Binuclear complexes of bis-chelating ligands based on [1,4]dioxocino[6,5-b:7,8-b']dipyridine moieties.

Ligands based on a [1,4]dioxocino[6,5-b:7,8-b']dipyridine (doxpy) core were prepared and characterized. They all present two equal chelating moieties each one including one N, O, or S donor in addition to a pyridinic nitrogen. These ligands displayed high selectivity for the formation of binuclear complexes. At least one d(8) ion (Pd(II) or Pt(II)) complex was prepared for each type of ligand. The stereochemical behavior of the ligands is discussed on the basis of NMR spectra. Stable atropoisomers were obtained in the case of N-oxides or in case chiral centers were introduced in the ethereal bridge. As for the complexes, stable enantiomers appear to be in principle attainable for all the new compounds. A test on the cooperative ability of two Pd(II) centers has been grounded on the microstructure of the styrene/CO copolymer catalytically produced by a binuclear pyridine-imino complex. In fact, comparison with the microstructure of the copolymers produced by related single-site mono- and (open-chain) binuclear catalysts reveals significant difference, thus giving indication of possible synergic metal activity.

Mechanism of silver-promoted ligand metathesis in square-planar complexes of d(8) Ions. Kinetics of formation and molecular structures of a trinuclear intermediate [(Me)(N-N)Pt(mu-Cl)Ag(mu-Cl)Pt(N-N)(Me)](+) and its dinuclear evolution product [(Me)(N-N)Pt(mu-Cl)Pt(N-N)(Me)](+) (N-N = ArN=C(Me)C(Me)=NAr, Ar = 2,6-(i-Pr)(2)C(6)H(3)).

The silver-assisted ligand metathesis reaction involving a platinum(II) complex of formula [PtClMe(N,N-chelate)] with acetonitrile has been investigated. By using a suitably hindered N,N-chelate, an otherwise hardly detectable trinuclear species has been isolated and characterized through X-ray diffractometry. The trinuclear cation consists of two nearly orthogonal [PtCl(Me)(N,N-chelate)] square-planar units entrapping an Ag(+) cation through the chloride ligands that, acting as bidentate, form a linear AgCl(2) unit with two nonequivalent Ag-Cl bonds. The residual acidity of the silver cation is satisfied by one secondary Ag-Pt interaction [Ag-Pt(1) = 2.82 A] in which the platinum atom acts as a donor. Kinetic studies have demonstrated that the silver assistance operates both through a simple associative step and through a pathway in which the above trinuclear complex is an active intermediate. In a noncoordinating solvent the latter species evolves with AgCl loss and formation of a dinuclear Pt,Pt complex showing a rare single chloride bridge.