A Search for pi/sigma Equilibria in Chiral Rhenium Imine Complexes of the Formula [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Re(NO)(PPh(3))(N(H)=C(CF(3))X)](+)TfO(-): Investigation of Electronic Effects upon the Binding Mode.

Reaction of the amido complex (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Re(NO)(PPh(3))(&Numl;H(2)) (2) and hexafluoroacetone gives the methyleneamido complex (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Re(NO)(PPh(3))(&Numl;=C(CF(3))(2)) (3, 58%). Addition of TfOH to 3 yields the sigma-imine complex [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Re(NO)(PPh(3))(eta(1)-N(H)=C(CF(3))(2))](+)TfO(-) (4, 96%). Similar reactions of 2 with trifluoroacetaldehyde and then TfOH give the sigma-imine complex [(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Re(NO)(PPh(3))(eta(1)-N(H)=C(CF(3))H)](+)TfO(-) (5, 78%) and sometimes small amounts of the corresponding pi-trifluoroacetaldehyde complex. Reaction of 5 and t-BuO(-)K(+) gives the methyleneamido complex (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Re(NO)(PPh(3))(&Numl;=C(CF(3))H) (6, 82%). The IR and NMR properties of 3-6 are studied in detail. The (13)C NMR spectra show C=N signals (157-142 ppm) diagnostic of sigma-binding modes. No evidence is observed for pi isomers of 4 or 5. Analogous O=C(CF(3))X complexes give exclusively pi isomers, and rationales are discussed. Reactions of 3or 6 with MeOTf and heteroatom electrophiles are also described.