Alkylidene Complexes Research Articles

Syntheses of Tungsten Imido Cyclohexylidene Complexes Using Perfluoro-t-Butanol or Hexafluoro-t-Butanol as Acids.

The fluorinated alcohols, (CF3)3COH (RF9OH) and (CF3)2MeCOH (RF6OH), react with W(NR)2Cy2 (Cy=Cyclohexyl; R=2,6-diisopropylphenyl or 1-adamantyl) in C6D6 at 55 °C to give cyclohexylidene complexes. Traditional routes to terminal alkylidene complexes (neopentylidene or neophylidene) have used either triflic acid or HCl (rarely), but relatively weak fluorinated acids are sufficient and active bisalkoxide catalysts are therefore prepared directly. An α hydrogen abstraction reaction to give a cyclohexylidene complex from a biscyclohexyl complex appears to be as facile as α hydrogen abstraction to give a neopentylidene or neophylidene ligand, but isomerization of a cyclohexene formed through β hydrogen abstraction is also a possibility. The ORF9 ligands can be replaced readily with dimethylpyrrolide (Me2Pyr) or other more basic alkoxides. Single crystal X-ray studies were carried out on W(NAr)2Cy2, W(NAr)(ORF9)2(C6H10)(ArNH2), W(NAr)(ORF6)2(C6H10)(ArNH2), W(NAd)(ORF9)2(C6H10)(AdNH2), W(NAr)(O-i-PrF6)3Cy, and W(NAd)(η1-Me2Pyr)2(C6H10) (C6H10=cyclohexylidene).

Syntheses of Tungsten Imido Cyclohexylidene Complexes Using Perfluoro‐t‐Butanol or Hexafluoro‐t‐Butanol as Acids

AbstractThe fluorinated alcohols, (CF3)3COH (RF9OH) and (CF3)2MeCOH (RF6OH), react with W(NR)2Cy2 (Cy=Cyclohexyl; R=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl or 1‐adamantyl) in C6D6 at 55 °C to give cyclohexylidene complexes. Traditional routes to terminal alkylidene complexes (neopentylidene or neophylidene) have used either triflic acid or HCl (rarely), but relatively weak fluorinated acids are sufficient and active bisalkoxide catalysts are therefore prepared directly. An α hydrogen abstraction reaction to give a cyclohexylidene complex from a biscyclohexyl complex appears to be as facile as α hydrogen abstraction to give a neopentylidene or neophylidene ligand, but isomerization of a cyclohexene formed through β hydrogen abstraction is also a possibility. The ORF9 ligands can be replaced readily with dimethylpyrrolide (Me2Pyr) or other more basic alkoxides. Single crystal X‐ray studies were carried out on W(NAr)2Cy2, W(NAr)(ORF9)2(C6H10)(ArNH2), W(NAr)(ORF6)2(C6H10)(ArNH2), W(NAd)(ORF9)2(C6H10)(AdNH2), W(NAr)(O‐i‐PrF6)3Cy, and W(NAd)(η1‐Me2Pyr)2(C6H10) (C6H10=cyclohexylidene).

Thermal Formation of Metathesis-Active Tungsten Alkylidene Complexes from Cyclohexene.

A 7-tungstabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane complex forms slowly upon addition of cyclohexene to the ethylene complex, W(NAr)(OSiPh3)2(C2H4), at 22 °C. A single-crystal X-ray study showed its structure to be closest to a square pyramid (τ = 0.23). At 22 °C, loss of cyclohexene or ring contraction of the 7-tungstabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane complex is slow. Above ∼80 °C, cyclohexene is ejected to give W(NAr)(OSiPh3)2(C2H4), but a sufficient amount of 7-tungstabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane complex remains in the presence of cyclohexene and the ring contracts to yield methylenecyclohexane and a methylidene complex or ethylene and a cyclohexylidene complex. Other complexes that have been observed include an 8-tungstabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane complex formed from 1,7-octadiene, a 7-tungstabicyclo[4.2.0]octane complex (formed from a methylidene complex and cyclohexene), and a methylenecyclohexane complex. 13C-Labeling studies show that the exo-methylene group in methylenecyclohexane and the α positions in the 8-tungstabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane come from ethylene. An alternative ring contraction of a tungstacyclopentane made from two molecules of cyclohexene cannot be excluded when concentrations of ethylene are low. A cyclohexylidene complex could also form from two cyclohexenes via a newly proposed "alkyl/allyl" mechanism. The results reported here are the first experimental confirmations that a tungstacyclopentane can ring-contract thermally at a substituted WCα position to form a tungstacyclobutane and therefore metathesis-active alkylidenes.

The Effect of Selenium-Based Ligands on Tungsten Acetylene Complexes.

Bioinspired tungsten acetylene complexes containing pyridine-2-selenolato (PySe) or 6-methyl-pyridine-2-selenolato (6-MePySe) ligands were synthesized. 77Se NMR spectroscopy allowed for an assessment of the resonance structures in the pyridine-2-selenolato ligands and the rationalization of chemoselectivity observed in regard to 1,2 migratory insertion of HC≡CH. [W(CO)(C2H2)(CHCH-PySe)(PySe)] is formed exclusively via insertion of HC≡CH into the W-N bond, while the use of bulkier 6-MePySe allows for the isolation of [W(CO)(C2H2)(6-MePySe)2], which only partially reacts with excess HC≡CH to give [W(CO)(C2H2)(CHCH-6-MePySe)(6-MePySe)]. Oxidation of [W(CO)(C2H2)(6-MePySe)2] with pyridine-N-oxide gave the tungsten(IV) complex [WO(C2H2)(6-MePySe)2]. Complexes [W(CO)(C2H2)(6-MePySe)2] and [WO(C2H2)(6-MePySe)2] react with trimethyl phosphine to carbyne complex [W(CO)(CCH2PMe3)(PMe3)2(6-MePySe)]Cl and alkylidene complex [WO(CHCHPMe3)(PMe3)2(6-MePySe)]Cl, respectively. The addition of substituted alkynes to [W(CO)3(PySe)2] via thermal decarbonylation gave complexes [W(CO)(MeC≡CMe)(PySe)2] and [W(CO)(HC≡Ct-Bu)(PySe)2], respectively. The here presented complexes are relevant for the modeling of the active site of acetylene hydratase from Pelobacter acetylenicus, in which a tungsten atom is enclosed in a sulfur-rich coordination sphere. A recently published theoretical study concluded that the exchange of sulfur for selenium would increase the activity of the enzyme. Our findings contrast this claim as comparative analysis concludes negligible structural and electronic differences between the selenium-based and previously published sulfur-based complexes.

Ring Expansion Metathesis Polymerization (REMP) Initiators with an Unusual Ancillary Ligand

AbstractTethered tungsten‐alkylidenes bearing azoimido ligands (M≡Nγ‐Nβ=NαR) are synthesized, characterized, and tested as initiators for ring expansion metathesis polymerization (REMP). While these ligands are typically unstable and prone to dinitrogen loss, this work demonstrates that tethered alkylidene complexes bearing azoimido ligands are stable enough to be REMP initiators. Moreover, they are more efficient, long‐lived, and stereoselective than their corresponding imido derivatives (M≡NR). Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis of the azoimido complexes provides insight into their unusual stability.

Synthesis and Application of Robust Spiro [Fluorene-9] CAAC Ruthenium Alkylidene Complexes for the "One-Pot" Conversion of Allyl Acetate to Butane-1,4-diol.

A series of a novel CAAC ligands featuring a spiro-fluorene group have been synthesized and complexed with ruthenium alkylidenes, yielding the corresponding Hoveyda-type derivatives as a new family of olefin metathesis catalysts. The novel complexes have been characterized by XRD, HRMS and NMR measurements. The synthetised complexes were tested in catalysis and showed good activity in olefin metathesis, as demonstrated on diethyl diallylmalonate and allyl acetate substrates. The unique backbone in the ligand with the large, yet inflexible condensed system renders interesting properties to the catalyst, exemplified by the good catalytic performance and improved Z-selectivity. In addition, the complex can also serve as a hydrogenation catalyst in a consecutive (one-pot) reaction. The latter reaction can convert allyl acetate to butane-1,4-diol, a valuable chemical intermediate for biodegradable polybutylene succinate (PBS).

Synthetic and Structural Peculiarities of Neutral and Cationic Molybdenum Imido and Tungsten Oxo Alkylidene Complexes Bearing Weakly Coordinating N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes

AbstractThe syntheses of the neutral molybdenum imido alkylidene N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of the general formula [Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2Ph)(NHC)XY] (Ar=2‐tBu‐C6H4, 2‐CF3‐C6H4, 2,6‐Me2‐C6H3, 2,6‐Cl2‐C6H3, adamantyl; X, Y=OTf, OC(CF3)3, OCH(CF3)2, OC6F5, SC6F5, 2,5‐bis(pentafluorophenyl)phen‐1‐yl) bearing electron‐withdrawing NHCs (1,3‐dimethyl‐4,5‐dichloroimidazol‐2‐ylidene (IMeCl2), 1,3,4‐triphenyl‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐ylidene (TPT)) are reported. Complementary, the corresponding cationic molybdenum imido alkylidene NHC complexes of the general formula [Mo(NAr)(CHCMe2R)(NHC)X+][B(ArF)4−/Al(OC(CF3)3)4−] (R=Me, Ph; B(ArF)4−=tetrakis (3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate) have been prepared. Aiming at tungsten oxo complexes, reaction of [W(O)Cl2(CHCMe2Ph)(PMe2Ph)2] with [1,3‐dimethyl‐4,5‐dichloroimidazol‐2‐ylidene⋅AgI] (IMeCl2⋅AgI) followed by the addition of lithium terphenoxide yields [W(O)(CHCMe2Ph)(IMeCl2)(DPPO)2]. For comparison, [W(O)Cl(CHCMe2Ph)(IMes)(OSi(OtBu)3)] was prepared via reaction of [W(O)Cl2(CHCMe2Ph)(PMe2Ph)(IMes)] with KOSi(OtBu)3. [W(O)(CHCMe2Ph)(IMeCl2)(DPPO)(Et2O)+][B(ArF)4−] (DPPO=2,6‐diphenylphenoxide) became accessible via reaction of [W(O)(DPPO)2(CHCMe2Ph)(IMeCl2)] with anilinium B(ArF)4−. The structural peculiarities of selected complexes are reported. Benchmark ring‐closing metathesis and homometathesis reactions revealed that the neutral complexes bearing weakly coordinating NHCs such as IMeCl2 and TPT possessed only moderate activity, which could, however, be improved by preparing the corresponding cationic metal alkylidene complexes.

Rare‐Earth‐Metal Alkyl and Aryl Compounds in Organic Synthesis

AbstractRare‐earth‐metal (Ln) alkyl and aryl compounds feature highly reactive, thermally labile [Ln−C] σ‐bonds which result in rapid and violent decomposition in the presence of air and moisture. Nevertheless, such [Ln−C] moieties display important intermediate species in numerous organic transformations. Reagents containing [Ln−C] bonds are deliberately generated in situ like Imamoto‐type reagents Ln(III)Cl3/RLi (routinely at low temperatures) or “heavy” lanthanide‐Grignard compounds RLnX. Samarium(III)‐alkyl species are supposed intermediates of SmI2‐promoted Barbier‐type carbon–carbon coupling reactions. Alkyl/aryl ligand exchange at Ln(III) centers has been identified as the crucial step of lanthanide–halogen‐exchange reactions. In the meantime, several such mixed alkyl/halogenido complexes, devoid of an ancillary ligand, could be isolated and scrutinized with regard to structure and reactivity. More recently, Ln(III)‐alkylidene complexes could be accessed, structurally authenticated and successfully employed in Tebbe‐like olefination reactions of ketones.

Probing tungsten-alkylidyne cyclic polymer initiator decomposition pathways with oxidants

An OCO-pincer supported tungsten(VI) alkylidyne exhibits diverse reactivity depending on the identity of the oxidizing agent and the stoichiometry of the reaction. Oxidation reactions are studied with azo, nitroso, and oxo compounds. Benzo(c)cinnoline facilitates migratory insertion of the alkylidyne carbon in the pincer backbone forming a tethered tungsten (VI) alkylidene complex. Analogous azobenzene activates a CC bond in the tert—butyl group of the alkylidyne and results in a tungsten di-imido complex. Nitrosobenzene and pyridine N-oxide undergo oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reactions and result in tungsten oxo complexes. Reactions with nitrosobenzene are sensitive to stoichiometry; CC bond activation is observed in stoichiometric reactions, while only OAT occurs with excess nitrosobenzene.

Olefin Metathesis and Stereoselective Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization with Neutral and Cationic Molybdenum(VI) Imido and Tungsten(VI) Oxo Alkylidene Complexes Containing N-Chelating N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

Olefin Metathesis and Stereoselective Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization with Neutral and Cationic Molybdenum(VI) Imido and Tungsten(VI) Oxo Alkylidene Complexes Containing N-Chelating N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

Automated de Novo Design of Olefin Metathesis Catalysts: Computational and Experimental Analysis of a Simple Thermodynamic Design Criterion.

Methods for computational de novo design of inorganic molecules have paved the way for automated design of homogeneous catalysts. Such studies have so far relied on correlation-based prediction models as fitness functions (figures of merit), but the soundness of these approaches has yet to be tested by experimental verification of de novo-designed catalysts. Here, a previously developed criterion for the optimization of dative ligands L in ruthenium-based olefin metathesis catalysts RuCl2(L)(L')(═CHAr), where Ar is an aryl group and L' is a phosphine ligand dissociating to activate the catalyst, was used in de novo design experiments. These experiments predicted catalysts bearing an N-heterocyclic carbene (L = 9) substituted by two N-bound mesityls and two tert-butyl groups at the imidazolidin-2-ylidene backbone to be promising. Whereas the phosphine-stabilized precursor assumed by the prediction model could not be made, a pyridine-stabilized ruthenium alkylidene complex (17) bearing carbene 9 was less active than a known leading pyridine-stabilized Grubbs-type catalyst (18, L = H2IMes). A density functional theory-based analysis showed that the unsubstituted metallacyclobutane (MCB) intermediate generated in the presence of ethylene is the likely resting state of both 17 and 18. Whereas the design criterion via its correlation between the stability of the MCB and the rate-determining barrier indeed seeks to stabilize the MCB, it relies on RuCl2(L)(L')(═CH2) adducts as resting states. The change in resting state explains the discrepancy between the prediction and the actual performance of catalyst 17. To avoid such discrepancies and better address the multifaceted challenges of predicting catalytic performance, future de novo catalyst design studies should explore and test design criteria incorporating information from more than a single relative energy or intermediate.

(Arylimido)niobium(V)–Alkylidenes as the Catalysts for Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) of Cyclic Olefins: Z-Specific ROMP of Cyclooctene by Nb(CHSiMe3)(NC6H5)[OC(CF3)3](PMe3)2

(Arylimido)niobium(V)–alkylidene complexes, Nb(CHSiMe3)(NAr)[OC(CF3)3](PMe3)2 (Ar = C6H5 (4), 2,6-F2C6H3, C6F5 (6)), Nb(CHSiMe3)(N-2,6-Cl2C6H3)(OC6F5)(PMe3)2 (7), and Nb(CHSiMe3)(N-2,6-F2C6H3)(OC6Cl5)(PMe3)2, have been prepared and identified. The pentafluorophenylimido analogue 6 and 7 showed superior catalytic activities for the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornene (TOF = 56.1, 53.7 s–1, respectively, at 25 °C) and the activities increased at 50 °C (TOF ≥ 352 s–1). The prepared alkylidenes catalyzed the ROMP of cis-cyclooctene (COE), and the activity increased at high temperature (up to 80 °C). The Z-specific ROMP of COE has been demonstrated especially by the phenylimido analogue 4 at 80 °C, affording polymers possessing olefinic double bonds with exclusive cis selectivity (99%).

PNP]-Stabilized Niobium(IV) and Tantalum(IV) Complexes: Synthesis and Characterization of an Open-Shell Tantalum Alkylidene

A flexible [PNP] ligand (forming six-membered chelates upon coordination) was employed for the synthesis of niobium(IV) and tantalum(IV) complexes. Starting from the protioligand (H[PNP]) and the tetrachlorides NbCl4(thf)2 or TaCl4, the trichloro complexes [PNP]MCl3 (1-M, M = Nb, Ta) were prepared via in situ deprotonation using LiN(SiMe3)2. Attempts to alkylate complexes 1-M (M = Nb, Ta), however, were impeded due to their limited solubility in nonchlorinated solvents. Hence, the lithiated ligand was reacted with (thf)2Cl3M=CHCMe2Ph (M = Nb, Ta) to afford the d0-configured alkylidene complexes 2-Nb and 2-Ta, respectively. These meridionally coordinated and freely soluble complexes were found to be stable in nonchlorinated and chlorinated solvents, even at elevated temperature. Reduction of compounds 2-M with magnesium anthracene (2-Nb and 2-Ta) or sodium naphthalide (2-Ta) afforded the corresponding d1-configured alkylidenes (3-Nb and 3-Ta), although the reduced niobium derivative was found to decompose rapidly. A 10-line and an 8-line EPR pattern was detected for 3-Nb (I(93Nb) = 9/2) and 3-Ta (I(181Ta) = 7/2), respectively, confirming the metalloradical character of each complex. For 3-Ta, the molecular structure was elucidated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. With the molecular structure of this d1-configured (open-shell) tantalum alkylidene ascertained, its electronic structure was examined by DFT and CASSCF calculations.

Rare-earth-metal trimethylsilylmethyl ate complexes.

En route to putative rare-earth-metal alkylidene complex Li[Lu(CH2SiMe3)2(CHSiMe3)], according to Schumann's original protocol, the reaction of YCl3 with LiCH2SiMe3 in a mixture of diethyl ether and n-pentane afforded a neosilyl ate complex of composition Li3Y(CH2SiMe3)6. Tetrametallic complex Li3Y(CH2SiMe3)6 shows an unprecedented structural motif in the solid state and was further characterized by heteronuclear 1H/13C/7Li/29Si/89Y, as well as VT NMR and DRIFT spectroscopies. Analysis of the thermolysis product via heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy and its reactivity towards benzophenone gave strong evidence for an alkylidene formation upon decomposition. Application of a similar protocol for the smallest rare-earth-metal scandium led to the isolation of ate complex [Li(thf)4][LiSc2(CH2SiMe3)8] as the preferred crystallized product. Here, the reaction of adduct ScCl3(thf)3 and LiCH2SiMe3 was performed in Et2O/n-hexane, in the absence of additional THF. The reaction of LaCl3(thf) with 3 equiv. of LiCH2SiMe3 in THF/Et2O at -40 °C yielded the ate complex [Li(thf)4][La(CH2SiMe3)4(thf)], which is the first of its kind.

Atroposelective Arene‐Forming Alkene Metathesis**

AbstractAlkene metathesis catalyzed by enantiopure metal alkylidene complexes enables exceptionally versatile strategies to products with configurationally‐defined stereocenters. Desymmetrization processes thereby provide reliable stereoselective routes to aliphatic structures, while the differentiation of aromatic stereogenic units remained an outstanding challenge. Herein, we describe the feasibility of alkene metathesis to catalytically control stereogenic axes by traceless arene formation. Stereodynamic trienes are selectively converted into corresponding binaphthalene atropisomers upon exposure to a chiral molybdenum catalyst. Remarkably, stereoselective arene‐forming metathesis allows enantioselectivities of up to 98 : 2 e.r. and excellent yields. As the disconnection of each bond of an aromatic target is retrosynthetically conceivable, it is anticipated that forging arenes by means of stereoselective metathesis will enable versatile approaches for the synthesis of a broad range of molecular topologies with precisely defined configuration.

Atroposelective Arene-Forming Alkene Metathesis.

Alkene metathesis catalyzed by enantiopure metal alkylidene complexes enables exceptionally versatile strategies to products with configurationally-defined stereocenters. Desymmetrization processes thereby provide reliable stereoselective routes to aliphatic structures, while the differentiation of aromatic stereogenic units remained an outstanding challenge. Herein, we describe the feasibility of alkene metathesis to catalytically control stereogenic axes by traceless arene formation. Stereodynamic trienes are selectively converted into corresponding binaphthalene atropisomers upon exposure to a chiral molybdenum catalyst. Remarkably, stereoselective arene-forming metathesis allows enantioselectivities of up to 98 : 2 e.r. and excellent yields. As the disconnection of each bond of an aromatic target is retrosynthetically conceivable, it is anticipated that forging arenes by means of stereoselective metathesis will enable versatile approaches for the synthesis of a broad range of molecular topologies with precisely defined configuration.

Formation and structural characterization of a diiron aminoalkylidene complex with N-cyano substituent

The reaction of the isocyanide complex [Fe2Cp2(CO)3(CNMe)], 1Me, with BrCN (1.2 eq.), in acetonitrile at 60 °C, led to the low-yield isolation, after work-up, of the unprecedented N-methylcyanamido-(cyano)alkylidene complex [Fe2Cp2(CO)3{μ-C(CN)N(CN)Me}], 3. The synthesis of 3 represents an uncommon example of CC bond forming cyanylation reaction taking place at a metal complex despite competitive oxidative addition pathways; it proceeded with the presumable, intermediate formation of a N-methylcyanamido-alkylidyne precursor readily undergoing CN– addition, and was accompanied by the production of minor amounts of [Fe2Cp2(CO)4] and monoiron(II) piano-stool compounds. Compound 3 was fully characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy. The reaction of [Fe2Cp2(CO)4] with cyanogen bromide, under conditions resembling those employed for 1Me/BrCN, afforded a mixture of [FeCpBr(CO)2] and [FeCp(CN)(CO)2].

Synthesis of Molybdenum(VI) Tritylimido Alkylidene Complexes

Synthesis of Molybdenum(VI) Tritylimido Alkylidene Complexes

Reversible C–H Activation in Zirconaaziridine Species: Characterization and Bonding of a Bridging (Amino)alkylidene Complex Active in Alkyne Hydroaminoalkylation

Efforts to synthesize a low-coordinate zirconaaziridine complex supported by a bis(ureate) ligand resulted in the formation of bridging aminoalkylidene 2. Complex 2 is a rare example of an aminoalkylidene complex featuring a μ(η2:η2)-N,C binding mode. This complex was fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, and LIFDI-MS. Analysis of the natural localized molecular orbitals (NLMOs) showed a σ-bonding interaction between the alkylidene carbon and each zirconium center with significant delocalization of the Zr1–C1 σ bond into Zr2, thereby explaining the significant differences in the Zr–C bond lengths observed in the solid state. A solution-phase equilibrium between complex 2 and the putative zirconaaziridine species was supported by evaluating the reactivity of 2 in alkyne hydroaminoalkylation. The reaction of diphenylacetylene with complex 2 produced a five-membered metallacycle product, a key intermediate in alkyne hydroaminoalkylation. This reaction was greatly accelerated in the presence of pyridine, suggesting that the presence of neutral donors is essential to favor the formation of reactive zirconaaziridine complexes. In addition, the catalytic activity of complex 2 in the benchmark hydroaminoalkylation reaction of diphenylacetylene with N-benzylaniline was established.

Electrophilic activation of alkynes promoted by a cationic alkylidene complex of Pt(II).

Pt(II) alkylidene 1a has been reacted with terminal alkynes to afford ylide complexes 3a-d, resulting from electrophilic activation of the CC bond and its insertion into the platinacyclic fragment of 1a that contains the carbene functionality. DFT calculations indicate that the observed regioselectivity is determined by the nucleophilic attack of the alkyne to the alkylidene carbon.