Diphosphine Catalysts Research Articles

Experimental and Theoretical Evidence for Relativistic Catalytic Activity in C-H Activation of N-Phenylbenzamide Using a Cationic Iridium Complex.

This study elucidates that relativistic effect plays a key role in catalytic C-H activation using a cationic Ir complex. Experiments show that the cationic Ir(I)-diphosphine catalyst can be used for the deuterium substitution of N-phenylbenzamide, whereas a cationic Rh(I)-diphosphine catalyst is scarcely effective. Density functional theory calculations, including the relativistic effect, demonstrate a large difference in the reaction energy diagrams for the C-H activation of N-phenylbenzamide between the cationic Ir and Rh catalysts. In particular, the relatively low reaction barrier and considerably stabilized product obtained for the Ir catalysts are rationalized by strong Ir-C and Ir-H interactions, which originate from the relativistic self-consistent d-orbital expansion of Ir.

Iridium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Direct α-C-H Alkylation of Saturated Cyclic Amines with Alkenes.

Enantioselective direct α-C(sp3)-H alkylation of saturated cyclic amines having N-methylbenzimidazolyl as a directing group was realized by using a cationic iridium/chiral diphosphine catalyst. The alkylation of pyrrolidine derivatives with various terminal alkenes proceeded to give α-alkylated products in high yields with high enantioselectivities. Chiral α,α'-dialkylated pyrrolidine derivatives were also synthesized by using an excess of alkenes or by stepwise alkylation.

A robust nickel catalyst with an unsymmetrical propyl-bridged diphosphine ligand for catalyst-transfer polymerization

A new nickel diphosphine catalyst has been synthesized in which the bidentate ligand has two different phosphine donors, a typical PPh2 group and a stronger σ-donating PEt2 group. The catalyst was highly effective for the chain-growth polymerization of a 3-alkylthiophene monomer using a Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling. The catalyst is particularly effective for this polymerization in the presence of excess free ligand. The unsymmetrical diphosphine nickel complex reported here represents a new approach to tuning metal-ligand reactivity in the chain-growth polymerization of aromatic monomers. In addition, this new nickel catalyst exhibited increased hydrolytic resistance in the polymerization as compared to commercially available 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane nickel dichloride. A new nickel diphosphine catalyst was synthesized and evaluated for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling polymerization. The diphosphine is comprised of two electronically and sterically distinct phosphine donors, a PPh2 group and a PEt2 group. The catalyst was employed to bring about controlled polymerization of a 3-hexylthiophene monomer to afford poly(3-hexylthiophene). The catalyst was particularly effective for bringing about this polymerization in the presence of excess free ligand. The catalyst resting state was also probed using NMR spectroscopy and an externally initiated catalyst.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Regio- and Diastereoselective Formal [3 + 2] Cycloaddition between Cyclopropanols and Allenes

A cobalt–diphosphine catalyst has been found to promote a formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between a cyclopropanol and an allene via cyclopropanol ring opening, which affords a 3-alkylidenecyclopentanol derivative with high regio- and diastereoselectivities. The reaction tolerates monosubstituted, 1,1-disubstituted, and 1,3-disubstituted allenes and various functional groups. The reaction is proposed to proceed through carbometalation of the allene with a cobalt homoenolate followed by intramolecular carbonyl allylation of the resulting allylcobalt species.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Intermolecular [2+2] Cycloaddition between Alkynes and Allenes.

An intermolecular [2+2] cycloaddition reaction between an alkyne and an allene is reported. In the presence of a cobalt(I)/diphosphine catalyst, a near equimolar mixture of the alkyne and allene is converted into a 3-alkylidenecyclobutene derivative in good yield with high regioselectivity. The reaction tolerates a variety of internal alkynes and mono- or disubstituted allenes bearing various functional groups. The reaction is proposed to involve regioselective oxidative cyclization of the alkyne and allene to form a 4-alkylidenecobaltacyclopentene intermediate, with subsequent C-C reductive elimination.

Cobalt‐Catalyzed Intermolecular [2+2] Cycloaddition between Alkynes and Allenes

AbstractAn intermolecular [2+2] cycloaddition reaction between an alkyne and an allene is reported. In the presence of a cobalt(I)/diphosphine catalyst, a near equimolar mixture of the alkyne and allene is converted into a 3‐alkylidenecyclobutene derivative in good yield with high regioselectivity. The reaction tolerates a variety of internal alkynes and mono‐ or disubstituted allenes bearing various functional groups. The reaction is proposed to involve regioselective oxidative cyclization of the alkyne and allene to form a 4‐alkylidenecobaltacyclopentene intermediate, with subsequent C−C reductive elimination.

Cobalt‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Reactions between a Vinylcyclopropane and an Alkyne: Switchable [5+2] Cycloaddition and Homo‐Ene Pathways

AbstractCobalt–diphosphine catalysts have been found to promote intramolecular reactions between a vinylcyclopropane and an alkyne to selectively afford either the [5+2] cycloaddition product or the homo‐ene reaction product under solvent control. The former product is exclusively formed in noncoordinating 1,2‐dichloroethane, whereas the latter is dominant in coordinating solvents, such as acetonitrile and dimethylacetamide. Furthermore, a highly enantioselective variant of the homo‐ene reaction afforded chiral tetrahydrofuran, pyrrolidine, and cyclopentane derivatives bearing 1,3‐diene and alkylidene substituents.

Z-scheme solar water splitting via self-assembly of photosystem I-catalyst hybrids in thylakoid membranes.

Nature's solar energy converters, the Photosystem I (PSI) and Photosystem II (PSII) reaction center proteins, flawlessly manage photon capture and conversion processes in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria to drive oxygenic water-splitting and carbon fixation. Herein, we utilize the native photosynthetic Z-scheme electron transport chain to drive hydrogen production from thylakoid membranes by directional electron transport to abiotic catalysts bound at the stromal end of PSI. Pt-nanoparticles readily self-assemble with PSI in spinach and cyanobacterial membranes as evidenced by light-driven H2 production in the presence of a mediating electron shuttle protein and the sacrificial electron donor sodium ascorbate. EPR characterization confirms placement of the Pt-nanoparticles on the acceptor end of PSI. In the absence of sacrificial reductant, H2 production at PSI occurs via coupling to light-induced PSII O2 evolution as confirmed by correlation of catalytic activity to the presence or absence of the PSII inhibitor DCMU. To create a more sustainable system, first-row transition metal molecular cobaloxime and nickel diphosphine catalysts were found to perform photocatalysis when bound in situ to cyanobacterial thylakoid membranes. Thus, the self-assembly of abiotic catalysts with photosynthetic membranes demonstrates a tenable method for accomplishing solar overall water splitting to generate H2, a renewable and clean fuel. This work benchmarks a significant advance toward improving photosynthetic efficiency for solar fuel production.

ChemInform Abstract: Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Kinetic Resolution of N‐Sulfonylaziridines with Indoles: Efficient Construction of Pyrroloindolines.

AbstractA Lewis acid catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of indoles and 2‐aryl‐N‐tosylaziridines by using Cu(I)/chiral diphosphine catalysts gives pyrroloindolines with high enantioselectivity under mild conditions.

ChemInform Abstract: Amine(imine)diphosphine Iron Catalysts for Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones and Imines.

AbstractThe synthesis of novel enantiopure amine(imine)diphosphine catalysts that take advantage of the iron(II) ion as a template is described.

Asymmetric Hydrogenation with Iridium C,N and N,P Ligand Complexes: Characterization of Dihydride Intermediates with a Coordinated Alkene

AbstractPreviously elusive iridium dihydride alkene complexes have been identified and characterized by NMR spectroscopy in solution. Reactivity studies demonstrated that these complexes are catalytically competent intermediates. Additional H2 is required to convert the catalyst‐bound alkene into the hydrogenation product, supporting an IrIII/IrV cycle via an [IrIII(H)2(alkene)(H2)(L)]+ intermediate, as originally proposed based on DFT calculations. NMR analyses indicate a reaction pathway proceeding through rapidly equilibrating isomeric dihydride alkene intermediates with a subsequent slow enantioselectivity‐determining step. As in the classical example of asymmetric hydrogenation with rhodium diphosphine catalysts, it is a minor, less stable intermediate that is converted into the major product enantiomer.

Asymmetric Hydrogenation with Iridium C,N and N,P Ligand Complexes: Characterization of Dihydride Intermediates with a Coordinated Alkene

Previously elusive iridium dihydride alkene complexes have been identified and characterized by NMR spectroscopy in solution. Reactivity studies demonstrated that these complexes are catalytically competent intermediates. Additional H2 is required to convert the catalyst-bound alkene into the hydrogenation product, supporting an Ir(III) /Ir(V) cycle via an [Ir(III) (H)2 (alkene)(H2 )(L)](+) intermediate, as originally proposed based on DFT calculations. NMR analyses indicate a reaction pathway proceeding through rapidly equilibrating isomeric dihydride alkene intermediates with a subsequent slow enantioselectivity-determining step. As in the classical example of asymmetric hydrogenation with rhodium diphosphine catalysts, it is a minor, less stable intermediate that is converted into the major product enantiomer.

Catalytic Conversion of Ethanol into an Advanced Biofuel: Unprecedented Selectivity for n‐Butanol

Taming the beast: Unprecedented selectivity of over 94 % at good (20 %+) conversion was observed for the upgrade of ethanol to the advanced biofuel 1-butanol with a ruthenium diphosphine catalyst (see picture; P orange, Ru blue). Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that control over the notoriously uncontrolled acetaldehyde aldol condensation is critical for the high selectivity, and evidence was found for an on-metal condensation step. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Iridium-Catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition of α,ω-Diynes with Nitriles

[Ir(cod)Cl](2)/DPPF or BINAP efficiently catalyzed the cycloaddition of α,ω-diynes with nitriles to give pyridines. The reaction can accommodate a very wide range of nitriles. Both aliphatic and aromatic nitriles smoothly reacted with α,ω-diynes to give pyridines. Ten equivalents of unactivated aliphatic nitrile were enough to give the product in high yield. Aliphatic nitriles bearing an acetal or amino moiety could be used for the reaction. The highly regioselective cycloaddition of unsymmetrical diyne bearing two different internal alkyne moieties was achieved. The observed regioselectivity could be reasonably explained by considering the different reactivities of the α-position in iridacyclopentadiene. Regioselective cycloaddition was successfully applied to the synthesis of terpyridine and quinquepyridine. This chemistry was extended to a new and efficient synthesis of oligoheteroarenes. Five aromatic or heteroaromatic rings were connected in a single operation. [Ir(cod)Cl](2)/chiral diphosphine catalyst can be applied to enantioselective synthesis. Kinetic resolution of the racemic secondary benzyl nitrile catalyzed by [Ir(cod)Cl](2)/SEGPHOS gave a central carbon chiral pyridine in 80% ee. The mechanism was analyzed on the basis of the B3LYP level of density functional calculations.

Iridium-Catalyzed [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of α,ω-Diynes with Isocyanates

[Ir(cod)Cl](2)/BINAP was found to be an efficient catalyst for the [2+2+2] cycloaddition of α,ω-diynes with isocyanates to give 2-pyridones. A wide range of isocyanates can be used for this reaction. Both aliphatic and aromatic isocyanates smoothly reacted with α,ω-diynes to give 2-pyridones in high yields. Aliphatic isocyanates were more reactive than aromatic isocyanates. For aromatic isocyanates, the electronic properties of the substituents affected the reactivity: electron-donating substituents enhanced the reaction. The reaction of unsymmetrical α,ω-diynes possessing two different internal alkyne moieties with isocyanates was regiospecific and gave a single product. This regioselectivity could be explained by the reaction of iridacyclopentadiene with a nitrogen-carbon double bond. The regioselectivity of the reaction of malonate-derived diyne was controlled by a steric effect, while that of the reaction of ester-tethered diyne was controlled by an electronic effect. [Ir(cod)Cl](2)/chiral diphosphine catalyst could be used for the enantioselective synthesis of C-N axially chiral 2-pyridone. The reaction of diyne 1a with o-methoxyphenyl isocyanate (7a) gave C-N axially chiral 2-pyridone (R)-8aa in 78% yield with 94% ee.

ChemInform Abstract: Enantioselective Synthesis of Amines: General, Efficient Iron‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Imines.

AbstractA variety of aromatic and aliphatic imines is smoothly hydrogenated in the presence of an iron—diphosphine catalyst to give the corresponding amines (II), (IV) or (VI) in good yields and high enantioselectivities (up to 98% e.e.).

Selective O‐allylation of bisphenol A: toward a chloride‐free route for epoxy resins

AbstractThe O‐allylation of bisphenol A (BPA) has been performed with the most selective catalysts for O‐allylation of phenols reported previously. Both the cyclopentadienyl–ruthenium catalysts and the palladium–diphosphine catalysts are capable of selectively performing single and double O‐allylation of BPA. An intriguing solvent effect is observed; the choice of the solvent is of key importance for both conversion and selectivity. The use of an excess of diallyl ether as allylating agent results in relatively high yields of the bisallyl ether of bisphenol A, while maintaining the high selectivity for O‐allylation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ordered mesoporous materials as solid supports for rhodium–diphosphine catalysts with remarkable hydroformylation activity

A rhodium-diphosphine complex based on Xantphos-type ligands was anchored on mesoporous silica SBA-15, and the material showed remarkably high catalytic activity in the hydroformylation of 1-octene, even exceeding its homogeneous analogue under certain conditions.

Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Heteroaromatic Ketones and Cyclic and Acyclic Enones Mediated by Cu(I)-Chiral Diphosphine Catalysts

Copper(I)-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of heteroaromatic ketones, cyclic and acyclic enones is reported. The choice of the chiral diphosphine ligand highly influenced enantioselectivity as well as chemoselectivity. Highly enantioselective hydrogenation of ortho-substituted heteroaromatic ketones was achieved using BDPP as the ligand. In the 1,2-selective hydrogenation of acylic enone, SEGPHOS gave higher enantioselectivity than BDPP. On the other hand, the bulky ligand DTBM-SEGPHOS had a 1,4-selective nature, leading to the first highly 1,4-selective and enantioselective hydrogenation of cyclic enones.

Stereoselective Oxindole Synthesis by Palladium-Catalyzed Cyclization Reaction of 2-(Alkynyl)aryl Isocyanates with Amides

A new cyclization reaction occurred on treatment of 2-(alkynyl)aryl isocyanates with amides in the presence of a palladium(0)/diphosphine catalyst to stereoselectively form 3-(amidoalkylidene)oxindoles. A carbon-nitrogen bond as well as a carbon-carbon bond were simultaneously introduced onto the alkyne moiety to construct an oxindole skeleton with stereoselective placement of the amino substituent cis to the carbonyl group.