Intermediate Alkyl Research Articles

Deoxygenative Silylation of C(sp3)–O Bonds with Hydrosilane by Cooperative Catalysis of Gold Nanoparticles and Solid Acids

Efficient deoxygenative silylation of C(sp3)–O bonds with hydrosilanes by supported Au catalysts is described. Gold nanoparticles supported on TiO2 enabled various hydrosilanes to be used as sources of silyl groups in C–Si cross-coupling reactions. A variety of alkyl acetates and propargyl carbonates participated in the Au-catalyzed reactions to furnish the corresponding alkyl and allenylsilanes in high yields. In addition, Au/TiO2 was also effective for ring-opening silylation of cyclic ethers. A detailed mechanistic investigation corroborated that the title reaction involves the formation of silyl and alkyl radical intermediates, and the cooperation of Au nanoparticles as single-electron transfer catalysts and Lewis acid sites at the surface of metal oxides was responsible for the unusual reactivity of hydrosilanes for specific C(sp3)–Si bond formation.

A Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile Coupling Reaction of 1,3-Dimesylates for Alkylcyclopropane Synthesis: Investigation of Stereochemical Outcomes and Radical Lifetimes.

Understanding mechanistic details of the nickel-catalyzed coupling reactions of Csp3 alcohol derivatives is key to developing selective reactions of this widely prevalent functional group. In this manuscript, we utilize a combination of experimental data and DFT studies to define the key intermediates, stereochemical outcome, and competing pathways of a nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling reaction of 1,3-dimesylates. Stereospecific formation of a 1,3-diiodide intermediate is achieved in situ by the Grignard reagent. The overall stereoablative stereochemical outcome is due to a nickel-catalyzed halogen atom abstraction with a radical rebound that is slower than epimerization of the alkyl radical. Finally, lifetimes of this alkyl radical intermediate are compared to radical clocks to enhance the understanding of the lifetime of the secondary alkyl radical.

The role of agostic interaction in the mechanism of ethylene polymerisation using Cr(III) half-sandwich complexes: What dictates the reactivity?

Chromium-based catalysts play a significant role in the production of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and half-sandwich functionalised-metallocene complexes were proven to be one of the most suitable candidates as catalysts for generating such large polymeric-length olefins. Earlier experimental studies on olefin polymerisation using a series of catalysts such as [L1-2CrCl2] (where L1 = 1-((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)indenyl (1) and L2 = 2-methyl-1-{[4-(yridinene-1-yl)yridine-2-yl]methyl}-1H-indenyl (2)) reveal significant variation where peripheral substitution on the ligand was found to influence the reactivity significantly. However, the specific ligand position that affects the reactivity has not been established. As these reactions are fast and robust, it is challenging to establish reactive intermediates via experiments, and therefore, mechanistic clues for such reactions are elusive. Here we have undertaken a detailed computational study by employing an array of DFT (uB3LYP-D3/def2-TZVP, CASSCF/NEVPT2, and DLPNO-CCSD(T) methods to explore the substituted and non-substituted pyridine-cyclo-pentadienyl chromium complexes and their influence on the catalytic activity in ethylene polymerisation. Our study not only unravels the catalytic pathway for olefin polymerisation for such Cr(III)-half-sandwich complexes but also reveals that the energetics of the formation of pseudo-three-coordinate alkyl intermediates is key to the variation in the reactivity observed. A detailed examination using MO and NBO analysis unveils the presence of a C-H⋯Cr agostic interaction that is found to significantly stabilise this intermediate when the pyridine ligand has strong electron-donating groups at its para position. The other substitutions, such as on the cyclopentadienyl ligand, neither yield the desired stability nor the desired interaction. Further studies on models support this proposal. In order to improve the efficiency and selectivity of catalytic systems in olefin polymerisation, we strongly advocate for the integration of agostic interactions as a crucial criterion in the design of future catalysts. Considering the prevalence of electron-deficient metal centres in successful olefin polymerisation catalysts, this research prompts a broader mechanistic inquiry to propose a unified approach for this industrially crucial reaction.

Alkylation and silylation of α-fluorobenzyl anion intermediates.

Simple α-fluorobenzyl anions reacted with electrophiles such as non-activated alkyl halides and chlorotrimethylsilane. Upon treatment with LTMP as the base, fluoromethylbenzenes took part in the formation of α-monofluorobenzyl anions without stabilizing o-substituents. Furthermore, the resulting α-silyl fluoromethylbenzenes reacted with electrophiles such as acetophenone and benzaldehyde in the presence of cesium fluoride to form α-fluorobenzylated alcohols.

Ethylene Dimerization and Oligomerization Using Bis(phosphino)boryl Supported Ni Complexes

We report the dimerization and oligomerization of ethylene using bis(phosphino)boryl supported Ni(II) complexes as catalyst precursors. By using alkylaluminum(III) compounds or other Lewis acid additives, Ni(II) complexes of the type (RPBP)NiBr (R = tBu or Ph) show activity for the production of butenes and higher olefins. Optimized turnover frequencies of 640 molethylene·molNi-1·s-1 for the formation of butenes with 41(1)% selectivity for 1-butene using (PhPBP)NiBr, and 68 molethylene·molNi-1·s-1 for butenes production with 87.2(3)% selectivity for 1-butene using (tBuPBP)NiBr, have been demonstrated. With methylaluminoxane as a co-catalyst and (tBuPBP)NiBr as the precatalyst, ethylene oligomerization to form C4 through C20 products was achieved, while the use of (PhPBP)NiBr as the pre-catalyst retained selectivity for C4 products. Our studies suggest that the ethylene dimerization is not initiated by Ni hydride or alkyl intermediates. Rather, our studies point to a mechanism that involves a cooperative B/Ni activation of ethylene to form a key 6-membered borametallacycle intermediate. Thus, a cooperative activation of ethylene by the Ni-B unit of the (RPBP)Ni catalysts is proposed as a key element of the Ni catalysis.

Radical aminoalkylation of maleimides with alkylamines and alkanes

A meaningful copper‐catalyzed chemo‐selective oxidative alkylamination of maleimides with secondary alkyl amines and simple alkanes has been developed. This transformation exhibits excellent compatibility with an array of polyfunctionalized organic amines and inactivated alkanes, modular synthesis of 3‐carbo‐4‐amino maleimides under simple, and efficient catalytic systems. Detailed mechanistic studies support the formation of 3‐amino maleimides and alkyl radical intermediates and their subsequent radical alkylation in the reaction process.

Photoredox-Mediated Deoxygenative Radical Additions of Aromatic Acids to Vinyl Boronic Esters and gem-Diborylalkenes.

A new method to access β-keto-gem-diborylalkanes, by direct deoxygenative radical addition of aromatic carboxylic acids to gem-dibortlalkenes, is described. The reaction proceeds under mild photoredox catalysis and involves the photochemical C-O bond activation of aromatic carboxylic acids in the presence of PPh3 . It generates an acyl radical, which further undergoes an additional reaction with gem-diborylalkenes to form an α-gem-diboryl alkyl radical intermediate, which then reduces to the corresponding anion, which after protonation, affords the β-keto-gem-diborylalkane product. Moreover, the same scenario has been extended to the vinyl boronic esters, for example, gem-(Ar, Bpin)-alkenes, and gem-(Alkyl, Bpin)-alkenes. Importantly, this protocol provides a general platform for the late-stage functionalization of bio-active and drug molecules containing a carboxylic acid group.

Ultrafast Dynamics and Catalytic Mechanism of Fatty Acid Photodecarboxylase

AbstractFatty acid photodecarboxylase is a newly discovered flavin photoenzyme that converts a carboxylic acid into a hydrocarbon and a carbon dioxide molecule through decarboxylation. The enzymatic reactions are poorly understood. In this study, we carefully characterized its dynamic evolution with femtosecond spectroscopy. We observed initial electron transfer from the substrate to the flavin cofactor in 347 ps with a stretched dynamic behavior and subsequently captured the critical carbonyloxy radical. The dominant process following this step was decarboxylation in 5.8 ns to form an alkyl radical and a carbon dioxide molecule. We further identified the absorption bands of two carbonyloxy and alkyl radical intermediates. The overall enzymatic quantum efficiency determined by our obtained timescales is 0.81, consistent with the steady‐state value. The results are essential to the elucidation of the enzyme mechanism and catalytic photocycle, providing a molecular basis for potential design of flavin‐based artificial photoenzymes.

Ultrafast Dynamics and Catalytic Mechanism of Fatty Acid Photodecarboxylase.

Fatty acid photodecarboxylase is a newly discovered flavin photoenzyme that converts a carboxylic acid into a hydrocarbon and a carbon dioxide molecule through decarboxylation. The enzymatic reactions are poorly understood. In this study, we carefully characterized its dynamic evolution with femtosecond spectroscopy. We observed initial electron transfer from the substrate to the flavin cofactor in 347 ps with a stretched dynamic behavior and subsequently captured the critical carbonyloxy radical. The dominant process following this step was decarboxylation in 5.8 ns to form an alkyl radical and a carbon dioxide molecule. We further identified the absorption bands of two carbonyloxy and alkyl radical intermediates. The overall enzymatic quantum efficiency determined by our obtained timescales is 0.81, consistent with the steady-state value. The results are essential to the elucidation of the enzyme mechanism and catalytic photocycle, providing a molecular basis for potential design of flavin-based artificial photoenzymes.

Selective catalytic depolymerization of lignin to guaiacols over Mo-Mn/sepiolite in supercritical ethanol

Lignin catalytic depolymerization (LCD) into liquid fuels and aromatic chemicals in supercritical ethanol systems is one of the most effective strategies for efficient utilization of biomass resources. In this study, a series of sepiolite (SEP) supported Mo-Mn catalysts with different Mn/Mo ratios were prepared and applied to LCD. Experimental results for lignin and 2-phenoxy-1-phenyl ethanol (PP) confirmed that Mo/Mn species promoted the breakage of β-O-4 bonds, Mn additive effectively inhibited the alkylation of intermediates, and Mn/Mo ratios distinctly affected the yields of lignin oil (LO) and guaiacols. All as-prepared Mn-Mo/SEP catalysts achieved approximately 100 % conversions of lignin and PP. Various characterization results demonstrated that Mn/Mo ratios could regulate the particle sizes of metal oxides as well as the concentration of oxygen vacancies (OV) and surface acidic sites. In 3Mn1Mo/SEP, the appropriate interaction among SEP, Mn and Mo species reduced the particle sizes of metal oxides and rendered the crystalline phase structure in a relatively complex state, which undoubtedly generated massive steps/corners on its surface and then enhanced the hydrogenation reaction. Furthermore, the 3Mn1Mo/SEP contained many OV and suitable distribution of Lewis and Brønsted acid sites, which facilitated the adsorption of oxygen-containing intermediates and further hydrogenation and deoxygenation. Therefore, 3Mn1Mo/SEP achieved 45.7 % of LO yield with an HHV of 32.31 MJ/Kg and the highest selectivity to phenols (85.61 %) and yield of guaiacols (308.9 mg/g lignin). In addition, the plausible reaction network for LCD was proposed based on the results of experiments and characterizations.

Iron-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Thioesters and Organomanganese Reagents.

We report a Fukuyama-type coupling of thioesters with aliphatic organomanganese reagents utilizing a cheap and easily available iron(III) precatalyst. The reactions exhibit a wide tolerance of solvents and functional groups, allowing for the conversion of thioesters derived from natural products and pharmaceutical compounds. A strong steric impact from each reaction component (carboxylic moiety, thiol substituent and manganese reagent) was displayed, which enabled regioselective transformation of dithioesters. Mechanistic investigations showed that the released thiolate does not act as a mere spectator ligand, but rather positively influences the stability of intermediate alkyl(II)ferrates.

Visible-light-driven intramolecular xanthylation of remote unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds

Visible light-mediated site-specific C(sp3)-H xanthylation of amides has been accomplished using N-xanthylamides. The N-centered radicals generated by light initiation of N-xanthylamide substrates undergo 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer to form benzylic or alkyl radical intermediates under metal- and catalyst-free conditions. This method exhibits a broad substrate scope, high functional group tolerance, and high regioselectivity. Furthermore, this strategy provides straightforward access to a range of derivatives through the subsequent elaboration of the xanthate group.

Ritter-type amination of C(sp3)-H bonds enabled by electrochemistry with SO42−

By merging electricity with sulfate, the Ritter-type amination of C(sp3)-H bonds is developed in an undivided cell under room temperature. This method features broad substrate generality (71 examples, up to 93% yields), high functional-group compatibility, facile scalability, excellent site-selectivity and mild conditions. Common alkanes and electron-deficient alkylbenzenes are viable substrates. It also provides a straightforward protocol for incorporating C-deuterated acetylamino group into C(sp3)-H sites. Application in the synthesis or modification of pharmaceuticals or their derivatives and gram-scale synthesis demonstrate the practicability of this method. Mechanistic experiments show that sulfate radical anion, formed by electrolysis of sulfate, served as hydrogen atom transfer agent to provide alkyl radical intermediate. This method paves a convenient and flexible pathway for realizing various synthetically useful transformations of C(sp3)-H bonds mediated by sulfate radical anion generated via electrochemistry.

Study on the Effect of Electrolyte pH during Kolbe Electrolysis of Acetic Acid on Pt Anodes

AbstractKolbe already discovered in 1849 that electrochemical oxidative decarboxylation of carboxylic acids is feasible and leads to formation of alkanes and CO2, via alkyl radical intermediates. We now show for Pt electrodes that Kolbe electrolysis of acetic acid is favored in electrolytes with a pH similar to, or larger than the pKa of acetic acid, suppressing the formation of O2. However extended duration of electrolysis of acetate at basic pH results in loss of Faradaic efficiency to ethane, compensated by the formation of methanol. This change in selectivity is likely caused by the dissolution of CO2 near the electrode‐electrolyte interface, resulting in enlarged concentration of bicarbonate/carbonate. On the positively polarized, and oxidized Pt surface, these anions seem to inhibit homocoupling of methyl radicals to ethane. These results demonstrate that reaction selectivity in acetic acid (acetate) oxidation using oxidized Pt electrodes is determined by the pH and the anionic composition of the electrolyte.

Thermodynamic analysis of nucleation of alcohol molecules with the varied alkyl chain length in nanoconfined solution

Combining the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and the free-energy-based thermodynamic analysis, we analyze the role of alkyl chain length on the nucleation of alcohol molecules with the mono-hydroxyl in nanoconfined solution. The free energy formulae and thermodynamic equilibrium equation are parameterized by fitting the theoretical equilibrium equation to MD simulation results. We find that alcohol molecules with the varied alkyl chain length show different nucleation states, i.e., dispersion, reversible and aggregation states, corresponding to the total free energy Gconfine(n, N) with a single minimum at n∼ 1, two minima at n∼ 1 and N separated by a maximum, and a local minimum at n∼N, respectively. The alcohol molecule with a longer alkyl chain tends to aggregate into a cluster at a lower solute number in nanoconfined solution. Besides, the free energy of cluster formation in nanoconfined solution Gcluster(n) also depends on the alkyl chain length, and three regions can be identified: For the shorter alkyl chain, such as ethanol, there is no local maximum on Gcluster(n), indicating that alcohol molecules tend to be dispersed in water; For the intermediate alkyl chain length, such as 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, and 1-hexanol, the critical nucleation number nc and nucleation barrier Gb monotonically decrease with the increase of alkyl chain length; For the longer alkyl chain, nc∼ 1 and Gb∼0kBT suggest that alcohol molecules, such as 1-heptanol, can aggregate into clusters easily. Our work deepens the understanding of the alkyl chain length effect on the nucleation behavior of alcohol molecules in nanoconfined solution.

Understanding kinetically interplaying reverse water-gas shift and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis during CO2 hydrogenation over Fe-based catalysts

Direct CO2 hydrogenation into linear α-olefins presents a promising route in carbon-neutral chemical manufacture. This work systematically investigated the variable interplay between Reverse Water-Gas Shift (RWGS) and Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) during CO2 hydrogenation using model Na-Fe5C2 catalysts, combining dynamic/steady-state CO/CO2 hydrogenation performance, intrinsic kinetics and multiple characterization results. Na-Fe5C2 proves to be surface-enriched with FeOx sites over which RWGS readily proceeds. Meanwhile, CO2 conversion under integral reaction conditions is limited by the subsequent FTS step due to a lack of available FeCx sites. The catalyst performance is steered by the properties and relative quantities of the two different active sites. Na addition promotes the refresh of FeOx sites and β-elimination of alkyl intermediates over FeCx sites, but at the cost of inhibiting the surface fraction of FeCx sites and thus the single-pass CO2 conversion. These fundamental understandings will enlighten further development of CO2 hydrogenation catalysts with improved hydrocarbon yields.

Radical-Mediated C-C Coupling of Alcohols Induced by Plasmonic Hot Carriers.

The C-C coupling reactions of aliphatic alcohols to aromatics and larger-mass compounds have large endothermicities and activation energies, calling for catalysts operating at high temperatures. Here, we demonstrate that plasmon-excited nanoparticles catalyze the C-C coupling of aliphatic alcohols at room temperature to produce polyaromatic hydrocarbons and graphene oxide. The conversion is quenched by radical and electron scavengers and by the surface passivation of metals, suggesting that the reaction proceeds through alkoxy, peroxyl, hydroxyalkyl, and alkyl radical intermediates created by the metal to molecule transfer of plasmonic hot carriers. Besides being the first realization of C-C coupling of aliphatic alcohols at room temperature, the result constitutes a rare example of an endothermic plasmon-induced reaction producing new bonds and a new method for photogenerating graphene derivatives. More importantly, the result demonstrates the facile generation of organic radicals directly from alcohols, which may be used as precursors for radical-based organic reactions.

Synthesis of spiro chromanone sandwiched 15,16,18 membered (Z)-dioxo cycloalkenes by ring closing metathesis and homodimers of 8-allyl-7-((6-bromoalkyl) oxy) spirochroman-4-ones by cross metathesis

Novel spiro chromanone sandwiched 15,16,18 membered (Z)-1,7-dioxo cycloalkenes by Ring Closing Metathesis (RCM) and homodimers of 8-allyl-7-((6-bromo alkyl)oxy) spirochroman-4-ones by Cross Metathesis (CM) were synthesized from simple starting materials 2,4 dihydroxy acetophenone, allyl bromide, and dibromo alkanes. Spiro chromanone is chosen as the core moiety to be incorporated owing to its medicinal and pharmacophoric properties. The concept of molecular hybridization was adopted for the synthesis of compounds 18–26 using Ring Closing Metathesis as a key step. Intermediates 6,7,8 were alkylated with dibromo alkanes to obtain the substrates for RCM and CM, respectively. The dimer dienes 9–17 were made to undergo RCM and the bromo alkyl intermediates 27–34 were made to undergo CM to get homodimers 35–42.

Cu-Catalyzed C(sp3)–N Coupling and Alkene Carboamination Enabled by Ligand-Promoted Selective Hydrazine Transfer to Alkyl Radicals

Selective delivery of an N-nucleophile onto an alkyl radical is a challenging step in redox catalysis. In this work, di-tert-butyl hydrazodiformate was found to be a unique effective amination reagent in Cu-catalyzed C(sp3)–N bond formation reactions that involve alkyl radical intermediates. This method is applicable to both electron-deficient and electron-rich radicals, and we were thus able to achieve the direct C–N coupling of activated bromides, as well as the carboamination of general alkenes based on this chemistry. Mechanistic studies suggest that the hydrazodiformate forms a reducing dinuclear complex with Cu and the ligand which, upon 1e-oxidation, turns into an open-shell species with the major spin density on N atoms. With the assistance of a ligand, this species can selectively deliver the hydrazine moiety onto an alkyl radical (prior to halide transfer), leading to the formation of a C(sp3)–N bond. The products obtained with this amination method could be easily deprotected to afford alkyl hydrazines and further derived to primary amines or N-heterocycles.

Probing of sequential atmospheric degradation of chlorine radical initiated 1,8-cineole in the presence of O2 and NO radical with the emission of secondary pollution

1,8-cineole is an essential monoterpene cyclic ether which is released into the troposphere by many types of plants. It interacts with several atmospheric oxidants because of which is removed from the troposphere via oxidation. The oxidation of 1,8-cineole with Cl radical and the subsequent addition of atmospheric O2 and NO radical with the intermediates are studied using the quantum chemical method. Further, the thermodynamic parameters of 1,8-cineole, such as enthalpy and Gibbs free energy are calculated for all initial and subsequent reactions to facilitate perspicacity. The dissociation and formation of chemical bonds during H abstraction from 1,8-cineole at C2, C6, and C8 sites are described using Mayer bond order analysis. The reaction force analysis demonstrates that the structural rearrangement is dominant with the yield percentages of 85%, 50.80%, and 96.9% over electron reordering with the yield percentages of 15%, 49.19%, and 3.03% respectively in the H abstraction reaction of 1,8-cineole. In the temperature range of 278–350 K, the total CVT/SCT rate constant is calculated to be 2.94 × 10−12 cm3/molecule/sec, which is consistent with the experimentally available value of 2.2 × 10−10 cm3/molecule/sec. At 298 K, branching ratios of rate constant of alkyl radical intermediates I1A, I1B, and I1C are calculated with the percentage of 42.19%, 21.52%, and 36.29% respectively, which suggest that the Cl addition to the C2 site contributes more to the total rate constant rather than the other two sites (C6 and C8). The lifetime of 1,8-cineole is calculated to be 5.2 weeks, implies that the 1,8-cineole may be readily destroyed in the atmosphere after it is released. Secondary pollutants formed from this degradation mechanism may be harmful to the environment and the living things.