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Coordination Chemistry from Trigonally Coordinated Iron Platforms: Chemistry Relevant to Dinitrogen Reduction

Citation

Betley, Theodore Alexander (2005) Coordination Chemistry from Trigonally Coordinated Iron Platforms: Chemistry Relevant to Dinitrogen Reduction. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/PY23-ME66. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05272005-103515

Abstract

The synthesis for a sterically encumbered, strong-field tris(diisopropylphosphino)borate ligand, [PhBPiPr3] ([PhBPiPr3] = [PhB(CH2PiPr2)3]-), is reported to probe aspects of its conformational and electronic characteristics within a host of complexes. To this end, the Tl(I) complex, [PhBPiPr3]Tl, was synthesized, characterized, and used to install the [PhBPiPr3] ligand onto complexes of Fe, Co, and Ru. The spectroscopic, electrochemical, magnetic, and structural features of these complexes are compared with similar examples.

Trigonally coordinated "[PhBPiPr3]M" platforms (M = Fe, Co) support both pi-acidic (N2) and pi-basic (NR2-) ligands at a fourth binding site. Methylation of monomeric [M0(N2)-] species successfully derivatizes the beta-N atom of the N2 ligand and affords the diazenido product [MII(N2Me)]. Addition of RN3 to MI(N2)MI results in oxidative nitrene transfer to generate [PhBPiPr3]M≡NR with concomitant N2 release.

A tetrahedrally coordinated L3Fe-Nx platform that accommodates both terminal nitride (L3FeIV≡N) and dinitrogen (L3FeI-N2-FeIL3) functionalities is described. The diamagnetic L3FeIV≡N species featured has been characterized in solution under ambient conditions by multinuclear NMR (1H, 31P, and 15N) and infrared spectroscopy. The terminal nitride complex oxidatively couples to generate the previously reported L3FeI-N2-FeIL3 species.

The [PhBPiPr3] ligand can support a single iron or cobalt center in a pseudo-tetrahedral environment in which dinitrogen is bound in the fourth coordination site. Zero-valent metal-dinitrogen complexes have the general formula, [[PhBPiPr3]M(mu-N2)]2[Mg2+], while bridging structures can also be obtained as neutral [MI]—N2—[MI] or as anionic [(M)2(N2)]- species. The nature of the structural distortions observed in both [M(mu-N2)]2[Mg2+] and [Mn]—N2—[Mn] complexes are described. Magnetic characterization of the neutral and mixed-valence dimeric complexes reveal the complexes remain ferromagnetically coupled over all temperatures investigated.

The coordination chemistry of group VIII metals featuring the bis(8-quinolinyl)amine (HBQA) ligand is presented. The electrochemical behavior of Fe, Ru, and Os complexes bearing the BQA ligand is reported and compared to related ligand platforms. Halide and phosphine ligand exchange reactions are examined from complexes of the type (BQA)MX(PR3)2 (M = Ru, Os). Carbonyl and dinitrogen complexes of Ru and Os are prepared from halide abstraction from divalent Ru and Os precursors. The spectroscopic and structural features of these complexes are compared with similar examples.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Dinitrogen; Iron
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemistry
Awards:The Herbert Newby McCoy Award, 2005.
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Peters, Jonas C.
Thesis Committee:
  • Barton, Jacqueline K. (chair)
  • Stoltz, Brian M.
  • Bercaw, John E.
  • Peters, Jonas C.
Defense Date:18 April 2005
Non-Caltech Author Email:tbetley (AT) gmail.com
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-05272005-103515
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05272005-103515
DOI:10.7907/PY23-ME66
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Betley, Theodore Alexander0000-0001-5946-9629
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:5205
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:27 May 2005
Last Modified:08 Nov 2023 00:44

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