Solid-state interconversions: unique 100 % reversible transformations between the ground and metastable states in single-crystals of a series of nickel(II) nitro complexes

The solid-state, low-temperature linkage isomerism in a series of five square planar group 10 phosphino nitro complexes have been investigated by a combination of photocrystallographic experiments, Raman spectroscopy and computer modelling. The factors influencing the reversible solid-state interconversion between the nitro and nitrito structural isomers have also been investigated, providing insight into the dynamics of this process. The cis-[Ni(dcpe)(NO₂)₂] (1) and cis-[Ni(dppe)(NO₂)₂] (2) complexes show reversible 100 % interconversion between the η¹-NO₂ nitro isomer and the η¹-ONO nitrito form when single-crystals are irradiated with 400 nm light at 100 K. Variable temperature photocrystallographic studies for these complexes established that the metastable nitrito isomer reverted to the ground-state nitro isomer at temperatures above 180 K. By comparison, the related trans complex [Ni(PCy₃)₂(NO₂)₂] (3) showed 82 % conversion under the same experimental conditions at 100 K. The level of conversion to the metastable nitrito isomers is further reduced when the nickel centre is replaced by palladium or platinum. Prolonged irradiation of the trans-[Pd(PCy₃)₂(NO₂)₂] (4) and trans-[Pt(PCy₃)₂(NO₂)₂] (5) with 400 nm light gives reversible conversions of 44 and 27 %, respectively, consistent with the slower kinetics associated with the heavier members of group 10. The mechanism of the interconversion has been investigated by theoretical calculations based on the model complex [Ni(dmpe)Cl(NO₂)].

Photocrystallographic identification of metastable nitrito linkage isomers in a series of nickel(II) complexes

Single crystal photocrystallographic experiments and solid state Raman spectroscopy have been used to determine the low temperature, metastable structures of the nickel(ii) nitrito complexes [Ni(aep)(2)(η(1)-ONO)(2)] 1#O (aep = 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine), [Ni(aem)(2)(η(1)-ONO)(2)] 2#O (aem = 1-(2-aminoethyl)morpholine), and [Ni(aepy)(2)(η(1)-ONO)(2)] 3#O (aepy = 1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidine and where the #O denotes the oxygen-bound nitrito metastable molecule). These linkage isomers of the equivalent nitro complexes [Ni(aep)(2)(η(1)-NO(2))(2)] 1, [Ni(aem)(2)(η(1)-NO(2))(2)] 2 and [Ni(aepy)(2)(η(1)-NO(2))(2)] 3 are formed by LED irradiation at temperatures below 120 K. The behavior of the three complexes upon irradiation is generally similar, but some subtle differences have been observed. From the crystallographic studies all three complexes 1-3 exhibit the endo-nitrito linkage isomer upon irradiation, however, for 3# (a crystal structure that contains components of both 3 and 3#O) an exo-nitrito isomer is also observed. Under conditions of 90-100 K, with blue light, the conversion percentages to the nitrito isomers, 1#O, 2#O and 3#O were 16%, 22% and 30%, respectively. At temperatures below 110 K all three nitrito isomers were stable for over four hours but while 2#O and 3#O could be detected at temperatures down to 30 K, at temperatures below 60 K the metastable structure 1#O appeared to be quenched and only the nitro isomer 1 was identified in the crystal. The solid state Raman spectra for 1#, 2# and 3# confirmed the photocrystallographic results with the nitrito isomers being identified from the O-N-O deformation vibrations.

Fluorescent gallium and indium bis(thiosemicarbazonates) and their radiolabelled analogues: synthesis, structures and cellular confocal fluorescence imaging investigations

New fluorescent and biocompatible aromatic Ga(III)- and In(III)-bis(thiosemicarbazonato) complexes for dual mode optical and PET or SPECT molecular imaging have been synthesised via a synthetic method based on transmetallation reactions from Zn(II) precursors. Complexes have been fully characterised in the solid state by single crystal X-ray diffraction and in solution by spectroscopic methods (UV/Vis, fluorescence, (1)H and (13)C{(1)H} NMR). The bis(thiosemicarbazones) radiolabelled rapidly in high yields under mild conditions with (111)In (a gamma and Auger emitter for SPECT imaging and radiotherapy with t(1/2) = 2.8 d) and (68)Ga (a generator-available positron emitter for PET imaging with t(1/2) = 68 min). Cytotoxicity and biolocalisation studies using confocal fluorescence imaging and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) techniques have been used to study their in vitro activities and stabilities in HeLa and PC-3 cells to ascertain their suitability as synthetic scaffolds for future multimodality molecular imaging in cancer diagnosis and therapy. The observation that the indium complexes show certain nuclear uptake could be of relevance towards developing (111)In therapeutic agents based on Auger electron emission to induce DNA damage.

Photocrystallography – design and methodology for the use of a light-emitting diode device

With the increase in interest in photocrystallographic experiments, the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) provides an alternative, low-budget light source (by comparison to lasers) and allows photocrystallographic experiments to be carried out readily. Here the design of an LED array device suitable for use in single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments is reported, and the experimental methodology used for determining the structures of metastable species is described.

Intermolecular alkene and alkyne hydroacylation with beta-S-substituted aldehydes: mechanistic insight into the role of a hemilabile P-O-P ligand

A straightforward to assemble catalytic system for the intermolecular hydroacylation reaction of beta-S-substituted aldehydes with activated and unactivated alkenes and alkynes is reported. These catalysts promote the hydroacylation reaction between beta-S-substituted aldehydes and challenging substrates, such as internal alkynes and 1-octene. The catalysts are based upon [Rh(cod)(DPEphos)][ClO(4)] (DPEphos=bis(2-diphenylphosphinophenyl)ether, cod=cyclooctadiene) and were designed to make use of the hemilabile capabilities of the DPEphos ligand to stabilise key acyl-hydrido intermediates against reductive decarbonylation, which results in catalyst death. Studies on the stoichiometric addition of aldehyde (either ortho-HCOCH(2)CH(2)SMe or ortho-HCOC(6)H(4)SMe) and methylacrylate to precursor acetone complexes [Rh(acetone)(2)(DPEphos)][X] [X=closo-CB(11)H(6)Cl(6) or [BAr(F) (4)] (Ar(F)=3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3))] reveal the role of the hemilabile DPEphos ligand. The crystal structure of [Rh(acetone)(2)(DPEphos)][X] shows a cis-coordinated diphosphine ligand with the oxygen atom of the DPEphos distal from the rhodium. Addition of aldehyde forms the acyl hydride complexes [Rh(DPEphos)(COCH(2)CH(2)SMe)H][X] or [Rh(DPEphos)(COC(6)H(4)SMe)H][X], which have a trans-spanning DPEphos ligand and a coordinated ether group. Compared to analogous complexes prepared with dppe (dppe=1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), these DPEphos complexes show significantly increased resistance towards reductive decarbonylation. The crystal structure of the reductive decarbonylation product [Rh(CO)(DPEphos)(EtSMe)][closo-CB(11)H(6)I(6)] is reported. Addition of alkene (methylacrylate) to the acyl-hydrido complexes forms the final complexes [Rh(DPEphos)(eta(1)-MeSC(2)H(4)-eta(1)-COC(2)H(4)CO(2)Me)][X] and [Rh(DPEphos)(eta(1)-MeSC(6)H(4)-eta(1)-COC(2)H(4)CO(2)Me)][X], which have been identified spectroscopically and by ESIMS/MS. Intermediate species in this transformation have been observed and tentatively characterised as the alkyl-acyl complexes [Rh(CH(2)CH(2)CO(2)Me)(COC(2)H(4)SMe)(DPEphos)][X] and [Rh(CH(2)CH(2)CO(2)Me)(COC(6)H(4)SMe)(DPEphos)][X]. In these complexes, the DPEphos ligand is now cis chelating. A model for the (unobserved) transient alkene complex that would result from addition of alkene to the acyl-hydrido complexes comes from formation of the MeCN adducts [Rh(DPEphos)(MeSC(2)H(4)CO)H(MeCN)][X] and [Rh(DPEphos)(MeSC(6)H(4)CO)H(MeCN)][X]. Changing the ligand from DPEphos to one with a CH(2) linkage, [Ph(2)P(C(6)H(4))](2)CH(2), gave only decomposition on addition of aldehyde to the acetone precursor, which demonstrated the importance of the hemiabile ether group in DPEphos. With [Ph(2)P(C(6)H(4))](2)S, the sulfur atom has the opposite effect and binds too strongly to the metal centre to allow access to productive acetone intermediates.

[Rh(C7H8)(PPh3)Cl]: an experimental charge-density study

In order to gain a deeper understanding into the bonding situation in rhodium complexes containing rhodium–carbon interactions, the experimental charge-density analysis for [Rh(C7H8)(PPh3)Cl] (1) is reported. Accurate, high-resolution (sin θ/λ = 1.08 Å−1), single-crystal data were obtained at 100 K. The results from the investigation were interesting in relation to the interactions between the rhodium metal centre and the norbornadiene fragment and illustrate the importance of such analyses in studying bonding in organometallic complexes.

Cationic rhodium mono-phosphine fragments partnered with carborane monoanions [closo-CB11H6X6]- (X = H, Br). Synthesis, structures and reactivity with alkenes

Addition of the new phosphonium carborane salts [HPR(3)][closo-CB(11)H(6)X(6)] (R = (i)Pr, Cy, Cyp; X = H 1a-c, X = Br 2a-c; Cy = C(6)H(11), Cyp = C(5)H(9)) to [Rh(nbd)(mu-OMe)](2) under a H(2) atmosphere gives the complexes Rh(PR(3))H(2)(closo-CB(11)H(12)) 3 (R = (i)Pr 3a, Cy 3b, Cyp 3c) and Rh(PR(3))H(2)(closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)) 4 (R = (i)Pr 4a, Cy 4b, Cyp 4c). These complexes have been characterised spectroscopically, and for 4b by single crystal X-ray crystallography. These data show that the {Rh(PR(3))H(2)}(+) fragment is interacting with the lower hemisphere of the [closo-CB(11)H(6)X(6)](-) anion on the NMR timescale, through three Rh-H-B or Rh-Br interactions for complexes 3 and 4 respectively. The metal fragment is fluxional over the lower surface of the cage anion, and mechanisms for this process are discussed. Complexes 3a-c are only stable under an atmosphere of H(2). Removing this, or placing under a vacuum, results in H(2) loss and the formation of the dimer species Rh(2)(PR(3))(2)(closo-CB(11)H(12))(2) 5a (R = (i)Pr), 5b (R = Cy), 5c (R = Cyp). These dimers have been characterised spectroscopically and for 5b by X-ray diffraction. The solid state structure shows a dimer with two closely associated carborane monoanions surrounding a [Rh(2)(PCy(3))(2)](2+) core. One carborane interacts with the metal core through three Rh-H-B bonds, while the other interacts through two Rh-H-B bonds and a direct Rh-B link. The electronic structure of this molecule is best described as having a dative Rh(I) --> Rh(III), d(8)--> d(6), interaction and a formal electron count of 16 and 18 electrons for the two rhodium centres respectively. Addition of H(2) to complexes 5a-c regenerate 3a-c. Addition of alkene (ethene or 1-hexene) to 5a-c or 3a-c results in dehydrogenative borylation, with 1, 2, and 3-B-vinyl substituted cages observed by ESI-MS: [closo-(RHC[double bond, length as m-dash]CH)(x)CB(11)H(12-x)](-)x = 1-3, R = H, C(4)H(9). Addition of H(2) to this mixture converts the B-vinyl groups to B-ethyl; while sequential addition of 4 cycles of ethene (excess) and H(2) to CH(2)Cl(2) solutions of 5a-c results in multiple substitution of the cage (as measured by ESI-MS), with an approximately Gaussian distribution between 3 and 9 substitutions. Compositionally pure material was not obtained. Complexes 4a-c do not lose H(2). Addition of tert-butylethene (tbe) to 4a gives the new complex Rh(P(i)Pr(3))(eta(2)-H(2)C=CH(t)Bu)(closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)) 6, characterised spectroscopically and by X-ray diffraction, which show coordination of the alkene ligand and bidentate coordination of the [closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)](-) anion. By contrast, addition of tbe to 4b or 4c results in transfer dehydrogenation to give the rhodium complexes Rh{PCy(2)(eta(2)-C(6)H(9))}(closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)) 7 and Rh{PCyp(2)(eta(2)-C(5)H(7))}(closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)) 9, which contain phosphine-alkene ligands. Complex has been characterised crystallographically.

C-C sigma complexes of rhodium

In this article, the complexes [Rh(Binor-S')(PR3)][BAr(4)(F)] (R = (i)Pr, Cy, C(5)H(9)) are described. A combination of x-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, density functional theory, and "atoms in molecules" calculations unequivocally demonstrates that the complexes contain rare examples of metal...C-C agostic interactions. Moreover, they are fluxional on the NMR time scale, undergoing rapid and reversible C-C activation. Kinetic data and calculations point to a bismetallacyclobutane, Rh(V), intermediate.

Sequential Reduction of High Hydride Count Octahedral Rhodium Clusters [Rh6(PR3)6H12][BArF4]2: Redox-Switchable Hydrogen Storage

Cyclic voltammetry on the octahedral rhodium clusters with 12 bridging hydride ligands, [Rh6(PR3)6H12][BArF4]2 (R = Cy Cy-[H12]2+, R = iPr iPr-[H12]2+; [BArF4]- = [B{C6H3(CF3)2}4]-) reveals four potentially accessible redox states: [Rh6(PR3)6H12]0/1+/2+/3+. Chemical oxidation did not produce stable species, but reduction of Cy-[H12]2+ using Cr(eta6-C6H6)2 resulted in the isolation of Cy-[H12]+. X-ray crystallography and electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) show this to be a monocation, while EPR and NMR measurements confirm that it is a monoradical, S = 1/2, species. Consideration of the electron population of the frontier molecular orbitals is fully consistent with this assignment. A further reduction is mediated by Co(eta5-C5H5)2. In this case the cleanest reduction was observed with the tri-isopropyl phosphine cluster, to afford neutral iPr-[H12]. X-ray crystallography confirms this to be neutral, while NMR and magnetic measurements (SQUID) indicate an S =1 paramagnetic ground state. The clusters Cy-[H12]+ and iPr-[H12] both take up H2 to afford Cy-[H14]+ and iPr-[H14], respectively, which have been characterized by ESI-MS, NMR spectroscopy, and UV-vis spectroscopy. Inspection of the frontier molecular orbitals of S = 1 iPr-[H12] suggest that addition of H2 should form a diamagnetic species, and this is the case. The possibility of "spin blocking" in this H2 uptake is also discussed. Electrochemical investigations on the previously reported Cy-[H16]2+ [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 6247] show an irreversible loss of H2 on reduction, presumably from an unstable Cy-[H16]+ species. This then forms Cy-[H12]2+ on oxidation which can be recharged with H2 to form Cy-[H16]2+. We show that this loss of H2 is kinetically fast (on the millisecond time scale). Loss of H2 upon reduction has also been followed using chemical reductants and ESI-MS. This facile, reusable gain and loss of 2 equiv of H2 using a simple one-electron redox switch represents a new method of hydrogen storage. Although the overall storage capacity is very low (0.1%) the attractive conditions of room temperature and pressure, actuation by the addition of a single electron, and rapid desorption kinetics make this process of interest for future H2 storage applications.

[Ir(PPh3)2(H)2(ClCH2CH2Cl)][BArF4]: a well characterised transition metal dichloroethane complex

Reaction of [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(COD)][BAr(F)(4)] with H(2) in dichloroethane solution results in [Ir(PPh(3))(2)(H)(2)(ClCH(2)CH(2)Cl)][BAr(F)(4)], which has been fully characterised by X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy and ESI-MS. Its activity towards alkene hydrogenation has been compared with analogous CH(2)Cl(2) complexes.

A DFT based investigation into the electronic structure and properties of hydride rich rhodium clusters

Density functional theory has been used to investigate the structures, bonding and properties of a family of hydride rich late transition metal clusters of the type [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(12)](x) (x = 0, +1, +2, +3 or +4), [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(16)](x) (x = +1 or +2) and [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(14)](x) (x = 0, +1 or +2). The positions of the hydrogen atoms around the pseudo-octahedral Rh(6) core in the optimized structures of [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(12)](x) (x = 0, +1, +2, +3 or +4) varied depending on the overall charge on the cluster. The number of semi-bridging hydrides increased (semi-bridging hydrides have two different Rh-H bond distances) as the charge on the cluster increased and simultaneously the number of perfectly bridging hydrides (equidistant between two Rh centers) decreased. This distortion maximized the bonding between the hydrides and the metal centers and resulted in the stabilization of orbitals related to the 2T(2g) set in a perfectly octahedral cluster. In contrast, the optimized structures of the 16-hydride clusters [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(12)](x) (x = +1 or +2) were similar and both clusters contained an interstitial hydride, along with one terminal hydride, ten bridging hydrides and two coordinated H(2) molecules which were bound to two rhodium centers in an eta(2):eta(1)-fashion. All the hydrides were on the outside of the Rh(6) core in the lowest energy structures of the 14-hydride clusters [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(14)] and [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(14)](+), which both contained eleven bridging hydrides, one terminal hydride and one coordinated H(2) molecule. Unfortunately, the precise structure of [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(14)](2+) could not be determined as structures both with and without an interstitial hydride were of similar energy. The reaction energetics for the uptake and release of two molecule of H(2) by a cycle consisting of [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(12)](2+), [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(16)](2+), [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(14)](+), [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(12)](+) and [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(14)](2+) were modelled, and, in general, good agreement was observed between experimental and theoretical results. The electronic reasons for selected steps in the cycle were investigated. The 12-hydride cluster [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(12)](2+) readily picks up two molecules of H(2) to form [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(16)](2+) because it has a small HOMO-LUMO gap (0.50 eV) and a degenerate pair of LUMO orbitals available for the uptake of four electrons (which are provided by two molecules of H(2)). The reverse process, the spontaneous release of a molecule of H(2) from [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(16)](+) to form [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(14)](+) occurs because the energy gap between the anti-bonding SOMO and the next highest energy occupied orbital in [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(16)](+) is 0.9 eV, whereas in [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(14)](+) the energy gap between the anti-bonding SOMO and the next highest energy occupied orbital is only 0.3 eV. At this stage the factors driving the conversion of [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(14)](+) to [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(12)](2+) are still unclear.

Phosphine-olefin ligands: a facile dehydrogenative route to catalytically active rhodium complexes

Facile, metal-mediated, (acceptorless) dehydrogenation of tricyclopentyl phosphine directly affords rhodium chelating phosphine-olefin complexes, some of which are catalytically active for 1,4-additions.

High Hydride Count Rhodium Octahedra, [Rh6(PR3)6H12][BArF4]2: Synthesis, Structures, and Reversible Hydrogen Uptake under Mild Conditions

A new class of transition metal cluster is described, [Rh(6)(PR(3))(6)H(12)][BAr(F)(4)](2) (R = (i)Pr (1a), Cy (2a); BAr(F)(4) = [B{C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)}(4)](-)). These clusters are unique in that they have structures exactly like those of early transition metal clusters with edge-bridging pi-donor ligands rather than the structures expected for late transition metal clusters with pi-acceptor ligands. The solid-state structures of 1a and 2a have been determined, and the 12 hydride ligands bridge each Rh-Rh edge of a regular octahedron. Pulsed gradient spin-echo NMR experiments show that the clusters remain intact in solution, having calculated hydrodynamic radii of 9.5(3) A for 1a and 10.7(2) A for 2a, and the formulation of 1a and 2a was unambiguously confirmed by ESI mass spectrometry. Both 1a and 2a take up two molecules of H(2) to afford the cluster species [Rh(6)(P(i)Pr(3))(6)H(16)][BAr(F)(4)](2) (1b) and [Rh(6)(PCy(3))(6)H(16)][BAr(F)(4)](2) (2b), respectively, as characterized by NMR spectroscopy, ESI-MS, and, for 2b, X-ray crystallography using the [1-H-CB(11)Me(11)](-) salt. The hydride ligands were not located by X-ray crystallography, but (1)H NMR spectroscopy showed a 15:1 ratio of hydride ligands, suggesting an interstitial hydride ligand. Addition of H(2) is reversible: placing 1b and 2b under vacuum regenerates 1a and 2a. DFT calculations on [Rh(6)(PH(3))(6)H(x)()](2+) (x = 12, 16) support the structural assignments and also show a molecular orbital structure that has 20 orbitals involved with cluster bonding. Cluster formation has been monitored by (31)P{(1)H} and (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and mechanisms involving heterolytic H(2) cleavage and elimination of [HP(i)Pr(3)](+) or the formation of trimetallic intermediates are discussed.

Cationic, linear Au(i) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes: synthesis, structure and anti-mitochondrial activity

Six linear, two-coordinate cationic Au(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of the form [(R2Im)2Au]+ (R = Me 1, Me, Et 2, i-Pr 3, n-Bu 4, t-Bu 5 and Cy 6) have been prepared by the reaction of two equivalents of the appropriate dialkylimidazol-2-ylidene (R2Im) with (Me2S)AuCl in dmf. Single crystal structural studies for 1.PF6, 2.PF6), 3.Cl and 4-6.PF6 show that for all six complexes the gold(I) centres have quasi-linear C-Au-C coordination, with quasi-parallel pairs of aromatic imidazole planes, except in 5.PF6 where they are quasi-normal; in the latter, Au-C are 2.038(3), 2.033(3) A, cf. (e.g.) 2.027(2) A. Inter-cation Au...Au are close at 3.487(2), 3.525(2) A in 1PF6 and 2.PF6. The structural studies and low temperature NMR experiments provide no supportive evidence for the presence of pi back-bonding within this series of complexes. The lipophilicities of the six compounds, as estimated from the logarithm of the n-octanol-water partition coefficients (log P), varied across the series within the range -1.09 to 1.73. To investigate their potential as possible anti-mitochondrial anti-tumour agents, five of the compounds have been evaluated for their propensities to induce mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) in isolated rat liver mitochondria. At concentrations between 1-10 microM compounds 1.Br and 3-6.Cl induced dose-dependent, Ca2+-sensitive mitochondrial swelling at rates that increased with the lipophilicities of the complexes, with the most lipophilic compounds inducing the most rapid onset of swelling. The swelling was completely inhibited by cyclosporin A, the specific inhibitor of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore.

The role of halogenated carborane monoanions in olefin hydrogenation catalysed by cationic iridium phosphine complexes

Iridium hydridophosphine complexes of general formula [Ir(PR3)2H2(anion)](PR3= PPh3, PMe2Ph; anion =[1-closo-CB(11)H(6)Cl(6)]-, [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)I(6)]-, [BAr(F)4]-) have been prepared by hydrogenation of cyclooctadiene precursor complexes. Solid-state structures of selected examples of these complexes reveal intimate contacts between the carborane anion and cation, with the anion binding through two lower-hemisphere halogen ligands. In CD2Cl2 solution the very weakly coordinating anions [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)Cl(6)]- and [BAr(F)4]- are suggested to favour the formation of solvent complexes such as [Ir(PR3)2H2(solvent)n][anion], while the [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)I(6)]- anion forms a tightly bound complex with the cationic iridium fragment. Calculated DeltaG values for anion reorganisation in d8-toluene reflect this difference in interaction between the anions and cation. With the bulky anion [1-closo-CB(11)Me(5)I(6)]- different complexes are formed: Ir(PPh3)H2(1-closo-HCB(11)Me(5)I(6)) and [(PPh3)3Ir(H2)H2][1-closo-HCB(11)Me(5)I(6)] which have been characterised spectroscopically. Diffusion measurements in CD2Cl2 are also consistent with larger, solvent coordinated, complexes for the more weakly coordinating anions and a tighter interaction between anion and cation for [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)I(6)]-. All the complexes show some ion-paring in solution. Comparison with data previously reported for the [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)]- anion shows that this anion--as expected--fits between [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)Cl(6)]- and [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)I(6)]- in terms of coordinating ability. Although not coordinating, the large [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)Cl(6)]- and [BAr(F)4)]- anions do provide some stabilisation towards the metal centre, as decomposition to the hydride bridged dimer [Ir2(PPh3)4H5]+ is retarded. This is in contrast to the [PF6]- salt where decomposition is immediate. As expected, complexes with the smaller phosphine PMe2Ph form tighter interactions with the carborane anions. These observations on the interaction between anion and cation in solution are reflected in benchmark hydrogenation studies that show a significant attenuation in rate of hydrogenation of cyclohexane on using the [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)I(6)]- anion or complexes with the PMe2Ph phosphine. We also comment on the reusability of the catalysts and their tolerance to water and oxygen impurities. Overall the catalyst with the [1-closo-CB(11)H(6)Br(6)]- anion shows the best combination of rate of hydrogenation, reusability and tolerance to impurities.

Dihydrogen complexes of rhodium: [RhH2(H2)x (PR3)2]+ (R = Cy, iPr; x = 1, 2)

Addition of H2 (4 atm at 298 K) to [Rh(nbd)(PR3)2][BAr(F)4] [R = Cy, iPr] affords Rh(III) dihydride/dihydrogen complexes. For R = Cy, complex 1a results, which has been shown by low-temperature NMR experiments to be the bis-dihydrogen/bis-hydride complex [Rh(H)2(eta2-H2)2(PCy3)2][BAr(F)4]. An X-ray diffraction study on 1a confirmed the {Rh(PCy3)2} core structure, but due to a poor data set, the hydrogen ligands were not located. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/DZVP level support the formulation as a Rh(III) dihydride/dihydrogen complex with cis hydride ligands. For R = iPr, the equivalent species, [Rh(H)2(eta2-H2)2(P iPr3)2][BAr(F)4] 2a, is formed, along with another complex that was spectroscopically identified as the mono-dihydrogen, bis-hydride solvent complex [Rh(H)2(eta2-H2)(CD2Cl2)(P iPr3)2][BAr(F)4] 2b. The analogous complex with PCy3 ligands, [Rh(H)2(eta2-H2)(CD2Cl2)(PCy3)2][BAr(F)4] 1b, can be observed by reducing the H2 pressure to 2 atm (at 298 K). Under vacuum, the dihydrogen ligands are lost in these complexes to form the spectroscopically characterized species, tentatively identified as the bis hydrides [Rh(H)2(L)2(PR3)2][BAr(F)4] (1c R = Cy; 2c R = iPr; L = CD2Cl2 or agostic interaction). Exposure of 1c or 2c to a H2 atmosphere regenerates the dihydrogen/bis-hydride complexes, while adding acetonitrile affords the bis-hydride MeCN adduct complexes [Rh(H)2(NCMe)2(PR3)2][BAr(F)4]. The dihydrogen complexes lose [HPR3][BAr(F)4] at or just above ambient temperature, suggested to be by heterolytic splitting of coordinated H2, to ultimately afford the dicationic cluster compounds of the type [Rh6(PR3)6(mu-H)12][BAr(F)4]2 in moderate yield.

Synthetic, structural and spectroscopic studies of (pseudo)halo(1,3-di-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidine)gold complexes

A series of (pseudo)halo(1,3-di-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidine)gold complexes [(But2Im)AuX](X = Cl, Br, I, CN, N3, NCO, SCN, SeCN, ONO2, OCOCH3, CH3) have been synthesized and characterised spectroscopically and structurally. 13C NMR chemical shifts for the carbene carbon vary widely with differing ancillary anion, correlating well with the sigma-donor ability of the latter and with the M-C(carbene) bond distance. These results reinforce the notion that N-heterocyclic carbene ligands are primarily sigma-donor ligands with little pi-acceptor ability.