Dinitrogen Complexation and Extent of N≡N Activation within the Group 6 “End-On-Bridged” Dinuclear Complexes, {(η5-C5Me5)M[N(i-Pr)C(Me)N(i-Pr)]}2(μ-η1:η1-N2) (M = Mo and W)

Abstract

Chemical reduction of Cp*M[N(i-Pr)C(Me)N(i-Pr)]Cl(3) (Cp* = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)) (1, M = Mo) and (2, M = W) using 0.5% NaHg in THF provided excellent yields of the diamagnetic dinuclear end-on-bridged dinitrogen complexes {Cp*M[N(i-Pr)C(Me)N(i-Pr)]}(2)(mu-eta(1):eta(1)-N(2)) (6, M = Mo) and (8, M = W), respectively. Chemical reduction of Cp*Mo[N(i-Pr)C(NMe(2))N(i-Pr)]Cl(2) (4) with 3 equiv of KC(8) in THF similarly yielded diamagnetic {Cp*Mo[N(i-Pr)C(NMe(2))N(i-Pr)]}(2)(mu-eta(1):eta(1)-N(2)) (7). Single-crystal X-ray analyses of 7 and 8 confirmed the dinuclear end-on-bridged mu-eta(1):eta(1)-N(2) coordination mode and the solid-state molecular structures of these compounds provided d(NN) values of 1.267(2) and 1.277(8) A for 7 and 8, respectively. Based on a comparison of (15)N NMR spectra for (15)N(2) (99%)-labeled 6 and (15)N(2) (99%)-labeled 8, as well as similarities in chemical reactivity, a dinuclear mu-eta(1):eta(1)-N(2) structure for 6 is further proposed. For comparison with a first-row metal derivative, chemical reduction of Cp*Ti[N(i-Pr)C(Me)N(i-Pr)]Cl(2) (9) with KC(8) in THF was conducted to provide {Cp*Ti[N(i-Pr)C(Me)N(i-Pr)]}(2)(mu-eta(1):eta(1)-N(2)) (10) for which a d(NN) value of 1.270(2) A was obtained through X-ray crystallography. Compounds 6-8 were all found to be thermally robust in toluene solution up to temperatures of at least 100 degrees C, and 6 and 8 were determined to be inert toward the addition of H(2) or H(3)SiPh under a variety of conditions. Single-crystal X-ray analysis of meso-{Cp*Mo(H)[N(i-Pr)C(Me)N(i-Pr)]}(2)(mu-eta(1):eta(1)-N(2)) (meso-11), which was serendipitously isolated as a product of attempted alkylation of Cp*Mo[N(i-Pr)C(Me)N(i-Pr)]Cl(2) (3) with 2 equiv of n-butyllithium, revealed a smaller d(NN) value of 1.189(4) A that is consistent with two Mo(IV,d(2)) centers connected by a bridging diazenido, [mu-N(2)](2-), moiety. Moreover, meso-11 was found to undergo clean dehydrogenation in solution at 50 degrees C to provide 6 via a first-order process. Chemical oxidation of 8 with an excess of PbCl(2) in toluene solution at 25 degrees C provided a 1:1 mixture of rac- and meso-{Cp*W(Cl)[N(i-Pr)C(Me)N(i-Pr)]}(2)(mu-eta(1):eta(1)-N(2)) (12); both isomers of which provided solid-state structures through X-ray analyses that are consistent with an electronic configuration comprised of two W(IV,d(2)) centers linked through a bridging [N(2)](2-) group [cf. for rac-12, d(NN) = 1.206(9) A, and for meso-12, d(NN) = 1.192(3) A]. Finally, treatment of 6 and 8 with either 4 equiv of CNAr (Ar = 3,5-Me(2)C(6)H(3)) or an excess of CO in toluene provided excellent yields of Cp*M[N(i-Pr)C(Me)N(i-Pr)](CNAr)(2) (13, M = Mo and 14, M = W) and Cp*M[N(i-Pr)C(Me)N(i-Pr)](CO)(2) (15, M = Mo and 16, M = W), respectively. Single-crystal X-ray analyses of 13-16, along with observation of reduced IR vibrational nu(CN) or nu(CO) bond-stretching frequencies, provide strong support for the electron-rich character of the Cp*M[N(i-Pr)C(Me)N(i-Pr)] fragment that can engage in a high degree of back-donation with moderate to strong pi-acceptors, such as N(2), CNR, and CO. The collective results of this work are analyzed in terms of the possible steric and electronic factors that contribute to preferred mode of mu-N(2) coordination and the extent of N[triple bond]N activation, including complete N-N bond scission, within the now completed experimentally-derived ligand-centered isostructural series of {Cp*M[N(i-Pr)C(Me)N(i-Pr)]}(2)(mu-N(2)) compounds where M = Ti, Zr, Hf, Ta, Mo, and W.