Synthesis and characterization of new RhI complexes bearing CO, PPh3 and chelating P,O- or Se,Se-ligands: Application to hydroformylation of styrene

The complexes [Rh(CO)(PPh3){Ph2PNP(O)Ph2-P,O}] (3), [Rh(CO)2{Ph2P(Se)NP(Se)Ph2-Se,Se′}] (5), and [Rh(CO)(PPh3){Ph2P(Se)NP(Se)Ph2-Se,Se′}] (6), were synthesised by stepwise reactions of CO and PPh3 with [Rh(cod){Ph2PNP(O)Ph2-P,O}] (2) and [Rh(cod){Ph2P(Se)NP(Se)Ph2-Se,Se′}] (4), respectively. The complexes 3, 5 and 6 have been studied by IR, as well as 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy. The ν(CO) bands of complexes 3 and 6 appear at approximately 1960 cm−1, indicating high electron density at the RhI centre. The structure of complexes 3 and 6 has been determined by X–ray crystallography, and the 31P NMR chemical shifts have been resolved via low temperature NMR experiments. Both complexes exhibit square planar geometry around the metal centre, with the five-membered ring of complex 3 being almost planar, and the six-membered ring of complex 6 adopting a slightly distorted boat conformation. The C–O bond of the carbonyl ligand is relatively weak in both complexes, due to strong π-back donation from the electron rich RhI centre. The catalytic activity of the complexes 2, 3 and 6 in the hydroformylation of styrene has been investigated. Complexes 2 and 3 showed satisfactory catalytic properties, whereas complex 6 had effectively no catalytic activity.