Dihydrogen complexes as prototypes for the coordination chemistry of saturated molecules

Synthesis and characterization of NiAl-hydride heterometallics: perturbing electron density within Al-H-Ni subunits

Heterometallic hydride complexes are of growing interest due to their potential to contribute to highly active insertion-based catalysis; however, methods to modulate electron density within this class of molecules are underexplored. Addition of ancillary ligands to heterotrimetallic NiAl2H2 species (1) results in the formation of heterobimetallic NiAl-hydride complexes with varying phosphine donors (2-(L)2). Incorporation of sigma donating ancillary ligands of increasing strength led to contractions of the Ni-Al distances correlated to a strengthening of a back donation interaction to the Al-H sigma antibonding orbital, most prominently present in 2-(PMe3)2. Demethylation of the aryl ether from 2-(PMe3)2 provides access to a novel anionic nickel-aluminum complex (3) with a maintained bridged hydride moiety between Ni and Al. Increased negative charge in complex 3 results in an elongation of the Ni-Al interaction. Combined crystallographic, spectroscopic, and computational studies support a 3-center interaction within the Al-H-Ni subunits and were used to map the degree of Ni-H character of the series within the Al-H-Ni bonding continuum.

Cooperative H2 activation at a nickel(0)-olefin centre

Catalytic olefin hydrogenation is ubiquitous in organic synthesis. In most proposed homogeneous catalytic cycles, reactive M-H bonds are generated either by oxidative addition of H2 to a metal centre or by deprotonation of a non-classical metal dihydrogen (M-H2) intermediate. Here we provide evidence for an alternative H2-activation mechanism that instead involves direct ligand-to-ligand hydrogen transfer (LLHT) from a metal-bound H2 molecule to a metal-coordinated olefin. An unusual pincer ligand that features two phosphine ligands and a central olefin supports the formation of a non-classical Ni-H2 complex and the Ni(alkyl)(hydrido) product of LLHT, in rapid equilibrium with dissolved H2. The usefulness of this cooperative H2-activation mechanism for catalysis is demonstrated in the semihydrogenation of diphenylacetylene. Experimental and computational mechanistic investigations support the central role of LLHT for H2 activation and catalytic semihydrogenation. The product distribution obtained is largely determined by the competition between (E)-(Z) isomerization and catalyst degradation by self-hydrogenation.

Remotely Bonded Bridging Dioxygen Ligands Enhance Hydrogen Transfer in a Silica-Supported Tetrairidium Cluster Catalyst

A longstanding challenge in catalysis by noble metals has been to understand the origin of enhancements of rates of hydrogen transfer that result from the bonding of oxygen near metal sites. We investigated structurally well-defined catalysts consisting of supported tetrairidium carbonyl clusters with single-atom (apical iridium) catalytic sites for ethylene hydrogenation. Reaction of the clusters with ethylene and H2 followed by O2 led to the onset of catalytic activity as a terminal CO ligand at each apical Ir atom was removed and bridging dioxygen ligands replaced CO ligands at neighboring (basal-plane) sites. The presence of the dioxygen ligands caused a 6-fold increase in the catalytic reaction rate, which is explained by the electron-withdrawing capability induced by the bridging dioxygen ligands, consistent with the inference that reductive elimination is rate-determining. Electronic-structure calculations demonstrate an additional role of the dioxygen ligands, changing the mechanism of hydrogen transfer from one involving equatorial hydride ligands to that involving bridging hydride ligands. This mechanism is made evident by an inverse kinetic isotope effect observed in ethylene hydrogenation reactions with H2 and, alternatively, with D2 on the cluster incorporating the dioxygen ligands and is a consequence of quasi-equilibrated hydrogen transfer in this catalyst. The same mechanism accounts for rate enhancements induced by the bridging dioxygen ligands for the catalytic reaction of H2 with D2 to give HD. We posit that the mechanism involving bridging hydride ligands facilitated by oxygen ligands remote from the catalytic site may have some generality in catalysis by oxide-supported noble metals.

On the σ-complex character of bis(gallyl)/digallane transition metal species

σ-complexes of homoatomic E-E bonds are key intermediates in catalytically relevant oxidative addition reactions, but are as yet unknown for the group 13 elements. Here, stable species best described as σ-complexes of a 1,2-dichlorodigallane derivative with Ni and Pd are reported. They are readily accessed through the combination of a 1,2-dichlorodigallane derivative, which features chelating phosphine functionalities, with Ni0 and Pd0 synthons. In-depth computational analyses of these complexes importantly reveal considerable Ga-Ga bonding interactions in both Ni and Pd complexes, despite the expected elongation of the Ga-Ga bond upon complexation, suggestive of σ-complex character as opposed to more commonly described bis(gallyl) character. Finally, the well-defined disproportion of the Ni complex is described, leading to a unique GaI-nickel complex, with concomitant expulsion of uncomplexed GaIII species.

Palladium-Phosphide-Modified Three-Dimensional Phospho-Doped Graphene Materials for Hydrogen Storage

The development of efficient hydrogen storage materials is crucial for advancing hydrogen-based energy systems. In this study, we prepared a highly innovative palladium-phosphide-modified P-doped graphene hydrogen storage material with a three-dimensional configuration (3D Pd₃P_0.95/P-rGO) using a hydrothermal method followed by calcination. This 3D network hindering the stacking of graphene sheets provided channels for hydrogen diffusion to improve the hydrogen adsorption kinetics. Importantly, the construction of the three-dimensional palladium-phosphide-modified P-doped graphene hydrogen storage material improved the hydrogen absorption kinetics and mass transfer process. Furthermore, while acknowledging the limitations of primitive graphene as a medium in hydrogen storage, this study addressed the need for improved graphene-based materials and highlighted the significance of our research in exploring three-dimensional configurations. The hydrogen absorption rate of the material increased obviously in the first 2 h compared with two-dimensional sheets of Pd₃P/P-rGO. Meanwhile, the corresponding 3D Pd₃P_0.95/P-rGO-500 sample, which was calcinated at 500 °C, achieved the optimal hydrogen storage capacity of 3.79 wt% at 298 K/4 MPa. According to molecular dynamics, the structure was thermodynamically stable, and the calculated adsorption energy of a single H₂ molecule was -0.59 eV/H₂, which was in the ideal range of hydrogen ad/desorption. These findings pave the way for the development of efficient hydrogen storage systems and advance the progress of hydrogen-based energy technologies.

Probing the binding and activation of small molecules by gas-phase transition metal clusters via IR spectroscopy

Isolated transition metal clusters have been established as useful models for extended metal surfaces or deposited metal particles, to improve the understanding of their surface chemistry and of catalytic reactions. For this objective, an important milestone has been the development of experimental methods for the size-specific structural characterization of clusters and cluster complexes in the gas phase. This review focusses on the characterization of molecular ligands, their binding and activation by small transition metal clusters, using cluster-size specific infrared action spectroscopy. A comprehensive overview and a critical discussion of the experimental data available to date is provided, reaching from the initial results obtained using line-tuneable CO₂ lasers to present-day studies applying infrared free electron lasers as well as other intense and broadly tuneable IR laser sources.

Synergistic Catalysis in Heterobimetallic Complexes for Homogeneous Carbon Dioxide Hydrogenation

Two heterobimetallic Mo,M’ complexes (M’ = IrIII, RhIII) were synthesized and fully characterized. Their catalytic activity in homogeneous carbon dioxide hydrogenation to formate was studied. A pronounced synergistic effect between the two metals was found, most notably between Mo and Ir, leading to a fourfold increase in activity compared with a binary mixture of the two monometallic counterparts. This synergism can be attributed to spatial proximity of the two metals rather than electronic interactions. To further understand the nature of this interaction, the mechanism of the CO2 hydrogenation to formate by a monometallic IrIII catalyst was studied using computational and spectroscopic methods. The resting state of the reaction was found to be the metal-base adduct, whereas the rate-determining step is the inner-sphere hydride transfer to CO2. Based on these findings, the synergism in the heterobimetallic complex is beneficial in this key step, most likely by further activating the CO2.

Theoretical study on the mechanism of the hydrogen evolution reaction catalyzed by platinum subnanoclusters

The smallest subnanocluster models of platinum colloid (Pt_n) are supposed to diffuse in aqueous media in order to examine their behaviors when they are subjected to the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction under zero overpotential conditions at pH 0. The DFT approach allows us to clarify the nature of individual proton transfer (PT) and electron transfer (ET) processes together with the importance of relying on concerted proton-electron transfer (CPET) pathways to promote the majority of H* adsorption processes by Pt_n subnanoclusters. Although the CPET processes are closely correlated with the Volmer steps (Pt + H⁺ + e^- → Pt-H*) described so far in electrochemistry, our study for the first time points out the essential capability of the Pt_n clusters to promote the multiple PT steps without the need to transfer any electrons, revealing the fundamentally high basicity of the naked Pt_n clusters (pK_a = 27-28 for Pt₄, Pt₅, and Pt₆). The discrete cluster models adopted herein avoid the structural constraints forced by the standard slab models and enable us to discuss the drastic alterations in the geometric and electronic structures of the intermediates given by the consecutive promotion of multiple CPET steps. The weakening of the Pt-H* bond strength with the increasing number of CPET steps is well rationalized by carefully examining the changes in the ν(Pt-H*) vibrational frequencies, the hydricity, and the H₂ desorption energy. The behaviors are also correlated with the underpotential and overpotential deposited hydrogen atoms (H_UPD and H_OPD) discussed in electrochemical studies for many years.

Dihydrogen Bonding-Seen through the Eyes of Vibrational Spectroscopy

In this work, we analyzed five groups of different dihydrogen bonding interactions and hydrogen clusters with an H3+ kernel utilizing the local vibrational mode theory, developed by our group, complemented with the Quantum Theory of Atoms-in-Molecules analysis to assess the strength and nature of the dihydrogen bonds in these systems. We could show that the intrinsic strength of the dihydrogen bonds investigated is primarily related to the protonic bond as opposed to the hydridic bond; thus, this should be the region of focus when designing dihydrogen bonded complexes with a particular strength. We could also show that the popular discussion of the blue/red shifts of dihydrogen bonding based on the normal mode frequencies is hampered from mode-mode coupling and that a blue/red shift discussion based on local mode frequencies is more meaningful. Based on the bond analysis of the H3+(H2)n systems, we conclude that the bond strength in these crystal-like structures makes them interesting for potential hydrogen storage applications.

σ-GeH and Germyl Cationic Pt(II) Complexes

The low electron count Pt(II) complexes [Pt(NHC')(NHC)][BAr^F] (where NHC is a N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and NHC' its metalated form) react with tertiary hydrogermanes HGeR₃ at room temperature to generate the 14-electron platinum(II) germyl derivatives [Pt(GeR₃)(NHC)₂][BAr^F]. Low-temperature NMR studies allowed us to detect and characterize spectroscopically some of the σ-GeH intermediates [Pt(η²-HGeR₃)(NHC')(NHC)][BAr^F] that evolve into the platinum-germyl species. One of these compounds has been characterized by X-ray diffraction studies, and the interaction of the H-Ge bond with the platinum center has been analyzed in detail by computational methods, which suggest that the main contribution is the donation of the H-Ge to a σ*(Pt-C) orbital, but backdonation from the platinum to the σ*(Ge-H) orbital is significant. Primary and secondary hydrogermanes also produce the corresponding platinum-germyl complexes, a result that contrasts with the reactivity observed with primary silanes, in which carbon-silicon bond-forming reactions have been reported. According to density functional theory calculations, the formation of Pt-Ge/C-H bonds is both kinetically and thermodynamically preferred over the competitive reaction pathway leading to Pt-H/C-Ge bonds.

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.

On the energetics of binding and hydride exchange in the RuH2(H2)2[P(C5H9)3)]2 complex as revealed by inelastic neutron scattering and DFT studies

Low temperature quantum rotation of dihydrogen in RuH2(H2)2[P(C5H9)3)]2 switched to a facile hydride exchange above 150 K.

A-X⋯σ Interactions-Halogen Bonds with σ-Electrons as the Lewis Base Centre

CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ//ωB97XD/aug-cc-pVTZ calculations were performed for halogen-bonded complexes. Here, the molecular hydrogen, cyclopropane, cyclobutane and cyclopentane act as Lewis base units that interact through the electrons of the H–H or C–C σ-bond. The FCCH, ClCCH, BrCCH and ICCH species, as well as the F₂, Cl₂, Br₂ and I₂ molecular halogens, act as Lewis acid units in these complexes, interacting through the σ-hole localised at the halogen centre. The Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM), the Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) and the Energy Decomposition Analysis (EDA) approaches were applied to analyse these aforementioned complexes. These complexes may be classified as linked by A–X···σ halogen bonds, where A = C, X (halogen). However, distinct properties of these halogen bonds are observed that depend partly on the kind of electron donor: dihydrogen, cyclopropane, or another cycloalkane. Examples of similar interactions that occur in crystals are presented; Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) searches were carried out to find species linked by the A–X···σ halogen bonds.

Ambient-Temperature Hydrogen Storage via Vanadium(II)-Dihydrogen Complexation in a Metal-Organic Framework

The widespread implementation of H2 as a fuel is currently hindered by the high pressures or cryogenic temperatures required to achieve reasonable storage densities. In contrast, the realization of materials that strongly and reversibly adsorb hydrogen at ambient temperatures and moderate pressures could transform the transportation sector and expand adoption of fuel cells in other applications. To date, however, no adsorbent has been identified that exhibits a binding enthalpy within the optimal range of -15 to -25 kJ/mol for ambient-temperature hydrogen storage. Here, we report the hydrogen adsorption properties of the metal-organic framework (MOF) V2Cl2.8(btdd) (H2btdd, bis(1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-b],[4',5'-i])dibenzo[1,4]dioxin), which features exposed vanadium(II) sites capable of backbonding with weak π acids. Significantly, gas adsorption data reveal that this material binds H2 with an enthalpy of -21 kJ/mol. This binding energy enables usable hydrogen capacities that exceed that of compressed storage under the same operating conditions. The Kubas-type vanadium(II)-dihydrogen complexation is characterized by a combination of techniques. From powder neutron diffraction data, a V-D2(centroid) distance of 1.966(8) Å is obtained, the shortest yet reported for a MOF. Using in situ infrared spectroscopy, the H-H stretch was identified, and it displays a red shift of 242 cm-1. Electronic structure calculations show that a main contribution to bonding stems from the interaction between the vanadium dπ and H2 σ* orbital. Ultimately, the pursuit of MOFs containing high densities of weakly π-basic metal sites may enable storage capacities under ambient conditions that far surpass those accessible with compressed gas storage.

Boosting homogeneous chemoselective hydrogenation of olefins mediated by a bis(silylenyl)terphenyl-nickel(0) pre-catalyst

The isolable chelating bis(N-heterocyclic silylenyl)-substituted terphenyl ligand [SiII(Terp)SiII] as well as its bis(phosphine) analogue [PIII(Terp)PIII] have been synthesised and fully characterised. Their reaction with Ni(cod)2 (cod = cycloocta-1,5-diene) affords the corresponding 16 VE nickel(0) complexes with an intramolecular η 2-arene coordination of Ni, [E(Terp)E]Ni(η 2-arene) (E = PIII, SiII; arene = phenylene spacer). Due to a strong cooperativity of the Si and Ni sites in H2 activation and H atom transfer, [SiII(Terp)SiII]Ni(η 2-arene) mediates very effectively and chemoselectively the homogeneously catalysed hydrogenation of olefins bearing functional groups at 1 bar H2 pressure and room temperature; in contrast, the bis(phosphine) analogous complex shows only poor activity. Catalytic and stoichiometric experiments revealed the important role of the η2-coordination of the Ni(0) site by the intramolecular phenylene with respect to the hydrogenation activity of [SiII(Terp)SiII]Ni(η 2-arene). The mechanism has been established by kinetic measurements, including kinetic isotope effect (KIE) and Hammet-plot correlation. With this system, the currently highest performance of a homogeneous nickel-based hydrogenation catalyst of olefins (TON = 9800, TOF = 6800 h-1) could be realised.

Biochemical and artificial pathways for the reduction of carbon dioxide, nitrite and the competing proton reduction: effect of 2nd sphere interactions in catalysis

Reduction of oxides and oxoanions of carbon and nitrogen are of great contemporary importance as they are crucial for a sustainable environment.

Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study on Hampered Phosphine Dissociation in Heteroleptic Ni/Zn Complexes

Heterometallic Ni/Zn complexes can serve as molecular models for the semihydrogenation of acetylene catalyzed by heterogeneous Ni/Zn phases. Pursuing this target, we present the synthesis of the series [Ni(ZnCp*)_n(ZnMe)_n(PEt₃)_4-n] (n = 1-3; 1, 2, 3) which is obtained via E/Zn exchange from [Ni(ECp*)_n(PEt₃)_4-n] (n = 1-3, E = Al, Ga; P1, P2, P3). The isolation of the intermediate compound [Ni(GaCp*)(ZnCp*)(ZnMe)(PEt₃)₂] (2a) supports the assumption of a stepwise Ga/Zn exchange in the formation of 3. The dissociation behavior of PEt₃ in 2 and 3 was investigated experimentally using variable temperature (VT) UV-vis spectroscopy indicating suppressed phosphine dissociation in both cases. For comparison, the absorption spectra of the saturated and unsaturated compounds were calculated using time dependent DFT calculations (TDDFT). Energy decomposition analysis with the natural orbital for chemical valence extension (EDA NOCV) calculations shows a bond strengthening of the Ni-P bond by successive substitution of the phosphines with (ZnR)₂ units. The influence of different phosphines (PMe₃, PEt₃, PPh₃, P(OEt)₃) on Ni-P bond length and on Zn-Zn interactions in [Ni(ZnR)_2n(PR')_4-n] (R = Cp*, Me; R' = Me, Et, Ph, OEt) was also studied by DFT calculations. A correlation of increasing sterical demand of the phosphine ligand and a shortening of the Zn-Zn distances is observed.

σ-H-H, σ-C-H, and σ-Si-H Bond Activation Catalyzed by Metal Nanoparticles

Activation of H-H, Si-H, and C-H bonds through σ-bond coordination has grown in the past 30 years from a scientific curiosity to an important tool in the functionalization of hydrocarbons. Several mechanisms were discovered via which the initially σ-bonded substrate could be converted: oxidative addition, heterolytic cleavage, σ-bond metathesis, electrophilic attack, etc. The use of metal nanoparticles (NPs) in this area is a more recent development, but obviously nanoparticles offer a much richer basis than classical homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts for tuning reactivity for such a demanding process as C-H functionalization. Here, we will review the surface chemistry of nanoparticles and catalytic reactions occurring in the liquid phase, catalyzed by either colloidal or supported metal NPs. We consider nanoparticles prepared in solution, which are stabilized and tuned by polymers, ligands, and supports. The question we have addressed concerns the differences and similarities between molecular complexes and metal NPs in their reactivity toward σ-bond activation and functionalization.

Interaction of Hydrogen with MB6 (M = Ba, Ca, La, and Sr) Surfaces from First Principles

We show results of basic energetics and interacting behavior of hydrogen with metal hexaboride surfaces using a combination of self-consistent density functional calculations and dynamics based on the Car-Parrinello method. Our results show that hydrogen is strongly attracted to localized exposed boron atoms and interactions with the terminal cations are strictly repulsive. From these, preliminary local adsorption energy calculations suggest that a single hydrogen molecule per surface unit-cell is possible (one ML). Strongest bonds are found when hydrogen is above the terminal boron atoms affected by reduced coordination and dangling bonds. This location serves to restore the hexaboride unit to a more stable structure by providing electronic density to the deficient surface octahedra. Additionally, trajectories from dynamic simulations provide insight into how hydrogen recombination reactions occur on the surface through dissociative adsorption and the method of travel prior to recombination to be along the octahedral face and bridging sites connecting separate unit cells on the surface. Upon adsorption, a single hydrogen atom becomes localized at the dangling bond site while the second interacts with the surface along a weaker potential energy path. Desorption at lower temperatures occurs when migrating atoms from separate adsorption sites intersect to form a new pair.

Predicted M(H2)12n+ (M = Ac, Th, Pa, U, La and n = 3, 4) complexes with twenty-four hydrogen atoms bound to the metal ion

Herein, we have shown that La(iii), Ac(iii), Th(iii), Th(iv), Pa(iv) and U(iv) can directly bind with a maximum of 24 hydrogen atoms in M(H2)12 in the first sphere of coordination, which would be a new record in any metal-hydrogen complex investigated at the molecular level, where all the hydrogen atoms are directly connected to the central metal ion through M-η2(H2) bonds. Moreover, Ac(H2)n3+ (n = 9-12) systems satisfy the 18-electron rule.

A quantum dynamical study of the rotation of the dihydrogen ligand in the Fe(H)2(H2)(PEtPh2)3 coordination complex

Progress in the hydrogen fuel field requires a clear understanding and characterization of how materials of interest interact with hydrogen. Due to the inherently quantum mechanical nature of hydrogen nuclei, any theoretical studies of these systems must be treated quantum dynamically. One class of material that has been examined in this context are dihydrogen complexes. Since their discovery by Kubas in 1984, many such complexes have been studied both experimentally and theoretically. This particular study examines the rotational dynamics of the dihydrogen ligand in the Fe(H)₂(H₂)(PEtPh₂)₃ complex, allowing for full motion in both the rotational degrees of freedom and treating the quantum dynamics (QD) explicitly. A "gas-phase" global potential energy surface is first constructed using density functional theory with the Becke, 3-parameter, Lee-Yang-Parr functional; this is followed by an exact QD calculation of the corresponding rotation/libration states. The results provide insight into the dynamical correlation of the two rotation angles as well as a comprehensive analysis of both ground- and excited-state librational tunneling splittings. The latter was computed to be 6.914 cm^-1-in excellent agreement with the experimental value of 6.4 cm^-1. This work represents the first full-dimensional ab initio exact QD calculation ever performed for dihydrogen ligand rotation in a coordination complex.

Visualizing the molecular wave function in σ-coordinated complexes

The π-complex theory developed by Michael J. S. Dewar in 1949 has had its most profound impact as part of the Dewar-Chatt-Duncanson model, a seminal and foundational contribution to the field of organometallic chemistry. Over time it has demonstrated its utility in systems far from those originally envisaged, including σ-coordinated metal-complexes. This latter application is notable due to Dewar's original skepticism that his π-complex theory could be extended to σ-bonds. Separately it has previously been demonstrated that a one-electron wave function. can be shown to satisfy an exact one-electron Schrödinger equation describing the motion of the single electron in the average field of the remaining electrons. To celebrate the centenary of his birth this paper seeks to demonstrate that σ-coordinated metal-complexes present a perfect system to exemplify both the utility of the one-electron wave function and the power of the π-complex theory.

Homogeneous polymetallic ruthenium(ii)^zinc(ii) complexes: robust catalysts for the efficient hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone

New Ru(ii) complexes (1 and 2) have been synthesized and reacted with Zn(OAc)₂ to form hexanuclear complexes (3 and 4) containing four Ru(ii) and two Zn(ii) centres. The latter are highly active and recyclable catalyst for the conversion of levulinic acid to GVL.

Stable, Yet Highly Reactive Nonclassical Iron(II) Polyhydride Pincer Complexes: Z-Selective Dimerization and Hydroboration of Terminal Alkynes

The synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of nonclassical iron(II) polyhydride complexes containing tridentate PNP pincer-type ligands is described. These compounds of the general formula [Fe(PNP)(H)₂(η²-H₂)] exhibit remarkable reactivity toward terminal alkynes. They efficiently promote the catalytic dimerization of aryl acetylenes giving the corresponding conjugated 1,3-enynes in excellent yields with low catalyst loadings. When the reaction is carried out in the presence of pinacolborane, vinyl boronates are obtained. Both reactions take place under mild conditions and are highly chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective with up to 99% Z-selectivity.

Magnesium, zinc, aluminium and gallium hydride complexes of the transition metals

The preparation and applications of heterobimetallic complexes continue to occupy researchers in the fields of organometallic, main group, and coordination chemistry. This interest stems from the promise these complexes hold as precursors to materials, reagents in synthesis and as new catalysis. Here we survey and organise the state-of-the-art understanding of the TM-H-M linkage (M = Mg, Zn, Al, Ga). We discuss the structure and bonding in these complexes, their known reactivity, and their largely unrealised potential in catalysis.