CH Ph Research Articles

Seven-Membered Cyclic Potassium Diamidoalumanyls.

The seven‐membered cyclic potassium alumanyl species, [{SiNMes}AlK]2 [{SiNMes}={CH2SiMe2N(Mes)}2; Mes=2,4,6‐Me3C6H2], which adopts a dimeric structure supported by flanking K‐aryl interactions, has been isolated either by direct reduction of the iodide precursor, [{SiNMes}AlI], or in a stepwise manner via the intermediate dialumane, [{SiNMes}Al]2. Although the intermediate dialumane has not been observed by reduction of a Dipp‐substituted analogue (Dipp=2,6‐i‐Pr2C6H3), partial oxidation of the potassium alumanyl species, [{SiNDipp}AlK]2, where {SiNDipp}={CH2SiMe2N(Dipp)}2, provided the extremely encumbered dialumane [{SiNDipp}Al]2. [{SiNDipp}AlK]2 reacts with toluene by reductive activation of a methyl C(sp 3)‐H bond to provide the benzyl hydridoaluminate, [{SiNDipp}AlH(CH2Ph)]K, and as a nucleophile with BPh3 and RN=C=NR (R=i‐Pr, Cy) to yield the respective Al‐B‐ and Al‐C‐bonded potassium aluminaborate and alumina‐amidinate products. The dimeric structure of [{SiNDipp}AlK]2 can be disrupted by partial or complete sequestration of potassium. Equimolar reactions with 18‐crown‐6 result in the corresponding monomeric potassium alumanyl, [{SiNDipp}Al−K(18‐cr‐6)], which provides a rare example of a direct Al−K contact. In contrast, complete encapsulation of the potassium cation of [{SiNDipp}AlK]2, either by an excess of 18‐cr‐6 or 2,2,2‐cryptand, allows the respective isolation of bright orange charge‐separated species comprising the ‘free’ [{SiNDipp}Al]− alumanyl anion. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations performed on this moiety indicate HOMO‐LUMO energy gaps in the of order 200–250 kJ mol−1.

2-Phenoxyethyldiphenylphosphine oxide as an equivalent of diphenylvinylphosphine oxide in nucleophilic additions

A facile method for the synthesis of β-functionalized ethyldiphenylphosphine oxides is developed based on readily available 2-phenoxyethyldiphenylphosphine oxide used as an equivalent of diphenylvinylphosphine oxide in the reactions of addition of different PH- and NH-nucleophiles in DMSO in the presence of KOH. The transformations of labile phosphine oxides of a general formula Ph2P(O)CH2CH2OR, where R = Ph, H, or Ph2P(O)CH = CH2, in aq.KOH/DMSO and solid KOH/DMSO systems are explored in the absence of nucleophilic reagents.

Multi-species reactive transport modeling of electrochemical corrosion control in saturated concrete structures including electrode reactions and thermodynamic equilibrium

The ionic migration in concrete determines the efficiency of electrochemical corrosion control of reinforced concrete structures, such as electrochemical chloride extraction, electrochemical realkalization, and impressed current cathodic protection. In this study, a numerical model of the multi-species reactive transport in saturated concrete structures with electrochemical corrosion control is proposed. The proposed model includes ionic transport, thermodynamic equilibrium and electrode reactions. The electrode reactions at the surface of reinforcing steel are considered using the Tafel equation. The thermodynamic model is adopted to express the physical and chemical reactions between pore solution and hydration products. The diffusivity coefficient of material based on the variation of porosity is updated at the end of each time step of the numerical model. Additionally, a laboratory experiment is conducted to verify the numerical model. The numerical results clearly show that the applied electrochemical corrosion control based on the numerical model is capable of preventing the initiation of corrosion, avoiding the hydrogen embrittlement, arresting the Cl− penetration, and improving the pH value and CH content adjacent to the reinforcing steel.

Chalcogen Stabilized bis-Hydridoborate Complexes of Cobalt: Analogues of Tetracyclo[4.3.0.02,4 .03,5 ]nonane.

Treatment of Li[BH3 ER] (E=Se or Te, R=Ph; E=S, R=CH2 Ph) with [Cp*CoCl]2 led to the formation of hydridoborate complexes, [{CoCp*Ph}{Cp*Co}{μ-EPh}{μ-κ2 -E,H-EBH3 }], 1a and 1 b (1 a: E=Se; 1 b: E=Te) and a bis-hydridoborate species [Cp*Co{μ-κ2 -Se,H-SeBH3 }]2 , 2. All the complexes, 1 a, 1 b and 2 are stabilized by β-agostic type interaction in which 1 b represents a novel bimetallic borate complex with a rare B-Te bond. QTAIM analysis furnished direct proof for the existence of a shared and dative B-chalcogen and Co-chalcogen interactions, respectively. In parallel to the formation of the hydridoborate complexes, the reactions also yielded tetracyclic species, [Cp*Co{κ3 -E,H,H-E(BH2 )2 -C5 Me5 H3 }], 3 a and 3 b (3 a: E=Se and 3 b: E=S), wherein the bridgehead boron atoms are surrounded by one chalcogen, one cobalt and two carbon atoms of a cyclopentane ring. Molecules 3 a and 3 b are best described as the structural mimic of tetracyclo[4.3.0.02,4 .03,5 ]nonane having identical structure and similar valence electron counts.

Dichiral [4.4.3.01,5]tridecane copper(II) cluster derived from a tripodal ligand having unsymmetrical podands and the linker: Synthesis, structure, surface grafting and catalytic aspects

Pseudo‐atranes have a significant role in catalysis; however, obtaining chiral pseudo‐atranes for covalent functionalization of heterogeneous catalytic surfaces is very challenging. Herein, synthesis of a chiral tripodal amine [N{CH (CH2Ph)CH2OH}{CH2(4BrC6H3OH)}{CH2(2CHO4MeC6H2OH)}] (1) and a dichiral [4.4.3.01,5]tridecane copper(II) cluster, that is, (Cu[N{CH (CH2Ph)CH2OH}{CH2(4BrC6H3O)}{CH2(2CHO4MeC6H2O)}])2 (2) is described. The compounds are characterized by elemental analyses, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography (for 2). The compound 2 is the first example of chiral pseudo‐copper(II)atrane in which three unsymmetrical arms (two phenolic and a chiral ethanolic arm) are fused via CuN transannular bond. The free CHO group present in one of the tricyclic arms of the 2 is tested as a linker to load it on 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane‐functionalized magnetic nanosilica for catalytic applications. The loading of 2 on magnetic nanosilica through CHO was confirmed by FT‐IR spectroscopy, and the 2‐loaded magnetic nanosilica (Fe3O4@SiO2/2) was characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and elemental mapping. The Fe3O4@SiO2/2 was found highly efficient, retrievable, eco‐friendly and green catalyst for obtaining β‐amino alcohols in excellent yields in an aqueous medium. Overall, present work is the first report on synthetic, structural and catalytic aspects of dichiral cluster of copper(II)atrane possessing unsymmetrical tricyclic arms.

Computational Prediction of Chiral Iron Complexes for Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Pyruvic Acid to Lactic Acid.

Density functional theory calculations reveal a formic acid-assisted proton transfer mechanism for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of pyruvic acid catalyzed by a chiral Fe complex, FeH[(R,R)-BESNCH(Ph)CH(Ph)NH2](η6-p-cymene), with formic acid as the hydrogen provider. The rate-determining step is the hydride transfer from formate anion to Fe for the formation and dissociation of CO2 with a total free energy barrier of 28.0 kcal mol−1. A series of new bifunctional iron complexes with η6-p-cymene replaced by different arene and sulfonyl groups were built and computationally screened as potential catalysts. Among the proposed complexes, we found 1g with η6-p-cymene replaced by 4-isopropyl biphenyl had the lowest free energy barrier of 26.2 kcal mol−1 and excellent chiral selectivity of 98.5% ee.

Synthesis and Reactivity of Organometallic Intermediates Relevant to Cobalt-Catalyzed Hydroformylation.

Intermediates relevant to cobalt-catalyzed alkene hydroformylation have been isolated and evaluated in fundamental organometallic transformations relevant to aldehyde formation. The 18-electron (R,R)-(iPr DuPhos)Co(CO)2 H has been structurally characterized, and it promotes exclusive hydrogenation of styrene in the presence of 50 bar of H2 /CO gas (1:1) at 100 °C. Deuterium-labeling studies established reversible 2,1-insertion of styrene into the Co-D bond of (R,R)-(iPr DuPhos)Co(CO)2 D. Whereas rapid β-hydrogen elimination from cobalt alkyls occurred under an N2 atmosphere, alkylation of (R,R)-(iPr DuPhos)Co(CO)2 Cl in the presence of CO enabled the interception of (R,R)-(iPr DuPhos)Co(CO)2 C(O)CH2 CH2 Ph, which upon hydrogenolysis under 4 atm H2 produced the corresponding aldehyde and cobalt hydride, demonstrating the feasibility of elementary steps in hydroformylation. Both the hydride and chloride derivatives, (X=H- , Cl- ), underwent exchange with free 13 CO. Under reduced pressure, (R,R)-(iPr DuPhos)Co(CO)2 Cl underwent CO dissociation to form (R,R)-(iPr DuPhos)Co(CO)Cl.

Preparation of Dimeric Monopentamethylcyclopentadienyltitanium(III) Dihalides and Related Derivatives.

The synthesis, crystal structure, and reactivity of a series of half-sandwich titanium(III) dihalide complexes [Ti(η5-C5Me5)X2] (X = Cl, Br, I) and several of its Lewis base derivatives were investigated. The reaction of the trihalides [Ti(η5-C5Me5)X3] (X = Cl (1), Br (2), I (3)) with LiAlH4 (≥1 equiv) in toluene at room temperature results in the formation of the halide-bridged dimers [{Ti(η5-C5Me5)X(μ-X)}2] (X = Cl (4), Br (5), I (6)). The treatment of 4 with [Li{N(SiMe3)2}] (≥2 equiv) at room temperature affords the precipitation of the amido titanium(III) complex [{Ti(η5-C5Me5)(μ-Cl){N(SiMe3)2}}2] (7), but analogous reactions of 4 with other lithium reagents [LiR] (R = Me, CH2SiMe3, NMe2) lead to disproportionation into titanium(IV) [Ti(η5-C5Me5)R3] and presumably titanium(II) derivatives. Similarly, complex 4 in solution at temperatures higher than 100 °C undergoes disproportionation as demonstrated by its reactions with cobaltocene and N-(4-methylbenzylidene)aniline yielding the ionic paramagnetic compound [Co(η5-C5H5)2][Ti(η5-C5Me5)Cl3] (8) and the diamagnetic diazatitanacyclopentane [Ti(η5-C5Me5)Cl{N(Ph)CH(p-tolyl)}2], respectively. Treatment of complex 4 with 2 equiv of 2,6-dimethylphenylisocyanide or tert-butylisocyanide in toluene at room temperature affords the paramagnetic titanium(III) dinuclear adducts [{Ti(η5-C5Me5)Cl(μ-Cl)(CNR)}2] (R = 2,6-Me2C6H3 (9), tBu (10)). Magnetic studies for polycrystalline 9 show that it displays a weak intramolecular antiferromagnetic coupling between the Ti ions, which is consistent with the long Ti-Ti distance of 3.857(1) Å determined by X-ray diffraction. The isocyanide ligands in complex 10 undergo a reductive coupling reaction in toluene to give the titanium(IV) iminoacyl derivative [{Ti(η5-C5Me5)Cl2}2(μ-η2:η2-tBuN═C-C═NtBu)] (11). Whereas an analogous dinuclear structure was found in the aqua titanium(III) complex [{Ti(η5-C5Me5)Cl(μ-Cl)(OH2)}2] (12), resulting from the reaction of 4 with adventitious amounts of water, compound 4 reacts with excess ammonia to give a mononuclear adduct [Ti(η5-C5Me5)Cl2(NH3)2] (13) with a robust layered pattern in the solid state.

Synthesis of compounds with C-P-P and C[double bond, length as m-dash]P-P bond systems based on the phospha-Wittig reaction.

A reactivity study of a β-diketiminate titanium(iii) phosphanylphosphido complex [MeNacNacTi(Cl){η2-P(SiMe3)-PtBu2}] (1) towards ketones such as benzophenone, 9-fluorenone, acetophenone, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone and cycloheptanone is reported. The reactions of 1 with aromatic ketones (without α-protons) directly lead to the Ti(iii) complex [MeNacNacTi(μ2-Cl)(OSiMe3)] (5) and Ti(iv) complexes with the pinacol condensation product [MeNacNacTi(OSiMe3)(η2-pinacolate)] (3), and phosphanylphosphaalkenes Ph2C[double bond, length as m-dash]P-PtBu2 (2) and (fluorenyl)C[double bond, length as m-dash]P-PtBu2 (6), respectively. The reaction with acetophenone leads to the titanium(iii) complex with the aldol condensation product as ligand [MeNacNacTi(Cl){OC{Me(Ph)}CH2(C[double bond, length as m-dash]O)Ph}] (8) and in parallel to phosphanylphosphaalkene (Ph)MeC[double bond, length as m-dash]P-PtBu2 (9) and 5. The reactions of 1 with cyclic ketones (cyclopentanone and cyclohexanone) lead to Ti(iii) complexes [{(ArN[double bond, length as m-dash]C(Me)CHC(Me)[double bond, length as m-dash]NAr)((CH2)4CO)}Ti(Cl){PtBu2-P(SiMe3)((CH2)4CO)}] (10) and [{(ArN[double bond, length as m-dash]C(Me)CHC(Me)[double bond, length as m-dash]NAr)((CH2)5CO)}Ti(Cl){PtBu2-P(SiMe3)((CH2)5CO)}] (11), which are formed via the successive insertion of two molecules of ketone to one molecule of 1. The stability investigation of complexes 10 and 11 in a polar solvent (THF) revealed that under these conditions, the complexes decompose, resulting in titanium(iii) complexes with aldol condensation products and the expected phosphanylphosphaalkenes (CH2)4C[double bond, length as m-dash]P-PtBu2 (10a) and (CH2)5C[double bond, length as m-dash]P-PtBu2 (11a). In the reaction of 1 with cycloheptanone, only the Ti(iii) complex with the aldol condensation product [MeNacNacTi(Cl){OC(CH2)6}CH(C[double bond, length as m-dash]O)(CH2)5] (12) was isolated. The structures 3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 11b and 12 were characterized by X-ray spectroscopy, while all the phosphanylphosphaalkenes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy.

Chiral Separation of Styrene Oxides Supported by Enantiomeric Tetrahedral Neutral Pd(II) Cages.

The separation of enantiomers is of considerable importance in the preparation of the compounds of biological interests, catalysis, and drug development. Here, we report a novel enantioseparation of styrene epoxides (SOs) resolved in the presence of a pair of enantio-enriched tetrahedral cages. Chiral neutral cages of formula [(Pd3X*)4(C6O4Cl2)6] ([X*]3- = RRR- or SSS-[PO(N(*CH(CH3)Ph)3]3-) are constructed from Pd3 building units supported by tris(imido)phosphate trianions and chloranilate linkers. These cages exhibit considerable enantioselective separation capabilities toward a series of styrene epoxides via a crystallization inclusion method. A highest enantiomeric excess (ee) value of up to 80% is achieved for the (R)-4-fluorostyrene oxide.

Potential Precursors for Terminal Methylidene Rare-Earth-Metal Complexes Supported by a Superbulky Tris(pyrazolyl)borato Ligand.

A series of solvent‐free heteroleptic terminal rare‐earth‐metal alkyl complexes stabilized by a superbulky tris(pyrazolyl)borato ligand with the general formula [TptBu,MeLnMeR] have been synthesized and fully characterized. Treatment of the heterobimetallic mixed methyl/tetramethylaluminate compounds [TptBu,MeLnMe(AlMe4)] (Ln=Y, Lu) with two equivalents of the mild halogenido transfer reagents SiMe3X (X=Cl, I) gave [TptBu,MeLnX2] in high yields. The addition of only one equivalent of SiMe3Cl to [TptBu,MeLuMe(AlMe4)] selectively afforded the desired mixed methyl/chloride complex [TptBu,MeLuMeCl]. Further reactivity studies of [TptBu,MeLuMeCl] with LiR or KR (R=CH2Ph, CH2SiMe3) through salt metathesis led to the monomeric mixed‐alkyl derivatives [TptBu,MeLuMe(CH2SiMe3)] and [TptBu,MeLuMe(CH2Ph)], respectively, in good yields. The SiMe4 elimination protocols were also applicable when using SiMe3X featuring more weakly coordinating moieties (here X=OTf, NTf2). X‐ray structure analyses of this diverse set of new [TptBu,MeLnMeR/X] compounds were performed to reveal any electronic and steric effects of the varying monoanionic ligands R and X, including exact cone‐angle calculations of the tridentate tris(pyrazolyl)borato ligand. Deeper insights into the reactivity of these potential precursors for terminal alkylidene rare‐earth‐metal complexes were gained through NMR spectroscopic studies.

Homolytic Versus Heterolytic Bond Breaking in Functionalized [R-C20 H10 ]+ Systems.

The comprehensive theoretical investigation of stability of functionalized corannulene cations [R-C20 H10 ]+ with respect to two alternative bond-breaking mechanisms, namely, homolytic or radical ([R-C20 H10 ]+ → R• + C20 H10 +• ) and heterolytic or cationic ([R-C20 H10 ]+ → R+ + C20 H10 ), was accomplished. The special focus was on the influence of the nature of R-group on the energetics of the bond cleavage. Detailed study of energetics of both mechanisms has revealed that the systems with small alkyl groups such as methyl tend to undergo bond breaking in accordance with homolytic mechanism. Subsequent elongation of the chain of the R-group resulted in shifting the paradigm, making heterolytic path more energetically favorable. Subsequent analysis of different components of the bonding between R-group and corannulene polyaromatic core helped to shed light on trends observed. In both mechanisms, the covalent contribution was found to be dominating, whereas ionic part contributes ~25-27%. Two leading components of ΔEorb , C20 H10 → R and R → C20 H10 , were identified with NOCV-EDA approach. While the homolytic pathway is best described as R → C20 H10 process, the heterolytic mechanism shows domination of the C20 H10 → R term. Surprisingly, the preparation energy (ΔEprep ) was identified as a key player in stability tendencies found. In other words, the relative stability of corresponding molecular fragments (here R-groups as the corannulene fragment remains the same for all systems) in their cationic or radical forms determine the preference given to a specific bond breaking path and, as consequence, the total stability of target functionalized cations. These conclusions were further confirmed by extending a set of R-groups to conjugated (allyl, phenyl), bulky (iPr, tBu), β-silyl (CH2 SiH3 , CH2 SiMe3 ), and benzyl (CH2 Ph) groups. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A catalyst-free and highly efficient approach to ozonation of benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid in a rotating packed bed

Abstract In this study, benzyl alcohol was ozonized to benzoic acid in a rotating packed bed (RPB-O3) by a catalyst-free and highly efficient approach, which is the most significant transformations in synthetic organic chemistry, and the RPB-O3 process was compared with the process in a stirred tank reactor (STR-O3). The results show that the RPB-O3 process produces more benzoic acid (64%) than the STR-O3 process (28%) in 30 min. The effects of different operating conditions of high gravity factor, liquid flow rate, solvent and reaction time on the yield of benzoic acid in the RPB-O3 process were investigated. The results reveal that the optimal yield is obtained using ethyl acetate as the solvent at a high gravity factor of 40, a liquid flow rate of 120 L/h, and a reaction time of 60 min. Under the optimal conditions, p-substituted benzoic acid is obtained in good to excellent yields (82–98%) in 60 min. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was performed to characterize radical species formed by the self-decomposition of ozone in nonaqueous solvents, and DMPO-·OH, DMPO-O2·ˉ and DMPO-·CH(OH)Ph were found. The possible ozonization mechanism is proposed based on the EPR results.

Deprotonation of 1,1′-methylenebis[4-tert-butyl-2-(diphenylphosphino)-benzene] and its analogues: synthesis and crystal structure of {5-But-2-[4-But-2-(Ph2P)C6H3(Ph)CH]C6H3P(Ph)K(OEt2)}2

Oxidation of 1,1′-methylenebis[4-tert-butyl-2-(diphenylphosphino) benzene] by H2O2 or S8 in toluene affords two new PCP-type pincer ligands. The methylene group deprotonation in the new ligands as well as in their precursor by n-BuLi or LiCH2SiMe3 failed, while the methylene group in the precursor 1,1′-methylenebis[4-tert-butyl-2-(diphenylphosphino)benzene] was readily metallated by Lochmann–Schlosser superbase to form the unstable potassium complex which in turn was readily transformed into new {5-But-2-[4-But-2-(Ph2P)C6H3(Ph)CH]C6H3P(Ph)K(OEt2)}2 complex due to phenyl group migration.

Dinuclear NHC Gold(I) Allenyl and Propargyl Complexes: An Experimental and Theoretical Study

The synthesis and isolation of the dinuclear NHC gold(I) allene-1,3-diyl complex Ph(IPrAu)C═C═CH(AuIPr) and the dinuclear NHC gold(I) propyne-1,3-diyl complex Ph(IPrAu)CH–C≡C–Au(IPr) are presented. The monoprotodeauration reactions of these dinuclear complexes selectively led to the mononuclear organogold complexes Ph(IPrAu)C═C═CH2 and PhCH2–C≡C–Au(IPr), respectively. The experimental structures and the obtained analytical data of the synthesized complexes as well as the results of a computational DFT study of their thermodynamic stability are compared systematically.

Controlled isoprene polymerization mediated by iminopyridine‐iron (II) acetylacetonate pre‐catalysts

A ligand controlled stereoselective polymerization of isoprene has been developed. A series of (aryl/alkyl)‐iminopyridine iron (II) acetylacetonate complexes: (aryl = Ph Fe1; alkyl = CH2Ph Fe2, CH (Ph)2 Fe3, CH (Me)2 Fe4, C (Me)3 Fe5, C (Me)2CH2C(Me)3 Fe6), has been prepared in which steric and electronic substituents systematically modified to investigate their influences for isoprene polymerization. The molecular structure of representative complex Fe2 was confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction and, revealed a distorted octahedral geometry at iron center. On treatment with methylaluminoxane (MAO), Fe1–Fe6 displayed low (Fe5 & Fe6) to high activities (Fe1–Fe4) with quantitative monomer conversion (>99%) for isoprene polymerization producing polyisoprene of high molecular weight (up to 2.0 × 105 g/mol) and unimodal molecular weight distribution (1.4–3.3). Specifically, complex Fe2 (alkyl = CH2Ph) displayed the highest activity of 7.0 × 106 g (mol of Fe)−1 h−1 with 85% conversion of monomer over run time of 10 min at 25 °C. While, Fe6 catalyzed polyisoprene possessed high content of trans‐1,4 unit (up to 87%). Furthermore, the influence of the reaction parameters and the nature of the ligands on the catalytic activities and microstructural properties of the polymer were investigated in detail.

(Diphenylphosphino)alkylaldehyde affords hydride- or alkyl-[(diphenylphosphino)alkylacyl]rhodium(iii) or (diphenylphosphino)alkylester complexes: theoretical and experimental diastereoselectivity.

The reaction of [RhCl(COD)]2 (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) with racemic PPh2(CH(Ph)CH2CHO) and pyridine (py) led to the oxidative addition of the aldehyde, and a single geometric isomer of [RhHCl(PPh2(CH(Ph)CH2CO))(py)2] (1), with hydride trans to chloride, was obtained as a mixture of two diastereomers in a 95 : 5 ratio; this was in agreement with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In a chloroform solution, the exchange of hydride by chloride yielded [RhCl2(PPh2(CH(Ph)CH2CO))(py)2] (2) as a mixture of a kinetically preferred species, trans-py-2a, and two diastereomers, cis-Cl-2b' and cis-Cl-2b, with cis pyridines and a chloride trans to acyl; as predicted by the DFT calculations, the latter was the major species. Complex 1 reacted with racemic PPh2(CH(Ph)CH2CHO) or PPh2(o-C6H4CHO) to afford [RhHCl(PPh2(CH(Ph)CH2CO))(κ1-PPh2(CH(Ph)CH2CHO))(py)] (3) or [RhHCl(PPh2(o-C6H4CO))(κ1-PPh2(CH(Ph)CH2CHO))(py)] (4), respectively, both with a dangling alkylaldehyde. Diastereomeric mixtures with the ratios 3a/3a' = 80 : 20 and 4a/4a' = 50 : 50 were obtained. Complex 4 reacted with N-donors to afford cationic [RhH(NN)(PPh2(o-C6H4CO))(κ1-PPh2(CH(Ph)CH2CHO))]BPh4 (NN = 1,10-phenanthroline, 5; 2,2'-bipyridine, 6) or with 8-aminoquinoline (aqui) or 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine to yield imination products with terdentate ligands: [RhH(PPh2(o-C6H4CO))(κ3-PNN)]BF4 (PNN = PPh2(CH(Ph)CH2CNC9H6N), 7 and PPh2(CH(Ph)CH2CNCH2C5H4N), 8, respectively. Compounds 5-8 were obtained as equimolar a/a' mixtures of diastereomers. Moreover, 5a and 5a' could be separated. [RhCl(NBD)]2 reacted with racemic PPh2(CH(Ph)CH2CHO) and N-donors to provide nortricyclyl (Ntyl) derivatives [RhCl(NN)(Ntyl)(PPh2CH(Ph)CH2CO)] (NN = phen, 9 and bipy, 10) as an a/a' = 75 : 25 mixture of diastereomers. By reacting [RhCl(NBD)]2 with PPh2(CH(Ph)CH2CHO) and quinoline-8-carbaldehyde in methanol, the phosphino-ester complex [RhCl(Ntyl)(C9H6NCO)(κ2-PPh2CH(Ph)CH2CO(OCH3)] 11 was obtained. The initial equimolar mixture of two diastereomers readily transformed into a single diastereomer, which was found to be thermodynamically most stable by the DFT calculations. Furthermore, single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of cis-Cl-2b, 5a, 7a, 10a and 11 is reported.

Synthesis and characterization of selenium(I/II) and tellurium(IV) derivatives of amino acids

The direct reaction between Te metal and methyl 2-(2-bromoacetamido)propanoate (27) at room temperature, yields the first example of organotellurium(IV) derivative (MeOC(O)CH(Me)NHCOCH2)2TeBr2 (31). Similarly, reaction of Te with methyl 2-(2-bromoacetamido)acetate (26) and methyl 2-(2-bromoacetamido)-3-phenylpropanoate (28) in presence of NaI in acetone gives MeOC(O)CH2NHCOCH2I (29), MeOC(O)CH(R)NHCOCH2)2TeI2 (R = H (30) and CH2Ph (32). Treatment of 26/27/28 with Li2Te2/Li2Se2 readily provides the [MeOC(O)CH(CH3)NHCOCH2]2Te2, (33); [MeOC(O)CH2NHCOCH2]2Se2, (34); [MeOC(O)CH(CH2Ph)NHCOCH2]2Se2, (35) and ▪ (36). Similarly the reaction of (2,6-dimethyl-4-tert-butylC6H2)SeNa with 28 readily provide the [MeOC(O)CH(CH2Ph)NHCOCH2]SeC6H2-2,6-dimethyl-4-tert-butyl), (37) in good yield. Molecule [MeOC(O)CHNH(Boc)CH2]2Se2, (38) and [NaOC(O)CHNH(Boc)CH2Te(2,4,6-Me3C6H2] (39) were prepared by the treatment of Li2Se2/2,4,6-Me3C6H2TeNa with methyl 3-bromo-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)propanoate and N-(t-Boc)-l-serine β-lactone respectively. These compounds are purified by chromatography and characterized by a number of analytical techniques such as (1H, 13C, 77Se and 125Te NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The single crystal X-ray studies of 29, 30, 31, 36 and 38 revealed the presence of characteristic O⋯Se/Te, secondary bonding interactions. A detailed analysis of the crystal structures of the compound reveals interesting supramolecular assembly.

Dismantling of Vinyl Ethers by Pentanuclear [(iPr3 P)Ni]5 H6 : Facile Cooperative C-O, C-C and C-H Activation Pathways.

The [(iPr3 P)Ni]5 H6 cluster (1) and H2 C=CHOtBu react at room temperature to form the new pentanuclear NiH carbide [(iPr3 P)Ni]5 H4 (C)(CO) (3), along with an equivalent of isobutylene. This transformation requires the activation of multiple unreactive bonds, including C-H, C-C, and C(sp3 )-O bond cleavage. Analysis of the reaction mixture by 1 H NMR revealed the production of two additional paramagnetic species, assigned as [(iPr3 P)Ni]4 H4 (C-CH3 )NiOtBu (4 a) and [(iPr3 P)Ni]4 H4 (C-CH2 OtBu)NiOtBu (5 a), which arise from C(sp2 )-O bond cleavage and CH bond rearrangements. The reaction of 1 with H2 C=CHOSiMe2 CH2 Ph produced the isolable 4 a analogue [(iPr3 P)4 Ni5 ]H4 (CCH3 )(OSiMe2 CH2 Ph) (4 c). An isolable analogue of 5 a was obtained from the reaction of 1 with H2 C=CHOAd (Ad=1-admantyl), which produced [(iPr3 P)4 Ni5 ]H4 (CCH2 OAd)(OAd) (5 d). The utilization of both cluster faces and vertices for bonding substrate fragments in these transformations demonstrates the remarkable flexibility of the robust Ni5 H4 core in the cooperative activation of multiple C-O, C-C and C-H bonds.

Mechanistic investigations on asymmetric N-H insertion of amines catalyzed by palladium-chiral guanidine complex

The mechanism and stereoselectivity of the asymmetric N-H insertion reactions between α-diazocarbonyl compounds and amines mediated by palladium-chiral guanidine complexes were investigated at the BP86-D3(BJ)/def2TZVP (SMD, CH2Cl2)//BP86-D3(BJ)/def2SVP (SMD, CH2Cl2) level at 303 K. The non-catalytic reaction occurred through a stepwise mechanism, with a high activation barrier of 56.4 kcal mol−1. Good linear correlations between the global nucleophilicity index (N) of amine, Hammett substituent constants (σP), and the activation energy barriers (ΔG≠) were found. The Pd(0)-guanidine-catalyzed reaction consisted of three continuous steps, including: (i) generation of Pd-carbene intermediate by dinitrogen loss from α-diazoesters substrate, (ii) formation of CN bond, and (iii) 1,2-H transfer by metal-associated ylide, accompanying with the regeneration of catalyst. A water molecule accelerated the final H-transfer by constructing hydrogen bonding network. The cyclohexyl group in ligand provided sufficient steric shielding around Pd-carbene intermediate from the re-face attack by amines. The combination of the hydrogen bonding orientation of amide moiety of guanidine ligand, as well as the steric repulsion between the ester group of α-diazoester substrate and bulky CH(Ph)2 group in ligand played an important role in controlling the stereoselectivity, affording the predominant S-configuration product observed in experiment. Introducing one aromatic ring to chiral backbone of the guanidine ligand enhanced the enantiodifferentiation of products by increasing the difference of strain energy (ΔΔEstrain) of Pd-carbene moiety along two competing pathways. Different from Pd(0)-catalyst, the Pd(II)-chiral guanidine complex accelerated N-H insertion reaction via Lewis acid catalysis. In this process, the formation of free ylide in the reaction led to low ee. These results were in good agreement with experimental observations.