Stoichiometric Reduction Research Articles

Nickel/Photoredox-Catalyzed Amidation via Alkylsilicates and Isocyanates.

A nickel/photoredox, dual-catalyzed amidation reaction between alkylsilicate reagents and alkyl/aryl isocyanates is reported. In contrast to the previously reported reductive coupling process, this protocol is characterized by mild reaction conditions and the absence of a stoichiometric reductant. A mechanistic hypothesis involving a nickel-isocyanate adduct is proposed based on literature precedent and further validation by experimental results.

Catalytic Intermolecular Dicarbofunctionalization of Styrenes with CO2 and Radical Precursors.

A redox-neutral intermolecular dicarbofunctionalization of styrenes with CO2 at atmospheric pressure and carbon-centered radicals is described. This mild protocol results in multiple C-C bond-forming reactions from simple precursors in the absence of stoichiometric reductants, thus exploiting a previously unrecognized opportunity that complements existing catalytic carboxylation events.

Catalytic Intermolecular Dicarbofunctionalization of Styrenes with CO2 and Radical Precursors

AbstractA redox‐neutral intermolecular dicarbofunctionalization of styrenes with CO2 at atmospheric pressure and carbon‐centered radicals is described. This mild protocol results in multiple C−C bond‐forming reactions from simple precursors in the absence of stoichiometric reductants, thus exploiting a previously unrecognized opportunity that complements existing catalytic carboxylation events.

Alkaline Earth-Centered CO Homologation, Reduction, and Amine Carbonylation.

Reactions of β-diketiminato magnesium and calcium hydrides with 1 atm of CO result in a reductive coupling process to produce the corresponding derivatives of the cis-ethenediolate dianion. Computational (DFT) analysis of this process mediated by Ca, Sr, and Ba highlights a common mechanism and a facility for the reaction that is enhanced by increasing alkaline earth atomic weight. Reaction of CO with PhSiH3 in the presence of the magnesium or calcium hydrides results in catalytic reduction to methylsilane and methylene silyl ether products, respectively. These reactions are proposed to ensue via the interception of initially formed group 2 formyl intermediates, an inference which is confirmed by a DFT analysis of the magnesium-centered reaction. The computational results identify the rate-determining process, requiring traversal of a 33.9 kcal mol-1 barrier, as a Mg-H/C-O σ-bond metathesis reaction, associated with the ultimate cleavage of the C-O bond. The carbonylation reactivity is extended to a variety of magnesium and calcium amides. With primary amido complexes, which for calcium include a derivative of the parent [NH2]- anion, CO insertion is facile and ensues with subsequent nitrogen-to-carbon migration of hydrogen to yield a variety of dinuclear and, in one case, trinuclear formamidate species. The generation of initial carbenic carbamoyl intermediates is strongly implicated through the isolation of the CO insertion product of a magnesium N-methylanilide derivative. These observations are reinforced by a DFT analysis of the calcium-centered reaction with aniline, which confirms the exothermicity of the formamidate formation (ΔH = -67.7 kcal mol-1). Stoichiometric reduction of the resultant magnesium and calcium formamidates with pinacolborane results in the synthesis of the corresponding N-borylated methylamines. This takes place via a sequence of reactions initiated through the generation of amidatohydridoborate intermediates and a cascade of reactivity that is analogous to that previously reported for the deoxygenative hydroboration of organic isocyanates catalyzed by the same magnesium hydride precatalyst. Although a sequence of amine formylation and deoxygenation may be readily envisaged for the catalytic utilization of CO as a C1 source in the production of methylamines, our observations demonstrate that competitive amine-borane dehydrocoupling is too facile under the conditions of 1 atm of CO employed.

Visible-Light-Driven Carboxylation of Aryl Halides by the Combined Use of Palladium and Photoredox Catalysts.

A highly useful, visible-light-driven carboxylation of aryl bromides and chlorides with CO2 was realized using a combination of Pd(OAc)2 as a carboxylation catalyst and Ir(ppy)2(dtbpy)(PF6) as a photoredox catalyst. This carboxylation reaction proceeded in high yields under 1 atm of CO2 with a variety of functionalized aryl bromides and chlorides without the necessity of using stoichiometric metallic reductants.

Triazole/Triazine-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica As a Hybrid Material Support for Palladium Nanocatalyst.

Noble and precious metal catalysts are sought for their remarkable efficiency in catalyzing numerous reactions in heterogeneous phase. However, they are costly and require the development of high-surface-area supports that favor their strong immobilization, dispersion, and stability. Toward this end, mesoporous silica-based materials can be regarded as unique supports for nanometric-sized noble metal catalysts provided they are functionalized with appropriate ligands. In this work, mesoporous silica SBA-15 was prepared and modified with 3-azidopropyltriethoxysilane and then clicked with alkyne derivatives of 1,3,5-triazine complex ligand. The resulting hybrid material contains triazole and triazine moieties covalently bound to the mesoporous silica network. The triazole/triazine minidendron was immobilized through a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition click reaction, which was monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The heterocyclic ligand-functionalized SBA-15 material served as a hybrid reactive platform for in situ deposition of palladium nanoparticles whose size is 3.154 ± 0.49 nm as assessed by X-ray diffraction and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The catalytic performance of the final palladium-decorated hybrid triazole/triazine-functionalized SBA-15 support was evaluated in the model reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol by catalytic hydrogenation and stoichiometric reduction. Excellent catalytic performances were achieved, with reduction rate constant (Kapp) of 16.8 × 10-3 s-1 for this model reaction. Moreover, the hybrid catalyst can be produced in high yield and recycled.

Strontium Titanate Based Artificial Leaf Loaded with Reduction and Oxidation Cocatalysts for Selective CO2 Reduction Using Water as an Electron Donor.

Thin film of SrTiO3 nanorods loaded with reduction and oxidation cocatalysts drove the selective reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide (CO), as well as caused the production of equivalent oxygen molecules through water oxidation under UV irradiation. The described film functioned as a free-standing plate without any bias potential application, similar to a natural leaf. The film was facilely fabricated by a simple hydrothermal and annealing treatment of a titanium substrate to produce the SrTiO3 nanorod film (STO film) followed by two steps of loading the reduction and oxidation cocatalysts onto the surface of the STO. As a reduction cocatalyst, a CuxO nanocluster was chosen to achieve selective reduction of CO2 into CO, whereas a cobalt- and phosphate-based cocatalyst (CoPi) facilitated oxidation on the STO surface to promote oxygen generation. For the photocatalysis test, a wireless film was simply set into an aqueous solution bubbled with CO2 in a reactor, and CO production was observed in the headspace of the reactor under UV irradiation. Compared to the bare STO film, the dual cocatalyst-loaded STO film exhibited 2.5 times higher CO generation. H2 production was very limited in our system, and the amount of molecules generated by the reduction reaction was almost twice that of the generated oxygen molecules, proving that water molecules acted as electron donors. Our artificial leaf consists of abundant and nontoxic natural elements and represents the first achievement of stoichiometric CO2 reduction using water as an electron donor by a free-standing natural leaflike plate form.

Mild, Redox‐Neutral Formylation of Aryl Chlorides through the Photocatalytic Generation of Chlorine Radicals

AbstractWe report a redox‐neutral formylation of aryl chlorides that proceeds through selective 2‐functionalization of 1,3‐dioxolane through nickel and photoredox catalysis. This scalable benchtop approach provides a distinct advantage over traditional reductive carbonylation in that no carbon monoxide, pressurized gas, or stoichiometric reductant is employed. The mild conditions give unprecedented scope from abundant and complex aryl chloride starting materials.

Mild, Redox-Neutral Formylation of Aryl Chlorides through the Photocatalytic Generation of Chlorine Radicals.

We report a redox-neutral formylation of aryl chlorides that proceeds through selective 2-functionalization of 1,3-dioxolane through nickel and photoredox catalysis. This scalable benchtop approach provides a distinct advantage over traditional reductive carbonylation in that no carbon monoxide, pressurized gas, or stoichiometric reductant is employed. The mild conditions give unprecedented scope from abundant and complex aryl chloride starting materials.

Effect of Stoichiometric Reductants on the Process of Ferrochrome Production at 1200–1550°C

Ferrochrome alloys are mainly produced in submerged-arc furnaces. Reductants used in ferrochrome production include coke, anthracite, and char. However, it is still unclear what happens after charging carbon in stoichiometric amount or in amounts lower or higher than that. The phase formation and phase transformations of products at different reducing temperatures in the presence of stoichiometric amount of a reductant are studied. The experiments were conducted at 1200, 1300, and 1550°C. Anthracite and coke were used as reductants. The steps, extent, and mechanisms of reactions for coke and anthracite at the same temperature and soaking time are discussed. Reductants are characterized using different analytical techniques to identify the changes in the morphology of reductants and phases associated with changes in the temperature.

Mechanism of Acylative Oxidation-Reduction-Condensation Reactions Using Benzoisothiazolones as Oxidant and Triethylphosphite as Stoichiometric Reductant.

We previously described a new organocatalytic oxidation-reduction-condensation for amide/peptide construction. The reaction system relies on triethylphosphite as the stoichiometric reductant and organocatalytic benzoisothiazolone/O2 in air as the oxidant. The reaction was assumed to generate catalytic quantities of S-acylthiosalicylamides as electrophiles, which are rapidly intercepted by amine reactants to generate amides/peptides and o-mercaptobenzamides. The latter are then gently reoxidized to the benzoisothiazolones under Cu-catalyzed aerobic conditions to complete the catalytic cycle. To gain a mechanistic understanding, we describe herein our studies of the stoichiometric generation of S-acylthiosalicylamides under oxidation-reduction-condensation conditions from a variety of benzoisothiazolones and carboxylic acids using triethylphosphite as the terminal reductant. These studies have revealed the presence of more than one reaction pathway when benzoisothiazolones react with triethylphosphite (including a rapid, direct deoxygenation of certain classes of benzoisothiazolones by triethylphosphite) and allow the identification of optimal reaction characteristics (benzoisothiazolone structure and solvent) for the generation of thioesters. These explorations will inform our efforts to develop highly effective and robust organocatalytic oxidation-reduction-condensation reactions that are based on the benzoisothiazolone and related motifs.

Catalytic NH3 Synthesis using N2 /H2 at Molecular Transition Metal Complexes: Concepts for Lead Structure Determination using Computational Chemistry.

While industrial NH3 synthesis based on the Haber-Bosch-process was invented more than a century ago, there is still no molecular catalyst available which reduces N2 in the reaction system N2 /H2 to NH3 . As the many efforts of experimentally working research groups to develop a molecular catalyst for NH3 synthesis from N2 /H2 have led to a variety of stoichiometric reductions it seems justified to undertake the attempt of systematizing the various approaches of how the N2 molecule might be reduced to NH3 with H2 at a transition metal complex. In this contribution therefore a variety of intuition-based concepts are presented with the intention to show how the problem can be approached. While no claim for completeness is made, these concepts intend to generate a working plan for future research. Beyond this, it is suggested that these concepts should be evaluated with regard to experimental feasibility by checking barrier heights of single reaction steps and also by computation of whole catalytic cycles employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This serves as a tool which extends the empirically driven search process and expands it by computed insights which can be used to rationalize the various challenges which must be met.

Anhydride-Additive-Free Nickel-Catalyzed Deoxygenation of Carboxylic Acids to Olefins

A nickel-catalyzed route for direct, anhydride-additive-free deoxygenation of fatty acids to the corresponding olefins has been developed. The transformation is catalyzed by simple nickel salts of the type NiX2 (X = halide, acetate, acetylacetonate), uses PPh3 as a stoichiometric reductant, and exhibits selectivity for generation of linear α-olefin products. The reaction was rendered cocatalytic in PPh3 using 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDS) as terminal reductant for the in situ reduction of OPPh3 and catalytic Cu(OTf)2.

ChemInform Abstract: Nickel‐Catalyzed Reductive Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Bromides with Alkyl Bromides: Et3N as the Terminal Reductant.

Reductive cross-coupling has emerged as a direct method for the construction of carbon–carbon bonds. Most cobalt-, nickel-, and palladium-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling reactions to date are limited to stoichiometric Mn(0) or Zn(0) as the reductant. One nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling paradigm using Et3N as the terminal reductant is reported. By using this photoredox catalysis and nickel catalysis approach, a direct Csp2–Csp3 reductive cross-coupling of aryl bromides with alkyl bromides is achieved under mild conditions without stoichiometric metal reductants.

The Parent Li(OH)FeSe Phase of Lithium Iron Hydroxide Selenide Superconductors

Lithiation of hydrothermally synthesized Li1-xFex(OH)Fe1-ySe turns on high-temperature superconductivity when iron ions are displaced from the hydroxide layers by reductive lithiation to fill the vacancies in the iron selenide layers. Further lithiation results in reductive iron extrusion from the hydroxide layers, which turns off superconductivity again as the stoichiometric composition Li(OH)FeSe is approached. The results demonstrate the twin requirements of stoichiometric FeSe layers and reduction of Fe below the +2 oxidation state as found in several iron selenide superconductors.

Selective Cobalt-Catalyzed Reduction of Terminal Alkenes and Alkynes Using (EtO)2Si(Me)H as a Stoichiometric Reductant.

While attempting to effect Co-catalyzed hydrosilylation of β-vinyl trimethylsilyl enol ethers we discovered that depending on the silane, solvent and the method of generation of the reduced cobalt catalyst, a highly efficient and selective reduction or hydrosilylation of an alkene can be achieved. This paper deals with this reduction reaction, which has not been reported before in spite of the huge research activity in this area. The reaction, which uses an air-stable [2,6-di(aryliminoyl)pyridine)]CoCl2 activated by 2 equivalents of NaEt3BH as a catalyst (0.001-0.05 equiv) and (EtO)2SiMeH as the hydrogen source, is best run at ambient temperature in toluene and is highly selective for the reduction of simple unsubstituted 1-alkenes and the terminal double bonds in 1,3- and 1,4-dienes, β-vinyl ketones and silyloxy dienes. The reaction is tolerant of various functional groups such as a bromide, alcohol, amine, carbonyl, and di or trisubstituted double bonds, and water. Highly selective reduction of a terminal alkyne to either an alkene or alkane can be accomplished by using stoichiometric amounts of the silane. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction is stoichiometric in the silane and both hydrogens in the product come from the silane.

Tetrazine Assists Reduction of Water by Phosphines: Application in the Mitsunobu Reaction.

Reaction of 3,6-disubstituted-1,2,4,5-tetrazines with water and PEt3 forms the corresponding 1,4-dihydrotetrazine and OPEt3 . Thus PEt3 , as a stoichiometric reductant, reduces water, and the resulting two reducing equivalents serve to doubly hydrogenate the tetrazine. A variety of possible initial interactions between electron-deficient tetrazine and electron-rich PR3 , including a charge transfer complex, were evaluated by density functional calculations which revealed that the energy of all these make them spectroscopically undetectable at equilibrium, but one of these is nevertheless suggested as the intermediate in the observed redox reaction. The relationship of this to the Mitsunobu reaction, which absorbs the components of water evolved in the conversion of alcohol and carboxylic acid to ester, with desirable inversion at the alcohol carbon, is discussed. This enables a modified Mitsunobu reaction, with tetrazine replacing EtO2 CN=NCO2 Et (DEAD), which has the advantage that dihydrotetrazine can be recycled to tetrazine by oxidation with O2 , something impossible with the hydrogenated DEAD. For this tetrazine version, a betaine-like intermediate is undetectable, but its protonated form is characterized, including by X-ray structure and NMR spectroscopy.

Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Cross-Coupling of Aryl Bromides with Alkyl Bromides: Et3N as the Terminal Reductant.

Reductive cross-coupling has emerged as a direct method for the construction of carbon-carbon bonds. Most cobalt-, nickel-, and palladium-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling reactions to date are limited to stoichiometric Mn(0) or Zn(0) as the reductant. One nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling paradigm using Et3N as the terminal reductant is reported. By using this photoredox catalysis and nickel catalysis approach, a direct Csp(2)-Csp(3) reductive cross-coupling of aryl bromides with alkyl bromides is achieved under mild conditions without stoichiometric metal reductants.

Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile Coupling with Organic Reductants in Non-Amide Solvents.

Cross-electrophile coupling of aryl halides with alkyl halides has thus far been primarily conducted with stoichiometric metallic reductants in amide solvents. This report demonstrates that the use of tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene (TDAE) as an organic reductant enables the use of non-amide solvents, such as acetonitrile or propylene oxide, for the coupling of benzyl chlorides and alkyl iodides with aryl halides. Furthermore, these conditions work for several electron-poor heterocycles that are easily reduced by manganese. Finally, we demonstrate that TDAE addition can be used as a control element to 'hold' a reaction without diminishing yield or catalyst activity.

A novel method for stoichiometric reduction of (U3O8,PuO2) and its controlled oxidation using microwave

We report a process for stoichiometric reduction of U3O8 and (U3O8,PuO2) mixed oxide powders using an indigenously developed 2.4 GHz microwave processing system. The process parameters were optimized by interpreting reduction kinetic curves at a temperature which is 150 °C lower than the conventional reduction. The process improved the sinterability of the powder which was evaluated in terms of average particle size, BET specific surface area and bulk density. A quick method for controlled oxidation of the reduced powder to incorporate a controlled amount of hyper-stoichiometry was demonstrated by modifying the same reduction process. The percent reduction was measured experimentally using O:(U + Pu) ratio. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the various phases present. The process is novel considering shorter processing cycle, lower temperature processing, improved powder properties, energy efficiency and cost effectiveness.