Iridium(I) PNP complexes in the sp³ C-H bond activation of methyl propanoate and related esters.

The utilisation of the PNP iridium pincer complex [Ir(PNP)(COE)][BF4] [PNP = 2,6-bis{(di-tert-butylphosphino)methyl}pyridine; COE = cyclooctene] in the sp(3) C-H activation of methyl propanoate and other related esters was explored. In particular, this study provides further insight into the factors that govern the regioselectivity of such reactions. These included factors such as the steric demands of the substrate, the formation of favourable ring systems as well as the electronic effects that may influence the pKa values of protons.

Highly versatile catalytic hydrogenation of carboxylic and carbonic acid derivatives using a Ru-triphos complex: molecular control over selectivity and substrate scope.

The complex [Ru(Triphos)(TMM)] (Triphos = 1,1,1-tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane, TMM = trimethylene methane) provides an efficient catalytic system for the hydrogenation of a broad range of challenging functionalities encompassing carboxylic esters, amides, carboxylic acids, carbonates, and urea derivatives. The key control factor for this unique substrate scope results from selective activation to generate either the neutral species [Ru(Triphos)(Solvent)H2] or the cationic intermediate [Ru(Triphos)(Solvent)(H)(H2)](+) in the presence of an acid additive. Multinuclear NMR spectroscopic studies demonstrated together with DFT investigations that the neutral species generally provides lower energy pathways for the multistep reduction cascades comprising hydrogen transfer to C═O groups and C-O bond cleavage.

Mixed anhydride complexes of rhodium(I) and ruthenium(II) - their synthesis and ligand rearrangements.

The coordination chemistry and solution behaviour of Rh(i) and Ru(ii) complexes derived from mixed anhydride ligands of carboxylic acids and phosphorus acids were explored. Similar to the free ligand systems, mixed anhydride complexes rearranged in solution via a number of pathways, with the pathway of choice dependent on the mixed anhydride employed, the auxiliary ligands present as well as the nature of the metal centre. Plausible mechanisms for some of the routes of rearrangement and by-product formation are proposed.

Homogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of amides to amines.

Hydrogenation of amides in the presence of [Ru(acac)3] (acacH=2,4-pentanedione), triphos [1,1,1-tris- (diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane] and methanesulfonic acid (MSA) produces secondary and tertiary amines with selectivities as high as 93% provided that there is at least one aromatic ring on N. The system is also active for the synthesis of primary amines. In an attempt to probe the role of MSA and the mechanism of the reaction, a range of methanesulfonato complexes has been prepared from [Ru(acac)3], triphos and MSA, or from reactions of [RuX(OAc)(triphos)] (X=H or OAc) or [RuH2(CO)(triphos)] with MSA.

Phosphorus containing mixed anhydrides--their preparation, labile behaviour and potential routes to their stabilisation.

Simple mixed anhydrides are known to pose synthetic difficulties relating to their thermal lability and ways to stabilise such mixed anhydride systems by relying on either electronic or steric effects were therefore explored. Thus, a series of acyloxyphosphines and acylphosphites derived from either propanoic acid or phenylacetic acid were prepared and their in solution stability assessed. These compounds were, where stability allowed, fully characterised using standard analytical techniques.

Novel N-heterocyclic ylideneamine gold(I) complexes: synthesis, characterisation and screening for antitumour and antimalarial activity.

Ylideneamine functionalised heterocyclic ligands, 1,3-dimethyl-1,3-dihydro-benzimidazol-2-ylideneamine (I), 3-methyl-3H-benzothiazol-2-ylideneamine (II) or 3,4-dimethyl-3H-thiazol-2-ylideneamine (III), were employed in the preparation of a series of both charged and neutral gold(I) complexes consisting either of a Au(C(6)F(5)) fragment (1-3), a [Au(PPh(3))](+) unit (4-6) or a [Au(NHC)](+) unit (7) coordinated to the imine nitrogen of the neutral ylideneamine ligand. These complexes were fully characterised by various techniques including X-ray diffraction. In addition, the antitumour and antimalarial potential of selected compounds were assessed in a preliminary study aimed at determining the medicinal value of such compounds.