NHC-induced conversion of a W–Ge double bond into the triple bond through formation of W–Ge single and double bonded intermediates

Tetrylenes are Able to Discern between Isomeric Structures of Unsaturated Osmium(IV) Polyhydrides

Hexahydride OsH6(PiPr3)2 (1) releases H2 to form the isomeric tetrahydrides 2 a and 2 b of general formula OsH4(PiPr3)2. Tetrylenes E{N(SiMe3)2}2 (E=Ge, Sn) are able to selectively trap these isomers distinguishing between them. Tetrylene Ge{N(SiMe3)2}2 catches 2 b to generate OsH4{Ge[N(SiMe3)2]2}(PiPr3)2 (3), which has a piano stool geometry, while Sn{N(SiMe3)2}2 captures 2 a to give OsH4{Sn[N(SiMe3)2]2}(PiPr3)2 (4) with the donor atoms defining a pentagonal bipyramid around the osmium center.

Neutral Chromium Complex with a Cr≡Si Triple Bond: Synthesis and Photoinduced H-H and Benzene C-H Bond Activation

A neutral silylyne complex with a Cr≡Si triple bond was prepared by dehydrogenation of a chromium silylene complex with Cr-H and Si-H bonds, and was isolated as monomeric crystals, unlike dimeric forms of its tungsten and molybdenum congeners. The strong Cr(δ-)-Si(δ+) bond polarity was revealed by the reaction with MeOH and DFT calculations. The chromium silylyne complex reacted with H2 under LED (365 nm) irradiation to reproduce the precursor silylene complex with a (H)Cr=Si(H) moiety, as a result of 1,2-H-H addition across the Cr≡Si triple bond. Similarly, the chromium silylyne complex reacted with benzene under irradiation to afford an 1,2-addition product with a (H)Cr=Si(Ph) moiety, via benzene C-H bond activation accompanied by Si-C bond forming.

Π-Character of Chromium Germylyne Complex in the Reactions with Enone, Butadiene, and Alkynes: Formation of Germacycles through [2+4] Cycloaddition with Conjugated Molecules

Germylyne complex Cp*(OC)2 Cr≡Ge{C(SiMe3 )3 } (1) reacted with methyl vinyl ketone to give an η3 -allyl complex 2 with an oxagermacyclopentenyl ring. An analogous η3 -allyl complex 3 with a germacyclopentenyl ring was obtained by the reaction with butadiene, a non-polar conjugated molecule, under photoirradiation. These reactions are accompanied by cleavage of the Cr≡Ge triple bond. On the other hand, the reactions of complex 1 with alkynes under photoirradiation resulted in clean substitution of a CO ligand of 1 to afford (η2 -alkyne)germylyne complexes, where the Cr≡Ge triple bond is intact.

Synthesis of Cobalt-Tin and -Lead Tetrylidynes-Reactivity Study of the Triple Bond

Tetrylidynes [TbbSn≡Co(PMe3 )3 ] (1 a) and [TbbPb≡Co(PMe3 )3 ] (2) (Tbb=2,6-[CH(SiMe3 )2 ]2 -4-(t-Bu)C6 H2 ) are accessed for the first time via a substitution reaction between [Na(OEt2 )][Co(PMe3 )4 ] and [Li(thf)2 ][TbbEBr2 ] (E=Sn, Pb). Following an alternative procedure the stannylidyne [Ar*Sn≡Co(PMe3 )3 ] (1 b) was synthesized by hydrogen atom abstraction using AIBN from the paramagnetic hydride complex [Ar*SnH=Co(PMe3 )3 ] (4) (AIBN=azobis(isobutyronitrile)). The stannylidyne 1 a adds two equivalents of water to yield the dihydroxide [TbbSn(OH)2 CoH2 (PMe3 )3 ] (5). In reaction of the stannylidyne 1 a with CO2 a product of a redox reaction [TbbSn(CO3 )Co(CO)(PMe3 )3 ] (6) was isolated. Protonation of the tetrylidynes occurs at the cobalt atom to give the metalla-stanna vinyl cation [TbbSn=CoH(PMe3 )3 ][BArF 4 ] (7 a) [ArF =C6 H3 -3,5-(CF3 )2 ]. The analogous germanium and tin cations [Ar*E=CoH(PMe3 )3 ][BArF 4 ] (E=Ge 9, Sn 7 b) (Ar*=C6 H3 (2,6-Trip)2 , Trip=2,4,6-C6 H2 iPr3 ) were also obtained by oxidation of the paramagnetic complexes [Ar*EH=Co(PMe3 )3 ] (E=Ge 3, Sn 4), which were synthesized by substitution of a PMe3 ligand of [Co(PMe3 )4 ] by a hydridoylene (Ar*EH) unit.

Heavy metalla vinyl-cations show metal-Lewis acid cooperativity in reaction with small molecules (NH3, N2H4, H2O, H2)

Halide abstraction from tetrylidene complexes [TbbE(Br)IrH(PMe3)3] [E = Ge (1), Sn (2)] and [Ar*E(Cl)IrH(PMe3)3] gives the salts [TbbEIrH(PMe3)3][BArF 4] [E = Ge (3), Sn (4)] and [Ar*EIrH(PMe3)3][BArF 4] [E = Ge (3'), E = Sn (4')] (Tbb = 2,6-[CH(SiMe3)2]2-4-(t-Bu)C6H2, Ar* = 2,6-Trip2C6H3, Trip = 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl). Bonding analysis suggests their most suitable description as metalla-tetrela vinyl cations with an Ir[double bond, length as m-dash]E double bond and a near linear coordination at the Ge/Sn atoms. Cationic complexes 3 and 4 oxidatively add NH3, N2H4, H2O, HCl, and H2 selectively to give: [TbbGe(NH2)IrH2(PMe3)3][BArF 4] (5), [TbbE(NHNH2)IrH2(PMe3)3][BArF 4] [E = Ge (7), Sn (8)], [TbbE(OH)IrH2(PMe3)3][BArF 4] [E = Ge (9), Sn (10)], [TbbE(Cl)IrH2(PMe3)3][BArF 4] [E = Ge (11a), Sn (12a)], [TbbGe(H)IrH2(PMe3)3][BArF 4] (13), [TbbSn(μ-H3)Ir(PMe3)3][BArF 4] (14), and [TbbSn(H)IrH2(PMe3)3][BArF 4] (15). 14 isomerizes to give 15via an 1,2-H shift reaction. Hydride addition to cation 3 gives a mixture of products [TbbGeHIrH(PMe3)3] (16) and [TbbGeIrH2(PMe3)3] (17) and a reversible 1,2-H shift between 16 and 17 was studied. In the tin case 4 the dihydride [TbbSnIrH2(PMe3)3] (18) was isolated exclusively. The PMe3 and PEt3 derivatives, 18 and [TbbSnIrH2(PEt3)3] (19), respectively, could also be synthesized in reaction of [TbbSnH2]- with the respective chloride [(R3P) n IrCl] (R = Me, n = 4; R = Et, n = 3). Reaction of complex 19 with CO gives the substitution product [TbbSnIrH2(CO)(PEt3)2] (20). Further reaction with CO results in hydrogen transfer from the iridium to the tin atom to give [TbbSnH2Ir(CO)2(PEt3)2] (21). The reversibility of this ligand induced reductive elimination transferring 20 to 21 is shown.

Activation of Ge-H and Sn-H Bonds with N-Heterocyclic Carbenes and a Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbene

A study of the reactivity of several N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and the cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene 1-(2,6-di-iso-propylphenyl)-3,3,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrrolidin-2-ylidene (cAACMe ) with the group 14 hydrides GeH2 Mes2 and SnH2 Me2 (Me=CH3 , Mes=1,3,5-(CH3 )3 C6 H2 ) is presented. The reaction of GeH2 Mes2 with cAACMe led to the insertion of cAACMe into one Ge-H bond to give cAACMe H-GeHMes2 (1). If 1,3,4,5-tetramethyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene (Me2 ImMe ) was used as the carbene, NHC-mediated dehydrogenative coupling occurred, which led to the NHC-stabilized germylene Me2 ImMe ⋅GeMes2 (2). The reaction of SnH2 Me2 with cAACMe also afforded the insertion product cAACMe H-SnHMe2 (3), and reaction of two equivalents Me2 ImMe with SnH2 Me2 gave the NHC-stabilized stannylene Me2 ImMe ⋅SnMe2 (4). If the sterically more demanding NHCs Me2 ImMe , 1,3-di-isopropyl-4,5-dimethyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene (iPr2 ImMe ) and 1,3-bis-(2,6-di-isopropylphenyl)-imidazolin-2-ylidene (Dipp2 Im) were employed, selective formation of cyclic oligomers (SnMe2 )n (5; n=5-8) in high yield was observed. These cyclic oligomers were also obtained from the controlled decomposition of cAACMe H-SnHMe2 (3).

Reversible Oxidative Addition of Zinc Hydride at a Gallium(I)-Centre: Labile Mono- and Bis(hydridogallyl)zinc Complexes

In the presence of TMEDA (N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine), partially deaggregated zinc dihydride as hydrocarbon suspensions react with the gallium(I) compound [(BDI)Ga] (I, BDI={HC(C(CH3 )N(2,6-iPr2 -C6 H3 ))2 }- ) by formal oxidative addition of a Zn-H bond to the gallium(I) centre. Dissociation of the labile TMEDA ligand in the resulting complex [(BDI)Ga(H)-(H)Zn(tmeda)] (1) facilitates insertion of a second equiv. of I into the remaining Zn-H to form a thermally sensitive trinuclear species [{(BDI)Ga(H)}2 Zn] (2). Compound 1 exchanges with polymeric zinc dideuteride [ZnD2 ]n in the presence of TMEDA, and with compounds I and 2 via sequential and reversible ligand dissociation and gallium(I) insertion. Spectroscopic and computational studies demonstrate the reversibility of oxidative addition of each Zn-H bond to the gallium(I) centres.

Reactivity of organogermanium and organotin trihydrides

The organogermanium and organotin trihydrides (TbbEH₃) [E = Ge (3), Sn (7)] with the Tbb substituent were synthesized by hydride substitution (Tbb = 2,6-[CH(SiMe₃)₂]₂-4-(t-Bu)C₆H₂). Deprotonation of the organoelement trihydrides 3 and 7 was studied in reaction with bases MeLi, BnK and LDA (Bn = benzyl, LDA = lithium diisopropylamide) to yield the deprotonation products (8-11) as lithium or potassium salts. Hydride abstraction from TbbSnH₃ using the trityl salt [Ph₃C][Al(OC{CF₃}₃)₄] gives the salt [TbbSnH₂][Al(OC{CF₃}₃)₄] (12) which was stabilized by thf donor ligands [TbbSnH₂(thf)₂][Al(OC{CF₃}₃)₄] (13). Tintrihydride 7 reacts with trialkylamine Et₂MeN to give as the product of a reductive elimination of hydrogen the distannane (TbbSnH₂)₂ (14). Transfer of hydrogen was observed in reaction of trihydrides TbbEH₃ (E = Ge, Sn) and Ar*GeH₃ with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC). The NHC adduct TbbSnH(^iPrNHC) (15) was synthesized at rt and the germanium hydrides exhibit hydrogen transfer at higher temperatures to give Ar*GeH(^MeNHC) (16) and TbbGeH(^MeNHC) (17).

Hydridotetrylene [Ar*EH] (E = Ge, Sn, Pb) coordination at tantalum, tungsten, and zirconium

In a reaction of tantalocene trihydride with the low valent aryl tin cation [Ar*Sn(C₆H₆)][Al(OC{CF₃}₃)₄] (1a) the hydridostannylene complex [Cp₂TaH₂–Sn(H)Ar*][Al(OC{CF₃}₃)₄] (2) was synthesized. Hydride bridged adducts [Cp₂WH₂EAr*][Al(OC{CF₃}₃)₄] (E = Sn 3a, Pb 3b) were isolated as products of the reaction between Cp₂WH₂ and cations [Ar*E(C₆H₆)][Al(OC{CF₃}₃)₄] (E = Sn 1a, Pb 1b). The tin adduct 3a exhibits a proton migration to give the hydridostannylene complex [Cp₂W(H) Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> Sn(H)Ar*][Al(OC{CF₃}₃)₄] 4a. The cationic complex 4a is deprotonated at the tin atom in reaction with base ^MeNHC at 80 °C to give a hydrido-tungstenostannylene [Cp₂W(H)SnAr*] 5a. Reprotonation of metallostannylene 5a with acid [H(Et₂O)₂][BAr^F] provides an alternative route to hydridotetrylene coordination. Complex 4a adds hydride to give the dihydrostannyl complex [Cp₂W(H)–SnH₂Ar*] (7). With styrene 4a shows formation of a hydrostannylation product [Cp₂W(H)Sn(CH₂CH₂Ph)Ar*][Al(OC{CF₃}₃)₄] (8). The lead adduct 3b was deprotonated with ^MeNHC to give plumbylene 5b [Cp₂W(H)PbAr*]. Protonation of 5b with [H(Et₂O)₂][Al(OC{CF₃}₃)₄] at −40 °C followed by low temperature NMR spectroscopy indicates a hydridoplumbylene intermediate [Cp₂W(H)Pb(H)Ar*]⁺ (4b). Hydrido-tungstenotetrylenes of elements Ge (5c), Sn (5a) and Pb (5b) were also synthesized reacting the salt [Cp₂W(H)Li]₄ with organotetrylene halides. The metallogermylene [Cp₂W(H)GeAr*] (5c) shows an isomerization via 1,2-H-migration to give the hydridogermylene [Cp₂WGe(H)Ar*] (9), which is accelerated by addition of AIBN. 9 is at rt photochemically transferred back to 5c under light of a mercury vapor lamp. Zirconocene dihydride [Cp₂ZrH₂]₂ reacts with tin cation 1a to give the trinuclear hydridostannylene adduct 10 [({Cp₂Zr}₂{μ-H})(μ-H)₂μ-Sn(H)Ar*][Al(OC{CF₃}₃)₄]. Deprotonation of 10 was carried out using benzyl potassium to give neutral [({Cp₂Zr}₂{μ-H})(μ-H)μ-Sn(H)Ar*] (11). 11 was also obtained from the reaction of low valent tin hydride [Ar*SnH]₂ with two equivalents of [Cp₂ZrH₂]₂. The trihydride Ar*SnH₃ reacts with half of an equivalent of [Cp₂ZrH₂]₂ under evolution of hydrogen and formation of a dihydrostannyl complex 13 [Cp₂Zr(μ-H)SnH₂Ar*]₂ and with further equivalents of Ar*SnH₃ to give bis(hydridostannylene) complex [Cp₂Zr{Sn(H)Ar*}₂].

Low valent cations of tin and lead were used to form hydridotetrylene coordination compounds. The mobility of the hydrogen substituent was investigated in deprotonation equilibria as well as in 1,2-H-shift reactions.

Molecular Main Group Metal Hydrides

This review serves to document advances in the synthesis, versatile bonding, and reactivity of molecular main group metal hydrides within Groups 1, 2, and 12-16. Particular attention will be given to the emerging use of said hydrides in the rapidly expanding field of Main Group element-mediated catalysis. While this review is comprehensive in nature, focus will be given to research appearing in the open literature since 2001.

Transition metal chemistry of heavier group 14 congener triple-bonded complexes: syntheses and reactivity

The diversification and synthetic utility of carbyne complexes in organometallic chemistry and catalysis are well recognized, but the syntheses of related heavier group 14 alkylidyne complexes are a recent advancement. A wide range of metal-ylidyne M[triple bond, length as m-dash]E (E = Si-Pb) complexes were synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. The synthetic methodology generally involves elimination or substitution chemistry between metallates and suitable group 14 precursors. The reluctance in forming triple bonded complexes makes this field quite fascinating and challenging. This article gives a brief overview of the pioneering reports followed by detailed information on the latest developments of complexes having a triple bond between a metal and heavier group 14 elements (Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb). Their synthesis and chemistry of the earlier reports followed by recent progress in this field will be discussed. Furthermore, their unique structures and bonding properties will be described based on spectroscopic and theoretical studies.

The key role of R-NHC coupling (R = C, H, heteroatom) and M-NHC bond cleavage in the evolution of M/NHC complexes and formation of catalytically active species

Complexes of metals with N-heterocyclic carbene ligands (M/NHC) are typically considered the systems of choice in homogeneous catalysis due to their stable metal-ligand framework. However, it becomes obvious that even metal species with a strong M-NHC bond can undergo evolution in catalytic systems, and processes of M-NHC bond cleavage are common for different metals and NHC ligands. This review is focused on the main types of the M-NHC bond cleavage reactions and their impact on activity and stability of M/NHC catalytic systems. For the first time, we consider these processes in terms of NHC-connected and NHC-disconnected active species derived from M/NHC precatalysts and classify them as fundamentally different types of catalysts. Problems of rational catalyst design and sustainability issues are discussed in the context of the two different types of M/NHC catalysis mechanisms.