Dinitrogen Activation by Fryzuk’s [Nb(P2N2)] Complex and Comparison with the Laplaza–Cummins [Mo{N(R)Ar}3] and Schrock [Mo(N3N)] Systems

The reaction profile of N₂ with Fryzuk’s [Nb(P₂N₂)] (P₂N₂=PhP(CH₂SiMe₂NSiMe₂CH₂)₂PPh) complex is explored by density functional calculations on the model [Nb(PH₃)₂(NH₂)₂] system. The effects of ligand constraints, coordination number, metal and ligand donor atom on the reaction energetics are examined and compared to the analogous reactions of N₂ with the three‐coordinate Laplaza‐Cummins [Mo{N(R)Ar}₃] and four‐coordinate Schrock [Mo(N₃N)] (N₃N=[(RNCH₂CH₂)₃N]^3?) systems. When the model system is constrained to reflect the geometry of the P₂N₂ macrocycle, the N? N bond cleavage step, via a N₂‐bridged dimer intermediate, is calculated to be endothermic by 345 kJ mol^?1. In comparison, formation of the single‐N‐bridged species is calculated to be exothermic by 119 kJ mol^?1, and consequently is the thermodynamically favoured product, in agreement with experiment. The orientation of the amide and phosphine ligands has a significant effect on the overall reaction enthalpy and also the N? N bond cleavage step. When the ligand constraints are relaxed, the overall reaction enthalpy increases by 240 kJ mol^?1, but the N₂ cleavage step remains endothermic by 35 kJ mol^?1. Changing the phosphine ligands to amine donors has a dramatic effect, increasing the overall reaction exothermicity by 190 kJ mol^?1 and that of the N? N bond cleavage step by 85 kJ mol^?1, making it a favourable process. Replacing Nb^II with Mo^III has the opposite effect, resulting in a reduction in the overall reaction exothermicity by over 160 kJ mol^?1. The reaction profile for the model [Nb(P₂N₂)] system is compared to those calculated for the model Laplaza and Cummins [Mo{N(R)Ar}₃] and Schrock [Mo(N₃N)] systems. For both [Mo(N₃N)] and [Nb(P₂N₂)], the intermediate dimer is calculated to lie lower in energy than the products, although the final N? N cleavage step is much less endothermic for [Mo(N₃N)]. In contrast, every step of the reaction is favourable and the overall exothermicity is greatest for [Mo{N(R)Ar}₃], and therefore this system is predicted to be most suitable for dinitrogen cleavage.     

Electrocatalytically Activating and Reducing N2 Molecule by Tuning Activity of Local Hydrogen Radical

Decarbonizing N₂ conversion is particularly challenging, but essential for sustainable development of industry and agriculture. Herein, we achieve electrocatalytic activation/reduction of N₂ on X/Fe−N−C (X=Pd, Ir and Pt) dual-atom catalysts under ambient condition. We provide solid experimental evidence that local hydrogen radical (H*) generated on the X site of the X/Fe−N−C catalysts can participate in the activation/reduction of N₂ adsorbed on the Fe site. More importantly, we reveal that the reactivity of X/Fe−N−C catalysts for N₂ activation/reduction can be well adjusted by the activity of H* generated on the X site, i.e., the interaction between the X−H bond. Specifically, X/Fe−N−C catalyst with the weakest X−H bonding exhibits the highest H* activity, which is beneficial to the subsequent cleavage of X−H bond for N₂ hydrogenation. With the most active H*, the Pd/Fe dual-atom site promotes the turnover frequency of N₂ reduction by up to 10 times compared with the pristine Fe site.     

Plasma-Assisted Coupling Reactions of Dinitrogen and Carbon Dioxide Mediated by Monometallic YB1–4−⋅Anions: Carbon−Nitrogen Bond Formation

Transition-metal catalyzed coupling to form C−N bonds is significant in chemical science. However, the inert nature of N₂ and CO₂ renders their coupling quite challenging. Herein, we report the activation of dinitrogen in the mild plasma atmosphere by the gas-phase monometallic YB_1–4⁻ anions and further coupling of CO₂ to form C−N bonds by using mass spectrometry and theoretical calculation. The observed product anions are NCNBO⁻ and N(BO)₂⁻, accompanied by the formation of neutral products YO and YB_0–2NC, respectively. We can tune the reactivity and the type of products by manipulating the number of B atoms. The B atoms in YB_1–4N₂⁻ act as electron donors in CO₂ reduction reactions, and the carbon atom originating from CO₂ serves as an electron reservoir. This is the first example of gas-phase monometallic anions, which are capable to realize the functionalization of N₂ with CO₂ through C−N bond formation and N−N and C−O bond cleavage.     

Unexpected Vulnerability of DPEphos to C−O Activation in the Presence of Nucleophilic Metal Hydrides

C−O bond activation of DPEphos occurs upon mild heating in the presence of [Ru(NHC)₂(PPh₃)₂H₂] (NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) to form phosphinophenolate products. When NHC=IEt₂Me₂, C−O activation is accompanied by C−N activation of an NHC ligand to yield a coordinated N-phosphino-functionalised carbene. DFT calculations define a nucleophilic mechanism in which a hydride ligand attacks the aryl carbon of the DPEphos C−O bond. This is promoted by the strongly donating NHC ligands which render a trans dihydride intermediate featuring highly nucleophilic hydride ligands accessible. C−O bond activation also occurs upon heating cis-[Ru(DPEphos)₂H₂]. DFT calculations suggest this reaction is promoted by the steric encumbrance associated with two bulky DPEphos ligands. Our observations that facile degradation of the DPEphos ligand via C−O bond activation is possible under relatively mild reaction conditions has potential ramifications for the use of this ligand in high-temperature catalysis.     

Non-Dissociative Activation of Chemisorbed Dinitrogen on One or Two Vanadium Atoms Supported by a Mo6S8 Cluster

Adsorption of N₂ on Mo₆S₈^q_V_x clusters (x=0, 1, 2; q=0, ±1) were systematically studied by density functional theory calculations with dispersion corrections. It was found that the N₂ can be chemisorbed and undergo non-dissociative activation on single or double metal atoms. The adsorption and activation are influenced by metal types (V or Mo), N₂ coordination modes and charge states of the clusters. Particularly, anionic Mo₆S₈⁻_V₂ clusters have remarkable ability to fix and activate N₂. In Mo₆S₈⁻_V₂, two V atoms prefer to adsorb on two adjacent S−Mo−S hollow sites, leading to the formation of a supported V…V unit. The N₂ is bridged side-on coordinated with these two V atoms with high adsorption energy and significant charge transfer. The bond order, bond length and vibration frequency of the adsorbed N₂ are close to those of a N−N single bond.     

(6‐Oxido‐2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydropyrimidine‐5‐carboxylato‐κ2O5,O6)bis[2‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1H‐benzimidazole‐κ2N2,N3]manganese(II) monohydrate

In the title compound, [Mn(C₅H₂N₂O₄)(C₁₂H₉N₃)₂]·H₂O, the Mn^II centre is surrounded by three bidentate chelating ligands, namely, one 6‐oxido‐2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydropyrimidine‐5‐carboxylate (or uracil‐5‐carboxylate, Huca²⁻) ligand [Mn—O = 2.136 (2) and 2.156 (3) Å] and two 2‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1H‐benzimidazole (Hpybim) ligands [Mn—N = 2.213 (3)–2.331 (3) Å], and it displays a severely distorted octahedral geometry, with cis angles ranging from 73.05 (10) to 105.77 (10)°. Intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds both between the Hpybim and the Huca²⁻ ligands and between the Huca²⁻ ligands link the molecules into infinite chains. The lattice water molecule acts as a hydrogen‐bond donor to form double O...H—O—H...O hydrogen bonds with the Huca²⁻ O atoms, crosslinking the chains to afford an infinite two‐dimensional sheet; a third hydrogen bond (N—H...O) formed by the water molecule as a hydrogen‐bond acceptor and a Hpybim N atom further links these sheets to yield a three‐dimensional supramolecular framework. Possible partial π–π stacking interactions involving the Hpybim rings are also observed in the crystal structure.     

Diverse Reactivity of bis(Silylene) and bis(Germylene) [LE−EL (E=Si and Ge: L=PhC(NtBu)2)] in the Oxidative Activation of C−F Bond: Si−Si Bond is Retained While the Ge−Ge Bond Is Cleaved

Herein we report the reactions of 3,4,5,6-tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile ( 1 ) with bis(silylene) and bis(germylene) LE−EL [E=Si ( 2 ) and Ge( 3 ): L=PhC(N^tBu)₂)]. The reaction of LSi−SiL (L=PhC(N^tBu)₂) ( 2 ) with two equivalents of 1 resulted in an unprecedented oxidative addition of a C−F bond of 1 leading to disilicon(III) fluoride {L(4-C₈F₃N)FSi−SiF(4-C₈F₃N)L}( 4 ), wherein the Si−Si single bond was retained. In contrast, the reaction of LGe−GeL (L=PhC(N^tBu)₂) ( 3 ) with one equivalent of 1 resulted in the oxidative cleavage of Ge−Ge bond leading to L(4-C₈F₃N₂)Ge ( 5 ) and LGeF ( 6 ). All three compounds ( 4 – 6 ) were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, EI-MS spectrometry, and elemental analysis. X-ray single-crystal structure determination of compound 4 unequivocally established that the Si^III−Si^III bond remains uncleaved.     

Bond dissociations in hypervalent ammonium radicals prepared by collisional neutralization of protonated six-membered nitrogen heterocycles

Hypervalent organic ammonium radicals were generated by collisional neutralization with dimethyl disulfide of protonated 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (1H⁺), N,N′-dimethylpiperazine (2H⁺) and N-methylpiperazine (3H⁺). The radicals dissociated completely on the 5.1 μs time-scale. Radical 1H^• underwent competitive N−H and N−C bond dissociations producing 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane and small ring fragments. Dissociations of radical 2H^• proceeded by N−H bond dissociation and ring cleavage, whereas N−CH₃ bond cleavage was less frequent. Radical 3H^• underwent N−H, N−CH₃ and N−C_ring bond cleavages followed by post-reionization dissociations of the formed cations. The pattern of bond dissociations in the hypervalent ammonium radicals derived from six-membered nitrogen heterocycles is similar to those of aliphatic ammonium radicals. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Exploring Superacid-Promoted Skeletal Reorganization of Aliphatic Nitrogen-Containing Compounds

Here we report a method to reorganize the core structure of aliphatic unsaturated nitrogen-containing substrates exploiting polyprotonation in superacid solutions. The superelectrophilic activation of N-isopropyl systems allows for the selective formal C_sp3−H activation/cyclization or homologation / functionalization of nitrogen-containing substrates. This study also reveals that this skeletal reorganization can be controlled through protonation interplay. The mechanism of this process involves an original sequence of C−N bond cleavage, isopropyl cation generation and subsequent C−N bond and C−C bond formation. This was demonstrated through in situ NMR analysis and labelling experiments, also confirmed by DFT calculations.     

Bonding Energetics of Palladium Amido/Aryloxide Complexes in DMSO: Implications for Palladium-Mediated Aniline Activation

Thermodynamic knowledge of the metal–ligand (M−L) σ-bond strength is crucial to understanding metal-mediated transformations. Here, we developed a method for determining the Pd−X (X=OR and NHAr) bond heterolysis energies (ΔG_het(Pd−X)) in DMSO taking [(tmeda)PdArX] (tmeda=N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) as the model complexes. The ΔG_het(Pd−X) scales span a range of 2.6–9.0 kcal mol⁻¹ for ΔG_het(Pd−O) values and of 14.5–19.5 kcal mol⁻¹ for ΔG_het(Pd−N) values, respectively, implying a facile heterolytic detachment of the Pd ligands. Structure-reactivity analyses of a modeling Pd-mediated X−H bond activation reveal that the M−X bond metathesis is dominated by differences of the X−H and Pd−X bond strengths, the former being more influential. The ΔG_het(Pd−X) and pK_a(X−H) parameters enable regulation of reaction thermodynamics and chemoselectivity and diagnosing the probability of aniline activation with Pd−X complexes.     

Counterion Dependence of Dinitrogen Activation and Functionalization by a Diniobium Hydride Anion

We report the synthesis of anionic diniobium hydride complexes with a series of alkali metal cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺) and the counterion dependence of their reactivity with N₂. Exposure of these complexes to N₂ initially produces the corresponding side‐on end‐on N₂ complexes, the fate of which depends on the nature of countercations. The lithium derivative undergoes stepwise migratory insertion of the hydride ligands onto the aryloxide units, yielding the end‐on bridging N₂ complex. For the potassium derivative, the N?N bond cleavage takes place along with H₂ elimination to form the nitride complex. Treatment of the side‐on end‐on N₂ complex with Me₃SiCl results in silylation of the terminal N atom and subsequent N?N bond cleavage along with H₂ elimination, giving the nitride‐imide‐bridged diniobium complex.     

Heteronuclear Trimetallic MFe2 and M2Fe (M=V,Nb, and Ta) Clusters for Dinitrogen Activation

Catalysts with heteronuclear metal active sites may have high performance in the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), and the in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanisms is crucial for the design of related catalysts. In this work, the dissociative adsorption of N₂ on heteronuclear trimetallic MFe₂ and M₂Fe (M=V, Nb, and Ta) clusters was studied with density functional theory calculations. For each cluster, two reaction paths were studied with N₂ initially on M and Fe atoms, respectively. Mayer bond order analysis provides more information on the activation of N−N bonds. M₂Fe is generally more reactive than MFe₂. The coordination mode of N₂ on three metal atoms can be end-on: end-on: side-on (EES) for both MFe₂ and M₂Fe. In addition, a unique end-on: side-on: side-on (ESS) coordination mode was found for M₂Fe, which leads to a higher degree of N−N bond activation. Nb₂Fe has the highest reactivity towards N₂ when both the transfer of N₂ and the dissociation of N−N bonds are taken into account, while Ta-containing clusters have a superior ability to activate the N−N bond. These results indicate that it is possible to improve the performance of iron-based catalysts by doping with vanadium group metals.     

In Silico Partial N2 to NH3 Conversion with a Light Atom Molecule

N₂ can be stepwise converted in silico into one molecule NH₃ and a secondary amide with a bond activator molecule consisting only of light main group elements. The proposed N₂-activating pincer-related compound carries a silyl ion (Si⁽⁺⁾) center as well as three Lewis acidic (−BF₂) and three Lewis basic (−PMe₂) sites, providing an efficient binding pocket for gaseous N₂ within the framework of intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs (FLP). In addition, it exhibits supportive secondary P−B and F⋅⋅⋅B contacts, which stabilize the structure. In the PSi⁽⁺⁾−N−N−BP environment the N≡N triple bond is extended from 1.09 Å to remarkable 1.43 Å, resembling a N−N single bond. The strongly activated N−N-fragment is prone to subsequent hydride addition and protonation steps, resulting in the energy efficient transfer of two hydrogen equivalents. The next hydride added causes the release of one molecule NH₃, but leaves the ligand system as poisoned R₃Si⁽⁺⁾−NH₂−PMe₂ or R₃Si⁽⁺⁾−NH₃ dead-end states behind. The study indicates that approximately tetrahedral constrained SiBP₂-pockets are capable to activate N₂, whereas the acid-rich SiB₃- and SiB₂P-pocktes, as well as the base-rich SiP₃-pockets fail, hinting towards the high relevance of the acid-base proportion and relative orientation. The electronic structure of the N₂-activated state is compared to the corresponding state of a recently published peri-substituted bond activator molecule featuring a PSi⁽⁺⁾−N−N−Si⁽⁺⁾P site (S. Mebs, J. Beckmann, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 2022 , 24, 20953–20967).     

Water-Promoted Carbon-Carbon Bond Cleavage Employing a Reusable Fe Single-Atom Catalyst

The development of methods for selective cleavage reactions of thermodynamically stable C−C/C=C bonds in a green manner is a challenging research field which is largely unexplored. Herein, we present a heterogeneous Fe−N−C catalyst with highly dispersed iron centers that allows for the oxidative C−C/C=C bond cleavage of amines, secondary alcohols, ketones, and olefins in the presence of air (O₂) and water (H₂O). Mechanistic studies reveal the presence of water to be essential for the performance of the Fe−N−C system, boosting the product yield from <1 % to >90 %. Combined spectroscopic characterizations and control experiments suggest the singlet ¹O₂ and hydroxide species generated from O₂ and H₂O, respectively, take selectively part in the C−C bond cleavage. The broad applicability (>40 examples) even for complex drugs as well as high activity, selectivity, and durability under comparably mild conditions highlight this unique catalytic system.     

Ligand effects in the substitution chemistry of cis-bis(piperidine)tetracarbonylmolybdenum(O). A molybdenum-95 NMR study

Molybdenum-95 NMR chemical shifts are reported for a series of Mo(O) compounds of the type Mo(CO)₄(pip)_2−nL_n(n = 1,2; L = substituted pyridine ligands). The σ(⁹⁵Mo) values correlate well with the pK_a values for the substituted pyridines; for the n = 1 series, σ (⁹⁵Mo) ranges from − 1053 ppm (pK_a = 1.86 for 4-CN) to − 1120 ppm (pK_a = 9.61 for 4-NMe₂). The effects of solvent polarity and some in situ reactivity studies are described and the nature of the MoL bond compared to that with piperidine and some other ligands is discussed.     

Frustrated Lewis Pair Chemistry Enables N2 Borylation by Formal 1,3-Addition of a B−H Bond in the Coordination Sphere of Tungsten

The first example of a formal 1,3-B−H bond addition across the M−N≡N unit of an end-on dinitrogen complex has been achieved. The use of Piers’ borane HB(C₆F₅)₂ was essential to observe this reactivity and it plays a triple role in this transformation: 1) electrophilic N₂-borylation agent, 2) Lewis acid in a frustrated Lewis pair-type B−H bond activation, and 3) hydride shuttle to the metal center. This chemistry is supported by NMR spectroscopy and solid-state characterization of products and intermediates. The combination of chelate effect and strong σ donation in the diphosphine ligand 1,2-bis(diethylphosphino)ethane was mandatory to avoid phosphine dissociation that otherwise led to complexes where borylation of N₂ occurred without hydride transfer.     

(2‐Aminopyrimidine‐κN1)aqua(pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylato‐κ3O2,N,O6)copper(II): X‐ray and DFT calculated structure

In the title compound, [Cu(C₇H₃N₂O₄)(C₄H₅N₂)(H₂O)], (I), pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylate (pydc²⁻), 2‐aminopyrimidine and aqua ligands coordinate the Cu^II centre through two N atoms, two carboxylate O atoms and one water O atom, respectively, to give a nominally distorted square‐pyramidal coordination geometry, a common arrangement for copper complexes containing the pydc²⁻ ligand. Because of the presence of Cu...X_bridged contacts (X = N or O) between adjacent molecules in the crystal structures of (I) and three analogous previously reported compounds, and the corresponding uncertainty about the effective coordination number of the Cu^II centre, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to elucidate the degree of covalency in these contacts. The calculated Wiberg and Mayer bond‐order indices reveal that the Cu...O contact can be considered as a coordination bond, whereas the amine group forming a Cu...N contact is not an effective participant in the coordination environment.     

Pyrrole Denitrogenation and Fragmentation of Tetramethylethylenediamine Promoted by a NbII Cluster

A nitrogen center was abstracted from a pyrrolyl ring to form the dinuclear nitrido- and dienyl-bridged complex 1 during the reaction of [{(tmeda)Nb^IICl}₂(μ-Cl)₃Li(tmeda)] with the lithium salt of 2,5-dimethylpyrrole (tmeda=N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine). A second product from this reaction is the amido-carbene-hydride niobium complex 2 , which likewise forms under C−N bond cleavage.     

Acid-catalysed hydrolysis of N-sulphonyl sulphilimines—II

The basicity and the acid-catalysed hydrolysis of ph(R)SNTs and o-HC₆H₄(Me)SNTs sulphilimines have been studied by UV spectrophotometric and kinetic methods, respectively, in aqueous HClO₄ (1–10 M) and 1:1 (v/v) EtOH/H₂O-HClO₄ (0.5–6 M). Depending on the constitution of the substrates, sulphilimine hydrolysis can follow three different courses, according to rate-acidity profiles, Bunnett-Olsen's treatment, activation parameters and product analysis. Most typical for sulphilimines is S_N2 hydrolysis with S^IV-N bond cleavage. In this case the reaction starts with the nucleophilic addition of water and is promoted by acid-base catalysis. If a relatively stable carbenium ion can be formed from R group, an S_N1 reaction with S^IVC bond cleavage takes place. Sulphilimine with X = o-CO₂H due to neighbouring-group participation hydrolyses very rapidly via acyloxy-sulphurane and acyloxy-sulphonium ion intermediates with five-memembered ring (S_Ni reaction involving S^IVN bond cleavage).