Projects per year
Abstract
By using single-crystal to single-crystal solid-state molecular organometallic (SMOM) techniques, the σ -alkane complex [Rh( t Bu 2 PCH 2 CH 2 CH 2 P t Bu 2 )( η 2 , η 2 -C 7 H 12 )][BAr F 4 ] (Ar F = 3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 C 6 H 3 ) is synthesized and structurally characterized, in which the alkane (norbornane) binds through two exo -C-H···Rh interactions. In contrast, the bis-cyclohexyl phosphine analogue shows endo -alkane binding. Comparison of the two systems, supported by periodic DFT calculations, NCI plots and Hirshfeld surface analyses, trace this different regioselectivity to subtle changes in the local microenvironment surrounding the alkane ligand. A tertiary periodic structure supporting a secondary microenvironment that controls binding at the metal site has parallels with enzymes. The new σ -alkane complex is also a catalyst for solid/gas 1-butene isomerization, and catalyst resting states are identified for this.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3177-3183 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Chemistry : A European Journal |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 9 |
Early online date | 12 Jan 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 12 Jan 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We are grateful to SCG Chemicals, the EPSRC (M024210) and the Leverhulme Trust (RPG‐2015‐447) for funding; Professor Neil Champness (University of Nottingham, UK) for useful discussions and alerting us to the use of CrystalExplorer to explore weak interactions in the solid state; and Dr José Manuel Menéndez (Heriot‐Watt) for excellent IT support.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 The Authors. Chemistry - A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH
Keywords
- density functional calculations
- isomerization
- periodic DFT
- rhodium
- selectivity
- SMOM
Projects
- 2 Finished
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Putting Low Coordination into Practice by the Exploration of Metal-sigma-Interactions: Fundamentals, New Catalysts and Catalysis for New Materials
Weller, A. (Principal investigator)
1/01/20 → 31/03/22
Project: Research project (funded) › Research
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The Coordination Chemistry of Light Alkanes
Weller, A. (Principal investigator)
1/10/15 → 30/06/20
Project: Research project (funded) › Research