“Bottled” spiro-doubly aromatic trinuclear [Pd2Ru]+ complexes

Following an ongoing interest in the study of transition metal complexes with exotic bonding networks, we report herein the synthesis of a family of heterobimetallic triangular clusters involving Ru and Pd atoms. These are the first examples of trinuclear complexes combining these nuclei. Structural and bonding analyses revealed both analogies and unexpected differences for these [Pd₂Ru]⁺ complexes compared to their parent [Pd₃]⁺ peers. Noticeably, participation of the Ru atom in the π-aromaticity of the coordinated benzene ring makes the synthesized compound the second reported example of ‘bottled’ double aromaticity. This can also be referred to as spiroaromaticity due to the participation of Ru in two aromatic systems at a time. Moreover, the [Pd₂Ru]⁺ kernel exhibits unprecedented orbital overlap of Ru d_z² AO and two Pd d_xy or d_x²−y² AOs. The present findings reveal the possibility of synthesizing stable clusters with delocalized metal–metal bonding from the combination of non-adjacent elements of the periodic table which has not been reported previously.

Synthesis of a triangular [Pd₂Ru]⁺ complex with delocalized metal–metal bonding between non-adjacent elements of the periodic table, double aromaticity and overlap of d-AOs with different angular momentum.     

“Anti-electrostatic” halogen bonding in solution

Halogen-bonded (XB) complexes between halide anions and a cyclopropenylium-based anionic XB donor were characterized in solution for the first time. Spontaneous formation of such complexes confirms that halogen bonding is sufficiently strong to overcome electrostatic repulsion between two anions. The formation constants of such “anti-electrostatic” associations are comparable to those formed by halides with neutral halogenated electrophiles. However, while the latter usually show charge-transfer absorption bands, the UV-Vis spectra of the anion–anion complexes examined herein are determined by the electronic excitations within the XB donor. The identification of XB anion–anion complexes substantially extends the range of the feasible XB systems, and it provides vital information for the discussion of the nature of this interaction.

Spontaneous formation of “anti-electrostatic” complexes in solution demonstrates that halogen bonding can be sufficiently strong to overcome anion–anion repulsion when the latter is attenuated by the polar medium.

Halogen bonding (XB) is an attractive interaction between a Lewis base (LB) and a halogenated compound, exhibiting an electrophilic region on the halogen atom.¹ It is most commonly related to electrostatic interaction between an electron-rich species (XB acceptor) and an area of positive electrostatic potential (σ-holes) on the surface of the halogen substituent in the electrophilic molecule (XB donor).² Provided that mutual polarization of the interacting species is taken into account, the σ-hole model explains geometric features and the variation of stabilities of XB associations, especially in the series of relatively weak complexes.³ Based on the definition of halogen bonding and its electrostatic interpretation, this interaction is expected to involve either cationic or neutral XB donors. Electrostatic interaction of anionic halogenated species with electron-rich XB acceptors, however, seems to be repulsive, especially if the latter are also anionic. Yet, computational analyses predicted that halogen bonding between ions of like charges, called “anti-electrostatic” halogen bonding (AEXB),⁴ can possibly be formed^5–12 and the first examples of AEXB complexes formed by different anions, i.e. halide anions and the anionic iodinated bis(dicyanomethylene)cyclopropanide derivatives 1 (see Scheme 1) or the anionic tetraiodo-p-benzoquinone radical, were characterized recently in the solid state.^13,14 The identification of such complexes substantially extends the range of feasible XB systems, and it provides vital information for the discussion of the nature of this interaction. Computational results, however, significantly depend on the used methods and applied media (gas phase vs. polar environment and solvation models) and the solid state arrangements of the XB species might be affected by crystal forces and/or counterions. Unambiguous confirmation of the stability of the halogen-bonded anion–anion complexes and verification of their thermodynamic characteristics thus requires experimental characterization of the spontaneous formation of such associations in solution. Still, while the solution-phase complexes formed by hydrogen bonding between two anionic species were reported previously,^15–17 there is currently no example of “anti-electrostatic” XB in solution.Open in a separate windowScheme 1Structures of the XB donor 1 and its hydrogen-substituted analogue 2.To examine halogen bonding between two anions in solution, we turn to the interaction between halides and 1,2-bis(dicyanomethylene)-3-iodo-cyclopropanide 1 (Scheme 1).^‡ Even though this compound features a cationic cyclopropenylium core, it is overall anionic, and calculations have demonstrated that its electrostatic potential is universally negative across its entire surface.¹³ The solution of 1 (with tris(dimethylamino)cyclopropenium (TDA) as counterion) in acetonitrile is characterized by an absorption band at 288 nm with ε = 2.3 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ cm⁻¹ (Fig. 1). As LB, we first applied iodide anions taken as a salt with n-tetrabutylammonium counter-ion, Bu₄NI. This salt does not show absorption bands above 290 nm, but its addition to a solution of 1 led to a rise of absorption in the 290–350 nm range (Fig. 1). Subtraction of the absorption of the individual components from that of their mixture produced a differential spectrum which shows a maximum at about 301 nm (insert in Fig. 1). At constant concentration of the XB donor (1) and constant ionic strength, the intensity of the absorption in the range of 280–300 nm (and hence differential absorbance, ΔAbs) rises with increasing iodide concentration (Fig. S1 in the ESI^†). This suggests that the interaction of iodide with 1 results in the formation of the [1, I⁻]-complex which shows a higher absorptivity in this spectral range (eqn (1)):1 + X⁻ ⇌ [1, X⁻]1Open in a separate windowFig. 1Spectra of acetonitrile solutions with constant concentration of 1 (0.60 mM) and various concentrations of Bu₄NI (6.0, 13, 32, 49, 75, 115 and 250 mM, solid lines from the bottom to the top). The dashed lines show spectra of the individual solutions 1 (c = 0.60 mM, red line) and Bu₄NI (c = 250 mM, blue line). The ionic strength was maintained using Bu₄NPF₆. Insert: Differential spectra of the solutions obtained by subtraction of the absorption of the individual components from the spectra of their corresponding mixtures.To clarify the mode of interaction between 1 and iodide in the complex, we also performed analogous measurements with the hydrogen-substituted compound 2 (see Scheme 1). The addition of iodide to a solution of 2 in acetonitrile did not increase the absorption in the 280–300 nm spectral range. Instead, some decrease of the absorption band intensity of 2 with the increase of concentration of I⁻ anions was observed (Fig. S2 in the ESI^†). Such changes are related to a blue shift of this band resulting from the hydrogen bonding between 2 and iodide (formation of hydrogen-bonded [2, I⁻] complex is corroborated by the observation of the small shift of the NMR signal of the proton of 2 to the higher ppm values in the presence of I⁻ anions, see Fig. S3 in the ESI^†).^§ Furthermore, since H-compound 2 should be at least as suitable as XB donor 1 to form anion–π complexes with the halide, this finding (as well as solid-state and computational data^¶) rules out that any increase in absorption in this region observed with the I-compound 1 may be due to this alternative interaction.Likewise, the addition of NBu₄I to a solution of TDA cations taken as a salt with Cl⁻ anions did not result in an increase in the relevant region. Hence, we could also rule out anion–π interactions with the TDA counter-ions as source of the observed changes, which is in line with previous reports on the electron-rich nature of TDA.¹⁸All these observations (supported by the computational analysis, vide infra) indicate that the [1, I⁻] complex (eqn (1)) is formed via halogen bonding of I⁻ with iodine substituents in 1. The changes in the intensities of the differential absorption ΔAbs as a function of the iodide concentration (with constant concentration of XB donor (1) as well as constant ionic strength) are well-modelled by the 1 : 1 binding isotherm (Fig. S1 in the ESI^†). The fit of the absorption data produced a formation constant of K = 15 M⁻¹ for the [1, I⁻] complex (Table 1).^|| The overlap with the absorption of the individual XB donor hindered the accurate evaluation of the position and intensity of the absorption band of the corresponding complex which is formed upon LB-addition to 1. As such, the values of Δλ_max shown in Table 1 represent a wavelength of the largest difference in the absorptivity of the [1, I⁻] complex and individual anion 1, and Δε reflects the difference of their absorptivity at this point (see the ESI^† for the details of calculations).Equilibrium constants and spectral characteristics of the complexes of 1 with halide anions X⁻

Modulation of the superficial electronic structure via metal–support interaction for H2 evolution over Pd catalysts

Electronic interactions can radically enhance the performance of supported metal catalysts and are critical for fundamentally understanding the nature of catalysts. However, at the microscopic level, the details of such interactions tuning the electronic properties of the sites on the metal particle''s surface and metal–support interface remain obscure. Herein, we found polarized electronic metal–support interaction (pEMSI) in oxide-supported Pd nanoparticles (NPs) describing the enhanced accumulation of electrons at the surface of NPs (superficial Pd^δ−) with positive Pd atoms distributed on the interface (interfacial Pd^δ+). More superficial Pd^δ− species mean stronger pEMSI resulting from the synergistic effect of moderate Pd–oxide interaction, high structural fluxionality and electron transport activity of Pd NPs. The surface Pd^δ− species are responsible for improved catalytic performance for H₂ evolution from metal hydrides and formates. These extensive insights into the nature of supported-metal NPs may open new avenues for regulating a metal particle''s electronic structure precisely and exploiting high-performance catalysts.

A new type of electronic effect, polarized metal-support interaction (pEMSI), in oxide-supported Pd nanoparticles describing the enhanced accumulation of electrons at the superficial surface is responsible for improved catalytic H₂ evolution.     

Migratory insertion of isocyanide into a ketenyl–tungsten bond as key step in cyclization reactions

Treatment of the side-on tungsten alkyne complex of ethinylethyl ether [Tp*W(CO)₂(η²-C,C′-HCCOCH₂CH₃)]⁺ {Tp* = hydridotris(3,4,5-trimethylpyrazolyl)borate} (2a) with n-Bu₄NI afforded the end-on ketenyl complex [Tp*W(CO)₂(κ¹-HCCO)] (4a). This formal 16 ve complex bearing the prototype of a ketenyl ligand is surprisingly stable and converts only under activation by UV light or heat to form a dinuclear complex [Tp*₂W₂(CO)₄(μ-CCH₂)] (6). The ketenyl ligand in complex 4a underwent a metal template controlled cyclization reaction upon addition of isocyanides. The oxametallacycles [Tp*W(CO)₂{κ²-C,O-C(NHXy)C(H)C(Nu)O}] {Nu = OMe (7), OEt (8), N(i-Pr)₂ (9), OH (10), O_1/2 (11)} were formed by coordination of Xy-NC (Xy = 2,6-dimethylphenyl) at 4a and subsequent migratory insertion (MI) into the W-ketenyl bond. The resulting intermediate is susceptible to addition reactions with protic nucleophiles. Compounds 2a-PF₆, 4a/b, and 7–11 were fully characterized including XRD analysis. The cyclization mechanism has been confirmed both experimentally and by DFT calculations. In cyclic voltammetry, complexes 7–9 are characterized by a reversible W(ii)/W(iii) redox process. The dinuclear complex 11 however shows two separated redox events. Based on cyclic voltammetry measurements with different conducting electrolytes and IR spectroelectrochemical (SEC) measurements the W(ii)/W(iii) mixed valent complex 11⁺ is assigned to class II in terms of the Robin-Day classification.

The prototype ketenyl ligand is bound end-on despite a formal 16 valence electron count at the metal. This situation opens a reaction pathway for a multicomponent cyclization centred on the migration of the ketenyl ligand.     

Tuning π-Acceptor/σ-Donor Ratio of the 2-Isocyanoazulene Ligand: Non-Fluorinated Rival of Pentafluorophenyl Isocyanide and Trifluorovinyl Isocyanide Discovered

Isocyanoazulenes (CNAz) constitute a relatively new class of isocyanoarenes that offers rich structural and electronic diversification of the organic isocyanide ligand platform. This article considers a series of 2-isocyano-1,3-X₂-azulene ligands (X = H, Me, CO₂Et, Br, and CN) and the corresponding zero-valent complexes thereof, [(OC)₅Cr(2-isocyano-1,3-X₂-azulene)]. Air- and thermally stable, X-ray structurally characterized 2-isocyano-1,3-dimethylazulene may be viewed as a non-benzenoid aromatic congener of 2,6-dimethyphenyl isocyanide (2,6-xylyl isocyanide), a longtime “workhorse” aryl isocyanide ligand in coordination chemistry. Single crystal X-ray crystallographic {Cr–CNAz bond distances}, cyclic voltametric {E_1/2(Cr^0/1+)}, ¹³C NMR {δ(¹³CN), δ(¹³CO)}, UV-vis {dπ(Cr) → pπ*(CNAz) Metal-to-Ligand Charge Transfer}, and FTIR {ν_N≡C, ν_C≡O, k_C≡O} analyses of the [(OC)₅Cr(2-isocyano-1,3-X₂-azulene)] complexes provided a multifaceted, quantitative assessment of the π-acceptor/σ-donor characteristics of the above five 2-isocyanoazulenes. In particular, the following inverse linear relationships were documented: δ(¹³CO_trans) vs. δ(¹³CN), δ(¹³CO_cis) vs. δ(¹³CN), and δ(¹³CO_trans) vs. k_C≡O,trans force constant. Remarkably, the net electron withdrawing capability of the 2-isocyano-1,3-dicyanoazulene ligand rivals those of perfluorinated isocyanides CNC₆F₅ and CNC₂F₃.     

Catalyst control of selectivity in the C–O bond alumination of biomass derived furans

Non-catalysed and catalysed reactions of aluminium reagents with furans, dihydrofurans and dihydropyrans were investigated and lead to ring-expanded products due to the insertion of the aluminium reagent into a C–O bond of the heterocycle. Specifically, the reaction of [{(ArNCMe)₂CH}Al] (Ar = 2,6-di-iso-propylphenyl, 1) with furans proceeded between 25 and 80 °C leading to dearomatised products due to the net transformation of a sp² C–O bond into a sp² C–Al bond. The kinetics of the reaction of 1 with furan were found to be 1st order with respect to 1 with activation parameters ΔH^‡ = +19.7 (±2.7) kcal mol⁻¹, ΔS^‡ = −18.8 (±7.8) cal K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ and ΔG^‡_{298 K} = +25.3 (±0.5) kcal mol⁻¹ and a KIE of 1.0 ± 0.1. DFT calculations support a stepwise mechanism involving an initial (4 + 1) cycloaddition of 1 with furan to form a bicyclic intermediate that rearranges by an α-migration. The selectivity of ring-expansion is influenced by factors that weaken the sp² C–O bond through population of the σ*-orbital. Inclusion of [Pd(PCy₃)₂] as a catalyst in these reactions results in expansion of the substrate scope to include 2,3-dihydrofurans and 3,4-dihydropyrans and improves selectivity. Under catalysed conditions, the C–O bond that breaks is that adjacent to the sp²C–H bond. The aluminium(iii) dihydride reagent [{(MesNCMe)₂CH}AlH₂] (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 2) can also be used under catalytic conditions to effect a dehydrogenative ring-expansion of furans. Further mechanistic analysis shows that C–O bond functionalisation occurs via an initial C–H bond alumination. Kinetic products can be isolated that are derived from installation of the aluminium reagent at the 2-position of the heterocycle. C–H alumination occurs with a KIE of 4.8 ± 0.3 consistent with a turnover limiting step involving oxidative addition of the C–H bond to the palladium catalyst. Isomerisation of the kinetic C–H aluminated product to the thermodynamic C–O ring expansion product is an intramolecular process that is again catalysed by [Pd(PCy₃)₂]. DFT calculations suggest that the key C–O bond breaking step involves attack of an aluminium based metalloligand on the 2-palladated heterocycle. The new methodology has been applied to important platform chemicals from biomass.

Non-catalysed and catalysed reactions of aluminium reagents with furans, dihydrofurans and dihydropyrans were investigated and lead to ring-expanded products due to the insertion of the aluminium reagent into a C–O bond of the heterocycle.     

Arylation of gem-difluoroalkenes using a Pd/Cu Co-catalytic system that avoids β-fluoride elimination

Pd^II/Cu^I co-catalyze an arylation reaction of gem-difluoroalkenes using arylsulfonyl chlorides to deliver α,α-difluorobenzyl products. The reaction proceeds through a β,β-difluoroalkyl–Pd intermediate that typically undergoes unimolecular β-F elimination to deliver monofluorinated alkene products in a net C–F functionalization reaction. However to avoid β-F elimination, we offer the β,β-difluoroalkyl–Pd intermediate an alternate low-energy route involving β-H elimination to ultimately deliver difluorinated products in a net arylation/isomerization sequence. Overall, this reaction enables exploration of new reactivities of unstable fluorinated alkyl–metal species, while also providing new opportunities for transforming readily available fluorinated alkenes into more elaborate substructures.

Pd^II/Cu^I co-catalyze a desulfitative arylation of aliphatic gem-difluoroalkenes in a radical arylation/migratory insertion sequence that avoids β-F elimination.     

Single metal four-electron reduction by U(ii) and masked “U(ii)” compounds

The redox chemistry of uranium is dominated by single electron transfer reactions while single metal four-electron transfers remain unknown in f-element chemistry. Here we show that the oxo bridged diuranium(iii) complex [K(2.2.2-cryptand)]₂[{((Me₃Si)₂N)₃U}₂(μ-O)], 1, effects the two-electron reduction of diphenylacetylene and the four-electron reduction of azobenzene through a masked U(ii) intermediate affording a stable metallacyclopropene complex of uranium(iv), [K(2.2.2-cryptand)][U(η²-C₂Ph₂){N(SiMe₃)₂}₃], 3, and a bis(imido)uranium(vi) complex [K(2.2.2-cryptand)][U(NPh)₂{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃], 4, respectively. The same reactivity is observed for the previously reported U(ii) complex [K(2.2.2-cryptand)][U{N(SiMe₃)₂}₃], 2. Computational studies indicate that the four-electron reduction of azobenzene occurs at a single U(ii) centre via two consecutive two-electron transfers and involves the formation of a U(iv) hydrazide intermediate. The isolation of the cis-hydrazide intermediate [K(2.2.2-cryptand)][U(N₂Ph₂){N(SiMe₃)₂}₃], 5, corroborated the mechanism proposed for the formation of the U(vi) bis(imido) complex. The reduction of azobenzene by U(ii) provided the first example of a “clear-cut” single metal four-electron transfer in f-element chemistry.

Both a masked and the actual complex [U(ii){N(SiMe₃)₂}₃]⁺ effect the reduction of azobenzene to yield a U(vi) bis-imido species providing the first example of a “clear-cut” metal centred four-electron reduction in f-element chemistry.     

Triterpenoid Saponins from the Cultivar “Green Elf” of Pittosporum tenuifolium

Four oleanane-type glycosides were isolated from a horticultural cultivar “Green Elf” of the endemic Pittosporum tenuifolium (Pittosporaceae) from New Zealand: three acylated barringtogenol C glycosides from the leaves, with two previously undescribed 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, and the known 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C (Eryngioside L). From the roots, the known 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucuronopyranosyloleanolic acid (Sandrosaponin X) was identified. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). According to their structural similarities with gymnemic acids, the inhibitory activities on the sweet taste TAS1R2/TAS1R3 receptor of an aqueous ethanolic extract of the leaves and roots, a crude saponin mixture, 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, and Eryngioside L were evaluated.     

Diverse ring-opening reactions of rhodium η4-azaborete complexes

Sequential treatment of [Rh(COE)₂Cl]₂ (COE = cyclooctene) with PⁱPr₃, alkyne derivatives and ^tBuN BMes (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) provided functionalized rhodium η⁴-1,2-azaborete complexes of the form (η⁴-azaborete)RhCl(PⁱPr₃). The scope of this reaction was expanded to encompass alkynes with hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, ferrocenyl, alkynyl, azaborinyl and boronate ester substituents. Treatment of these complexes with PMe₃ led to insertion of the rhodium atom into the B–C bond of the BNC₂ ring, forming 1-rhoda-3,2-azaboroles. Addition of N-heterocyclic carbenes to azaborete complexes led to highly unusual rearrangements to rhodium η²,κ¹-allenylborylamino complexes via deprotonation and C–N bond cleavage. Heating and photolysis of an azaborete complex also led to rupture of the C–N bond followed by subsequent rearrangements, yielding an η⁴-aminoborylallene complex and two isomeric η⁴-butadiene complexes.

Rhodium η⁴-azaborete complexes can be transformed into a variety of species with ring-opened, BN-containing ligands by treatment with Lewis bases.     

Visible light driven deuteration of formyl C–H and hydridic C(sp3)–H bonds in feedstock chemicals and pharmaceutical molecules

Deuterium labelled compounds are of significant importance in chemical mechanism investigations, mass spectrometric studies, diagnoses of drug metabolisms, and pharmaceutical discovery. Herein, we report an efficient hydrogen deuterium exchange reaction using deuterium oxide (D₂O) as the deuterium source, enabled by merging a tetra-n-butylammonium decatungstate (TBADT) hydrogen atom transfer photocatalyst and a thiol catalyst under light irradiation at 390 nm. This deuteration protocol is effective with formyl C–H bonds and a wide range of hydridic C(sp³)–H bonds (e.g. α-oxy, α-thioxy, α-amino, benzylic, and unactivated tertiary C(sp³)–H bonds). It has been successfully applied to the high incorporation of deuterium in 38 feedstock chemicals, 15 pharmaceutical compounds, and 6 drug precursors. Sequential deuteration between formyl C–H bonds of aldehydes and other activated hydridic C(sp³)–H bonds can be achieved in a selective manner.

A selective hydrogen deuterium exchange reaction with formyl C–H bonds and a wide range of hydridic C(sp³)–H bonds has been achieved by merging tetra-n-butylammonium decatungstate photocatalyst and a thiol catalyst under 390 nm light irradiation.     

Synthesis of unstrained Criegee intermediates: inverse α-effect and other protective stereoelectronic forces can stop Baeyer–Villiger rearrangement of γ-hydroperoxy-γ-peroxylactones

How far can we push the limits in removing stereoelectronic protection from an unstable intermediate? We address this question by exploring the interplay between the primary and secondary stereoelectronic effects in the Baeyer–Villiger (BV) rearrangement by experimental and computational studies of γ-OR-substituted γ-peroxylactones, the previously elusive non-strained Criegee intermediates (CI). These new cyclic peroxides were synthesized by the peroxidation of γ-ketoesters followed by in situ cyclization using a BF₃·Et₂O/H₂O₂ system. Although the primary effect (alignment of the migrating C–R_m bond with the breaking O–O bond) is active in the 6-membered ring, weakening of the secondary effect (donation from the OR lone pair to the breaking C–R_m bond) provides sufficient kinetic stabilization to allow the formation and isolation of stable γ-hydroperoxy-γ-peroxylactones with a methyl-substituent in the C6-position. Furthermore, supplementary protection is also provided by reactant stabilization originating from two new stereoelectronic factors, both identified and quantified for the first time in the present work. First, an unexpected boat preference in the γ-hydroperoxy-γ-peroxylactones weakens the primary stereoelectronic effects and introduces a ∼2 kcal mol⁻¹ Curtin–Hammett penalty for reacquiring the more reactive chair conformation. Second, activation of the secondary stereoelectronic effect in the TS comes with a ∼2–3 kcal mol⁻¹ penalty for giving up the exo-anomeric stabilization in the 6-membered Criegee intermediate. Together, the three new stereoelectronic factors (inverse α-effect, misalignment of reacting bonds in the boat conformation, and the exo-anomeric effect) illustrate the richness of stereoelectronic patterns in peroxide chemistry and provide experimentally significant kinetic stabilization to this new class of bisperoxides. Furthermore, mild reduction of γ-hydroperoxy-γ-peroxylactone with Ph₃P produced an isolable γ-hydroxy-γ-peroxylactone, the first example of a structurally unencumbered CI where neither the primary nor the secondary stereoelectronic effect are impeded. Although this compound is relatively unstable, it does not undergo the BV reaction and instead follows a new mode of reactivity for the CI – a ring-opening process.

Protecting stereoelectronic effects prevent Baeyer–Villiger rearrangement and stabilize γ-OX-γ-peroxylactones (X = H, OH), the previously elusive non-strained Criegee intermediates.     

Understanding how Lewis acids dope organic semiconductors: a “complex” story

We report on computational studies of the potential of three borane Lewis acids (LAs) (B(C₆F₅)₃ (BCF), BF₃, and BBr₃) to form stable adducts and/or to generate positive polarons with three different semiconducting π-conjugated polymers (PFPT, PCPDTPT and PCPDTBT). Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations based on range-separated hybrid (RSH) functionals provide insight into changes in the electronic structure and optical properties upon adduct formation between LAs and the two polymers containing pyridine moieties, PFPT and PCPDTPT, unravelling the complex interplay between partial hybridization, charge transfer and changes in the polymer backbone conformation. We then assess the potential of BCF to induce p-doping in PCPDTBT, which does not contain pyridine groups, by computing the energetics of various reaction mechanisms proposed in the literature. We find that reaction of BCF(OH₂) to form protonated PCPDTBT and [BCF(OH)]⁻, followed by electron transfer from a pristine to a protonated PCPDTBT chain is highly endergonic, and thus unlikely at low doping concentration. The theoretical and experimental data can, however, be reconciled if one considers the formation of [BCF(OH)BCF]⁻ or [BCF(OH)(OH₂)BCF]⁻ counterions rather than [BCF(OH)]⁻ and invokes subsequent reactions resulting in the elimination of H₂.

Here we report on DFT calculations investigating the mechanistic aspects in doping organic semiconductors by the use of Lewis acids. Our results highlight the role played by the formation of diboron-containing bridged anions in the doping mechanism.     

Dehydrogenation of iron amido-borane and resaturation of the imino-borane complex

We report on the first isolation and structural characterization of an iron phosphinoimino-borane complex Cp*Fe(η²-H₂B NC₆H₄PPh₂) by dehydrogenation of iron amido-borane precursor Cp*Fe(η¹-H₃B–NHC₆H₄PPh₂). Significantly, regeneration of the amido-borane complex has been realized by protonation of the iron(ii) imino-borane to the amino-borane intermediate [Cp*Fe(η²-H₂B–NHC₆H₄PPh₂)]⁺ followed by hydride transfer. These new iron species are efficient catalysts for 1,2-selective transfer hydrogenation of quinolines with ammonia borane.

Dehydrogenation of an amido-borane iron complex provides an imino-borane complex. Regeneration of the amido-borane precursor was achieved by protonation of the imino-borane followed by hydride transfer to the amino-borane intermediate.

Because of relevance to H₂ storage^1–10 and hydrogenation catalysis,^11–15 metal amine-borane complexes^16–18 and their dehydrogenated forms, such as amino-boranes^20–22 and imino-boranes⁴ are arising as a significant family in organometallic chemistry. In transition metal-catalyzed dehydrocoupling of amine-boranes and related transfer hydrogenations, the interactions between the metal and the borane fragment are essential to dehydrogenation and the consequent transformations.^16–20 Specifically, amino-borane complexes containing a M–H₂B NR₂ moiety are the primary dehydrogenated species and are often identified as a resting point in the catalysis (Scheme 1a).^20–22 Management of reversible dehydrogenation–regeneration reactions on a M–BH₂ NR₂ platform could provide a strategy with which to design efficient catalysts capable of operating sustainable syntheses.Open in a separate windowScheme 1Schematic representation of metal-based amine-borane dehydrogenation.Wider exploration of metal amino-borane chemistry is challenging since M–H₂B NH₂ species are very reactive toward H₂ release. In 2010, Aldridge et al. reported the isolation of [(IMes)₂Rh(H)₂(η²-H₂B NR₂)] and [(IMes)₂Ir(H)₂(η²-H₂B NR₂)] from the metal-catalyzed dehydrogenation of R₂HN·BH₃.^21a At the same time, Alcaraz and Sabo-Etienne reported the preparation of (PCy₃)₂Ru(H)₂(η²-H₂B NH_nMe_2−n) (n = 0–2) complexes^22a by the dehydrogenation of amine-boranes with the corresponding ruthenium precursors. Subsequently, a straightforward synthesis of Ru, Rh, and Ir amino-borane complexes by reaction of H₂B NR₂ (R = iPr or Cy) with the bis(hydrogen) complexes of M(H)₂(η²-H₂)₂(PCy₃)₂ or [CpRu(PR₃)₂]⁺ fragments was developed.^21b,22b Turculet et al. have shown that the ruthenium-alkoxide complex is able to activate H₃B·NHR₂ producing hydrido ruthenium complex.²³ Notably, Weller and Macgregor found that dehydrocoupling of ammonia-borane by [Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂Rh(η⁶-C₆H₅F)] affords a μ-amino-borane bimetallic Rh complex, in which the simplest H₂B NH₂ moiety is trapped on a rhodium dimer.^20aAlthough iron-catalyzed dehydrocoupling of amine-boranes has attracted great interest,^24–29 iron amine-borane complexes, their dehydrogenated derivatives, and especially the catalysis relevant to organic synthesis are largely unexplored. Recently, Kirchner et al. reported a pincer-type iron complex generated by protonation of the borohydride iron complex (PNP)Fe(H)(η²-BH₄) with ammonium salts.³⁰ Inspired by earlier research on M–H₂B NR₂ chemistry, we intended to establish the reversible conversions of amino-borane complexes and their dehydrogenated forms in a synthetic piano-stool iron system. Herein, we report dehydrogenation of iron amido-borane complex Cp*Fe(η¹-H₃B–NHC₆H₄PPh₂) (2) (Cp* = Me₅C₅⁻) to the imino-borane complex Cp*Fe(η²-H₂B NC₆H₄PPh₂) (3), and resaturation of the imino-borane by stepwise protonation and hydride transfer (Scheme 1b). This new class of iron species is capable of catalyzing 1,2-selective transfer hydrogenation of quinolines with H₃N·BH₃.To synthesize the iron amido-borane complex, a new monomer, the iron tetrahydridoborate precursor Cp*Fe(η²-BH₄)(NCMe) (1), was prepared in situ by the reaction of [Cp*Fe(NCMe)₃]PF₆ with Bu₄NBH₄ in acetonitrile at room temperature for 5 min. Such ferrous borohydrides have been documented only rarely,³¹ since they are prone to form polynuclear iron borate clusters.^32,33 The ¹¹B NMR spectrum of the reaction solution shows a quintet at δ 15.4 (J_BH = 88 Hz) for the BH₄⁻ ligand of 1, and this stands in contrast to the signal at δ −32.0 observed for Bu₄NBH₄. Upon storing the reaction mixture at −30 °C overnight, single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction were obtained. Crystallographic analysis confirmed the structure of 1 as a piano-stool iron tetrahydridoborate compound (ESI, Fig. S1^†).Addition of phosphinoamine ligand 1,2-Ph₂PC₆H₄NH₂ to a solution of 1 in acetonitrile caused an instantaneous color change from deep blue to dark brown (Scheme 2). ESI-MS studies indicated the production of the iron amido-borane compound (2) with m/z = 481.1793 (calcd m/z = 481.1770), which was isolated in 87% yield. NMR spectra showed a boron resonance at δ −17.5, and a phosphorus resonance at δ 85.9. The ¹H NMR spectrum exhibits a characteristic hydride signal at δ −13.98, which is assigned to the bridging hydride Fe–H–B. Owing to exchange between the hydrogen atoms at the boron,³⁴ the terminal B–H resonances in the ¹H NMR spectrum are very broad and are obscured by the distinct Cp* signals. To assign the B–H hydride signals, the deuterated compound Cp*Fe(D₃B–NHC₆H₄PPh₂) (d-2) was synthesized from Cp*Fe(BD₄)(NCMe). In addition to the Fe–D–B signal at δ −13.98, the ²H NMR spectrum of d-2 displayed discrete peaks at δ 2.23 and 0.19 for the terminal B–D hydrides (Fig. 1).Open in a separate windowFig. 1 ²H NMR spectra for dehydrogenation of d-2 to d-3.Open in a separate windowScheme 2Synthetic route to imino-borane complex.When a C₆H₆ solution of 2 was held at 50 °C for 6 h the dehydrogenated imino-borane compound (3) was produced in 92% yield. The ESI-MS spectrum of 3 has a strong peak at m/z 479.1626 (calcd m/z = 479.1637) which can be compared to the peak at m/z = 481.1793 for 2. The isotopic distributions match well with the calculated values (see Fig. S3^†). GC analysis shows that the reaction produced H₂ nearly quantitatively (see Fig. S4^†). In solution, the ³¹P NMR spectrum of 3 displays a sharp signal at δ 71.9, in contrast to the peak at δ 85.9 for 2. The ¹¹B resonance shifts significantly, from δ −17.5 for 2 to δ 42.7 for 3 (Fig. S16^†), and is particularly diagnostic of a three-coordinate boron atom.^21,35 This result indicates the B N double bond character in the dehydrogenated form of the amido-borane complex. In the ¹H NMR spectrum, the Fe–H–B signal was observed at δ −17.91 with the integral of 2H, and no characteristic signal for a terminal B–H hydride was found. To confirm the formation of an imino-borane compound, the hydrogen decoupling was also carried out with compound d-2 and monitored by ²H NMR spectra. Only a deuterium signal was observed at δ −17.91 for Fe–D–B, indicating the formation of d-3 (Fig. 1). When the dehydrogenation was conducted in a J-Young tube in C₆D₆, a characteristic triplet corresponding to HD appeared at δ 4.43 (J_HD = 45 Hz) in the ¹H NMR spectrum (Fig. S18^†).³⁶The structures of 2 and 3 were verified by X-ray crystallographic analysis (Fig. 2). Consistent with NMR spectroscopic analysis, the BH₃ moiety in 2 is stabilized by one of the B–H bonds binding at the Fe–NH unit to form an Fe–H–B–N four-membered metallacycle. This metal–ligand cooperative binding mode increased the B–H bond length in the bridging B–H(1) bond to 1.362 Å vs. 1.129 Å and 1.121 Å for the two terminal B–H bonds. The B–N bond length of 1.545(3) Å in 2 is slightly shorter than that in H₃B·NH₃ (d_B–N = 1.58(2) Å).³⁷ Crystallographic analysis of 3 confirmed an imino-borane complex with a Cp*Fe(η²-H₂B NC₆H₄PPh₂) framework. After dehydrogenation of 2, striking structural changes were observed. The N atom has been become detached from Fe, while the BH₂ fragment acts as a bis(σ-borane) ligand coordinated to the metal center.^21–23 The B–N bond distance of 1.455(5) Å in 3 is shorter by 0.09 Å than that in 2, and is close to that reported for the cyclic trimer borazine (1.4355(21) Å).³⁸ Combined with the NMR results, the B–N bond length in 3 suggests some double bond character.^21,22 As the imino-borane fragment is tethered in the coordination sphere, the boron center adopts a quasi-tetrahedral geometry, and the B–N bond appears to be partially sp³ hybridized. Dehydrogenation of the amido-borane complex also caused the decrease of the Fe⋯B distances from 2.223(3) Å to 2.026(4) Å which is shorter than the sum of the covalent radii of Fe and B atom (2.16 Å), indicating that the borane and the metal are bonded.Open in a separate windowFig. 2Solid-sate structure (50% probability thermal ellipsoids) of (a) complex 2 and (b) 3. For clarity, hydrogen atoms of Cp* and phenyl rings are omitted.Notably, the amido-borane compound 2 can be regenerated by stepwise protonation of 3 and transfer of a hydride (Scheme 3). Complex 3 reacts readily with H(Et₂O)₂BAr^F₄ in C₆H₅F. The reaction solution was analyzed by ESI-MS spectroscopy, which showed an ionic peak at m/z = 480.1726 (calcd m/z = 480.1715), suggesting the formation of [3H]⁺. Alternatively, the reaction of complex 2 with H(Et₂O)₂BAr^F₄ unambiguously provides [3H]⁺ and produces H₂. X-ray crystallographic analysis reveals that the resulting cationic complex [3H]⁺ exhibits a similar framework to its imino-borane precursor (3). The BH₂ moiety retains a binding mode of the bis(σ-BH₂) fashion (Fig. 3). In contrast, the B–N distance in [3H]⁺ (1.586(6) Å) is extended by 0.13 Å and the [3H]⁺ framework becomes much less compact than that of 3. Probably due to the fluxional structure of the seven-membered Fe–P–C–C–N–B(H) ring, the solution of [3H][BAr^F₄] gives broad ¹H NMR resonances even at −60 °C. The phosphorus resonance arose at δ 72.0 as a singlet when the solution sample was cooled to −40 °C (Fig. S20 and S21^†).Open in a separate windowFig. 3Solid-state structures of (a) complex [3H]⁺ and (b) [3H(PPh₃)]⁺. For clarity, counterion [BAr^F₄]⁻, hydrogen atoms of Cp* and phenyl rings have been omitted.Open in a separate windowScheme 3Conversions of iron imino-borane, amino-borane and amido-borane complexes.In [3H]⁺, the boron is coordinatively unsaturated, as manifested by its interaction with a σ-donor. For instance, treatment of 2 with [HPPh₃][BAr^F₄] (pK^MeCN_a = 7.6)³⁹ provides a Ph₃P-stabilized borane complex, [3H(PPh₃)]⁺ (m/z = 742.2620, calcd m/z = 742.2626). The ¹H NMR spectrum of [3H(PPh₃)]⁺ exhibits an NH resonance at δ 4.68, suggesting that protonation occurred at the N site. The distinctive upfield hydride signal for Fe–H–B is observed at δ −15.58. In the ³¹P NMR spectrum, two phosphorus signals at δ 78.90 and −1.26 correspond to the Fe–P and the B–P resonances, respectively. The ¹¹B signal at δ −13.72 indicates a tetracoordinated boron, which is further confirmed by crystallographic analysis of [3H(PPh₃)]⁺ (Fig. 3). In the solid-sate structure, a Ph₃P molecule is bound to the B center (d_B–P = 1.982(4) Å), leading to the formation of a new Fe–H–B–N four-membered metallacycle. As a amido-borane complex, [3H(PPh₃)]⁺ has a B–N bond length of 1.527(5) Å, somewhat shorter than 1.545(3) Å in 2.After attaching a proton at the N atom, we subsequently explored restoration of the original borane moiety. Treatment of freshly prepared [3H][BAr^F₄] in fluorobenzene with catecholborane-NEt₃ adduct (δ_B = 10.56, J_HB = 142.4 Hz)⁴⁰ results in the regeneration of 2, as evidenced by the NMR spectra (Fig. S29 and S30^†). The ¹H NMR spectrum of the reaction mixture displays a characteristic hydride signal at −13.97 ppm, indicating the recovery of the iron amido-borane complex. On the other side, concomitant formation of the borenium ion (δ_B = 13.86) was also observed in the ¹¹B NMR spectrum, which agrees with the hydride transfer from the organohydride reagent to [3H]⁺. It was interesting that the ion [3H]⁺ is stable towards 5,6-dihydrophenanthridine and Hantszch ester. These results indicate that the hydride-donating ability (ΔG_H⁻) of 2 is in the range of 55–59 kcal mol⁻¹.⁴¹ The reactive nature of the hydride in 2 was demonstrated by the reaction with [HPPh₃][BAr^F₄], which produces [3H(PPh₃)]⁺ and releases H₂ (Scheme 3).1The metal amine-borane complexes and their dehydrogenated derivatives are implicated throughout the catalytic cycle of amine-borane dehydrogenation. We found both the iron complexes 2 and 3 are efficient catalysts for H₃N·BH₃ dehydrogenation at room temperature. In the presence of 1 mol% catalyst, a THF solution of H₃N·BH₃ (1.0 mmol) generates about 2.2 equivalent of H₂ within 6 h based on GC quantification (Fig. S33^†). More importantly, such catalytic dehydrocoupling systems allow for selective transfer hydrogenation of quinolines to dihydroquinolines, which are valuable synthons leading to many bio-active compounds.⁴² For instance, addition of methyl-6-quinolineacetate (4) to the catalytic system containing one equiv. of H₃N·BH₃ and 1 mol% of 3 gave 1,2-dihydro-methyl-6-quinolineacetate (5) in excellent yield within 6 h (eqn (1)). The outcome of this reaction was unaffected by switching the catalyst from 3 to 2, or by use of excess reducing agent or by an increase in the reaction temperature (Table S1^†).     

Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical studies of the heterometallic diclusters [{Fe2(μ-CO)(CO)6(μ-PPh2)Au}2(diphosphine)] (diphosphine=dppm, dppip, dppe, dppp)

Treatment of [(ClAu)₂(diphosphine)] {diphosphine=bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm), bis(diphenylphosphino)isopropane (dppip), 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe), 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (dppp)} with two equivalents of the anion [Fe₂(μ-CO)(CO)₆(μ-PPh₂)]⁻ in the presence of TlBF₄ gives the new heterometallic diclusters [{Fe₂(μ-CO)(CO)₆(μ-PPh₂)Au}₂(diphosphine)] that have been isolated and characterized. Their ³¹P-NMR spectra show different patterns as a function of the diphosphine ligand. The electrochemical behavior of these compounds has been investigated and compared with that of the mono- [Fe₂(μ-CO)(CO)₆(μ-PPh₂)(μ-AuPPh₃)] and tricluster [{Fe₂(μ-CO)(CO)₆(μ-PPh₂)Au}₃(triphos)] derivatives.     

Towards understanding non-equivalence of α and β subunits within human hemoglobin in conformational relaxation and molecular oxygen rebinding

Picosecond to millisecond laser time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy was used to study molecular oxygen (O₂) rebinding and conformational relaxation following O₂ photodissociation in the α and β subunits within human hemoglobin in the quaternary R-like structure. Oxy-cyanomet valency hybrids, α₂(Fe²⁺–O₂)β₂(Fe³⁺–CN) and α₂(Fe³⁺–CN)β₂(Fe²⁺–O₂), were used as models for oxygenated R-state hemoglobin. An extended kinetic model for geminate O₂ rebinding in the ferrous hemoglobin subunits, ligand migration between the primary and secondary docking site(s), and nonexponential tertiary relaxation within the R quaternary structure, was introduced and discussed. Significant functional non-equivalence of the α and β subunits in both the geminate O₂ rebinding and concomitant structural relaxation was revealed. For the β subunits, the rate constant for the geminate O₂ rebinding to the unrelaxed tertiary structure and the tertiary transition rate were found to be greater than the corresponding values for the α subunits. The conformational relaxation following the O₂ photodissociation in the α and β subunits was found to decrease the rate constant for the geminate O₂ rebinding, this effect being more than one order of magnitude greater for the β subunits than for the α subunits. Evidence was provided for the modulation of the O₂ rebinding to the individual α and β subunits within human hemoglobin in the R-state structure by the intrinsic heme reactivity through a change in proximal constraints upon the relaxation of the tertiary structure on a picosecond to microsecond time scale. Our results demonstrate that, for native R-state oxyhemoglobin, O₂ rebinding properties and spectral changes following the O₂ photodissociation can be adequately described as the sum of those for the α and β subunits within the valency hybrids. The isolated β chains (hemoglobin H) show similar behavior to the β subunits within the valency hybrids and can be used as a model for the β subunits within the R-state oxyhemoglobin. At the same time, the isolated α chains behave differently to the α subunits within the valency hybrids.

O₂ rebinding and conformational relaxation following O₂ photodissociation were studied on picosecond to millisecond time scale in the α and β subunits within human hemoglobin in the quaternary R-like structure.     

Use of a cyclo-P4 building block – a way to networks of host–guest assemblies

Despite the proven ability to form supramolecular assemblies via coordination to copper halides, organometallic building blocks based on four-membered cyclo-P₄ ligands find only very rare application in supramolecular chemistry. To date, only three types of supramolecular aggregates were obtained based on the polyphosphorus end-deck complexes Cp^RTa(CO)₂(η⁴-P₄) (1a: Cp^R = Cp′′; 1b: Cp^R = Cp′′′), with none of them, however, possessing a guest-accessible void. To achieve this target, the use of silver salts of the weakly coordinating anion SbF₆⁻ was investigated as to their self-assembly in the absence and in the presence of the template molecule P₃Se₄. The two-component self-assembly of the building block 1a and the coinage-metal salt AgSbF₆ leads to the formation of 1D or 3D coordination polymers. However, when the template-driven self-assembly was attempted in the presence of an aliphatic dinitrile, the unprecedented barrel-like supramolecular host–guest assembly P₃Se₄@[{(Cp′′Ta(CO)₂(η⁴-P₄))Ag}₈]⁸⁺ of 2.49 nm in size was formed. Moreover, cyclo-P₄-based supramolecules are connected in a 2D coordination network by dinitrile linkers. The obtained compounds were characterised by mass-spectrometry, ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy and X-ray structure analysis.

A one-pot self-assembly template-controlled reaction is reported to result in a 2D coordination network of first host-guest assemblies P₃Se₄@[{(Cp′′Ta(CO)₂(η⁴-P₄))Ag}₈]⁸⁺ of 2.49 nm in size based on an organometallic complex with a cyclo-P₄ end-deck.     

Synthesis,bonding properties and ether activation reactivity of cyclobutadienyl-ligated hybrid uranocenes

A series of hybrid uranocenes consisting of uranium(iv) sandwiched between cyclobutadienyl (Cb) and cyclo-octatetraenyl (COT) ligands has been synthesized, structurally characterized and studied computationally. The dimetallic species [(η⁴-Cb′′′′)(η⁸-COT)U(μ:η²:η⁸-COT)U(THF)(η⁴-Cb′′′′)] (1) forms concomitantly with, and can be separated from, monometallic [(η⁴-Cb′′′′)U(THF)(η⁸-COT)] (2) (Cb′′′′ = 1,2,3,4-tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)cyclobutadienyl, COT = cyclo-octatetraenyl). In toluene solution at room temperature, 1 dissociates into 2 and the unsolvated uranocene [(η⁴-Cb′′′′)U(η⁸-COT)] (3). By applying a high vacuum, both 1 and 2 can be converted directly into 3. Using bulky silyl substituents on the COT ligand allowed isolation of base-free [(η⁴-Cb′′′′)U{η⁸-1,4-(ⁱPr₃Si)₂C₈H₆}] (4), with compounds 3 and 4 being new members of the bis(annulene) family of actinocenes and the first to contain a cyclobutadienyl ligand. Computational studies show that the bonding in the hybrid uranocenes 3 and 4 has non-negligible covalency. New insight into actinocene bonding is provided by the complementary interactions of the different ligands with uranium, whereby the 6d orbitals interact most strongly with the cyclobutadienyl ligand and the 5f orbitals do so with the COT ligands. The redox-neutral activation of diethyl ether by [(η⁴-Cb′′′′)U(η⁸-C₈H₈)] is also described and represents a uranium-cyclobutadienyl cooperative process, potentially forming the basis of further small-molecule activation chemistry.

The synthesis, structure and bonding in a series of hybrid uranocenes consisting of cyclobutadienyl and cyclo-octatetraenyl ligands is described.     

Coordination Behavior of [Cp″2Zr(µ1:1-As4)] towards Lewis Acids

The functionalization of the arsenic transfer reagent [Cp″₂Zr(η^1:1-As₄)] (1) focuses on modifying its properties and enabling a broader scope of reactivity. The coordination behavior of 1 towards different Lewis-acidic transition metal complexes and main group compounds is investigated by experimental and computational studies. Depending on the steric requirements of the Lewis acids and the reaction temperature, a variety of new complexes with different coordination modes and coordination numbers could be synthesized. Depending on the Lewis acid (LA) used, a mono-substitution in [Cp″₂Zr(µ,η^1:1:1:1-As₄)(LA)] (LA = Fe(CO)₄ (4); B(C₆F₅)₃ (7)) and [Cp″₂Zr(µ,η^3:1:1-As₄)(Fe(CO)₃)] (5) or a di-substitution [Cp″₂Zr(µ₃,η^1:1:1:1-As₄)(LA)₂] (LA = W(CO)₅ (2); CpMn(CO)₂ (3); AlR₃ (6, R = Me, Et, ⁱBu)) are monitored. In contrast to other coordination products, 5 shows an η³ coordination in which the butterfly As₄ ligand is rearranged to a cyclo-As₄ ligand. The reported complexes are rationalized in terms of inverse coordination.     

Temperature-modulated selective C(sp3)–H or C(sp2)–H arylation through palladium catalysis

Transition metal-catalysed C–H bond functionalisations have been extensively developed in organic and medicinal chemistry. Among these catalytic approaches, the selective activation of C(sp³)–H and C(sp²)–H bonds is particularly appealing for its remarkable synthetic versatility, yet it remains highly challenging. Herein, we demonstrate the first example of temperature-dependent selective C–H functionalisation of unactivated C(sp³)–H or C(sp²)–H bonds at remote positions through palladium catalysis using 7-pyridyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine as a new directing group. At 120 °C, C(sp³)–H arylation was triggered by the chelation of a rare [6,5]-fused palladacycle, whereas at 140 °C, C(sp²)–H arylation proceeded instead through the formation of a 16-membered tetramer containing four 7-pyridyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine–palladium chelation units. The subsequent mechanistic study revealed that both C–H activations shared a common 6-membered palladacycle intermediate, which was then directly transformed to either the [6,5]-fused palladacycle for C(sp³)–H activation at 120 °C or the tetramer for C(sp²)–H arylation at 140 °C with catalytic amounts of Pd(OAc)₂ and AcOH. Raising the temperature from 120 °C to 140 °C can also convert the [6,5]-fused palladacycle to the tetramer with the above-mentioned catalysts, hence completing the C(sp²)–H arylation ultimately.

Unprecedented 16-membered tetramer or [6,5]-fused palladacycle, mutually shadowboxing-like transformed from the shared common intermediate, accomplishes the Pd-catalysed temperature-dependent selective arylation of C(sp²)–H or C(sp³)–H.