄ ligands are not significant. Species 4 can be considered as a Ru(0)L₄ species that is stabilized by the Ru→Zn interaction. As such, it is a rare example of a stable Ru(0)L₄ species devoid of strong π-acceptor ligands.

Evaluation of Pd→B Interactions in Diphosphinoborane Complexes and Impact on Inner-Sphere Reductive Elimination

The dative Pd→B interaction in a series of ^RDPB^R’ Pd⁰ and Pd^II complexes (^RDPB^R’=(o‐PR₂C₆H₄)₂BR’, diphosphinoborane) was analyzed using XRD, ¹¹B NMR spectroscopy and NBO/NLMO calculations. The borane acceptor discriminates between the oxidation state Pd^II and Pd⁰, stabilizing the latter. Reaction of lithium amides with [(^RDPB^R’)Pd^II(4‐NO₂C₆H₄)I] chemoselectively yields the C−N coupling product. DFT modelling indicates no significant impact of Pd^II→B coordination on the inner‐sphere reductive elimination rate.

Catalysis using transition metal complexes featuring main group metal and metalloid compounds as supporting ligands

Recent development in catalytic application of transition metal complexes having an M-E bond (E = main group metal or metalloid element), which is stabilized by a multidentate ligand, is summarized. Main group metal and metalloid supporting ligands furnish unusual electronic and steric environments and molecular functions to transition metals, which are not easily available with standard organic supporting ligands such as phosphines and amines. These characteristics often realize remarkable catalytic activity, unique product selectivity, and new molecular transformations. This perspective demonstrates the promising utility of main group metal and metalloid compounds as a new class of supporting ligands for transition metal catalysts in synthetic chemistry.

Fluorosilane Activation by Pd/Ni→Si-F→Lewis Acid Interaction: An Entry to Catalytic Sila-Negishi Coupling

A new mode of bond activation involving M→Z interactions is disclosed. Coordination to transition metals as σ-acceptor ligands was found to enable the activation of fluorosilanes, opening the way to the first transition-metal-catalyzed Si-F bond activation. Using phosphines as directing groups, sila-Negishi couplings were developed by combining Pd and Ni complexes with external Lewis acids such as MgBr₂. Several key catalytic intermediates have been authenticated spectroscopically and crystallographically. Combined with DFT calculations, all data support cooperative activation of the fluorosilane via Pd/Ni→Si-F→Lewis acid interaction with conversion of the Z-type fluorosilane ligand into an X-type silyl moiety.

Enhancing the catalytic properties of well-defined electrophilic platinum complexes

Platinum complexes have been often considered as the least reactive of the group 10 triad metals. Slow kinetics are behind this lack of reactivity but, still, some industrially relevant catalytic process are dominated by platinum compounds and sometimes different selectivities can be found in comparison to Ni or Pd. Nevertheless, during the last years, it has been reported that the catalytic behaviour of well-defined platinum derivatives can be improved through a judicious choice of their electronic and steric properties, leading to highly electrophilic or low-electron count platinum systems. In this feature article, we highlight some catalytic processes in which well-defined electrophilic platinum complexes or coordinatively unsaturated systems play an important role in their catalytic activity.

Ionic-caged heterometallic bismuth-platinum complex exhibiting electrocatalytic CO2 reduction

An air-stable heterometallic Bi-Pt complex with the formula [BiPt(SAc)5]n (1; SAc = thioacetate) was synthesized. The crystal structure, natural bond orbital (NBO) and local orbital locator (LOL) analyses, localized orbital bonding analysis (LOBA), and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements were used to confirm the existence of Bi-Pt bonding and an ionic cage of O atoms surrounding the Bi ion. From the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and controlled potential electrolysis (CPE) experiments, 1 in tetrahydrofuran reduced CO2 to CO, with a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 92% and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 8 s-1 after 30 min of CPE at -0.79 V vs. NHE. The proposed mechanism includes an energetically favored pathway via the ionic cage, which is supported by the results of DFT calculations and reflectance infrared spectroelectrochemistry data.

Rhodium-Catalyzed C-H Activation Enabled by an Indium Metalloligand

Rhodium complexes with an indium metalloligand were successfully synthesized by utilizing a pyridine-tethered cyclopentadienyl ligand as a support for an In-Rh bond. The indium metalloligand dramatically changes the electronic and redox properties of the rhodium metal, thereby enabling catalysis of sp² C-H bond activation.

A Nontrigonal Tricoordinate Phosphorus Ligand Exhibiting Reversible "Nonspectator" L/X-Switching

We report here a "nonspectator" behavior for an unsupported L-function σ³ -P ligand (i.e. P{N[o-NMe-C₆ H₄ ]₂ }, 1a) in complex with the cyclopentadienyliron dicarbonyl cation (Fp⁺ ). Treatment of 1a⋅Fp⁺ with [(Me₂ N)₃ S][Me₃ SiF₂ ] results in fluoride addition to the P-center, giving the isolable crystalline fluorometallophosphorane 1a^F ⋅Fp that allows a crystallographic assessment of the variance in the Fe-P bond as a function of P-coordination number. The nonspectator reactivity of 1a⋅Fp⁺ is rationalized on the basis of electronic structure arguments and by comparison to trigonal analogue (Me₂ N)₃ P⋅Fp⁺ (i.e. 1b⋅Fp⁺ ), which is inert to fluoride addition. These observations establish a nonspectator L/X-switching in (σ³ -P)-M complexes by reversible access to higher-coordinate phosphorus ligand fragments.

Realization of Lewis Basic Sodium Anion in the NaBH3 - Cluster

We report a Na:^- →B dative bond in the NaBH₃ ^- cluster, which was designed on the principle of minimum-energy rupture, prepared by laser vaporization, and characterized by a synergy of anion photoelectron spectroscopy and electronic structure calculations. The global minimum of NaBH₃ ^- features a Na-B bond. Its preferred heterolytic dissociation conforms with the IUPAC definition of dative bond. The lone electron pair revealed on Na and the negative Laplacian of electron density at the bond critical point further confirm the dative nature of the Na-B bond. This study represents the first example of a Lewis adduct with an alkalide as the Lewis base.

Lewis Acidic PSbP Pincer Ligand in Pt-Catalyzed 1,6-Enyne Cycloisomerization: A Theoretical Study

The progressively improved heterobimetallic antimony transition metal complex PSbP-Pt (I1) provides superior activity in catalyzed 1,6-enyne cycloisomerization. Our DFT calculations demonstrate that the noninnocent character of the antimony ligand enhances the self-activation of the catalyst precursor through a substrate-aided intramolecular chloride migration, which triggers subsequent reaction. Designed alternative redox noninnocent active species with strong electron-withdrawing groups also show promising catalytic ability due to an electron-deficient antimony ligand, which lowers the typical reaction barrier for the cycloisomerization of 1,6-enyne.

Cooperative activation of X-H (X = H, C, O, N) bonds by a Pt(0)/Ag(i) metal-only Lewis pair

Metal-only Lewis pairs made of Pt(0)/Ag(i) combinations have been previously reported, but their cooperative reactivity remains unexplored. Here we demonstrate that these systems are capable of synergistically activating a wide variety of X-H (X = H, C, O, N) bonds, including those in dihydrogen, alkynes, water and ammonia.