Ion-pairs as a gateway to transmetalation: aryl transfer from boron to nickel and magnesium

Gas-phase ion-ion reactions between tris-1,10-phenantholine metal dications, [(phen)(3)M](2+) (where M = Ni and Mg), and the tetraphenylborate anion yield the ion-pairs {[(phen)(3)M](2+)[BPh4](-)}(+). The ion-pairs undergo transmetalation upon loss of a phen ligand to give the organometallic complexes [(phen)(2)M(Ph)](+). DFT calculations, used to determine the energy barriers for the transmetalation reactions and the hydrolysis reactions, are entirely consistent with the experimental results.

Automated summary

In this study, gas-phase reactions between tris-1,10-phenantholine metal dications and tetraphenylborate anions were investigated. The formation of ion-pairs and subsequent organometallic complex formation were observed. DFT calculations confirmed the energy barriers and hydrolysis reactions in accordance with experimental results.