A new class of synthetic models for the active site of [NiFe]-hydrogenases are described. The NiI/II(SCys)2 and FeII(CN)2CO sites are represented with (RC5H4)NiI/II and FeII(diphos)(CO) modules, where diphos = 1,2-C2H4(PPh2)2(dppe) or cis-1,2-C2H2(PPh2)2(dppv). The two bridging thiolate ligands are represented by CH2(CH2S)22− (pdt2−), Me2C(CH2S)22− (Me2pdt2−), and (C6H5S)22−. The reaction of Fe(pdt)(CO)2(dppe) and [(C5H5)3Ni2]BF4 affords [(C5H5)Ni(pdt)Fe(dppe)-(CO)]BF4 ([1a]BF4). Monocarbonyl [1a]BF4 features an S = 0 NiIIFeII center with five-coordinated iron, as proposed for the Ni-SIa state of the enzyme. One-electron reduction of [1a]+ affords the S = 1/2 derivative [1a]0, which, according to density functional theory (DFT) calculations and electron paramagnetic resonance and Mössbauer spectroscopies, is best described as a NiIFeII compound. The NiIFeII assignment matches that for the Ni-L state in [NiFe]-hydrogenase, unlike recently reported NiIIFeI-based models. Compound [1a]0 reacts with strong acids to liberate 0.5 equiv of H2 and regenerate [1a]+, indicating that H2 evolution is catalyzed by [1a]0. DFT calculations were used to investigate the pathway for H2 evolution and revealed that the mechanism can proceed through two isomers of [1a]0 that differ in the stereochemistry of the Fe(dppe)CO center. Calculations suggest that protonation of [1a]0 (both isomers) affords NiIII–H–FeII intermediates, which represent mimics of the Ni-C state of the enzyme.

Scheme 2. a) Reaction of [Ru 15 NH 3 ] + with excess t Bu 3 ArOC;b)crossover experimentusing 14 NH 3 gas.

This perspective examines frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) in the context of heterolytic cleavage of H by transition metal complexes, with an emphasis on molecular complexes bearing an intramolecular Lewis base. FLPs have traditionally been associated with main group compounds, yet many reactions of transition metal complexes support a broader classification of FLPs that includes certain types of transition metal complexes with reactivity resembling main group-based FLPs. This article surveys transition metal complexes that heterolytically cleave H, which vary in the degree that the Lewis pairs within these systems interact. Many of the examples include complexes bearing a pendant amine functioning as the base with the metal functioning as the hydride acceptor. Consideration of transition metal compounds in the context of FLPs can inspire new innovations and improvements in transition metal catalysis.This article is part of the themed issue 'Frustrated Lewis pair chemistry'.

The complexes Fe2 (pdt)(CNR)6 (pdt2− = CH2(CH2S−)2) were prepared by thermal substitution of the hexacarbonyl complex with the isocyanides RNC for R = C6H4-4-OMe (1), C6H4-4-Cl (2), Me (3). These complexes represent electron-rich analogues of the parent Fe2(pdt)(CO)6. Unlike most substituted derivatives of Fe2(pdt)(CO)6, these isocyanide complexes are sterically unencumbered and have the same idealized symmetry as the parent hexacarbonyl derivatives. Like the hexacarbonyls, the stereodynamics of 1–3 involve both turnstile rotation of the Fe(CNR)3 as well as the inversion of the chair conformation of the pdt ligand. Structural studies indicate that the basal isocyanide has nonlinear CNC bonds and short Fe–C distances, indicating that they engage in stronger Fe–C π-backbonding than the apical ligands. Cyclic voltammetry reveals that these new complexes are far more reducing than the hexacarbonyls, although the redox behavior is complex. Estimated reduction potentials are E1/2 ≈ −0.6 ([2]+/0), −0.7 ([1]+/0), and −1.25 ([3]+/0). According to DFT calculations, the rotated isomer of 3 is only 2.2 kcal/mol higher in energy than the crystallographically observed unrotated structure. The effects of rotated versus unrotated structure and of solvent coordination (THF, MeCN) on redox potentials were assessed computationally. These factors shift the redox couple by as much as 0.25 V, usually less. Compounds 1 and 2 protonate with strong acids to give the expected μ-hydrides [H1]+ and [H2]+. In contrast, 3 protonates with [HNEt3]BArF4 (pKaMeCN = 18.7) to give the aminocarbyne [Fe2(pdt)(CNMe)5(μ-CN(H)Me)]+ ([3H]+). According to NMR measurements and DFT calculations, this species adopts an unsymmetrical, rotated structure. DFT calculations further indicate that the previously described carbyne complex [Fe2(SMe)2(CO)3(PMe3)2(CCF3)]+ also adopts a rotated structure with a bridging carbyne ligand. Complex [3H]+ reversibly adds MeNC to give [Fe2(pdt)(CNR)6(μ-CN(H)Me)]+ ([3H(CNMe)]+). Near room temperature, [3H]+ isomerizes to the hydride [(μ-H)Fe2(pdt)(CNMe)6]+ ([H3]+) via a first-order pathway.