Synthesis of iron(ii), manganese(ii) cobalt(ii) and ruthenium(ii) complexes containing tridentate nitrogen ligands and their application in the catalytic oxidation of alkanes

Expanding the dimensionality of bis(tetrazolyl)alkane-based Fe(II) coordination polymers by the application of dinitrile coligands

Reactions between 1,2-di(tetrazol-2-yl)ethane (ebtz), 1,6-di(tetrazol-2-yl)hexane (hbtz) or 1,1'-di(tetrazol-1-yl)methane (1ditz) and Fe(BF4)2 in the presence of adiponitrile (ADN), glutaronitrile (GLN) or suberonitrile (SUN) resulted in the formation of coordination polymers [Fe(μ-ebtz)2(μ-ADN)](BF4)2 (1), [Fe(μ-hbtz)2(μ-ADN)](BF4)2 (2), [Fe(μ-1ditz)2(GLN)2](BF4)2·GLN (3) and [Fe(μ-1ditz)2(μ-SUN)](BF4)2·SUN (4). It was established that the application of dinitriles allows an increase in the dimensionality of the ebtz and hbtz based systems while maintaining the structure of the polymeric units characteristic of previously studied mononitrile based analogues. In 3 and 4, regardless of the type of dinitrile coligand, the motif of 2D polymeric layers constituted by 1ditz molecules remains preserved. However, the dimensionality of 1ditz based networks is governed by the coordination modes of dinitriles. 3, based on a shorter molecule of glutaronitrile, crystallizes as a two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymer. In this compound, dinitriles coordinate monodentately or play the role of guest molecules. The substitution of glutaronitrile with suberonitrile enables the bridging of neighboring polymeric layers, resulting in a 3D network. The intentional selection of bis(tetrazoles) and dinitriles as building blocks has led, as expected, to obtaining systems with the structure of the first coordination sphere consisting of four tetrazole rings and two axially coordinated nitrile molecules. It created the conditions required for the occurrence of thermally induced spin crossover. Magnetic measurements and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were used for the characterization of the spin crossover properties of 1-4.

Tuning the structural and catalytic properties of copper(II)-based complexes containing pyridine-2,6-diimines

Four mononuclear penta coordinated copper(II) chelates, [CuLⁿBr₂] nH₂O, containing the tridentate neutral ligands, pyridine-2,6-diimine (Lⁿ), were prepared via the template technique. Analytical and several physicochemical methods have been used to characterize the prepared metal chelates. Square-pyramidal stereochemistry was described to the current copper(II) complexes. DFT technique has been applied to optimize the structure of the running diimines and their corresponding copper-based compounds. Ligand substitution study performed to link the catalytic potency of the candidate oxidase mimics and their lability characters. Spectral investigations reveal that nature of substituents of the chelated ligands effectively tuning the Lewis acidity of copper(II) centers. Biomimetics of redox proteins specifically containing copper were examined towards the aerobic oxidation of polyphenol. Kinetic studies with the stopped-follow technique showed a close association between the Lewis acidity of the copper(II) nuclei of the prepared chelates and their oxidase-like activity. The catalytic activity of the natural enzyme (catechol oxidase from sweet potatoes) measured and compared with that for the present Cu^II chelates. The thermodynamic parameter drive force (ΔG° or λ) of the performed oxidation processes was determined from the values of redox potential of the chemical species involved in these catalytic reactions. The proposed catalytic reactions pathways have been discussed based on the outcomes of the kinetic investigations.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Macrocycle-Induced Modulation of Internuclear Interactions in Homobimetallic Complexes

A synthetic route has been developed for a series of 3d homobimetallic complexes of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu using three different pyridyldiimine and pyridyldialdimine macrocyclic ligands with ring sizes of 18, 20, and 22 atoms. Crystallographic analyses indicate that while the distances between the metals can be modulated by the size of the macrocycle pocket, the flexibility in the alkyl linkers used to construct the macrocycles enables the ligand to adjust the orientation of the PD(A)I fragments in response to the geometry of the [M₂(μ-Cl)₂]²⁺ core, particularly with respect to Jahn-Teller distortions. Analyses by UV-vis spectroscopy and SQUID magnetometry revealed deviations in the properties [M₂(μ-Cl)₂]²⁺-containing complexes bound by standard mononucleating ligands, highlighting the ability of macrocycles to use ring size to control the magnetic interactions of pseudo-octahedral, high-spin metal centers.

Neighbouring effects on catalytic epoxidation by Fe-cyclam in M2-PDIxCy complexes

The unsymmetric PDIeCy ligand, featuring pyridinediimine and cylam sites, can be selectively metalated. Complementing the diiron compound, we have synthesized two heterobimetallic isomers, [ZnPDIFeCy(PDIeCy)(OTf)4] (3) and [FePDIZnCy(PDIeCy)(OTf)4] (4), and a dizinc complex, [Zn2(PDIeCy)(OTf)4] (5). Olefin epoxidation by the series of complexes was investigated. The M-PDI site influences the reactivity of the M-cyclam, resulting in increased activity toward enones.

The effects of metals and ligands on the oxidation of n-octane using iridium and rhodium “PNP” aminodiphosphine complexes

Ir and Rh “PNP” complexes with different ligands are utilized for the oxidation of n-octane. Based on the obtained conversion, selectivity, and the characterized recovered catalysts, it is found that the combination of Ir and the studied ligands does not promote the redox mechanism that is known to result in selective formation of oxo and peroxo compounds [desired species for C(1) activation]. Instead, they support a deeper oxidation mechanism, and thus higher selectivity for ketones and acids is obtained. In contrast, these ligands seem to tune the electron density around the Rh (in the Rh-PNP complexes), and thus result in a higher n-octane conversion and improved selectivity for the C(1) activated products, with minimized deeper oxidation, in comparison to Ir-PNP catalysts.

Bis(imino)pyridine iron complexes for catalytic carbene transfer reactions

The bis(imino)pyridine iron complex, for the first time, is developed as an effective metal carbene catalyst for carbene transfer reactions of donor-acceptor diazo compounds. Its broad catalytic capability is demonstrated by a range of metal carbene reactions, from cyclopropanation, cyclopropenation, epoxidation, and Doyle-Kirmse reaction to O-H insertion, N-H insertion, and C-H insertion reactions. The asymmetric cyclopropanation of styrene and methyl phenyldiazoacetate was successfully achieved by the new chiral bis(imino)pyridine iron catalyst, which delivers a new gateway for the development of chiral iron catalysis for metal carbene reactions.

Ruthenium(II) complexes bearing (NNN) ligand: catalytic evaluation of different solvent-mediated coordination modes

A new (NNN) tridentate ligand was prepared, and its ability to coordinate ruthenium(II) was evaluated. The presence of different functional groups on the ligand allows bi- or tri-coordinated complexes to be obtained depending on complexation conditions. The catalytic activity of both bidentate and tridentate complexes was studied in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of different aryl ketones, showing a comparable behavior of the two complexes in terms of efficiency and stereoselectivity.

Fe/Cu-Mediated One-Pot Ketone Synthesis

An Fe/Cu-mediated one-pot ketone synthesis was reported. Unlike Ni- and Pd-mediated one-pot ketone syntheses, the reported Fe/Cu-mediated method allowed selective activation and coupling of alkyl iodides over vinyl iodides. The newly developed one-pot ketone synthesis was applied to a synthesis of vinyl iodide/ketone 13, the left half of halichondrin B, as well as vinyl iodide/ketone 8a, the C20-C26 building block of halichondrins.

C-H Bond Oxidation Catalyzed by an Imine-Based Iron Complex: A Mechanistic Insight

A family of imine-based nonheme iron(II) complexes (LX)2Fe(OTf)2 has been prepared, characterized, and employed as C-H oxidation catalysts. Ligands LX (X = 1, 2, 3, and 4) stand for tridentate imine ligands resulting from spontaneous condensation of 2-pycolyl-amine and 4-substituted-2-picolyl aldehydes. Fast and quantitative formation of the complex occurs just upon mixing aldehyde, amine, and Fe(OTf)2 in a 2:2:1 ratio in acetonitrile solution. The solid-state structures of (L1)2Fe(OTf)(ClO4) and (L3)2Fe(OTf)2 are reported, showing a low-spin octahedral iron center, with the ligands arranged in a meridional fashion. (1)H NMR analyses indicate that the solid-state structure and spin state is retained in solution. These analyses also show the presence of an amine-imine tautomeric equilibrium. (LX)2Fe(OTf)2 efficiently catalyze the oxidation of alkyl C-H bonds employing H2O2 as a terminal oxidant. Manipulation of the electronic properties of the imine ligand has only a minor impact on efficiency and selectivity of the oxidative process. A mechanistic study is presented, providing evidence that C-H oxidations are metal-based. Reactions occur with stereoretention at the hydroxylated carbon and selectively at tertiary over secondary C-H bonds. Isotopic labeling analyses show that H2O2 is the dominant origin of the oxygen atoms inserted in the oxygenated product. Experimental evidence is provided that reactions involve initial oxidation of the complexes to the ferric state, and it is proposed that a ligand arm dissociates to enable hydrogen peroxide binding and activation. Selectivity patterns and isotopic labeling studies strongly suggest that activation of hydrogen peroxide occurs by heterolytic O-O cleavage, without the assistance of a cis-binding water or alkyl carboxylic acid. The sum of these observations provides sound evidence that controlled activation of H2O2 at (LX)2Fe(OTf)2 differs from that occurring in biomimetic iron catalysts described to date.

Lactide polymerization with iron alkoxide complexes

This report presents the results of a study on the preparation of iron alkoxide complexes chelated by diiminopyridine ligands and their role in the room temperature polymerization of rac-lactide. Reaction of N,N′-(p-R-C6H4CH2)2-diiminopyridines (R = H (1), F (2)) with FeX2 (X = Cl, Br) yielded the homoleptic complexes [(1)2Fe][FeX4] or [(2)2Fe][FeX4], respectively. Treating the latter with Na[BPh4] afforded the anion exchange product [(2)2Fe][BPh4]2, which was characterized by 1H NMR and absorption spectroscopy, combustion analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Various attempts to grow crystals of [(1)2Fe][FeX4] and [(2)2Fe][FeX4] culminated in the isolation of single crystals of [(2)2Fe][Cl6Fe2O] that was characterized by X-ray diffraction. Attempted synthesis of well-defined, mononuclear alkoxide derivatives from [(1)2Fe]2+ or [(2)2Fe]2+ gave mostly intractable products, but in one case we obtained the crystallographically characterized sodium iron cluster Na4Fe2(OC6H4F)8(THF)2. An aryloxide derivative proved accessible by reaction of NaOC6H4F with the mono-ligand precursor LFeCl2 (L = N,N′-dimesityl-diiminopyridine), but characterization of LFe(OC6H4F)2 was limited to a single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, owing to unsuccessful attempts at isolating pure samples. The difficulties encountered in the isolation of pure alkoxide derivatives prompted us to use in-situ generated LFe(OEt)2 for studying the polymerization of rac-lactide. This system was found to be moderately active at room temperature and with a slight preference for the formation of a heterotactic polymer (Pr = 0.54–0.65). Large polydispersities of 1.5–2.0 indicated the presence of transesterification side-reactions, which were confirmed by the presence of peaks with m/z = n 144 + M(EtOH) + M(Na+) and m/z = (n + 0.5) 144 + M(EtOH) + M(Na+) in MALDI-MS.

Molecular iron complexes as catalysts for selective C–H bond oxygenation reactions

This feature article summarises recent developments in homogeneous C–H bond oxygenation catalysed by molecular iron complexes.

Cobalt aminodiphosphine complexes as catalysts in the oxidation of n-octane

New cobalt “PNP” aminodiphosphine complexes have been prepared and characterised. They show good catalytic activity in the oxidation of n-octane to C8 oxygenates using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as an oxidant.

Iron(ii) complexes featuring κ3- and κ2-bound PNP pincer ligands – the significance of sterics

A series of octahedral Fe(ii) complexes of the type [Fe(κ³-P,N,P-PNP)(κ²-P,N-PNP)X]⁺ (X = Cl, Br) where PNP pincer ligands are coordinated both in a κ³-P,N,P- and κ²-P,N-fashion was prepared and characterized.

Density functional theory study of bis(imino) N-heterocyclic carbene iron(II) complexes

Density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/DGDZVP and UB3LYP/TZVP levels were performed on 1,3-bis[1-(2,6-dimethylphenylimino)ethyl]imidazolium and on the corresponding imidazol-2-ylidene iron(II) dichloride complex, respectively. The resulting geometrical parameters of the optimized structures were in good agreement with previously reported X-ray structures. The ground state for the high-spin (quintet multiplicity) iron complex is 82.4 kJ/mol lower in energy compared to the low-spin (triplet) configuration, in agreement with magnetic susceptibility measurements. Further calculations were carried out on related benzimidazol-2-ylidene and pyrimidin-2-ylidene ligands and on the corresponding iron complexes to gain insight into their electronic properties and reactivities. The energy of the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals of all three carbenes suggests that the pyrimidin-2-ylidene and the benzimidazol-2-ylidene are the best σ-donor and best π-acceptor, respectively. Using those results, the metal center in the pyrimidin-2-ylidene iron dichloride complex was predicted to bear the highest electron density. This was supported by the high relative energy of its highest occupied molecular orbital compared to that of the corresponding imidazole-2-ylidene and benzimidazol-2-ylidene iron complexes. The electrostatic potential maps of all three metal complexes furthermore indicated a marked decrease in electron density for the coordinated imine group, supporting a greater reactivity towards nucleophiles.

Unraveling the origins of catalyst degradation in non-heme iron-based alkane oxidation

A series of iron(ii) complexes with tetradentate and pentadentate pyridyl amine ligands has been used for the oxidation of cyclohexane with hydrogen peroxide. Ligand degradation is observed under oxidising conditions via oxidative N-dealkylation.

Sulfide Oxidation by O2: Synthesis, Structure and Reactivity of Novel Sulfide-Incorporated Fe(II) Bis(imino)pyridine Complexes

The unsymmetrical iron(II) bis(imino)pyridine complexes [FeII(LN3SMe)(H2O)3](OTf)2 (1), and [FeII(LN3SMe)Cl2] (2) were synthesized and their reactivity with O2 was examined. Complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography, LDI-MS, 1H-NMR and elemental analysis. The LN3SMe ligand was designed to incorporate a single sulfide donor and relies on the bis(imino)pyridine scaffold. This scaffold was selected for its ease of synthesis and its well-precedented ability to stabilize Fe(II) ions. Complexes 1 and 2 ware prepared via a metal-assisted template reaction from the unsymmetrical pyridyl ketone precursor 2-(O=CMe)-6-(2,6-(iPr2-C6H3N=CMe)-C5H3N. Reaction of 1 with O2 was shown to afford the S-oxygenated sulfoxide complex [Fe(LN3S(O)Me)(OTf)]2+(3), whereas compound 2, under the same reaction conditions, afforded the corresponding sulfone complex [Fe(LN3S(O2)Me)Cl]2+ (4).

Preparation of aluminum(III) (bis(amido)pyridine)(thiolate) complexes: unexpected transmetalation mediated by LiAlH(4)

Treatment of an unsymmetrical bis(imino)pyridyl-thiolate zinc(II) complex [Zn(II)(LN(3)S)(OTf)] (1) with LiAlH(4) results in the double reduction of the two imino groups in the ligand backbone, and at the same time causes a rare transmetalation reaction to occur. The products formed in this reaction are two novel aluminium(III) bis(amido)pyridyl-thiolate complexes [(R,S/S,R-[Al(III)(LH(2)N(3)S)(THF)] (2a) and [(R,R/S,S-[Al(III)(LH(2)N(3)S)(THF)] (2b), which are diastereomers of each other. These complexes have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Single crystal X-ray structure analysis shows that the Al(III) ion is bound in an almost idealized square pyramidal geometry in 2a, while being held in a more distorted square pyramidal geometry in 2b. The major difference between 2a and 2b arises in the orientation of the terminal methyl groups of the ligand backbone in relation to the Al(III)N(3)S plane. These two complexes are crystallized at different temperatures (room temperature vs -35 °C), allowing for their separate isolation. Structural analysis shows that these complexes are reduced by the formal addition of one hydride ion to each imino group, resulting in a deprotonated bis(amido)pyridyl-thiolate ligand. A detailed analysis of metrical parameters rules out the possibility of pure one- or two-electron reduction of the π-conjugated bis(imino)pyridine framework. (1)H NMR spectra reveal a rich pattern in solution indicating that the solution state structures for 2a and 2b match those observed in the solid-state crystal structures, and reveal that both complexes are severely conformationally restricted. Direct organic synthetic methods failed to produce the reduced bis(amino)pyridyl-thiol ligand in pure form, but during the course of these efforts an unusual unsymmetrical aminopyridyl ketone, 1-(6-(1-(2,6-diisopropylphenylamino)ethyl)pyridin-2-yl)ethanone was synthesized in good yield and can be used as a possible precursor for further ligand development.