Electrophilic Substitution in Metal Complexes

When a metal atom donates electron density to a bound ligand, usually by means of Ji-back bonding, electrophilic substitution reactions may be promoted. This is observed then usually with metals in low oxidation states and is therefore prevalent with organometallic complexes - and less with those of the Werner-type, where the metals are usually in higher oxidation states. Nevertheless there have been detailed studies of electrophilic substitution in metal complexes of P-diketones, 8-hydroxyquinolines and porphyrins. Usually the detailed course of the reaction is unaffected. It is often slower in the metal complexes than in the free ligand but more rapid than in the protonated form. 

The apparently first kinetic study of a metal-assisted electrophilic substitution in a Co(III) complex is recent. The bromination of Co(NH3)5imidH is complicated by the presence of different bromine species in solution (Brj, HOBr and Brj ). In addition, successive brominations of the coordinated imidazole occur. Rate data can be interpreted in terms of reaction of the conjugate base of the Co(III) complex with Brj, and a suggested mechanism for the first steps is (Rq = Co(NH3)5 ) 

The first observed product is however Co(NH3)j(4,5Br2imidH) +. The rate constant (6xlO M s ) is 10 fold larger than for reaction of imidH+ (1.1 x 10 M s ). The initial site of attack is uncertain in both instances.  

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