Isocyanide and Phosphine Oxide Coordination in Binuclear Chromium Pacman Complexes.

The new binuclear chromium Pacman complex [Cr2(L)] of the Schiff base pyrrole macrocycle H4L has been synthesized and structurally characterized. Addition of isocyanide, C≡NR (R = xylyl, tBu), or triphenylphosphine oxide donors to [Cr2(L)] gives contrasting chemistry with the formation of the new coordination compounds [Cr2(μ-CNR)(L)], in which the isocyanides bridge the two Cr(II) centers, and [Cr2(OPPh3)2(L)], a Cr(II) phosphine oxide adduct with the ligands exogenous to the cleft.

The chemistry of binuclear, low-oxidation-state chromium complexes is dominated by a tendency to form n class="Chemical">metal–metal multiple bonds and an involvement in the activation of small molecules.[1] For example, quintuple M–M bond formation was demonstrated recently in binuclear Cr(I) complexes,[2] a new side-on bridging dinitrogen chromium complex was reported,[3] and dinitrogen reduction has been displayed at a Cr(0) center.[4] Industrially, chromium catalysts are used in the selective oligomerization and polymerization of olefins and there is ongoing interest in understanding and optimizing these processes.[5] Chromium complexes have been exploited as catalysts for other useful C–C bond forming reactions, including the coupling of alkyl halides with aldehydes and pinacol-type couplings.[6]

Strategies to define the formation and reactivity of binuclear complexes often involve the design of ligands that control both the primary coordination sphere of the metal and the separation between the n class="Chemical">metals. In this context, cofacial diporphyrins and their bimetallic complexes have displayed a diversity of small-molecule chemistry, but their exploitation is limited due to the complexity of the ligand synthesis.[7] In recent years a class of Schiff-base polypyrrole macrocycles (H4L, Scheme 1) has been developed which fold upon metalation into structures reminiscent of cofacial or Pacman diporphyrins. A wide range of main-group, late-transition-metal, lanthanide, and actinide complexes of these macrocycles have been synthesized,[8] of which cobalt complexes were found to be effective as catalysts for the reduction of dioxygen to water.[9] However, the early-transition-metal chemistry of either H4L or cofacial diporphyrins remains a relatively unexplored field. We reported previously the syntheses of the Ti(III) and V(III) complexes [(MCl)2(L)], but could not structurally characterize either complex and did not carry out extensive investigation into their reactivity.[10] Herein, we report the synthesis and structure of the first binuclear chromium Pacman complex and its coordination chemistry with isocyanide and phosphine oxide donors.

Scheme 1

Synthesis of [Cr2(L)]

Reagents: (A) 2 [Cr{N(SiMe3)2}2(THF)2], toluene; (B) (i) 4 KN(SiMe3)2, (ii) 2 CrCl2, THF.

The new binuclear chromium complex of the Pacman man class="Chemical">crocycle [Cr2(L)] can be prepared either by addition of [Cr{N(SiMe3)2}2(THF)2] to H4L or by reaction of K4L with CrCl2 (Scheme 1). Both reactions have comparable yields (∼70%), but salt elimination is preferred, since the synthesis of [Cr{N(SiMe3)2}2(THF)2] is low yielding.[11] The 1H NMR spectrum of [Cr2(L)] in d5-pyridine at 298 K shows paramagnetically broadened and contact-shifted resonances at 16.9, 14.0, 6.7, −29.2, and −97.7 ppm, which are not assignable to specific ligand protons. Two broad, residual protio solvent resonances are visible in the room-temperature spectrum at 8.7 and 7.2 ppm. At 393 K, the resonance at 7.2 ppm separates into two sharper resonances at 7.3 and 7.2 ppm, indicating that pyridine binds transiently to the paramagnetic chromium complex in solution.

The X-ray crystal structure of [n class="Species">Cr2(L)] crystallized from benzene reveals that the macrocycle adopts a Pacman geometry (Figure 1). In the lattice, molecules of [Cr2(L)] are arranged in chains alternating with benzene molecules which engage in bonding to the exo faces of the macrocycles at a Cr–C contact distance of 3.608(2) Å. Both Cr(II) ions are bound in equivalent pseudo-square-planar environments comprising N4 pyrrolide and imine donor sets with the mean Cr–N(pyrrolide) distance of 1.97 Å shorter than the mean Cr–N(imine) distance of 2.10 Å. The two pockets of the macrocycle are twisted with respect to each other in order to maximize favorable offset π–π stacking interactions between the aryl hinges of the ligand. The sum of the four N–Cr–N angles is 358°, and the Cr(II) ions are displaced 0.20 Å from the N4 plane into the macrocyclic cleft. The resulting Cr···Cr separation of 3.1221(1) Å is the shortest M–M distance observed in any [M2(L)] complex of this type.[12] In structures where two metal-metal-bonded Cr centers are supported by an N4 donor set, Cr–Cr bond lengths range from 1.86 to 3.00 Å, with a median value of 2.40 Å.[13] The Cr–Cr separation in [Cr2(L)] lies outside this range, and so it seems that there is no metal-metal bonding interaction. This is supported by the solution magnetic moment of [Cr2(L)] of 6.34 μB (C6D6/THF), which approaches that for two independent (noncommunicating) Cr(II) ions (spin only, 6.93 μB). Full magnetic, EPR, and computational studies to elucidate the electronic structure of [Cr2(L)] and its adducts described below are ongoing.

Figure 1

Solid-state structure of [Cr2(L)] illustrating the molecular geometry (left and center) and packing in the unit cell (right). For clarity, hydrogen atoms and lattice solvent are omitted (where shown, displacements ellipsoids are drawn at 50% probability). Selected bond lengths (Å) and angles (deg): Cr1···Cr1′ = 3.1221(1), Cr1–N1 = 2.1139(16), Cr1–N2 = 1.9702(15), Cr1–N3 = 1.9758(15), Cr1–N4 = 2.0780(15); N1–Cr1–N2 = 80.06(6), N2–Cr1–N3 = 85.52(6), N3–Cr1–N4 = 78.64(6), N4–Cr1–N1 = 114.02(6).

Solid-state structure of [Cr2(L)] illustrating the molecular geometry (left and center) and packing in the unit cell (right). For clarity, n class="Chemical">hydrogen atoms and lattice solvent are omitted (where shown, displacements ellipsoids are drawn at 50% probability). Selected bond lengths (Å) and angles (deg): Cr1···Cr1′ = 3.1221(1), Cr1–N1 = 2.1139(16), Cr1–N2 = 1.9702(15), Cr1–N3 = 1.9758(15), Cr1–N4 = 2.0780(15); N1–Cr1–N2 = 80.06(6), N2–Cr1–N3 = 85.52(6), N3–Cr1–N4 = 78.64(6), N4–Cr1–N1 = 114.02(6).

The addition of Lewis base donors to Pacman complexes can result in the binding and activation of small-molecule substrates such as n class="Chemical">O2 and N2.[9b,14] These donors bind to the metals in the exo coordination sites, thereby directing substrates to the endo intermetallic site and can also increase the electron density available at the metal centers. Isocyanide ligands C≡NR are isoelectronic with carbon monoxide but are better σ donors and generally poorer π acceptors.[15] Their electronic and steric properties are tunable by modification of the organic substituent R. Transition-metal isocyanide complexes have been shown to achieve C–F bond activation and selective hydrogenation of alkynes, nitriles, and isocyanides, as well as alkene polymerization.[16] Recently a coordinatively unsaturated Co(−I) complex of bulky m-terphenyl isocyanides has been isolated and shown to bind dinitrogen, as well as undergoing reactions with a range of organic substrates.[17] In light of these advances, reactions between [Cr2(L)] and isocyanides were evaluated.

An excess of the isocyanides C≡NR (R = n class="Chemical">Xyl, tBu) was added to solutions of [Cr2(L)] (Scheme 2). Single crystals were obtained from the reaction carried out in fluorobenzene (R = Xyl) and a THF/C6D6 mixture (R = tBu). Determination of the structures reveals the 1:1 endo adduct [Cr2(μ-CNR)(L)], in which the isocyanide adopts a bridging position within the macrocyclic cleft instead of the anticipated 2:1 exo adduct (Figure 2). Although bimetallic complexes with bridging isocyanide ligands are common in late-transition-metal chemistry, those containing early transition metals are rare, with the only homobimetallic examples being two molybdenum and three tungsten complexes.[18] To our knowledge [Cr2(μ-CNXyl)(L)] and [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)] are the first structurally characterized first-row early-transition-metal complexes featuring bridging isocyanide ligands.

Scheme 2

Reaction of [Cr2(L)] with Isocyanides and Triphenylphosphine Oxide

The ligand architecture is shown in cartoon form. R = tBu, 2,6-Me2C6H3 (Xyl).

Figure 2

Solid-state structures of [Cr2(μ-CNXyl)(L)] (left), [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)] (center), and [Cr2(OPPh3)2(L)] (right). For clarity, hydrogen atoms and lattice solvent are omitted (where shown, displacement ellipsoids are drawn at 50% probability). The tBu group in [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)] was rotationally disordered, and the major conformer is shown. Selected bond lengths (Å) and angles (deg) are as follows [Cr2(μ-CNXyl)(L)]: Cr1···Cr2 = 3.5877(5), Cr1–C43 = 2.259(2), Cr2–C43 = 2.261(2), C43–N9 = 1.169(3); Cr1–C43–Cr2 = 105.08(9), C43–N9–C44 = 175.9(2). [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)]: Cr1···Cr1′ = 3.7101(3), Cr1–C22 = 2.490(2), C22–N5 = 1.151(3); Cr1–C22–Cr1′ = 96.35(7), C22–N5–C23 = 172.8(2). [Cr2(OPPh3)2(L)]: Cr1···Cr1′ = 4.3120(5), Cr1–O1 = 2.327(2), O1–P1 = 1.497(2); Cr1–O1–P1 = 137.6(1).

Solid-state structures of [Cr2(μ-n class="Chemical">CNXyl)(L)] (left), [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)] (center), and [Cr2(OPPh3)2(L)] (right). For clarity, hydrogen atoms and lattice solvent are omitted (where shown, displacement ellipsoids are drawn at 50% probability). The tBu group in [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)] was rotationally disordered, and the major conformer is shown. Selected bond lengths (Å) and angles (deg) are as follows [Cr2(μ-CNXyl)(L)]: Cr1···Cr2 = 3.5877(5), Cr1–C43 = 2.259(2), Cr2–C43 = 2.261(2), C43–N9 = 1.169(3); Cr1–C43–Cr2 = 105.08(9), C43–N9–C44 = 175.9(2). [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)]: Cr1···Cr1′ = 3.7101(3), Cr1–C22 = 2.490(2), C22–N5 = 1.151(3); Cr1–C22–Cr1′ = 96.35(7), C22–N5–C23 = 172.8(2). [Cr2(OPPh3)2(L)]: Cr1···Cr1′ = 4.3120(5), Cr1–O1 = 2.327(2), O1–P1 = 1.497(2); Cr1–O1–P1 = 137.6(1).

The solid-state structures reveal that the isocyanides bridge the square-n class="Chemical">pyramidal Cr centers symmetrically. In [Cr2(μ-CNXyl)(L)], the planar xylyl ring is perpendicular to the aryl hinges of the macrocycle, minimizing steric interactions with the endo Me groups, C7 and C28. One of the protons bound to C7 is oriented toward the electron-rich π system of the isocyanide ligand (C7···C44 = 3.349(3) Å, C7···N9 = 3.568(3) Å) indicating that intramolecular hydrogen bonding occurs, similar to that seen in the related complex [Cu2(μ-py)(L)].[12] In contrast, the three-dimensional steric bulk of the tBu group in [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)] forces the isocyanide to protrude sideways out of the macrocycle jaws to avoid clashing with the meso Me groups (Figure 2, center). We reason that these steric constraints prevent the tBu isocyanide from approaching closer to the Cr centers, resulting in the longer Cr–C separation observed in [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)] of 2.490(2) Å in comparison to 2.259(2) and 2.261(2) Å in [Cr2(μ-CNXyl)(L)].

Since these are the first binuclear chromium μ-CNR complexes, comparison with later first-row transition-n class="Chemical">metal isocyanide complexes is instructive. A number of complexes containing the motifs {M2(μ-CNR)} and {M3(μ3-CNR)} have been reported for both CNXyl and CNtBu for M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu. For the binuclear complexes, the mean M–CCNR distance is 1.98 Å.[13] The longest M–CCNR bond previously reported is 2.381(4) Å in a binuclear Fe(II) compound bridged by CNMe.[19] The long Cr–C distances observed in [Cr2(μ-CNXyl)(L)] and [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)] of 2.26 and 2.49 Å, respectively, are thus likely imposed by the ligand architecture.

In both [Cr2(μ-n class="Chemical">CNXyl)(L)] (C43–N9–C44 = 175.9(2)°) and [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)] (C22–N5–C23 = 172.8(2)°) the bridging isocyanide retains the linear geometry of the free ligand. This is not uncommon for a bridging isocyanide,[20] and the frequency of the C≡N stretching band in the IR spectrum is more indicative of the degree of back-donation to the isocyanide than its geometry. In the IR spectrum (Nujol mull) of [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)], ν(C≡N) is 2150 cm–1. This is shifted to slightly higher energy than in CNtBu (2132 cm–1) and indicates that a small amount of π back-donation occurs from the Cr(II) centers to the isocyanide. The metal–ligand interaction is dominated by σ donation which occurs from a carbon-based orbital that is antibonding with respect to the (C≡N) π system of the isocyanide.[21] In contrast, two C≡N stretching bands are observed in the IR spectrum of [Cr2(μ-CNXyl)(L)] at 1990 and 1970 cm–1, a phenomenon which has been observed before in complexes containing a single bridging isocyanide and is attributed to solid-state effects.[22] These bands are shifted to considerably lower energy than in CNXyl (2114 cm–1), indicating that significant π back-donation occurs. This may be due to the greater π-acceptor ability of the conjugated aryl isocyanide in comparison to CNtBu and the shorter Cr–CCNR separation in [Cr2(μ-CNXyl)(L)] in comparison to [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)], allowing increased orbital overlap.

On a preparative scale [Cr2(μ-n class="Chemical">CNXyl)(L)] and [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)] may be synthesized in a number of different solvents in good yield. The reaction between [Cr2(L)] and CNXyl is instantaneous and is accompanied by a solution color change from dark red-brown to dark green. [Cr2(μ-CNXyl)(L)] is stable under dynamic vacuum and in THF solution. However, the 1H NMR spectrum recorded in d5-pyridine shows resonances corresponding to [Cr2(L)] and a broad resonance at 1.8 ppm attributed to the o-Me groups of the free isocyanide. This implies that coordination of pyridine to the Cr centers is competitive with isocyanide. In contrast, [Cr2(L)] reacts slowly with CNtBu at room temperature, though the reaction is complete within 48 h at 80 °C. Once formed, the complex is stable under dynamic vacuum, in THF or pyridine solution, and even upon addition of the highly Lewis basic 4-dimethylaminopyridine, which suggests that the sterically hindered isocyanide is kinetically trapped within the macrocyclic cleft. The magnetic moment of [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)] in C6D6 solution is 4.75 μB, significantly less than that of [Cr2(L)] (6.34 μB), indicating that the presence of the isocyanide bridge increases the electronic communication between the two Cr(II) centers.

The steric bulk of CNn class="Chemical">tBu is not sufficient to prevent it from coordinating within the macrocyclic cleft and thereby blocking the intermetallic reaction space. In light of this, an excess of triphenylphosphine oxide was added to a toluene solution of [Cr2(L)] (Scheme 2). This ligand is much bulkier than the isocyanides, and furthermore, phosphine oxides do not commonly adopt bridging modes in transition-metal complexes; only six examples have been structurally characterized.[13] Single crystals were isolated from the toluene solution, and X-ray analysis revealed the formation of the desired 2:1 exo adduct [Cr2(OPPh3)2(L)], in which one phosphine oxide coordinates to each Cr(II) ion in the exo axial coordination site (Figure 2, right). The Cr centers adopt square-pyramidal geometries with a Cr–O distance of 2.327(2) Å. To our knowledge this is the first structurally characterized Cr(II) phosphine oxide complex. A few phosphine oxide complexes of Cr(III) have been reported, including a Cr(III) porphyrin bearing chloride and triphenylphosphine oxide axial ligands.[23] These compounds feature markedly shorter Cr–O distances than in [Cr2(OPPh3)2(L)], ranging from 1.83 Å[24] to 2.03 Å,[23] due to the increased electrostatic attraction between the O donor and the Cr(III) cation.

[Cr2(OPPh3)2(L)] precipitates as a min class="Chemical">crocrystalline solid from toluene and may be redissolved in THF. However, the 1H NMR spectrum recorded in THF/C6D6 shows resonances consistent with [Cr2(L)] and broad features in the aromatic region corresponding to the phenyl protons of free triphenylphosphine oxide. No resonances were present in the 31P{1H} NMR spectrum at 298 K, but cooling to 203 K resulted in a broad resonance at 24 ppm corresponding to free OPPh3. Therefore, in THF the phosphine oxide ligands are labile and an equilibrium is likely established between the THF and phosphine oxide adducts of [Cr2(L)].

Neither n class="Chemical">isocyanides nor phosphine oxides are suitable as exo-axial activating ligands for [Cr2(L)]. However, their reactions with the new chromium Pacman complex [Cr2(L)] illustrate the potential of this complex to bind substrates either exo to the cleft of the macrocycle or cooperatively between the two metals within the macrocyclic cleft. The flexibility of this class of Schiff base pyrrole macrocycle is also evidenced in this series of chromium complexes. Among the four complexes reported here the Cr···Cr separation varies by 1.19 Å and the bite angle of the jaws of the macrocycle by 19° (Table 1). The term “Pacman” was coined to describe the ability of bimetallic complexes to “chew” upon substrates of different sizes, and it is clearly an appropriate descriptor for [Cr2(L)].[25] In ongoing work we are investigating the redox chemistry of the binuclear chromium Pacman complex and its solvates with a view to developing stoichiometric and catalytic transformations of small molecules.

Table 1

Comparison of Selected Structural Data for the Different Chromium Pacman Complexes

	Cr···Cr (Å)	bite angle (deg)[12]
[Cr2(L)]	3.1221(1)	48
[Cr2(μ-CNXyl)(L)]	3.5877(5)	53
[Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)]	3.7101(3)	56
[Cr2(OPPh3)2(L)]	4.3120(5)	67

Experimental Section

All reactions were carried out under an atmosphere of dry N2 using dry solvents and standard Schlenk and glovebox techniques. Isolated yields and elemental analyses of compounds are as follows. [n class="Species">Cr2(L)]: 72%. Anal. Calcd for C42H40Cr2N8: C, 66.30, H, 5.30, N, 14.73. Found: C, 66.10; H, 5.17; N, 14.68. [Cr2(μ-CNXyl)(L)]: 73%. Anal. Calcd for C51H49Cr2N9: C, 68.67; H, 5.54; N, 14.13. Found: C, 68.45; H, 5.42; N, 13.96. [Cr2(μ-CNtBu)(L)]: 83%. Anal. Calcd for C47H49Cr2N9: C, 66.89; H, 5.85; N, 14.94. Found: C, 66.78; H, 5.81; N, 14.86. [Cr2(OPPh3)2(L)]: 63%. Anal. Calcd for C78H70Cr2N8P2O2: C, 71.11; H, 5.36; N, 8.51. Found: C, 70.84; H, 5.45; N, 8.40.