Well‐Defined N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Palladium Complexes as Efficient Catalysts for Domino Sonogashira Coupling/Cyclization Reaction and C‐H bond Arylation of Benzothiazole

Well‐defined and air‐stable PEPPSI (Pyridine Enhanced Precatalyst Preparation Stabilization and Initiation) themed palladium bis‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes have been developed for the domino Sonogashira coupling/cyclization reaction of 2‐iodophenol with a variety of terminal alkynes and C‐H bond arylation of benzothiazole with aryl iodides. The PEPPSI themed palladium complexes, 2a and 2b were synthesized in good yields from the reaction of corresponding imidazolium salts with PdCl₂ and K₂CO₃ in pyridine. The new air‐stable palladium‐NHC complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, elemental analysis, and mass spectroscopy studies. The PEPPSI themed palladium(II) bis‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes 2a and 2b exhibited excellent catalytic activities for domino Sonogashira coupling/cyclization reaction of 2‐iodophenol with terminal alkynes yielding benzofuran derivatives. In addition, the palladium complexes, 2a and 2b successfully catalyzed the direct C‐H bond arylation of benzothiazole with aryl iodides as coupling partners in presence of CuI as co‐catalyst.     

Palladium(II)-N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed direct C2- or C5-arylation of thiazoles with aryl bromides

Herein we report, a series of new benzimidazolium chlorides as N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand and their corresponding palladium(II)-NHC complexes with the general formula [PdCl₂(NHC)₂] were synthesized. All new compounds were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis techniques. The catalytic activity of palladium(II)-NHC complexes was investigated in the direct C2- or C5-arylation of thiazoles with aryl bromides in presence of palladium(II)-NHC at 150?°C for 1?h. These complexes exhibited the good catalytic performance for the direct arylation of thiazoles. The arylation of thiazoles regioselectively produced C2- or C5-arylated thiazoles in moderate to high yields.     

N-heterocyclic carbene ligands bearing hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic chains: Rh(I) and Pd(II) complexes and their catalytic activity

A series of novel imidazolium salts bearing hydrophilic tetraethylene glycol (TEG) and/or hydrophobic long-chain alkyl (n-C12) functionalities, which are precursors for desired N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands, were synthesized and characterized. Rh(I)-NHC complexes were prepared in good yields by the silver carbene transfer method with NHC-Ag species derived from the imidazolium salts. The molecular structure of the Rh(I)-NHC complex having n-C12 chains has been determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study and the complex is found to possess extended alkyl chains with anti conformations in the solid state. Hydrosilylation with the Rh(I) complexes and Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reactions with the Pd(II) complexes with these NHC ligands were carried out. In the latter case, the TEG moiety enhances catalytic activity considerably.     

Ligand-free Ag(I)-catalyzed carboxylative coupling of terminal alkynes,chloride compounds,and CO2

Simple silver(I) slats were found to be highly efficient and selective catalyst for carboxylative coupling of aryl- or alkyl-substituted terminal alkynes, CO₂, and various allylic, propargylic or benzylic chlorides to exclusively yield functionalized 2-alkynoates. The activity is about 300 times that of the previously reported N-heterocyclic carbene copper(I) catalytic system. The ligand-free silver(I) catalytic system showed the wide generality of substrates involving both functionalized terminal alkynes and chloride compounds.     

Gold N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysts for the Hydrofluorination of Alkynes Using Hydrofluoric Acid: Reaction Scope,Mechanistic Studies and the Tracking of Elusive Intermediates

An efficient and chemoselective methodology deploying gold-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes as catalysts in the hydrofluorination of terminal alkynes using aqueous HF has been developed. Mechanistic studies shed light on an in situ generated catalyst, formed by the reaction of Brønsted basic gold pre-catalysts with HF in water, which exhibits the highest reactivity and chemoselectivity. The catalytic system has a wide alkyl substituted-substrate scope, and stoichiometric as well as catalytic reactions with tailor-designed gold pre-catalysts enable the identification of various gold species involved along the catalytic cycle. Computational studies aid in understanding the chemoselectivity observed through examination of key mechanistic steps for phosphine- and NHC-coordinated gold species bearing the triflate counterion and the elusive key complex bearing a bifluoride counterion.     

Nitrile functionalized silver(I) <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-heterocyclic carbene complexes: DFT calculations and antitumor studies

A series of aliphatic nitrile functionalized benzimidazolium salts and their respective mononuclear N-heterocyclic carbene Ag(I)-NHC complexes are reported. The benzimidazolium salts were synthesized by N-alkylation of 1H-benzimidazole with an appropriate alkyl bromide, followed by reaction with either 5-bromovaleronitrile or 6-bromohexanenitrile. The respective mononuclear Ag(I)-NHC complexes were prepared by the reaction of the benzimidazolium salts with Ag₂O. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic techniques. The molecular structures of the two complexes were elucidated through single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Density functional theory was used to model the structures of the other complexes. The benzimidazolium salts and their complexes were screened for cytotoxicity against a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), using the MTT assay. All the Ag(I)-NHC complexes gave IC₅₀ values ranging from 7.0 ± 1.06 to 12.9 ± 1.55 µM which are comparable to the standard drug, tamoxifen (IC₅₀ = 11.2 ± 1.84 µM), while all of the benzimidazolium salts proved to be inactive.     

Synthesis,characterization, and transfer hydrogenation of Ru(II)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

A new series of ruthenium(II) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes [RuL^1,2,3(p-cymene)Cl₂] (3a–c) (where L is a N-heterocyclic carbene), have been synthesized via transmetalation. The new ruthenium(II)-NHC complexes were applied to transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives and aldehydes using 2-propanol as a hydrogen source and KOH as a co-catalyst. The results show that the corresponding alcohols could be obtained in good yield with high catalyst activity (up to 100%) under mild conditions. [RuL¹(p-cymene)Cl₂] (3a) is much more active than the other complexes in transfer hydrogenation. Reactions, catalyzed by 3a–c, showed the highest reaction rates and yields of alcohol when the substrates bear more electron-withdrawing substituents. All new compounds were characterized by IR, elemental analysis, LC–MS (ESI), and NMR spectroscopy.     

Novel scorpionate-type triscarbene ligands and their silver and gold complexes

New silver(I) carbene complexes were obtained starting from the N-heterocyclic carbene ligand precursors {[HB(RImH)₃]Br₂} (R = Bn, Mes and t-Bu) and {[HC(MeBImH)₃](BF₄)₃}, by treatment of the imidazolium salt with Ag₂O. Use of the tris-imidazolylborate precursors resulted in stable, well-characterized trimetallic complexes of general formula {Ag₃[HB(RIm)₃]₂}Br, which were successfully employed as carbene transfer reagents in the synthesis of related gold(I) complexes by transmetallation. The silver complexes also proved to be active catalysts of the coupling of aryl iodides with terminal alkynes (the Sonogashira reaction), although related bimetallic silver complexes were found to exhibit enhanced reactivity.     

Synthesis and biological activity of ester- and amide-functionalized imidazolium salts and related water-soluble coinage metal N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand precursors, namely, HIm(A)Cl [1,3-bis(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium chloride] and HIm(B)Cl {1,3-bis[2-(diethylamino)-2-oxoethyl]-1H-imidazol-3-ium chloride}, functionalized with hydrophilic groups on the imidazole rings have been synthesized and were used in the synthesis of corresponding carbene complexes of silver(I) and copper(I), {[Im(A)]AgCl}, {[Im(A)]CuCl}, and {[Im(B)](2)Ag}Cl. Related Au(I)NHC complexes {[Im(A)]AuCl} and {[Im(B)]AuCl} have been obtained by transmetalation using the silver carbene precursor. These compounds were characterized by several spectroscopic techniques including NMR and mass spectroscopy. HIm(B)Cl and the gold(I) complexes {[Im(A)]AuCl} and {[Im(B)]AuCl} were also characterized by X-ray crystallography. The cytotoxic properties of the NHC complexes have been assessed in various human cancer cell lines, including cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant cells. The silver(I) complex {[Im(B)](2)Ag}Cl was found to be the most active, with IC(50) values about 2-fold lower than those achieved with cisplatin in C13*-resistant cells. Growth-inhibitory effects evaluated in human nontransformed cells revealed a preferential cytotoxicity of {[Im(B)](2)Ag}Cl versus neoplastic cells. Gold(I) and silver(I) carbene complexes were also evaluated for their ability to in vitro inhibit the enzyme thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). The results of this investigation showing that TrxR appeared markedly inhibited by both gold(I) and silver(I) derivatives at nanomolar concentrations clearly point out this selenoenzyme as a protein target for silver(I) in addition to gold(I) complexes.     

Exploring the Coordination Properties of Phosphonium-Functionalized N-Heterocyclic Carbenes Towards Gold

Gold(I) complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene ligands functionalized with a pendant phosphonium moiety were synthesized by simple procedures. In particular, the simple addition of LiBr salt in the reaction media allows the formation of the NHC gold(I) mononuclear complexes, whilst in the absence of excess bromide ions the deprotonation of the methylene group in alpha position to the phosphonium group occurs, allowing the isolation of the dinuclear complexes with two C,C-bridging NHC-phosphonium ylide ligands. The complexes were characterized in solution with NMR spectroscopy and ESI-MS spectrometry, as well as in the solid state by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Mononuclear gold(III) species were also isolated by Br₂ oxidative addition to the mononuclear gold(I) species and fully characterized. Preliminary results of the biological effects on MCF7 cancer cells are also reported.     

Nitrile‐functionalized Hg(II)‐ and Ag(I)‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes: synthesis,crystal structures,nuclease and DNA binding activities

Various nitrile‐functionalized benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene carbene complexes of Hg(II) and Ag(I) were synthesized by the interaction of 1‐benzyl/1‐butyl‐3‐(cyano‐benzyl)‐3 H‐benzimidazol‐1‐ium mono/dihexafluorophosphate with Hg(OAc)₂/Ag₂O in acetonitrile. Two of the benzimidazolium salts were structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction technique. Structures of reported compounds were characterized by ¹ H, ¹³C NMR, FT‐IR, UV–visible spectroscopic techniques, and molar conductivity and elemental analyses. For bis‐benzimidazolium salt, dinuclear Hg(II)– and Ag(I)–carbene complexes were obtained. Nuclease activity and binding interactions of the synthesized benzimidazolium salts and their Ag(I)–carbene complexes with DNA were studied using agarose gel electrophoresis and, absorption spectroscopy and viscosity measurements, respectively. Ag(I)–carbene complexes showed higher DNA binding activity compared to their respective benzimidazolium salts. However, a benzimidazolium salt and two of the Ag(I) complexes showed remarkably higher nuclease activity both, in the presence and absence of an oxidizing agent. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and electronic structure of some new Cu(I) carbene complexes

Reaction of oligomeric Cu(I) complexes [Cu(Μ-S-C(=NR)(O-Ar-CH₃)]_n with Lewis acids gave Cu(I) carbene complexes, which were characterized by¹H and¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Cu(I) carbene complexes could be directly generated from RNCS, Cu(I)-OAr and Lewis acids; this method can be used to prepare Cu(I) carbene complexes with different substitutents on the carbene carbon. The complexes were unreactive towards olefins and do not undergo cyclopropanation. Electronic structure calculations (DFT) show that the charge on the carbene carbon plays an important role in controlling the reactivity of the carbene complex.     

A series of (NHC)Pd(N˄O)(OAc) complexes: synthesis,characterization and catalytic activities towards desulfinative Sonogashira coupling of arylsulfonyl hydrazides with arylalkynes

A series of well-defined N-heterocyclic carbene palladium (II) complexes with general formula (NHC)Pd(N^˄O)(OAc) were prepared through reaction of Pd (NHC)(OAc)₂(H₂O) with 1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid or 1-methyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid in the presence of K₂CO₃. These complexes were then used for desulfinative Sonogashira coupling of arylsulfonyl hydrazides with terminal alkynes. With low catalyst loading, all synthesized palladium compounds exhibited moderate to high catalytic activities for the reactions.     

Synthesis and antitumor activity of new silver(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

Abstract

In this study, two novel benzimidazole-based N-heterocyclic carbene ligands (1a-b) and their silver(I) complexes (2a-b) were synthesized. All new compounds were characterized by FT-IR, LC-MS, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies. The in vitro antitumor activities of NHC ligands (1a-b) and their silver(I) complexes (2a-b) against DU-145 human prostate cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and L-929 (normal cells adipose from mouse) were also determined using MTT analysis for 24?h, 48?h, and 72?h. The results showed that while NHC ligands did not have in vitro antitumor activity on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and DU-145 cells, Ag(I)-NHC complexes have in vitro antitumor activities. The in vitro antitumor activity of 2a was found to be lower than that of 2b. Ag(I)-NHC complexes were observed to have higher IC₅₀ values for non-cancerous cell lines than cancer cells.     

Unsymmetrically substituted benzimidazolium based Silver(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes: Synthesis,characterization and in vitro anticancer study against human breast cancer and colon cancer

The promising biomedical applications of silver complexes stimulated the researchers to test these compounds against cancer. The present research work was designed to achieve this goal. In this work, a series of 5-methyl benzimidazole based N-Heterocyclic carbene ligands and respective silver(I) complexes were synthesized and tested on cancer cell lines to assess their anticancer activity. Unsymmetrically substituted benzimidazole was found unique in its reactivity and generation of a single product during NHC ligand formation was only possible after two successive alkylations with same alkyl halide. The corresponding Ag(I)-NHC adducts were obtained by in situ deprotonation of the NHC ligands. Synthesized compounds were characterized by various physcio-chemical and spectroscopic methods. Single crystal X-ray diffraction study of complex 7 revealed its mononuclear structure. Preliminary in vitro anticancer study of azolium salts and respective Ag(I)-NHC complexes against human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), colon cancer (HCT-116) and normal endothelial cells (EA.hy926) cells revealed that all the compounds are more cytotoxic to cancer cells than normal cells and the complexes are relatively more potent compared to the corresponding NHC ligands. It was found that increased chain length and presence of methyl substituent on benzimidazole ring enhance the biopotency of Ag(I)-NHC complexes. The synthesized compounds were further studied for pro-apoptotic mechanism of action via Rhodamine 123 test. The tested compounds were found to induce apoptosis via extrinsic mitochondrial pathway.     

Anti-Markovnikov hydroaminations of styrene catalyzed by palladium(II) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes under conventional and microwave heating

Six palladium(II) complexes with benzimidazole-based N-heterocyclic carbene ligands were synthesized by transmetallation reactions between silver(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes and PdCl₂(PhCN)₂. The complexes were characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The palladium complexes were tested as catalysts for intermolecular hydroamination reactions of styrene with various anilines in ionic liquids under both conventional and microwave heating. All of these complexes proved to be catalytically active in these reactions. The anti-Markovnikov addition products were selectively obtained by using 1 mol% of the palladium complex.     

A direct and practical approach for the synthesis of Au(I)-NHC complexes from commercially available imidazolium salts and Au(III) salts

A direct and practical approach for the synthesis of Au(I)-NHC complexes from imidazolium salts and commercially available aurate salt (MAuCl₄·2H₂O) is described. The reaction proceeded without sacrificing carbene transfer agent (Ag₂O) or using highly sensitive free NHC.     

N‐Heterocyclic carbenes derived from imidazo‐[1,5‐a]pyridines related to natural products: synthesis,structure and potential biological activity of some corresponding gold(I) and silver(I) complexes

A series of Au(I) complexes ( 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ) and Ag(I) complexes ( 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ) derived from imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridin‐3‐ylidenes were synthesized from AuCl(SMe₂) or by reacting silver(I) acetate with 2,5‐dimethylimidazo[1,5‐a]pyridin‐2‐ium iodide or imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridin‐2‐ium salts, and were characterized using NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analyses. In addition, the Au(I) complex 13 and the Ag(I) complex 19 were characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Using paclitaxel as a standard, all Au(I) and Ag(I) N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes were evaluated for their in vitro anti‐tumour activity against 12 cell lines using a monolayer cell survival and proliferation assay. The highest anticancer activity was found for complexes 15 , 13 and 14 with mean IC₅₀ values of 10.09, 10.42 and 12.28 μM, respectively. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

4-Vinylbenzyl-substituted silver(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes and ruthenium(II) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes: synthesis and transfer hydrogenation of ketones

4-Vinylbenzyl-substituted Ag(I) N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes and Ru(II) NHC complexes have been synthesized. The Ag(I) complexes were synthesized from the imidazolium salts and Ag₂O in dichloromethane at room temperature. The Ru(II) complexes were prepared from Ag(I) NHC complexes by transmetallation. The six 4-Vinylbenzyl-substituted Ag(I) NHC complexes and six 4-Vinylbenzyl-substituted Ru(II) NHC complexes have been characterized by spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. The Ru(II) NHC complexes show catalytic activity for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones.     

Catalytic Arylative Endo Cyclization of Gold Acetylides: Access to 3,4-Diphenyl Isoquinoline, 2,3-Diphenyl Indole,and Mesoionic Normal NHC–Gold Complex

3,4-Diphenyl isoquinoline and 2,3-diphenyl indole are readily accessed by catalytic selective bis-arylative endo cyclization of gold acetylides. The synthetic approach could be also extended to prepare six-membered mesoionic NHC complex, which could further undergo deprotonation/complexation to afford 1,3-N-heterocyclic dicarbene (NHDCs) Au₂ and Au/Ag complexes. The key vicinal diaurated alkene intermediates have been isolated and the studies on their reactivities towards coupling partners reinforce the proposed mechanisms.