(η4-Tetrafluorobenzobarrelene)-η1-((tri-4-fluorophenyl)phosphine)-η1-(2-phenylphenyl)rhodium(I),
Rh(tfb)(biph)(PAr3), was prepared and evaluated as a catalyst
in the controlled, stereospecific (co)polymerization of arylacetylenes.
Following recrystallization, the complex was characterized by single-crystal
X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy,
including 103Rh and 31P-103Rh{1H, 103Rh} heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence
(HMQC) experiments. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction indicated that
Rh(tfb)(biph)(PAr3) adopts a slightly distorted square-planar
geometry consistent with previously reported tetracoordinate rhodium(I)-aryl
and -vinyl complexes. 103Rh and 2D 31P-103Rh{1H} HMQC NMR spectroscopy confirmed the purity
and stability of the new complex in solution. In the presence of excess
P(4-FC6H4)3 as a rate modifier, the
Rh(I)-aryl catalyst mediated the homopolymerization of phenylacetylene,
PhC2H, in a controlled manner as evidenced from the linearity
of the pseudo-first-order kinetic plots, the evolution of molecular
weight and dispersity, and the quantitative crossover efficiency in
a self-blocking experiment. The broader utility of Rh(tfb)(biph)(PAr3) was demonstrated in the polymerization of a series of functional
arylacetylenes, including 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylacetylene and 3,4-dichlorophenylacetylene,
as well as in the preparation of well-defined AB diblock copolymers
of phenylacetylene with the trifluoromethoxy and dichloro derivatives.
Computational studies using density functional theory allowed a quantitative
comparison between Rh(tfb)(biph)(PAr3) and the 2,5-norbornadiene
(nbd) analogue, Rh(nbd)(biph)(PAr3). Results indicated
that the former has a lower HOMO energy compared to the nbd derivative
and is consistent with the enhanced π-acidity of the tetrafluorobenzobarrelene
ligand species. Calculations similarly indicated that Rh(tfb)(biph)(PAr3) has a slightly higher binding affinity for PhC2H. Finally, we highlight the role the biph aryl ligand plays in stabilizing
the rhodium complex through a C–H agostic and η2–π interactions and different steps in the catalyst
initiation process.