Palladium K-edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Studies on Controlled Ligand Systems

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is widely used across the life and physical sciences to identify the electronic properties and structure surrounding a specific element. XAS is less often used for the characterization of organometallic compounds, especially for sensitive and highly reactive species. In this study, we used solid- and solution-phase XAS to compare a series of 25 palladium complexes in controlled ligand environments. The compounds include palladium centers in the formal I, II, III, and IV oxidation states, supported by tridentate and tetradentate macrocyclic ligands, with different halide and methyl ligand combinations. The Pd K-edge energies increased not only upon oxidizing the metal center but also upon increasing the denticity of the ligand framework, substituting sigma-donating methyl groups with chlorides, and increasing the charge of the overall metal complex by replacing charged ligands with neutral ligands. These trends were then applied to characterize compounds whose oxidation states were otherwise unconfirmed.

Insights into the Mechanism of CO2 Electroreduction by Molecular Palladium-Pyridinophane Complexes

Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization, and electrocatalytic CO2 reduction activity of a series of Pd(II) complexes supported by tetradentate pyridinophane ligands. In particular, we focus on the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction activity of a Pd(II) complex supported by the mixed hard--soft donor ligand 2,11-dithia[3.3](2,6)pyridinophane (N2S2). We also provide spectroscopic evidence of a CO-induced decomposition pathway for the same catalyst, which provides insights into catalyst poisoning for molecular Pd CO2 reduction electrocatalysts.

Characterization of paramagnetic states in an organometallic nickel hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst

Significant progress has been made in the bioinorganic modeling of the paramagnetic states believed to be involved in the hydrogen redox chemistry catalyzed by [NiFe] hydrogenase. However, the characterization and isolation of intermediates involved in mononuclear Ni electrocatalysts which are reported to operate through a Ni^I/III cycle have largely remained elusive. Herein, we report a Ni^II complex (NCHS2)Ni(OTf)2, where NCHS2 is 3,7-dithia-1(2,6)-pyridina-5(1,3)-benzenacyclooctaphane, that is an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with turnover frequencies of ~3,000 s^-1 and a overpotential of 670 mV in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid. This electrocatalyst follows a hitherto unobserved HER mechanism involving C-H activation, which manifests as an inverse kinetic isotope effect for the overall hydrogen evolution reaction, and Ni^I/Ni^III intermediates, which have been characterized by EPR spectroscopy. We further validate the possibility of the involvement of Ni^III intermediates by the independent synthesis and characterization of organometallic Ni^III complexes.

Changes in ligand coordination mode induce bimetallic C-C coupling pathways

Carbon-carbon coupling is one of the most powerful tools in the organic synthesis arsenal. Known methodologies primarily exploit monometallic Pd⁰/Pd^II catalytic mechanisms to give new C-C bonds. Bimetallic C-C coupling mechanisms that involve a Pd^I/Pd^II redox cycle, remain underexplored. Thus, a detailed mechnaistic understanding is imperative for the development of new bimetallic catalysts. Previously, a Pd^II-Me dimer (1) supported by L1, which has phosphine and 1-azaallyl donor groups, underwent reductive elimination to give ethane, a Pd^I dimer, a Pd^II monometallic complex, and Pd black. Herein, a comprehensive experimental and computational study of the reactivity of 1 is presented, which reveals that the versatile coordination chemistry of L1 promotes bimetallic C-C bond formation. The phosphine 1-azaallyl ligand adopts various bridging modes to maintain the bimetallic structure throughout the C-C bond forming mechanism, which involves intramolecular methyl transfer and 1,1-reductive elimination from one of the palladium atoms. The minor byproduct, methane, likely forms through a monometallic intermediate that is sensitive to solvent C-H activation. Overall, the capacity of L1 to adopt different coordination modes promotes the bimetallic C-C coupling channel through pathways that are unattainable with statically-coordinated ligands.

Electrocatalytic H2 evolution promoted by a bioinspired (N2S2)Ni(II) complex

A bioinspired (N2S2)Ni(II) electrocatalyst is reported that produces H₂ from CF₃CO₂H with a turnover frequency (TOF) of ∼1250 s^-1 at low acid concentration (<0.043 M) in MeCN. A mechanism for the H₂ production by this electrocatalyst is proposed and its activity is benchmarked against those of other reported molecular Ni H₂ evolution electrocatalysts. The involvement of a hemilabile pyridyl group of the N2S2 ligand is proposed to mimic the role of a cysteine residue involved in the biological proton reduction performed by [NiFe] hydrogenases.

Native Amine-Directed ortho-C–H Halogenation and Acetoxylation /Condensation of Benzylamines

Free or unfunctionalized benzylamines are well known to participate in C–H activation in the presence of palladium salts. Despite the ease with which these complexes can be activated, subsequent functionalization of the dimeric cyclometalates can be challenging. We demonstrate herein a free primary amine based C–H activation/functionalization protocol that allows for the ortho-C–H chlorination and bromination of unprotected benzylamines. We also demonstrate how use of fluorine-based oxidants gives rise to a unique acetoxylation/­cyclization owing to the nucleophilicity of the free primary amine directing group.

Is Aromaticity a Driving Force in Catalytic Cycles? A Case from the Cycloisomerization of Enynes Catalyzed by All-Metal Aromatic Pd3+ Clusters and Carboxylic Acids

The work details a mechanistic study based on density functional theory modeling on the cycloisomerization of polyunsaturated substrates catalyzed by all-metal aromatic tripalladium complexes and carboxylic acids. These clusters are an emerging class of catalysts for a variety of relevant transformations, including C-C forming processes that occur under mild conditions and display synthetic features complementary to those of established mononuclear complexes. This study is the first computational one devoted to the comprehension of the series of elementary steps involved in a synthetic transformation catalyzed by an all-metal aromatic complex. Present results confirm previous experimental hints on the striking mechanistic differences exerted by these clusters with respect to the usual cyclization pathways of related substrates. Moreover, the catalytic cycle involving present all-metal aromatic clusters closely parallels the mechanism of the aromatic substitution of regular arenes.

Detection and Characterization of Mononuclear Pd(I) Complexes Supported by N2S2 and N4 Tetradentate Ligands

Palladium is a versatile transition metal used to catalyze a large number of chemical transformations, largely due to its ability to access various oxidation states (0, I, II, III, and IV). Among these oxidation states, Pd(I) is arguably the least studied, and while dinuclear Pd(I) complexes are more common, mononuclear Pd(I) species are very rare. Reported herein are spectroscopic studies of a series of Pd(I) intermediates generated by the chemical reduction at low temperatures of Pd(II) precursors supported by the tetradentate ligands 2,11-dithia[3.3](2,6)pyridinophane (N2S2) and N,N'-di-tert-butyl-2,11-diaza[3.3](2,6)pyridinophane (^tBuN4): [(N2S2)Pd^II(MeCN)]₂(OTf)₄ (1), [(N2S2)Pd^IIMe]₂(OTf)₂ (2), [(N2S2)Pd^IICl](OTf) (3), [(N2S2)Pd^IIX](OTf)₂ (X = tBuNC 4, PPh₃ 5), [(N2S2)Pd^IIMe(PPh₃)](OTf) (6), and [(^tBuN4)Pd^IIX₂](OTf)₂ (X = MeCN 8, tBuNC 9). In addition, a stable Pd(I) dinuclear species, [(N2S2)Pd^I(μ-tBuNC)]₂(ClO₄)₂ (7), was isolated upon the electrochemical reduction of 4 and structurally characterized. Moreover, the (^tBuN4)Pd^I intermediates, formed from the chemical reduction of [(^tBuN4)Pd^IIX₂](OTf)₂ (X = MeCN 8, tBuNC 9) complexes, were investigated by EPR spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and DFT calculations and compared with the analogous (N2S2)Pd^I systems. Upon probing the stability of Pd(I) species under different ligand environments, it is apparent that the presence of soft ligands such as tBuNC and PPh₃ significantly improves the stability of Pd(I) species, which should make the isolation of mononuclear Pd(I) species possible.

Highly phosphorescent organopalladium(ii) complexes with metal–metal-to-ligand charge-transfer excited states in fluid solutions

Making Pd(ii) brightly shining: mononuclear analogues are non-emissive, but folded dinuclear palladium(ii) diacetylide complexes phosphoresce from MMLCT excited states with quantum yields up to 48%.

Ligand-Induced Reductive Elimination of Ethane from Azopyridine Palladium Dimethyl Complexes

Reductive elimination (RE) is a critical step in many catalytic processes. The reductive elimination of unsaturated groups (aryl, vinyl and ethynyl) from Pd(II) species is considerably faster than RE of saturated alkyl groups. Pd(II) dimethyl complexes ligated by chelating diimine ligands are stable toward RE unless subjected to a thermal or redox stimulus. Herein, we report the spontaneous RE of ethane from (azpy)PdMe₂ complexes and the unique role of the redox-active azopyridine (azpy) ligands in facilitating this reaction. The (azpy)PdMe₂ complexes are air- and moisture-stable in the solid form, but they readily produce ethane upon dissolution in polar solvents at temperatures from 10 °C to room temperature without the need for an external oxidant or elevated temperatures. Experimental and computational studies indicate that a bimolecular methyl transfer precedes the reductive elimination step, where both steps are facilitated by the redox-active azopyridine ligand.

Electronic versus steric effects of pyridinophane ligands on Pd(iii) complexes

Several new Pd^II and Pd^III complexes supported by electronically and sterically tuned tetradentate pyridinophane ligands ^MeN4^OMe, ^MeN4, and ^tBuN4 were isolated and fully characterized (^MeN4^OMe: N,N'-dimethyl-2,11-diaza[3,3](2,6)-para-methoxypyridinophane; ^MeN4: N,N'-dimethyl-2,11-diaza[3,3](2,6)pyridinophane; ^tBuN4: N,N'-di-tert-butyl-2,11-diaza[3,3](2,6)pyridinophane). Cyclic voltammetry studies, UV-vis and EPR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography were employed to reveal that the steric properties of the N-substituents of the ^RN4 ligands have a pronounced effect on the electronic properties of the corresponding Pd^III complexes, while the electronic tuning of the ligand pyridyl groups has a surprisingly minimal effect. An explanation for these observations was provided by DFT and TD-DFT calculations which suggest that the electronic properties of the Pd^III complexes are mainly dictated by their frontier molecular orbitals that have major atomic contributions from the Pd center (mainly the Pd d_z² atomic orbital) and the axial N atom donors.

Synthesis, spectral and luminescence study, crystal structure determination and DFT calculation of binuclear palladium(II) complexes

Binuclear palladium(II) complexes with metal-metal (d⁸-d⁸) bonding interaction were synthesized by reactions of the 1-methyl-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazole-5-thiol (Hmtzt) or a mixture of Hmtzt and 1,3-propanediamine (1,3-pda) ligands. Complex [Pd₂(μ-mtzt)₄]·2CH₃CN (1) was synthesized by the reaction of Pd(OAc)₂ with Hmtzt dissolved in acetonitrile and complex [Pd₂(μ-mtzt)₂(mtzt)₂(1,3-pda)] (2) was synthesized by reaction of a mixture of Hmtzt and 1,3-propanediamine (dissolved in methanol) with PdCl₂ (dissolved in acetonitrile) and were identified through elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis, ¹H NMR, luminescence spectroscopy as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. A single-crystal of complex 1 shows that two Pd(II) centers are linked together by four bridging tetrazole ligands providing a paddle wheel-like arrangement. Also a crystal structure of complex 2 shows that this complex possesses a symmetric structure in which one Pd atom is tetra-coordinated by four sulfur atoms to forms PdS₄ and other Pd atom is tetra-coordinated by four nitrogen to forms PdN₄ coordination sphere. Density functional theory (DFT) was performed in this study for the Hmtzt ligand and binuclear palladium(II) complexes (1) and (2). The DFT calculation shows Pd^II-Pd^II bond lengths of 2.831 and 3.086Å in complex 1 and 2, respectively which are close to the observed bond lengths of 2.802(11) and 3.0911(17)Å from single-crystal X-ray structure. The optimized geometry of the complexes is shown good agreement by X-ray data. Structural properties and molecular descriptors including bond lengths, bond angles, chemical hardness, dipole moment, HOMO-LUMO energy levels, electron transfer were analyzed. The IR spectroscopy was performed using VEDA4 software and UV-Vis spectra were analyzed using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) method. The theoretical and experimental data were also compared with each other.

Palladium Complexes of N,N'-Bis(2-aminoethyl)oxamide (H2L): Structural (PdIIL, PdII2L2, and PdIVLCl2), Electrochemical, Dynamic 1H NMR, and Cytotoxicity Studies

The monomeric (PdL·2H₂O) and dimeric (Pd₂L₂·7H₂O) palladium(II) complexes of N,N'-bis(2-aminoethyl)oxamide (H₂L) were isolated, and their structures were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both compounds display identical cis-(2N_amide + 2N_amine) coordination environments of the metal ion. The dimer, representing a combination of two PdL species with an open lateral chelate ring, has an "open clamshell"-like structure. The intramolecular metal-metal separation in Pd₂L₂ (3.215 Å) is slightly shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii of the palladium(II) atoms. The dimeric complex is relatively stable to dissociation, and its spectral features in aqueous solutions have been compared to those of the monomeric complex. A ¹H NMR spectroscopic study revealed the presence of the dynamic conformational exchange process assigned to a turning of the dimeric molecule "inside out" with an activation energy of 65 kJ/mol. Cyclic voltammetry of PdL in perchlorate-, chloride-, and sulfate-containing electrolytes revealed two-electron oxidation of the palladium center. For the dimeric complex similar, though irreversible, oxidation to the palladium(IV) state was observed in NaCl electrolyte. At the same time, in NaClO₄ or Na₂SO₄ solutions oxidation of Pd₂L₂ occurs in two distinct steps. The first step is quasi-reversible and can be assigned to the formation of species in an intermediate Pd^IIIPd^III state. Monomeric palladium(IV) complex Pd^IVLCl₂ was generated via chemical oxidation of Pd^IIL by peroxodisulfate in the presence of chloride ions and structurally characterized. The related M^IIL complexes (M = Pd, Ni, Cu) showed low cytotoxicity in human cancer cell lines AGS (gastric adenocarcinoma) and HCT116 (colorectal carcinoma) with IC₅₀ values from 204 to 525 μM, while the proligand H₂L was devoid of antiproliferative activity (IC₅₀ > 1000 μM).

A saccharinate-bridged palladacyclic dimer with a Pd–Pd bond: experimental and molecular docking studies of the interaction with DNA and BSA and in vitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines

The synthesis, characterization and biological activities of a saccharinate-bridged palladacyclic dimer are reported in this work.

Palladium(ii) N-heterocyclic allenylidene complexes with extended intercationic Pd⋯Pd interactions and MMLCT phosphorescence

Pallas's shine: extended intercationic Pd⋯Pd contacts of 3.30 Å show distinct MMLCT transitions and low-energy emissions.

Palladium(ii)–palladium(ii) bonding in two open clamshell dinuclear complexes

In two Pd(ii) dimers with Pd–Pd distance ≤3.26 Å, the metal–metal bond order is found to be zero.

cis-Protected palladium(ii) based binuclear complexes as tectons in crystal engineering and the imperative role of the cis-protecting agent

The shape and molecular packing of cis-protected Pd(ii) based binuclear complexes depends upon the ligand and cis-protecting agents.

Methyl Complexes of the Transition Metals

Organometallic chemistry can be considered as a wide area of knowledge that combines concepts of classic organic chemistry, that is, based essentially on carbon, with molecular inorganic chemistry, especially with coordination compounds. Transition-metal methyl complexes probably represent the simplest and most fundamental way to view how these two major areas of chemistry combine and merge into novel species with intriguing features in terms of reactivity, structure, and bonding. Citing more than 500 bibliographic references, this review aims to offer a concise view of recent advances in the field of transition-metal complexes containing M-CH3 fragments. Taking into account the impressive amount of data that are continuously provided by organometallic chemists in this area, this review is mainly focused on results of the last five years. After a panoramic overview on M-CH3 compounds of Groups 3 to 11, which includes the most recent landmark findings in this area, two further sections are dedicated to methyl-bridged complexes and reactivity.

Dinuclear palladium complexes with two ligand-centered radicals and a single bridging ligand: subtle tuning of magnetic properties

The facile and tunable preparation of unique dinuclear [(L(⋅))Pd-X-Pd(L(⋅))] complexes (X = Cl or N3), bearing a ligand radical on each Pd, is disclosed, as well as their magnetochemistry in solution and solid state is reported. Chloride abstraction from [PdCl(NNO(ISQ))] (NNO(ISQ) = iminosemiquinonato) with TlPF6 results in an unusual monochlorido-bridged dinuclear open-shell diradical species, [{Pd(NNO(ISQ))}2(μ-Cl)](+), with an unusually small Pd-Cl-Pd angle (ca. 93°, determined by X-ray). This suggests an intramolecular d(8)-d(8) interaction, which is supported by DFT calculations. SQUID measurements indicate moderate antiferromagnetic spin exchange between the two ligand radicals and an overall singlet ground state in the solid state. VT EPR spectroscopy shows a transient signal corresponding to a triplet state between 20 and 60 K. Complex 2 reacts with PPh3 to generate [Pd(NNO(ISQ))(PPh3)](+) and one equivalent of [PdCl(NNO(ISQ))]. Reacting an 1:1 mixture of [PdCl(NNO(ISQ))] and [Pd(N3)(NNO(ISQ))] furnishes the 1,1-azido-bridged dinuclear diradical [{Pd(NNO(ISQ))}2(κ(1)-N;μ-N3](+), with a Pd-N-Pd angle close to 127° (X-ray). Magnetic and EPR measurements indicate two independent S = 1/2 spin carriers and no magnetic interaction in the solid state. The two diradical species both show no spin exchange in solution, likely because of unhindered rotation around the Pd-X-Pd core. This work demonstrates that a single bridging atom can induce subtle and tunable changes in structural and magnetic properties of novel dinuclear Pd complexes featuring two ligand-based radicals.

Dioxygen activation by an organometallic Pd(ii) precursor: formation of a Pd(iv)–OH complex and its C–O bond formation reactivity

An isolable Pd(iv)–OH complex formed upon aerobic oxidation of an organometallic Pd(ii) precursor exhibits selective C(sp²)–O bond formation reactivity.

Luminescent palladium(II) complexes with π-extended cyclometalated [R-C^N^N-R'] and pentafluorophenylacetylide ligands: spectroscopic, photophysical, and photochemical properties

A series of cyclometalated Pd(II) complexes that contain π-extended R-C^N^N-R' (R-C^N^N-R'=3-(6'-aryl-2'-pyridinyl)isoquinoline) and chloride/pentafluorophenylacetylide ligands have been synthesized and their photophysical and photochemical properties examined. The complexes with the chloride ligand are emissive only in the solid state and in glassy solutions at 77 K, whereas the ones with the pentafluorophenylacetylide ligand show phosphorescence in the solid state (λmax =584-632 nm) and in solution (λmax =533-602 nm) at room temperature. Some of the complexes with the pentafluorophenylacetylide ligand show emission with λmax at 585-602 nm upon an increase in the complex concentration in solutions. These Pd(II) complexes can act as photosensitizers for the light-induced aerobic oxidation of amines. In the presence of 0.1 mol% Pd(II) complex, secondary amines can be oxidized to the corresponding imines with substrate conversions and product yields up to 100 and 99%, respectively. In the presence of 0.15 mol% Pd(II) complex, the oxidative cyanation of tertiary amines could be performed with product yields up to 91%. The Pd(II) complexes have also been used to sensitize photochemical hydrogen production with a three-component system that comprises the Pd(II) complex, [Co(dmgH)2 (py)Cl] (dmgH=dimethylglyoxime; py=pyridine), and triethanolamine, and a maximum turnover of hydrogen production of 175 in 4 h was achieved. The excited-state electron-transfer properties of the Pd(II) complexes have been examined.