On the Nature of Carbon-Hydrogen Bond Activation at Rhodium and Related Reactions

Over the past 20 years, substantial progress has been made in the understanding of the activation of C-H and other strong bonds by reactive metal complexes in low oxidation states. This paper will present an overview of the use of pentamethylcyclopentadienyl and trispyrazolylborate rhodium complexes for the activation of arene and alkane C-H bonds. Insights into bond strengths, kinetic and thermodynamic selectivities, and the nature of the intermediates involved will be reviewed. The role of (eta)-2 arene complexes will be shown to be critical to the C-H activation reactions. Some information about the fleeting alkane (sigma)-complexes will also be presented. In addition, use of these complexes with thiophenes has shown the ability to cleave C-S bonds. Mechanistic information has been obtained indicating coordination through sulfur prior to cleavage. Relevant examples of nickel-based C-S cleavage will also be given.