The reaction of (o-MeSPh)-N-functionalized tetrahydropyrimidinium salts with KN(SiMe3)2 and [Rh(COD)Cl]2 in THF leads to the formation of a novel dimeric RhIII bis-carbene complex. The reaction involves the unexpected cleavage/oxidative addition of the aryl-sulfur bond to give dimeric metallated RhIII with bridging MeS< moieties. This unusual reaction is probably a consequence of the sterically imposing structure and strong donor capacity of ring-expanded N-heterocyclic carbenes (RE-NHCs). An X-ray structure of the [(Ph,DIPP-NHC)Rh(Cl)(SMe)2] product complex has been obtained, and DFT studies were undertaken to gain an insight into the reaction pathway.
Intercluster exchanges leading to hydride-centered bimetallic clusters: a multi-NMR, X-ray crystallographic, and DFT Study