Achiral Ligands Research Articles

A Supramolecular Chiral Auxiliary Approach: "Remote Control" of Stereochemistry at a Hierarchically Assembled Dimeric Helicate.

Dimeric hierarchically-assembled titanium(IV) helicates are in solvent-dependent equilibrium with the corresponding monomers. Statistically formed mixtures of such complexes bearing chiral stereocontrolling ligands and achiral diene-substituted ligands show high diastereoselectivity and reasonable enantioselectivity in the Diels-Alder reaction with maleimides if the reaction proceeds with the dimer but not with the monomer. Thus, solvent dependent switching between the monomer and dimer enables on/off switching of the enantioselectivity.

Ligand effects on the optical and chiroptical properties of the thiolated Au18 cluster.

The effect of chiral and achiral ligands protecting the inner Au9 core of the Au18(SR)14 cluster is studied based on density functional theory (DFT) and its corrected long-range interaction (DFT-D) approach. It was found that the electronic properties (energy levels) depend on the specific ligands, which induce distinct distortions on the Au-S framework. However, the substitution of S-c-C6H11 as SCH3 ligands may be considered to be correct given the obtained resemblance to the displayed bonding, optical and chiroptical properties. A further comparison of the CD and UV spectra displayed by the Au18 cluster protected by chiral and achiral ligands attests that more intense profiles are featured by ligands including phenyl rings and/or oxygen atoms such that the Au18 cluster protected by either achiral meta-mercaptobenzoic acid (m-MBA) or achiral SPh ligands displays more intense UV and CD signals. These results provide new insight into the effect of ligands on thiolated gold clusters.

The synthesis and chiral crystal structures of two enantiomers of a Ag helical coordination polymer based on argentophilicity

Achiral ligand- and Ag(I)-driven spontaneous resolution occurred simultaneously in the formation of two enantiomers 1P and 1M of [Ag2(5-nip)(mpyz)] (5-nip = 5-nitroisophthalic, mpyz = 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine), whose absolute sense of a helix made of achiral components is induced by the metal Ag(I) through argentophilic interactions.

Synthesis and characterization of mixed ligand chiral nanoclusters.

Chiral mixed ligand silver nanoclusters were synthesized in the presence of a chiral and an achiral ligand. While the chiral ligand led mostly to the formation of nanoparticles, the presence of the achiral ligand drastically increased the yield of nanoclusters with enhanced chiral properties.

Ligand dependent topology and spontaneous resolution in high-spin cyano-bridged Ni3W2 clusters.

Two high-spin pentanuclear NiW clusters with diimine blocking ligands have been obtained: {[Ni(4,4'-MeObpy)2]3[W(CN)8]2}·12H2O (1) and {[Ni(phen)2(H2O)][Ni(phen)2]2[W(CN)8]2}·7H2O (2) (4,4'-MeObpy = 4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). Despite the similarity of the building blocks and synthetic conditions the compounds show different topologies of the cluster core: 1 is a trigonal bipyramid while 2 is a decorated square. Both cluster structures are chiral with either ΔΔΔ or ΛΛΛ configuration around all three Ni centres. In 1 spontaneous resolution occurs and it crystallises in the P212121 space group forming a conglomerate containing both types of enantiomorphic crystals. 1Δ and 1Λ are the first pair of enantiomorphic structures of cyano-bridged clusters of trigonal bipyramidal topology obtained with achiral bidentate blocking ligands. 2 crystallises as a racemic compound in a centrosymmetric space group P1[combining macron] with both enantiomers present in the structure. 2 is an exceptional square-motif containing structure with an identical stereoconfiguration of all complex cations within one cluster. Ferromagnetic interactions are present in both clusters resulting in the ground spin state S = 4.

How to control optical activity in organic-silver hybrid nanoparticles.

The mechanisms that originate and control optical activity in organic-metal hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) are identified using a time-perturbed density functional theory. Electronic circular dichroism (CD) is studied in terms of the intrinsic chirality of the ligands, the number of ligands and the induced chirality by the arrangement of the ligands on the NP. Left-handed cysteine and achiral methylthio ligands adsorbed on an icosahedral silver NP are investigated. The analysis of CD allows the identification of the spectral regions when the induced chirality by the ligand array dominates over the intrinsic chirality of the ligands, determining conditions for CD control and enlargement. These results would be significant in the discussion of experimental CD spectra of organic-metal hybrid NPs, which might allow the development of new strategies to improve the sensitivity of chiroptical spectroscopies for the identification of bio and organic molecules.

Сhiral recognition of cysteine molecules by chiral CdSe and CdS quantum dots

Here, we report the investigation of mechanism of chiral molecular recognition of cysteine biomolecules by chiral CdSe and CdS semiconductor nanocrystals. To observe chiral recognition process, we prepared enantioenriched ensembles of the nanocrystals capped with achiral ligand. The enantioenriched samples of intrinsically chiral CdSe quantum dots were prepared by separation of initial racemic mixture of the nanocrystals using chiral phase transfer from chloroform to water driven by L- and D-cysteine. Chiral molecules of cysteine and penicillamine were substituted for achiral molecules of dodecanethiol on the surfaces of CdSe and CdS samples, respectively, via reverse phase transfer from water to chloroform. We estimated an efficiency of the hetero- (d-L or l-D) and homocomplexes (l-L) formation by comparing the extents of corresponding complexing reactions. Using circular dichroism spectroscopy data we show an ability of nanocrystals enantiomers to discriminate between left-handed and right-handed enantiomers of biomolecules via preferential formation of heterocomplexes. Development of approaches for obtaining chiral nanocrystals via chiral phase transfer offers opportunities for investigation of molecular recognition at the nano/bio interfaces.

Chiroptical activity in colloidal quantum dots coated with achiral ligands.

We studied the chiroptical properties of colloidal solution of CdSe and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) with a cubic lattice structure which were initially prepared without use of any chiral molecules and coated with achiral ligands. We demonstrate circular dichroism (CD) activity around first and second excitonic transition of these CdSe based nanocrystals. We consider that this chiroptical activity is caused by imbalance in racemic mixtures of QDs between the left and right handed nanoparticles, which appears as a result of the formation of various defects or incorporation of impurities into crystallographic structure during their synthesis. We demonstrate that optical activity of colloidal solution of CdSe QDs with achiral ligands weakly depends on the QDs size and number of ZnS monolayers, but does not depend on the nature of achiral ligands or polarity of the solution.

Origins of Regioselectivity in Iridium Catalyzed Allylic Substitution.

Detailed studies on the origin of the regioselectivity for formation of branched products over linear products have been conducted with complexes containing the achiral triphenylphosphite ligand. The combination of iridium and P(OPh)3 was the first catalytic system shown to give high regioselectivity for the branched product with iridium and among the most selective for forming branched products among any combination of metal and ligand. We have shown the active catalyst to be generated from [Ir(COD)Cl]2 and P(OPh)3 by cyclometalation of the phenyl group on the ligand and have shown such species to be the resting state of the catalyst. A series of allyliridium complexes ligated by the resulting P,C ligand have been generated and shown to be competent intermediates in the catalytic system. We have assessed the potential impact of charge, metal-iridium bond length, and stability of terminal vs internal alkenes generated by attack at the branched and terminal positions of the allyl ligand, respectively. These factors do not distinguish the regioselectivity for attack on allyliridium complexes from that for attack on allylpalladium complexes. Instead, detailed computational studies suggest that a series of weak, attractive, noncovalent interactions, including interactions of H-bond acceptors with a vinyl C-H bond of the alkene ligand, favor formation of the branched product with the iridium catalyst. This conclusion underscores the importance of considering attractive interactions, as well as repulsive steric interactions, when seeking to rationalize selectivities.

Synthesis of chiral heterobimetallic tris(phosphinoamide) Zr/Co complexes

Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of new heterobimetallic Zr/Co complexes incorporating chiral phosphinoamide ligands. The chiral phosphinoamine ligand (R-PhCH3CH)NHPiPr2 (1) is used to synthesize a tris(phosphinoamide) Zr metalloligand ClZr((R-PhCH3CH)NPiPr2)3 (2), which can be further treated with CoI2 to afford the chiral Zr/Co heterobimetallic complex ClZr((R-PhCH3CH)NPiPr2)3CoI (3). Complex 3 can be reduced by two electrons to produce Zr((R-PhCH3CH)NPiPr2)3CoN2 (4). In an alternative strategy, a mixed-ligand derivative featuring two achiral phosphinoamide ligands and one chiral ligand was targeted. Thermolysis of Zr(NMe2)4 with iPr2PNHXyl in toluene produces (Me2N)2Zr(iPr2PNXyl)2 (5, Xyl=3,5-dimethylphenyl), which can be transformed into I2Zr(iPr2PNXyl)2 (6) via in situ treatment with Me3SiI. A third chiral phosphinoamide ligand can then be installed to generate IZr((R-PhCH3CH)NPiPr2)(XylNPiPr2)2 (7). Treatment of complex 7 with CoI2 affords IZr((R-PhCH3CH)NPiPr2)(XylNPiPr2)2CoI (8). Complexes 3, 7, and 8 were structurally characterized and a preliminary screening of the catalytic hydrosilylation of acetophenone with reduced complex 4 revealed a very poor yield and essentially no enantioselectivity.

Minimizing Aryloxy Elimination in Rh(I) -Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of β-Aryloxyacrylic Acids using a Mixed-Ligand Strategy.

The first example of efficient asymmetric hydrogenation of challenging β-aryloxyacrylic acids was realized using a Rh(I) -complex based on the heterocombination of a readily available chiral monodentate secondary phosphine oxide (SPO) and an achiral monodentate phosphine ligand as the catalyst. Excellent enantioselectivities (92->99 % ee) were achieved for a wide variety of chiral β-aryloxypropionic acids with minor aryloxy elimination in most cases. The resultant products were readily transformed into biologically active compounds through simple synthetic manipulations.

The first 3D Zn(II) complex involving chiral chains constructed by achiral ligand 2-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylate

A novel 3D Zn(II) complex [Zn(H2hmIDC)]n (1) has been synthesized through the reaction of an achiral ligand 2-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid (H4hmIDC) with Zn(NO3)2. Single crystal X-ray diffraction determination shows that complex 1 is the first 3D framework based on left and right-handed helical chains, in which all of the H2hmIDC2− ligands coordinate to Zn(II) ions with μ3-bridging mode. The overall structure of complex 1 can be described as a (3,3)-connected topology with the topological notation of {82·10}2. The TG analysis shows that it possesses great thermal stability. In addition, its IR spectra, PXRD pattern and fluorescence property have been investigated.

ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in the Use of Chiral Metal Complexes with Achiral Ligands for Application in Asymmetric Catalysis

AbstractReview: 83 refs.

Coordination polymers assembled from semirigid fluorene-based ligand: A couple of enantiomers

A couple of Mg(II)-based coordination polymer enantiomers [MgL(DMF)(H2O)3]n (R-MgL and S-MgL), and a Zn(II)-based coordination polymer [ZnL(DMF)]n (ZnL) have been synthesized by the solvothermal reactions between the achiral ligand 4,4′-(9,9-dimethyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl)dibenzoic acid (H2L) and the corresponding metal salts. The MgL was obtained as the racemic conglomerate from the one pot reaction. The single crystal X-ray structural analyses reveal that MgL crystallize in the chiral space group P21 and possesses the right- or left-handed homochiral 1D Mg–O–C helical chain. The ZnL crystallize in the non-centrosymmetrical space group Aba2 and possesses the 2D network comprised of 1D Zn–O–C meso-helical chains and ligands. The MgL and ZnL complexes exhibit strong coordination-perturbed ligand-centered blue emissions when excited at 320nm. Their second-order nonlinear optical effects and thermal properties have also been studied.

Stereospecific nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of benzylic ethers and esters.

ConspectusThis Account presents the development of a suite of stereospecific alkyl–alkyl cross-coupling reactions employing nickel catalysts. Our reactions complement related nickel-catalyzed stereoconvergent cross-coupling reactions from a stereochemical and mechanistic perspective. Most reactions of alkyl electrophiles with low-valent nickel complexes proceed through alkyl radicals and thus are stereoablative; the correct enantioselective catalyst can favor the formation of one enantiomer. Our reactions, in contrast, are stereospecific. Enantioenriched ethers and esters are cleanly converted to cross-coupled products with high stereochemical fidelity. While mechanistic details are still to be refined, our results are consistent with a polar, two-electron oxidative addition that avoids the formation of radical intermediates. This reactivity is unusual for a first-row transition metal.The cross-coupling reactions engage a range of benzylic ethers and esters, including methyl ethers, tetrahydropyrans, tetrahydrofurans, esters, and lactones. Coordination of the arene substituent to the nickel catalyst accelerates the reactions. Arenes with low aromatic stabilization energies, such as naphthalene, benzothiophene, and furan, serve as the best ligands and provide the highest reactivity. Traceless directing groups that accelerate reactions of sluggish substrates are described, providing partial compensation for arene coordination.Kumada, Negishi, and Suzuki reactions provide incorporation of a broad range of transmetalating agents. In Kumada coupling reactions, a full complement of Grigard reagents, including methyl, n-alkyl, and aryl Grignard reagents, are employed. In reactions employing methylmagnesium iodide, ligation of the nickel catalyst by rac-BINAP or DPEphos provides the highest yield and stereospecificity. For all other Grignard reagents, Ni(dppe)Cl2 has emerged as the best catalyst. Negishi cross-coupling reactions employing dimethylzinc are reported as a strategy to increase the functional group tolerance of the reaction. We also describe Suzuki reactions using arylboronic esters. These reactions provided the first example in the series of a switch in stereochemical outcome. The reactions maintain stereospecificity, but reactions employing different achiral ligands provide opposite enantiomers of the product. Use of an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, SIMes, provides inversion, consistent with our prior work in Kumada and Negishi coupling reactions. Use of the electron-rich phosphine PCy3, however, provides retention with stereospecificity, signaling a change in the mechanistic details.Potential applications of the reported cross-coupling reactions include the synthesis of medicinal agents containing the 2-arylalkane and 1,1-diarylalkane moieties, which are pharmacophores in medicinal chemistry. These moieties are found in compounds with activity against a broad range of indications, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, smallpox, tuberculosis, and insomnia. We highlight representative examples of bioactive compounds that we have prepared with high enantioselectivity employing our methods, as well as the discovery of a new anti-cancer agent.

The use of mixtures of ligands in the Ir-catalyzed asymmetric reductive amination of 6-methyl-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-carbazol-1-one

A comparative testing of complex catalysts with homo and hetero combinations of chiral and achiral monodentate phosphite- and phosphine-type ligands in the Ir-catalyzed asymmetric direct reductive amination of 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-сarbozol-1-ones was carried out. A positive effect of the use in the reaction of a mixture of chiral and achiral ligands was demonstrated. This approach makes feasible a one-pot synthesis of valuable biologically active compounds of (tetrahydro-1H-carbazol-1-yl)amine series.

A 3D chiral metal-organic framework based on left-handed helices containing 3-amino-1 H-1,2,4-triazole ligand

A chiral metal-organic framework, [Cu(atr)(OH)]·0.5H2O·0.5en (1) (Hatr=3-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazole, en=ethylenediamine), was constructed via diffusion reaction of the achiral Hatr ligand and CuSO4 as starting materials. Compound 1 crystallizes in the chiral space group P3221 and features a porous metal-organic framework with 44.1% solvent-accessible volume fabricated by left-handed helices with a pitch height of lp=10.442Å. Six helices gather around in a cycle forming a large honeycomb channel with a 6.58Å inner diameter. Cu(II) center and atr‒ ligand regarded as 3-connected nodes, compound 1 can be simplified to a 3-c uninodal {4.122} (qtz-h) topological network. A gradual decreasing in the magnetic moment depending on temperature decreasing indicates an antiferromagnetic interaction in 1. The powder XRD confirms the bulk sample is a single crystal pure phase, and the thermogravimetric analysis shows the thermal stability of 1 is up to ca. 240°C.

Metal-Organic Nanotube with Helical and Propeller-Chiral Motifs Composed of a C10-Symmetric Double-Decker Nanoring.

Coassembly of an achiral ferrocene-cored tetratopic pyridyl ligand (FcL) with AgBF4 in CH2Cl2/MeCN (7:3 v/v) containing chiral Bu4N(+) (+)- or (-)-menthylsulfate (MS*(-)) results in the formation of an "optically active" metal-organic nanotube (FcNT) composed of a C10-symmetric double-decker nanoring featuring 10 FcL units and 20 Ag(+) ions. The circular dichroism spectrum of FcNT along with its 2D X-ray diffraction (2D XRD) pattern indicates that the constituent metal-organic nanorings in FcNT stack one-handed helically on top of each other. A crystal structure of the dimeric double-decker model complex (Ag2(FcL')2) from a ditopic ferrocene ligand (FcL') and AgBF4 allowed for confirming the binding of MS*(-) onto the Ag(+) center of the complex. The results of detailed spectroscopic studies indicate that in its double-decker aromatic arrays, FcNT possibly possesses propeller-chiral twists in addition to the helically chiral structure, where the former is considerably more dynamic than the latter. Notably, both chiral structural motifs responded nonlinearly to an enantiomeric excess of MS*(-) (majority rule) though with no stereochemical influence on one another.

ChemInform Abstract: When Iron Met Phosphines: A Happy Marriage for Reduction Catalysis

AbstractReview: [99 refs.

Intrinsic Chirality of CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots and Quantum Rods.

A new class of chiral nanoparticles is of great interest not only for nanotechnology, but also for many other fields of scientific endeavor. Normally the chirality in semiconductor nanocrystals is induced by the initial presence of chiral ligands/stabilizer molecules. Here we report intrinsic chirality of ZnS coated CdSe quantum dots (QDs) and quantum rods (QRs) stabilized by achiral ligands. As-prepared ensembles of these nanocrystals have been found to be a racemic mixture of d- and l-nanocrystals which also includes a portion of nonchiral nanocrystals and so in total the solution does not show a circular dichroism (CD) signal. We have developed a new enantioselective phase transfer technique to separate chiral nanocrystals using an appropriate chiral ligand and obtain optically active ensembles of CdSe/ZnS QDs and QRs. After enantioselective phase transfer, the nanocrystals isolated in organic phase, still capped with achiral ligands, now display circular dichroism (CD). We propose that the intrinsic chirality of CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals is caused by the presence of naturally occurring chiral defects.