CRC 858 A07 - Dinuclear Carbene Complexes with cooperating Metal Centers (SFB 858)

Basic data for this project

Description

Project A7 is devoted to the synthesis of bimetallic carbene complexes with cooperating metal centers and their application in homogeneous catalysis. We will exploit cyclic tetracarbene ligands for the generation of digold(I)-complexes. Poteantial aurophilic interactions occuring are currently unknown. We also envisage to synthesize mixed valence Au(I)/Au(III)-derivatives. The corresponding complexes shall be tested in catalytic addition-, hydroamination- and cycloisomerization reactions. These mixed valence complexes are of special interest, as Au(I) and Au(III) might be able to selectively transform substrates at the corresponding metal center in its oxidation state, therefore in principle allowing to catalyze two different reactions in a cooperative manner at one substrate. Also chemoselective reactivity might be accessible, as Au(I) coordinates to hard donor centers, whereas Au(III) prefers alkenes and alkynes, respectively. In a second subproject dinuclear carbene complexes comprising Rh(II)-Rh(II)-moieties shall be utilized in catalytic oxidation-, cyclopropanation- and C-H-bond activation reactions of diazo compounds. The coordination sphere (parallel vs. coplanar) in such complexes shall be varied in order to determine the effect on the catalysis outcome.