Ligand Effects on Reactivity of Cobalt Acyl Complexes

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 °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-PhobPC5). The observed dependence of rate on H2 and CO pressure is consistent with a mechanism involving initial CO dissociation, followed by reaction of [Co(CO)2(L)(COR)] with H2. 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 [Ph3SnH] (at large excess) and positive values of ΔS‡ demonstrate rate-determining CO ...