anti-Markovnikov Products Research Articles

Developing a Highly Active Catalytic System Based on Cobalt Nanoparticles for Terminal and Internal Alkene Hydrosilylation.

This work describes the development of easy-to-prepare cobalt nanoparticles (NPs) in solution as promising alternative catalysts for alkene hydrosilylation with the industrially relevant tertiary silane 1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane (MDHM). The Co NPs demonstrated high activity when used at 30 °C for 3.5-7 h in toluene, with catalyst loadings 0.05-0.2 mol %, without additives. Under these mild conditions, a set of terminal alkenes were found to react with MDHM, yielding exclusively the anti-Markovnikov product in up to 99% yields. Additionally, we demonstrated the possibility of using UV irradiation to further activate these cobalt NPs not only to enhance their catalytic performances but also to promote tandem isomerization-hydrosilylation reactions using internal alkenes, among them unsaturated fatty ester (methyl oleate), to produce linear products in up to quantitative yields.

Mechanism Underlying Anti-Markovnikov Addition in the Reaction of Pentalenene Synthase

Most terpene synthase reactions follow Markovnikov rules for formation of high-energy carbenium ion intermediates. However, there are notable exceptions. For example, pentalenene synthase (PS) undergoes an initial anti-Markovnikov cyclization reaction followed by a 1,2-hydride shift to form an intermediate humulyl cation with positive charge on the secondary carbon C9 atom of the farnesyl diphosphate substrate. The mechanism by which these enzymes stabilize and guide the regioselectivity of secondary carbocations has not heretofore been elucidated. In an effort to better understand these reactions, we grew crystals of apo-PS, soaked them with the nonreactive substrate analogue 12,13-difluorofarnesyl diphosphate, and determined the X-ray structure of the resulting complex at 2.2 Å resolution. The most striking feature of the active site structure is that C9 is perfectly positioned to make a C-H···π interaction with the side chain benzene ring of residue F76; this would enhance hyperconjugation to stabilize a developing cation at C10 and thus support the anti-Markovnikov regioselectivity of the cyclization. The benzene ring is also positioned to catalyze the migration of H to C10 and stabilize a C9 carbocation. On the opposite face of C9, further cation stabilization is possible via interactions with the main chain carbonyl of I177 and the neighboring intramolecular C6═C7 bond. Mutagenesis experiments also support a role for residue 76 in these interactions, but most interesting is the F76W mutant, whose crystal structure clearly shows C9 and C10 centered above the fused benzene and pyrrole rings of the indole side chain, respectively, such that a carbocation at either position could be stabilized in this complex, and two anti-Markovnikov products, pentalenene and humulene, are formed. Finally, we show that there is a rough correlation (although not absolute) of an aromatic side chain (F or Y) at position 76 in related terpene synthases from Streptomyces that catalyze similar anti-Markovnikov addition reactions.

Regioselective Hydrosilylation of Olefins Catalyzed by Co-Iminobipyridine Complexes: The Role of Cyclohexyl Substituent on the Imino Nitrogen

Abstract Regioselective hydrosilylation of aliphatic olefins catalyzed by Co-iminobipyridine complexes, Co〈R〉, were investigated, where R indicates a substituent on the imino nitrogen in an iminobipyridine ligand (iminobypyridine = [2,2′-bpy]-6-C(Me)=N-R). Syntheses of two complexes, Co〈Mes〉 (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) and Co〈Cy〉 (Cy = cyclohexyl), and comparison of their catalytic activity for hydrosilylation of 1-octene with diphenylsilane revealed that the reaction system using Co〈Mes〉 produced a mixture of anti-Markovnikov and Markovnikov hydrosilylation products, whereas that using Co〈Cy〉 produced the anti-Markovnikov product selectively. Crystal structures of these complexes implied that a catalytically active species derived from Co〈Cy〉 has narrower active space for hydrosilylation than that from Co〈Mes〉. According to the Chalk-Harrod mechanism, there are two types of hydrosilylated products (anti-Markovnikov and Markovnikov products), which stem from the way of terminal olefin insertion into an M-H bond (that is 1,2- or 2,1-insertion). One of the intermediates derived from Co〈Cy〉 in the Chalk-Harrod mechanism has hydride and silyl ligands. In the step of olefin insertion into the Co-H bond, 1,2-insertion is more likely to occur from the steric point of view, leading to selective formation of the anti-Markovnikov product.

Computational study on atom-economic alkyne hydrotelluration reaction using benchmarked ECP for Te

Geometry and energy calibration studies are done for arriving at a proper ECP for tellurium containing compounds. Among the various d-function included ECPs cc-pwCVTZ-PP and def2-TZVP give more reliable results. Non-catalytic and base/radical initiated hydrotelluration reactions are computationally studied using the calibrated def2-TZVP, with a special focus on the regio-and stereoselective formation of vinyl tellurides. The explored gas phase reaction mechanism indicates the addition of tellurol to unsaturated carbon-carbon triple bond via a concerted transition structure. Regioselectivity has been noticeably realized in presence of both base and radical mediated hydrotelluration leading to Markovnikov and anti-Markovnikov product respectively.

Atomic Pt-Catalyzed Heterogeneous Anti-Markovnikov C-N Formation: Pt10 Activating N-H for Pt1δ+-Activated C═C Attack.

C-N formation is of great significance to synthetic chemistry, as N-containing products are widely used in chemistry, medicine, and biology. Addition of an amine to an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond is a simple yet effective route to produce new C-N bonds. But how to effectively conduct an anti-Markovnikov addition with high selectivity has been a great challenge. Here, we proposed a strategy for highly regioselective C-N addition via hydroamination by using supported Pt. It has been identified that atomic-scale Pt is the active site for C-N addition with Pt12+ for Markovnikov C-N formation and atomic Pt (Pt1δ+ and Pt10) contributing to anti-Markovnikov C-N formation. A selectivity of up to 92% to the anti-Markovnikov product has been achieved with atomic Pt in the addition of styrene and pyrrolidine. A cooperating catalysis for the anti-Markovnikov C-N formation between Pt1δ+ and Pt10 has been revealed. The reaction mechanism has been studied by EPR spectra and in situ FT-IR spectra of adsorption/desorption of styrene and/or pyrrolidine. It has been demonstrated that Pt10 activates amine to be electrophilic, while Pt1δ+ activates C═C by π-bonding to make β-C nucleophilic. The attack of nucleophilic β-C to electrophilic amine affords the anti-Markovnikov addition. This strategy proves highly effective to a variety of substrates in anti-Markovnikov C-N formation, including aromatic/aliphatic amines reacting with aromatic olefins, aromatic/aliphatic olefins with aromatic amines, and linear aliphatic olefins with secondary aliphatic amines. It is believed that the results provide evidence for the function of varied chemical states in monatomic catalysis.

Advances in Rhodium-Catalyzed Oxidative Arene Alkenylation.

ConspectusAlkyl and alkenyl arenes are of substantial value in both large-scale and fine chemical processes. Billions of pounds of alkyl and alkenyl arenes are produced annually. Historically, the dominant method for synthesis of alkyl arenes is acid-catalyzed arene alkylation, and alkenyl arenes are often synthesized in a subsequent dehydrogenation step. But these methods have limitations that result from the catalytic mechanism including (1) common polyalkylation, which requires an energy intensive transalkylation process, (2) quantitative selectivity for Markovnikov products for arene alkylation using α-olefins, (3) for substituted arenes, regioselectivity that is dictated by the electronic character of the arene substituents, (4) inability to form alkenyl arenes in a single process, and (5) commonly observed slow reactivity with electron-deficient arenes. Transition-metal-catalyzed aryl-carbon coupling reactions can produce alkyl or alkenyl arenes from aryl halides. However, these reactions often generate halogenated waste and typically require a stoichiometric amount of metal-containing transmetalation reagent. Transition-metal-catalyzed arene alkylation or alkenylation that involves arene C-H activation and olefin insertion into metal-aryl bonds provides a potential alternative method to prepare alkyl or alkenylation arenes. Such reactions can circumvent carbocationic intermediates and, as a result, can overcome some of the limitations mentioned above. In particular, controlling the regioselectivity of the insertion of α-olefins into metal-aryl bonds provides a strategy to selectively synthesize anti-Markovnikov products. But, previously reported catalysts often show limited longevity and low selectivity for anti-Markovnikov products.In this Account, we present recent developments in single-step arene alkenylation using Rh catalyst precursors. The reactions are successful for unactivated hydrocarbons and exhibit unique selectivity. The catalytic production of alkenyl arenes operates via Rh-mediated aromatic C-H activation, which likely occurs by a concerted metalation-deprotonation mechanism, olefin insertion into a Rh-aryl bond, β-hydride elimination from the resulting Rh-hydrocarbon product, and net dissociation of alkenyl arene with formation of a Rh hydride. Reaction of the Rh hydride with Cu(II) oxidant completes the catalytic cycle. Although Rh nanoparticles can be formed under some conditions, mechanistic studies have revealed that soluble Rh species are likely responsible for the catalysis. These Rh catalyst precursors achieve high turnovers with >10,000 catalytic turnovers observed in some cases. Under anaerobic conditions, Cu(II) carboxylates are used as the oxidant. In some cases, aerobic recycling of Cu(II) oxidant has been demonstrated. Hence, the Rh arene alkenylation catalysis bears some similarities to Pd-catalyzed olefin oxidation (i.e., the Wacker-Hoechst process). The Rh-catalyzed arene alkenylation is compatible with some electron-deficient arenes, and they are selective for anti-Markovnikov products when using substituted olefins. Finally, when using monosubstituted arenes, consistent with a metal-mediated C-H activation process, Rh-catalyzed alkenylation of substituted arenes shows selectivity for meta- and para-alkenylation products.

Nickel-catalysed anti-Markovnikov hydroarylation of unactivated alkenes with unactivated arenes facilitated by non-covalent interactions.

Anti-Markovnikov additions to alkenes have been a longstanding goal of catalysis, and anti-Markovnikov addition of arenes to alkenes would produce alkylarenes that are distinct from those formed by acid-catalysed processes. Existing hydroarylations are either directed or occur with low reactivity and low regioselectivity for the n-alkylarene. Herein, we report the first undirected hydroarylation of unactivated alkenes with unactivated arenes that occurs with high regioselectivity for the anti-Markovnikov product. The reaction occurs with a nickel catalyst ligated by a highly sterically hindered N-heterocyclic carbene. Catalytically relevant arene- and alkene-bound nickel complexes have been characterized, and the rate-limiting step was shown to be reductive elimination to form the C-C bond. Density functional theory calculations, combined with second-generation absolutely localized molecular orbital energy decomposition analysis, suggest that the difference in activity between catalysts containing large and small carbenes results more from stabilizing intramolecular non-covalent interactions in the secondary coordination sphere than from steric hindrance.

Platinum nanoparticles stabilized by N-heterocyclic thiones. Synthesis and catalytic activity in mono- and di-hydroboration of alkynes.

N-Heterocyclic Thiones (NHT) proved to be efficient ligands for the stabilization of small platinum nanoparticles (1.3-1.7 nm), synthesized by decomposition of [Pt(dba)2], under a H2 atmosphere, in the presence of variable sub-stoichiometric amounts of the NHT. Full characterization by means of TEM, HR-TEM, NMR, ICP, TGA and XPS have been carried out, providing information about the nature of the metal nanoparticles and the interaction of the NHT ligands to the metal surface. Importantly, DFT calculations indicate that some NHT ligands interact with the metal through the C[double bond, length as m-dash]C double bond of the imidazole fragment in addition to the sulfur atom, thus providing additional stabilization to the nanoparticles. According to XPS, TGA and ICP techniques, the surface coverage by the ligand increases by decreasing the size of the substituents on the nitrogen atom. The platinum nanoparticles have been used as catalyst in the hydroboration of alkynes. The most active system is that with a less covered surface area lacking an interaction of the ligand by means of the C[double bond, length as m-dash]C double bond. This catalyst hydroborates alkynes with excellent selectivities towards the monoborylated anti-Markovnikov product (vinyl-boronate) when one equiv. of borane is used. Very interestingly, aliphatic alkynes undergo a second hydroborylation process leading to the corresponding 1,1- and 1,2-diboroylated species with good selectivities towards the former.

Regioselective Hydrosilylation of Olefins Catalyzed by a Molecular Calcium Hydride Cation.

Chemo‐ and regioselectivity are often difficult to control during olefin hydrosilylation catalyzed by d‐ and f‐block metal complexes. The cationic hydride of calcium [CaH]+ stabilized by an NNNN macrocycle was found to catalyze the regioselective hydrosilylation of aliphatic olefins to give anti‐Markovnikov products, while aryl‐substituted olefins were hydrosilyated with Markovnikov regioselectivity. Ethylene was efficiently hydrosilylated by primary and secondary hydrosilanes to give di‐ and monoethylated silanes. Aliphatic hydrosilanes were preferred over other commonly employed hydrosilanes: Arylsilanes such as PhSiH3 underwent scrambling reactions promoted by the nucleophilic hydride, while alkoxy‐ and siloxy‐substituted hydrosilanes gave isolable alkoxy and siloxy calcium derivatives.

Kinetics and Mechanism of the Arase-Hoshi R2BH-Catalyzed Alkyne Hydroboration: Alkenylboronate Generation via B-H/C-B Metathesis.

The mechanism of R2BH-catalyzed hydroboration of alkynes by 1,3,2-dioxaborolanes has been investigated by in situ 19F NMR spectroscopy, kinetic simulation, isotope entrainment, single-turnover labeling (10B/2H), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. For the Cy2BH-catalyzed hydroboration 4-fluorophenylacetylene by pinacolborane, the resting state is the anti-Markovnikov addition product ArCH = CHBCy2. Irreversible and turnover-rate limiting reaction with pinacolborane (k ≈ 7 × 10-3 M-1 s-1) regenerates Cy2BH and releases E-Ar-CH═CHBpin. Two irreversible events proceed in concert with turnover. The first is a Markovnikov hydroboration leading to regioisomeric Ar-C(Bpin)═CH2. This is unreactive to pinacolborane at ambient temperature, resulting in catalyst inhibition every ∼102 turnovers. The second is hydroboration of the alkenylboronate to give ArCH2CH(BCy2)Bpin, again leading to catalyst inhibition. 9-BBN behaves analogously to Cy2BH, but with higher anti-Markovnikov selectivity, a lower barrier to secondary hydroboration, and overall lower efficiency. The key process for turnover is B-H/C-B metathesis, proceeding by stereospecific transfer of the E-alkenyl group within a transient, μ-B-H-B bridged, 2-electron-3-center bonded B-C-B intermediate.

Formic Acid-Driven Rapid and Green Anti-Markovnikov Hydrothiolation of Styrenes.

A novel formic acid-assisted rapid and efficient route for C–S bond construction via the thiol–ene reaction has been reported. Exclusively, the anti-Markovnikov product was obtained in good to excellent yield using the developed protocol. Various styrenes and thiols bearing different functionalities were well tolerated. The reaction also provided a good yield of sulfones in a one-pot two-step protocol. The developed method is operationally simple, green, metal-free, solvent-free, and having a high atom economy with high regioselectivity.

Synthesis of Functionalized Diorganyl Selenides from Selenium Dihalides and Allylic Aromatic Compounds

Hitherto unknown addition and methoxyselenation reactions of selenium dihalides with methyl eugenol and allyl naphth-1-yl ether were studied. The addition and methoxyselenation reactions of selenium dihalides with methyl eugenol led mainly to Markovnikov products, while the formation of anti-Markovnikov products prevailed in the reactions with allyl naphth-1-yl ether. Families of novel functionalized selenides, including bis[3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-methoxy- and -2-haloprop-1-yl] selenides, bis[3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-methoxy- and -1-haloprop-2-yl] selenides, bis[3-(naphth-1-yl)-1-methoxy- and -1-haloprop-1-yl] selenides, bis[3-(naphth-1-yl)-2-methoxy- and -2-haloprop-1-yl] selenides, were synthesized.

Energy Decomposition Analyses Reveal the Origins of Catalyst and Nucleophile Effects on Regioselectivity in Nucleopalladation of Alkenes.

Nucleopalladation is one of the most common mechanisms for Pd-catalyzed hydro- and oxidative functionalization of alkenes. Due to the electronic bias of the π-alkene-palladium complexes, nucleopalladations with terminal aliphatic alkenes typically deliver the nucleophile to the more substituted sp2 carbon to form the Markovnikov-selective products. The selective formation of the anti-Markovnikov nucleopalladation products requires the inherent electronic effects to be overridden, which is still a significant challenge for reactions with simple aliphatic alkenes. Because the interactions between the nucleophile and the alkene substrate are influenced by a complex combination of multiple types of steric and electronic effects, a thorough understanding of the interplay of these underlying interactions is needed to rationalize and predict the regioselectivity. Here, we employ an energy decomposition approach to quantitatively separate the different types of nucleophile-substrate interactions, including steric, electrostatic, orbital interactions, and dispersion effects, and to predict the impacts of each factor on regioselectivity. We demonstrate the use of this approach on the origins of catalyst-controlled anti-Markovnikov-selectivity in Hull's Pd-catalyzed oxidative amination reactions. In addition, we evaluated the regioselectivity in a series of nucleopalladation reactions with different neutral and anionic Pd catalysts and N- and O-nucleophiles with different steric and electronic properties. On the basis of these computational analyses, a generalized scheme is established to identify the dominant nucleophile-substrate interaction affecting the regioselectivity of nucleopalladations with different Pd catalysts and nucleophiles.

Direct transformation of terminal alkenes with H2O into primary alcohols over metal oxide-supported Pd catalysts

The anti-Markovnikov addition of H2O to alkenes to directly bring in primary alcohols has been considered one of the “10 challenges in catalysis” in the 1990s, but the challenging issue has still remained unsolved over the past few decades, particularly in terms of developing an atom-efficient synthetic strategy. In this context, we introduce a novel access for the transformation of terminal alkenes with H2O into the corresponding primary alcohols over metal oxide-supported Pd catalysts, employing O2 as the sole oxidant. Direct and efficient synthesis of cinnamyl alcohol from allylbenzene and H2O was initially achieved as a fine chemical example over Pd(NO3)2/CeO2-ZrO2, and the target saturated alcohol (3-phenylpropan-1-ol) was obtained as the anti-Markovnikov selective product from a “one-pot” process using H2 as the reductant. The Pd(NO3)2/CeO2-ZrO2 was characterized by HAADF-STEM, XRD and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analyses, indicating that the molecular Pd(NO3)2 is probably deposited as it is on the support, which likely plays an important role to promote this reaction. In the second part, Pd(NO3)2/CeO2-ZrO2 and other supported Pd catalysts were applied for the transformation of 1,3-butadiene into 2-butene-1,4-diol in a batch reactor. Besides, butane-1,4-diol, which is an important industrial material, was efficiently produced by the simple hydrogenation of 2-butene-1,4-diol in a “one-pot” manner. Significantly, the development of the reaction catalyzed by supported Pd in a gas flow reactor bestows great potential to further industrial applications. Additionally, the adsorption structure of 1,3-butadiene on Pd(111) was confirmed as the s-trans form by infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) measurements. The change in the electronic states of surface Pd atoms upon oxygen adsorption was observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

CaII , YbII and SmII Bis(Amido) Complexes Coordinated by NHC Ligands: Efficient Catalysts for Highly Regio- and Chemoselective Consecutive Hydrophosphinations with PH3.

The first example of intermolecular hydrophosphination of styrene, 2-vinylpyridine and phenylacetylene with PH3 catalyzed by bis-(amido) complexes [(Me3 Si)2 N]2 M(NHC)2 (M=Ca, Yb, Sm) coordinated by NHC ligands is described. The reactions of styrene with PH3 proceed under mild conditions in quantitative yields to afford only anti-Markovnikov product and allow for the chemoselective synthesis of primary, secondary and tertiary phosphines. Addition of phenylacetylene to PH3 regardless the initial molar substrates ratio results in the exclusive formation of a tertiary tris-(Z-styryl)-phosphine. Crucial effect of the Lewis base coordinated to the metal ion in precatalyst on catalytic activity in styrene hydrophosphination with PH3 was demonstrated. Free NHCs were also found to be able to promote addition of PH3 to styrene, however they provide much lower reaction rates compared to the metal complexes.

Cobalt(I) Complexes of 5-Aryl-2-iminopyrrolyl Ligands: Synthesis, Spin Isomerism, and Application in Catalytic Hydroboration.

This work reports the first successful isolation and full characterization of cobalt(I) complexes of 5-aryl-2-iminopyrrolyl ligands. In one approach, when [Co{κ2 N,N'-5-(2,4,6-R3-C6H2)-NC4H2-2-C(H)═N(2,6-iPr2-C6H3)}(Py)Cl] (R = iPr, 1a; R = Ph, 1b) were reacted with K(HBEt3) or Na(Hg) in toluene, the Co(I) arene complexes [Co{κ2 N,N'-5-(2,4,6-iPr3-C6H2)-NC4H2-2-C(H)═N(2,6-iPr2-C6H3)}(η6-C6H5CH3)] (2a) and [ Co{κ2 N,N'-5-[2'-(κ:η6- C6H5)-C6H2-4',6'-Ph2]-NC4H2-2-C(H)═N(2,6-iPr2-C6H3)}] (2b) were formed. The reaction of complex 1a with KC8 in Et2O yielded the [Co{κ2 N,N'-5-(2,4,6-iPr3-C6H2)-NC4H2-2-C(H)═N(2,6-iPr2-C6H3)}]2 (3). On another approach, the metathesis of potassium 5-(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl)-2-( N-2,6-diisopropylphenylformimino)pyrrolyl (KLa) with CoCl(PMe3)3 yielded the bis(trimethylphosphine) complex [Co{κ2 N,N'-5-(2,4,6-iPr3-C6H2)-NC4H2-2-C(H)═N(2,6-iPr2-C6H3)}(PMe3)2] (4) in a good yield. Complexes 2a, 3, and 4 are paramagnetic, high-spin species, while 2b is a diamagnetic complex. Compound 2b exhibited a spin isomerism behavior ( S = 0 ↔ S = 1) as determined by variable-temperature 1H NMR experiments (Δ H° = 7.7 kcal mol-1), being also supported by computational studies (Δ E = 4.2 kcal mol-1). All complexes were tested in the hydroboration of styrene with pinacolborane (HBPin), with complex 4 exclusively yielding the respective anti-Markovnikov addition product. Additionally, all complexes catalyzed the fast and quantitative hydroboration of benzaldehyde with HBPin.

Copper(I)-Mediated Borofluorination of Alkynes.

The electrophilic fluorination of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) copper(I) vinyls results in fluoroalkene formation. Alkynes can be converted to cis-(β-fluorovinyl)boronates by a reaction with an (NHC)copper(I) boryl generated in situ, followed by N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI). This sequence gives rise to anti-Markovnikov fluorination products from terminal alkynes. Oxidation of a cis-(β-fluorovinyl)trifluoroboronate yields an α-fluoroketone, whereas a palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura coupling yields a tetrasubstituted monofluoroalkene.

Hydroboration of Terminal Olefins with Pinacolborane Catalyzed by New Mono(2-Iminopyrrolyl) Cobalt(II) Complexes.

The 5-substituted 2-aryliminopyrrolyl ligand precursors of the type 5-R-2-[ N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)formimino]-1 H-pyrrole (R = 2,6-Me2-C6H3 (1a), 2,4,6-iPr3-C6H2 (1b), 2,4,6-Ph3-C6H3 (1c; reported in this work), anthracen-9-yl (1d), CPh3 (1e; reported in this work)) were treated with K[N(SiMe3)2] in toluene to yield the respective 5-R-2-[ N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)formimino]pyrrolyl potassium salts 2a-e in high yields. The paramagnetic 15-electron Co(II) complexes of the type [Co{κ2 N,N'-5-R-NC4H2-2-C(H)═N(2,6-iPr2-C6H3)}(Py)Cl] (3a-e; Py = pyridine) were prepared by salt metathesis of CoCl2(Py)4 with the respective potassium salts 2a-e in moderate to good yields. When the CoCl2(THF)1.5 precursor was combined with the in situ prepared sodium salt of ligand precursor 1b, the trinuclear complex [Co{κ2 N, N'-5-(2,4,6-iPr3-C6H2)-NC4H2-2-C(H)═N(2,6-iPr2-C6H3)}(μ-Cl)]2[(μ-Cl)2Co(THF)2] (4) was obtained in high yields. Complexes 3a-e have high-spin electronic configurations both in solution and in the solid state. X-ray diffraction studies of complexes 3a,e confirmed distorted tetrahedral coordination geometries. Complex 4, on the other hand, is a linear trinuclear Co(II)-Co(II)-Co(II) complex with two terminal distorted tetrahedral four-coordinate sites and a central octahedral six-coordinate site, all in the high-spin state, S = 3/2, as confirmed by the magnetization measurements and DFT calculations. Solid-state magnetic measurements in both complexes 3a and 4 point to paramagnetic behavior with a significant contribution of spin-orbit coupling. Additionally, intramolecular antiferromagnetic coupling of the adjacent cobalt atoms is observed in 4. The Co(II) family 3a-d, on activation with K(HBEt3), catalyzed the hydroboration of several α-olefins with pinacolborane, in good to high yields (50-80%). This system almost exclusively yielded the anti-Markovnikov (a-Mk) addition product, except when styrene was used, where the selectivity in the Markovnikov (Mk) product increased with increasing steric bulkiness of the 5-R-2-iminopyrrolyl substituent, with the a-Mk:Mk molar ratio varying from 2.33:1 (3a, R = 2,6-Me2-C6H3) to 0.75:1 (3c, R = 2,4,6-Ph3-C6H3). Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the activation by K(HBEt3) gave rise to a Co(I) species, the catalyst system likely following an oxidative addition pathway.

Anti-Markovnikov hydroaminations of styrene catalyzed by palladium(II) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes under conventional and microwave heating

Six palladium(II) complexes with benzimidazole-based N-heterocyclic carbene ligands were synthesized by transmetallation reactions between silver(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes and PdCl2(PhCN)2. The complexes were characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The palladium complexes were tested as catalysts for intermolecular hydroamination reactions of styrene with various anilines in ionic liquids under both conventional and microwave heating. All of these complexes proved to be catalytically active in these reactions. The anti-Markovnikov addition products were selectively obtained by using 1 mol% of the palladium complex.

Mechanistic insights into the ligand-controlled regioselectivity in Cu-catalyzed terminal alkynes alkylboration

The recent Cu-catalyzed alkylboration of unactivated terminal alkynes shows intriguing ligand-controlled regioselectivity. The anti-Markovnikov alkylboration products were obtained with dppbz as ligand, while the Markovnikov products were obtained with DMAP as ligand. In the present study, the theoretical calculation was carried out to investigate the detailed mechanism of the alkylboration process and the mechanistic origin for the ligand-regulated regioselectivity. For both dppbz and DMAP, it was found that the alkylboration undergoes alkyne insertion and sigma-complex-assisted metathesis processes. In the concerted process, the carbon atom of the alkyl iodides directly bonded with the alkenyl carbon which is generated from alkyne insertion step. The anti-Markovnikov and Markovnikov alkylboration is, respectively, favorable for dppbz and DMAP ligand, which is consistent with the regioselectivity in experiment. What's more, the alkyne insertion step is the regioselectivity determining step for both of dppbz and DMAP ligands. The bulky dppbz-coordinated situation makes steric hindrance the main determinant factor of selectivity, therefore the less steric hindrance makes the anti-Markovnikov selectivity more favorable. For DMAP ligands, the electronic effect becomes the main factor due to the strong complexation of DMAP with Cu metal center. Therefore the better FMO interaction between Cu-B bond and alkyne favors the Markovnikov selectivity in the DMAP-coordinated situation.