Synthesis and characterization of sterically encumbered β-ketoiminate complexes of iron(II) and zinc(II)

Synthetic and Structural Studies of Ethyl Zinc β-Amidoenoates and β-Ketoiminates

A set of heteroleptic ethyl zinc β-amidoenoates (1, 2) and β-ketoiminates (3) of the form [LZnEt]2 with varying steric bulk have been synthesised via the reaction of diethylzinc with β-aminoenoate ligands HL1 and HL2 and β-ketoimine HL3. These complexes have been characterised via 1H and 13C NMR, mass spectrometry and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which unambiguously determined all three structures as dimeric species in the solid state. We observe the unusual dimerisation of 1 and 2 through coordination of the central zinc atom to the methine carbon of the second monomer, which gives these complexes high reactivity. The thermal properties of complex 3 are explored via thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), to investigate their potential as single-source precursors to zinc oxide, which shows that 3 has a significantly lower decomposition temperature as compared to its bis-ligated counterpart [Zn(L3)2], which gives 3 promise as a single-source precursor to zinc oxide.

Tuning Coordination Geometry of Nickel Ketoiminates and Its Influence on Thermal Characteristics for Chemical Vapor Deposition of Nanostructured NiO Electrocatalysts

Nickel-based nanostructured materials have gained widespread attention, particularly for energy-related applications. Employing chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for NiO necessitates suitable nickel precursors that are volatile and stable. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a series of new nickel β-ketoiminato complexes with different aliphatic and etheric side chain substitutions, namely, bis(4-(isopropylamino)-pent-3-en-2-onato)nickel(II) ([Ni(ipki)₂], 1), bis(4-(2-methoxyethylamino)pent-3-en-2-onato)nickel(II) ([Ni(meki)₂], 2), bis(4-(2-ethoxyethylamino)pent-3-en-2-onato)nickel(II) ([Ni(eeki)₂], 3), bis(4-(3-methoxy-propylamino)-pent-3-en-2-onato)nickel(II) ([Ni(mpki)₂], 4), and bis(4-(3-ethoxypropylamino)pent-3-en-2-onato)nickel(II) ([Ni(epki)₂], 5). These compounds have been thoroughly characterized with regard to their purity and identity by means of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and electron impact mass spectrometry (EI-MS). Contrary to other transition metal β-ketoiminates, the imino side chain strongly influences the structural geometry of the complexes, which was ascertained via single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). As a result, the magnetic momenta of the molecules also differ significantly as evidenced by the magnetic susceptibility measurements employing Evan's NMR method in solution. Thermal analysis revealed the suitability of these compounds as new class of precursors for CVD of Ni containing materials. As a representative precursor, compound 2 was evaluated for the CVD of NiO thin films on Si(100) and conductive glass substrates. The as-deposited nanostructured layers were stoichiometric and phase pure NiO as confirmed by XRD, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), and nuclear reaction analysis (NRA). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated the formation of slightly oxygen-rich surfaces. The assessment of NiO films in electrocatalysis revealed promising activity for the oxygen evolution reactions (OER). The current densities of 10 mA cm^-2 achieved at overpotentials ranging between 0.48 and 0.52 V highlight the suitability of the new Ni complexes in CVD processes for the fabrication of thin film electrocatalysts.

1,2-Disubstituted Benzimidazoles by the Iron Catalyzed Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling of Isomeric o-Phenylenediamine Substrates

Benzimidazoles are common in nature, medicines, and materials. Numerous strategies for preparing 2-arylbenzimidazoles exist. In this work, 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles were prepared from various mono- and disubstituted ortho-phenylenediamines (OPD) by iron-catalyzed oxidative coupling. Specifically, O₂ and FeCl₃·6H₂O catalyzed the cross-dehydrogenative coupling and aromatization of diarylmethyl and dialkyl benzimidazole precursors. N,N'-Disubstituted-OPD substrates were significantly more reactive than their N,N-disubstituted isomers, which appears to be relative to their propensity for complexation and charge transfer with Fe³⁺. The reaction also converted N-monosubstituted OPD substrates to 2-substituted benzimidazoles; however, electron-poor substrates produce 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles by intermolecular imino-transfer. Kinetic, reagent, and spectroscopic (UV-vis and EPR) studies suggest a mechanism involving metal-substrate complexation, charge transfer, and aerobic turnover, involving high-valent Fe(IV) intermediates. Overall, comparative strategies for the relatively sustainable and efficient synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles are demonstrated.

A dianionic C3-symmetric scorpionate: synthesis and coordination chemistry

Introducing charges into ligand systems fine-tunes their electronic properties and influences the solubility of their metal complexes. Herein, we present a synthesis of a dianionic, C3-symmetric ligand combining three anionic N-donors tethered to a positively charged phosphonium center. The tris-skatylmethylphosphonium (TSMP) ligand, isolated in the form of its dipotassium salt TSMPK2, is the first dianionic homoscorpionate capable of metal exchange. The potassium cations in TSMPK2 are exchangeable for other metals, which results in rich coordination chemistry. Thus, the ligand displays a bridging μ2:κ2:κ1 coordination mode with trigonal planar Cu(i) centers in the tetrameric complex [(TSMP)Cu]44-. The κ3 mode is accessed upon addition of 1 equiv. of P(OEt)3 per Cu(i) to yield the tetrahedral monomeric complex [(TSMP)CuP(OEt)3]-. Both Fe(ii) and Ni(ii) in pyridine give octahedral high-spin κ3 complexes with composition (TSMP)M(Py)3 (M = Fe, Ni). Displacement of three pyridine ligands in (TSMP)Fe(Py)3 for a second equivalent of TSMP gives a high-spin pseudotetrahedral 2 : 1 complex [(TSMP)2Fe]2- with the ligands in κ2 coordination mode. The reduction in coordination number is likely due to electrostatic repulsion of the negatively-charged indolides as well as their weaker π-accepting character as compared to pyridine.

Acetylacetonato-based pincer-type nickel(ii) complexes: synthesis and catalysis in cross-couplings of aryl chlorides with aryl Grignard reagents

In this work, three different types of acetylacetonato-based pincer-type nickel(ii) complexes (2) were prepared. Complex 2a possessed the tridentate ONN ligand, which was constructed by the condensation reaction of acetylacetone with N,N-diethylethylenediamine. Complex 2b contained the PPh2 donor group in contrast to the NEt2 group in 2a, i.e., an ONP ligand framework. Complex 2c was composed of the NNN ligand, which was prepared by the reaction of 4-((2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amino)pent-3-en-2-one with N,N-diethylethylenediamine. In addition to X-ray diffraction analysis, these complexes were characterized spectroscopically. Their catalytic activity for a cross-coupling reaction of aryl halides with aryl Grignard reagents was also evaluated. Among these complexes, 2b acted as an effective catalyst for the cross-coupling reaction using aryl chlorides as electrophiles. The electronic properties of these Ni(ii) complexes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and density functional theory calculations.

Magnetism and EPR Studies of Binuclear Ruthenium Hydride Binuclear Species Bearing Redox-Active Ligands

The binuclear complex {[N₃]Ru(H)}₂(μ-η¹:η¹-N₂) ([N₃] = 2,6-(ArylN═CMe)₂C₅H₃N and Aryl = mesityl or xylyl) contains two formally Ru(I), d⁷ centers linked by a bridging dinitrogen ligand, although the odd electrons are substantially delocalized onto the redox non-innocent pincer ligands. The complex exhibits paramagnetic behavior in solution, but is diamagnetic in the solid state. This difference is attributed to intermolecular "π-stacking" observed in the solid state, which essentially couples unpaired electrons on each half of the complex to form delocalized 22-center-2-electron covalent bonds. Introduction of a bulky t-butyl group on the ligand pyridine ring prevents this intermolecular association and allows further investigation of the magnetic behavior and electronic structure of the binuclear species. The interaction of the unpaired electrons in the two halves of the complex has been probed with magnetic susceptibility and perpendicular and parallel mode EPR measurements, revealing a weakly antiferromagnetically coupled system with a thermally accessible triplet excited state. In addition, the mixed valent, S = ¹/₂, {[N₃]Ru(H)}(μ-η¹:η¹-N₂){[N₃]Ru} system has also been observed via perpendicular mode EPR and was used to quantify the growth of the thermally accessible triplet state of the dihydride complex using parallel mode EPR.

A multimetallic iron(ii)-lithium complex as a catalyst for ε-caprolactone polymerization

Treatment of the lithium salt of β-ketimine with FeCl₂(THF)_1.5 in the presence of LiN(SiMe₃)₂ and water affords the multimetallic iron(ii)-lithium complex 1, [(L^Me)₂Fe]₃Li₂O [where L^Me = MeC(O)CHC(NMe)Me]. In complex 1 three separated (L^Me)₂Fe units are bound together by one Li₂O species, which leads to the formation of an interesting {Fe₃Li₂O} core structure. Complex 1 can be used as a single-component initiator for the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone at room temperature, achieving a monomer conversion of 98% within 100 min, and a narrow molecular weight distribution (PDI = 1.28) of the resulting polymer.

Iron(ii) β-ketiminate complexes as mediators of controlled radical polymerisation

A series of novel iron(ii) β-ketiminate complexes have been prepared and screened in styrene and methyl methacrylate CRP.

Coordination of β-Ketoimine-Derived Ligands at Main Group and Transition Metals

The β-ketoimine HC[MeC(O)][MeC(NHt-Bu)] (1H) (Me = methyl) was used as a ligand in the synthesis of organo-aluminium and gallium compounds. With Al, the NH functionality was deprotonated to form the N,O-chelating β-ketoiminate ligand in Al{HC[MeC(O)][MeC(Nt-Bu)]}Me2 (3) (t-Bu = tertiary butyl), whereas the neutral form coordinated to trimethylgallium via the oxygen atom to form the adduct GaMe3·{HC[MeC(O)][MeC(NHt-Bu)]} (4). Reaction of 1H with Ar†NH2 (Ar† = 2-t-BuC6H4) afforded the new N-aryl β-ketoimine HC[MeC(O)][MeC(NHAr†)] (2H), which reacted with Pd(OAc)2 (OAc = acetate = CH3CO2–) to afford the heteroleptic dimer {Pd[HC(MeC(O))(MeC(NAr†))](μ-OAc)}2 ([5]2). The homoleptic bis(β-ketoiminate) Pd{HC[MeC(O)][MeC(NAr†)]}2 (6) was isolated as a minor product of this reaction. The crystal structures of compounds 3, 4, [5]2, and 6 are reported.

Tautomerism and metal complexation of 2-acylmethyl-2-oxazolines: a combined synthetic, spectroscopic, crystallographic and theoretical treatment

A synthetic, structural and theoretical investigation into the solid-state, solution and gas phase structure(s) of six 2-acylmethyl-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolines is reported. Four of these materials, viz.α-[(4,5-dihydro-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolyl)methylene]benzenemethanol (3a), α-[(4,5-dihydro-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolyl)methylene]-(4-nitrobenzene)methanol (3b), 1-(4,5-dihydro-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolyl)-3,3-dimethyl-1-buten-2-ol (3d) and (E)-1-phenyl-2-((3aR)-3,3a,8,8a-tetrahydro-2H-indeno[1,2-d]oxazol-2-ylidene)ethanone (3f) have been characterised in the solid-state by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. These data represent the first solid-state structural studies of this class of compounds and details the first synthesis and full characterisation of chiral derivative 3f. All four of these materials are shown to exist in the solid phase in the enamine tautomeric form (e.g., 3a is best described as 2-[4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolidinylidene]-1-phenylethanone) and it is suggested (NMR, IR) that this isomeric form is likely also retained in solution (e.g., CDCl3) as the more stable isomer. An investigation of the relative gas phase stabilities of the three possible (i.e., the (Z)-enol, keto and enamine) isomers of all five compounds by DFT at the B3LYP/6-311G(d) level of theory confirms the latter as the most stable form. The energy differences between the enamine and keto tautomers have been calculated to be the lowest for derivative 3d. These results are compared and contrasted with the previously reported NMR studies of such compounds which have identified the keto form as being a minor (albeit solution) tautomer. Equilibrium solution tautomer distributions for 3d are found to be solvent dependent. The protonated form of 3a, isolated as the HSO4(-) salt (i.e.4a), has been further characterised in the solid state by single crystal X-ray diffraction. These data represent the first example of a protonated oxazoline to be structurally elucidated and confirms that upon protonation, the keto (oxazoline) tautomer is the energetically favoured form in the solid-state. This observation is further supported by DFT studies for the gas phase protonated forms of such materials. Further DFT (B3LYP/6-311G(d)) calculations employing the SM8 or SMD solvation models were then applied to address the observed solution isomeric distribution for 3d; these results corroborate the gas phase theoretical treatment and also yield values that predict the higher solution stability of the enamine form as observed, although they fail to account for the existence of the keto form as a minor solution state tautomer. To access the availability of an enol-form, via hypothetical de-protonation to the enolate, compound 3a was treated with hydrated Cu(NO3)2 in EtOH solution. The resulting isolated green-coloured product (5), the first metal derivative of this entire class of ligands, is best described (IR, X-ray diffraction) as a coordinated enolate complex, i.e., Cu(3a-H)2. Complex 5 crystallizes in the P21/c space group with four molecules in the unit cell. The coordination geometry around the formal Cu(2+) metal centre is determined to be highly distorted square planar in nature (τ4 = 0.442). TD-DFT is used to give a reasonable explanation for the intensity of the absorbance band observed in the visible region for solutions of 5. These latter experiments strongly suggest that the title class of compounds may have considerable potential as ligands in coordination chemistry and/or metal-mediated catalysis.

(3-{[2,6-Bis(1-methyl-eth-yl)phen-yl]imino-κN}-1-phenyl-but-1-en-1-olato-κO)-di-methyl-aluminium

The mol-ecular structure of the title compound, [Al(CH(3))(2)(C(22)H(26)NO)], displays a monomer with the Al(III) atom in a distorted tetra-hedral environment defined by two methyl groups and the N and O atoms of the chelating ketiminate anion. The O-Al-N bite angle of the chelating ligand is 94.14 (9)°. The O-C-C-C-N backbone of the ligand is nearly coplanar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.029 Å) and the Al atom deviates significantly from the mean plane by 0.525 (3) Å. In the crystal, weak inter-molecular C-H⋯O inter-actions are observed.

Single turnover of substrate-bound ferric cysteine dioxygenase with superoxide anion: enzymatic reactivation, product formation, and a transient intermediate

Cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) is a non-heme mononuclear iron enzyme that catalyzes the O(2)-dependent oxidation of L-cysteine (Cys) to produce cysteine sulfinic acid (CSA). In this study we demonstrate that the catalytic cycle of CDO can be "primed" by one electron through chemical oxidation to produce CDO with ferric iron in the active site (Fe(III)-CDO, termed 2). While catalytically inactive, the substrate-bound form of Fe(III)-CDO (2a) is more amenable to interrogation by UV-vis and EPR spectroscopy than the 'as-isolated' Fe(II)-CDO enzyme (1). Chemical-rescue experiments were performed in which superoxide (O(2)(•-)) anions were introduced to 2a to explore the possibility that a Fe(III)-superoxide species represents the first intermediate within the catalytic pathway of CDO. In principle, O(2)(•-) can serve as a suitable acceptor for the remaining 3-electrons necessary for CSA formation and regeneration of the active Fe(II)-CDO enzyme (1). Indeed, addition of O(2)(•-) to 2a resulted in the rapid formation of a transient species (termed 3a) observable at 565 nm by UV-vis spectroscopy. The subsequent decay of 3a is kinetically matched to CSA formation. Moreover, a signal attributed to 3a was also identified using parallel mode X-band EPR spectroscopy (g ~ 11). Spectroscopic simulations, observed temperature dependence, and the microwave power saturation behavior of 3a are consistent with a ground state S = 3 from a ferromagnetically coupled (J ~ -8 cm(-1)) high-spin ferric iron (S(A) = 5/2) with a bound radical (S(B) = 1/2), presumably O(2)(•-). Following treatment with O(2)(•-), the specific activity of recovered CDO increased to ~60% relative to untreated enzyme.