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The kinetics of hydride transfer from Re(

The insertion of carbon dioxide into metal element σ-bonds is an important elementary step in many catalytic reactions for carbon dioxide valorization. Here, the insertion of carbon dioxide into a family of group 10 alkyl complexes of the type (RPBP)M(CH3) (RPBP = B(NCH2PR2)2C6H4−; R = Cy or tBu; M = Ni or Pd) to generate κ1-acetate complexes of the form (RPBP)M{OC(O)CH3} is investigated. This involved the preparation and characterization of a number of new complexes supported by the unusual RPBP ligand, which features a central boryl donor that exerts a strong trans-influence, and the identification of a new decomposition pathway that results in C–B bond formation. In contrast to other group 10 methyl complexes supported by pincer ligands, carbon dioxide insertion into (RPBP)M(CH3) is facile and occurs at room temperature because of the high trans-influence of the boryl donor. Given the mild conditions for carbon dioxide insertion, we perform a rare kinetic study on carbon dioxide insertion into a late-transition metal alkyl species using (tBuPBP)Pd(CH3). These studies demonstrate that the Dimroth–Reichardt parameter for a solvent correlates with the rate of carbon dioxide insertion and that Lewis acids do not promote insertion. DFT calculations indicate that insertion into (tBuPBP)M(CH3) (M = Ni or Pd) proceeds via an SE2 mechanism and we compare the reaction pathway for carbon dioxide insertion into group 10 methyl complexes with insertion into group 10 hydrides. Overall, this work provides fundamental insight that will be valuable for the development of improved and new catalysts for carbon dioxide utilization.

The insertion of carbon dioxide into metal element σ-bonds is an important elementary step in many catalytic reactions for carbon dioxide valorization. Here, the insertion of carbon dioxide into a family of group 10 alkyl complexes of the type (

A square planar platinum(II) carbene complex [{PC(sp2)P}HPt(PMe3)] ([PC(sp2)P]H = (bis[2-(di-iso-propylphosphino)phenyl]methylene) was synthesized through the dehydrohalogenation of [{PC(sp3)HP}HPtCl] in a microwave reactor. The tert-butyl substituted analogue, [{PC(sp2)P}tBuPt(PMe3)] ([PC(sp2)P]tBu = bis[2-(di-iso-propylphosphino)-4-tert-butylphenyl]methylene), was synthesized via an analogous route. The nucleophilic nature of the carbene carbon was confirmed through DFT calculations and reactivity with HCl. Additionally, [{PC(sp2)P}HPt(PMe3)] was treated with 0.5 equiv of I2 to generate a paramagnetic product, [{PC(sp2)P}HPtI]. The Evans method and EPR spectroscopy revealed that a one-electron oxidation occurred at the carbene carbon, thus generating a persistent radical carbene.