Intramolecular Frustrated Lewis Pair Research Articles

Comparative Investigation on the Catalytic Potential of Borylated Triazine‐Based FLPs for CO2 Sequestration

AbstractTo address the increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, various heterocyclic N/B‐based intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs (IFLPs) have been experimentally and theoretically investigated. Reports have shown them to be a potential catalyst for CO2 sequestration, however, a comparative rationale of these IFLPs has not been reported. Thus, in the present work, we have proposed an uninvestigated IFLP based on i. e., 2‐boranyl‐1,3,5‐triazine (BT) and compared with previously reported borylated imidazole (Im) and pyrimidine (Prm) for CO2 abduction. The density functional theory (DFT) base calculations have been carried out to probe the reaction mechanism and thorough natural bond orbital analysis has been carried out to get deeper insights into the catalytic behavior of the proposed IFLPs. Further, the effect of substituting the hydrogens at the ring and the B atom of the considered IFLP, by −CH3, −Cl and −OH, on the catalytic behavior has been studied. The results show that the borylated triazines can be a potential catalyst for CO2 sequestration. Also, the catalytic behavior of the presented IFLPs can be modulated by appropriated substitutions.

Exploring the electronic and steric effects on the dimerization of intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs: a comparison between aminoboranes and aminoalanes.

The dimerization of intramolecular aminoborane and aminoalane frustrated Lewis pairs was investigated using density functional theory. We systematically varied the substituents to gradually increase their bulkiness, including H, CH3, t-Bu, Ph, and Mes groups. Starting from the most stable conformer of the monomers, a frustrated Lewis pair or classic Lewis adduct, we studied the dimerization process for all systems, revealing significant variations in the Gibbs free energy. Dimerization was favored in four aminoboranes and six aminoalanes, depending on the specific combinations of substituents. Applying an energy decomposition analysis, we found that the preparation energy of the monomers and the non-orbital interactions between them are the primary contributors to the observed energetic differences, showing a clear linear relationship. Additionally, we analyzed the electronic effects by increasing the acidity of the Lewis acid, observing a shift toward endergonic and exergonic directions in aminoboranes and aminoalanes, respectively. This shift was attributed to the stabilization of a classic Lewis adduct. This study underscores three crucial factors influencing dimer formation: (i) substituent size, (ii) stabilization of the classic Lewis adduct conformation, and (iii) covalent radii of the Lewis centers. Understanding these factors is essential for designing FLPs and preventing unwanted dimerization that could affect their catalytic performance in H2 activation processes.

Insight into acrolein activation by P/B intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs

AbstractThe study investigates the reactivity of a cyclic five‐membered intramolecular P/B frustrated Lewis pair towards acrolein through a cycloaddition reaction. Intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) calculations suggest the single‐step mechanism. It has been observed that the cycloaddition reaction occurs through a concerted mechanism in both the presence and absence of the catalyst. Analysis of reaction force and reaction electronic flux provides valuable information about the total work required and electronic activity along the IRC. Additionally, natural bonding orbital (NBO) analyses enrich the understanding of the mechanism in terms of the electron transfer process during the chemical reaction.

Frustrated Lewis Pair Adduct of Atomic P(−1) as a Source of Phosphinidenes (PR), Diphosphorus (P2), and Indium Phosphide

AbstractWe report phosphinidenes (PR) stabilized by an intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chelate. These adducts include the parent phosphinidene, PH, which is accessed via thermolysis of coordinated HPCO. The reported FLP‐PH species acts as a springboard to other phosphorus‐containing compounds, such as FLP‐adducts of diphosphorus (P2) and InP3. Our new adducts participate in thermal‐ or light‐induced phosphinidene elimination (of both PH and PR, R=organic group), transfer P2 units to an organic substrate, and yield the useful semiconductor InP at only 110 °C from solution.

Frustrated Lewis Pair Adduct of Atomic P(-1) as a Source of Phosphinidenes (PR), Diphosphorus (P2 ), and Indium Phosphide.

We report phosphinidenes (PR) stabilized by an intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chelate. These adducts include the parent phosphinidene, PH, which is accessed via thermolysis of coordinated HPCO. The reported FLP-PH species acts as a springboard to other phosphorus-containing compounds, such as FLP-adducts of diphosphorus (P2 ) and InP3 . Our new adducts participate in thermal- or light-induced phosphinidene elimination (of both PH and PR, R=organic group), transfer P2 units to an organic substrate, and yield the useful semiconductor InP at only 110 °C from solution.

Understanding the enhanced reactivity of strained intramolecular Frustrated Lewis Pairs

AbstractThe poorly understood factors controlling the enhanced reactivity of strained intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) having a rigid biphenylene tether have been quantitatively explored in detail by means of computational methods. With the help of the activation strain model of reactivity and the energy decomposition analysis methods, the challenging allene activation reaction has been selected and compared to the analogous process mediated by a related intramolecular FLP having a more flexible tether, which is significantly less reactive. In addition, the influence of the nature of the Lewis acid atom on the reactivity of the strained FLP has been considered as well showing that the reactivity steadily decreases when going down in group 13.

PIO and IBO analysis to unravel the hidden details of the CO2 sequestration mechanism of aromatically tempered N/B-based IFLPs.

Enhancing the catalytic reactivity of Frustrated Lewis Pairs (FLPs) in various activities such as CO2 activation and sequestration has recently gained interest among researchers around the globe. A recent investigation showed the use of aromaticity as a tool to modulate the catalytic behaviour of FLPs, establishing a whole new dimension in this area. In this work, aromatically tempered N/B-based intramolecular frustrated Lewis Pairs (IFLPs) are proposed for CO2 sequestration. Density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations were carried out to probe the reaction mechanism. The detailed mechanistic investigation was carried out using intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC), principal interacting orbital (PIO), intrinsic bond orbital (IBO) and natural bonding orbital (NBO) analyses. The results show that aromatic gain in the system at the basic sites lowers the activation barrier, whereas the antiaromatic gain results in increased activation energy. The sequestration mechanism was found to be an asynchronous concerted mechanism, and polar solvents result in higher asynchronicity. This work, for the first time, reports asynchronicity in the catalytic behavior of aromatically tempered IFLPs, which can be crucial to designing better IFLPs for CO2 sequestration.

Metal-free catalytic conversion of CO2into methanol: local electrophilicity as a tunable property in the design and performance of aniline-derived aminoborane-based FLPs

A deeper computational mechanistic study of an environmentally friendly metal-free CO2reduction process towards MeOH is presented, using a previously tested intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair (2-[bis(R)boryl]-N,N-dimethylaniline) as catalyst and H2as reducing agent.

New insights into H2 activation by intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs based on aminoboranes: the local electrophilicity index of boron as a suitable indicator to tune the reversibility of the process.

A large set of intramolecular aminoborane-based FLPs was studied employing density functional theory in the H2 activation process to analyze how the acidity and basicity of boron and nitrogen atoms, respectively, affect the reversibility of the process. Three different linkers were employed, keeping the C-C nature in the connection between both Lewis centers: -CH2-CH2-, -CH[double bond, length as m-dash]CH-, and -C6H4-. The results show that significant differences in the Gibbs free energy of the process are found by considering all the combinations of substituents. Of the 75 systems studied, only 9 showed the ability to carry out the process reversibly (ΔGH2 in the range of -3.5 to 2.0 kcal mol-1), where combinations of alkyl/aryl or aryl/alkyl in boron/nitrogen generate systems capable of reaching reversibility. If the alkyl/alkyl or aryl/aryl combination is employed, highly exergonic (non-reversible H2 activation) and endergonic (unfeasible H2 activation) reactions are found, respectively. No appreciable differences in the linker were found, allowing us to continue the analysis with the most entropically favorable linker, the -C6H4- linker. From this, 25 different FLP systems of type 2-[bis(X)boryl]-(Y)aniline (X: H, CF3, C6F5, PFtB, FMes and Y: H, CH3, t-but, Ph, Mes) can be formed. By analyzing the electronic properties of each system, we have found that the condensed-to-boron electrophilicity index ωB+ is inversely related to the ΔGH2. Interestingly, two relationships were found; the first is for alkyl groups (Y: CH3 and t-but) and the second for aryl groups (Y: H, Ph, and Mes), which is intimately related to the proton affinity of each aniline. In addition, it is quite interesting when the frustration degree, given by B⋯N distance dB-N, is brought together with ωB+, since the quotient has unit energy/length corresponding to unit force; concomitantly, a measure of the FLP strength in H-H bond activation can be defined. With this finding, a rational design of this kind of FLP can be performed by analyzing the acidity of boron through condensed-to-boron electrophilicity and knowing the nature of the substituent of nitrogen according to whether the Y is alkyl or aryl, optimizing the H2 reversible activation in a rational way, which is crucial to improve the catalytic performance.

In Silico Partial N2 to NH3 Conversion with a Light Atom Molecule.

N2 can be stepwise converted in silico into one molecule NH3 and a secondary amide with a bond activator molecule consisting only of light main group elements. The proposed N2 -activating pincer-related compound carries a silyl ion (Si(+) ) center as well as three Lewis acidic (-BF2 ) and three Lewis basic (-PMe2 ) sites, providing an efficient binding pocket for gaseous N2 within the framework of intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs (FLP). In addition, it exhibits supportive secondary P-B and F⋅⋅⋅B contacts, which stabilize the structure. In the PSi(+) -N-N-BP environment the N≡N triple bond is extended from 1.09 Å to remarkable 1.43 Å, resembling a N-N single bond. The strongly activated N-N-fragment is prone to subsequent hydride addition and protonation steps, resulting in the energy efficient transfer of two hydrogen equivalents. The next hydride added causes the release of one molecule NH3 , but leaves the ligand system as poisoned R3 Si(+) -NH2 -PMe2 or R3 Si(+) -NH3 dead-end states behind. The study indicates that approximately tetrahedral constrained SiBP2 -pockets are capable to activate N2 , whereas the acid-rich SiB3 - and SiB2 P-pocktes, as well as the base-rich SiP3 -pockets fail, hinting towards the high relevance of the acid-base proportion and relative orientation. The electronic structure of the N2 -activated state is compared to the corresponding state of a recently published peri-substituted bond activator molecule featuring a PSi(+) -N-N-Si(+) P site (S. Mebs, J. Beckmann, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 2022, 24, 20953-20967).

Recyclable cyclic bio-based acrylic polymer via pairwise monomer enchainment by a trifunctional Lewis pair.

The existing catalyst/initiator systems and methodologies used for the synthesis of polymers can access only a few cyclic polymers composed entirely of a single monomer type, and the synthesis of such authentic cyclic polar vinyl polymers (acrylics) devoid of any foreign motifs remains a challenge. Here we report that a tethered B-P-B trifunctional, intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair catalyst enables the synthesis of an authentic cyclic acrylic polymer, cyclic poly(γ-methyl-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone) (c-PMMBL), from the bio-based monomer MMBL. Detailed studies have revealed an initiation and propagation mechanism through pairwise monomer enchainment enabled by the cooperative and synergistic initiator/catalyst sites of the trifunctional catalyst. We propose that macrocyclic intermediates and transition states comprising two catalyst molecules are involved in the catalyst-regulated ring expansion and eventual cyclization, forming authentic c-PMMBL rings and concurrently regenerating the catalyst. The cyclic topology of the c-PMMBL polymers imparts an ~50 °C higher onset decomposition temperature and a much narrower degradation window compared with their linear counterparts of similar molecular weight and dispersity, while maintaining high chemical recyclability.

Novel Insight into the Molecular Frustration of IFLPs Based on Boron-Functionalized Pyrimidines for CO2 Sequestration.

The emergence of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) as organocatalysts for CO2 sequestration has opened a new dimension in this area. To date, various inter- and intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs have been experimentally and theoretically explored for CO2 activation, still there is plenty of room for new insights into FLPs. Thus, in the present study intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs (IFLPs) based on boron-functionalized pyrimidines have been proposed for CO2 activation and computationally investigated to gain new insights into the molecular frustration. The extensive natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis unveils an interesting relationship between the orbital charge transfer and the activity. The result shows that the greater the charge transfer between the acidic and basic sites, the higher will be the frustration in the molecule. Also, the presence of atoms bearing a lone pair attached to the acidic site relieves the frustration by charge transfer. Based on the orbital charge transfer, the predicted activity order for the proposed IFLPs is supported by the energetics for the reaction of CO2 with the IFLPs. Further, the activation strain analysis (ASA) provides a different viewpoint about the reactivities of the IFLPs and highlights the importance of the geometrical structure of the catalyst. Furthermore, the ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) uplights the reversibility of the formed products.

Ambiphilic Behavior of Ge(II)-Pseudohalides in Inter- and Intramolecular Frustrated Lewis Pair Alkyne Addition Reactions.

The reaction of the germylene chloride (NacNac)GeCl (1, NacNac = CH{(CMe)(2,6-iPr2C6H3N)}2), phenylacetylene, and B(C6F5)3 gives the intermolecular frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) addition product 2. In this case, the Ge(II) center acts as a base. In contrast, the analogous reaction of germylene thiocyanate 3 reacts independently with B(C6F5)3 to give the germylene cation salt [(NacNac)Ge][SCNB(C6F5)3] 4. Subsequent in the presence of alkynes, the Ge(II) cation and γ-C of 4 act as a Lewis acidic and basic center, respectively, to affect the addition of alkynes, affording products [(NacNac)Ge(RCCR')][SCNB(C6F5)3] 5 and 6. Compound 4 also reacts with Me3SiCN to give the cyanide-bridged Ge/B species 7, which also reacts with phenylacetylene to give CN abstraction and intramolecular addition yielding the salt [(NacNac)Ge(PhCCH)][NCB(C6F5)3] 8. Despite the similarity of 1 and 3, DFT calculations show that the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of 1 is mainly located at the more sterically hindered germylene center, while the HOMO of 3 is located on the less sterically hindered NCS group, prompting markedly different FLP addition products.

Boron based intramolecular heterocyclic frustrated Lewis pairs as organocatalysts for CO2 adsorption and activation.

The massive increase in the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) in the atmosphere has led to serious environmental problems. One of the best ways to tackle this problem is the CO2 capture and its utilization as a C1 carbon source for the production of industrially valuable chemicals. But the thermodynamic stability of the CO2 molecule poses a great challenge in its transformation. Since the last two decades, various metal-based and organic catalysts have been developed for the adsorption and activation of CO2 . Among all the catalysts the Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) have been shown great potential in CO2 capture and conversion. Thus, in the present work, Intramolecular Frustrated Lewis pairs (IFLP) based on N-Heterocycles with boron group functionalization at the α-position to N has been theoretically investigated for CO2 activation. Thorough orbital analysis has been carried out to investigate the reactivity of the proposed catalytic systems. The result shows that the considered IFLPs are capable of activating CO2 with minimum energy requirements. The CO2 activation energy range between 8 and 14 kcal/mol. The non-polar solvent was found to be the suitable medium for the reaction. Also, the reversibility of the adducts formed with the IFLPs can be controlled by appropriate substitution at B atom in the IFLPs.

Parahydrogen-Induced Polarization in Hydrogenation Reactions Mediated by a Metal-Free Catalyst.

We report nuclear spin hyperpolarization of various alkenes achieved in alkyne hydrogenations with parahydrogen over a metal‐free hydroborane catalyst (HCAT). Being an intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair aminoborane, HCAT utilizes a non‐pairwise mechanism of H2 transfer to alkynes that normally prevents parahydrogen‐induced polarization (PHIP) from being observed. Nevertheless, the specific spin dynamics in catalytic intermediates leads to the hyperpolarization of predominantly one hydrogen in alkene. PHIP enabled the detection of important HCAT‐alkyne‐H2 intermediates through substantial 1H, 11B and 15N signal enhancement and allowed advanced characterization of the catalytic process.

Intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair mediated approach to the CO bond activation and cleavage of carbon dioxide.

A thermally stable FLP-CO2 adduct of pronounced nucleophilic properties that forms a range of Lewis acid-base adducts with strong Lewis acids is reported. Upon addition of Tf2O, it generates a cationic triflate, which undergoes C-O bond cleavage to give the formal FLP adduct of the elusive dication C2O32+.

Borane-Trimethylamine Complex as a Reducing Agent for Selective Methylation and Formylation of Amines with CO2.

We report herein that a borane-trimethylamine complex worked as an efficient reducing agent for the selective methylation and formylation of amines with 1 atm CO2 under metal-free conditions. 6-Amino-2-picoline serves as a highly efficient catalyst for the methylation of various secondary amines, whereas in its absence, the formylation of primary and secondary amines was achieved in high yield with high chemoselectivity. Mechanistic studies suggest that the 6-amino-2-picoline-borane catalytic system operates like an intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair to activate CO2.

Bifunctional Fluorophosphonium Triflates as Intramolecular Frustrated Lewis Pairs: Reversible CO2 Sequestration and Binding of Carbonyls, Nitriles and Acetylenes.

Electrophilic fluorophosphonium triflates bearing pyridyl (3[OTf]) or imidazolyl (4[OTf])‐substituents act as intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) and reversibly form 1 : 1 adducts with CO2 (5 + and 6 +). An unusual and labile spirocyclic tetrahedral intermediate (7 2+) is observed in CO2‐pressurized (0.5–2.0 bar) solutions of cation 4 + at low temperatures, as demonstrated by variable‐temperature NMR studies, which were confirmed crystallographically. In addition, cations 3 + and 4 + actively bind carbonyls, nitriles and acetylenes by 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition, as shown by selected examples.

Effects of Ionic Liquids on the Thermodynamics of Hydrogen Activation by Frustrated Lewis Pairs: A Density Functional Theory Study*.

Nowadays, hydrogen activation by frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) and their applications are one of the emerging research topics in the field of catalysis. Previous studies have shown that the thermodynamics of this reaction is determined by electronic structures of FLPs and solvents. Herein, we investigated systems consisting of typical FLPs and ionic liquids (ILs), which are well known by their large number of types and excellent solvent effects. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to study the thermodynamics for H2 activation by both inter- and intra-molecular FLPs, as well as the individual components. The results show that the computed overall Gibbs free energies in ILs are more negative than that computed in toluene. Through the thermodynamics partitioning, we find that ILs favor the H-H cleavage elemental step over the elemental steps of proton attachment, hydride attachment and zwitterionic stabilization. Moreover, the results show that these effects are strongly dependent on the type of FLPs, where intra-molecular FLPs are more affected compared to the inter-molecular FLPs.

Diphosphinoboranes as Intramolecular Frustrated Lewis Pairs: P-B-P Bond Systems for the Activation of Dihydrogen, Carbon Dioxide, and Phenyl Isocyanate.

Herein, we present the first example of the activation of small molecules by P–B–P bond systems. The reactivity study involves reactions of two selected diphosphinoboranes, (t-Bu2P)2BPh (1′) and (Cy2P)2BNiPr2 (2), that differ in terms of their structural and electronic properties for the activation of dihydrogen, carbon dioxide, and phenyl isocyanate. Diphosphinoborane 1′ activates H2 under very mild conditions in the absence of a catalyst with the formation of the dimer (t-Bu2PB(Ph)H)2 and t-Bu2PH. Conversely, diphosphinoborane 2 did not react with H2 under the same conditions. The reaction of 1′ with CO2 led to the formation of a compound with an unusual structure, where two phosphinoformate units were coordinated to the PhBOBPh moiety. In addition, 2 reacted with CO2 to insert two CO2 molecules into the P–B bonds of the parent diphosphinoborane. Both diphosphinoboranes activated PhNCO, yielding products resulting from the addition of two and/or three PhNCO molecules and the formation of new P–C, B–O, B–N, and C–N bonds. The products of the activation of small molecules by diphosphinoboranes were characterized with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. Additionally, the reaction mechanisms of the activation of small molecules by diphosphinoboranes were elucidated by theoretical methods.