Stereoselective Rhodium‐Catalysed [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of Linear Allene–Ene/Yne–Allene Substrates: Reactivity and Theoretical Mechanistic Studies

Allene–ene–allene ( 2 and 5 ) and allene–yne–allene ( 3 and 7 ) N‐tosyl and O‐linked substrates were satisfactorily synthesised. The [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction catalysed by the Wilkinson catalyst [RhCl(PPh₃)₃] was evaluated. Substrates 2 and 5 , which bear a double bond in the central position, gave a tricyclic structure in a reaction in which four contiguous stereogenic centres were formed as a single diastereomer. The reaction of substrates 3 and 7 , which bear a triple bond in the central position, gave a tricyclic structure with a cyclohexenic ring core, again in a diastereoselective manner. All cycloadducts were formed by a regioselective reaction of the inner allene double bond and, therefore, feature an exocyclic diene motif. A Diels–Alder reaction on N‐tosyl linked cycloadducts 8 and 10 allowed pentacyclic scaffolds to be diastereoselectively constructed. The reactivity of the allenes on [2+2+2] cycloaddition reactions was studied for the first time by density functional theory calculations. This mechanistic study rationalizes the order in which the unsaturations take part in the catalytic cycle, the reactivity of the two double bonds of the allene towards the [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction, and the diastereoselectivity of the reaction.     

Selective hydroformylation–acetalization of aryl alkenes in methanol catalyzed by RhCl3·3H2O–P(OPh)3 system

Acetals were formed under hydroformylation conditions of alkenes in alcohols as solvents. The hydroformylation process is combined with acetalization in a one-pot reaction leading to acetals as final products. These reactions sequences were catalyzed by the simple rhodium catalyst RhCl₃·3H₂O. The effects of the addition of different types and amounts of phosphine and phosphite ligands were carefully studied in order to improve the regioselectivity of the reaction.     

[Bis(tetrahydrofuran–O)–bis(1,3–dialkyl–2–diphenylphosphanyl–1,3–diazaallyl)calcium] – Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Calcium Bis[phospha(III)guanidinates] and Investigations of Catalytic Activity

The reaction of [(thf)₄Ca(PPh₂)₂] ( 1 ) with diisopropyl– and dicyclohexylcarbodiimides yields the phospha(III)guanidinates [(thf)₂Ca{RNC(PPh₂)NR}₂] with R = isopropyl ( 2 ) and cyclohexyl ( 3 ). The metathesis reaction of K{RNC(PPh₂)NR} with anhydrous CaI₂ also allows the synthesis of these phospha(III)guanidinate complexes 2 and 3 . For 2 a cis arrangement is observed whereas 3 crystallizes as trans isomer. The phospha(III)guanidinates act as bidentate chelate bases with an average Ca–N distance of 242.5 pm. The C–P bond length between the PPh₂ fragment and the 1,3–diazaallyl unit is with values above 190 pm very large. The complexes 2 and 3 show a moderate catalytic activity in hydrophosphanylation reactions of dialkylcarbodiimides with diphenylphosphane.     

Synthesis and Reactivity of 2,2,4,4–Tetrakis(tri–tert–butoxysilanethiolato)–1,3,2,4–dithiadistannetane – Crystal and Molecular Structures of Two Polymorphic Forms

The title compound, [Sn(μ–S){SSi(O^tBu)₃}₂]₂ ( 1 ), containing four–coordinated tin(IV), crystallizes in two polymorphic modifications. The orthorhombic 1a –form has been obtained in the reaction of (^tBuO)₃SiSH and Et₃N with SnCl₂, whereas the triclinic 1b –form in the reaction with SnCl₄ as substrate. The crystal and molecular structures of both polymorphs ( 1a as a redetermination) have been determined by a single–crystal X–ray diffraction study at room temperature. The title compound was shown to react with ammonia and ammonia complexes of some d–block metal cations giving products of Sn–S bond cleavage.     

Nafion–RuO2–Ru(bpy)3 composite electrodes for efficient electrocatalytic water oxidation

Electrocatalytic water oxidation to evolve O₂ was studied on a Nafion–RuO₂–Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ composite electrode. The O₂ evolution current efficiency was largely improved for the multi-component electrode over the Nafion–RuO₂ and Nafion–Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ individuals. The redox mediation through the Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ was found to dominate over the RuO₂ catalytic effect in the water oxidation mechanism. The specific surface area of the RuO₂, which was prepared at different temperatures (300–700°C), used in fabricating the composite electrode also played an important role in the overall water oxidation mechanism. Both the reaction and electrode parameters were optimized to get effective electrocatalytic current values in this study.     

Template‐Induced Diverse Metal–Organic Materials as Catalysts for the Tandem Acylation–Nazarov Cyclization

In our continuing quest to develop a metal–organic framework (MOF)‐catalyzed tandem pyrrole acylation–Nazarov cyclization reaction with α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids for the synthesis of cyclopentenone[b]pyrroles, which are key intermediates in the synthesis of natural product (±)‐roseophilin, a series of template‐induced Zn‐based ( 1–3 ) metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been solvothermally synthesized and characterized. Structural conversions from non‐porous MOF 1 to porous MOF 2 , and back to non‐porous MOF 3 arising from the different concentrations of template guest have been observed. The anion–π interactions between the template guests and ligands could affect the configuration of ligands and further tailor the frameworks of 1–3 . Futhermore, MOFs 1–3 have shown to be effective heterogeneous catalysts for the tandem acylation–Nazarov cyclization reaction. In particular, the unique structural features of 2 , including accessible catalytic sites and suitable channel size and shape, endow 2 with all of the desired features for the MOF‐catalyzed tandem acylation–Nazarov cyclization reaction, including heterogeneous catalyst, high catalytic activity, robustness, and excellent selectivity. A plausible mechanism for the catalytic reaction has been proposed and the structure–reactivity relationship has been further clarified. Making use of 2 as a heterogeneous catalyst for the reaction could greatly increase the yield of total synthesis of (±)‐roseophilin.     

Remarkably Efficient Photocurrent Generation Based on a [60]Fullerene–Triosmium Cluster/Zn–Porphyrin/Boron–Dipyrrin Triad SAM

A new artificial photosynthetic triad array, a [60]fullerene–triosmium cluster/zinc–porphyrin/boron–dipyrrin complex ( 1 , Os₃C₆₀/ZnP/Bodipy), has been prepared by decarbonylation of Os₃(CO)₈(CN(CH₂)₃Si(OEt)₃)(μ₃‐η²:η²:η²‐C₆₀) ( 6 ) with Me₃NO/MeCN and subsequent reaction with the isocyanide ligand CNZnP/Bodipy ( 5 ) containing zinc porphyrin (ZnP) and boron dipyrrin (Bodipy) moieties. Triad 1 has been characterized by various spectroscopic methods (MS, NMR, IR, UV/Vis, photoluminescence, and transient absorption spectroscopy). The electrochemical properties of 1 in chlorobenzene (CB) have been examined by cyclic voltammetry; the general feature of the cyclic voltammogram of 1 is nine reversible one‐electron redox couples, that is, the sum of those of 5 and 6 . DFT has been applied to study the molecular and electronic structures of 1 . On the basis of fluorescence‐lifetime measurements and transient absorption spectroscopic data, 1 undergoes an efficient energy transfer from Bodipy to ZnP and a fast electron transfer from ZnP to C₆₀; the detailed kinetics involved in both events have been elucidated. The SAM of triad 1 ( 1 /ITO; ITO=indium–tin oxide) has been prepared by immersion of an ITO electrode in a CB solution of 1 and diazabicyclo‐octane (2:1 equiv), and characterized by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, water contact angle, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The photoelectrochemical properties of 1 /ITO have been investigated by a standard three‐electrode system in the presence of an ascorbic acid sacrificial electron donor. The quantum yield of the photoelectrochemical cell has been estimated to be 29 % based on the number of photons absorbed by the chromophores. Our triad 1 is unique when compared to previously reported photoinduced electron‐transfer arrays, in that C₆₀ is linked by π bonding with little perturbation of the C₆₀ electron delocalization.     

Liquid–liquid and liquid–liquid–solid equilibrium in Na2CO3–PEG–H2O

The phase diagram was determined for the Na₂CO₃–PEG–H₂O system at 25°C using PEG (poly(ethylene glycol)) with a molecular weight of 4000. Compositions of the liquid–liquid and the liquid–liquid–solid equilibria were determined using calibration curves of density and index of refraction of the solutions, and atomic absorption (AA) and X-ray diffraction analyses were made on the solids. The solid phase in equilibrium with the biphasic region was Na₂CO₃·H₂O. Binodal curves were described using a three-parameter equation. Tie lines were described using the Othmer–Tobias and Bancroft correlation’s. Correlation coefficients for all equations exceeded 0.99. The effects of temperature (25 and 40°C) and the molecular weight of the PEG (2000, 3000, and 4000) on the binodal curve were also studied, and it was observed that the size of the biphasic region increased slightly with an increase in these variables.     

Leurosine me­thio­dide–methanol–water (1/3/2)

The crystal structure of a methanol–water solvate ofleurosine me­thio­dide, (leurosine‐CH₃)⁺I^?·3CH₃OH·2H₂O (C₄₇H₅₉IN₄O₉·3CH₃OH·2H₂O), is described. The piperidine ring of the upper part of the mol­ecule adopts a sofa conformation. An intramolecular hydrogen bond between the tertiary N and the hydroxyl group of the vindoline moiety of the mol­ecule is present.     

Synthesis and Structure of Binary Copper/Silver-Arsenic Clusters Derived from Zintl Ion As73-

Polyarsenides containing coinage metals,[As₇Cu(PPh₃)]^2-(1)and[M₂As₁₄]^4-(M=Cu,2;Ag,3),were synthesized by reactions of the nominal composition K₃As₇ with Group 11 metal complexes.The possible intermediate,cluster 1,was isolated from the solution phase through subtle changes in reaction conditions in the formation process of complex 2.Hence,we establish the pathway of the bimetallic bridged clusters[Cu₂As₁₄]^4-by the oxidation of the[As₇Cu(PPh₃)]^2-.Quantum chemical calculations reveal the presence of metallophilic interaction in clusters 2 and 3.     

Aluminum/Nitrogen Cycles and an Open Cage with Al–H and N–H Functions

The cyclic tert‐butyl‐amino alane dimer [tBu–N(H)AlH₂]₂ ( 1 ) was obtained from reaction between alane with tert‐butylamine and its boranate derivative [tBu–N(H)–Al(BH₄)₂)]₂ ( 2 ) subsequently from 1 by hydride/chloride exchange using PbCl₂ followed by reaction with LiBH₄. Both compounds form four‐membered Al₂N₂ cycles with typical Al–N bond lengths of 1.940(5) Å ( 1 ) and 1.945(5) Å ( 2 ) as found from X‐ray diffraction analysis. The tert‐butyl substituents at the nitrogen atoms may be situated at the same side of the ring (cis) or at opposite sides (trans). For compound 1 both isomers are present in solution, showing particular temperature dependent NMR shifts. In the solid both compounds 1 and 2 adopt the trans arrangement. When 1 is reacted with PbCl₂ in half of the molarity ratio used for 2 , surprisingly the novel compound 3 , a zwitterion, can be obtained: [(tBu–N)(Al–H)₃(tBu–N(H))₃Cl((H)N–tBu)₃(Al–H)₂(Al–Cl)(N–tBu)]⁺[(tBu–N)(tBu–N(H))(AlCl₂)₂]^–. X‐ray structure analysis reveals that the anion is made of a tert‐butyl amino aluminum dichloride dimer (central Al₂N₂ ring) with one of the two nitrogen atoms being deprotonated. The cationic counterpart consists of three entities: (i) There is a first seco‐norcubane like Al₃N₄ basket with tert‐butyl groups at the nitrogen atoms, two hydride and one chloride ligand at the aluminum atoms and three hydrogen atoms on the open side of the basket, all pointing in the same direction; (ii) There is a second similar Al₃N₄ basket with the same substituent pattern except that all aluminum atoms have exclusively hydrogen ligands; (iii) Both baskets coordinate a central chloride through the six protons at the open nitrogen face of the baskets in such a way that the chloride lies in the center of a H₆ trigonal anti‐prism [mean H–Cl–H = 56.1(9)°]. As each of the open cages has a positive charge the overall charge by combination with the chloride adds to +1. The structure of the cationic part of 3 is unprecedented in AlN polycycles.     

Lewis acid BF3·OEt2-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts reaction of methylenecyclopropanes with arenes

Methylenecyclopropanes react with various arenes to give the Friedel–Crafts reaction products in good yields in the presence of Lewis acid BF₃·OEt₂.     

Properties of Ce–Zr–La–O nano-system with ruthenium modified surface

Structural peculiarities of Ce–Zr–La–O and Ce–Zr–La–O/Ru samples in mean of catalytic properties are compared. The samples (Ce:Zr = 1:1, La = 10÷30 mol.%, Ru = 1.5 wt.%) were obtained by sol–gel method (X-samples) and co-precipitation (P-samples). It is shown that Ce_0.45Zr_0.45La_0.1O_2−δ/Ru X-samples are characterized by high thermal stability and the highest catalytic activity in partial methane oxidation reaction. According to XRD, BET, FTIR, EPR and XPS data it is concluded that the difference in the samples catalytic activity is caused by various disposition of Ru-containing phase on the support surface. The distinction in the dimension of Ru-containing particles (3D or 2D) is conditioned by structural peculiarities of Ce_0.45Zr_0.45La_0.1O_2−δ and Ce_0.35Zr_0.35La_0.3O_2−δ P- and X-samples.     

Sol–gel derived Si/C/O/N‐materials: molecular model compounds,xerogels and porous ceramics

Polymeric Si/C/O/N xerogels, with the idealized polymer network structure comprising [Si O Si(NCN)₃]_n moieties, were prepared by reactions of hexachlorodisiloxane (Cl₃Si O SiCl₃) with bis(trimethylsilyl)carbodiimide (Me₃Si NCN SiMe₃, BTSC). NMR and FTIR spectra indicate the existence of ‐NCN‐ and Si O Si‐ units in the xerogels and also in the ceramic materials obtained upon pyrolysis. The feasibility of this reaction protocol was confirmed on the molecular level by the deliberate synthesis of the macrocyclic compound [SiPh₂ O SiPh₂(NCN)]₂, the crystal structure and spectroscopic data of which are reported. The influence of pyridine as a catalyst for the cross‐linking reaction was studied. The degree of cross‐linking increased within the polymers with the addition of pyridine. It was shown by the reaction of hexachlorodisiloxane with excess pyridine that the latter appears to activate only one out of the two ‐SiCl₃ moieties under formation of hexacoordinated silicon compounds. The crystal structure of Cl₃Si O SiCl₃(pyridine)₂ is presented. Quantum chemical calculations are in support of this adduct being a potential intermediate in the pyridine catalyzed sol–gel process. The ceramic yield after pyrolysis of the Si/C/O/N‐xerogels at 1000 °C, which reaches values up to 50%, was found to depend on the aging protocol (time, temperature), whereas no correlation was found with the amount of pyridine added for xerogel synthesis. The Si/C/N/O‐ceramics obtained after pyrolysis at 1000 °C under NH₃ are completely amorphous. Chemically they have to be considered as hybrids between an ideal [SiOSi(NCN)₃]_n network and glass‐like Si₂N₂O. The products are mesoporous with closed pores and a broad pore size distribution. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Auto‐Tandem Cooperative Catalysis Using Phosphine/Palladium: Reaction of Morita–Baylis–Hillman Carbonates and Allylic Alcohols

Auto‐tandem catalysis (ATC), in which a single catalyst promotes two or more mechanistically different reactions in a cascade pattern, provides a powerful strategy to prepare complex products from simple starting materials. Reported here is an unprecedented auto‐tandem cooperative catalysis (ATCC) for Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates from isatins and allylic carbonates using a simple Pd(PPh₃)₄ precursor. Dissociated phosphine generates phosphorus ylides and the Pd leads to π‐allylpalladium complexes, and they undergo a γ‐regioselective allylic–allylic alkylation reaction. Importantly, a cascade intramolecular Heck‐type coupling proceeds to finally furnish spirooxindoles incorporating a 4‐methylene‐2‐cyclopentene motif. Experimental results indicate that both Pd and phosphine play crucial roles in the catalytic Heck reaction. In addition, the asymmetric versions with either a chiral phosphine or chiral auxiliary are explored, and moderate results are obtained.     

Thiophene–phenylene/naphthalene‐based step‐ladder copolymers

A series of step‐ladder copolymers based on thiophene–phenylene–thiophene SL1 ‐ SL3 and thiophene–naphthylene–thiophene SL4 repeat units with varying lengths of the oligothiophene segment has been designed and synthesized via a microwave‐assisted Stille‐type cross‐coupling reaction followed by a polymer‐analogous cyclization reaction. The optical properties of the step‐ladder copolymers have been investigated in detail, in particular at low temperature and in the solid‐state. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7342–7353, 2008     

Palladium supported on silica–chitosan hybrid material (Pd‐CS@SiO2) for Suzuki–Miyaura and Mizoroki–Heck cross‐coupling reactions

Palladium supported on silica–chitosan hybrid material was prepared and characterized using thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric analyses, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared, energy‐dispersive X‐ray and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The prepared Pd‐CS@SiO₂ catalyst (1 mol%) was used for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction of various aryl halides and arylboronic acids in 95% ethanol at 80 °C and the Mizoroki–Heck reaction in dimethylformamide at 110 °C using K₂CO₃ as a base. The developed catalyst is well suitable for the 3R approach (recoverable, robust, recyclable) for cross‐coupling reactions without appreciable loss of its activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydrodeoxygenation of benzofuran over sulfided and reduced Ni–Mo/γ-Al2O3 catalysts: Effect of H2S

Effect of H₂S on the catalytic performance of the reduced and sulfided Ni–Mo/Al₂O₃ catalysts in hydrodeoxygenation of benzofuran is studied. The steady-state reaction experiments showed a decrease in activity for both reduced and sulfided catalysts when H₂S was introduced into the feed. The reaction conversion of benzofuran over the reduced catalyst still remained superior to that of the sulfided catalyst in the presence of H₂S, however, at high reaction temperatures, the product distribution over the pre-reduced catalyst is similar to the sulfided catalyst. The studies with temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), temperature-programmed reaction (TPRxn) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques showed a partial sulfidation of the reduced catalysts when exposed to H₂S under reaction conditions, however, the catalyst does not go through a complete conversion to a molybdenum sulfide phase. Instead oxygen–sulfur exchange on the surface leaves behind oxisulfide species, with catalytic activity closely resembling that of the reduced catalysts. The effect of H₂S on the reaction performance is mainly coming from the competitive adsorption between H₂S and benzofuran and the formation of SH groups with decomposition of H₂S at high temperatures.     

Lithiated Stannasilanes – Building Blocks for Monocyclic Si–Sn Rings

Dilithiated di(stannyl)oligosilanes (^tBu₂Sn(Li)– (SiMe₂)_n–Sn(Li)^tBu₂; 4 , n = 2; 5 , n = 3) were synthesized by the reaction of lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) with the α,ω‐hydrido tin substituted oligosilanes (^tBu₂Sn(H)– (SiMe₂)_n–Sn(H)^tBu₂; 1 , n = 2; 2 , n = 3). Surprisingly, the reaction of 1 and 3 (^tBu₂Sn(H)–(SiMe₂)₄–Sn(H)^tBu₂) with LDA resulted not in the formation of the lithiated compound, but what one can find is the formation of the 5,5‐ditert.butyl‐octamethyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrasila‐5‐stannacyclopentane ( 8 ) (n = 4) in addition to the expected product 4 (n = 4) and the 3,3,6,6‐tetratert.butyl‐octamethyl‐1,2,4,5‐tetrasila‐3,6‐distannacyclohexane ( 7 ) (n = 3). Reactions of 4 and 5 with dimethyl and diphenyldichlorosilanes yielding monocyclic Si–Sn derivatives ( 9 – 11 ) are also discussed. The solid‐state structures of 7 and 11 were determined by X‐ray crystallography.     

Solid state synthesis of lithiated manganese oxides from mechanically activated Li2CO3–Mn3O4 mixtures

The solid state formation of lithium manganese oxides has been studied from the thermal decomposition of mixtures Li₂CO₃–Mn₃O₄ with X_Li (lithium cationic fraction)=0.33 (LiMn₂O₄), 0.50 (LiMnO₂) and 0.66 (Li₂MnO₃). The analysis of the reactivity has been performed mainly by thermoanalytical (TG/DSC) and diffractometric (XRPD) techniques either on physical mixtures and on mixtures subjected to mechanical activation by high energy milling. At X_Li=0.33, the cubic lithium manganese spinel oxide (LiMn₂O₄) forms in air. TG measurements showed that the reaction starts at a considerably lower temperature in the activated mixture. By variable temperature X-ray diffraction it has been assessed that, upon mechanical activation, LiMn₂O₄ forms directly and its formation is completed within 700 °C whereas, starting from a physical mixture, the formation goes through Mn₂O₃ and is complete only at 800 °C. At T>820 °C LiMn₂O₄ reversibly decomposes to LiMnO₂ and Mn₃O₄ with an enthalpy of 30.05 kJ mol⁻¹ of LiMn₂O₄. At X_Li=0.50, by annealing under nitrogen flow for 6 h at 650 °C the activated mixture, the orthorhombic LiMnO₂ is formed. Such a formation goes through a mixture of LiMnO₂ and LiMn₂O₄. The enthalpy of LiMnO₂ solid state formation from the activated mixture has been determined to be 57.4 kJ mol⁻¹ of LiMnO₂. At X_Li=0.66 in air the mechanical activation considerably lowers the temperature within the monoclinic phase Li₂MnO₃ forms. Besides the reaction enthalpy could be determined as 40.13 kJ mol⁻¹ of Li₂MnO₃. The reaction, when performed under nitrogen flow, goes through the formation of LiMnO₂. Such a first stage of the reaction is affected by the temperature of reaction rather than by mechanical activation. The activation greatly enhances the second stage of the reaction leading from LiMnO₂ to Li₂MnO₃.