A d10 Ag(i) amine-borane σ-complex and comparison with a d8 Rh(i) analogue: structures on the η1 to η2:η2 continuum

Three-Center M-H-B Bonds Are Strong Field Interactions. Synthesis and Characterization of M(CH2NMe2BH3)3 Complexes of Titanium, Chromium, and Cobalt

We describe new compounds of stoichiometry M(CH2NMe2BH3)3 (M = Ti, Cr, and Co), each of which contains three chelating boranatodimethylaminomethyl (BDAM) ligands. In all three compounds, the BDAM anion, which is isoelectronic and isostructural with the neopentyl group, is bound to the metal center at one end by a metal-carbon σ bond and at the other by one three-center M-H-B interaction. The crystal structures show that the d1 titanium(III) compound is trigonal prismatic (or eight-coordinate, if two longer-ranged M···H interactions with the BH3 groups are included), whereas the d3 chromium(III) compound and the d6 cobalt(III) compounds are both fac-octahedral. The Cr and Co compounds exhibit two rapid dynamic processes in solution: exchange between the Δ and Λ enantiomers and exchange of the terminal and bridging hydrogen atoms on boron. For the Co complex, the barrier for Δ/Λ exchange (ΔG⧧298 = 10.1 kcal mol-1) is significantly smaller than those seen in other octahedral cobalt(III) compounds; DFT calculations suggest that Bailar twist and dissociative pathways for Δ/Λ exchange are both possible mechanisms. The UV-vis absorption spectra of the cobalt(III) and chromium(III) species show that the ligand field splittings Δo caused by the M-H-B interactions are unexpectedly large, thus placing them high on the spectrochemical series (near ammonia and alkyl groups); their nephelauxetic effect is also large. The DFT calculations suggest that these properties of M-H-B interactions are in part a consequence of their three-center nature, which delocalizes electron density away from the metal center and reduces electron-electron repulsions.

Dehydropolymerization of Amine-Boranes using Bis(imino)pyridine Rhodium Pre-Catalysis: σ-Amine-Borane Complexes, Nanoparticles, and Low Residual-Metal BN-Polymers that can be Chemically Repurposed

The sigma amine-borane complexes [Rh(L1)(η2 :η2 -H3 B⋅NRH2 )][OTf] (L1=2,6-bis-[1-(2,6-diisopropylphenylimino)ethyl]pyridine, R=Me, Et, n Pr) are described, alongside [Rh(L1)(NMeH2 )][OTf]. Using R=Me as a pre-catalyst (1 mol %) the dehydropolymerization of H3 B ⋅ NMeH2 gives [H2 BNMeH]n selectively. Added NMeH2 , or the direct use of [Rh(L1)(NMeH2 )][OTf], is required for initiation of catalysis, which is suggested to operate through the formation of a neutral hydride complex, Rh(L1)H. The formation of small (1-5 nm) nanoparticles is observed at the end of catalysis, but studies are ambiguous as to whether the catalysis is solely nanoparticle promoted or if there is a molecular homogeneous component. [Rh(L1)(NMeH2 )][OTf] is shown to operate at 0.025 mol % loadings on a 2 g scale of H3 B ⋅ NMeH2 to give polyaminoborane [H2 BNMeH]n [Mn =30,900 g/mol, Ð=1.8] that can be purified to a low residual [Rh] (6 μg/g). Addition of Na[N(SiMe3 )2 ] to [H2 BNMeH]n results in selective depolymerization to form the eee-isomer of N,N,N-trimethylcyclotriborazane [H2 BNMeH]3 : the chemical repurposing of a main-group polymer.

Metathesis by Partner Interchange in σ-Bond Ligands: Expanding Applications of the σ-CAM Mechanism

In 2007 two of us defined the σ‐Complex Assisted Metathesis mechanism (Perutz and Sabo‐Etienne, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2007, 46, 2578–2592), that is, the σ‐CAM concept. This new approach to reaction mechanisms brought together metathesis reactions involving the formation of a variety of metal–element bonds through partner‐interchange of σ‐bond complexes. The key concept that defines a σ‐CAM process is a single transition state for metathesis that is connected by two intermediates that are σ‐bond complexes while the oxidation state of the metal remains constant in precursor, intermediates and product. This mechanism is appropriate in situations where σ‐bond complexes have been isolated or computed as well‐defined minima. Unlike several other mechanisms, it does not define the nature of the transition state. In this review, we highlight advances in the characterization and dynamic rearrangements of σ‐bond complexes, most notably alkane and zincane complexes, but also different geometries of silane and borane complexes. We set out a selection of catalytic and stoichiometric examples of the σ‐CAM mechanism that are supported by strong experimental and/or computational evidence. We then draw on these examples to demonstrate that the scope of the σ‐CAM mechanism has expanded to classes of reaction not envisaged in 2007 (additional σ‐bond ligands, agostic complexes, sp²‐carbon, surfaces). Finally, we provide a critical comparison to alternative mechanisms for metathesis of metal–element bonds.

Ortho-aryl substituted DPEphos ligands: rhodium complexes featuring C-H anagostic interactions and B-H agostic bonds

The synthesis of new Schrock–Osborn Rh(i) pre-catalysts with ortho-substituted DPEphos ligands, [Rh(DPEphos-R)(NBD)][BAr^F₄] [R = Me, OMe, ⁱPr; Ar^F = 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃], is described. Along with the previously reported R = H variant, variable temperature ¹H NMR spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies show that these all have axial (C–H)⋯Rh anagostic interactions relative to the d⁸ pseudo square planar metal centres, that also result in corresponding downfield chemical shifts. Analysis by NBO, QTAIM and NCI methods shows these to be only very weak C–H⋯Rh bonding interactions, the magnitudes of which do not correlate with the observed chemical shifts. Instead, as informed by Scherer's approach, it is the topological positioning of the C–H bond with regard to the metal centre that is important. For [Rh(DPEphos–ⁱPr)(NBD)][BAr^F₄] addition of H₂ results in a Rh(iii) ⁱPr–C–H activated product, [Rh(κ³,σ-P,O,P-DPEphos-ⁱPr′)(H)][BAr^F₄]. This undergoes H/D exchange with D₂ at the ⁱPr groups, reacts with CO or NBD to return Rh(i) products, and reaction with H₃B·NMe₃/tert-butylethene results in a dehydrogenative borylation to form a complex that shows both a non-classical B–H⋯Rh 3c-2e agostic bond and a C–H⋯Rh anagostic interaction at the same metal centre.

Rh(i) complexes of ortho-substituted DPEphos-R (R = H, Me, OMe, ⁱPr) ligands show anagostic interactions; for R =ⁱPr C–H activation/dehydrogenative borylation forms a product exhibiting both B–H/Rh 3c-2e agostic and C–H/Rh anagostic motifs.

A Series of Crystallographically Characterized Linear and Branched σ-Alkane Complexes of Rhodium: From Propane to 3-Methylpentane

Using solid-state molecular organometallic (SMOM) techniques, in particular solid/gas single-crystal to single-crystal reactivity, a series of σ-alkane complexes of the general formula [Rh(Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2)(ηn:ηm-alkane)][BArF4] have been prepared (alkane = propane, 2-methylbutane, hexane, 3-methylpentane; ArF = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3). These new complexes have been characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction, solid-state NMR spectroscopy and DFT computational techniques and present a variety of Rh(I)···H-C binding motifs at the metal coordination site: 1,2-η2:η2 (2-methylbutane), 1,3-η2:η2 (propane), 2,4-η2:η2 (hexane), and 1,4-η1:η2 (3-methylpentane). For the linear alkanes propane and hexane, some additional Rh(I)···H-C interactions with the geminal C-H bonds are also evident. The stability of these complexes with respect to alkane loss in the solid state varies with the identity of the alkane: from propane that decomposes rapidly at 295 K to 2-methylbutane that is stable and instead undergoes an acceptorless dehydrogenation to form a bound alkene complex. In each case the alkane sits in a binding pocket defined by the {Rh(Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2)}+ fragment and the surrounding array of [BArF4]- anions. For the propane complex, a small alkane binding energy, driven in part by a lack of stabilizing short contacts with the surrounding anions, correlates with the fleeting stability of this species. 2-Methylbutane forms more short contacts within the binding pocket, and as a result the complex is considerably more stable. However, the complex of the larger 3-methylpentane ligand shows lower stability. Empirically, there therefore appears to be an optimal fit between the size and shape of the alkane and overall stability. Such observations are related to guest/host interactions in solution supramolecular chemistry and the holistic role of 1°, 2°, and 3° environments in metalloenzymes.

Understanding electronic effects on carboxylate-assisted C-H activation at ruthenium: the importance of kinetic and thermodynamic control

Meta- and para-substituted 1-phenylpyrazoles (R-phpyz-H) react with [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 in the presence of NaOAc to form cyclometallated complexes [M(R-phpyz)Cl(p-cymene)] (where R = NMe2, OMe, Me, H, F, CF3 and NO2). Experimental and DFT studies indicate that product formation can be reversible or irreversible depending on the substituents and the reaction conditions. Competition experiments show that the kinetic selectivity favours electron-donating substituents and correlate well with the Hammett parameter, giving a negative slope (ρ = -2.4) that is consistent with a cationic transition state. However, surprisingly, the thermodynamic selectivity is completely opposite, with substrates featuring electron-withdrawing groups being favoured. These trends are reproduced with DFT calculations that locate a rate-limiting transition state dominated by Ru-O bond dissociation and minimal C-H bond elongation. Detailed computational analysis of these transition states shows that C-H activation proceeds by an AMLA/CMD mechanism through a synergic combination of a C-H→Ru agostic interaction and C-HO H-bonding. NBO calculations also highlight a syndetic bonding term, and the relative weights of these three components vary in a complementary fashion depending on the nature of the substituent. With meta-substituted ligands H/D exchange experiments signal kinetically accessible ortho-C-H activation when R = NMe2, OMe and Me. This is also modelled computationally and the calculations highlight the kinetic relevance of the HOAc/Cl exchange that occurs post C-H bond cleavage, in particular with the bulkier NMe2 and Me substituents. Our study highlights that the experimental substituent effects are dependent on the reaction conditions and so using such studies to assign the mechanism of C-H activation in either stoichiometric or catalytic reactions may be misleading.

The role of neutral Rh(PONOP)H, free NMe2H, boronium and ammonium salts in the dehydrocoupling of dimethylamine-borane using the cationic pincer [Rh(PONOP)(η2-H2)]+ catalyst

The σ-amine-borane pincer complex [Rh(PONOP)(η1-H3B·NMe3)][BArF4] [2, PONOP = κ3-NC5H3-2,6-(OPtBu2)2] is prepared by addition of H3B·NMe3 to the dihydrogen precursor [Rh(PONOP)(η2-H2)][BArF4], 1. In a similar way the related H3B·NMe2H complex [Rh(PONOP)(η1-H3B·NMe2H)][BArF4], 3, can be made in situ, but this undergoes dehydrocoupling to reform 1 and give the aminoborane dimer [H2BNMe2]2. NMR studies on this system reveal an intermediate neutral hydride forms, Rh(PONOP)H, 4, that has been prepared independently. 1 is a competent catalyst (2 mol%, ∼30 min) for the dehydrocoupling of H3B·Me2H. Kinetic, mechanistic and computational studies point to the role of NMe2H in both forming the neutral hydride, via deprotonation of a σ-amine-borane complex and formation of aminoborane, and closing the catalytic cycle by reprotonation of the hydride by the thus-formed dimethyl ammonium [NMe2H2]+. Competitive processes involving the generation of boronium [H2B(NMe2H)2]+ are also discussed, but shown to be higher in energy. Off-cycle adducts between [NMe2H2]+ or [H2B(NMe2H)2]+ and amine-boranes are also discussed that act to modify the kinetics of dehydrocoupling.

Stoichiometric reactions and catalytic dehydrogenations of amine–boranes with calcium aryloxide

A calcium aryloxide complex reacts with amine–boranes to give unprecedented amine–borane coordinated complexes through Ca⋯H interactions, which serve as active species for catalytic dehydrogenation reactions.

Synthesis, structural properties and reactivity of ruthenocene-based pincer Pd(ii) tetrahydroborate

Non-covalent interactions determine the structure, crystal packing and reactivity of isolated ruthenocene-based pincer Pd(ii) complexes. Bifurcate dihydrogen-bonded complexes are active intermediates of tetrahydroborate alcoholysis.