Activation of aromatic rings by early transition metal ions in the gas phase. Implications for the metal‐catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of alkynes and nitriles

Abstract

AbstractThe reactions of a series of monocyclic and bicyclic arenes with early transition metal ions (Sc+, Y+, Nb+ and Ta+) and their oxides and dioxides were studied in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Ring cleavage of the nitrogen‐containing heterocycles results in loss of HCN as the dominant pathway. Thermochemical considerations, secondary reactions and correlations with solution cyclotrimerization reactions indicate that the MC4H4+ product is a metallacyclopentadiene. Based on correspondence between the reactivities of a series of early metals with their valence electron counts, the reactivities of quinoline and isoquinoline and the decomposition behavior of the products, a metallacycloheptatriene intermediate is proposed for the heteroaromatic ring cleavage reaction. These results are compared to metal complexes in solution which catalyze the [2 + 2 + 2] cyclotrimerization of alkynes and nitriles.