CHEMISTRY OF 2-NAPHTYYL BIS[BIS(DIMETHYLPHOSPHINO)ETHANE] HYDRIDE COMPLEXES OF IRON, RUTHENIUM, AND OSMUIM .3. CLEAVAGE OF SP2 C-H BONDS

Reactions of HMNp(dmpe)2 complexes (Np = 2-naphthyl; dmpe = Me2PCH2CH2PMe2; M = Fe or Ru) to cleave various sp2 C-H bonds, including thoseof aromatic hydrocarbons, are described. The new HMR(dmpe)2 complexes are characterized spectroscopically. Studies of substituted benzenes show that product stability is favored by electron-withdrawing substituents and inhibited by electron donors. By a combination of NMR spectroscopy, specific deuterium labeling, and disubstitution, it has been possible to establish which isomeric products are formed. The overall study of HMNp(dmpe)2 chemistry is summarized, and the factors favoring C-H bond cleavage by low-valent transition metalsare discussed. © 1979, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.