Direct Mechanism of the First Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation in the Methanol‐to‐Hydrocarbons Process

In the past two decades, the reaction mechanism of C−C bond formation from either methanol or dimethyl ether (DME) in the methanol‐to‐hydrocarbons (MTH) process has been a highly controversial issue. Described here is the first observation of a surface methyleneoxy analogue, originating from the surface‐activated DME, by in situ solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, a species crucial to the first C−C bond formation in the MTH process. New insights into the first C−C bond formation were provided, thus suggesting DME/methanol activation and direct C−C bond formation by an interesting synergetic mechanism, involving C−H bond breakage and C−C bond coupling during the initial methanol reaction within the chemical environment of the zeolite catalyst.     

Initial Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation during the Early Stages of the Methanol‐to‐Olefin Process Proven by Zeolite‐Trapped Acetate and Methyl Acetate

Methanol‐to‐olefin (MTO) catalysis is a very active field of research because there is a wide variety of sometimes conflicting mechanistic proposals. An example is the ongoing discussion on the initial C?C bond formation from methanol during the induction period of the MTO process. By employing a combination of solid‐state NMR spectroscopy with UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry on an active H‐SAPO‐34 catalyst, we provide spectroscopic evidence for the formation of surface acetate and methyl acetate, as well as dimethoxymethane during the MTO process. As a consequence, new insights in the formation of the first C?C bond are provided, suggesting a direct mechanism may be operative, at least in the early stages of the MTO reaction.     

Unraveling the Homologation Reaction Sequence of the Zeolite‐Catalyzed Ethanol‐to‐Hydrocarbons Process

Although industrialized, the mechanism for catalytic upgrading of bioethanol over solid‐acid catalysts (that is, the ethanol‐to‐hydrocarbons (ETH) reaction) has not yet been fully resolved. Moreover, mechanistic understanding of the ETH reaction relies heavily on its well‐known “sister‐reaction” the methanol‐to‐hydrocarbons (MTH) process. However, the MTH process possesses a C₁‐entity reactant and cannot, therefore, shed any light on the homologation reaction sequence. The reaction and deactivation mechanism of the zeolite H‐ZSM‐5‐catalyzed ETH process was elucidated using a combination of complementary solid‐state NMR and operando UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, coupled with on‐line mass spectrometry. This approach establishes the existence of a homologation reaction sequence through analysis of the pattern of the identified reactive and deactivated species. Furthermore, and in contrast to the MTH process, the deficiency of any olefinic‐hydrocarbon pool species (that is, the olefin cycle) during the ETH process is also noted.     

Formation Mechanism of the First Carbon–Carbon Bond and the First Olefin in the Methanol Conversion into Hydrocarbons

The elementary reactions leading to the formation of the first carbon–carbon bond during early stages of the zeolite‐catalyzed methanol conversion into hydrocarbons were identified by combining kinetics, spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. The first intermediates containing a C?C bond are acetic acid and methyl acetate, which are formed through carbonylation of methanol or dimethyl ether even in presence of water. A series of acid‐catalyzed reactions including acetylation, decarboxylation, aldol condensation, and cracking convert those intermediates into a mixture of surface bounded hydrocarbons, the hydrocarbon pool, as well as into the first olefin leaving the catalyst. This carbonylation based mechanism has an energy barrier of 80 kJ mol^?1 for the formation of the first C?C bond, in line with a broad range of experiments, and significantly lower than the barriers associated with earlier proposed mechanisms.     

Enantioselective Cross‐Exchange between C−I and C−C σ Bonds

A palladium‐catalyzed enantioselective intramolecular σ‐bond cross‐exchange between C?I and C?C bonds is realized, providing chiral indanones bearing an alkyl iodide group and an all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter. Pd/TADDOL‐derived phosphoramidite is found to be an efficient catalytic system for both C?C bond cleavage and alkyl iodide reductive elimination. In addition to aryl iodides, aryl bromides can also be used for this transformation in the presence of KI. Density‐functional theory (DFT) calculation studies support the ring‐opening of cyclobutanones occuring through an oxidative addition/reductive elimination process involving Pd^IV species.     

Direct Mechanism of the First Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation in the Methanol-to-Hydrocarbons Process

In the past two decades, the reaction mechanism of C−C bond formation from either methanol or dimethyl ether (DME) in the methanol-to-hydrocarbons (MTH) process has been a highly controversial issue. Described here is the first observation of a surface methyleneoxy analogue, originating from the surface-activated DME, by in situ solid-state NMR spectroscopy, a species crucial to the first C−C bond formation in the MTH process. New insights into the first C−C bond formation were provided, thus suggesting DME/methanol activation and direct C−C bond formation by an interesting synergetic mechanism, involving C−H bond breakage and C−C bond coupling during the initial methanol reaction within the chemical environment of the zeolite catalyst.     

Visible‐Light‐Induced Nickel‐Catalyzed Negishi Cross‐Couplings by Exogenous‐Photosensitizer‐Free Photocatalysis

The merging of photoredox and transition‐metal catalysis has become one of the most attractive approaches for carbon–carbon bond formation. Such reactions require the use of two organo‐transition‐metal species, one of which acts as a photosensitizer and the other one as a cross‐coupling catalyst. We report herein an exogenous‐photosensitizer‐free photocatalytic process for the formation of carbon–carbon bonds by direct acceleration of the well‐known nickel‐catalyzed Negishi cross‐coupling that is based on the use of two naturally abundant metals. This finding will open new avenues in cross‐coupling chemistry that involve the direct visible‐light absorption of organometallic catalytic complexes.     

π‐Interactions between Cyclic Carbocations and Aromatics Cause Zeolite Deactivation in Methanol‐to‐Hydrocarbon Conversion

The understanding of catalyst deactivation represents one of the major challenges for the methanol‐to‐hydrocarbon (MTH) reaction over acidic zeolites. Here we report the critical role of intermolecular π‐interactions in catalyst deactivation in the MTH reaction on zeolites H‐SSZ‐13 and H‐ZSM‐5. π‐interaction‐induced spatial proximities between cyclopentenyl cations and aromatics in the confined channels and/or cages of zeolites are revealed by two‐dimensional solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The formation of naphtalene as a precursor to coke species is favored due to the reaction of aromatics with the nearby cyclopentenyl cations and correlates with both acid density and zeolite topology.     

Theoretical Insights on Methylbenzene Side‐Chain Growth in ZSM‐5 Zeolites for Methanol‐to‐Olefin Conversion

The key step in the conversion of methane to polyolefins is the catalytic conversion of methanol to light olefins. The most recent formulations of a reaction mechanism for this process are based on the idea of a complex hydrocarbon‐pool network, in which certain organic species in the zeolite pores are methylated and from which light olefins are eliminated. Two major mechanisms have been proposed to date—the paring mechanism and the side‐chain mechanism—recently joined by a third, the alkene mechanism. Recently we succeeded in simulating a full catalytic cycle for the first of these in ZSM‐5, with inclusion of the zeolite framework and contents. In this paper, we will investigate crucial reaction steps of the second proposal (the side‐chain route) using both small and large zeolite cluster models of ZSM‐5. The deprotonation step, which forms an exocyclic double bond, depends crucially on the number and positioning of the other methyl groups but also on steric effects that are typical for the zeolite lattice. Because of steric considerations, we find exocyclic bond formation in the ortho position to the geminal methyl group to be more favourable than exocyclic bond formation in the para position. The side‐chain growth proceeds relatively easily but the major bottleneck is identified as subsequent de‐alkylation to produce ethene. These results suggest that the current formulation of the side‐chain route in ZSM‐5 may actually be a deactivating route to coke precursors rather than an active ethene‐producing hydrocarbon‐pool route. Other routes may be operating in alternative zeotype materials like the silico‐aluminophosphate SAPO‐34.     

Free radical polymerization with catalytic chain transfer: Using NMR to probe the strength of the cobalt–carbon bond in small molecule model reactions

This work examines cobalt–carbon bond formation between the cobalt (II) macrocycle, (tetrakis(p‐methoxyphenyl)porphyrinato)cobalt (II), (TAP)Co, and a variety of radicals derived from vinyl compounds to facilitate a better understanding of the various factors affecting the cobalt–carbon bond strength in catalytic chain transfer polymerization. The reaction of (TAP)Co with the following vinylic molecules was studied: methacrylonitrile, cyclohexene, methyl methacrylate, styrene, methyl acrylate, vinyl acetate, vinyl benzoate, methyl crotonate, cis‐2‐pentenenitrile, and ethyl α‐hydroxymethacrylate. Different concentrations of each vinylic compound were added to (TAP)Co and 2,2′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile) in CDCl₃ at 60 °C. The ratio of Co(III) to Co(II) and the nature of the radical bound to the cobalt macrocycle were determined via nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. Several factors are shown to affect the reaction of the radical and the cobalt (II) species (and hence the strength of the cobalt–carbon bond in the resulting compound). These factors are as follows: the number of pathways by which a radical may be derived from the vinyl compound; the variety of radicals that can be produced from the vinylic molecule; the stability of the radical(s) generated; and the relative propagation rate of the vinyl compound. A discussion on the relevance of this study to the behavior of different monomers in catalytic chain transfer reactions is included. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6171–6189, 2006     

CH Bond Activation by f‐Block Complexes

Most homogeneous catalysis relies on the design of metal complexes to trap and convert substrates or small molecules to value‐added products. Organometallic lanthanide compounds first gave a tantalizing glimpse of their potential for catalytic C? H bond transformations with the selective cleavage of one C? H bond in methane by bis(permethylcyclopentadienyl)lanthanide methyl [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)₂Ln(CH₃)] complexes some 25 years ago. Since then, numerous metal complexes from across the periodic table have been shown to selectively activate hydrocarbon C? H bonds, but the challenges of closing catalytic cycles still remain; many f‐block complexes show great potential in this important area of chemistry.     

Hydrogen‐Bonding Pincer Complexes with Two Protic N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes from Direct Metalation of a 1,8‐Bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)carbazole by Platinum,Palladium, and Nickel

Pincer protic N‐heterocyclic carbene (PNHC) complexes were synthesized by direct metalation, the formation of a metal carbon bond from an unfunctionalized C?H bond in a single synthetic step. Significantly, direct metalation succeeded even for a first‐row metal, nickel. The chloride complexes were isolated and then converted to the acetate, triflate, or in the platinum case, a hydride analogue. Crystal structures and ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹⁵N NMR data, as well as IR spectra, document the effects of intramolecular hydrogen bonding and the planar but flexible pincer framework. Anti‐Markovnikov addition of O?H bonds to alkynes, including catalyzed alkyne hydration, were demonstrated on the Pt triflate analog.     

Two Distinct Mechanisms of Alkyne Insertion into the Metal–Sulfur Bond: Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study and Application in Catalysis

The present study reports the evidence for the multiple carbon–carbon bond insertion into the metal–heteroatom bond via a five‐coordinate metal complex. Detailed analysis of the model catalytic reaction of the carbon–sulfur (C? S) bond formation unveiled the mechanism of metal‐mediated alkyne insertion: a new pathway of C? S bond formation without preliminary ligand dissociation was revealed based on experimental and theoretical investigations. According to this pathway alkyne insertion into the metal–sulfur bond led to the formation of intermediate metal complex capable of direct C? S reductive elimination. In contrast, an intermediate metal complex formed through alkyne insertion through the traditional pathway involving preliminary ligand dissociation suffered from “improper” geometry configuration, which may block the whole catalytic cycle. A new catalytic system was developed to solve the problem of stereoselective S? S bond addition to internal alkynes and a cost‐efficient Ni‐catalyzed synthetic procedure is reported to furnish formation of target vinyl sulfides with high yields (up to 99 %) and excellent Z/E selectivity (>99:1).     

Oxygen‐Triggered Switchable Polymerization for the One‐Pot Synthesis of CO2‐Based Block Copolymers from Monomer Mixtures

Switchable polymerization provides the opportunity to regulate polymer sequence and structure in a one‐pot process from mixtures of monomers. Herein we report the use of O₂ as an external stimulus to switch the polymerization mechanism from the radical polymerization of vinyl monomers mediated by (Salen)Co^III?R [Salen=N,N′‐bis(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylidene)‐1,2‐cyclohexanediamine; R=alkyl] to the ring‐opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of CO₂/epoxides. Critical to this process is unprecedented monooxygen insertion into the Co?C bond, as rationalized by DFT calculations, leading to the formation of (Salen)Co^III?O?R as an active species to initiate ROCOP. Diblock poly(vinyl acetate)‐b‐polycarbonate could be obtained by ROCOP of CO₂/epoxides with preactivation of (Salen)Co end‐capped poly(vinyl acetate). Furthermore, a poly(vinyl acetate)‐b‐poly(methyl acrylate)‐b‐polycarbonate triblock copolymer was successfully synthesized by a (Salen)cobalt‐mediated sequential polymerization with an O₂‐triggered switch in a one‐pot process.     

Confined Carbon Mediating Dehydroaromatization of Methane over Mo/ZSM‐5

Non‐oxidative dehydroaromatization of methane (MDA) is a promising catalytic process for direct valorization of natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons. The application of this reaction in practical technology is hindered by a lack of understanding about the mechanism and nature of the active sites in benchmark zeolite‐based Mo/ZSM‐5 catalysts, which precludes the solution of problems such as rapid catalyst deactivation. By applying spectroscopy and microscopy, it is shown that the active centers in Mo/ZSM‐5 are partially reduced single‐atom Mo sites stabilized by the zeolite framework. By combining a pulse reaction technique with isotope labeling of methane, MDA is shown to be governed by a hydrocarbon pool mechanism in which benzene is derived from secondary reactions of confined polyaromatic carbon species with the initial products of methane activation.     

Visible‐Light‐Enabled Direct Decarboxylative N‐Alkylation

The development of efficient and selective C?N bond‐forming reactions from abundant feedstock chemicals remains a central theme in organic chemistry owing to the key roles of amines in synthesis, drug discovery, and materials science. Herein, we present a dual catalytic system for the N‐alkylation of diverse aromatic carbocyclic and heterocyclic amines directly with carboxylic acids, by‐passing their preactivation as redox‐active esters. The reaction, which is enabled by visible‐light‐driven, acridine‐catalyzed decarboxylation, provides access to N‐alkylated secondary and tertiary anilines and N‐heterocycles. Additional examples, including double alkylation, the installation of metabolically robust deuterated methyl groups, and tandem ring formation, further demonstrate the potential of the direct decarboxylative alkylation (DDA) reaction.     

Carbon?hydrogen versus carbon?heteroatom activation by a high‐valent zirconium‐imido complex

A density functional theory (DFT) study of carbon? hydrogen versus carbon? heteroatom bond activation is presented. Heteroatom groups (X) investigated include X = F, Cl, OH, SH, NH₂, PH₂. The activating model complex is a prototypical d⁰ zirconium‐imide. While C? X activation has a thermodynamic advantage over C? H activation, the former has been found to have a kinetic advantage. Implications for catalytic hydrocarbon functionalization and phosphine–ligand degradation are discussed. The present results for a high‐valent metal complex are compared/contrasted with low‐valent bond activating complexes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006     

Catalytic Upgrading of Biomass‐Derived Methyl Ketones to Liquid Transportation Fuel Precursors by an Organocatalytic Approach

A highly efficient water‐tolerant, solid‐base catalyst for the self‐condensation of biomass‐derived methyl ketones to jet‐diesel fuel precursors was developed by grafting site‐isolated secondary amines on silica‐alumina supports. It is shown that apart from the nature and density of amine groups and the spatial separation of the acidic and basic sites, the acidity of the support material plays a critical role in defining the catalytic activity. It is also found that a combination of weakly acidic silanol/aluminol with secondary amine groups can mimic proline catalysts and are more effective in catalyzing the selective dimerization reaction than the combination of amines with organic acids. In situ FTIR measurements demonstrate that acidic groups activate methyl ketones through their carbonyl groups leading to a favorable C? C bond formation step involving an enamine intermediate. DFT analysis of the reaction pathway confirms that C? C bond formation is the rate‐limiting step.     

Exploring Bis(cyclometalated) Ruthenium(II) Complexes as Active Catalyst Precursors: Room‐Temperature Alkene–Alkyne Coupling for 1,3‐Diene Synthesis

Described is the development of a new class of bis(cyclometalated) ruthenium(II) catalyst precursors for C? C coupling reactions between alkene and alkyne substrates. The complex [(cod)Ru(3‐methallyl)₂] reacts with benzophenone imine or benzophenone in a 1:2 ratio to form bis(cyclometalated) ruthenium(II) complexes ( 1 ). The imine‐ligated complex 1 a promoted room‐temperature coupling between acrylic esters and amides with internal alkynes to form 1,3‐diene products. A proposed catalytic cycle involves C? C bond formation by oxidative cyclization, β‐hydride elimination, and C? H bond reductive elimination. This Ru^II/Ru^IV pathway is consistent with the observed catalytic reactivity of 1 a for mild tail‐to‐tail methyl acrylate dimerization and for cyclobutene formation by [2+2] norbornene/alkyne cycloaddition.     

Diaryl Sulfoxides from Aryl Benzyl Sulfoxides: A Single Palladium‐Catalyzed Triple Relay Process

A novel approach to produce diaryl sulfoxides from aryl benzyl sulfoxides is reported. Optimization of the reaction conditions was performed using high‐throughput experimentation techniques. The [Pd(dba)₂]/NiXantPhos catalyst system successfully promotes a triple relay process involving sulfoxide α‐arylation, C? S bond cleavage, and C? S bond formation. The byproduct benzophenone is formed by an additional palladium‐catalyzed process. It is noteworthy that palladium‐catalyzed benzylative C? S bond cleavage of sulfoxides is unprecedented. A wide range of aryl benzyl sulfoxides, as well as alkyl benzyl sulfoxides with various (hetero)aryl bromides were employed in the triple relay process in good to excellent yields (85–99 %). Moreover, aryl methyl sulfoxides, dibenzyl sulfoxides, and dimethylsulfoxide could be utilized to generate diaryl sulfoxides involving multiple catalytic cycles by a single catalyst.