Hydrogenolysis reactions of cobalt acyl complexes, [Co(CO)
3(L)(COR)] (L = phosphine, R = Me,
nPr) have been monitored using in situ IR spectroscopy at moderate temperatures (<75 掳C) and pressures (<25 bar). The reactions provide a model for the product-formation step in phosphine-modified, cobalt-catalyzed hydroformylation. The reaction kinetics are dependent on L, with the fastest rate being observed for the complex containing
n-pentyl-9-phosphabicyclo[4.2.1]nonane (
a5-PhobPC
5). The observed dependence of rate on H
2 and CO pressure is consistent with a mechanism involving initial CO dissociation, followed by reaction of [Co(CO)
2(L)(COR)] with H
2. Isotopic exchange experiments, monitored by IR spectroscopy, demonstrate that both terminal and acetyl carbonyls of [Co(CO)
3(L)(COR)] exchange with free
13CO. Kinetic data are also reported for reactions of [Co(CO)
3(L)(COR)] with triphenyltinhydride. A zero-order dependence on [Ph
3SnH] (at large excess) and positive values of 螖
S鈥?/sup> demonstrate rate-determining CO dissociation. For a series of less bulky, symmetrical phosphines, the rates follow the sequence PEt3 < PMe2Ph PEtPh2 < PPh3 < P(4-ClC6H4)3, in accord with their electron-donating strength. Higher rates are found for more bulky phosphines, and the fastest rate is again found for L = a5-PhobPC5. Calculations using density functional theory indicate that the CO dissociation energy for [Co(CO)3(L)(COMe)] is influenced by the stereoelectronic properties of L, with steric bulk having a substantial effect. X-ray crystal structures are reported for [Co(CO)3(PEtPh2)(COMe)], [Co(CO)3(s-PhobPC5)]2, and [Co(CO)3(a5-PhobPC5)]2.
Keywords:
hydroformylation; cobalt; phosphine; carbonyl; acyl; in situ IR; kinetics; mechanism