Combining metal-metal cooperativity, metal-ligand cooperativity and chemical non-innocence in diiron carbonyl complexes

FETPY: a Diiron(I) Thio-Carbyne Complex with Prominent Anticancer Activity In Vitro and In Vivo

FETPY, an organo-diiron(I) complex, showed strong cytotoxicity across a panel of human and mouse cancer cell lines, combined with an outstanding selectivity compared to nonmalignant cells. Enhanced iron uptake in aggressive, low-differentiated cell lines, caused membrane lipid peroxidation, which resulted in ferroptosis in human ovarian cancer cells. FETPY induced significant morphological changes in murine B16-F1 and B16-F10 melanoma cells, leading to senescence and/or trans-differentiation into Schwann-like cells, thus significantly reducing their tumorigenic potential. Additionally, FETPY substantially suppressed tumor growth in low- and high-grade syngeneic melanoma models when administered in a therapeutic regimen. FETPY is featured by satisfactory water solubility (millimolar range), an amphiphilic character (Log Pow = -0.17), and excellent stability in a biological medium (DMEM). These important requisites for drug development are rarely met in iron complexes investigated so far as possible anticancer agents. Overall, FETPY holds promise as a safe and potent targeted antitumor agent.

Protic- or anionic-NHCs with a classical-NHC in a single [Ru(CNC)(PPh3)2Cl]Cl pincer complex: direct comparison of structure & electronic properties and heterolytic H2 splitting

Herein, we report the first set of pincer complexes 1 and 2 with the general formula [Ru(CNC)(PPh3)2Cl]Cl having a protic- and classical-NHC in the same molecule and nearly identical environments. Deprotonation of the protic-NHC complex 2 with one equivalent of base leads to the formation of anionic-NHC complex 2'. These complexes allow a direct comparison of protic- and anionic-NHCs with the classical-NHC ligand. A comparison of the molecular structure indicated that the metal carbene bond length trend is anionic-NHC > protic-NHC > classical-NHC. The electrochemical investigation revealed the electron donation tendency is classical-NHC > protic-NHC and anionic-NHC > protic-NHC. Cooperation between the metal and the ligand is indicated by the reaction of 2' with H2 gas at 1 atm pressure and 110 °C to give the Ru-hydride complex 3.

Cyclopropanation Using Electrons Derived from Hydrogen: Reaction of Alkenes and Hydrogen without Hydrogenation

Have you ever imagined reactions of alkenes with hydrogen that result in anything other than hydrogenation or hydrogenative C-C coupling? We have long sought to develop not only hydrogenation catalysts that activate H2 as hydride ions but also electron transfer catalysts that activate H2 as a direct electron donor. Here, we report the reductive cyclopropanation of alkenes using an iridium electron storage catalyst with H2 as the electron source without releasing metal waste from the reductant. We discuss the catalytic mechanism with selectivity to give the trans-isomer. These findings are based on the isolation of three complexes and density functional theory calculations.

Mixed valence triiron complexes from the conjugation of [FeIFeI] and [FeII] complexes via intermolecular carbyne/alkyne coupling

We present a new synthetic strategy for obtaining mixed-valence triiron complexes where the metal centers are bridged by a novel, highly functionalized hydrocarbyl ligand. The alkynyl-vinyliminium complexes [Fe2Cp2(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η1:η3-C(X-CCH)CHCNMe2}]CF3SO3 (X = 4-C6H4, [2a1]CF3SO3; X = (CH2)3, [2a2]CF3SO3) were synthesized in almost quantitative yields from the aminocarbyne precursor [Fe2Cp2(CO)2(μ-CO){μ-CNMe2}]CF3SO3, [1a]CF3SO3, and the di-alkynes HCC-X-CCH. Then, the ferracycle [Fe(Cp)(CO){C(NMe2)CHC(4-C6H4CCH)C(O)}], 4a1, was produced in 47% yield from the cleavage of [2a1]CF3SO3 promoted by pyrrolidine. Subsequent reactions of the acetonitrile adducts [Fe2Cp2(CO)(μ-CO)(NCMe){μ-CNMe(R)}]CF3SO3 (R = Me, [1aACN]CF3SO3; R = Xyl, [1bACN]CF3SO3) ([FeIFeI]) with 4a1 ([FeII]) at room temperature resulted in the formation of [FeIFeIFeII] complexes [Fe2Cp2(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η1:η3-C(X-CCHC(NMe2)FeCp(CO)CO)CHCNMe(R)}]CF3SO3 (R = Me, [5a1]CF3SO3; R = Xyl, [5b1]CF3SO3) in yields ranging from 56% to 64%. The new products were characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and the structures of [2a2]CF3SO3 and 4a1 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemical studies on [5a1]+ have revealed that reduction and oxidation events occur almost independently at the [FeIFeI] and [FeII] units, respectively. This observation underscores a minimal electronic interaction between the two fragments within the triiron complex. Accordingly, DFT studies pointed out that the HOMO and LUMO orbitals are predominantly localized in the two distinct compartments of [5a1]+.

Triiron Complex with N-Ferrocenyl Aminocarbyne Ligand Bridging a Diiron Core: DFT, Electrochemical, and Biological Insights

The first N-ferrocenyl aminocarbyne complex, [Fe2Cp2(CO)2(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(Fc)}]CF3SO3 ([2]CF3SO3), was synthesized with an 88% yield from [Fe2Cp2(CO)4], isocyanoferrocene (CNFc), and methyl triflate. The synthesis proceeded through the intermediate formation of [Fe2Cp2(CO)3(CNFc)], 1. Multinuclear NMR experiments revealed the presence of cis and trans isomers for [2]CF3SO3 in organic solvents, in agreement with DFT outcomes. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies demonstrated one reduction process occurring prevalently at the diiron core and one oxidation involving the ferrocenyl substituent. The oxidation process is expected to favor the redox activation of [2]+ in a biological environment. Both [2]CF3SO3 and its phenyl analogue [Fe2Cp2(CO)2(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(Ph)}]CF3SO3 ([3]CF3SO3), prepared for comparison, exerted moderate antiproliferative activity against the human cancer cell lines A431, HCT-15, PSN-1, 2008, and U1285. However, [2]CF3SO3 exhibited a higher cytotoxicity than [3]CF3SO3, showed a substantial ability to induce intracellular ROS production, and outperformed cisplatin in a three-dimensional SCLC cell model.

Unsymmetrical Imidazopyrimidine-Based Ligand and Bimetallic Complexes

With bimetallic catalysts becoming increasingly important, the development of electronically and structurally diverse binucleating ligands is desired. This work describes the synthesis of unsymmetric ligand 2,7-di(pyridin-2-yl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine (dpip) that is achieved in four steps on a multigram scale in an overall 54% yield. The ability of dpip to act as a scaffold for the formation of bimetallic complexes is demonstrated with the one-step syntheses of the dicopper complex [Cu2(dpip)(μ-OH)(CF3COO)3] (4), the dipalladium complex [Pd2(dpip)(μ-OH)(CF3COO)2](CF3COO)·CF3COOH (5), and the dimeric dinickel complex [Ni4(dpip)2(μ-Cl)4Cl2MeOH6][2Cl] (6) in good yields (79-92%). All bimetallic complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods and X-ray crystallography, which revealed metal-metal distances between 3.4821(9) and 4.106(2) Å. Additionally, quantum chemical calculations were conducted on complex 4 and an analogous 1,8-naphthyridine-based dicopper complex to investigate the differences between the imidazopyrimidine motif reported here and the widely used 1,8-naphthyridine motif. Natural bonding orbital (NBO) and Mayer bond order (MBO) analyses validated the ability of dpip to coordinate metals more strongly. Finally, NBO calculations quantified the differences in the binding energy between the two pockets of the unsymmetrical dpip ligand.

Utilising a Proton-Responsive 1,8-Naphthyridine Ligand for the Synthesis of Bimetallic Palladium and Platinum Complexes

We present four proton-responsive palladium and platinum complexes, [MCl2 (R PONNHO)] (M=Pd, Pt; R=i Pr, t Bu) synthesised by complexation of PdCl2 or PtCl2 (COD) with the 1,8-naphthyridine ligand R PONNHO. Deprotonation of [MCl2 (tBu PONNHO)] switches ligand coordination from mono- to dinucleating, offering a synthetic pathway to bimetallic PdII and PtII complexes [M2 Cl2 (tBu PONNO)2 ]. Two-electron reduction gives planar MI -MI complexes [M2 (tBu PONNO)2 ] (M=Pd, Pt) containing a metal-metal bond. In contrast to the related nickel system that forms a metallophosphorane [Ni2 (tBu PONNOPONNO)], an unusual phosphinite binding mode is observed in [M2 (tBu PONNO)2 ] containing close phosphinite-naphthyridinone P⋅⋅⋅O interactions, which is investigated spectroscopically, crystallographically and computationally. The presented proton-responsive and structurally-responsive R PONNHO and bimetallic R PONNO complexes offer a novel platform for future explorations of metal-ligand and metal-metal cooperativity with palladium and platinum.

Homotropic Cooperativity in Iron-Catalyzed Alkyne Cyclotrimerizations

Enhancing catalytic activity through synergic effects is a current challenge in homogeneous catalysis. In addition to the well-established metal-metal and metal-ligand cooperation, we showcase here an example of self-activation by the substrate in controlling the catalytic activity of the two-coordinate iron complex [Fe(2,6-Xyl₂C₆H₃)₂] (1, Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃). This behavior was observed for aryl acetylenes in their regioselective cyclotrimerization to 1,2,4-(aryl)-benzenes. Two kinetically distinct regimes are observed dependent upon the substrate-to-catalyst ratio ([RC≡CH]₀/[1]₀), referred to as the low ([RC≡CH]₀/[1]₀ < 40) and high ([RC≡CH]₀/[1]₀ > 40) regimes. Both showed sigmoidal kinetic response, with positive Hill indices of 1.85 and 3.62, respectively, and nonlinear Lineweaver-Burk replots with an upward curvature, which supports positive substrate cooperativity. Moreover, two alkyne molecules participate in the low regime, whereas up to four are involved in the high regime. The second-order rate dependence on 1 indicates that binuclear complexes are the catalytically competent species in both regimes, with that in the high one being 6 times faster than that involved in the low one. Moreover, Eyring plot analyses revealed two different catalytic cycles, with a rate-determining step more endergonic in the low regime than in the high one, but with a more ordered transition state in the high regime than in the low one.

Diiron Aminocarbyne Complexes with NCE− Ligands (E = O, S, Se)

Diiron μ-aminocarbyne complexes [Fe2Cp2(NCMe)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(R)}]CF3SO3 (R = Xyl, [1aNCMe]CF3SO3; R = Me, [1bNCMe]CF3SO3; R = Cy, [1cNCMe]CF3SO3; R = CH2Ph, [1dNCMe]CF3SO3), freshly prepared from tricarbonyl precursors [1a–d]CF3SO3, reacted with NaOCN (in acetone) and NBu4SCN (in dichloromethane) to give [Fe2Cp2(kN-NCO)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(R)}] (R = Xyl, 2a; Me, 2b; Cy, 2c) and [Fe2Cp2(kN-NCS)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(CH2Ph)}], 3 in 67–81% yields via substitution of the acetonitrile ligand. The reaction of [1aNCMe–1cNCMe]CF3SO3 with KSeCN in THF at reflux temperature led to the cyanide complexes [Fe2Cp2(CN)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CNMe(R)}], 6a–c (45–67%). When the reaction of [1aNCMe]CF3SO3 with KSeCN was performed in acetone at room temperature, subsequent careful chromatography allowed the separation of moderate amounts of [Fe2Cp2(kSe-SeCN)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}], 4a, and [Fe2Cp2(kN-NCSe)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}], 5a. All products were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy; moreover, the molecular structure of trans-6b was ascertained by single crystal X-ray diffraction. DFT calculations were carried out to shed light on the coordination mode and stability of the {NCSe-} fragment.

Adding Diversity to Diiron Aminocarbyne Complexes with Amine Ligands

The reactions of the diiron aminocarbyne complexes [Fe2Cp2(NCMe)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(R)}]CF3SO3 (R = Me, 1aNCMe; R = Cy, 1bNCMe), freshly prepared from the tricarbonyl precursors 1a–b, with primary amines containing an additional function (i.e., alcohol or ether) proceeded with the replacement of the labile acetonitrile ligand and formation of [Fe2Cp2(NH2CH2CH2OR’)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(R)}]CF3SO3 (R = Me, R’ = H, 2a; R = Cy, R’ = H, 2b; R = Cy, R’ = Me, 2c) in 81–95% yields. The diiron-oxazolidinone conjugate [Fe2Cp2(NH2OX)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)2}]CF3SO3, 3, was prepared from 1a, 3-(2-aminoethyl)-5-phenyloxazolidin-2-one (NH2OX) and Me3NO, and finally isolated in 96% yield. In contrast, the one pot reactions of 1a-b with NHEt2 in the presence of Me3NO gave the unstable [Fe2Cp2(NHEt2)(CO)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(R)}]CF3SO3 (R = Me, 4a; R = Cy, 4b) as unclean products. All diiron complexes were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques; moreover, the behavior of 2a–c and 3 in aqueous media was ascertained.

Quantification of the Steric Properties of 1,8-Naphthyridine-Based Ligands in Dinuclear Complexes

Steric properties of ligands are an important parameter for tuning the reactivity of the corresponding complexes. For various ligands used in mononuclear complexes, methods have been developed to quantify their steric bulk. In this work, we present an expansion of the buried volume and the G-parameter to quantify the steric properties of 1,8-napthyridine-based dinuclear complexes. Using this methodology, we explored the tunability of the steric properties associated with these ligands and complexes.

E-selective Semi-hydrogenation of Alkynes under Mild Conditions by a Diruthenium Hydride Complex

The synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of a new class of diruthenium hydrido carbonyl complexes bound to the ^tBu PNNP expanded pincer ligand is described. Reacting ^tBu PNNP with two equiv of RuHCl(PPh₃ )₃ (CO) at 140 °C produces an insoluble air-stable complex, which was structurally characterized as [Ru₂ (^tBu PNNP)H(μ-H)Cl(μ-Cl)(CO)₂ ] (1) using solid-state NMR, IR and X-ray absorption spectroscopies and follow-up reactivity. A reaction with KOtBu results in deprotonation of a methylene linker to produce [Ru₂ (^tBu PNNP^* )H(μ-H)(μ-OtBu)(CO)₂ ] (3) featuring a partially dearomatized naphthyridine core. This enables metal-ligand cooperative activation of H₂ analogous to the mononuclear analogue, [Ru(^tBu PNP*)H(CO)]. In contrast to the mononuclear system, the bimetallic analogue 3 catalyzes the E-selective semi-hydrogenation of alkynes at ambient temperature and atmospheric H₂ pressure with good functional group tolerance. Monitoring the semi-hydrogenation of diphenylacetylene by ¹ H NMR spectroscopy shows the intermediacy of Z-stilbene, which is subsequently isomerized to the E-isomer. Initial findings into the mode of action of this system are provided, including the spectroscopic characterization of a polyhydride intermediate and the isolation of a deactivated species with a partially hydrogenated naphthyridine backbone.

The Backbone of Success of P,N-Hybrid Ligands: Some Recent Developments

Organophosphorus ligands are an invaluable family of compounds that continue to underpin important roles in disciplines such as coordination chemistry and catalysis. Their success can routinely be traced back to facile tuneability thus enabling a high degree of control over, for example, electronic and steric properties. Diphosphines, phosphorus compounds bearing two separated P^III donor atoms, are also highly valued and impart their own unique features, for example excellent chelating properties upon metal complexation. In many classical ligands of this type, the backbone connectivity has been based on all carbon spacers only but there is growing interest in embedding other donor atoms such as additional nitrogen (–NH–, –NR–) sites. This review will collate some important examples of ligands in this field, illustrate their role as ligands in coordination chemistry and highlight some of their reactivities and applications. It will be shown that incorporation of a nitrogen-based group can impart unusual reactivities and important catalytic applications.

Insights into Triazolylidene Ligands Behaviour at a Di-Iron Site Related to [FeFe]-Hydrogenases

The behaviour of triazolylidene ligands coordinated at a {Fe₂(CO)₅(µ-dithiolate)} core related to the active site of [FeFe]-hydrogenases have been considered to determine whether such carbenes may act as redox electron-reservoirs, with innocent or non-innocent properties. A novel complex featuring a mesoionic carbene (MIC) [Fe₂(CO)₅(Pmpt)(µ-pdt)] (1; Pmpt = 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidene; pdt = propanedithiolate) was synthesized and characterized by IR, ¹H, ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopies, elemental analyses, X-ray diffraction, and cyclic voltammetry. Comparison with the spectroscopic characteristics of its analogue [Fe₂(CO)₅(Pmbt)(µ-pdt)] (2; Pmbt = 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-butyl-1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidene) showed the effect of the replacement of a n-butyl by a phenyl group in the 1,2,3-triazole heterocycle. A DFT study was performed to rationalize the electronic behaviour of 1, 2 upon the transfer of two electrons and showed that such carbenes do not behave as redox ligands. With highly perfluorinated carbenes, electronic communication between the di-iron site and the triazole cycle is still limited, suggesting low redox properties of MIC ligands used in this study. Finally, although the catalytic performances of 2 towards proton reduction are weak, the protonation process after a two-electron reduction of 2 was examined by DFT and revealed that the protonation process is favoured by S-protonation but the stabilized diprotonated intermediate featuring a {Fe-H⋯H-S} interaction does not facilitate the release of H₂ and may explain low efficiency towards HER (Hydrogen Evolution Reaction).

Metal-Ligand Cooperativity in Iron Dinitrogen Complexes: Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Disproportionation and an Anionic Fe(0)N2 Hydride

Metal-ligand cooperativity and redox-active ligands enable the use of open-shell first-row transition metals in catalysis. However, the fleeting nature of the reactive intermediates prevents direct inspection of the relevant catalytic species. By employing phosphine α-iminopyridine (PNN)-based complexes, we show that chemical and redox metal-ligand cooperativity can be combined in the coordination sphere of iron dinitrogen complexes. These systems show dual activation modes either through deprotonation, which triggers reversible core dearomatization, or through reversibly accepting one electron by reducing the imine functionality. (PNN)Fe(N₂) fragments can be obtained under mildly reducing conditions. Deprotonation of such complexes induces dearomatization of the pyridine core while retaining a terminally coordinated N₂ ligand. This species is nevertheless stable in solution only below -30 °C and undergoes unusual ligand-assisted redox disproportionation through proton-coupled electron transfer at room temperature. The origin of this phenomenon is the significant lability of the α-imine C-H bonds in the dearomatized species, where the calculated bond dissociation free energy is 48.7 kcal mol^-1. The dispropotionation reaction yields an overreduced iron compound, demonstrating that the formation of such species can be triggered by mild bases, and does not require harsh reducing agents. Reaction of the dearomatized species with dihydrogen yields a rare anionic Fe hydride that binds dinitrogen and features a rearomatized core.