N2 Elimination Research Articles

Reactivity of Tetrel-Functionalized Heptaphosphane Clusters toward Azides.

In this work, the reactivity of tetrel-functionalized phosphorus clusters toward organoazides is probed. Clusters (Me3Si)3P7 (1) and (Me3Ge)3P7 (2) were reacted with benzyl azide, phenyl azide, and 4-bromophenyl azide, and it was found that the [RN] (R = benzyl, phenyl, and 4-bromophenyl) unit from the azide inserted into the phosphorus-tetrel bonds on the cluster, accompanied by N2 elimination. Through control of the azide stoichiometry, the mono-, bis-, and tris-inserted products could be observed, consistent with these insertions proceeding in a stepwise manner. The bonding between the amine moieties and clusters was further investigated by computational chemistry, and the findings were consistent with the phosphorus cluster having undergone a formal oxidation. These insertion reactions are a convenient means of accessing Zintl clusters functionalized with exo-nitrogen-bonded moieties, which, to the best of our knowledge, were previously unknown.

Green synthesis of novel cyclopentapyridines: One‐pot multicomponent reactions of vinilydene Meldrum's acid

AbstractThis study focused on the investigation of synthesizing new derivatives of cyclopentapyridines with high yields employing multicomponent reaction that involved vinilydene Meldrum's acid, ethyl 2‐amino‐4‐dioxo‐4‐arylbutanoates, hydrazonoyl chlorides, and activated acetylenic compounds. The reaction was conducted in water at room temperature, resulting in the synthesis of new compounds. Also, the reaction of synthesized cyclopentapyridines with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate was performed in water at room temperature which produced other cyclopentapyridine derivatives by elimination of N2. The advantages of this technology encompass rapid response times, high product yields, and facile product separation via uncomplicated procedures.

Mechanistic Insights Into the [3+1] Cycloadditions of Me3SiN3 on Bis‐Silylene and the Formation of Pseudo‐Silaazatriene

AbstractThe reaction mechanism for the formation of the pseudo‐silaazatriene 1 (LN(SiMe3)2−Si−N−Si(L)NSiMe3; L=PhC−(NtBu)2) by the reaction of 1 equivalent of bis‐silylene (LSi−SiL; L=PhC(NtBu)2) with 3 equivalents of azide Me3SiN3 has been explored at M06/def2‐TZVPP//BP86‐D3(BJ)/def2‐TZVPP level of theory. The reaction mechanism is guided by the high Lewis basicity of the silicon lone pair and the high Lewis acidic character of Si−N bonds, as well as by the high tendency to eliminate N2 from Me3SiN3. The first step of the reaction is the formation of [3+1] cycloaddition product (I1) by the synergetic interactions of the lone pair on the silylene silicon with the π* molecular orbital of Me3SiN3 which is majorly localized on the terminal nitrogen atom, and the donation of the σ‐type lone pair on the nitrogen atom connected to the SiMe3 group with the Si−N σ* orbital on silylene. The elimination of N2 from I1 results in the formation of pseudo‐silaimine intermediate I2 having a dicoordinated, monovalent nitrogen atom. The most favourable pathway involves the second addition of Me3SiN3 followed by N2 elimination resulting bis‐silaimine intermediate I4‐P2. The highly reactive lone pair on the dicoordinated, monovalent nitrogen atom can be coordinated to the Si−N σ* MO of the second silylene moiety resulting in Si−N bond formation and Si−Si bond cleavage. This step is similar to the SN2′ reaction where the incoming nucleophile and the leaving group are on the same side resulting in the formation of silaimine I5. Further, the [3+1] cycloaddition of one more molecule of Me3SiN3 followed by N2 elimination results in the formation of silaimine intermediate I7. I7 undergoes 1,3‐silyl migration leading to the final product 1. The lone pairs on di‐ and tricoordinated nitrogen centres of all the intermediates are stabilized by hyperconjugative interactions. The delocalized hyperconjugative interaction stabilizes the lone pairs in 1.

Unimolecular Fragment Coupling: A New Bond-Forming Methodology via the Deletion of Atom(s).

Unimolecular fragment coupling (UFC) is defined as a reaction format, wherein atom(s) located in the middle of a molecule are extruded, and the remaining fragments are coupled. UFC is a potentially powerful strategy that is an alternative to transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling because the target chemical bond is formed in an intramolecular fashion, which is inherently beneficial for chemoselectivity and stereoselectivity issues. In this Perspective, we will present an overview of the recent advances in UFC reactions, which encompass those proceeding through the elimination of CO2, CO, SO2, isocyanates, N2, or single atoms primarily via transition metal catalysis.

Bis‐Silyl‐triazenide ligands in alkaline‐earth metal chemistry

AbstractMonoanionic N,N‐chelating triazenide ligands, [R‐NNN‐R]−, are compared to formamidinate or β‐diketiminate ligands considerably less electron‐donating and therefore potentially suitable for stabilizing electron rich metals in low oxidations states. A feature reported for silyl‐substituted triazenide ligands, is their ability to eliminate N2 resulting in (R3Si)2N− anions. Here we describe a series of group 1 and 2 metal complexes with the very bulky bis‐silyl‐triazenide ligand [tBu3Si‐NNN‐SitBu3]−. Heteroleptic complexes could be isolated for Mg: {[(tBu3Si)2N3]MgnBu}2 or {[(tBu3Si)2N3]MgI}2, including its ether adducts. Despite bulky silyl substituents, the ligand did not stabilize heteroleptic [(tBu3Si)2N3]AeN(SiMe3)2 complexes for Ca, Sr and Ba and only homoleptic Ae[(tBu3Si)2N3]2 complexes were isolated. Thermal decomposition of these complexes did result in N2 elimination and formation of the expected amide complexes. Reduction of [(tBu3Si)2N3]MgI ⋅ (Et2O) with KC8 in Et2O led to the formation of a MgI complex with a Mg−Mg bond length of 2.902(1) Å. As only one of the Mg centres shows coordination with a Et2O ligand, this is a rare example of an asymmetric Mg−Mg bond. This MgI complex is rather unstable in benzene solution, likely due to reduction of the ligand system. Triazenide ligands are therefore not suitable for stabilization of group 2 metals in low oxidation states.

Kinetics of N2 Release from Diazo Compounds: A Combined Machine Learning-Density Functional Theory Study.

Diazo compounds are commonly employed as carbene precursors in carbene transfer reactions during a variety of functionalization procedures. Release of N2 gas from diazo compounds may lead to carbene formation, and the ease of this process is highly dependent on the characteristics of the substituents located in the vicinity of the diazo moiety. A quantum mechanical density functional theory assisted by machine learning was used to investigate the relationship between the chemical features of diazo compounds and the activation energy required for N2 elimination. Our results suggest that diazo molecules, possessing a higher positive partial charge on the carbene carbon and more negative charge on the terminal nitrogen, encounter a lower energy barrier. A more positive C charge decreases the π-donor ability of the carbene lone pair to the π* orbital of N2, while the more negative N charge is a result of a weak interaction between N2 lone pair and vacant p orbital of the carbene. The findings of this study can pave the way for molecular engineering for the purpose of carbene generation, which serves as a crucial intermediate for many chemical transformations in synthetic chemistry.

Photoinduced Metallonitrene Formation by N2 Elimination from Azide Diradical Ligands.

Transition-metal nitrides/nitrenes are highly promising reagents for catalytic nitrogen-atom-transfer reactivity. They are typically prepared in situ upon optically induced N2 elimination from azido precursors. A full exploitation of their catalytic potential, however, requires in-depth knowledge of the primary photo-induced processes and the structural/electronic factors mediating the N2 loss with birth of the terminal metal-nitrogen core. Using femtosecond infrared spectroscopy, we elucidate here the primary molecular-level mechanisms responsible for the formation of a unique platinum(II) nitrene with a triplet ground state from a closed-shell platinum(II) azide precursor. The spectroscopic data in combination with quantum-chemical calculations provide compelling evidence that product formation requires the initial occupation of a singlet excited state with an anionic azide diradical ligand that is bound to a low-spin d8 -configured PtII ion. Subsequent intersystem crossing generates the Pt-bound triplet azide diradical, which smoothly evolves into the triplet nitrene via N2 loss in a near barrierless adiabatic dissociation. Our data highlight the importance of the productive, N2 -releasing state possessing azide ππ* character as a design principle for accessing efficient N-atom-transfer catalysts.

Photoinduzierte Metallonitrenbildung durch N2 Abspaltung aus Azid‐Diradikal‐Liganden

AbstractÜbergangsmetallnitride/nitrene sind vielversprechende Reagenzien für katalytischen Stickstoffatomtransfer, die in situ durch optisch induzierte N2‐Eliminierung aus Azidkomplexen zugänglich sind. Um ihr synthetisches Potenzial für die Katalyse voll ausschöpfen zu können, ist ein grundlegendes Verständnis der primären photoinduzierten Prozesse und der stereoelektronischen Faktoren, welche die N2‐Dissoziation kontrollieren, unerlässlich. Mit Hilfe von Femtosekunden‐Infrarotspektroskopie klären wir hier die primären molekularen Mechanismen auf, die für die Bildung eines einzigartigen Platin(II)nitrens mit Triplett‐Grundzustand aus einem geschlossenschaligen Platin(II)azidkomplex verantwortlich sind. Die spektroskopischen Daten in Kombination mit quantenchemischen Rechnungen ergeben einen konsistenten Mechanismus: Produktbildung erfordert die anfängliche Besetzung eines angeregten Singulett‐Zustands mit anionischen Azid‐Diradikal‐Liganden, der an ein low‐spin d8‐konfiguriertes PtII‐Ion gebunden ist. Anschließende Interkombination erzeugt das an Platin gebundene Triplett‐Aziddiradikal, welches sich durch N2‐Verlust in einer nahezu barrierelosen, adiabatischen Dissoziation nahtlos in das Triplett‐Nitren umwandelt. Unsere Daten unterstreichen die Bedeutung des produktiven, N2‐freisetzenden Zustands mit Azid ππ* Charakter als Konstruktionsprinzip für den Zugang zu effizienten Stickstoffatomtransfer‐Katalysatoren.

Chemische Synthese mit Gasförmigen Molekularen Ionen: Gewinnung von [B12Br11N2]− aus einem Massenspektrometer

AbstractIn der Massenspektrometrie werden häufig kurzlebige Ionen in der Gasphase beobachtet, die zuvor nicht in Lösung oder in der Bulkphase synthetisiert worden sind. Diese schwer zugänglichen Ionen werden daher oft primär als analytisch wertvoll für grundlegende Gasphasenstudien angesehen. Hier wird der Nachweis erbracht, dass die Produkte von Ionen‐Molekül‐Reaktionen in Massenspektrometern auf Oberflächen gesammelt werden können, um kondensierte Materie zu erzeugen und somit als Bausteine für die Synthese neuer Verbindungen zu dienen. Das hochreaktive Fragmentanion [B12Br11]− wurde in einem Massenspektrometer erzeugt und in Anwesenheit von molekularem Stickstoff in [B12Br11N2]− umgewandelt, gefolgt von seiner Massenselektion und sanften Deposition auf Oberflächen. Die Molekularstruktur des bisher nie zuvor synthetisierten [B12Br11N2]− wurde mit konventionellen Methoden der Molekularanalyse, einschließlich magnetischer Kernresonanz‐ und Infrarotspektroskopie, bestätigt. Das [B12Br11N2]−‐Ion ist auf Oberflächen und in Lösung bei Raumtemperatur stabil, aber Erhitzen führt zur Abspaltung von N2 und ermöglicht den Zugang zu dem hochreaktiven Zwischenprodukt [B12Br11]− in der kondensierten Phase, das beispielsweise als Reagenz für elektrophile aromatische Substitutionen weiterverwendet werden kann. Die Isolierung von [B12Br11N2]− erweitert somit das Repertoire der verfügbaren Diazo‐Ionen, die als vielseitige Zwischenprodukte bei verschiedenen chemischen Umwandlungen eingesetzt werden können.

Chemical Synthesis with Gaseous Molecular Ions: Harvesting [B12 Br11 N2 ]- from a Mass Spectrometer.

Mass spectrometry frequently reveals the existence of transient gas phase ions that have not been synthesized in solution or in bulk. These elusive ions are, therefore, often considered to be primarily of analytical value in fundamental gas phase studies. Here, we provide proof-of-concept that the products of ion-molecule reactions in mass spectrometers may be collected on surfaces to generate condensed matter and thus serve as building blocks to synthesize new compounds. The highly reactive fragment anion [B12 Br11 ]- was generated in a mass spectrometer and converted to [B12 Br11 N2 ]- in the presence of molecular nitrogen followed by its mass-selection and soft-landing on surfaces. The molecular structure of [B12 Br11 N2 ]- , which has not been synthetically obtained before, was confirmed by conventional methods of molecular analysis, including nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy. The [B12 Br11 N2 ]- ion is stable on surfaces and in solution at room temperature, but thermal annealing induces elimination of N2 and provides access to the highly reactive intermediate [B12 Br11 ]- in the condensed phase, which can be further used as a reagent, for example, for electrophilic aromatic substitutions. Thus, isolation of [B12 Br11 N2 ]- expands the repertoire of the available diazo ions that can be employed as versatile intermediates in various chemical transformations.

Insights into thermochemistry, kinetics, and pyrolysis behavior of green gas generator 5- aminotetrazole by experiment and theoretical methods

Green gas generator 5-aminotetrazole(5-AT) has been widely used as a kind of energetic material with excellent properties, and it is crucial to understand its pyrolysis process and mechanism. The present study comprehensively investigated the thermochemistry, kinetics, and pyrolysis mechanism of green gas generator 5-AT, using a combination of experimental analysis and theoretical calculation. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to investigate the pyrolysis behavior of 5AT and energy barriers of transition states for different pyrolysis paths of three isomers of 5AT were also calculated at a high and reliable level of theory CCSD(T)/cc-pvtz. The results showed that the pyrolysis of 5-AT had five reaction stages and kinetic parameters in each stage were determined by Kissinger method and Criado method. Furthermore, the elimination of N2 from the tetrazole ring occurred before that of HN3, and N2 elimination had lower energy than HN3 elimination for 1-hydrogen-5-aminotetrazole and 2-hydrogen-5-aminotetrazole, but HN3 elimination had lower energy for 5-iminotetrazole. The results of the study provide useful insights into the pyrolysis mechanism and kinetics of 5-AT and could contribute to its efficient utilization in various applications.

Noncovalent Modulation of Chemoselectivity in the Gas Phase Leads to a Switchover in Reaction Type from Heterolytic to Homolytic to Electrocyclic Cleavage.

Inthe gas phase, thermal activation of supramolecular assemblies such as host-guest complexes leads commonly to noncovalent dissociation into the individual components. Chemical reactions, for example of encapsulated guest molecules, are only found in exceptional cases. As observed by mass spectrometry, when 1-amino-methyl-2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene (DBOA) is complexed by the macrocycleb-cyclodextrin, its protonated complex undergoes collision-induced dissociation into its components, the conventional reaction pathway. Inside the macrocyclic cavity of cucurbit[7]uril (CB7), a competitive chemical reaction of monoprotonated DBOA takes place upon thermal activation, namely a stepwise homolytic covalent bond cleavage with the elimination of N2, while the doubly protonated CB7•DBOA complex undergoes an inner-phase elimination of ethylene, a concerted, electrocyclic ring-opening reaction. These chemical reaction pathways stand in contrast to the gas-phase chemistry of uncomplexed monoprotonated DBOA, for which an elimination of NH3predominates upon collision-induced activation, as a heterolytic bond cleavage reaction. The combined results, which can be rationalized in terms of organic-chemical reaction mechanisms and density-function theoretical calculations, demonstrate that chemical reactions in the gas phase can be steered chemoselectively through noncovalent interactions.

Noncovalent Modulation of Chemoselectivity in the Gas Phase Leads to a Switchover in Reaction Type from Heterolytic to Homolytic to Electrocyclic Cleavage

AbstractIn the gas phase, thermal activation of supramolecular assemblies such as host–guest complexes leads commonly to noncovalent dissociation into the individual components. Chemical reactions, for example of encapsulated guest molecules, are only found in exceptional cases. As observed by mass spectrometry, when 1‐amino‐methyl‐2,3‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]oct‐2‐ene (DBOA) is complexed by the macrocycle β‐cyclodextrin, its protonated complex undergoes collision‐induced dissociation into its components, the conventional reaction pathway. Inside the macrocyclic cavity of cucurbit[7]uril (CB7), a competitive chemical reaction of monoprotonated DBOA takes place upon thermal activation, namely a stepwise homolytic covalent bond cleavage with the elimination of N2, while the doubly protonated CB7⋅DBOA complex undergoes an inner‐phase elimination of ethylene, a concerted, electrocyclic ring‐opening reaction. These chemical reaction pathways stand in contrast to the gas‐phase chemistry of uncomplexed monoprotonated DBOA, for which an elimination of NH3 predominates upon collision‐induced activation, as a heterolytic bond cleavage reaction. The combined results, which can be rationalized in terms of organic‐chemical reaction mechanisms and density‐function theoretical calculations, demonstrate that chemical reactions in the gas phase can be steered chemoselectively through noncovalent interactions.

Insertion Reaction of Me3SiN3 with Bis(germylene).

Herein, we describe the redox reaction of bis(germylene) PhC(NtBu)2Ge-Ge(NtBu)2CPh with different equivalents of Me3SiN3 affording two distinct products. The reaction of Me3SiN3 with bis-germylene in a 1:1 molar ratio results in compound 1 at -78 °C; however, treatment of bis-germylene with a 2.1 equiv of Me3SiN3 at room temperature results in compound 2. The formation of 1 and 2 can be rationalized by two successive 3 + 1 cycloadditions of Me3SiN3 with the germanium center of bis(germylene) and N2 elimination. All of the compounds are well-characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and single-crystal X-ray structural analyses. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that compound 2 has a dicoordinated nitrogen atom, which is stabilized by hyperconjugative interactions, resulting in pseudo-germylimine moiety. However, the dicoordinated nitrogen atom shows high basicity as indicated by proton affinity values. These are rare examples of isolated products that show insertion as well as simultaneous redox properties of bis(germylene).

Unveiling the zwitterionic and stepwise mechanism for the domino reactions of amidine with 1,2,4,5‐ and 1,2,3,5‐tetrazines

AbstractThe mechanisms of the domino reactions between 4,6‐diphenyl‐1,2,3,5‐tetrazine (TTZ 1) and 3,6‐diphenyl‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (TTZ 2) with amidine 3, have been studied at the M06‐2X/6‐311G(d,p) level of theory. The domino reactions of TTZ1 with amidine comprise three consecutive reactions, an aza Diels‐Alder (ADA) reaction with a stepwise mechanism, a retro Diels‐Alder (rDA) reaction, and an amine elimination process, which leads to the resulting aromatic triazine ring. However, the most favorable pathway for domino reaction of the amidine with TTZ2 consists of nucleophilic addition, N2 elimination, and cyclization steps which is deal with the formation of a neutral intermediate. The N2 loss step in both mechanisms is spontaneously, with extremely exergonic formation of the corresponding intermediates. Finally, NH3 is removed through an irreversible intramolecular elimination. The global electron density transfer (GEDT) calculations unleash the polar natures of the first step of the reactions.

A Three‐Dimensional Inorganic Analogue of 9,10‐Diazido‐9,10‐Diboraanthracene: A Lewis Superacidic Azido Borane with Reactivity and Stability

AbstractHerein, we report the facile synthesis of a three‐dimensional (3D) inorganic analogue of 9,10‐diazido‐9,10‐dihydrodiboraantracene, which turned out to be a monomer in both the solid and solution state, and thermally stable up to 230 °C, representing a rare example of azido borane with boosted Lewis acidity and stability in one. Apart from the classical acid‐base and Staudinger reactions, E−H bond activation (E=B, Si, Ge) was investigated. While the reaction with B−H (9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) led directly to the 1,1‐addition on Nα upon N2 elimination, the Si−H (Et3SiH, PhMe2SiH) activation proceeded stepwise via 1,2‐addition, with the key intermediates 5int and 6int being isolated and characterized. In contrast, the cooperative Ge−H was reversible and stayed at the 1,2‐addition step.

A Three-Dimensional Inorganic Analogue of 9,10-Diazido-9,10-Diboraanthracene: A Lewis Superacidic Azido Borane with Reactivity and Stability.

Herein, we report the facile synthesis of a three‐dimensional (3D) inorganic analogue of 9,10‐diazido‐9,10‐dihydrodiboraantracene, which turned out to be a monomer in both the solid and solution state, and thermally stable up to 230 °C, representing a rare example of azido borane with boosted Lewis acidity and stability in one. Apart from the classical acid‐base and Staudinger reactions, E−H bond activation (E=B, Si, Ge) was investigated. While the reaction with B−H (9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) led directly to the 1,1‐addition on Nα upon N2 elimination, the Si−H (Et3SiH, PhMe2SiH) activation proceeded stepwise via 1,2‐addition, with the key intermediates 5int and 6int being isolated and characterized. In contrast, the cooperative Ge−H was reversible and stayed at the 1,2‐addition step.

Mechanistic Insights into the Reaction of Amidines with 1,2,3-Triazines and 1,2,3,5-Tetrazines.

1,2,3-Triazines and 1,2,3,5-tetrazines react rapidly, efficiently, and selectively with amidines to form pyrimidines/1,3,5-triazines, exhibiting an orthogonal reactivity with 1,2,4,5-tetrazine-based conjugation chemistry. Whereas the mechanism of the reaction of the isomeric 1,2,4-triazines and 1,2,4,5-tetrazines with alkenes is well understood, the mechanism of the 1,2,3-triazine/1,2,3,5-tetrazine–amidine reaction as well as its intrinsic reactivity remains underexplored. By using 15N-labeling, kinetic investigations, and kinetic isotope effect studies, complemented by extensive computational investigations, we show that this reaction proceeds through an addition/N2 elimination/cyclization pathway, rather than the generally expected concerted or stepwise Diels–Alder/retro Diels–Alder sequence. The rate-limiting step in this transformation is the initial nucleophilic attack of an amidine on azine C4, with a subsequent energetically favored N2 elimination step compared with a disfavored stepwise formation of a Diels–Alder cycloadduct. The proposed reaction mechanism is in agreement with experimental and computational results, which explains the observed reactivity of 1,2,3-triazines and 1,2,3,5-tetrazines with amidines.

Sulfonyl Nitrene and Amidyl Radical: Structure and Reactivity.

Photocatalytic generation of nitrenes and radicals can be used to tune or even control their reactivity. Photocatalytic activation of sulfonyl azides leads to the elimination of N2 and the resulting reactive species initiate C−H activations and amide formation reactions. Here, we present reactive radicals that are generated from sulfonyl azides: sulfonyl nitrene radical anion, sulfonyl nitrene and sulfonyl amidyl radical, and test their gas phase reactivity in C−H activation reactions. The sulfonyl nitrene radical anion is the least reactive and its reactivity is governed by the proton coupled electron transfer mechanism. In contrast, sulfonyl nitrene and sulfonyl amidyl radicals react via hydrogen atom transfer pathways. These reactivities and detailed characterization of the radicals with vibrational spectroscopy and with DFT calculations provide information necessary for taking control over the reactivity of these intermediates.

Rearrangements and Migrations along the Ferrocene Periphery: On the Way to Planar‐Chiral and (Multi)Substitution Patterns

AbstractThe functionalization of ferrocenes via intramolecular rearrangements is summarized. Focus will be directed on anionic, cationic and thermal/photo‐induced processes that enable the migration of functional groups along the periphery of the ferrocene's cyclopentadienyl rings. Anionic processes include halogen dance reactions and Fries rearrangements. The metalation procedures are discussed, which are essential for a regio‐ and stereoselective proceeding. Computational studies and electrochemical data are included to discuss stereoselective processes and reactivity differences. Positioning of a positive charge in close proximity to the ferrocenyl backbone induces Pinacol, Beckmann, and remote Fries rearrangements. Activation of an alkynyl functionality facilitates alkyne/vinylidene changes. Thermal rearrangements do not require an additional charge and are induced by N2 elimination, followed by nitrene/carbene formation via Curtius and Wolff rearrangements, respectively. The latter was exemplarily used for the ring contraction of [4]‐ into [3]ferrocenophanes.