Rhodium(III) and Iridium(III) Complexes of a NHC-Based Macrocycle: Persistent Weak Agostic Interactions and Reactions with Dihydrogen

Abstract

The synthesis and characterization of five-coordinate rhodium(III) and iridium(III) 2,2′-biphenyl complexes [M(CNC-12)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (M = Rh (1a), Ir (1b)), featuring the macrocyclic lutidine- and NHC-based pincer ligand CNC-12 are reported. In the solid state these complexes are notable for the adoption of weak ε-agostic interactions that are characterized by M···H–C contacts of ca. 3.0 Å by X-ray crystallography and ν(CH) bands of reduced wavenumber by ATR IR spectroscopy. Remarkably, these interactions persist on dissolution and were observed at room temperature using NMR spectroscopy (CD₂Cl₂) and solution-phase IR spectroscopy (CCl₄). The associated metrics point toward a stronger M···H–C interaction in the iridium congener, and this conclusion is borne out on interrogation of 1 in silico using DFT-based NBO and QTAIM analyses. Reaction of 1 with dihydrogen resulted in hydrogenolysis of the biaryl and formation of fluxional hydride complexes, whose ground state formulations as [Rh(CNC-12)H₂][BAr^F₄] (2a″) and [Ir(CNC-12)H₂(H₂)][BAr^F₄] (2b‴) are proposed on the basis of inversion recovery and variable-temperature NMR experiments, alongside a computational analysis. Reactions of 1 and 2 with carbon monoxide help support their respective structural properties.

Introduction

Conferring high thermal stability and supporting a wide range of metal-based reactivity, mer-tridentate “pincer” ligands have become ubiquitous in contemporary organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis.¹ Examples featuring terminal phosphine donors are prototypical, but driven by favorable bonding and steric characteristics, N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) congeners are attracting growing interest.² In addition to their successful use as ancillary ligands in a wide variety of transition-metal-catalyzed reactions, their coordination has also been shown to confer useful photophysical and electrochemical properties.^2,3

Curiously and despite the enduring prominence of these metals in homogeneous catalysis,⁴ the organometallic chemistry of rhodium and iridium complexes of NHC-based pincer ligands is significantly underdeveloped. Indeed, current knowledge is largely confined to oxidative addition reactions of alkyl halides and other strong oxidants with CNC pincer complexes (Figure 1).^5,6 Underlying this paucity, the potential of modern synthetic protocols for accessing NHC adducts of suitably reactive rhodium- and iridium-containing fragments is only now starting to be realized. For instance, building upon a comparative study of the efficacy of coinage metal transfer agents,⁷ we have recently reported the synthesis of labile rhodium(I) ethylene complexes C and D through transmetalation reactions of the respective copper(I) derivatives with [Rh(C₂H₄)₂Cl]₂.⁸ These complexes act as latent sources of reactive three-coordinate Rh(I) fragments and promote selective terminal alkyne coupling reactions, following initial and facile C(sp)–H bond activation.

Figure 1.

Organometallic chemistry of rhodium and iridium CNC complexes.

In the context of advancing the organometallic chemistry of group 9 NHC-based pincers, and informed by preceding work in our laboratories,⁶⁻¹¹ in this report we describe the straightforward synthesis, isolation, and characterization of low-coordinate rhodium(III) and iridium(III) 2,2′-biphenyl complexes [M(CNC-12)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (M = Rh (1a), Ir (1b); Ar^F = 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃; Scheme 1) featuring a macrocyclic lutidine-based pincer ancillary. These complexes are stabilized by adoption of agostic interactions¹² and serve as precursors for catalytically relevant hydride derivatives 2 through hydrogenolysis of the biaryl. The structure and reactivity of these metal hydrides are contrasted with the aid of DFT calculations.

Scheme 1. Synthesis of 1 by Transmetalation.

[BAr^F₄]⁻ counteranions are omitted for clarity.

Results and Discussion

Exploiting the aforementioned copper(I)-based transmetalation methodology, reactions between [Rh(biph)(dtbpm)Cl]¹³ (dtbpm = bis(di-tert-butylphosphino)methane) or [Ir(biph)(COD)Cl]₂ (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene)¹⁴ and [Cu(CNC-12)][BAr^F₄]⁷ were employed for the preparation of 1 (Scheme 1). These reactions resulted in quantitative transfer of the pincer to the platinum-group metal; however, in the case of the rhodium(III) derivative, formation of a copper(I) diphosphine byproduct necessitated addition of excess Na[BAr^F₄] to ensure complete removal of the halogen ion. The formally five-coordinate 16-VE M(III) products were readily isolated as crystalline materials in high yield (1a, 95%; 1b, 77%) and extensively characterized in solution and the solid state, including the use of single-crystal X-ray crystallography.

Single crystals of 1 were obtained by recrystallization from CH₂Cl₂/hexane at room temperature, although with different morphologies (1a, P1̅ with Z′ = 1; 1b, P2₁/c with Z′ = 2; Figure 2 and Table 1). Despite these lattice differences, both feature a common molecular structure for all the corresponding cations that is characterized by C₁ symmetry, a square-based-pyramidal geometry about the metal, and a skewed dodecamethylene chain that is distorted in such a manner as to enable formation of an ε-agostic interaction (M···H–C ca. 3.0 Å). Coordination of 2,2′-biphenyl is associated with a considerable disparity between the trans C–H···M–C(biph) and N–M–C(biph) bond lengths (ca. 2 pm). Combined, these metrics point to weak M···H–C interactions,^9,12 however, the contorted nature of the macrocycle suggests that they nevertheless play an important stabilizing role. Comparison between the structurally related rhodium and iridium cations indicates there is a trend toward shorter M···H–C contacts in the heavier congeners, but the difference is not statistically significant within the data set collected.

Figure 2.

Solid-state structures of 1a (left) and 1b (right, only one unique cation shown). Thermal ellipsoids are drawn at 50% probability; solvent molecules, anions, minor disordered components, and most hydrogen atoms are omitted for clarity. Key metrics for all crystallographically independent cations are provided in Table 1.

Table 1. Selected Bond Lengths (Å) and Angles (deg).

	1a (M = Rh)	1b (M = Ir)	1b (M = Ir)a
M1–C2	1.992(3)	2.018(4)	2.010(4)
M1–C13	2.021(2)	2.026(4)	2.032(4)
M1–C28	2.054(2)	2.052(4)	2.056(4)
M1–C34	2.060(2)	2.056(4)	2.066(4)
∠C28–M1–C34	171.33(9)	170.8(2)	171.8(2)
M1–N20	2.235(2)	2.215(3)	2.228(3)
M1···H–C40	2.24	2.22	2.19
M1···H–C40	3.000(3)	2.999(4)	2.978(5)
∠M1···H–C40	133.1	134.5	135.1

^aAtom names in this independent cation differ by 10 (Ir) or 100 (C, N).

The adoption of meaningful agostic interactions in the solid- state is supported by ATR IR spectroscopy (Figures S7 and S20),¹⁵ with broad ν(CH) bands of reduced wavenumber observed for 1a (2682 cm^–1) and, supporting the trend for stronger agostic interactions in the third-row congener noted by X-ray crystallography, to a greater extent 1b (2571 cm^–1). These bands are not observed in the corresponding carbonyl derivatives (3; vide infra).

In order to further interrogate the nature of the M···H–C interactions observed in the solid state for 1, we turned to DFT-based computational methods. Cations of 1 were optimized at the ωB97X-D3 level of theory and analyzed using the natural bond orbital (NBO) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) approaches (Table 2).¹⁶⁻¹⁸ In both cases, the presence of stabilizing agostic interactions in 1 is corroborated through identification of significant NBO perturbation energies associated with σ_CH→ML* and ML→σ*_CH bonding, with the former contributions particularly pronounced in comparison to the latter, and associated changes in the population of the σ_CH (1.953/1.936 cf. 1.982/1.982 for the distal germinal CH bond) and σ*_CH (0.023/0.027 cf. 0.012/0.012 for the distal germinal CH bond) NBO.^9,19 Likewise, examination of the electron density topology reveals curved bond paths between the metal centers and the proximal hydrogen atoms and associated critical point properties (ρ_MH = 0.024/0.034; ∇²ρ_MH = +0.083/+0.114; DI = 0.114/0.130) symptomatic of agostic interactions.^9,19 Overall, the calculated properties confirm the formation of stronger M···H–C interactions in 1b in comparison to 1a inferred from experiment.

Table 2. Calculated Geometric, NBO, and QTAIM Properties of 1.

	1a (M = Rh)	1b (M = Ir)
M···H–C/Å	2.22	2.17
M···H–C/Å	3.10	3.04
∠M···H–C/deg	133.7	132.1
ΔE2(σCH→ML*)/kcal mol–1	11.83	18.68
ΔE2(ML→σ*CH)/kcal mol–1	7.15	7.13
occ σCH NBO	1.953	1.936
occ σ*CH NBO	0.023	0.027
ρ(M···H–C)	0.024	0.034
∇2ρ(M···H–C)	+0.083	+0.114
K(M···H–C)	+0.002	+0.001
DI(M···H–C)	0.114	0.130

In CD₂Cl₂ solution 1 demonstrate overall C₁ symmetry on the NMR time scale across a wide temperature range (185–298 K, 500 MHz), with notable spectroscopic features including pairs of carbenic (δ 176.0 (¹J_RhC = 44 Hz)/174.5 (¹J_RhC = 42 Hz) and 165.9/163.3) and aryl (δ 163.8 (¹J_RhC = 38 Hz)/155.7 (¹J_RhC = 45 Hz) and 142.9/125.5) ¹³C resonances at 298 K. Curiously, magnetization transfer between different pairs of diastereotopic pyCH₂ and NCH₂ resonances was detected from the ¹H–¹H NOESY spectra of 1 (298 K, 600 MHz),²⁰ indicating that slow atropisomerism of the pincer ligand occurs in solution (Figures S6 and S19).¹⁰ Similarly the Δδ value for one of the two diastereotopic pyCH₂ pairs is appreciably temperature dependent for both complexes (Figures S4 and S17). No magnetization transfer was, however, observed for the biphenyl ¹H resonances, suggesting that fluxionality of 1 does not involve movement of this ligand through the cavity of the macrocycle.

In the context of the adoption of agostic interactions in solution, 1 displays notably low frequency ¹H (integral 1H multiplets centered at δ 0.40 and 0.29 for 1a and δ 0.46 and −0.66 for 1b) and ¹³C resonances for both NCH₂CH₂CH₂ groups (as established from HMBC experiments) at 298 K (500 MHz). Such characteristics are consistent with adoption of an ε-agostic interaction; however, the twisted C₂ geometry of the pincer scaffold reasonably permits only one of these methylene groups to be engaged with the metal in this way. Inspection of the solid-state structures suggests a proton of the other could be projected inside the ring current of the biphenyl ancillary, reconciling a low chemical shift. On the basis of the degree of shielding, greater chemical shift temperature dependence (298–185 K; shifting to lower frequency on cooling), lower ¹J_CH coupling constants (averaged over the diastereotopic protons: 121/120 vs 126 Hz), and comparison between the data of the two congeners, we assign the lowest frequency signals to the ε-agostic interaction (δ_¹H 0.29, δ_¹³C 22.2 for 1a; δ_¹H −0.66, δ_¹³C 21.7 for 1b).

Further evidence for the persistence of agostic interactions in solution was gathered using solution-phase IR spectroscopy: spectra of 1 recorded at room temperature in CCl₄ show broad, reduced frequency ν(CH) stretching bands (1a, 2694 cm^–1, Figure 3; 1b, 2577 cm^–1, Figure S21) that are not present in spectra of the respective carbonyl derivatives 3 (vide infra). Gratifyingly, these data are in good agreement with those collected in the solid state using ATR IR spectroscopy and strengthen the previous assertion regarding the relative strengths of the Ir···H–C and Rh···H–C interactions.

Figure 3.

IR spectra of 1a (red) and 3a (blue) recorded in CCl₄.

Supplementing the experimental and computational structural analyses, the electronic properties of 1 were probed by formation of the corresponding carbonyl adducts 3 (Scheme 2). These coordinately saturated derivatives were straightforwardly prepared by reaction of 1 with carbon monoxide (1 atm), isolated in good yield, and fully characterized, including in the solid state using X-ray crystallography (3b (Z′ = 1) shown in Figure 4; 3a (Z′ = 2), CCDC 1862298). As a consequence of CO coordination, the solid-state structures of 3 show the expected displacement of the dodecamethylene chain away from the metal center and a significant increase in the opposing M–C(biph) bond lengths in comparison to 1 (3a, 2.068(3)/2.073(3) vs 1.992(3) Å; 3b, 2.106(2) vs 2.010(4)/2.018(4) Å), in line with trans-influence arguments. Stronger CO binding to iridium, in comparison to rhodium, is evident from the carbonyl stretching bands of 3 measured in CH₂Cl₂/CCl₄ solution, viz. 2050/2054 (3a) and 2018/2022 (3b) cm^–1, and from a crossover experiment between 3a and 1b, where quantitative CO transfer from rhodium to iridium was observed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy after heating in 1,2-difluorobenzene (DFB, Scheme 2).^21,22 These data support the conclusion that stronger agostic interactions are formed in 1b in comparison to 1a. Moreover, complexes 3 also serve as useful references, helping confirm the spectroscopic features arising from the formation of agostic interactions, as noted above.

Scheme 2. Carbonyl Adducts of 1.

[BAr^F₄]⁻ counteranions are omitted for clarity.

Figure 4.

Solid-state structure of 3b. Thermal ellipsoids are drawn at 50% probability; the anion and hydrogen atoms are omitted for clarity. Selected bond lengths (Å) and angles (deg): Ir1–C2, 2.106(2); Ir1–C13, 2.057(2); Ir1–C14, 1.916(2); Ir1–C28, 2.090(2); Ir1–C34, 2.097(2); C28–Ir1–C34, 174.25(8); Ir1–N20, 2.228(2). Equivalent metrics for 3a (Z′ = 2): Rh1–C2, 2.068(3); Rh1–C13, 2.054(3); Rh1–C14, 1.947(3); Rh1–C28, 2.100(3); Rh1–C34, 2.076(2); C28–Rh1–C34, 174.78(10); Rh1–N20, 2.230(2); Rh11–C102, 2.073(3); Rh11–C113, 2.041(3); Rh11–C114, 1.949(3); Rh11–C128, 2.099(3); Rh11–C134, 2.076(3); C128–Rh11–C134, 175.43(11); Rh11–N120, 2.245(2).

Hydrogenolysis of 2,2′-biphenyl proceeded quantitatively on reaction of 1 with dihydrogen (1 atm) at room temprature in CD₂Cl₂ (1a, 6 h; 1b, 24 h; Scheme 3). The structures and reactions of the resulting hydride complexes 2a (>99% yield) and 2b (ca. 95% yield) with carbon monoxide were studied in situ using NMR spectroscopy (500 MHz), and these results are discussed below in turn. Attempts to isolate 2 from solution invariably lead to partial decomposition (Figures S34 and S42).

Scheme 3. Synthesis and Reactivity of Hydride Complexes 2.

Rhodium hydride 2a is characterized by time-averaged C_2v symmetry and a broad 2H hydride signal at δ −18.87 (T₁ = 643 ± 19 ms) under an atmosphere of dihydrogen. This high symmetry is principally attributed to fast atropisomerism of the pincer ligand on the NMR time scale and the associated set of ¹H resonances correspondingly became C₂ symmetric on cooling to 200 K, while the hydride signal persisted at δ −18.66 (T₁ = 494 ± 32 ms). Overall these data, and notably the measured T₁ relaxation values,²³ are consistent with assignment of 2a as classical Rh(III) dihydride 2a″ (Scheme 3). Indeed, a structure of this formulation, stabilized by an ε-agostic interaction (ε-2a″), is calculated to be the most thermodynamically preferred hydride derivative of 1a (ωB97X-D3 level of theory, Figure 5).²⁴ The optimized structures of 2a″ and ε-2a″ exhibit square-based-pyramidal metal geometries, requiring the hydride ligands to be highly fluxional on the NMR time scale to reconcile the experimental findings.^25,26 A plausible mechanism for such dynamics involves intermediate formation of C₂-symmetric Rh(I) dihydrogen complex 2a′, and the calculated barrier with respect to ε-2a″ is estimated to be only ΔG^⧧ = 3.8 kcal mol^–1. Similar spectroscopic features were observed upon removal of hydrogen and placement under an atmosphere of argon, although the hydride resonance at δ −18.89 (T₁ = 754 ± 23 ms) is notable for the exhibition of ¹⁰³Rh coupling (¹J_RhH = 40.6 Hz) at 298 K. ¹³C NMR data for 2a were collected under argon, with the characteristics of the carbenic resonance at δ 182.8 (¹J_RhC = 40 Hz) notable for their similarity to those of five-coordinate Rh(III) 1a (ca. δ 175 (¹J_RhC = 44 Hz)), lending support to the assignment as 2a″.

Figure 5.

Calculated thermodynamics for rhodium (blue) and iridium (red) hydride complexes (relative to 2″).

As for the lighter congener, iridium hydride 2b is characterized by time-averaged C_2v symmetry under hydrogen at 298 K, with decoalescence of the CNC-12 ¹H resonances on cooling to 200 K, indicative of fast atropisomerism of the pincer ligand. Differences, however, emerge on inspection of the hydride region of the ¹H NMR spectra, where a significantly more downfield 4H signal with considerably faster longitudinal relaxation is located at δ −9.46 (T₁ = 94 ± 5 ms, fwhm = 230 Hz) at 298 K and δ −9.56 (T₁ = 29 ± 3 ms, fwhm = 80 Hz) at 200 K. We correspondingly account for this behavior by assignment of 2b as the fluxional Ir(III) dihydride dihydrogen complex 2b‴.^26,27 This assignment is also borne out in silico, with a 2 step pathway via C₂-symmetric 2b′′′′ providing an upper bound for the associated barrier of fluxional exchange, ΔG^⧧ = 5.5 kcal mol^–1. Interestingly, Ir(III) dihydride ε-2b″ (+ H₂) is predicted to be essentially isoenergetic with 2b‴ (Figure 5),²⁴ although the latter is presumably favored in the presence of excess dihydrogen. Indeed, consistent with the computed thermodynamics, removal of volatiles and redissolution under argon results in the emergence of a new C_2v-symmetric hydride complex at 298 K that exhibits a 2H resonance at δ −24.53 with considerably slower longitudinal relaxation (T₁ = 727 ± 16 ms), which we correspondingly assign to 2b″. This is the major species observed on attempted isolation of 2b from solution.

Reactions with carbon monoxide provided further insights into the structure and dynamics of 2, with 2a affording the known Rh(I) carbonyl complex B(6) and 2b the novel Ir(III) dihydride carbonyl 4. The former reaction, trapping rhodium in the +1 oxidation state, provides a case for alternative ground-state assignment of 2a as Rh(I) dihydrogen complex 2a′ as opposed to Rh(III) dihydride 2a″. In the context of the preceding discussion, we reconcile this observation by dynamic equilibration between 2a″ and 2a′ in solution and faster/irreversible reaction of CO with the latter. The formation of 4, with diagnostic dihydride signals at δ −7.33 (²J_HH = 2.9 Hz, T₁ = 1120 ± 18 ms) and −17.69 (²J_HH = 2.9 Hz, T₁ = 950 ± 9 ms) and a carbonyl stretching band at 2062 cm^–1, is more straightforwardly accounted for by direct reaction with 2b″ or substitution of 2b‴, with both of these presumably in rapid dynamic equilibrium.

Conclusions

Showcasing the effectiveness of copper-based transmetalation protocols, the straightforward preparation of five-coordinate formally 16 VE rhodium(III) and iridium(III) complexes of a macrocyclic CNC pincer ligand have been described, [M(CNC-12)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (M = Rh (1a), Ir (1b)). These low-coordinate complexes are stabilized by adoption of ε-agostic interactions, involving coordination of the flexible dodecamethylene chain of the macrocyclic ancillary, both in the solid state and, remarkably, in solution at room temperature. The adoption of these weak and typically transient M···H–C interactions was directly evidenced using X-ray crystallography, ATR and solution-phase IR spectroscopy, and NMR spectroscopy and through comparison to coordinatively saturated derivatives [M(CNC-12)(biph)(CO)][BAr^F₄] (M = Rh (3a), Ir (3b)) formed on reaction with carbon monoxide. The associated metrics and spectroscopic features of 1 point toward a stronger M···H–C interaction in the iridium congener, and this conclusion is borne out on interrogation in silico using DFT-based NBO and QTAIM analyses.

As a potentially generalizable and convenient method for generation of reactive group 9 complexes of NHC-based pincer ligands, reaction of 1 with dihydrogen resulted in hydrogenolysis of the biaryl species and formation of fluxional hydride complexes, whose ground state formulation as [Rh(CNC-12)H₂][BAr^F₄] (2a″) and [Ir(CNC-12)H₂(H₂)][BAr^F₄] (2b‴) is proposed on the basis of inversion recovery and variable-temperature NMR experiments, a DFT-based computational analysis, and reactions with carbon monoxide, forming [Rh(CNC-12)(CO)][BAr^F₄] (B) and [Ir(CNC-12)H₂(CO)][BAr^F₄] (4), respectively.

Experimental Section

General Methods

All manipulations were performed under an atmosphere of argon using Schlenk and glovebox techniques unless otherwise stated. Glassware was oven-dried at 150 °C overnight and flame-dried under vacuum prior to use. Molecular sieves were activated by heating at 300 °C in vacuo overnight. 1,2-Difluorobenzene was predried over Al₂O₃, distilled from calcium hydride, and dried twice over 3 Å molecular sieves.²² CD₂Cl₂ was freeze–pump–thaw degassed and dried over 3 Å molecular sieves. Other anhydrous solvents were purchased from Acros Organics or Sigma-Aldrich, freeze–pump–thaw degassed, and stored over 3 Å molecular sieves. Na[BAr^F₄],²⁸ [Rh(biph)Cl(dtbpm)],¹³ [Ir(biph)Cl(COD)]₂,¹⁴ and [Cu(CNC-12)][BAr^F₄]⁷ were synthesized according to published procedures. All other reagents are commercial products and were used as received. NMR spectra were recorded on Bruker spectrometers under argon at 298 K unless otherwise stated. Chemical shifts are quoted in ppm and coupling constants in Hz. NMR spectra in 1,2-difluorobenzene were recorded using an internal capillary of C₆D₆.²² ESI-MS were recorded on Bruker Maxis Plus (HR) or Agilent 6130B single Quad (LR) instruments. Infrared spectra were recorded on a PerkinElmer Spectrum 100 using either a KBr transmission cell in CH₂Cl₂ or CCl₄ or an ATR module fitted with a diamond/ZnSe crystal. Microanalyses were performed at the London Metropolitan University by Stephen Boyer.

[Rh(CNC-12)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (1a)

A suspension of [Rh(biph)Cl(dtbpm)] (17.8 mg, 30.3 μmol), Na[BAr^F₄] (31.9 mg, 36.0 μmol), and [Cu(CNC-12)][BAr^F₄] (40.3 mg, 30.2 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (ca. 1 mL) was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 h, filtered and the precipitate washed with CH₂Cl₂ (ca. 3 × 0.5 mL). Volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the product extracted into Et₂O (ca. 3 × 1 mL). (The ether-insoluble material appears to be a Cu(I) complex of dtbpm. ³¹P{¹H} NMR (162 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 55.2 (s).) The filtrate and washings were layered with hexane (ca. 20 mL) and stored at ambient temperature to afford the product as yellow blocks, which were isolated through decantation of the supernatant and dried in vacuo. Yield: 44.0 mg (95%). Single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction were obtained by slow diffusion of hexane into a solution in CH₂Cl₂ at ambient temperature.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 8.01 (t, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 7.80 (d, ³J_HH = 7.5, 1H, biph), 7.71–7.75 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.70 (d, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 7.58 (d, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 7.56 (br, Ar^F), 7.53 (d, ³J_HH = 7.5, 1H, biph), 7.37 (d, ³J_HH= 7.6, 1H, biph), 7.23 (br, 1H, NCH), 7.13 (t, ³J_HH= 7.4, 1H, biph), 7.06 (t, ³J_HH= 7.3, 1H, biph), 6.93 (t, ³J_HH= 7.4, 1H, biph), 6.91 (br, 1H, NCH), 6.80 (br, 1H, NCH), 6.78 (br, 1H, NCH), 6.41 (t, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, biph), 5.60 (dd, ³J_HH = 7.8, 1H, biph), 5.49 (d, ²J_HH = 15.6, 1H, pyCH₂), 5.28 (d, ²J_HH = 15.6, 1H, pyCH₂), 5.25 (d, ²J_HH = 15.6, 1H, pyCH₂), 4.81–4.85 (ddd, ²J_HH = 13.9, ³J_HH = 11.2, 5.9, 1H, NCH₂), 4.80 (d, ²J_HH = 15.6, 1H, pyCH₂), 3.65 (dd, ²J_HH = 13.6, ³J_HH = 6.1, 1H, NCH₂), 2.98 (ddd, ²J_HH = 14.5, ³J_HH = 10.7, 4.4, 1H, NCH₂), 2.58 (dt, ²J_HH = 13.8, ³J_HH = 4.2, 1H, NCH₂), 1.84–1.97 (m, 1H, CH₂), 0.97–1.70 (m, 15H, CH₂), 0.77–0.96 (m, 2H, CH₂), 0.34–0.47 (m, 1H, CH₂), 0.24–0.34 (m, 1H, CH₂). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (126 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 176.0 (d, ¹J_RhC = 44, NCN), 174.5 (d, ¹J_RhC = 42, NCN), 163.8 (d, ¹J_RhC = 38, biph), 162.3 (q, ¹J_BC = 50, Ar^F), 157.1 (s, py), 156.5 (s, py), 155.7 (d, ¹J_RhC = 45, biph), 152.9 (d, ²J_RhC = 3, biph), 151.7 (d, ²J_RhC = 4, biph), 141.2 (s, py), 138.5 (s, biph), 135.4 (s, Ar^F), 132.8 (s, biph), 129.4 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_BC = 3, Ar^F), 126.5 (s, py), 125.6 (d, ³J_RhC= 2, biph), 125.4 (d, ³J_RhC= 1, biph), 125.2 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 125.1 (s, py), 124.1 (s, biph), 124.0 (s, biph), 122.8 (s, NCH), 122.6 (s, NCH), 122.4 (s, NCH), 122.2 (s, NCH), 121.5 (d, ³J_RhC= 3, biph), 121.4 (d, ³J_RhC= 2, biph), 118.0 (sept, ³J_FC = 4, Ar^F), 56.1 (s, pyCH₂), 55.9 (s, pyCH₂), 49.4 (s, NCH₂), 47.8 (s, NCH₂), 30.6 (s, CH₂), 29.3 (s, CH₂), 28.7 (s, CH₂), 28.5 (s, CH₂), 27.7 (CH₂), 27.14 (s, CH₂), 27.08 (s, CH₂), 26.7 (s, CH₂), 25.3 (s, CH₂), 22.2 (s, CH₂). IR (ATR): ν(CH) 3056, 2934, 2859, 2682 cm^–1. IR (CCl₄): ν(CH) 3053, 2978, 2928, 2859, 2694 cm^–1. Anal. Calcd for C₆₉H₅₅BF₂₄N₅Rh (1523.91 g mol^–1): C, 54.38; H, 3.64; N, 4.60. Calcd for C₆₉H₅₅BF₂₄N₅Rh·C_1.5H₃Cl₃ (1657.31 g mol^–1): C, 51.28; H, 3.54; N, 4.24. Found: C, 51.17; H, 3.66; N, 4.15. HR ESI-MS (positive ion, 4 kV): 660.2566 ([M]⁺, calcd 660.2568) m/z.

[Rh(CNC-12)(biph)(CO)][BAr^F₄] (3a)

A solution of [Rh(CNC-12)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (1a; 45.7 mg, 30.0 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (ca. 1 mL) was freeze–pump–thaw degassed and placed under an atmosphere of CO to immediately afford a colorless solution. The volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the product recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/hexane (1/15, ca. 15 mL) to afford the product as pale yellow blocks, which were isolated through decantation of the supernatant and dried in vacuo. Yield: 39.9 mg (86%). Single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction were obtained by slow diffusion of hexane into a solution in CH₂Cl₂ at ambient temperature.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 8.04 (t, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 8.00 (d, ³J_HH = 7.5, 1H, biph), 7.71–7.78 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.65 (vbr, fwhm = 50 Hz, 2H, py), 7.57 (br, 4H, Ar^F), 7.55 (d, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, biph), 7.52 (d, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, biph), 7.23 (obscured vbr, 1H NCH), 7.17 (t, ³J_HH = 7.4, 1H, biph), 7.10 (t, ³J_HH = 7.4, 1H, biph), 7.0 (obscured vbr, 1H NCH), 6.98 (t, ³J_HH = 7.4, 1H, biph), 6.84 (vbr, fhwm = 20 Hz, 2H, NCH), 6.51 (t, ³J_HH = 7.4, 1H, biph), 5.76 (d, ³J_HH = 7.6, 1H, biph), 5.37 (d, ²J_HH = 14.8, 2H, pyCH₂), 5.17 (vbr, fwhm = 120 Hz, 2H, pyCH₂ + NCH₂), 4.80 (vbr, fwhm = 70 Hz, 1H, pyCH₂), 2.88–3.44 (m, 3H, NCH₂), 1.00–2.09 (m, 18H, CH₂), 0.79 (br, 1H, CH₂), 0.55 (br, 1H, CH₂). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (126 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 187.6 (d, ¹J_RhC = 41, RhCO), 168.0 (br, NCN), 166.0 (d, ¹J_RhC = 27, biph), 165.6 (br, NCN), 162.4 (q, ¹J_BC = 50, Ar^F), 158.3 (d, ¹J_RhC = 34, biph), 156.6 (br, py), 155.7 (br, py), 155.0 (d, ²J_RhC = 3, biph), 153.0 (d, ²J_RhC = 3, biph), 143.1 (s, biph), 141.5 (s, py), 135.4 (s, Ar^F), 134.9 (s, biph), 129.5 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_BC = 3, Ar^F), 126.6 (br, py), 125.7 (s, biph), 125.4 (d, ³J_RhC = 2, biph), 125.2 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 124.9 (s, biph), 124.8 (s, biph), 123.7 (br, NCH), 122.1 (br, NCH), 122.1 (biph), 121.8 (biph), 118.1 (sept, ³J_FC= 4, Ar^F), 57.3 (br, pyCH₂), 56.2 (br, pyCH₂), 50.1 (br, NCH₂), 46.8 (br, NCH₂), 29.2 (br, CH₂), 28.9 (br, CH₂), 28.7 (br, CH₂), 28.4 (br, CH₂). IR (ATR): ν(CH) 3063, 2940, 2859; ν(CO) 2065 cm^–1. IR (CCl₄): ν(CH) 3054, 2960, 2932, 2859; ν(CO) 2054 cm^–1. IR (CH₂Cl₂): ν(CO) 2050 cm^–1. Anal. Calcd for C₇₀H₅₅BF₂₄N₅ORh (1551.92 g mol^–1): C, 54.18; H, 3.57; N, 4.51. Found: C, 54.30; H, 3.76; N, 4.59. HR ESI-MS (positive ion, 4 kV): 660.2562 ([M – CO]⁺, calcd 660.2568) m/z.

[Ir(CNC-12)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (1b)

A suspension of [Ir(biph)Cl(COD)]₂ (76.6 mg, 78.5 μmol) and [Cu(CNC-12)][BAr^F₄] (199.7 mg, 149.9 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (ca. 3 mL) was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 h and filtered and the precipitate washed with CH₂Cl₂ (3 × 1 mL). Volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the product recrystallized from Et₂O/hexane (1/20, ca. 25 mL) to afford the product as a mixture of yellow needles and red blocks. Yield: 186.4 mg (77%). Single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction were obtained by slow diffusion of hexane into a solution in CH₂Cl₂ at ambient temperature.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 8.02 (t, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 7.77 (d, ³J_HH = 7.5, 1H, biph), 7.74 (d, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 7.70–7.75 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.59 (d, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 7.56 (br, 4H, Ar^F), 7.52 (d, ³J_HH = 7.6, 1H, biph), 7.31 (d, ³J_HH = 7.6, 1H, biph), 7.23 (d, ³J_HH = 1.9, 1H, NCH), 7.07 (t, ³J_HH = 7.4, 1H, biph), 7.00 (t, ³J_HH = 7.3, 1H, biph), 6.90 (d, ³J_HH = 1.9, 1H, NCH), 6.86 (t, ³J_HH = 7.4, 1H, biph), 6.84 (obscured, 1H, NCH), 6.79 (d, ³J_HH = 2.0, 1H, NCH), 6.29 (t, ³J_HH = 7.5, 1H, biph), 5.41 (d, ²J_HH = 15.6, 1H, pyCH₂), 5.40 (d, ³J_HH = 7.6, 1H, biph), 5.24 (br coalesced AB doublets, 2H, pyCH₂), 4.90 (ddd, ²J_HH = 14.1, ³J_HH = 11.5, ³J_HH = 5.7, 1H, NCH₂), 4.72 (d, ²J_HH = 15.6, 1H, pyCH₂), 3.63 (ddd, ²J_HH = 14.1, ³J_HH = 6.8, 2.1, 1H, NCH₂), 2.88 (ddd, ²J_HH = 14, ³J_HH = 10.7, 4.4, 1H, NCH₂), 2.46 (dt, ²J_HH = 14, ³J_HH = 4.1, 1H, NCH₂), 1.97–2.10 (m, 1H, CH₂), 0.76–1.80 (m, 17H, CH₂), 0.37–0.54 (m, 1H, CH₂), −0.73 to −0.60 (m, 1H, CH₂). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (126 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 165.9 (s, NCN), 163.3 (s, NCN), 162.3 (q, ¹J_BC = 50, Ar^F), 157.8 (s, py), 156.9 (s, py), 153.0 (s, biph), 152.7 (s, biph), 142.9 (s, biph), 141.1 (s, py), 139.2 (s, biph), 135.4 (s, Ar^F), 130.6 (s, biph), 129.4 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_BC = 3, Ar^F), 127.0 (s, py), 126.0 (s, biph), 125.6 (s, py),125.5 (s, biph), 125.2 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 125.1 (s, biph), 123.9 (s, biph), 123.4 (s, biph), 122.7 (s, 2 × NCH), 122.0 (s, NCH), 121.9 (s, NCH), 121.4 (s, biph), 120.8 (s, biph), 118.0 (sept, ³J_FC = 4, Ar^F), 57.3 (s, pyCH₂), 56.6 (s, pyCH₂), 49.6 (s, NCH₂), 47.5 (s, NCH₂), 30.2 (s, CH₂), 29.7 (s, CH₂), 28.4 (s, CH₂), 28.3 (s, CH₂), 27.4 (s, CH₂), 26.9 (s, 2 × CH₂), 26.7 (s, CH₂), 25.1 (s, CH₂), 21.7 (s, CH₂). IR (ATR): ν(CH) 3059, 2933, 2861, 2571 cm^–1. IR (CCl₄): ν(CH) 3056, 2930, 2860, 2577 cm^–1. Anal. Calcd for C₆₉H₅₅BF₂₄IrN₅ (1613.22 g mol^–1): C, 51.37; H, 3.44; N, 4.34. Found: C, 51.26; H, 3.19; N, 4.35. HR ESI-MS (positive ion, 4 kV): 750.3138 ([M]⁺, calcd 750.3144) m/z.

[Ir(CNC-12)(biph)(CO)][BAr^F₄] (3b)

A solution of [Ir(CNC-12)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (1b; 45.7 mg, 30.0 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (ca. 1 mL) was freeze–pump–thaw degassed and placed under an atmosphere of CO to immediately afford a colorless solution. The volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the product recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/hexane (1/15, ca. 15 mL) to afford the title compound as colorless blocks, which were isolated through decantation of the supernatant and dried in vacuo. Yield: 41.7 mg (85%). Single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction were obtained by slow diffusion of hexane into a solution in CH₂Cl₂ at ambient temperature.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 8.08 (t, ³J_HH = 7.8, 1H, py), 8.05 (d, ³J_HH = 7.5, 1H, biph), 7.76 (obscured, 1H, py), 7.70–7.76 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.63 (br, ³J_HH = 7.6, 1H, py), 7.54–7.58 (m, 6H, Ar^F + 2 × biph), 7.24 (br, 1H, NCH), 7.13 (t, ³J_HH = 7.4, 1H, biph), 7.05 (t, ³J_HH = 7.3, 1H, biph), 6.99 (t, ³J_HH = 7.4, 1H, biph), 6.94 (br, 1H, NCH), 6.89 (br, 1H, NCH), 6.79 (br, 1H, NCH), 6.55 (t, ³J_HH = 7.3, 1H, biph), 5.86 (d, ³J_HH = 7.5, 1H, biph), 5.41 (d, ²J_HH = 16.0, 1H, pyCH₂), 5.34 (br, 2H, pyCH₂), 5.14–5.26 (m, 1H, NCH₂), 4.78 (d, ²J_HH = 16.0, 1H, pyCH₂), 3.05–3.22 (m, 2H, NCH₂), 2.87–3.04 (m, 1H, NCH₂), 1.18–1.99 (m, 18H, CH₂), 0.73 (br, 1H, CH₂), 0.51 (br, 1H, CH₂). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (126 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 174.2 (s, IrCO), 162.3 (q, ¹J_BC = 50, Ar^F), 156.4 (br, py), 156.2 (br, py), 154.5 (s, biph), 153.8 (s, biph), 152.8 (s, biph), 150.3 (br, NCN), 147.6 (br, NCN), 142.9 (s, biph), 141.9 (s, py), 135.9 (s, biph), 135.4 (s, Ar^F), 134.8 (s, biph), 129.4 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_BC = 3, Ar^F), 128.0 (s, py), 126.12 (br, py), 126.07 (s, biph), 125.9 (s, biph), 125.2 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 125.0 (s, biph), 124.6 (s, biph), 123.2 (br, NCH), 123.1 (br, NCH), 122.7 (br, NCH), 122.3 (br, NCH), 122.1 (s, biph), 122.0 (s, biph), 118.1 (sept, ³J_FC = 4, Ar^F), 58.9 (s, pyCH₂), 56.8 (s, pyCH₂), 50.2 (s, NCH₂), 46.5 (s, NCH₂), 29.4 (s, CH₂), 29.0 (s, CH₂), 28.9 (s, CH₂), 28.6 (3 × CH₂), 28.5 (s, CH₂), 28.1 (s, CH₂), 26.5 (s, CH₂), 23.4 (s, CH₂). IR (ATR): ν(CH) 3063, 2940, 2860; ν(CO) 2034 cm^–1. IR (CCl₄): ν(CH) 3055, 2932, 2858; ν(CO) 2022 cm^–1. IR (CH₂Cl₂): ν(CO) 2018 cm^–1. Anal. Calcd for C₇₀H₅₅BF₂₄IrN₅O (1641.23 g mol^–1): C, 51.23; H, 3.38; N, 4.27. Found: C, 51.35; H, 3.37; N, 4.42. HR ESI-MS (positive ion, 4 kV): 778.3083 ([M]⁺, calcd 778.3069) m/z.

Crossover Experiment

A solution of [Rh(CNC-12)(biph)(CO)][BAr^F₄] 3a (15.4 mg, 9.92 μmol) and [Ir(CNC-12)(biph)][BAr^F₄] 1b (16.0 mg, 9.92 μmol) in 1,2-C₆H₄F₂ (ca. 0.5 mL) was heated at 90 °C for 18 h. Analysis by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and LR ESI-MS indicated formation of a 1:1 mixture of [Rh(CNC-12)(biph)][BAr^F₄] 1a and [Ir(CNC-12)(biph)(CO)][BAr^F₄] 3b.

[Rh(CNC-12)H₂][BAr^F₄] (2a)

A solution of [Rh(CNC-12)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (1a; 30.6 mg, 20.1 μmol) in CD₂Cl₂ (ca. 0.5 mL) was freeze–pump–thaw degassed and placed under an atmosphere of dihydrogen. The solution was mixed for 6 h at ambient temperature to afford the product quantitatively by NMR spectroscopy.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂/H₂, signals for biphenyl omitted): δ 7.89 (t, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 7.68–7.78 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.57 (s, 4H, Ar^F), 7.52 (d, ³J_HH = 7.7, 2H, py), 7.16 (br, 2H, NCH), 7.04 (br, 2H, NCH), 5.22 (br, 4H, pyCH₂), 4.20 (br, 4H, NCH₂), 1.72–1.96 (m, 4H, CH₂), 0.99–1.65 (m, 16H, CH₂), −18.87 (br, fwhm = 150 Hz, T₁ = 643 ± 19 ms, 2H, RhH). ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂/H₂, 200 K, selected data): δ −18.66 (br, fwhm = 130 Hz, T₁ = 494 ± 32 ms, 2H, RhH).

The resulting yellow solution was freeze–pump–thaw degassed, placed under argon, and characterized in situ using ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The resulting solution was layered with excess hexane and stored at −30 °C to afford a red gum consistent with the title compound as the major species, but in low purity (Figure S34).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, signals for biphenyl omitted): δ 7.88 (t, ³J_HH = 7.8, 1H, py), 7.71–7.77 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.57 (s, 4H, Ar^F), 7.52 (d, ³J_HH = 7.8, 2H, py), 7.17 (br, 2H, NCH), 7.04 (br, 2H, NCH), 5.22 (br, 4H, pyCH₂), 4.19 (br, 4H, NCH₂), 1.77–1.91 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.18–1.51 (m, 16H, CH₂), −18.89 (d, ¹J_RhH = 40.6, T₁ = 754 ± 23 ms, 2H, RhH). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (126 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, signals for biphenyl omitted): δ 182.8 (d, ¹J_RhC = 40 Hz, NCN), 162.3 (q, ¹J_BC = 50, Ar^F), 156.3 (s, py), 140.0 (s, py), 135.3 (s, Ar^F), 129.4 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_BC = 3, Ar^F), 125.18 (s, py), 125.17 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 122.5 (NCH), 120.6 (NCH), 118.1 (sept, ³J_FC = 4, Ar^F), 56.3 (s, pyCH₂), 51.5 (s, NCH₂), 30.8 (s, CH₂), 27.8 (s, CH₂), 27.6 (s, CH₂), 26.8 (s, CH₂), 25.6 (s, CH₂).

[Rh(CNC-12)(CO)][BAr^F₄] (B)

A solution of [Rh(CNC-12)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (1a; 15.4 mg, 10.1 μmol) in CD₂Cl₂ (ca. 0.3 mL) was freeze–pump–thaw degassed and placed under an atmosphere of dihydrogen. After mixing for 6 h at ambient temperature, the resulting pale yellow solution was freeze–pump–thaw degassed and placed under an atmosphere of carbon monoxide to afford a yellow solution and the structurally dynamic product quantitatively by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Removal of volatiles in vacuo and redissolution in CD₂Cl₂ gave the static product by ¹H NMR spectroscopy: data are consistent with the published values.⁶

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, signals for biphenyl omitted): δ 7.88 (t, ²J_HH = 7.8, 1H, py), 7.68–7.79 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.56 (br, 4H, Ar^F), 7.88 (d, ²J_HH = 7.8, 2H, py), 5.45 (d, ²J_HH = 14.7, 2H, pyCH₂), 5.03 (d, ²J_HH = 14.7, 2H, pyCH₂), 4.29 (br, 2H, NCH₂), 3.99 (br, 2H, NCH₂), 1.88 (br, 4H, CH₂), 0.99–1.65 (m, 16H, CH₂). IR (CH₂Cl₂): ν(CO) 1978 cm^–1. LR ESI-MS (positive ion): 536.2 ([M]⁺, calcd 536.2) m/z.

[Ir(CNC-12)H₂(H₂)][BAr^F₄] (2b)

A solution of [Ir(CNC-12)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (1b; 32.3 mg, 20.0 μmol) in CD₂Cl₂ (ca. 0.5 mL) inside a J. Young valve NMR tube was freeze–pump–thaw degassed and placed under an atmosphere of dihydrogen. The solution was mixed for 24 h at ambient temperature to afford the product in ca. 95% yield, which was characterized in situ using ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂/H₂ signals for biphenyl omitted): δ 7.88 (t, ³J_HH = 7.7, 1H, py), 7.71–7.75 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.56 (br, 4H, Ar^F), 7.54 (d, ³J_HH = 7.3, 2H, py), 7.13 (br, 2H, NCH), 7.00 (br, 2H, NCH), 5.09 (br, 4H, pyCH₂), 4.02 (br, 4H, NCH₂), 1.72–1.86 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.26–1.54 (m, 16H, CH₂), −9.46, (vbr, fwhm = 230 Hz, T₁ = 94 ± 5 ms, 4H, IrH). ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂/H₂, 200 K, selected data): δ −9.56, (br, fwhm = 50 Hz, T₁ = 29 ± 3 ms, 4H, IrH). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (126 MHz, CD₂Cl₂/H₂, signals for biphenyl omitted): δ 162.3 (q, ¹J_BC = 50, Ar^F), 156.8 (s, py), 140.1 (s, py), 135.3 (s, Ar^F), 129.4 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_BC = 3, Ar^F), 125.2 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 125.1 (s, py), 121.6 (s, NCH), 120.3 (s, NCH), 118.1 (sept, ³J_FC= 4, Ar^F), 59.0 (br, fwhm = 90 Hz, pyCH₂), 52.1 (s, NCH₂), 30.3 (s, CH₂), 27.8 (s, CH₂), 27.7 (s, CH₂), 27.0 (s, CH₂), 25.5 (s, CH₂). The carbenic resonance was not unambiguously located at this temperature.

Subsequent removal of volatiles in vacuo and redissolution in CD₂Cl₂ gave a major product that analyzed as [Ir(CNC-12)H₂][BAr^F₄] (data below). A complex of this formulation was also obtained as the major species when the reaction mixture was layered with excess hexane and stored at −30 °C (red gum, Figure S42).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂, signals for biphenyl omitted): δ 7.87 (t, ³J_HH = 7.8, 1H, py), 7.71–7.75 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.56 (br, 4H, Ar^F), 7.51 (d, ³J_HH = 7.9, 2H, py), 7.16 (br, 2H, NCH), 7.07 (br, 2H, NCH), 5.18 (s, 4H, pyCH₂), 4.22–4.05 (m, 4H, NCH₂), 1.94–1.72 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.66–1.04 (m, 16H, CH₂), −24.53, (br, T₁ = 727 ± 16 ms, 2H, IrH).

[Ir(CNC-12)H₂(CO)][BAr^F₄] (4)

A solution of [Ir(CNC-12)(biph)][BAr^F₄] (1b; 31.2 mg, 19.3 μmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (ca. 1 mL) was freeze–pump–thaw degassed and placed under an atmosphere of dihydrogen. After mixing for 24 h at ambient temperature, the resulting pale yellow solution was freeze–pump–thaw degassed and placed under an atmosphere of carbon monoxide. Following stirring for 30 min, the product was precipitated by addition of excess hexane, isolated by filtration, washed with hexane (ca. 3 × 1 mL), and then dried in vacuo. Yield: 20.0 mg (69%, colorless foam).

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 7.92 (t, ³J_HH = 7.9, 1H, py), 7.70–7.75 (m, 8H, Ar^F), 7.58 (d, ³J_HH = 7.9, 2H, py), 7.56 (br, 4H, Ar^F), 7.21 (d, ³J_HH = 2.0, 2H, NCH), 7.07 (d, ³J_HH = 2.0, 2H, NCH), 5.17 (d, ²J_HH = 15.1, 2H, pyCH₂), 5.07 (br, 2H, pyCH₂), 4.07 (br, 4H, NCH₂), 1.83 (app. p, J = 7, 4H, CH₂), 1.28–1.56 (m, 16H, CH₂), −7.33 (d, ²J_HH = 2.9, T₁ = 1120 ± 18 ms, 1H, IrH), −17.69 (d, ²J_HH = 2.9, T₁ = 950 ± 9 ms, 1H, IrH). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (126 MHz, CD₂Cl₂): δ 174.0 (s, IrCO), 162.3 (q, ¹J_BC = 50, Ar^F), 158.0 (s, NCN), 156.0 (s, py), 140.8 (s, py), 135.4 (s, Ar^F), 129.4 (qq, ²J_FC = 32, ³J_BC = 3, Ar^F), 125.3 (s, py), 125.2 (q, ¹J_FC = 272, Ar^F), 121.9 (s, NCH), 120.9 (s, NCH), 118.1 (sept, ³J_FC = 4, Ar^F), 59.5 (s, pyCH₂), 52.3 (s, NCH₂), 30.3 (s, CH₂), 27.8 (s, CH₂), 27.6 (s, CH₂), 26.9 (s, CH₂), 25.5 (s, CH₂). IR (CH₂Cl₂): ν(CO) 2062 cm^–1. HR ESI-MS (positive ion, 4 kV): 628.2622 ([M]⁺, calcd 628.2623) m/z.

Satisfactory microanalysis could not be obtained, presumably due to low stability in the solid state (Figure S46).

Crystallographic Details

Full details about the collection, solution, and refinement are documented in the CIF files, which have been deposited with the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre under CCDC 1862296–1862299.

Computational Details

Density functional theory calculations were carried out using the ORCA 4.0.1.1 program,²⁹ employing Grimme’s dispersion corrected ωB97X-D3 functional, the LANL2DZ basis set and associated effective core potentials for Rh and Ir, and 6-31G(d,p) basis set for all other atoms.³⁰ Minima were verified by analytical vibrational mode analysis. Thermal corrections (298.15 K, 1 atm) were applied to deduce the Gibbs free energies. NBO analyses were carried out using NBO 6.0.¹⁷ All-electron single-point calculations were carried out on 1 employing the same functional and the Sapporo-DKH3-DZP-2012 basis set on Rh and Ir,²⁸ respectively, and the converged wave functions were used to carry out QTAIM analysis with AIMAll.¹⁸

Supporting Information Available

(PDF) The Supporting Information is available free of charge on the ACS Publications website at DOI: 10.1021/acs.organomet.8b00595.

• Additional experimental and computational details, NMR, IR and ESI-MS spectra of new compounds, and selected reactions (PDF)

• Undergraduate teaching materials (PDF)

• Cartesian coordinates for the calculated structures (XYZ)

Accession Codes

CCDC 1862296–1862299 contain the supplementary crystallographic data for this paper. These data can be obtained free of charge via www.ccdc.cam.ac.uk/data_request/cif, or by emailing data_request@ccdc.cam.ac.uk, or by contacting The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre, 12 Union Road, Cambridge CB2 1EZ, UK; fax: +44 1223 336033.

The authors declare no competing financial interest.