Synthesis of bimetallic complexes bridged by 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl) pyridine derivatives and their catalytic properties in transfer hydrogenation.

A series of binuclear rhodium(i) and iridium(i) complexes with 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl) pyridine (bzimpy) derivatives were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. The molecular and crystal structures of complex 3d were determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Their monometallic analogues were prepared to compare the catalytic properties of the bimetallic complexes. To determine the catalyst properties that result in a cooperative, bimetallic enhancement of the reaction rate, the systematic variation of the intermetallic distance and the ligand donor properties of the bimetallic complexes were explored based on the transfer hydrogenation reactions of ketones.