ISSN:
1434-1948
Keywords:
Hydrogenation
;
Isomerization
;
Rhodium
;
Iridium
;
Hydrides
;
Chemistry
;
General Chemistry
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
The bulky β-diiminate ligands [(2,6-C6H3X2)NC(Me)CHC(Me)N(2,6-C6H3X2)]- (X = Me, LMe; X = Cl, LCl) have been found to be effective in stabilizing low coordination numbers (CN) in Rh and Ir complexes. The 14- complex LMeRh(COE) (COE = cyclooctene) has a three-coordinate T-shaped Rh environment and is nonagostic. Coordinative unsaturation is avoided by incorporation of a small ligand (e.g. N2, MeCN, olefins), by the intramolecular coordination of a chlorine atom in LClRh(COE), or by an agostic interaction in LMeRh(norbornene). In solution at room temperature, LMeRh(COE) undergoes rapid isomerization according to the allyl hydride mechanism; the corresponding 2,3-dimethylbutene complex actually prefers the allyl hydride structure. Rhodium(I) complexes of LMe and LCl catalyze olefin hydrogenation; hydrogenation of 2,3-dimethylbutene has been shown to be preceded by isomerization. The shielding properties of the bulky β-diiminate ligands allow direct observation of a number of reactive intermediates or their iridium analogues, including an olefin-dihydrogen complex (with Rh) and an olefin dihydride (with Ir). These observations, together with calculations on simple model systems, provide us with snapshots of a plausible hydrogenation cycle. Remarkably, hydrogenation according to this cycle appears to follow a 14-e/16-e path, in contrast to the more usual 16-e/18-e paths.
Additional Material:
9 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource