Investigation of the stereodynamics of tris‐(α‐diimine)–transition metal complexes by enantioselective dynamic MEKC

Enantiomerization of octahedral tris(α‐diimine)–transition metal complexes was investigated by enantioselective dynamic MEKC. Varying both the transition metal ion (Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Ni²⁺) and the bidentate diimine ligand (1,10‐phenanthroline and 2,2′‐bipyridyl), the enantiomer separations were performed either in a 100 mM sodium tetraborate buffer (pH 9.3) or in a 100 mM sodium tetraborate/sodium dihydrogenphosphate buffer (pH 8.0) both containing sodium cholate as chiral surfactant. The unified equation of dynamic chromatography was employed to determine apparent reaction rate constants from the electropherograms showing distinct plateau formation. Apparent activation parameters ΔH^? and ΔS^? were calculated from temperature‐dependent measurements between 10.0 and 35.0°C in 2.5 K steps. It was found that the nature of the central metal ion and the ligand strongly influence the enantiomerization barrier. Surprisingly, complexes containing the 2,2′‐bipyridyl ligand show highly negative activation entropies between ?103 and ?116 J (K mol)^?1 while the activation entropy of tris(1,10‐phenanthroline) complexes is positive indicating a different mechanism of interconversion. Furthermore, it was found that the Ni²⁺ complexes are stereostable under the conditions investigated here making them a lucent target as enantioselective catalysts.     

Synthesis,crystal structures and spectral properties of cobalt (Ⅱ) complexes:[ CoL (N_3) ] ·ClO_4 and CoL (N_3)_2 [L=tris ((3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl) methyl) amine

Two monomeric cobalt(Ⅱ)complexes,[CoL(N3)] ClO4(1)and CoL(N3)2(2),where L is tris((3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methyl)amine,were synthesized and their crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction technique.Complex 1 is five coordinated with one azide nitrogen atom and four nitrogen atoms of the tris((3,5-dimethylpyrazol-l-yl)-methyl)amine ligand,and the metal center is in distorted trigonal bipyramidal environment.Complex 2 is six coordinated distorted octahedron with the two azide nitrogen atoms and four nitrogen donors of the tris((3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-methyl)amine ligand.The solution behaviors of the title complexes have been further investigated by UV-Vis,and 1H NMR analysis.It is found that the formation of 1 and 2 depends on the molar ratio of the azide ion to metal salt and ligand Complex 1 attached with one azide group is more stable and easy to generate than complex 2 incorporated with two azide groups,and the reasons were well discussed.     

Synthesis and characterization of iron‐ and nitrogen‐functionalized graphene catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

Iron‐ and nitrogen‐functionalized graphene (Fe‐N‐G), as well as iron‐ and nitrogen‐functionalized oxidized graphene (Fe‐N‐Gox) catalysts were synthesized as non‐noble metal electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The physical properties of the resultant catalysts were characterized using nitrogen adsorption measurements, X‐ray diffraction, Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies and transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, ORR activities of the catalysts were determined electrochemically using a conventional three‐electrode cell via cyclic voltammetry with a rotating disc electrode, the results of which indicated that the synthesized catalysts had a marked electrocatalytic activity towards ORR in acid media. Among the synthesized catalysts, that functionalized using 2,4,6‐tris(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine as nitrogen source had the highest electrocatalytic activity with the highest onset potential (0.98 V/SHE) and limiting current density (5.12 mA cm⁻²). The findings are particularly important to determine a non‐precious metal catalyst for ORR activity in fuel cells.     

An Evaluation of Ligand Properties of Neutral and Anionic Tris(imidazol‐2‐yl)phosphines

In order to study the applicability of tris(imidazol‐2‐yl)phosphine (PIm₃) as a possible charge‐variable ligand, new neutral N‐butyl and N‐benzyl derivatives and d⁰‐metal complexes thereof were prepared and characterized as reference compounds for planned complexes with high valent metals. In addition, an anionic ligand precursor was characterized by X‐Ray analysis and its reactivity towards transition metal halides assayed.     

Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation by a Trivalent Phosphorus Compound: Phosphorus‐Ligand Cooperation Pathway or PIII/PV Redox Pathway?

Main‐group‐element catalysts are a desirable alternative to transition‐metal catalysts because of natural abundance and cost. However, the examples are very limited. Catalytic cycles involving a redox process and E‐ligand cooperation (E=main‐group element), which are often found in catalytic cycles of transition‐metal catalysts, have not been reported. Herein theoretical investigations of a catalytic hydrogenation of azobenzene with ammonia–borane using a trivalent phosphorus compound, which was experimentally proposed to occur through P^III/P^V redox processes via an unusual pentavalent dihydridophosphorane, were performed. DFT and ONIOM(CCSD(T):MP2) calculations disclosed that this catalytic reaction occurs through a P‐O cooperation mechanism, which resembles the metal‐ligand cooperation mechanism of transition‐metal catalysts.     

Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation by a Trivalent Phosphorus Compound: Phosphorus‐Ligand Cooperation Pathway or PIII/PV Redox Pathway?

Main‐group‐element catalysts are a desirable alternative to transition‐metal catalysts because of natural abundance and cost. However, the examples are very limited. Catalytic cycles involving a redox process and E‐ligand cooperation (E=main‐group element), which are often found in catalytic cycles of transition‐metal catalysts, have not been reported. Herein theoretical investigations of a catalytic hydrogenation of azobenzene with ammonia–borane using a trivalent phosphorus compound, which was experimentally proposed to occur through P^III/P^V redox processes via an unusual pentavalent dihydridophosphorane, were performed. DFT and ONIOM(CCSD(T):MP2) calculations disclosed that this catalytic reaction occurs through a P‐O cooperation mechanism, which resembles the metal‐ligand cooperation mechanism of transition‐metal catalysts.     

Aminopyridinate–FI Hybrids,Their Hafnium and Titanium Complexes,and Their Application in the Living Polymerization of 1‐Hexene

Based on two well‐established ligand systems, the aminopyridinato (Ap) and the phenoxyimine (FI) ligand systems, new Ap‐FI hybrid ligands were developed. Four different Ap‐FI hybrid ligands were synthesized through a simple condensation reaction and fully characterized. The reaction of hafnium tetrabenzyl with all four Ap‐FI hybrid ligands exclusively led to mono(Ap‐FI) complexes of the type [(Ap‐FI)HfBn₂]. The ligands acted as tetradentate dianionic chelates. Upon activation with tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane, the hafnium‐dibenzyl complexes led to highly active catalysts for the polymerization of 1‐hexene. Ultrahigh molecular weights and extremely narrow polydispersities support the living nature of this polymerization process. A possible deactivation product of the hafnium catalysts was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis and is discussed. The coordination modes of these new ligands were studied with the help of model titanium complexes. The reaction of titanium(IV) isopropoxide with ligand 1 led to a mono(Ap‐FI) complex, which showed the desired fac‐mer coordination mode. Titanium (IV) isopropoxide reacted with ligand 4 to give a complex of the type [(ApH‐FI)₂Ti(OiPr)₂], which featured the ligand in its monoanionic form. The two titanium complexes were characterized by X‐ray crystal‐structure analysis.     

A General and Highly Selective Cobalt‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation of N‐Heteroarenes under Mild Reaction Conditions

Herein, a general and efficient method for the homogeneous cobalt‐catalyzed hydrogenation of N‐heterocycles, under mild reaction conditions, is reported. Key to success is the use of the tetradentate ligand tris(2‐(diphenylphosphino)phenyl)phosphine). This non‐noble metal catalyst system allows the selective hydrogenation of heteroarenes in the presence of a broad range of other sensitive reducible groups.     

Stereogenic‐Only‐at‐Metal Asymmetric Catalysts

Chirality is an essential feature of asymmetric catalysts. This review summarizes asymmetric catalysts that derive their chirality exclusively from stereogenic metal centers. Reported chiral‐at‐metal catalysts can be divided into two classes, namely, inert metal complexes, in which the metal fulfills a purely structural role, so catalysis is mediated entirely through the ligand sphere, and reactive metal complexes. The latter are particularly appealing because structural simplicity (only achiral ligands) is combined with the prospect of particularly effective asymmetric induction (direct contact of the substrate with the chiral metal center). Challenges and solutions for the design of such reactive stereogenic‐only‐at‐metal asymmetric catalysts are discussed.     

Polymer‐ and Silica‐Supported Iron BPMEN‐Inspired Catalysts for CH Bond Functionalization Reactions

Direct catalytic C? H bond functionalization is a key challenge in synthetic chemistry, with many popular C? H activation methodologies involving precious‐metal catalysts. In recent years, iron catalysts have emerged as a possible alternative to the more common precious‐metal catalysts, owing to its high abundance, low cost, and low toxicity. However, iron catalysts are plagued by two key factors: the ligand cost and the low turnover numbers (TONs) typically achieved. In this work, two approaches are presented to functionalize the popular N¹,N²‐dimethyl‐N¹,N²‐bis(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)ethane‐1,2‐diamine (BPMEN) ligand, so that it can be supported on porous silica or polymer resin supports. Four new catalysts are prepared and evaluated in an array of catalytic C? H functionalization reactions by using cyclohexane, cyclohexene, cyclooctane, adamantane, benzyl alcohol, and cumene with aqueous hydrogen peroxide. Catalyst recovery and recycling is demonstrated by using supported catalysts, which allows for a modest increase in the TON achieved with these catalysts.     

Combined Photoredox and Iron Catalysis for the Cyclotrimerization of Alkynes

Successful combinations of visible‐light photocatalysis with metal catalysis have recently enabled the development of hitherto unknown chemical reactions. Dual mechanisms from merging metal‐free photocatalysts and earth‐abundant metal catalysts are still in their infancy. We report a photo‐organo‐iron‐catalyzed cyclotrimerization of alkynes by photoredox activation of a ligand‐free Fe catalyst. The reaction operates under very mild conditions (visible light, 20 °C, 1 h) with 1–2 mol % loading of the three catalysts (dye, amine, FeCl₂).     

Base‐Free Non‐Noble‐Metal‐Catalyzed Hydrogen Generation from Formic Acid: Scope and Mechanistic Insights

The iron‐catalyzed dehydrogenation of formic acid has been studied both experimentally and mechanistically. The most active catalysts were generated in situ from cationic Fe^II/Fe^III precursors and tris[2‐(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]phosphine ( 1 , PP₃). In contrast to most known noble‐metal catalysts used for this transformation, no additional base was necessary. The activity of the iron catalyst depended highly on the solvent used, the presence of halide ions, the water content, and the ligand‐to‐metal ratio. The optimal catalytic performance was achieved by using [FeH(PP₃)]BF₄/PP₃ in propylene carbonate in the presence of traces of water. With the exception of fluoride, the presence of halide ions in solution inhibited the catalytic activity. IR, Raman, UV/Vis, and EXAFS/XANES analyses gave detailed insights into the mechanism of hydrogen generation from formic acid at low temperature, supported by DFT calculations. In situ transmission FTIR measurements revealed the formation of an active iron formate species by the band observed at 1543 cm^?1, which could be correlated with the evolution of gas. This active species was deactivated in the presence of chloride ions due to the formation of a chloro species (UV/Vis, Raman, IR, and XAS). In addition, XAS measurements demonstrated the importance of the solvent for the coordination of the PP₃ ligand.     

Synthesis,Spectroscopic, and Electrochemical Properties of Four Novel Trinuclear RuII Polypyridyl Complexes Containing Diazafluorene

Four tripodal ligands L^1–4 derived from 4,5‐diazafluoren‐9‐one were synthesized. L^1–2 formed by the reaction of 4,5‐diazafluoren‐9‐oxime with 1,3,5‐tris(bromomethyl)benzene, and 1,1,1‐tris(p‐tosyloxymethyl)propane, respectively and L^3–4 formed by the condensation of 9‐(4‐hydroxy)phenylimino‐4,5‐diazafluorene with 1,3,5‐tris(bromomethyl)benzene, and 1,1,1‐tris(p‐tosyloxymethyl)propane, respectively. Four trinuclear complexes [(bpy)₆Ru₃L^1–4](PF₆)₆ ( Ru‐L^1–4 ) were obtained by reaction of Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂ · 2H₂O with ligands L^1–4. The photophysical behaviors of these complexes were investigated by UV/Vis absorption and emission spectrometry. The complexes display metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer absorptions at 441–445 nm and emissions at 571–578 nm. Cyclic voltammetry data of the complexes show one Ru^II‐centered oxidation and three successive ligand‐centered reductions.     

Stereochemistry of new nitrogen containing heterocyclic aldehyde. IX. Spectroscopic studies on novel mixed-ligand complexes of Rh(III)

Mono, bis and tris complexes of rhodium(III) oxine (systematic name 8-hydroxy-7-quinolinecarboxaldehyde) and mixed ligand have been prepared. The amine exchange reaction of coordinated Schiff base in these complexes has also been carried out, which gives symmetrical tetradentate Schiff base complexes. The complexes are characterized by elemental and thermal analysis, IR, magnetic and electronic spectral analysis methods were also employed as well as conductivity measurements. An octahedral structure is proposed for all the new complexes in which chloride is attached to the metal ion in 1:1; 1:2 (metal:ligand) ratio. The spectral data were utilized to compute the important ligand field parameter B, beta and Dq. The B-values suggest a strong covalency in the metal-ligand sigma-bond and the Dq-values indicate a medium strong ligand field. 1H NMR spectra show that the tris (ligand) complex is cis isomer. IR spectra show that the ligand is mono-basic bidentate.     

Complementing Pyridine‐2,6‐bis(oxazoline) with Cyclometalated N‐Heterocyclic Carbene for Asymmetric Ruthenium Catalysis

A strategy for expanding the utility of chiral pyridine‐2,6‐bis(oxazoline) (pybox) ligands for asymmetric transition metal catalysis is introduced by adding a bidentate ligand to modulate the electronic properties and asymmetric induction. Specifically, a ruthenium(II) pybox fragment is combined with a cyclometalated N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand to generate catalysts for enantioselective transition metal nitrenoid chemistry, including ring contraction to chiral 2H‐azirines (up to 97 % ee with 2000 TON) and enantioselective C(sp³)?H aminations (up to 97 % ee with 50 TON).     

Evaluation of functionalized silica's for the adsorptive recovery of homogenous catalysts through interaction with the metal centre

The goal of this paper is the evaluation of functionalized silica's for the recovery of homogeneous catalysts by adsorption via its metal centre. As model catalysts, we selected bis(triphenylphosphine)cobalt(II)dichloride (CoCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)), bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II)dichloride (PdCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)) and tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I)dichloride (RhCl(PPh(3))(3)). Twelve functionalized groups selected from four classes containing one or more N-, O-, P- or S-atoms were evaluated. A preliminary selection of the adsorbents was done by investigating the adsorption of the metal salts for the cobalt and the palladium complex. The results could be explained by the Hard and Soft Acid Base (HSAB) theory. For the most suitable functionalized adsorbents, these experiments were extended by introducing the ligand in the system which promoted the competition of the functionalized groups on adsorbent and the ligands present in solution. These experiments demonstrated that different complex species are adsorbed. 2-(2pyridyl)ethyl-functionalized silica is selected as a promising adsorbent for adsorption of the CoCl(2)(PPh(3))(2) from acetonitrile, while 3-(mercapto)propyl-functionalized silica is selected as a promising adsorbent for adsorption of the PdCl(2)(PPh(3))(2) and RhCl(PPh(3))(3) from DMF. The presence of a ligand, an increase of the temperature and the presence of a solvent with the donor properties can decrease the adsorption equilibrium and need to be taken into account.     

On the stabilisation and surface properties of soluble transition-metal nanoparticles in non-functionalised imidazolium-based ionic liquids

Doubtless ionic liquids (ILs), particularly those based on the 1,3-dialkyl imidazolium cation, provide a flexible liquid platform to prepare, soluble and stable transition metal nanoparticles (TMNPs). ILs can act as a “solvent”, stabiliser, ligand and support for TMNPs. Soluble and stable TMNPs for specific applications can be easily prepared in ILs using a bottom-up or top-down approach. The stability of TMNPs in non-functionalised ILs is mainly related to the surface electronic stabilisation provided by protective layers of discrete supramolecular imidazolium aggregates, non-polar imidazolium alkyl side chains and NHC carbene species as well as surface hydrogen species, together with an oxide layer when present on the metal surface. The IL provides a template-like effect and does not exist as a pure double layer, rather, the IL interacts directly with the TMNP surface through both cationic and anionic species, and the non-polar groups are preferentially directed away from the surface, forming a protective layer at the interface of at least one layer thick. The main aspects involving the stabilisation, in particular the interface of TMNP surface with the ionic liquids and other species present in the media, will be presented and discussed in light of the recent experimental and theoretical results reported.     

The AZARYPHOS Family of Ligands for Ambifunctional Catalysis: Syntheses and Use in Ruthenium‐Catalyzed anti‐Markovnikov Hydration of Terminal Alkynes

The family of AZARYPHOS (aza–aryl–phosphane) phosphane ligands, containing a phosphine unit and sterically shielded nitrogen lone pairs in the ligand periphery, is introduced as a tool for developing ambifunctional catalysis by the metal center and nitrogen lone pairs in the ligand sphere. General synthetic strategies have been developed to synthesize over 25 examples of structurally diverse (6‐aryl‐2‐pyridyl)phosphanes (ARPYPHOS), (6‐alkyl‐2‐pyridyl)phosphanes (ALPYPHOS), 4,6‐disubsituted 1,3‐diazin‐2‐ylphosphanes or 1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐ylphosphanes, quinazolinylphosphanes, quinolinylphosphanes, and others. The scalable syntheses proceed in a few steps. The incorporation of AZARYPHOS ligands ( L ) into complexes [RuCp( L )₂(MeCN)][PF₆] (Cp=cyclopentadienyl) gives catalysts for the anti‐Markovnikov hydration of terminal alkynes of the highest known activities. Electronic and steric ligand effects modulate the reaction kinetics over a range of two orders of magnitude. These results highlight the importance of using structurally diverse ligand families in the process of developing cooperative ambifunctional catalysis by a metal and its ligand.     

Solvatochromic Behavior of Chiral Mesoporous Metal–Organic Frameworks and Their Applications for Sensing Small Molecules and Separating Cationic Dyes

Two anionic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with 1D mesoporous tubes ( 1 ) and chiral mesoporous cages ( 2 ) have been rationally constructed by means of a predesigned size‐extended hexatopic ligand, namely, 5,5′,5′′‐(1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triyl)tris‐ (azanediyl)triisophthalate (TATAT). Charge neutrality is achieved by protonated dimethylamine cations. Notably, the two MOFs can be used to separate large molecules based on ionic selectivity rather than the size‐exclusion effect so far reported in the literature. Owing to the imino triazine backbone and carboxyl groups of the hexatopic ligand, which provide important host–guest interactions, rare solvatochromic phenomena of 1 and 2 are observed on incorporating acetone and ethanol guests. Furthermore, guest‐dependent luminescence properties of compound 2 were investigated, and the results show that luminescence intensity is significantly enhanced in toluene and benzene, while quenching effects are observed in acetone and ethanol. Thus, compound 2 may be a potential material for luminescent probes.     

Rhenium(I) compounds bound by tripodal ligands of pyridine and N-methylimidazole

The reaction of Re(CO)(5)Br with tris(2-pyridyl)methanol (tpmOH) leads to unexpectedly complex chemistry with three new compounds forming instead of a single product. In compound 1, the tpmOH ligand binds to the metal in the N,N',N'-mode; 2 has tpmO(-) bound in the N,N',O-mode; while 3 is a dimer with the tpmO(-) ligand utilizing each of the four donor atoms to bridge the two metal centers. The analogous methyl ether ligands, tris(2-pyridyl)methoxymethane (tpmOMe) or tris[2-(l-methylimidazolyl)]methoxymethane (timmOMe), each yielded a single product, 4 and 5, respectively, bound in the N,N',N'-mode, and are new leads for potential radiotherapeutic agents. All compounds have been structurally characterized.