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Novel Reactivity at Iron Centers Supported by Poly(phosphino)borate Ligands

Citation

Thomas, Christine Marie (2006) Novel Reactivity at Iron Centers Supported by Poly(phosphino)borate Ligands. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/AGQC-8E07. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05162006-201134

Abstract

The reactivity of the iron(II) alkyl species [PhBPiPr3]FeMe ([PhBPiPr3] = PhB(CH2PiPr2)3-) towards Si-H bonds is presented. Reaction of [PhBPiPr3]FeMe with primary aryl silanes results in the unusual η3 silane adducts [PhBPiPr3]Fe(H)(η3-H2SiMeR). X-ray crystallography, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations confirm this structural assignment; however, solution NMR experiments suggest a degree of fluxionality in solution.

Low valent, tris(phosphino)borate iron platforms have been shown to facilitate the activation of white phosphorus, P4. The iron(I) precursors {[PhBPiPr3]Fe}2(μ-N2) and [PhBPPh3]Fe(PPh3) react with P4 to quantitatively generate {[PhBPiPr3]Fe}2(μ-P4) and {[PhBPPh3]Fe}2(μ-P4), respectively. These unique iron(II) dimers bridged by square P42- units have been characterized structurally and spectroscopically, and their reactivity has been examined. A simplified electronic structure calculation is presented to aid in discussion of bonding within these complexes.

Motivated by the versatility of the tris(phosphino)borate ligands, a new family of tripodal hybrid bis(phosphino)pyrazolylborate ligands, [PhBPtBu2(pz')]- ([PhBPtBu2(pz')]- = PhB(CH2PtBu2)2(pz')-), has been prepared and characterized. The synthesis, spectroscopy, and solid-state structures of four-coordinate, pseudo-tetrahedral iron(II) and cobalt(II) halide complexes supported by these ligands is presented. To compare the electron-releasing ability of these ligands with their [PhBPR3] analogues, the cyclic voltammetry of these complexes is introduced. Potential routes to a terminal cobalt or iron nitride complex via extrusion of N2 from coordinated azide and metathesis with the N-atom transfer reagent Li(dbabh) are investigated.

Reduction of the [PhBPtBu2(pz')]MX halide complexes in the presence of excess phosphine generates low valent [PhBPtBu2(pz')]MI(PMe3) precursors. These precursors react with organic azides to generate cobalt(III) and iron(III) imides. Initial reactivity studies indicate that these imides are more moderately more reactive than the corresponding tris(phosphino)borate complexes. The electrochemistry of the [PhBPtBu2(pz')]FeIII(NR) imides features a quasi-reversible to fully reversible oxidation event, dependent on choice of pyrazolyl substituents and scan rate. This oxidation can be achieved chemically to generate the isolable cationic iron(IV) imides, [PhBPtBu2(pz')]FeIV(NR)+. The structural and spectroscopic characterization of these highly unusual complexes is discussed.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:coordination chemistry; synthesis
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemistry
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Peters, Jonas C.
Thesis Committee:
  • Stoltz, Brian M. (chair)
  • Barton, Jacqueline K.
  • Peters, Jonas C.
  • Grubbs, Robert H.
Defense Date:8 May 2006
Non-Caltech Author Email:thomas.3877 (AT) osu.edu
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-05162006-201134
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05162006-201134
DOI:10.7907/AGQC-8E07
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Thomas, Christine Marie0000-0001-5009-0479
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:1836
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:17 May 2006
Last Modified:08 Nov 2023 00:44

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