Gold(III) Catalyzed Overman Rearrangements: Controlling Steric Interactions using Pincer‐Type Ligands

Abstract

AbstractSpatial control of reactivity is intrinsically difficult in gold catalysis due to the linear coordination mode of Au(I) and the commonly flat ligands employed for Au(III) complexes. Our recent report of a novel and sterically encumbered (NNN)diiPrAu−OH complex (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 2021, 3561–3564.) suggested that the (NNN) ligand framework is capable of sterically interacting with substrates through its conveniently oriented aryl groups. We have now examined these steric properties in more detail by varying the ortho‐substituent of the aryl group in (NNN)xAu−Cl complexes. With just small modifications we were able to vary the buried volume around the Cl atom and correlate this to yields obtained in a Au‐catalyzed Overman rearrangement. Computationally we further elucidate that the stark difference in yields obtained originates from a shift in binding mode of the substrate to the Au catalyst in the rate limiting step of the reaction. We thus conclude that delicate spatial control can be exercised in gold catalysis and propose the (NNN) ligand framework to be an attractive platform for the efficient design of Au(III) complexes for stereoselective catalysis.