Pyridine-Based PCP-Ruthenium Complexes: Unusual Structures and Metal-Ligand Cooperation

J Am Chem Soc. 2019 May 8;141(18):7554-7561. doi: 10.1021/jacs.9b02669. Epub 2019 Apr 30.

Abstract

Metal-ligand cooperation (MLC) by dearomatization/aromatization provides a unique way for bond activation, which has led to the discovery of various acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling reactions. However, most of the studies are based on pincer complexes with a central nitrogen donor. Aiming at exploration of the possibility of MLC by PCP-type pincer complexes, we report herein the synthesis, characterization, structure, and reactivity of pyridine-based PCP-Ru complexes. X-ray structures and DFT calculations indicate a carbenoid character of quaternized pyridine-based PCP-Ru complexes. These complexes undergo dearomatization by direct deprotonation, and the dearomatized complex can react with hydrogen, alcohols, or nitriles to regain aromatization via MLC.