Double donation in trigonal planar iron-carbodiphosphorane complexes - a concise study on their spectroscopic and electronic properties

Theoretical Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Low-Valent Carbon Species: A ∼6 eV Range of Ionization Potentials among Carbenes, Ylides, and Carbodiphosphoranes

High-quality density functional theory calculations underscore a nearly 6 eV range for the ionization potentials (IPs) of neutral, low-valent carbon compounds, including carbenes, ylides, and zero-valent carbon compounds (carbones) such as carbodiphosphoranes (CDPs) and carbodicarbenes. Thus, adiabatic IPs as low as 5.5 ± 0.1 eV are predicted for CDPs, which are about 0.7-1.2 eV lower than those of simple phosphorus and sulfur ylides. In contrast, the corresponding values for N-heterocyclic carbenes are about 8.0 eV while those for simple singlet carbenes such as dichlorocarbene and difluorocarbene range from about 9.0 eV to well over 11.0 eV.

Stability and bonding of carbon(0)-iron-N2 complexes relevant to nitrogenase co-factor: EDA-NOCV analyses

The factors/structural features which are responsible for the binding, activation and reduction of N₂ to NH₃ by FeMoco of nitrogenase have not been completely understood well. Several relevant model complexes by Holland et al. and Peters et al. have been synthesized, characterized and studied by theoretical calculations. For a matter of fact, those complexes are much different than real active N₂ -binding Fe-sites of FeMoco, which possesses a central C(4-) ion having an eight valence electrons as an μ₆ -bridge. Here, a series of [(S₃ C(0))Fe(II/I/0)-N₂ ]^n- complexes in different charged/spin states containing a coordinated σ- and π-donor C(0)-atom which possesses eight outer shell electrons [carbone, (Ph₃ P)₂ C(0); Ph₃ P→C(0)←PPh₃ ] and three S-donor sites (i.e. ^- S-Ar), have been studied by DFT, QTAIM, and EDA-NOCV calculations. The effect of the weak field ligand on Fe-centres and the subsequent N₂ -binding has been studied by EDA-NOCV analysis. The role of the oxidation state of Fe and N₂ -binding in different charged and spin states of the complex have been investigated by EDA-NOCV analyses. The intrinsic interaction energies of the Fe-N₂ bond are in the range from -42/-35 to -67 kcal/mol in their corresponding ground states. The S₃ C(0) donor set is argued here to be closer to the actual coordination environment of one of the six Fe-centres of nitrogenase. In comparison, the captivating model complexes reported by Holland et al. and Peter et al. possess a stronger π-acceptor C-ring (S₂ C_ring donor, π-C donor) and stronger donor set like CP₃ (σ-C donor) ligands, respectively.

Paramagnetic 7Li NMR Shifts and Magnetic Properties of Divalent Transition Metal Silylamide Ate Complexes [LiM{N(SiMe3)2}3] (M2+ = Mn, Fe, Co)

⁷Li NMR shifts and magnetic properties have been determined for three so-called ate complexes [LiM{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃] (M²⁺ = Mn, Fe, Co; e.g., named lithium-tris(bis(trimethylsilylamide))-manganate(II) in accordance with a formally negative charge assigned to the complex fragment [M{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃]^-, which comprises the transition metal). They are formed by addition reactions of LiN(SiMe₃)₂ and [M{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] and stabilized by Lewis base/Lewis acid interactions. The results are compared to those of the related "ion-separated" complexes [Li(15-crown-5)][M{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃]. The ate complexes with the lithium atoms connected to the 3d metal atoms manganese, iron, or cobalt via μ₂ nitrogen bridges reveal strong ⁷Li NMR paramagnetic shifts of about -75, 125, and 171 ppm, respectively, whereas the shifts for the lithium ions coordinated by the 15-crown-5 ether are close to zero. The observed trends of the ⁷Li NMR shifts are confirmed by density-functional theory calculations. The magnetic dc and ac properties display distinct differences for the six compounds under investigation. Both manganese compounds, [LiMn{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃] and [Li(15-crown-5)][Mn{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃], display almost pure and ideal spin-only paramagnetic behavior of a 3d⁵ high-spin complex. In this respect slightly unexpected, both complexes show slow relaxation behavior at low temperatures under applied dc fields, which is especially pronounced for the ate complex [LiMn{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃]. Dc magnetic properties of the iron complexes reveal moderate g-factor anisotropies with small values of the axial magnetic anisotropy parameter D and a larger E (transversal anisotropy). Both complexes display at low temperatures and, under external dc fields of up to 5000 Oe, only weak ac signals with no maxima in the frequency range from 1 to 1500 s^-1. In contrast, the two cobalt complexes display strong g-factor anisotropies with large values of D and E. In addition, in both cases, the ac measurements at low temperatures and applied dc fields reveal two, in terms of their frequency range, well separated relaxation processes with maxima lying for the most part outside of the measurement range between 1 and 1500 s^-1.

Estimations of Fe-N2 Intrinsic Interaction Energies of Iron-Sulfur/Nitrogen-Carbon Sites: A Deeper Bonding Insight by EDA-NOCV Analysis of a Model Complex of the Nitrogenase Cofactor

The MoFe₇S₉C^1- unit of the nitrogenase cofactor (FeMoco) attracts chemists and biochemists due to its unusual ability to bind aerial dinitrogen (N₂) at ambient condition and catalytically convert it into ammonia (NH₃). The mode of N₂ binding and its reaction pathways are yet not clear. An important conclusion has been made based on the very recent synthesis and isolation of model Fe(I/0)-complexes with sulfur-donor ligands under the cleavage of one Fe-S bond followed by binding of N₂ at the Fe(0) center. These complexes are structurally relevant to the nitrogenase cofactor (MoFe₇S₉C^1-). Herein, we report the EDA-NOCV analyses and NICS calculations of the dinitrogen-bonded dianionic complex Fe⁰-N₂ (1) (having a C_Ar ← Fe π-bond) and monoanionic complex Fe^I-N₂ (2) (having a C_Ar-Fe σ-bond) to provide a deeper insight into the Fe-N₂ interacting orbitals and corresponding pairwise interaction energies (EDA-NOCV = energy decomposition analysis coupled with natural orbital for chemical valence; NICS = nucleus-independent chemical shifts). The orbital interaction in the Fe-N₂ bond is significantly larger than Coulombic interactions, with major pairwise contributions coming from d(Fe) orbitals to the empty π* orbitals of N₂ (three Fe → N₂). ΔE _int values are in the range of -61 to -77 kcal mol^-1. Very interestingly, NICS calculations have been carried out for the fragments before and after binding of the N₂ molecule. The computed σ- and π-aromaticity values are attributed to the position of the Fe atoms, oxidation states of Fe centers, and Fe-C bond lengths of these two complexes.

Homoleptic quasilinear metal(i/ii) silylamides of Cr-Co with phenyl and allyl functions - impact of the oxidation state on secondary ligand interactions

Herein we describe the synthesis and characterization of a variety of new quasilinear metal(i/ii) silylamides of the type [M(N(Dipp)SiR₃)₂]^0,- (M = Cr-Co) with different silyl substituents (SiR₃ = SiPh_3-nMe_n (n = 1-3), SiMe₂(allyl)). By comparison of the solid state structures we show that in the case of phenyl substituents secondary metal-ligand interactions are suppressed upon reduction of the metal. Introduction of an allyl substituted silylamide gives divalent complexes with additional metal-π-alkene interactions with only weak activation of the C[double bond, length as m-dash]C bond but substantial bending of the principal N-M-N axis. 1e^--reduction makes cobalt a more strongly bound alkene substituent, whereas for chromium, reduction and intermolecular dimerisation of the allyl unit are observed. It thus indicates that the general view of low-coordinate 3d-metal ions as electron deficient seems not to apply to anionic metal(i) complexes. Additionally, the obtained cobalt(i) complexes are reacted with an aryl azide giving trigonal imido metal complexes. These can be regarded as rare examples of high-spin imido cobalt compounds from their structural and solution magnetic features.

Isolation of a Uranium(III)-Carbon Multiple Bond Complex

Low-valent uranium-element multiple bond complexes remain scarce, though there is burgeoning interest regarding to their bonding and reactivity. Herein, isolation of a uranium(III)-carbon double bond complex [(Cp*)2 U(CDP)](BPh4 ) (1) comprising a tridentate carbodiphosphorane (CDP) was reported for the first time. Oxidation of 1 afforded the corresponding U(IV) complex [(Cp*)2 U(CDP)](BPh4 )2 (2). The distance between U and C in 2 is 2.481 Å, indicating the existence of a typical U=C double bond, which is further confirmed by quantum chemical calculations. Bonding analysis suggested that the CDP also serves as both σ- and π-donor in complex 1, though a longer U-C bond (2.666(3) Å) is observed. It implies that 1 is the first isolable mononuclear uranium(III) carbene complex. Moreover, these results suggest that CDPs are promising ligands to establish other low-valent f-block metal-carbon multiple bond complexes.

Flexible coordination of carbodiphosphorane-based pincer ligands in chromium(0) carbonyl complexes

A series of chromium(0) complexes was obtained by subsequent irradiation of [Cr(CO)6] in the presence of [(Ph2P-CH2-PPh2)2CH]+. Depending on the reaction conditions and the duration of irradiation, complexes with different coordination modes of the potentially tridentate ligand can be isolated. Shorter irradiation times lead to the coordination of the terminal PPh2 groups and the formation of [(κ2P,P′-{Ph2P-CH2-PPh2}CH)Cr(CO)4]+ (2), whereas after longer irradiation duration, the formation of fac- and mer-[(κ3P,C,P′-{Ph2P-CH2-PPh2}CH)Cr(CO)3]+ (3) can be observed. In the presence of base, the neutral complex [(κ3P,C,P′-{Ph2P-CH2-PPh2}C)Cr(CO)3] (4) can be isolated, enabling the analysis of the central CDP group’s net donor strength through the C–O stretching vibration. Finally, the utilization of reductants like potassium graphite lead to the loss of hydrogen and generation of an anionic chromium(0) complex (5). Using quantum chemical methods, the stability of possible isomers is explored.

From carbones to carbenes and ylides in the coordination sphere of iridium

The carbodiphosphorane-based iridium pincer complex (2) is demonstrated to rearrange in chlorinated organic solvents under cleavage of a P-C-bond to give a chelating phosphine ylide ligand. A detailed mechanistic investigation reveals that these types of donor groups are prone for P-C-bond cleavage in the coordination sphere of transition metal hydrido complexes. Finally, complex 2 is demonstrated to be an efficient hydrogen-borrowing catalyst.

Cationic Phosphorus Compounds Based on a Bis(1-piperidinyl)-Substituted Carbodiphosphorane: Syntheses, Structures, and Csp3–H Activation

The use of the bis(1-piperidinyl)-substituted carbodiphosphorane (Ph₂(Pip)P)₂C (1) as an NCN ligand for the stabilization of phosphorus cations was studied. A simple ligand for halide exchange allowed the synthesis and isolation of a series of phosphorus monocations of the type [1-PR₂]⁺ (with R = Cl, Br, I, CyCl, Ph). These cations exhibit characteristic NMR and structural properties which nicely correlate with the charge at the central phosphorus atom and the interaction between the ligand and the PR₂ moiety. Halide abstraction from the monocations does not result in isolable dicationic compounds but in an unexpected intramolecular C_sp³–H activation in the piperidinyl group. DFT studies show that the selective activation of the CH₂ group next to the nitrogen atom instead of a CH group at the phenyl substituents proceeds via an iminium intermediate formed by hydride transfer from the carbon atom to the cationic phosphorus center. This observation clearly demonstrates the pronounced π acidity of the dicationic phosphorus species in comparison to compounds with a further π-donor substituent.

Quantitative and Chemically Intuitive Evaluation of the Nature of M-L Bonds in Paramagnetic Compounds: Application of EDA-NOCV Theory to Spin Crossover Complexes

To improve understanding of M-L bonds in 3d transition metal complexes, analysis by energy decomposition analysis and natural orbital for chemical valence model (EDA-NOCV) is desirable as it provides a full, quantitative and chemically intuitive ab initio description of the M-L interactions. In this study, a generally applicable fragmentation and computational protocol was established and validated by using octahedral spin crossover (SCO) complexes, as the transition temperature (T1/2 ) is sensitive to subtle changes in M-L bonding. Specifically, EDA-NOCV analysis of Fe-N bonds in five [FeII (Lazine )2 (NCBH3 )2 ], in both low-spin (LS) and paramagnetic high-spin (HS) states led to: 1) development of a general, widely applicable, corrected M+L6 fragmentation, tested against a family of five LS [FeII (Lazine )3 ](BF4 )2 complexes; this confirmed that three Lazine are stronger ligands (ΔEorb,σ+π =-370 kcal mol-1 ) than 2 Lazine +2 NCBH3 (=-335 kcal mol-1 ), as observed. 2) Analysis of Fe-L bonding on LS→HS, reveals more ionic (ΔEelstat ) and less covalent (ΔEorb ) character (ΔEelstat :ΔEorb 55:45 LS→64:36 HS), mostly due to a big drop in σ (ΔEorb,σ ↓50 %; -310→-145 kcal mol-1 ), and a drop in π contributions (ΔEorb,π ↓90 %; -30→-3 kcal mol-1 ). 3) Strong correlation of observed T1/2 and ΔEorb,σ+π , for both LS and HS families (R2 =0.99 LS, R2 =0.95 HS), but no correlation of T1/2 and ΔΔEorb,σ+π (LS-HS) (R2 =0.11). Overall, this study has established and validated an EDA-NOCV protocol for M-L bonding analysis of any diamagnetic or paramagnetic, homoleptic or heteroleptic, octahedral transition metal complex. This new and widely applicable EDA-NOCV protocol holds great promise as a predictive tool.

Carbones and Carbon Atom as Ligands in Transition Metal Complexes

This review summarizes experimental and theoretical studies of transition metal complexes with two types of novel metal-carbon bonds. One type features complexes with carbones CL₂ as ligands, where the carbon(0) atom has two electron lone pairs which engage in double (σ and π) donation to the metal atom [M]⇇CL₂. The second part of this review reports complexes which have a neutral carbon atom C as ligand. Carbido complexes with naked carbon atoms may be considered as endpoint of the series [M]-CR₃ → [M]-CR₂ → [M]-CR → [M]-C. This review includes some work on uranium and cerium complexes, but it does not present a complete coverage of actinide and lanthanide complexes with carbone or carbide ligands.