Abstract
Reaction of the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl rhodium iodide dimer [Cp*RhI2 ]2 with 1,1'-diphenyl-3,3'-methylenediimidazolium diiodide in non-alcohol solvents, in the presence of base, led to the formation of bis-carbene complex [Cp*Rh(bis-NHC)I]I (bis-NHC=1,1'-diphenyl-4,4'-methylenediimidazoline-5,5'-diylidene). In contrast, when employing alcohols as the solvent in the same reaction, cleavage of a methylene C-N bond is observed, affording ether-functionalized (cyclometalated) carbene ligands coordinated to the metal center and the concomitant formation of complexes with a coordinated imidazole ligand. Studies employing other 1,1'-diimidazolium salts indicate that the cyclometalation step is a prerequisite for the activation/scission of the C-N bond and, based on additional experimental data, a SN 2 mechanism for the reaction is tentatively proposed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
