Reaching for two new stable ambiphilic quinoline‐derived N‐heterocyclic carbenes at DFT level

A detailed investigation on the thermodynamic and kinetic stability of four carbenic tautomers of quinoline 1 , including quinoline‐2‐ylidene 2 , quinoline‐3‐ylidene 3 , quinoline‐4‐ylidene 4 , and 3,4‐dihydroquinoline‐4‐ylidene 5 , reveals that singlet planar six‐membered ring N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) 2 and 4 have less stability than Arduengo type NHC but seems to have enough conceivably for reaching at B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVTZ//B3LYP/6–31+G* and B3LYP/6–311++G**//B3LYP/6–31+G* levels. All these six‐membered NHCs are extremely ambiphilic with the more nucleophilic and electrophilic characters compared to the Arduengo type one. The aromaticity of singlet 2 and 4 is a significant contributor to their stability which is confirmed through their Nucleus‐independent chemical shift(1)_zz values. Finally, among 2–5 , the normal NHC 2 is thermodynamically preferred but the remote NHC 4 is kinetically proffered over the other isomeric carbenes. The effects of different N‐ or C‐substituted NHCs of 2 are studied using appropriate isodesmic reactions. The trimethylsilyl substituent exhibits slightly larger carbene stabilization in quinoline‐derived NHCs than the pyridine analogue. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Expanded‐Ring N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes Efficiently Stabilize Gold(I) Cations,Leading to High Activity in π‐Acid‐Catalyzed Cyclizations

A series of six‐ and seven‐membered expanded‐ring N‐heterocyclic carbene (er‐NHC) gold(I) complexes has been synthesized using different synthetic approaches. Complexes with weakly coordinating anions [(er‐NHC)AuX] (X^?=BF₄^?, NTf₂^?, OTf^?) were generated in solution. According to their ¹³C NMR spectra, the ionic character of the complexes increases in the order X^?=Cl^?<NTf₂^?<OTf^?<BF₄^?. Additional factors for stabilization of the cationic complexes are expansion of the NHC ring and the attachment of bulky substituents at the nitrogen atoms. These er‐NHCs are bulkier ligands and stronger electron donors than conventional NHCs as well as phosphines and sulfides and provide more stabilization of [(L)Au⁺] cations. A comparative study has been carried out of the catalytic activities of five‐, six‐, and seven‐membered carbene complexes [(NHC)AuX], [(Ph₃P)AuX], [(Me₂S)AuX], and inorganic compounds of gold in model reactions of indole and benzofuran synthesis. It was found that increased ionic character of the complexes was correlated with increased catalytic activity in the cyclization reactions. As a result, we developed an unprecedentedly active monoligand cationic [(THD‐Dipp)Au]BF₄ (1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3,4,5,6‐tetrahydrodiazepin‐2‐ylidene gold(I) tetrafluoroborate) catalyst bearing seven‐membered‐ring carbene and bulky Dipp substituents. Quantitative yields of cyclized products were attained in several minutes at room temperature at 1 mol % catalyst loadings. The experimental observations were rationalized and fully supported by DFT calculations.     

An Alternative Approach to PEPPSI Catalysts: From Palladium Isonitriles to Highly Active Unsymmetrically Substituted PEPPSI Catalysts

A series of new pyridine‐enhanced precatalyst preparation, stabilization, and initiation (PEPPSI)‐type complexes bearing different types of carbene ligands was prepared by the modular and convergent template synthesis strategy. Nitrogen acyclic carbenes, saturated and unsaturated five‐membered NHC, saturated six‐membered NHCs, and five‐membered N‐heterocyclic oxo‐carbene (NHOC) ligands on palladium were prepared this way. These new organometallic compounds then were tested in Suzuki and Negishi cross‐coupling reactions by using substrates with one or two substituents in ortho‐position of the new C?C bond being formed. Both aryl chlorides and bromides were tested as coupling partners. In some cases, the new ligands gave results similar to Organ’s successful IPr‐based and IPent‐based PEPPSI derivatives, with aryl bromides 0.05 mol % catalyst load still gave satisfactory results, with aryl chlorides 0.5 mol % were needed.     

Intramolecular CN Bond Activation and Ring‐Expansion Reactions of N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes

Intramolecular ring‐expansion reactions (RER) of the N‐heterocyclic carbene 1,3‐dimethylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene were observed upon vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoexcitation. Similarly to RERs reported in the solvent phase, for the reaction of NHCs with main‐group‐element hydrides, hydrogen transfer to the NHC carbon atom is the crucial initial step. In an ionization‐mediated protonation, 1,3‐dimethylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene forms an imidazolium ion, which is the rate‐limiting step on the pathway to two six‐membered ring products, namely, methylpyrimidinium and ‐pyrazinium ions. To unravel the reaction path, we have used imaging photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy with VUV synchrotron radiation, as well as high‐level composite method calculations. Similarities and differences between the mechanism in the gas phase and in the condensed phase are discussed.     

Facile Access to an NHC‐Coordinated Silicon Ring Compound with a Si=N Group and a Two‐Coordinate Silicon Atom

Reaction of the bicyclo[1.1.0]tetrasilatetraamide Si₄{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₄ 1 (Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) with 5 equiv of the N‐heterocyclic carbene NHC^Me4 (1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) affords a bifunctional carbene‐coordinated four‐membered‐ring compound with a Si=N group and a two‐coordinate silicon atom Si₄{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₂(NHC^Me4)₂(NDipp) 2 . When 2 reacts with 0.25 equiv sulfur (S₈), two sulfur atoms add to the divalent silicon atom in plane and perpendicular to the plane of the Si₄ ring, which confirms the silylone character of the two‐coordinate silicon atom in 2 .     

Breslow Intermediates from Aromatic N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes (Benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidenes,Thiazolin‐2‐ylidenes)

We report the first generation and characterization of elusive Breslow intermediates derived from aromatic N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), namely benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidenes (NMR, X‐ray analysis) and thiazolin‐2‐ylidenes (NMR). In the former case, the diamino enols were generated by reaction of the free N,N‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐ and N,N‐bis(mesityl)‐substituted benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidenes with aldehydes while the dimer of 3,4,5‐trimethylthiazolin‐2‐ylidene served as the starting material in the latter case. The unambiguous NMR identification of the first thiazolin‐2‐ylidene‐based Breslow intermediate rests on double ¹³C labeling of both the NHC and the aldehyde component. The acyl anion reactivity was confirmed by benzoin formation with excess aldehyde.     

Polycyclic Indoline‐Benzodiazepines through Electrophilic Additions of α‐Imino Carbenes to Tröger Bases

Polycyclic indoline‐benzodiazepines can be accessed through the intermolecular reaction of Tröger bases with N‐sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles. Under Rh^II catalysis, α‐imino carbenes are generated and a subsequent cascade of [1,2]‐Stevens, Friedel–Crafts, Grob, and aminal formation reactions yield the polycyclic heterocycles as single isomers (d.r.>49:1, four stereocenters including two bridgehead N atoms). Further ring expansion by insertion of a second α‐imino carbene leads to elaborated polycyclic 9‐membered‐ring triazonanes.     

An N‐Heterocyclic Carbene with a Saturated Backbone and Spatially‐Defined Steric Impact

The synthesis and coordination chemistry of a saturated analogue of a “bulky‐yet‐flexible” N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand are described. “SIPaul” is a 4,5‐dihydroimidazol‐2‐ylidene ligand with unsymmetrical aryl N‐substituents, and is one of the growing class of “bulky‐yet‐flexible” NHCs that are sufficiently bulky to stabilize catalytic intermediates, but sufficiently flexible that they do not inhibit productive chemistry at the central metal atom. Here, the synthesis of SIPaul.HCl and its complexes with copper, silver, iridium, palladium, and nickel, and its selenourea, are reported. The steric impact of the ligand is quantified using percent buried volume (% V_bur), whereas the electronic properties are probed and quantified using the Tolman Electronic Parameter (TEP) and δ_Se of the corresponding selenourea. This work shows that despite the often very different performance of saturated versus unsaturated carbenes in catalysis, the effect of backbone saturation on measurable properties is very small.     

Serendipitous Observation of AlI Insertion into a C−O Bond in L2PhB (L=Oxazol‐2‐ylidene)

Oxidative addition of the C?O bond in L₂PhB: (L=oxazol‐2‐ylidene) to an Al^I center induced ring expansion of an oxazol‐2‐ylidene ring, affording a unique organoboron species formally involving either an Al, N, O mixed heterocyclic carbene or anionic (amino)(boryl)carbene fragment.     

Formation of N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes by Tautomerization of Mesomeric Betaines: Cyclic Boron Adducts and Palladium Complexes From 2‐(Imidazolium‐1‐yl)phenolates

2‐(Imidazolium‐1‐yl)phenolates are conjugated heterocyclic mesomeric betaines in tautomeric equilibrium with the corresponding N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), 3‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐imidazol‐2‐ylidenes. The carbene tautomers can be trapped as thiones (X‐ray analysis). Moreover, bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) dichloride in THF trapped the carbene tautomer as a palladium complex without participation of the phenolate group (X‐ray analysis). The corresponding anionic NHCs, 2‐phenolate‐substituted imidazol‐2‐ylidenes, can be trapped by triethylborane or triphenylborane to form 4,4‐diethyl‐ or 4,4‐diphenyl‐4H‐benzo[e]imidazo[2,1‐c][1,4,2]oxaza‐borininium‐4‐ides, respectively (two X‐ray analyses). These tricyclic systems are the first representatives of a new heterocyclic ring system. The results of DFT calculations concerning the HOMO/LUMO profiles and partial charges are also presented.     

Isolation of an Imino‐N‐heterocyclic Carbene/Germanium(0) Adduct: A Mesoionic Germylene Equivalent

An autoionization of germanium dichloride/dioxane complex with an imino‐N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand ( L ) afforded a novel germyliumylidene ion, [( L )GeCl]⁺[GeCl₃]^?, which was fully characterized. Reduction of the germyliumylidene ion with potassium graphite produced a cyclic species [( L )Ge], which can be viewed as both a Ge⁰ species and a mesoionic germylene. X‐ray diffraction analysis and computational studies revealed one of the lone pairs on the Ge atom is involved in the π system on the GeC₂N₂ five‐membered ring. It was also confirmed that the nucleophilic behavior of [( L )Ge] as a two lone‐pair donor.     

Phenylimidorhenium(V) Complexes with 1,3‐Diethyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐2‐ ylidene Ligands

The phenylimidorhenium(V) complexes [Re(NPh)X₃(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br) react with the N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) 1,3‐diethyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐2‐ylidene (L^Et) under formation of the stable rhenium(V) complex cations [Re(NPh)X(L^Et)₄]²⁺ (X = Cl, Br), which can be isolated as their chloride or [PF₆]^? salts. The compounds are remarkably stable against air, moisture and ligand exchange. The hydroxo species [Re(NPh)(OH)(L^Et)₄]²⁺ is formed when moist solvents are used during the synthesis. The rhenium atoms in all three complexes are coordinated in a distorted octahedral fashion with the four NHC ligands in equatorial planes of the molecules. The Re–C(carbene) bond lengths between 2.171(8) and 2.221(3) Å indicate mainly σ‐bonding between the NHC ligand and the electron deficient d² metal atoms. Attempts to prepare analogous phenylimido complexes from [Re(NPh)Cl₃(PPh₃)₂] and 1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐2‐ylidene (L^i?Pr) led to a cleavage of the rhenium‐nitrogen multiple bond and the formation of the dioxo complex [ReO₂(L^i?Pr)₄]⁺.     

The Reactivities of Iminoboranes with Carbenes: BN Isosteres of Carbene–Alkyne Adducts

The first examples of adducts of cyclic alkyl(amino) carbenes (CAAC) and N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) with iminoboranes have been synthesized and isolated at low temperature (?45 °C). The adducts show short B?N bonds and planarity at boron, mimicking the structures of the isoelectronic imine functionality. When di‐tert‐butyliminoborane was reacted with 1,3‐bis(isopropyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene (IPr), the initially formed Lewis acid–base adduct quickly rearranged to form a new carbene substituted with an aminoborane at the 4‐position. Warming the iminoborane–CAAC adduct to room temperature resulted in an intramolecular cyclization to give a bicyclic 1,2‐azaborilidine compound.     

How Can a Carbene be Active in an Ionic Liquid?

The solvation of the carbene 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazole‐2‐ylidene in the ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate was investigated by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations in order to reveal the interaction between these two highly important classes of materials: N‐heterocyclic carbenes with superb catalytic activity and ionic liquids with advantageous properties as solvents and reaction media. In contrast to previously published data on analogous systems, no hydrogen bond is observed between the hypovalent carbon atom and the most acidic ring hydrogen atoms, as these interaction sites of the imidazolium ring are predominantly occupied by the acetate ions. Keeping the carbene away from the ring hydrogen atoms prevents stabilization of this reactive species, and hence any retarding effect on subsequent reactions, which explains the observed high reactivity of the carbene in acetate‐based ionic liquids. Instead, the carbene exhibits a weaker interaction with the methyl group of the imidazolium cation by forming a hitherto unprecedented kind of C???H?C hydrogen bond. This unexpected finding not only indicates a novel kind of hydrogen bond for carbenes, but also shows that such interaction sites of the imidazolium cation are not limited to the ring hydrogen atoms. Thus, the results give the solute–solvent interactions within ionic liquids a new perspective, and provide a further, albeit weak, site of interaction to tune in order to achieve the desired environment for any dissolved active ingredient.     

Generating and Trapping Metalla‐N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes

By means of a combined experimental and theoretical approach, the electronic features and chemical behavior of metalla‐N‐heterocyclic carbenes (MNHCs, N‐heterocyclic carbenes containing a metal atom within the heterocyclic skeleton) have been established and compared with those of classical NHCs. MNHCs are strongly basic (proton affinity and pK_a values around 290 kcal mol^?1 and 36, respectively) with a narrow singlet–triplet gap (around 23 kcal mol^?1). MNHCs can be generated from the corresponding metalla‐imidazolium salts and trapped by addition of transition‐metal complexes affording the corresponding heterodimetallic dicarbene derivatives, which can serve as carbene transfer agents.     

A New Class of Remote N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes with Exceptionally Strong σ‐Donor Properties: Introducing Benzo[c]quinolin‐6‐ylidene

We make the case for benzo[c]quinolin‐6‐ylidene ( 1 ) as a strongly electron‐donating carbene ligand. The facile synthesis of 6‐trifluoromethanesulfonylbenzo[c]quinolizinium trifluoromethanesulfonate ( 2 ) gives straightforward access to a useful precursor for oxidative addition to low‐valent metals, to yield the desired carbene complexes. This concept has been achieved in the case of [Mn(benzo[c]quinolin‐6‐ylidene)(CO)₅]⁺ ( 15 ) and [Pd(benzo[c]quinolin‐6‐ylidene)(PPh₃)₂(L)]²⁺ L=THF ( 21 ), OTf ( 22 ) or pyridine ( 23 ). Attempts to coordinate to nickel result in coupling products from two carbene precursor fragments. The CO IR‐stretching‐frequency data for the manganese compound suggests benzo[c]quinolin‐6‐ylidene is at least as strong a donor as any heteroatom‐stabilised carbene ligand reported.     

Moving toward Ylide‐Stabilized Carbenes

The effect of ylide substitution at the α position to the carbene carbon (C_c) atom on the stability and σ‐donating ability of a number of cyclic carbenes has been studied theoretically. The stabilities of all of the carbenes were investigated from an evaluation of their singlet–triplet energy gaps and stabilization energies. All carbenes were found to have a stable singlet state. The energy of the σ‐symmetric lone‐pair orbital at the C_c atom increases as a result of the introduction of ylide centers near to the C_c atom. This indicates an enhanced σ‐donating ability of the ylide‐containing carbenes. The calculated carbonyl‐stretching frequencies of the corresponding rhodium complexes, proton affinities, and nucleophilicity index values correlate well with the σ basicity of the carbenes.     

Iron‐ and Cobalt‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Carbene Phosphinidenes

In the presence of stoichiometric or catalytic amounts of [M{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂] (M=Fe, Co), N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) react with primary phosphines to give a series of carbene phosphinidenes of the type (NHC)?PAr. The formation of (IMe₄)?PMes (Mes=mesityl) is also catalyzed by the phosphinidene‐bridged complex [(IMe₄)₂Fe(μ‐PMes)]₂, which provides evidence for metal‐catalyzed phosphinidene transfer.     

N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Stabilized Dicarbondiphosphides: Strong Neutral Four‐Membered Heterocyclic 6π‐Electron Donors

In contrast to cyclic π‐conjugated hydrocarbons, the coordination chemistry of inorganic heterocycles is less developed. Dicarbondiphosphides stabilized by N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) NHC→C₂P₂←NHC ( 1 a , b ) (NHC=IPr or SIPr) contain a four‐membered C₂P₂ ring with an aromatic 6π‐electron configuration. These heterocycles coordinate to a variety of complex fragments with metals from groups 6, 9, and 10, namely [M⁰(CO)₃] (M=Cr, Mo), [Co^I(CO)₂]⁺, or [Ni^IIBr₂], through an η⁴‐coordination mode, leading to complexes 2 a , b , 3 a , b , 5 a , b , and 6 a , b , respectively. These complexes were characterized by X‐ray diffraction methods using single crystals, IR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. In combination these methods indicate that 1 a , b behave as exceptionally strong 6π‐electron donors.     

Nitridorhenium(V) Complexes with 1,3‐Dialkyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐2‐ylidenes

The nitridorhenium(V) complexes [ReNCl₂(PR₂Ph)₃] (R = Me, Et) react with the N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) 1,3‐diethyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐5‐ylidene (L^Et) or 1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazole‐2‐ylidene (L^Me) in absolutely dry THF under complete replacement of the equatorial coordination sphere. The resulting [ReNCl(L^R)₄]⁺ complexes (L^R = L^Me, L^Et) are moderately stable as solids and in solution, but decompose in hot methanol under formation of [ReO₂(L^R)₄]⁺ complexes. With 1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazole‐5‐ylidene (L^i‐Pr), the loss of the nitrido ligand and the formation of a dioxo species is more rapid and no nitridorhenium intermediate could be isolated. The Re‐C bond lengths in [ReNCl(L^Et)₄]Cl of approximately 2.195Å are relatively long and indicate mainly σ‐bonding in the electron‐deficient d² system under study. The hydrolysis of the nitrido complexes proceeds via the formation of [ReO₃N]^2? anions as could be verified by the isolation and structural characterization of the intermediates [{ReN(PMe₂Ph)₃}{ReO₃N}]₂ and [{ReN(OH₂)(L^Et)₂}₂O][ReO₃N].