Cationic rhodium(I)–diolefin complexes containing an optically active C2-symmetric bis(sulfoximine) ligand: Synthesis and catalytic activity

A series of cationic rhodium(I) complexes [Rh(diene)(N^N)][BF4] (diene = 1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod), norbornadiene (nbd), tetrafluorobenzobarralene (tfb)), containing the optically pure bis(sulfoximine) ligand 1,2-bis(S-methyl-S-phenylsulfonimidoyl)benzene, have been synthesized and fully characterized. The structure of the R,R enantiomer of the ligand, and that of its cyclooctadiene–Rh(I) complex, were confirmed by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Studies on the catalytic activity of these complexes in acetophenone hydrosilylation and dimethyl itaconate hydrogenation are also reported.

Coordination of the (S,S)- and (R,R)-enantiomers of the C2-symmetric bis(sulfoximine) ligand 1,2-bis(S-methyl-S-phenylsulfonimidoyl)benzene to cationic rhodium(I)–diolefin fragments is described. The catalytic activity of the resulting complexes in hydrosilylation and hydrogenation reactions is also discussed.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide