Bond Activation Of Hydrocarbons Research Articles

Preparation and Characterization of a Formally NiIV-Oxo Complex with a Triplet Ground State and Application in Oxidation Reactions.

High-valent first-row transition-metal-oxo complexes are important intermediates in biologically and chemically relevant oxidative transformations of organic molecules and in the water splitting reaction in (artificial) photosynthesis. While high-valent Fe- and Mn-oxo complexes have been characterized in detail, much less is known about their analogues with late transition metals. In this study, we present the synthesis and detailed characterization of a unique mononuclear terminal Ni-O complex. This compound, [Ni(TAML)(O)(OH)]3-, is characterized by an intense charge-transfer (CT) band around 730 nm and has an St = 1 ground state, as determined by magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy. From extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), the Ni-O bond distance is 1.84 Å. Ni K edge XAS data indicate that the complex contains a Ni(III) center, which results from an unusually large degree of Ni-O π-bond inversion, with one hole located on the oxo ligand. The complex is therefore best described as a low-spin Ni(III) complex (S = 1/2) with a bound oxyl (O•-) ligand (S = 1/2), where the spins of Ni and oxyl are ferromagnetically coupled, giving rise to the observed St = 1 ground state. This bonding description is roughly equivalent to the presence of a Ni-O single (σ) bond. Reactivity studies show that [Ni(TAML)(O)(OH)]3- is a strong oxidant capable of oxidizing thioanisole and styrene derivatives with large negative ρ values in the Hammett plot, indicating its electrophilic nature. The intermediate also shows high reactivity in C-H bond activation of hydrocarbons with a kinetic isotope effect of 7.0(3) in xanthene oxidation.

Aliphatic and Aromatic C–H Bond Oxidation by High-Valent Manganese(IV)-Hydroxo Species

The strong C-H bond activation of hydrocarbons is a difficult reaction in environmental and biological chemistry. Herein, a high-valent manganese(IV)-hydroxo complex, [MnIV(CHDAP-O)(OH)]2+ (2), was synthesized and characterized by various physicochemical measurements, such as ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and helium-tagging infrared photodissociation (IRPD) methods. The one-electron reduction potential (Ered) of 2 was determined to be 0.93 V vs SCE by redox titration. 2 is formed via a transient green species assigned to a manganese(IV)-bis(hydroxo) complex, [MnIV(CHDAP)(OH)2]2+ (2'), which performs intramolecular aliphatic C-H bond activation. The kinetic isotope effect (KIE) value of 4.8 in the intramolecular oxidation was observed, which indicates that the C-H bond activation occurs via rate-determining hydrogen atom abstraction. Further, complex 2 can activate the C-H bonds of aromatic compounds, anthracene and its derivatives, under mild conditions. The KIE value of 1.0 was obtained in the oxidation of anthracene. The rate constant (ket) of electron transfer (ET) from N,N'-dimethylaniline derivatives to 2 is fitted by Marcus theory of electron transfer to afford the reorganization energy of ET (λ = 1.59 eV). The driving force dependence of log ket for oxidation of anthracene derivatives by 2 is well evaluated by Marcus theory of electron transfer. Detailed kinetic studies, including the KIE value and Marcus theory of outer-sphere electron transfer, imply that the mechanism of aromatic C-H bond hydroxylation by 2 proceeds via the rate-determining electron-transfer pathway.

A QM/MM study on ethene and benzene oxidation using silica-supported chromium trioxide.

Oxidation of ethene and benzene by chromium oxide (CrO3) supported on silica (SiO2) was investigated by employing hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) model calculations. Various mechanistic possibilities, such as C-H or C=C bond activation of hydrocarbons, were investigated in detail for the reaction of ethene and benzene with CrO3 grafted on a silica surface. While activation of the C-H bond leads to the formation of alcohol, epoxide is obtained via C=C bond activation. The complete reaction routes for the formation of each product were traced and found to be exothermic. Thermochemical analysis were performed to predict temperature conditions for the reaction to be feasible in a forward direction. The study provides conclusive evidence to aid experimentalists for further research on oxidation of hydrocarbons using silica-supported metal oxides. Graphical abstract Oxidation of ethene and benzene using silica-supported chromium trioxide.

Mononuclear Nonheme High-Spin (S=2) versus Intermediate-Spin (S=1) Iron(IV)-Oxo Complexes in Oxidation Reactions.

Mononuclear nonheme high-spin (S=2) iron(IV)-oxo species have been identified as the key intermediates responsible for the C-H bond activation of organic substrates in nonheme iron enzymatic reactions. Herein we report that the C-H bond activation of hydrocarbons by a synthetic mononuclear nonheme high-spin (S=2) iron(IV)-oxo complex occurs through an oxygen non-rebound mechanism, as previously demonstrated in the C-H bond activation by nonheme intermediate (S=1) iron(IV)-oxo complexes. We also report that C-H bond activation is preferred over C=C epoxidation in the oxidation of cyclohexene by the nonheme high-spin (HS) and intermediate-spin (IS) iron(IV)-oxo complexes, whereas the C=C double bond epoxidation becomes a preferred pathway in the oxidation of deuterated cyclohexene by the nonheme HS and IS iron(IV)-oxo complexes. In the epoxidation of styrene derivatives, the HS and IS iron(IV) oxo complexes are found to have similar electrophilic characters.

Mononuclear Nonheme High‐Spin (S=2) versus Intermediate‐Spin (S=1) Iron(IV)–Oxo Complexes in Oxidation Reactions

AbstractMononuclear nonheme high‐spin (S=2) iron(IV)–oxo species have been identified as the key intermediates responsible for the C−H bond activation of organic substrates in nonheme iron enzymatic reactions. Herein we report that the C−H bond activation of hydrocarbons by a synthetic mononuclear nonheme high‐spin (S=2) iron(IV)–oxo complex occurs through an oxygen non‐rebound mechanism, as previously demonstrated in the C−H bond activation by nonheme intermediate (S=1) iron(IV)–oxo complexes. We also report that C−H bond activation is preferred over C=C epoxidation in the oxidation of cyclohexene by the nonheme high‐spin (HS) and intermediate‐spin (IS) iron(IV)–oxo complexes, whereas the C=C double bond epoxidation becomes a preferred pathway in the oxidation of deuterated cyclohexene by the nonheme HS and IS iron(IV)–oxo complexes. In the epoxidation of styrene derivatives, the HS and IS iron(IV) oxo complexes are found to have similar electrophilic characters.

Mechanistic Insights into the C–H Bond Activation of Hydrocarbons by Chromium(IV) Oxo and Chromium(III) Superoxo Complexes

The mechanism of the C-H bond activation of hydrocarbons by a nonheme chromium(IV) oxo complex bearing an N-methylated tetraazamacrocyclic cyclam (TMC) ligand, [Cr(IV)(O)(TMC)(Cl)](+) (2), has been investigated experimentally and theoretically. In experimental studies, reaction rates of 2 with substrates having weak C-H bonds were found to depend on the concentration and bond dissociation energies of the substrates. A large kinetic isotope effect value of 60 was determined in the oxidation of dihydroanthracene (DHA) and deuterated DHA by 2. These results led us to propose that the C-H bond activation reaction occurs via a H-atom abstraction mechanism, in which H-atom abstraction of substrates by 2 is the rate-determining step. In addition, formation of a chromium(III) hydroxo complex, [Cr(III)(OH)(TMC)(Cl)](+) (3), was observed as a decomposed product of 2 in the C-H bond activation reaction. The Cr(III)OH product was characterized unambiguously with various spectroscopic methods and X-ray crystallography. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations support the experimental observations that the C-H bond activation by 2 does not occur via the conventional H-atom-abstraction/oxygen-rebound mechanism and that 3 is the product formed in this C-H bond activation reaction. DFT calculations also propose that 2 may have some Cr(III)O(•-) character. The oxidizing power of 2 was then compared with that of a chromium(III) superoxo complex bearing the identical TMC ligand, [Cr(III)(O2)(TMC)(Cl)](+) (1), in the C-H bond activation reaction. By performing reactions of 1 and 2 with substrates under identical conditions, we were able to demonstrate that the reactivity of 2 is slightly greater than that of 1. DFT calculations again support this experimental observation, showing that the rate-limiting barrier for the reaction with 2 is slightly lower than that of 1.

Double C–H Bond Activation of Hydrocarbons by a Gas Phase Neutral Oxide Cluster: The Importance of Spin State

The neutral cluster V2O5 is generated and detected in the gas phase. Its reactivity toward butane is studied both experimentally and theoretically. Experimental results show clearly that neutral V2O5 can react with n-butane (C4H10) to generate V2O5H2, indicating double hydrogen atom transfer from C4H10 to V2O5 to produce C4H8. Further experimental evidence indicates that V2O5 is only partially reacted even at very high concentrations of C4H10. Density functional theory (DFT) studies show that the lowest energy triplet state of V2O5 is reactive toward C4H10, whereas the ground state singlet V2O5 is inert. Calculated results are in agreement with experimental findings, and a detailed reaction mechanism is provided. Reactions of V2O5H2 with several oxidants are also studied theoretically to find a path to regenerate V2O5. Neutral (3)V2O5 can also react with C2H6 to form V2O5H2 and C2H4, but only as a minor reaction channel; the major product is the adsorption product V2O5(C2H6).

Structure and Chemistry of the Heteronuclear Oxo-Cluster [VPO4]•+: A Model System for the Gas-Phase Oxidation of Small Hydrocarbons

The heteronuclear oxo-cluster [VPO4](•+) is generated via electrospray ionization and investigated with respect to both its electronic structure as well as its gas-phase reactivity toward small hydrocarbons, thus permitting a comparison to the well-known vanadium-oxide cation [V2O4](•+). As described in previous studies, the latter oxide exhibits no or just minor reactivity toward small hydrocarbons, such as CH4, C2H6, C3H8, n-C4H10, and C2H4, while substitution of one vanadium by a phosphorus atom yields the reactive [VPO4](•+) ion; the latter brings about oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of saturated hydrocarbons, e.g., propane and butane as well as oxygen-atom transfer (OAT) to unsaturated hydrocarbons, e.g. ethene, at thermal conditions. Further, the gas-phase structure of [VPO4](•+) is determined by IR photodissociation spectroscopy and compared to that of [V2O4](•+). DFT calculations help to elucidate the reaction mechanism. The results underline the crucial role of phosphorus in terms of C-H bond activation of hydrocarbons by mixed VPO clusters.

An “End-On” Chromium(III)-Superoxo Complex: Crystallographic and Spectroscopic Characterization and Reactivity in C−H Bond Activation of Hydrocarbons

Metal-superoxo intermediates have been invoked as reactive species in C-H bond cleavage of substrates by oxygenase enzymes. In this work, we have shown the first structurally characterized end-on chromium(III)-superoxo complex, [Cr(III)(14-TMC)(O(2))(Cl)](+), which was synthesized by reacting [Cr(II)(14-TMC)(Cl)](+) with O(2). The Cr(III)-superoxo intermediate has shown reactivities in C-H cleavage of alkylaromatics via a H-atom abstraction mechanism.

Hydrogen‐Atom Abstraction Reactions by Manganese(V)– and Manganese(IV)–Oxo Porphyrin Complexes in Aqueous Solution

High-valent manganese(IV or V)-oxo porphyrins are considered as reactive intermediates in the oxidation of organic substrates by manganese porphyrin catalysts. We have generated Mn(V)- and Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrins in basic aqueous solution and investigated their reactivities in C-H bond activation of hydrocarbons. We now report that Mn(V)- and Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrins are capable of activating C-H bonds of alkylaromatics, with the reactivity order of Mn(V)-oxo>Mn(IV)-oxo; the reactivity of a Mn(V)-oxo complex is 150 times greater than that of a Mn(IV)-oxo complex in the oxidation of xanthene. The C-H bond activation of alkylaromatics by the Mn(V)- and Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrins is proposed to occur through a hydrogen-atom abstraction, based on the observations of a good linear correlation between the reaction rates and the C-H bond dissociation energy (BDE) of substrates and high kinetic isotope effect (KIE) values in the oxidation of xanthene and dihydroanthracene (DHA). We have demonstrated that the disproportionation of Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrins to Mn(V)-oxo and Mn(III) porphyrins is not a feasible pathway in basic aqueous solution and that Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrins are able to abstract hydrogen atoms from alkylaromatics. The C-H bond activation of alkylaromatics by Mn(V)- and Mn(IV)-oxo species proceeds through a one-electron process, in which a Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrin is formed as a product in the C-H bond activation by a Mn(V)-oxo porphyrin, followed by a further reaction of the Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrin with substrates that results in the formation of a Mn(III) porphyrin complex. This result is in contrast to the oxidation of sulfides by the Mn(V)-oxo porphyrin, in which the oxidation of thioanisole by the Mn(V)-oxo complex produces the starting Mn(III) porphyrin and thioanisole oxide. This result indicates that the oxidation of sulfides by the Mn(V)-oxo species occurs by means of a two-electron oxidation process. In contrast, a Mn(IV)-oxo porphyrin complex is not capable of oxidizing sulfides due to a low oxidizing power in basic aqueous solution.

A New Pathway for Activation of C - C and C - H Bonds by Transition Metals in the Gas Phase

C–H and C–C bond activation of hydrocarbons at metal centres are of fundamental importance in biochemistry, organometallic chemistry, and catalysis. The present work aims to search for novel mechanisms for activation of C–C and C–H bonds by transition metals in the gas phase. Using high-level density functional calculations, we systemically studied the reactions of Ti+, V+, and Fe+ with ethane, and proposed new pathways of C–C and C–H bond activation—concerted activation of C–C and C–H bonds, and 1,2-H2 elimination. These two pathways clearly differ from the general addition–elimination mechanism.

C—H Bond Activation of Hydrocarbons by an Imidozirconocene Complex.

AbstractFor Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.

C-H bond activation of hydrocarbons by an imidozirconocene complex.

Monomeric imidozirconocene complexes of the type Cp2(L)Zr=NCMe3 (Cp = cyclopentadienyl, L = Lewis base) have been shown to activate the carbon-hydrogen bonds of benzene, but not the C-H bonds of saturated hydrocarbons. To our knowledge, this singularly important class of C-H activation reactions has heretofore not been observed in imidometallocene systems. The M=NR bond formed on heating the racemic ethylenebis(tetrahydro)indenyl methyl tert-butyl amide complex, however, cleanly and quantitatively activates a wide range of n-alkane, alkene, and arene C-H bonds. Mechanistic experiments support the proposal of intramolecular elimination of methane followed by a concerted addition of the hydrocarbon C-H bond. Products formed by activation of sp2 C-H bonds are generally more thermodynamically stable than those formed by activation of sp3 C-H bonds, and those resulting from reaction at primary C-H bonds are preferred over secondary sp3 C-H activation products. There is also evidence that thermodynamic selectivity among C-H bonds is sterically rather than electronically controlled.

Photochemistry of platinum phosphine complexes. Perspective in CH bond activation

The photochemistry of the diphosphino Pt(II) hydrides [LPtH 2] (L=(t-Bu) 2P(CH 2) 2P(t-Bu) 2 ( 7); L=(t-Bu) 2P(CH 2) 3P(t-Bu) 2 ( 8);L=(t-Bu)(Ph)P(CH 2) 2P(Ph)(t-Bu) ( 9)) is reported. The primary photoevent is the dissociation of H 2 and formation of the 14-e [LPt] species. These coordinatively unsaturated intermediates provide a versatile entry point into the CH bond activation of hydrocarbons. [LPt] reacts with benzene in an oxidative addition reaction to yield [LPt(H)(C 6H 5)] complexes. The importance of the metal centre and ancillary ligation in the CH bond activation is discussed.

A Comparative Study of Oxo‐Ligand Effects in the Gas‐Phase Chemistry of Atomic Lanthanide and Actinide Cations

AbstractThe effects of oxo ligands on lanthanide and actinide cations have been examined for the mono‐ and dioxocations MO+ and MO+2 of cerium, neodymium, thorium, and uranium by probing C‐H and C‐C bond activation of hydrocarbons in an FT‐ICR mass spectrometer. The metal monoxide cations are readily available by reaction of the “bare” metal cations with O2, CO2, N2O, or H2O. In the ensuing oxidation of MO+, UO+2 is obtained by each of these oxidants, while CeO+ could only be oxidized by N2O. NO2 was necessary for the generation of ThO+2, and NdO+2 could not be prepared at all. The monoxides are rather unreactive and only dehydrogenate reactive substrates such as 1‐butene and 1,4‐cyclohexadiene to generate the corresponding butadiene or benzene complexes. In contrast, CeO+2 and ThO+2 react efficiently with different substrates by abstraction of a hydrogen atom and formation of the closed‐shell species OMOH+, or by oxygen atom transfer to unsaturated hydrocarbons. In marked contrast, UO+2 only undergoes very slow adduct formation with unsaturated hydrocarbons. The results are compared with the reactions of the “bare” metals with respect to the influence of the oxo ligand as well as to the underlying electronic features of the investigated complexes.

Intermolecular vinylic carbon-hydrogen bond activation by a doubly-bonded organoditantalum complex

Intermolecular C-H bond activation of hydrocarbons, in particular alkanes, by organotransition-metal species is a reaction of fundamental modeling importance for future efforts at hydrocarbon functionalization. Examples of hydrocarbon oxidative addition and of alkyl/hydrocarbon exchange have been reported with organometallic complexes of the late transition metals, metals from groups 6 and 7, and the lanthanides/actinides, but there are no examples of intermolecular alkane or vinylic C-H bond activation with metals from groups 4 and 5. Intermolecular vinylic C-H bond activation is an underrepresented area in hydrocarbon C-H bond activation by organometallics, with few mononuclear and dinuclear, as opposed to polynuclear, examples. The kinetic and thermodynamic differences between C-H activation involving the low-valent late metal and the high-valent lanthanide/actinide complexes suggest that intervening metal complexes, such as intermediate valent group 5 species, may exhibit optimal properties in C-H activation; the propensity for electronic unsaturation in complexes of these metals may lead to successful functionalization studies. Intramolecular ligand metalations and arene H/D exchange reactions with Nb and Ta complexes have been reported, and in principle intermolecular vinylic and alkane C-H bond reactivity should be feasible. They wish to report the first examples of isolable intermolecular vinylic C-H activation by an early transition-metal (groupsmore » 4 and 5) organometallic and by a metal-metal multiply bonded complex.« less