A site-isolated mononuclear iridium complex catalyst supported on MgO: Characterization by spectroscopy and aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy

Supported mononuclear iridium complexes with ethene ligands were prepared by the reaction of Ir(C₂H₄)₂(acac) (acac is CH₃COCHCOCH₃) with highly dehydroxylated MgO. Characterization of the supported species by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and infrared (IR) spectroscopies showed that the resultant supported organometallic species were Ir(C₂H₄)₂, formed by the dissociation of the acac ligand from Ir(C₂H₄)₂(acac) and bonding of the Ir(C₂H₄)₂ species to the MgO surface. Direct evidence of the site-isolation of these mononuclear complexes was obtained by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM); the images demonstrate the presence of the iridium complexes in the absence of any clusters. When the iridium complexes were probed with CO, the resulting IR spectra demonstrated the formation of Ir(CO)₂ complexes on the MgO surface. The breadth of the ν_CO bands demonstrates a substantial variation in the metal–support bonding, consistent with the heterogeneity of the MgO surface; the STEM images are not sufficient to characterize this heterogeneity. The supported iridium complexes catalyzed ethene hydrogenation at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in a flow reactor, and EXAFS spectra indicated that the mononuclear iridium species remained intact. STEM images of the used catalyst confirmed that almost all of the iridium complexes remained intact, but this method was sensitive enough to detect a small degree of aggregation of the iridium on the support.     

Anticancer Potential of (Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)chloridoiridium(III) Complexes Bearing κP and κP,κS‐Coordinated Ph2PCH2CH2CH2S(O)xPh (x=0–2) Ligands

Iridium(III) complexes of the type [Ir(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Cl₂{Ph₂PCH₂CH₂CH₂S(O)_xPh‐κP}] (x=0–2; 1 – 3 ) and [Ir(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Cl{Ph₂PCH₂CH₂CH₂S(O)_xPh‐κP,κS}][PF₆] (x=0–1; 4 and 5 ) with 3‐(diphenylphosphino)propyl phenyl sulfide, sulfoxide, and sulfone ligands Ph₂PCH₂CH₂CH₂S(O)_xPh were designed, synthesized, and characterized fully, including X‐ray diffraction analyses for complexes 3 and 4 . In vitro studies against human thyroid carcinoma (8505C), submandibular carcinoma (A253), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7), colon adenocarcinoma (SW480), and melanoma (518A2) cell lines provided evidence for the high biological potential of the neutral and cationic iridium(III) complexes. Neutral iridium(III) complex 5 proved to be the most active, with IC₅₀ values up to about 0.1 μM , representing activities of up to one order of magnitude higher than cisplatin. Using 8505C cells, apoptosis was shown to be the main mechanism through which complex 5 exerts its tumoricidal action. The described iridium(III) complexes represent potential leads in the search for novel metal‐based anticancer agents.     

Coevolution of the Activity and Thermostability of an ϵ-Keto Ester Reductase for Better Synthesis of an (R)-α-Lipoic Acid Precursor

In this work, we have identified a significantly improved variant (S131Y/Q252I) of the natural ϵ-keto ester reductase CpAR2 from Candida parapsilosis for efficiently manufacturing (R)-8-chloro-6-hydroxyoctanoic acid [(R)-ECHO] through co-evolution of activity and thermostability. The activity of the variant CpAR2_S131Y/Q252I towards the ϵ-keto ester ethyl 8-chloro-6-oxooctanoate was improved to 214 U mg⁻¹—from 120 U mg⁻¹ in the case of the wild-type enzyme (CpAR2_WT)—and the half-deactivating temperature (T₅₀, for 15 min incubation) was simultaneously increased by 2.3 °C in relation to that of CpAR2_WT. Consequently, only 2 g L⁻¹ of lyophilized E. coli cells harboring CpAR2_S131Y/Q252I and a glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) were required in order to achieve productivity similar to that obtained in our previous work, under optimized reaction conditions (530 g L⁻¹ d⁻¹). This result demonstrated a more economical and efficient process for the production of the key (R)-α-lipoic acid intermediate ethyl 8-chloro-6-oxooctanoate.     

Synthesis and characterization of half-sandwich Ir and Ru complexes containing Mnt ligand (Mnt = maleonitriledithiolate)

The reaction of [Cp¹IrCl₂]₂ and [(p-Cymene)RuCl₂]₂ with disodium maleonitriledithiolate (Na₂Mnt) yield the 16-electron complexes Cp¹Ir(Mnt) (1) and [(p-Cymene)Ru(Mnt)] (2). Complexes 1 and 2 can further react with PPh₃ to form the corresponding 18-electron complexes Cp¹Ir(Mnt)PPh₃ (3) and [(p-Cymene)Ru(Mnt)PPh₃] (4). All complexes have been fully characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis. The molecular structures of 1 and 4 have been confirmed by X-ray crystallography.     

Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Tetrahydroisoquinolines by Iridium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Enamines

Chiral iridium complexes based on spiro phosphoramidite ligands are demonstrated to be highly efficient catalysts for the asymmetric hydrogenation of unfunctionalized enamines with an exocyclic double bond. In combination with excess iodine or potassium iodide and under hydrogen pressure, the complex Ir/(S_a,R,R)‐ 3a provides chiral N‐alkyltetrahydroisoquinolines in high yields with up to 98% ee. The L/Ir ratio of 2:1 is crucial for obtaining a high reaction rate and enantioselectivity. A deuterium labeling experiment showed that an inverse isotope effect exists in this reaction. A possible catalytic cycle including an iridium(III) species bearing two monophosphoramidite ligands is also proposed.     

Cyclometallated iridium(III) complexes with dicyanamide or tricyanomethanide

Reaction of cyclometallated iridium(III) complex Ir(ppy)₂(PPh₃)Cl (2, ppy = 2-phenylpyridine) with dicyanamide or tricyanomethanide gave neutral mononuclear complexes Ir(ppy)₂(PPh₃)N(CN)₂ (3a) or Ir(ppy)₂(PPh₃)C(CN)₃ (3b), and dicyanamide/tricyanomethanide-linked binuclear iridium(III) complexes [{Ir(ppy)₂(PPh₃)}₂N(CN)₂]⁺ (4a) or [{Ir(ppy)₂(PPh₃)}₂C(CN)₃]⁺ (4b). Substitution of coordinated chloride in the precursor 2 with dicyanamide or tricyanomethanide improved significantly the luminescence properties of 3a–4b. Compared with that in the precursor 2 (1.6%), 2.2 to 9.3-fold enhancement of emission quantum yields was detected in 3a–4b.     

A cyclometalated iridium(III) complex that inhibits the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells

A cyclometalated iridium(III) complex, [Ir(ppy)₂(PCN)]Cl (Ir1, ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, PCN = 2-(4-cyanophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f] [1,10] phenanthroline), was synthesized and characterized in the present study. Ir1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Ir1 down-regulated the phosphorylation of AKT/ERK signal pathways. According to confocal fluorescence microscopy analysis, Ir1 was primarily localized within the mitochondria and induced apoptosis through an intrinsic mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway. Thus, Ir1 exhibited both antimetastatic and antineoplastic properties, indicating that Ir1 may be a viable drug candidate in antimetastasis and anticancer therapies.     

Iridium(III) complexes based on 5-nitro-2-(2′,4′-difluorophenyl)pyridyl: Syntheses,structures and photoluminescence properties

A series of cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes [Ir(dFNppy)₂(PPh₃)L] (PPh₃ = triphenylphosphine, L = Cl⁻, 1; NCS⁻, 2; NCO⁻, 3; N₃⁻, 4) in which 5-nitro-2-(2′,4′-difluorophenyl)pyridyl (dFNppy) is used as the main ligand are synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of 3 and 4 are determined by X-ray diffraction analyses. Photoluminescence spectra of 1–4 in CH₂Cl₂ solutions at room temperature show the maximum emission wavelengths (λ_max) in the range from 586 to 627 nm, corresponding to red-orange luminescence. HOMO–LUMO energy levels of 1–4 are estimated by cyclic voltammetry measurements. Compared with corresponding 2-phenylpyridyl (ppy)-containing Ir(III) complexes having same ancillary ligands, 1–4 have obviously smaller HOMO–LUMO energy gaps (E_g). Simultaneously, 1–4 show relatively bigger E_g compared with 2-phenyl-5-nitropyridyl (5-NO₂-ppy)-containing Ir(III) complexes possessing same ancillary ligands. Methods of E_g adjustment are also discussed.     

Zirconocene complexes of the sterically demanding pentaphenylcyclopentadienyl ligand,CpPRO. Synthesis and characterization of CpPROZrCl3 and CpCpPROZrCl2 (Cp=η5-C5H5; CpPRO=η5-C5(C6H5)5)

The synthesis, characterization and X-ray structures of two zirconium complexes of the bulky pentaphenylcyclopentadienyl ligand, Cp^PRO, are reported. The monocyclopentadienyl 12 electron complex, Cp^PROZrCl₃ (I), has an unusual monomeric structure in the solid state and has short Zr–ligand distances. The Lewis acidity of this complex is manifested in its ability to catalyze the [4+2] cycloadditions of methyl- and ethylmethacrylate to cyclopentadiene. The sandwich complex, Cp^PROCpZrCl₂ (II), has more typical Zr–ligand distances, but has a more parallel arrangement of the two cyclopentadienyl rings.     

Carbonylation of Dinitrotoluene to Dimethyl Toluenedicarbamate; High Efficiency of Phosphorus Acids as Promoters for the Palladium‐Phenanthroline Catalytic System

Phosphorus acids are excellent promoters for the palladium‐phenanthroline catalyzed carbonylation of 2,4‐dinitrotoluene to 2,4‐toluenedicarbamate. For the first time, all intermediate nitrocarbamates and aminocarbamates have been independently synthesized and their amount after every catalytic reaction precisely quantified. An extensive optimization of all experimental variables has been carried out. The best acids are phenylphosphonic and 4‐tolylphosphonic acids. The addition of 2,2‐dimethoxypropane as an internal drying agent is highly beneficial. The addition of an amine derived from the starting dinitroarene increases both rate and selectivity of the carbonylation reaction. The complexes [Pd(Phen)₂] [SbF₆] and [Pd(Phen)₂][BAr^F₄] [Ar^F=3,5‐(CF₃)₂C₆H₃] have been prepared for the first time. The latter displays a markedly higher solubility than all other [Pd(Phen)₂]²⁺ complexes. The effect of several possible promoters has also been investigated. Under the optimized experimental conditions, a 77.6% selectivity in dicarbamate was obtained when working at a molar ratio dinitrotoluene/Pd=2920. At the end of the reaction, the dicarbamate spontaneously precipitates out of the solution in high yields upon cooling, with no inclusion of the acid promoter or of phenanthroline. 2,6‐Dinitrotoluene can also be efficiently carbonylated to the corresponding dicarbamate.     

Highly Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Quinoline and Pyridine Derivatives with Iridium‐(P‐Phos) Catalyst

The use of a chiral iridium catalyst generated in situ from the (cyclooctadiene)iridium chloride dimer, [Ir(COD)Cl]₂, the P‐Phos ligand [4,4′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐2,2′,6,6′‐tetramethoxy‐3,3′‐bipyridine] and iodine (I₂) for the asymmetric hydrogenation of 2,6‐substituted quinolines and trisubstituted pyridines [2‐substituted 7,8‐dihydroquinolin‐5(6H)‐one derivatives] is reported. The catalyst worked efficiently to hydrogenate a series of quinoline derivatives to provide chiral 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinolines in high yields and up to 96% ee. The hydrogenation was carried out at high S/C (substrate to catalyst) ratios of 2000–50000, reaching up to 4000 h⁻¹ TOF (turnover frequency) and up to 43000 TON (turnover number). The catalytic activity is found to be additive‐controlled. At low catalyst loadings, decreasing the amount of additive I₂ was necessary to maintain the good conversion. The same catalyst system could also enantioselectively hydrogenate trisubstituted pyridines, affording the chiral hexahydroquinolinone derivatives in nearly quantitative yields and up to 99% ee. Interestingly, increasing the amount of I₂ favored high reactivity and enantioselectivity in this case. The high efficacy and enantioselectivity enable the present catalyst system of high practical potential.     

The synthesis of high molecular weight polybutene‐1 catalyzed by Cp★ Ti(OBz)3/MAO

A new stereoregular polybutene‐1 was synthesized with a novel catalyst precursor η⁵‐pentamethyl cyclopentadienyl titanium tribenzyloxide (CpTi(OBz)₃) and methylaluminoxane (MAO). The effects of polymerization conditions on the catalytic activity, molecular weight and stereoregularity of the products were investigated in detail. It was found the catalyst exhibited highest activity of 91.2 kgPB mol Ti⁻¹ h⁻¹ at T = 30 °C, Al/Ti = 200. The catalytic activity and molecular weight were sensitive to the Al/Ti (mole/mole), polymerization temperature; they also depended on the Ti concentration. The molecular weight of the products increased with decreasing temperature. The structure and properties of the polybutene‐1 were characterized by ¹³C NMR, GPC, DSC and WAXD. The result showed the microstructure of polybutene‐1 extracted by boiling heptane was stereoregular, whereas the ether‐soluble fraction was atactic. The molecular weight of polybutene‐1 was over one million g mol⁻¹ and its molecular weight distribution ( M _w/ M _n) was from 1.1 to 1.2. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

The Chemistry of Platinum in the +3 Oxidation State

Platinum(III) is no longer an uncommon oxidation state. Numerous binuclear platinum(III) complexes have been prepared and structurally characterized over the past eight years. These include sulfate-bridged dimers of D_4h symmetry, [Pt₂(SO₄)₄L₂]²⁻, L = H₂O, DMSO; phosphate-bridged complexes [Pt₂(HPO₄)₄-(H₂O)₂]²⁻ and [Pt₂(H₂PO₄)(HPO₄)₃(py)₂]⁻; POP (H₂ P₂ O²⁻₅)-bridged ions [Pt₂-(POP)₄X₂]²⁻, X = halide; an extensive series of α-pyridonate (C₅H₄NO⁻)-bridged head-to-head and head-to-tail complexes, [Pt₂(NH₃)₄ (C₅H₄NO)₂XY]ⁿ⁻, X, Y = NO₃, NO₂, H₂O, Cl, Br; n = 2, 3; and organometallic derivatives such as [Pt₂(CH₃)₄-(CF₃CO₂)₂(4-Mepy)₂]. In all cases there is a Pt–Pt single bond of length 2.47–2.7 Å, pseudo-octahedral geometry about platinum, and two or more bridging ligands. The complexes are stable in solution and some undergo quasi-reversible two-electron redox reactions. Mononuclear platinum(III) complexes are less well characterized structurally, but have been stabilized in diamagnetic host lattices in the solid state and by macrobicyclic cage ligands in solution following pulse radiolytic or γ-irradiation of precursor platinum(II) complexes. The first unequivocal, crystallographically characterized mononuclear platinum(III) complex, [Pt(C₆Cl₅)₄]⁻, has just been reported.     

Electrochemical and density functional theory study of bis(cyclopentadienyl) mono(β-diketonato) titanium(IV) cationic complexes

The electrochemical behaviour of fluorinated bis(cyclopentadienyl) mono(β-diketonato) titanium(IV) complexes, of general formula [Cp₂Ti(R′COCHCOR)]⁺ClO₄⁻ with Cp = cyclopentadienyl and R′, R = CF₃, C₄H₃S; CF₃, C₄H₃O; CF₃, Ph (C₆H₅); CF₃, CH₃; CH₃, CH₃; Ph, Ph and Ph, CH₃ is described. Both metal and ligand based redox processes are observed. The chemically and electrochemically reversible Ti^IV/Ti^III couple is followed by an irreversible ligand reduction at a considerably more negative (cathodic) potential. A comparison of the ligand reduction in its free and chelated state indicates that the β-diketonato ligand (R′COCHCOR)⁻ in [Cp₂Ti(R′COCHCOR)]⁺ClO₄⁻ is electroactive at more negative potentials. A theoretical density functional theory (DFT) study shows that a highly localized metal centred frontier orbital dominates the Ti^IV/Ti^III redox chemistry resulting in a non-linear relationship between the formal redox potential (E°′) and the sum of the group electronegativities of the R and R′ groups, χ_R + χ_R′, of the ligand. Linear relationships, however, are obtained between the DFT calculated electron affinity (EA) of the complexes and χ_R + χ_R′, the pK_a of the free β-diketones R′COCH₂COR and the carbonyl stretching frequency, v_CO, of the complexes. The DFT calculated electronic structure of the second reduced species [Cp₂Ti(β-diketonato)]⁻ shows that it is best described as Ti(III) coupled to a β-diketonato radical.     

Photoluminescence emission of a stable and well‐dispersed unsaturated polyester‐co‐rare‐earth complex

A series of unsaturated polyester (UPR)‐co‐rare‐earth complex (REX) photoluminescence materials with red and green luminescence were fabricated. REXs with double bonds, including complex of europium (Eu³⁺) (methacrylic acid)₃ and 1,10‐phenanthroline (Phen) [Eu(MAA)₃Phen], and complex of terbium (Tb³⁺)(methacrylic acid)₃ and Phen [Tb(MAA)₃Phen], and UPR acted as functional monomers and the polymer matrix, respectively. Fourier transform infrared and UV absorption spectroscopy confirmed the chemical structure of the resulting UPR‐co‐REX according to the free‐radical polymerization mechanism. The study of fluorescence distribution by means of laser scanning confocal microscopy indicated that the REX materials were uniformly dispersed in the UPR matrix. The effects of the type and dosage of REX on the fluorescence intensity and stability were examined via fluorescence spectrometry. We found that the optical/physical properties of the REX were improved by UPR molecular skeleton structures. The fluorescence intensity increased with increasing use of the REX and reached a maximum value when the REX content was 12 wt %. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45253.     

Cyclopentadienyl-Based Anticancer Drugs: Improvement of Cytotoxic Activity through Functionalisation of the π Ligand

Cytotoxic complexes containing molybdenum are widely studied as a potential substitution for commercially used drugs that often suffer from pronounced side effects and cellular resistance. Compounds of the type [(η⁵-Cp′)Mo(CO)₂(^N,NL)][BF₄], where Cp is cyclopentadienyl and ^N,NL is a bidentate ligand, are well known for their strong anticancer activity. It is a generally accepted paradigm that the nature of the coordinated ^N,NL ligand has a major impact on the cytotoxicity. In this study, a series of new functionalised Cp complexes of molybdenum was synthesised from derivatised fulvenes as π-ligand precursors. Indeed, the coordination sphere‘s modulation by various N,N-chelating ligands afforded species active toward leukemic cell line MOLT-4 with IC₅₀ values depending on the character of the N,N-chelator used. However, following study clearly showed that functionalisation of the Cp ring with an amine moiety considerably improved cytotoxicity. These results are of crucial importance for the future design of highly active cytotoxic drugs, as modification of cyclopentadienyl is believed to have a minor effect on biological activity.     

SIAPhos: Phosphorylated Sulfonimidamides and their Use in Iridium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenations of Sterically Hindered Cyclic Enamides

Phosphorylated sulfonimidamides (SIAPhos) undergo ion exchange reactions with cationic complexes, [Rh(cod)₂BF₄] and [Ir(cod)₂BarF], or neutral complexes [Rh(cod)Cl]₂ and [Ir(cod)Cl]₂, leading to unprecedented neutral complexes with P‐N‐S‐N chelates. Use of the resulting neutral iridium complexes in asymmetric hydrogenation reactions of tri‐ and tetrasubstituted enamides leads to products with high enantioselectivities (up to 92% ee).     

Recent Advances in Multicolor Emission and Color Tuning of Heteroleptic Iridium Complexes

We review recent advances in the spectroscopic properties of heteroleptic Ir(N^C)₂(LX)-type iridium complexes, which are known as color-tuning materials. Most Ir(N^C)₂(LX)-type Ir complexes give single emission, in accordance with Kasha’s rule. Dual emission, however, has been observed from a single Ir(N^C)₂(LX) complex, depending on the choice of the N^C moiety and LX ligands. For example, Ir(dfppy)₂(pq), Ir(ppy)₂(dpq-3F), Ir(ppy)₂(pq), and Ir(pq)₂(tpy) (dfppy=2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine, pq=2-phenylquinoline, ppy=2-phenylpyridine, dpq-3F=2-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-phenylquinoline, tpy=2-p-tolylpyridine). Recently, triple emission was observed from Ir(ppy)₂(BTZ)-type iridium complexes with two ppy ligands as (N^C)₂ and one 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole (BTZ) ligand, while quadruple emission from Ir(ppy)₂Q-type iridium complexes with two ppy ligands as (N^C)₂ and one quinolinolato (Q) ligand. These multiple emissions cover a spectral range from blue to red, leading to white emission. Of the four emission bands from Ir(ppy)₂Q, the UV and violet emissions are attributed to the emission from the singlet states of IrQ and Ir(ppy), respectively, while the green and red emissions are attributed to emission from the triplet states of Ir(ppy) and IrQ. The appearance of the emission from each of the Ir(ppy) and IrQ (or Ir(BTZ)) components is understood by reduced Förster energy transfer between IrQ (or Ir(BTZ)) and Ir(ppy) due to an orientation factor of nearly zero, that is, due to orthogonality between the two ligand planes, while the appearance of both the fluorescence and phosphorescence bands from each of the ligands is understood by inefficient intersystem crossing from the upper singlet state to the lower triplet state.     

Formation of poly(methyl methacrylate) with novel solubility characters in the photopolymerization with bis(cyclopentadienyl)titanium dichloride in a water–methanol mixture

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) was observed to be easily polymerized in the photopolymerization with bis(cyclopentadienyl)titanium dichloride (Cp₂TiCl₂) in a water–methanol mixture under irradiation of a 15-W fluorescent room lamp. The polymerization proceeded heterogeneously. The rate (R_p) of heterogeneous photopolymerization in a 1 : 1 (v/v) water–methanol mixture at 40°C was apparently given by R_p=k[Cp₂TiCl₂]^0.2 [MMA]^2.4. The resulting poly(MMA) was found to contain a tetrahydrofuran (THF)-insoluble part. The separated THF-insoluble part differed significantly from the usual radical poly(MMA) in solubility characters. It is of great interest that the THF-insoluble poly(MMA) was soluble in benzene and toluene, but insoluble in polar solvents, such as ethyl acetate, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethylformamide, and dimethylsulfoxide. The copolymerization results of MMA and acrylonitrile revealed that the present photopolymerization initiated with Cp₂TiCl₂ proceeds via a radical mechanism. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 69: 525–531, 1998     

Synthesis of Group 9 Metal‐Olefin Complexes with Identical Ligand Frameworks and Comparison of their Catalytic Activity in [2+2+2] Cycloaddition and other Addition Reactions

The preparation and catalytic evaluation of the three group 9 (cyclopentadienyl)metal(trimethylvinylsilane) complexes of the type C₅H₅M(H₂CCHSiMe₃)₂ (M=cobalt, rhodium and iridium) are reported. The complexes were investigated in [2+2+2] cycloaddition as well as in hydrogenation, hydroformylation and hydroboration reactions. Despite the identical organic frameworks and structural parameters, the complexes display remarkable reactivity and stability differences.