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The presence of Pd⋯Cu and Pd⋯Pd interactions as well as the order of metal atoms in a chain held by a modular polynucleating ligand is controlled by the coordinating ability of the anions, leading to selective formation of bi- and tetranuclear Pd/Cu and Pd4 chains. Metal–metal cooperative reactivity in these complexes was tested in Ar–O bond formation and alkyne activation.

Hydrogenation of substituted styrenes and unactivated aliphatic alkenes by molecular hydrogen has been achieved using a Mn catalyst with a non‐pincer, picolylphosphine ligand. This is the second reported example of alkene hydrogenation catalyzed by a Mn complex. Mechanistic studies showed that a Mn hydride formed by H2 activation in the presence of a base is the catalytically active species. Based on experimental and DFT studies, H2 splitting is proposed to occur via a metal‐ligand cooperative pathway involving deprotonation of the CH2 arm of the ligand, leading to pyridine dearomatization.

Cooperation between two different metals plays a crucial role in many synergistic catalytic reactions, such as the Sonogashira C-C cross-coupling reaction, where an interaction between the Pd and Cu centers is proposed in the transmetalation step. Although several heterobimetallic Pd/Cu complexes were proposed as structural models of the active species in Sonogashira coupling, the detailed understanding of the metal-metal cooperation in transmetalation is still lacking in current systems. In this work, we report a stepwise and systematic approach to building heteromultimetallic Pd/Cu assemblies as a tool to study metal-metal cooperativity. We obtained fully characterized Pd/Cu multimetallic assemblies that show reactivity in alkyne activation, formation of catalytically relevant aryl/acetylide species, and C-C elimination, serving as functional models for Sonogashira reaction intermediates. The combined experimental and DFT studies highlight the importance of ligand-controlled coordination geometry, metal-metal distances and dynamics of the multimetallic assembly for transmetalation step.

We report the selective formation of heterobimetallic PtII/CuI complexes that demonstrate how facile bond activation processes can be achieved by altering the reactivity of common organoplatinum compounds through their interaction with another metal center. The interaction of the Cu center with the Pt center and with a Pt-bound alkyl group increases the stability of PtMe2 towards undesired rollover cyclometalation. The presence of the CuI center also enables facile transmetalation from an electron-deficient tetraarylborate [B(ArF)4]− anion and mild C–H bond cleavage of a terminal alkyne, which was not observed in the absence of an electrophilic Cu center. The DFT study indicates that the Cu center acts as a binding site for the alkyne substrate, while activating its terminal C–H bond., The selective formation of heterobimetallic PtII/CuI complexes demonstrates how facile bond activation processes can be achieved by altering the reactivity of common organoplatinum compounds through their interaction with another metal center.

In this work we provide direct experimental evidence on the correlation of remote interactions between a newly synthesized MnI-complex (1) and different alkali cations with redox potential tuning. Furthermore we report the electrochemical behavior of 1 towards carbon dioxide, including the effects of added alkali salts using cyclic voltammetry.

We report the synthesis and reactivity of RuII complexes with a new naphthyridinone-substituted phosphine ligand, 7-(diisopropylphosphinomethyl)-1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one (L-H), which contains two reactive sites that can potentially be deprotonated by a strong base: an NH proton of naphthyridinone and a methylene arm attached to the phosphine. In the absence of a base, the stable bis-ligated complex Ru(L-H)2Cl2 (1) containing two NH groups in the secondary coordination sphere is formed. Upon further reaction with a base, a doubly deprotonated, dimeric complex is obtained, [Ru2(L*-H)2(L)2] (2), in which two of the four ligands undergo deprotonation at the NH (L), while the other two ligands are deprotonated at the methylene groups (L*-H) as confirmed by an X-ray diffraction study; intramolecular hydrogen bonding is present between the NH group of one ligand and an O-atom of another ligand in the dimeric structure, which stabilizes the observed geometry of the complex. Complex 2 reacts with protic solvents such as water or methanol generating aqua Ru(L)2(OH2)2 (3) or methanol complexes Ru(L)2(MeOH)2 (4), respectively, both exhibiting intramolecular H-bonded patterns with surrounding ligands at least in the solid state. These complexes react with benzyl alcohols to give aldehydes via base-free acceptorless dehydrogenation.

A pyrazole–based ligand substituted with terpyridine groups at the 3 and 5positions has been synthesized to form the dinuclear cobalt complex 1, that electrocatalytically reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO) in the presence of Brønsted acids in DMF. Chemical, electrochemical and UV–vis spectro–electrochemical studies under inert atmosphere indicate a single 2 electron reduction process of complex 1 at first, followed by a 1 electron reduction at the ligand. Infrared spectro–electrochemical studies under CO2 and CO atmosphere allowed us to identify a reduced CO–containing dicobalt complex which results from the electroreduction of CO2. In the presence of trifluoroethanol (TFE), electrocatalytic studies revealed single–site mechanism with up to 94 % selectivity towards CO formation when 1.47 M TFE were present, at –1.35 V vs Saturated Calomel Electrode in DMF (0.39 V overpotential). The low faradaic efficiencies obtained (

International audience; The development of safe and energy efficient redox processes is key for a future sustainable organic chemistry and energy storage/vector applications. Molecular electrocatalysts have demonstrated their potential in the realm of CO2 reduction however, successful implementations for the reduction of other carbonyl groups remain sporadic. Building on the reversibility of hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of carbonyls and alcohols, an overview of current molecular electrocatalytic systems is presented. Key mechanistic concepts are emphasized to facilitate the link with more mature schemes in transfer hydrogenation, proton-and CO2-reduction. Thus, this work contributes to future catalyst generations development bridging fundamental aspects of electrochemical bond activation with molecular catalytic concepts in the context of societal challenges of today.

We report the synthesis and reactivity of RuII complexes with a new naphthyridinone-substituted phosphine ligand, 7-(diisopropylphosphinomethyl)-1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one (L-H), which contains two reactive sites that can potentially be deprotonated by a strong base: an NH proton of naphthyridinone and a methylene arm attached to the phosphine. In the absence of a base, the stable bis-ligated complex Ru(L-H)2Cl2 (1) containing two NH groups in the secondary coordination sphere is formed. Upon further reaction with a base, a doubly deprotonated, dimeric complex is obtained, [Ru2(L*-H)2(L)2] (2), in which two of the four ligands undergo deprotonation at the NH (L), while the other two ligands are deprotonated at the methylene groups (L*-H) as confirmed by an X-ray diffraction study; intramolecular hydrogen bonding is present between the NH group of one ligand and an O-atom of another ligand in the dimeric structure, which stabilizes the observed geometry of the complex. Complex 2 reacts with protic solvents such as water or methanol generating aqua Ru(L)2(OH2)2 (3) or methanol complexes Ru(L)2(MeOH)2 (4), respectively, both exhibiting intramolecular H-bonded patterns with surrounding ligands at least in the solid state. These complexes react with benzyl alcohols to give aldehydes via base-free acceptorless dehydrogenation.

Cooperation between two different metals plays a crucial role in many synergistic catalytic reactions, such as the Sonogashira C-C cross-coupling reaction, where an interaction between the Pd and Cu centers is proposed in the transmetalation step. Although several heterobimetallic Pd/Cu complexes were proposed as structural models of the active species in Sonogashira coupling, the detailed understanding of the metal-metal cooperation in transmetalation is still lacking in current systems. In this work, we report a stepwise and systematic approach to building heteromultimetallic Pd/Cu assemblies as a tool to study metal-metal cooperativity. We obtained fully characterized Pd/Cu multimetallic assemblies that show reactivity in alkyne activation, formation of catalytically relevant aryl/acetylide species, and C-C elimination, serving as functional models for Sonogashira reaction intermediates. The combined experimental and DFT studies highlight the importance of ligand-controlled coordination geometry, metal-metal distances and dynamics of the multimetallic assembly for transmetalation step.

Cooperation between two different metals plays a crucial role in many synergistic catalytic reactions such as the Sonogashira C-C cross-coupling reaction, where an interaction between the organometallic Pd and Cu centers is proposed in the transmetalation step. Although several heterobimetallic Pd/Cu complexes were proposed as structural models of the active species in Sonogashira coupling, the detailed understanding of the metal-metal cooperation in both transmetalation and C-C elimination steps is still lacking in current systems. In this work, we report a stepwise and systematic approach to building heteromultimetallic Pd/Cu assemblies as a tool to study metal-metal cooperativity in catalysis. We obtained fully characterized Pd/Cu multimetallic assemblies that show reactivity in alkyne activation, formation of catalytically relevant aryl/acetylide species, and C-C elimination, serving as functional models for Sonogashira reaction intermediates. The combined experimental and DFT studies highlight the importance of ligand-controlled coordination geometry, metal-metal distances and dynamics of the multimetallic assembly for transmetalation step. The phosphine ligand was shown to promote facile C-C elimination explained through NMR and DFT studies.

Efficient iron-catalyzed homocoupling of terminal alkynes and cross-dimerization of aryl acetylenes with trimethylsilylacetylene is reported. The complex [Fe(H)(BH4 )(iPr-PNP)] (1) catalyzed the (cross-)dimerization of alkynes at room temperature, with no need for a base or other additives, to give the corresponding dimerized products with Z selectivity in excellent yields (79-99 %).

Platinum(II) complex [Pt(ItBu0)(ItBu)][BArF4] (1a) is a highly active and selective catalyst in the dehydrocoupling of amines and silanes at part-per-million catalyst loadings (up to 10 ppm, 0.001 mol%), achieving the highest TON and TOF numbers reported in the literature (up to 1 mmol scale). NMR studies suggest a process taking place through electrophilic activation of the silane by the platinum species, assisted by an amine.

A novel pincer ligand based on the pyrazine backbone (PNzP) has been synthesized, (2,6-bis(di(tert-butyl)phosphinomethyl)pyrazine), tBu-PNzP. It reacts with FeBr2 to yield [Fe(Br)2(tBu-PNzP)], 1. Treatment of 1 with NaBH4 in MeCN/MeOH gives the hydride complex [Fe(H)(MeCN)2(tBu-PNzP)][X] (X = Br, BH4), 2·X. Counterion exchange and exposure to CO atmosphere yields the complex cis-[Fe(H)(CO)(MeCN)(tBu-PNzP)][BPh4] 4·BPh4, which upon addition of Bu4NCl forms [Fe(H)(Cl)(CO)(tBu-PNzP)] 5. Complex 5, under basic conditions, catalyzes the hydrogenation of CO2 to formate salts at low H2 pressure. Treatment of complex 5 with a base leads to aggregates, presumably of dearomatized species B, stabilized by bridging to another metal center by coordination of the nitrogen at the backbone of the pyrazine pincer ligand. Upon dissolution of compound B in EtOH the crystallographically characterized complex 7 is formed, comprised of six iron units forming a 6-membered ring. The dearomatized species can activate CO2 and H2 by metal-ligand cooperation (MLC), leading to complex 8, trans-[Fe(PNzPtBu-COO)(H)(CO)], and complex 9, trans-[Fe(H)2(CO)(tBu-PNzP)], respectively. Our results point at a very likely mechanism for CO2 hydrogenation involving MLC.

Reversible stepwise chain growth in linear CuI assemblies can be achieved by using the dynamic, unsymmetric naphthyridinone‐based ligand scaffolds L1 and L2. With the same ligand scaffolds, the length of the linear copper chain can be varied from two to three and four copper atoms, and the nuclearity of the complex is easily controlled by the stepwise addition of a CuI precursor to gradually increase the chain length, or by the reductive removal of Cu atoms to decrease the chain length. This represents a rare example of a stepwise controlled chain growth in extended metal atom chains (EMACs). All complexes are formed with excellent selectivity, and the mutual transformations of the complexes of different nuclearity were found to be fast and reversible. These unusual rearrangements of metal chains of different nuclearities were achieved by a stepwise “sliding” movement of the naphthyridinone bridging fragment along the metal chain

Cationic five-coordinate Pt(IV) alkyl complexes stabilized by bulky N-heterocyclic carbenes have been isolated and fully characterized. Related species have been postulated as key intermediates in carbon-heteroatom coupling reactions and most particularly in Shilov-type chemistry. The alkyl groups exhibit a pronounced electrophilic character and can undergo nucleophilic addition of pyridine, bromide, or iodide to form new carbon-heteroatom bonds. Nevertheless, direct reductive coupling to form C-X bonds can be operative in the absence of an external nucleophile source

The reaction of the N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) IiPr 2Me2 and IiPr2 with [PtMe 3I]4 does not lead to the clean formation of complexes trans-[PtMeI(NHC)2], as previously found for bulkier NHCs. However, these species can be prepared in high yields by an alternative procedure using the dimethyl species [PtMe2(NHC)2] and iodomethane. The halogenated complexes trans-[PtMeI(NHC)2] have been used as precursors for the formation of the coordinatively unsaturated Pt(II) derivatives [PtMe(NHC)2][SbF6] using AgSbF6 as a halogen abstractor, whereas NaBArF is not reactive enough to completely remove the iodide ligand, leading instead to the dinuclear species [Pt2(¿-I)(Me)2(NHC)4][BArF]. Alternatively, low-coordinate T-shaped complexes [PtMe(NHC)2] [BArF] can be prepared by protonation of the dimethyl species [PtMe2(NHC)2] with [H(OEt2)2] [BArF]. The complex [PtMe(IiPr2Me 2)2][BArF] undergoes a cyclometalation process under mild heating, leading to the derivative [Pt(IiPr 2Me2¿)(IiPr2Me 2)][BArF] (where the prime denotes the cyclometalated ligand). This result is in contrast with the fast cyclometalation observed for the related Pt(II) complex bearing tert-butyl-substituted NHC (ItBu). Different cyclometalation reaction mechanisms have been computationally addressed. DFT calculations indicate that the cyclometalation involving complexes with not very bulky NHCs ligands occurs via cis intermediates. Cyclometalation products bearing tert-butyl-substituted NHCs are kinetically and thermodynamically favored over those involving isopropyl groups. © 2014 American Chemical Society.

The reactivity toward H2 of coordinatively unsaturated Pt(II) complexes, stabilized by N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands, is herein analyzed. The cationic platinum complexes [Pt(NHC′)(NHC)]+ (where NHC′ stands for a cyclometalated NHC ligand) react very fast with H2 at room temperature, leading to hydrogenolysis of the Pt-CH 2 bond and concomitant formation of hydride derivatives [PtH(NHC)2]+ or hydrido-dihydrogen complexes [PtH(H 2)(NHC)2]+. The latter species release H 2 when these compounds are subjected to vacuum. The X-ray structure of complex [PtH(IPr)2][SbF6] revealed its unsaturated nature, exhibiting a true T-shaped structure without stabilization by agostic interactions. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the binding and reaction of H2 in complexes [PtH(H2)(NHC) 2]+ is more favored for derivatives bearing aryl-substituted NHCs (IPr, 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene and IMes = 1,3-dimesityl-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-ylidene) than for those containing tert-butyl groups (ItBu). This outcome is related to the higher close-range steric effects of the ItBu ligands. Accordingly, H/D exchange reactions between hydrides [PtH(NHC)2]+ and D2 take place considerably faster for IPr and IMes* derivatives than for ItBu ones. The reaction mechanisms for both H2 addition and H/D exchange processes depend on the nature of the NHC ligand, operating through oxidative addition transition states in the case of IPr and IMes* or by a σ-complex assisted-metathesis mechanism in the case of ItBu. © 2014 American Chemical Society., Financial support from the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Projects CTQ2010-17476, CTQ2011-23336, and ORFEO CONSOLIDER-INGENIO 2010, CSD2007-00006, and CSD2006-00015, MAT2010-17571) and Junta de Andalucía (Project FQM 2126). FEDER support is acknowledged. O.R.-W., M.A.O., and M.R.-M. thank the Spanish MECD and the CSIC for research grants.

Efficient iron-catalyzed homocoupling of terminal alkynes and cross-dimerization of aryl acetylenes with trimethylsilylacetylene is reported. The complex [Fe(H)(BH4 )(iPr-PNP)] (1) catalyzed the (cross-)dimerization of alkynes at room temperature, with no need for a base or other additives, to give the corresponding dimerized products with Z selectivity in excellent yields (79-99 %).

The aromatization–dearomatization reaction of pincer-type complexes prompted by protonation–deprotonation of the pincer “arm” is a key step in bond activation chemistry and atom-economic catalytic ...

Addition of Br(2) or I(2) to 14-electron, cationic Pt(II)-alkyl complexes led to the formation of the corresponding carbon-halogen Pt(II) coupling products. Low temperature experiments with Br(2) allowed us to isolate and characterize crystallographically a very unusual mononuclear, paramagnetic Pt(III)-alkyl intermediate with a seesaw structure that can be further oxidized to a transient Pt(IV) species before reductive carbon-halogen coupling reaction takes place.

The thermally stable, paramagnetic Pt(III) complex [PtI2(IPr) 2][BArF] has been prepared by oxidation of the Pt(ii) complex [PtI2(IPr)2] with iodine in the presence of NaBArF. X-ray crystallographic studies revealed the mononuclear nature of this species with a square-planar geometry. EPR and DFT studies pointed out to a metal-centred radical. © The Royal Society of Chemistry., Financial support from the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Projects CTQ2011-23336, CTQ2010-17476, CTQ2009-08746, MAT2011-23861) and ORFEO CONSOLIDER-INGENIO 2010, CSD2007-00006, FEDER support is acknowledged. S.E.G.-G. also thanks MICINN and the European Social Fund for the award of a “Ramón y Cajal” contract. O.R.-W. and M.A.O. thank the Spanish MECD for a research grant.

Small change matters: T-shaped Pt(II) complexes with less flexible substituents, than, for example, isopropyl or tert-butyl groups, on N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands allow for C-H bond activation reactions of aromatic compounds (see scheme; BAr(f)(4)(-) =tetrakis[(3,5-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate; F yellow, Pt red). NHC substituents that are not highly branched prevent agostic interactions and reduce the barriers to achieve the C-H bond cleavage.

NHCs go nano: Ruthenium nanoparticles were formed from (cyclooctadiene)(cyclooctatriene)ruthenium(0) and stabilized by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). Solid-state NMR spectroscopy revealed both the coordination of the NHC ligands on the surface of the particles and their surface reactivity., We thank V. Collière and L. Datas (UPS-TEMSCAN) and P. Lecante (CNRS-CEMES) for TEM/HR-TEM and WAXS facilities, respectively. CNRS and ANR (Siderus project ANR-08-BLAN-0010-03) are also thanked for financial support. P.L. is grateful to the Spanish Ministerio de Educación for a research contract. Financial support from the Junta de Andalucía (project no. FQM-3151) and the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (projects CTQ2010-17476 and CONSOLIDER-INGENIO 2010 CSD2007-00006, FEDER support) is acknowledged. O.R.-W. thanks the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación for a research grant.

5 páginas, 3 figuras, 5 esquemas., Pt to a T! Treating bulky N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands with [PtMe3I]4 results in rapid elimination of ethene and formation of [PtMeI(NHC)2] complexes. These complexes are suitable materials for the synthesis of T-shaped platinum(II) complexes stabilised by agostic interactions. X-ray structure determination of one of these complexes shows a rather long ζ agostic interaction., Financial support from the Junta de Andalucía (project no. FQM-3151) and the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (projects CTQ2007-62814 and CONSOLIDER-INGENIO 2010 CSD2007-00006, FEDER support) is acknowledged. O.R.-W. thanks the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación for a research grant.