Bis(N-Heterocyclic Carbene)Carbazolide Pincer Complexes of S- and P-Block Metals and Related Studies
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AUSTRALIA Bis(N-Heterocyclic Carbene)Carbazolide Pincer Complexes of s- and p-Block Metals and Related Studies A thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Chemistry) by Kai N. Buys Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Marcus L. Cole School of Chemistry The University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia April 2017 THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname or Family name: BUYS First name: KAI Other name/s: NICHOLAS Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: PhD School: CHEMISTRY Faculty: SCIENCE Title: Bis(N Heterocyclic Carbene)Carbazolide Pincer Complexes of s- and p-Block Metals and Related Studies Abstract 350 words maximum: This work presents synthetic investigations into main group organometallic chemistry, placing particular emphasis on the study of bis-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) carbazolide coordination environments. Complexes of high and low oxidation state metals from the s- and p-blocks were targeted and these comprise the content of the experimental chapters two through five. Chapter one serves as a general introduction to rationalise the intent of this work. Herein focus is drawn to the nascent field of organometallic main group chemistry in the form of a discussion of its history using pertinent recent examples from the literature. Chapter two details the synthesis of an emerging class of versatile bis(NHC)carbazolide pincer ligands; bimcaR, and their complexation to s-block metals. The development of a new zwitterionic bis(imidazolium)carbazolide proligand is discussed, as well as the structural metrics of new lithium and magnesium bimcaR derivatives. Specifically, a new iodomagnesium complex is probed for its synthetic utility as a ligand-transfer agent and catalytic precursor in conjunction with attempts to access a reduced Mg(I) derivative. Chapter three focuses on the stabilising effect of the flanking bis(NHC) moieties of bimcaR on high valent group 13 metals and thusly presents a series of exceptionally stable bimcaR supported diiodides from aluminium to thallium. The indium- and thallium diiodides are subjected to iodide- hydride exchange reactions to assess the stability of the resulting dihydrides, whilst efforts are also made to access low valent heavy group 13 congeners. Chapter four concentrates on the extension of this methodology to accessing heavy low valent group 14 complexes with the aim of creating highly activated metal centres to harness main group redox chemistry. To this end, a number of attempts are made to access low valent tin and lead halides with a view toward accessing the corresponding, highly reactive metallohydrides. Chapter five presents an alternative approach to accessing such reactive group 14 species with the bulky triazenide ligand class, and thereby details the synthesis and steric characterisation of a new super bulky, unsymmetrical N-2,6-terphenyl triazenide ligand. Declaration relating to disposition of project thesis/dissertation I hereby grant to the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or in part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all property rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstracts International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). …………………………………………………………… ……………………………………..……………… ……….……………………...…….… Signature Witness Signature Date The University recognises that there may be exceptional circumstances requiring restrictions on copying or conditions on use. Requests for restriction for a period of up to 2 years must be made in writing. Requests for a longer period of restriction may be considered in exceptional circumstances and require the approval of the Dean of Graduate Research. FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Date of completion of requirements for Award: Originality Statement ‘I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge it contains no materials previously published or written by another person, or substantial proportions of material which have been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at UNSW or any other educational institution, except where due acknowledgement is made in the thesis. Any contribution made to the research by others, with whom I have worked at UNSW or elsewhere, is explicitly acknowledged in the thesis. I also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of my own work, except to the extent that assistance from others in the project's design and conception or in style, presentation and linguistic expression is acknowledged.’ Signed …………………………………………………. Date …………………………………………………. COPYRIGHT STATEMENT ‘I hereby grant the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all proprietary rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstract International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). I have either used no substantial portions of copyright material in my thesis or I have obtained permission to use copyright material; where permission has not been granted I have applied/will apply for a partial restriction of the digital copy of my thesis or dissertation.' Signed ……………………………………………........................... Date ……………………………………………........................... AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT ‘I certify that the Library deposit digital copy is a direct equivalent of the final officially approved version of my thesis. No emendation of content has occurred and if there are any minor variations in formatting, they are the result of the conversion to digital format.’ Signed ……………………………………………........................... Date ……………………………………………........................... Acknowledgments My biggest expression of gratitude must go to my supervisor, Marcus Cole, who was always supportive of my work - through thick and thirsty - and in his own way, he has kindly taught me some of life’s valuable lessons. Specifically, I must thank him for his patience and guidance in teaching me the delicate arts of wordsmithing and single crystal X-ray diffraction. With regard to the latter, I would also like to acknowledge Mohan Bhadbhade for his uncanny expertise in taming the machine spirits of our, at times, temperamental diffractometer. To all the residents of the 1003 laboratory, please accept my humble thanks for creating such an animated workplace. Christoph, Pete, Tom, Skimmo, Niamh, and Kirsty, you have exceptional tastes in lifestyle! Sam, know that your help throughout my project was invaluable, especially when I was but a young pup (and thanks for all the free stuff). I am equally thankful for the truly special opportunity to visit Doris Kunz and her research group at the University of Tübingen. My stay was made all the better by her friendly group members. Special mentions go to Bucki, Eva, Therry, and Domme for welcoming me into their extracurricular mischiefs and odd traditions. Of course, none of this work would have been possible without the unwavering love of my dear friends and family at home: Pig, Jay, G, and obviously the members of the Super Deluxe Dream Team; Bunk, Bogdan, Thud, and Spicy. Many of you I have known since my very beginning, may we have countless more floats and quick pumps. Mama and Pops, your ceaseless support often materialised as food and coffee donations, these were always welcome, especially towards the end. Brother dearest, sorry for eating your food during my times of need. Finally, I would like to thank you, the kind reader, for at least making it this far. Great job! Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................... vii List of abbreviations ...................................................................................................... viii List of Compounds ......................................................................................................... xv Chapter 1 – General Introduction ................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction to main group organometallics .......................................................... 1 1.2 Introduction to p-block organometallics ................................................................. 2 1.2.1 Monoanionic ligands ........................................................................................ 6 1.2.2 The “Gallyne” debate ....................................................................................... 7 1.3 Heavy p-block metallohydrides ............................................................................... 9 1.4 Introduction to s-Block organometallics ............................................................... 12 1.4.1 1,8-Disubstituted carbazolides as support ligands ......................................... 13 1.4.2-Diketiminates