Phosphoramidites: Privileged Ligands in Asymmetric Catalysis

Asymmetric catalysis with transition‐metal complexes is the basis for a vast array of stereoselective transformations and has changed the face of modern synthetic chemistry. Key to this success has been the design of chiral ligands to control the regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselectivity. Phosphoramidites have emerged as a highly versatile and readily accessible class of chiral ligands. Their modular structure enables the formation of ligand libraries and easy fine‐tuning for a specific catalytic reaction. Phosphoramidites frequently show exceptional levels of stereocontrol, and their monodentate nature is essential in combinatorial catalysis, where a ligand‐mixture approach is used. In this Review, recent developments in asymmetric catalysis with phosphoramidites used as ligands are discussed, with a focus on the formation of carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bonds.     

N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes: A New Concept in Organometallic Catalysis

N‐Heterocyclic carbenes have become universal ligands in organometallic and inorganic coordination chemistry. They not only bind to any transition metal, be it in low or high oxidation states, but also to main group elements such as beryllium, sulfur, and iodine. Because of their specific coordination chemistry, N‐heterocyclic carbenes both stabilize and activate metal centers in quite different key catalytic steps of organic syntheses, for example, C−H activation, C−C, C−H, C−O, and C−N bond formation. There is now ample evidence that in the new generation of organometallic catalysts the established ligand class of organophosphanes will be supplemented and, in part, replaced by N‐heterocyclic carbenes. Over the past few years, this chemistry has been the field of vivid scientific competition, and yielded previously unexpected successes in key areas of homogeneous catalysis. From the work in numerous academic laboratories and in industry, a revolutionary turning point in oraganometallic catalysis is emerging.     

Nitrogen Donors in Organometallic Chemistry and Homogeneous Catalysis

Homogeneous catalysis has been responsible for many major recent developments in synthetic organic chemistry. The combined use of organometallic and coordination chemistry has produced a number of new and powerful synthetic methods for important classes of compounds in general and for optically active substances in particular. For this purpose, complexes with optically active ligands have been used, most of them coordinating through phosphorus. More recent developments have highlighted the use of “nitrogen-donors”, particularly as they are easily obtained from the “chiral pool”. However, the remarkable achievements in this area have been based on an empirical approach. This article attempts to bridge the gap between the synthetic and the coordination chemist. The first section discusses the rates of formation and dissociation of complexes with nitrogen donors, their relationship to the rates of product formation, and presents the factors which induce homolytic cleavage of M? C bonds. It also provides a summary of the main types of organometallic complexes formed by metal centers coordinated to nitrogen donors and their reactivity patterns. The second section highlights the most significant, homogeneously catalyzed reactions involving complexes with nitrogen ligands. Foremost among them are the asymmetric aspects of hydrogenation (particularly those involving boranes as reducing agents), hydrosilylation, cyclopropanations, Diels-Alder reactions, aldol condensations, alkylation of aldehydes, conjugate addition reactions, Grignard cross-coupling reactions, allylic alkylations, oxidation reactions, olefin epoxidations, and di-hydroxylation of olefins.     

Tandem CH Activation/Arylation Catalyzed by Low‐Valent Iron Complexes with Bisiminopyridine Ligands

Tandem C?H activation/arylation between unactivated arenes and aryl halides catalyzed by iron complexes that bear redox‐active non‐innocent bisiminopyridine ligands is reported. Similar reactions catalyzed by first‐row transition metals have been shown to involve substrate‐based aryl radicals, whereas our catalytic system likely involves ligand‐centered radicals. Preliminary mechanistic investigations based on spectroscopic and reactivity studies, in conjunction with DFT calculations, led us to propose that the reaction could proceed through an inner‐sphere C?H activation pathway, which is rarely observed in the case of iron complexes. This bielectronic noble‐metal‐like behavior could be sustained by the redox‐active non‐innocent bisiminopyridine ligands.     

Methandiide as a Non‐Innocent Ligand in Carbene Complexes: From the Electronic Structure to Bond Activation Reactions and Cooperative Catalysis

The synthesis of a ruthenium carbene complex based on a sulfonyl‐substituted methandiide and its application in bond activation reactions and cooperative catalysis is reported. In the complex, the metal–carbon interaction can be tuned between a Ru?C single bond with additional electrostatic interactions and a Ru?C double bond, thus allowing the control of the stability and reactivity of the complex. Hence, activation of polar and non‐polar bonds (O?H, H?H) as well as dehydrogenation reactions become possible. In these reactions the carbene acts as a non‐innocent ligand supporting the bond activation as nucleophilic center in the 1,2‐addition across the metal–carbon double bond. This metal–ligand cooperativity can be applied in the catalytic transfer hydrogenation for the reduction of ketones. This concept opens new ways for the application of carbene complexes in catalysis.     

Asymmetric Catalysis Mediated by the Ligand Sphere of Octahedral Chiral‐at‐Metal Complexes

Due to the relationship between structure and function in chemistry, access to novel chemical structures ultimately drives the discovery of novel chemical function. In this light, the formidable utility of the octahedral geometry of six‐coordinate metal complexes is founded in its stereochemical complexity combined with the ability to access chemical space that might be unavailable for purely organic compounds. In this Minireview we wish to draw attention to inert octahedral chiral‐at‐metal complexes as an emerging class of metal‐templated asymmetric “organocatalysts” which exploit the globular, rigid nature and stereochemical options of octahedral compounds and promise to provide new opportunities in the field of catalysis.     

The Measure of All Rings—N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes

Quantification and variation of characteristic properties of different ligand classes is an exciting and rewarding research field. N‐Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are of special interest since their electron richness and structure provide a unique class of ligands and organocatalysts. Consequently, they have found widespread application as ligands in transition‐metal catalysis and organometallic chemistry, and as organocatalysts in their own right. Herein we provide an overview on physicochemical data (electronics, sterics, bond strength) of NHCs that are essential for the design, application, and mechanistic understanding of NHCs in catalysis.     

New Vistas in N‐Heterocyclic Silylene (NHSi) Transition‐Metal Coordination Chemistry: Syntheses,Structures and Reactivity towards Activation of Small Molecules

This account is a review on the synthesis and transition‐metal coordination chemistry of N‐heterocyclic silylenes (NHSi’s) over the last 20 years till the present time (2012). Recently, fascinating and novel synthetic methods have been developed to access transition‐metal–NHSi complexes as an emerging class of compounds with a wealth of intriguing reactivity patterns. The striking influence of coordinating NHSi’s to transition‐metal complex fragments affording different reactivities to the “free” NHSi is a connecting theme (“leitmotif”) throughout the review, and highlights the potential of these compounds which lie at the interface of contemporary main‐group and classical organometallic chemistry towards new molecular catalysts for small‐molecule activation.     

Mixed‐Ligand Catalysts: A Powerful Tool in Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions have fundamentally revolutionized organic synthesis, empowering the otherwise difficult to achieve products with rapid and convenient accesses alongside excellent yields. Within these reactions, ligands often play a critical role in specifically and effectively advocating the corresponding catalysis. Consequently, a myriad of ligands have been created and applied to make a fine tuning of electronic and steric effect of catalysts, remarkably promoting catalytic efficiency and applicability. The “mixed‐ligand” concept has recently emerged; by combining and capitalizing on the superiority of each individual ligand already available, an expedient way can be achieved to reach a larger extent of catalytic diversity and efficacy. Given the availability of a wealth of ligands, it is reasonable to have great expectations for the original application of mixed‐ligand catalytic systems and their important value in organic synthesis.     

Broader,Greener, and More Efficient: Recent Advances in Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation has become a practically useful tool in reduction chemistry in the last decade or so. This was largely triggered by the seminal work of Noyori and co‐workers in the mid‐1990s and is driven by its complementing chemistry to hydrogenation employing H₂. This Focus Review attempts to present a “holistic” overview on the advances in the area, focusing on the achievements recorded around the last three years. These include more‐efficient and “greener” metal catalysts, catalysts that enable hydrogenation as well as transfer hydrogenation, biomimetic and organocatalysts, and their applications in the reduction of C?O, C?N, and C?C bonds. Also highlighted are efforts in the development of environmentally benign and reusable catalytic systems.     

Aminophosphines: their chemistry and role as ligands and synthons

In recent years, research in organophosphorus chemistry has mainly focused in designing newer and better phosphorus ligands for synthesizing novel metal complexes with improved catalytic activities. Aminophosphines [tricoordinate phosphorus(III)–nitrogen systems] are considered as versatile compounds owing to the presence of nitrogen centres which, in principle, can influence additional reactivity features. They are quite sensitive to air and moisture due to the presence of polar P? N bond(s). In spite of this, research in aminophosphine chemistry is gaining momentum day‐by‐day and this is due mainly to one reason: their rich behaviour as ligands in metal complex chemistry and subsequently in catalysis. Their role as synthons in inorganic heterocyclic chemistry has also helped produce new types of heterocycles. In this paper, the chemistry of simple acyclic aminophosphines (synthesis, characterization, reactivity and applications) is covered and particular focus is given to their ability to form chalcogenides along with their role played as ligands in coordination chemistry and as synthons in inorganic heterocyclic chemistry. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Asymmetric Magnesium‐Catalyzed Hydroboration by Metal‐Ligand Cooperative Catalysis

Asymmetric catalysis with readily available, cheap, and non‐toxic alkaline earth metal catalysts represents a sustainable alternative to conventional synthesis methodologies. In this context, we describe the development of a first Mg^II‐catalyzed enantioselective hydroboration providing the products with excellent yields and enantioselectivities. NMR spectroscopy studies and DFT calculations provide insights into the reaction mechanism and the origin of the enantioselectivity which can be explained by a metal‐ligand cooperative catalysis pathway involving a non‐innocent ligand.     

[2]Catenanes Built Around Octahedral Transition‐Metal Complexes that Contain Two Intertwined Endocyclic but Non‐sterically Hindering Tridentate Ligands

Sterically hindering bidentate chelates, such as 2,9‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline, form entwined complexes with copper(I) and other tetrahedrally coordinated transition‐metal centres. To prepare octahedral complexes containing two entwined tridentate ligands and thus apply a strategy similar to that used for making catenanes with tetrahedral metal centres, the use of the classical terpy ligand (terpy=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine) appears to be attractive. In fact, 6,6′′‐diphenyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (dp‐terpy) is not appropriate due to strong “pinching” of the organic backbone by coordination to the metal and thus stable entwined complexes with this ligand cannot be obtained. Herein, we report the synthesis and coordination properties of a new family of tridentate ligands, the main features of which are their endocyclic nature and non‐sterically hindering character. The coordinating fragment consists of two 8′‐phenylisoquinolin‐3′‐yl groups attached at the 2 and 6 positions of a pyridine nucleus. Octahedral complexes containing two such entangled ligands around an octahedral metal centre, such as Fe^II, Ru^II or Co^III, are highly stable, with no steric congestion around the metal. By using functionalised ligands bearing terminal olefins, double ring‐closing metathesis leads to [2]catenanes in good yield with Fe^II or Co^III as the templating metal centre. The X‐ray crystallography structures of the Fe^II precursor and the Fe^II catenane are also reported. These show that although significant pinching of the ligand is observed in both Fe^II complexes, the system is very open and no steric constraints can be detected.     

Spiro Skeletons: A Class of Privileged Structure for Chiral Ligand Design

This Focus Review highlights the exciting results obtained in the area of asymmetric catalysis using spirobiindane‐ or spirobifluorene‐based chiral ligands. The spiro, mono, and bidentate ligands have been successfully applied in a wide range of transition‐metal‐catalyzed asymmetric reactions, including hydrogenations, carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom coupling reactions, with superior or comparable enantioselectivities to those obtained by using the related ligands bearing other backbones, thus proving that the spiro skeleton is a type of privileged structure for chiral ligand design. It is expected that the spiro concept for chiral ligand design will stimulate the future efforts to understand the features that account for their broad applicability and to apply this understanding to seek new privileged chiral ligands and catalysts.     

Phosphorus Heterocycles: From Laboratory Curiosities to Ligands in Highly Efficient Catalysts

Phosphabenzenes and phosphaferrocenes were among the first compounds with P−C multiple bonds. For nearly 30 years the chemistry of these molecules was essentially a domain left to basic researchers. Recently, however, it was reported that transition metal complexes with phosphabenzene and phosphaferrocene ligands exhibit remarkable potential as catalysts. Catalysts based on rhodium (I ) and various phosphabenzenes appear to be superior to classical systems in the hydroformylation of terminal and internal alkenes. In addition planar‐chiral phosphaferrocene species display an excellent performance as directing ligands in a series of enantioselective asymmetric syntheses.     

Platinum Group Organometallics Based on “Pincer” Complexes: Sensors,Switches, and Catalysts

Since the first reports in the late 1970s on transition metal complexes containing pincer‐type ligands—named after the particular coordination mode of these ligands—these systems have attracted increasing interest owing to the unusual properties of the metal centers imparted by the pincer ligand. Typically, such a ligand comprises an anionic aryl ring which is ortho,ortho‐disubstituted with heteroatom substituents, for example, CH₂NR₂, CH₂PR₂ or CH₂SR, which generally coordinate to the metal center, and therefore support the M−C σ bond. This commonly results in a terdentate and meridional coordination mode consisting of two metallacycles which share the M−C bond. Detailed studies of the formation and the properties of a large variety of pincers containing platinum group metal complexes have provided direct access to both a fundamental understanding of a variety of reactions in organometallic chemistry and to a range of new applications of these complexes. The discovery of alkane dehydrogenation catalysts, the mechanistic elucidation of fundamental transformations (for example, C−C bond activation), the construction of the first metallodendrimers for sustainable homogeneous catalysis, and the engineering of crystalline switches for materials processing represent only a few of the many highlights which have emanated from these numerous investigations. This review discusses the synthetic methodologies that are currently available for the preparation of platinum group metal complexes containing pincer ligands and especially emphasizes different applications that have been realized in materials science such as the development and engineering of sensors, switches, and catalysts.     

手性螺环配体的合成及其在不对称催化反应中的应用研究进展

手性螺环配体的合成及其在不对称催化反应中的应用是不对称合成和催化研究中重要的研究领域之一, 一些手性螺环配体被合成出来并成功地应用于不对称催化反应中. 综述了近十年来手性螺环配体的合成及在不对称催化反应中的应用研究进展.     

Filling a Niche in “Ligand Space” with Bulky,Electron-Poor Phosphorus(III) Alkoxides

The chemistry of phosphorus(III) ligands, which are of key importance in coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry and catalysis, is dominated by relatively electron-rich species. Many of the electron-poor P^III ligands that are readily available have relatively small steric profiles. As such, there is a significant gap in “ligand space” where more sterically bulky, electron-poor P^III ligands are needed. This contribution discusses the coordination chemistry, steric and electronic properties of P^III ligands bearing highly fluorinated alkoxide groups of the general form PR_n(OR^F)_3−n, where R=Ph, R^F=C(H)(CF₃)₂ and C(CF₃)₃; n=1–3. These ligands are simple to synthesize and a range of experimental and theoretical methods suggest that their steric and electronic properties can be “tuned” by modification of their substituents, making them excellent candidates for large, electron-poor ligands.     

Iron Cyclopentadienone Complexes: Discovery,Properties, and Catalytic Reactivity

Iron cyclopentadienone complexes have recently received particular attention in organic chemistry. This is due to their easy synthesis from simple and cheap materials, air–water stability, and most importantly for their unique catalytic features arising from the presence of a non‐innocent ligand, triggering powerful redox properties. Herein we discuss the properties of such complexes from synthetic and mechanistic points of view, and their applications in original redox‐neutral transformations in both racemic and enantioselective series.