The Stereostructure of Porphyra‐334: An Experimental and Calculational NMR Investigation. Evidence for an Efficient ‘Proton Sponge’

The mycosporine‐like amino acid (MAA) porphyra‐334 ( 1 ) is subjected to extensive ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR analysis as well as to density‐functional‐theory (DFT) calculations. All ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR signals of 1 are assigned, as well as the resonances of prochiral proton pairs. This is achieved by 500‐MHz standard COSY, HMQC, and HMBC experiments, as well as by one‐dimensional (DPFGSE‐NOE) and two‐dimensional (NOESY) NOE experiments. Diffusion measurements (DOSY) confirm that 1 is monomeric in D₂O solution. DFT Calculations yield ¹³C‐NMR chemical shifts which are in good agreement for species 6 which is the imino N‐protonated form of 1 . An exceptionally high proton affinity of 265.7 kcal/mol is calculated for 1 , indicating that 1 may behave as a very powerful ‘proton sponge’ of comparable strength as synthetic systems studied so far. Predictions of ¹³C‐NMR chemical shifts by the ‘NMRPredict’ software are in agreement with the DFT data. The absolute configuration at the ring stereogenic center of 1 is concluded to be (S) from NOE data as well as from similarities with the absolute configuration (S) found in mycosporine‐glycine 16 . This supports the assumption that 1 is biochemically derived from 3,3‐O‐didehydroquinic acid ( 17 ). The data obtained question the results recently published by a different research group claiming that the configuration at the imino moiety of 1 is (Z), rather than (E) as established by the here presented study.     

Reactions of Polycyclic Ketones with Dimethoxycarbene; a Convenient Route for a ‘One‐Pot’ Preparation of Some α‐Hydroxycarboxylic Acid Esters

Polycyclic ‘cage’ ketones, such as pentacyclo[5.4.0.0^2,6.0^3,10.0^5,9]undecan‐8‐one ( 10 ), pentacyclo[5.4.0.0^2,6.0^3,10.0^5,9]undecane‐8,11‐dione ( 11 ), and adamantan‐2‐one ( 16 ) were treated with the nucleophilic dimethoxycarbene (DMC; 1 ), which was generated thermally from 2,5‐dihydro‐2,2‐dimethoxy‐5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole ( 4a ) in boiling toluene. In this ‘one‐pot’ procedure, the α‐hydroxycarboxylic acid ester 12 or a corresponding derivative 15 or 17 was obtained (Schemes 4–7). Additionally, ‘cage’ thione 21 was treated with DMC under the same conditions yielding dimethoxythiirane 22 (Scheme 8). Subsequent hydrolysis or desulfurization (followed by hydrolysis on silica gel) of 22 gave α‐mercaptocarboxylate 25 and the corresponding desulfurized ester 24 , respectively. In all cases, the addition of DMC occurred stereoselectively, and the addition from the exo‐face is postulated to explain the structures of the isolated products.     

1H and 13C NMR assignments of eight nitrogen containing compounds from Nocardia alba sp.nov (YIM 30243T)

An unprecedented new natural product named nocarsin A (1), 5H‐4a,6,7a‐triazacyclopenta[cd]indene‐5,7(6H)‐dione (1), together with seven known compounds lumichrome (2), cyclo (L ‐Leu‐L ‐Tyr) (3), cyclo (L ‐Ala‐L ‐Ile) (4), cyclo (L ‐Ala‐L ‐Leu) (5), cyclo (L ‐Val‐L ‐Ala) (6), 5‐methyluracil (7) and uracil (8), was isolated from Nocardia alba sp.nov (YIM 30243^T), which was isolated from a soil sample collected from Yunnan Province, P. R. China. NMR techniques including COSY, HSQC, ROESY, and HMBC were used to elucidate the structures of these compounds. We report the unambiguous assignments of the ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of the new compound nocarsin A (1). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Remote ‘Imidazole’‐Based Ruthenium(II) Para‐Cymene Pre‐catalyst for the Selective Oxidation Reaction of Alkyl Arenes and Alcohols

Herein we disclosed the use of a remote ‘imidazole’‐based precatalyst [(para‐cymene)Ru^II(L)Cl]⁺, C‐1 where L=2‐(4‐substituted‐phenyl)‐1H‐imidazo[4,5‐f]^[1,10] phenanthroline) for the selective oxidation of a variety of alkyl arenes/heteroarenes and alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes or ketones in presence of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). The remote ‘imidazole’ moiety present in the complex facilitates the activation of oxidant and subsequent generation of active species via the release of para‐cymene from C‐1 , which in‐turn was less effective without the ‘imidazole’ moiety. The mechanistic features of C‐1 promoted oxidation of alkyl arenes were also assessed from spectroscopic, kinetic, and few control experiments. The substrate scope for C‐1 promoted oxidation reaction was assessed based on the selective oxidation of 27‐different alkyl arenes/heteroarenes and 25 different alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes/ketones in moderate to good yields.     

Phenylselenenylalkanes,their adducts with the dirhodium complex Rh2(MTPA)4 and ligand exchange mechanisms in solution as studied by 1H, 13C and 77Se NMR spectroscopy

Twelve secondary phenylselenenylalkanes and ‐cycloalkanes were studied by ¹H, ¹³C and ⁷⁷Se NMR spectroscopy in the presence of the chiral dirhodium complex Rh₂[(R)‐MTPA]₄ [Rh–Rh; MTPA‐H = (R)‐(+)‐methoxytrifluoromethylphenylacetic acid, Mosher's acid]. The 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 adducts were identified in solution at low temperatures. Two different mechanisms of ligand exchange, ‘switch’ and ‘replacement,’ were characterized and their energy barriers estimated and steric congestion during the exchange transitions is discussed. Coordination‐induced shifts Δδ(⁷⁷Se) are generally negative (shielding). For menthone bis(phenylselenoacetal) (7), these values indicate that a selection of the two selenium atoms occurs showing that 7 prefers complexation at the equatorial selenium atom whereas the axial selenium atom is hardly involved. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Annosqualine: a Novel Alkaloid from the Stems of Annona squamosa

Annosqualine (=(10′bR)‐1′,5′,6′,10′b‐tetrahydro‐9′‐hydroxy‐7′,8′‐dimethoxyspiro[cyclohexa‐2,5‐diene‐1,2′‐pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline]‐3′,4‐dione; 1 ), a novel alkaloid with an unprecedented skeleton, and a new amide, dihydrosinapoyltyramine (=3‐(4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐N‐[2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]propanamide; 2 ), were isolated from the stems of Annona squamosa L., together with six known alkaloids. The structures of all compounds were elucidated spectroscopically by means of optical rotation, ¹H‐, ¹³C‐, and 2D‐NMR, and by EI‐MS, or by comparison with the spectral data of authentic samples. A possible biogenetical pathway towards annosqualine ( 1 ) is proposed.     

A New Alkaloid from the Seeds of Sophora alopecuroides L.

Alopecurin A, an alkaloid with an unprecedented skeleton, was isolated from the seeds of Sophora alopecuroides L. The absolute configuration and structure of this compound was identified as (3S,12R)‐3‐hydroxy‐1,7‐diazatricyclo[10.4.0.1^3,7]heptadecane‐11,16,17‐trione (=(7S,15aR)‐decahydro‐7‐hydroxy‐6H‐7,11‐methano‐4H‐pyrido[1,2‐a][1,7]diazacyclododecine‐4,15,16(12H)‐trione). The structure and absolute configuration was elucidated by spectroscopic methods, mainly HR‐ESI‐TOF‐MS, IR, 1D‐NMR (¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR), 2D‐NMR (COSY, NOESY, HSQC, HMBC), and particularly X‐ray crystal‐diffraction and CD spectral analysis.     

Cinnamoylacetanilides and Their Metal Chelates

A new series of β-ketoanilides, in which the keto group attached to an olefinic linkage, have been synthesized by the reaction of acetoacetanilide with p-substituted benzaldehydes (4-methoxybenzaldehyde, 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde, 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde) under specified conditions. The existence of these β-ketoanilides predominantly in the intramolecularly hydrogen bonded enol forms has been well demonstrated from their IR, ¹H NMR and mass spectral data. Details on the formation of [ML₂] complexes of these compounds with Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) and their nature of bonding were discussed on the basis of analytical, IR, ¹H NMR and mass spectral data.     

Binding H2, N2, H-, and BH3 to transition-metal sulfur sites: synthesis and properties of [RuL(PR3)(N2Me2S2)] Complexes (L=eta2-H2, H-, BH3; R=Cy, iPr)

The reactions of [Ru(N₂)(PR₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] [‘N₂Me₂S₂’=1,2‐ethanediamine‐N,N′‐dimethyl‐N,N′‐bis(2‐benzenethiolate)(2?)] [ 1 a (R=iPr), 1 b (R=Cy)] and [μ‐N₂{Ru(N₂)(PiPr₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)}₂] ( 1 c ) with H₂, NaBH₄, and NBu₄BH₄, intended to reduce the N₂ ligands, led to substitution of N₂ and formation of the new complexes [Ru(H₂)(PR₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] [ 2 a (R=iPr), 2 b (R=Cy)], [Ru(BH₃)(PR₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] [ 3 a (R=iPr), 3 b (R=Cy)], and [Ru(H)(PR₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)]^? [ 4 a (R=iPr), 4 b (R=Cy)]. The BH₃ and hydride complexes 3 a , 3 b , 4 a , and 4 b were obtained subsequently by rational synthesis from 1 a or 1 b and BH₃?THF or LiBEt₃H. The primary step in all reactions probably is the dissociation of N₂ from the N₂ complexes to give coordinatively unsaturated [Ru(PR₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] fragments that add H₂, BH₄^?, BH₃, or H^?. All complexes were completely characterized by elemental analysis and common spectroscopic methods. The molecular structures of [Ru(H₂)(PR₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] [ 2 a (R=iPr), 2 b (R=Cy)], [Ru(BH₃)(PiPr₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] ( 3 a ), [Li(THF)₂][Ru(H)(PiPr₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] ([Li(THF)₂]‐ 4 a ), and NBu₄[Ru(H)(PCy₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] (NBu₄‐ 4 b ) were determined by X‐ray crystal structure analysis. Measurements of the NMR relaxation time T₁ corroborated the η² bonding mode of the H₂ ligands in 2 a (T₁=35 ms) and 2 b (T₁=21 ms). The H,D coupling constants of the analogous HD complexes HD‐ 2 a (¹J(H,D)=26.0 Hz) and HD‐ 2 b (¹J(H,D)=25.9 Hz) enabled calculation of the H? D distances, which agreed with the values found by X‐ray crystal structure analysis ( 2 a : 92 pm (X‐ray) versus 98 pm (calculated), 2 b : 99 versus 98 pm). The BH₃ entities in 3 a and 3 b bind to one thiolate donor of the [Ru(PR₃)(‘N₂Me₂S₂’)] fragment and through a B‐H‐Ru bond to the Ru center. The hydride complex anions 4 a and 4 b are extremely Brønsted basic and are instantanously protonated to give the η²‐H₂ complexes 2 a and 2 b .     

One‐step ring‐closure procedure for 4,5‐dihydro‐1,3‐thiazino[5,4‐b]indole derivatives with Lawesson's reagent. The fifth dihydro‐1,3‐thiazino[b]indole isomer

We report a convenient approach for the synthesis of a new ring system: 4,5‐dihydro‐1,3‐thiazino[5,4‐b]indoles. The procedure involves the use of Lawesson's reagent in the presence of silica to achieve the one‐step ring‐closure reactions of 2‐benzoylamino‐3‐hydroxymethylindole intermediates to furnish 4,5‐dihydro‐2‐aryl‐1,3‐thiazino[5,4‐b]indoles. 2‐Phenylimino‐1,3‐thiazino[5,4‐b]indoles were obtained via the corresponding 3‐phenylthiourea‐2‐carboxylic acid ester derivatives by chemoselective reduction of the ester group, followed by ring closure under acidic conditions. The structures of the novel products were elucidated by IR, ¹H‐NMR, and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy, including 2D‐HMQC, 2D‐HMBC, and DEPT measurements. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).     

Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure 1,5,5‐Trideuterated cis‐ and trans‐2,4‐Dioxa‐3‐phosphadecalins. 31P‐NMR Evidence of Covalent‐Bond Formation and the Stereochemical Implications in the Course of the Inhibition of δ‐Chymotrypsin

The irreversible inhibition of δ‐chymotrypsin with the enantiomerically pure, P(3)‐axially and P(3)‐equatorially X‐substituted cis‐ and trans‐configurated 2,4‐dioxa‐3‐phospha(1,5,5‐²H₃)bicyclo[4.4.0]decane 3‐oxides (X=F, 2,4‐dinitrophenoxy) was monitored by ³¹P‐NMR spectroscopy. ¹H‐Correlated ³¹P{²H}‐NMR spectra enabled the direct observation of the vicinal coupling (³J) between the P‐atom of the inhibitor and the CH₂O moiety of Ser¹⁹⁵ (=‘Ser¹⁹⁵’(CH₂O)), thus establishing the covalent nature of the ‘Ser¹⁹⁵’(CH₂O? P) bond in the inhibited enzyme. The stereochemical course of the phosphorylation is dependent on the structure of the inhibitor, and neat inversion, both inversion and retention, as well as neat retention of the configuration at the P‐atom was found.     

Organotin mefenamic complexes—preparations,spectroscopic studies and crystal structure of a triphenyltin ester of mefenamic acid: novel anti‐tuberculosis agents

The triphenyltin adduct of mefenamic acid, [SnPh₃L] ( 1 ), the monophenyltin complex [PhSnOL] _n ( 2 ), and the dibutyltin complex [SnBu₂L₂] (3), where HL is 2‐[bis(2,3‐dimethylphenyl)amino]benzoic acid (mefenamic acid), have been prepared and structurally characterized by means of vibrational, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies. The crystal structure of 1 has been determined by X‐ray crystallography. X‐ray analysis revealed a pseudo‐pentacoordinated structure containing Ph₃Sn coordinated to the carboxylato group. The structural distortion is a displacement from the tetrahedron toward the trigonal bipyramid. Significant C? H–π interactions and intramolecular hydrogen bonds stabilize the structure 1. The polar imino hydrogen atom participates in intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Complex 1 is self‐assembled via C? H–π and stacking interactions. Vibrational and NMR data are discussed in terms of the crystal structure and the proposed structures for 1–3. Compounds 1 and 3 were tested for antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and X‐ray Structures of Ru3(CO)9(dotpm)(L) Complexes [L = PPh3, P(C6H4Cl‐p)3, and PPh2(C6H4Br‐p)]

The reaction of Ru₃(CO)₁₀(dotpm) ( 1 ) [dotpm = (bis(di‐ortho‐tolylphosphanyl)methane)] and one equivalent of L [L = PPh₃, P(C₆H₄Cl‐p)₃ and PPh₂(C₆H₄Br‐p)] in refluxing n‐hexane afforded a series of derivatives [Ru₃(CO)₉(dotpm)L] ( 2 – 4 ), respectively, in ca. 67–70 % yield. Complexes 2 – 4 were characterized by elemental analysis (CHN), IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C{¹H} NMR and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of 2 , 3 , and 4 were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The bidentate dotpm and monodentate phosphine ligands occupy equatorial positions with respect to the Ru triangle. The effect of substitution resulted in significant differences in the Ru–Ru and Ru–P bond lengths.     

Structure elucidation and total assignment of 1H and 13C NMR data for a new bisdesmoside saponin from Cordia piauhiensis

Extensive 1D (¹H NMR, HBBD‐¹³C NMR, DEPT‐¹³C NMR) and 2D (COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HMQC and HMBC) NMR analysis was used to characterize the structure of a new bisdesmoside saponin isolated from the methanol extract of stems of Cordia piauhiensis Fresen as 3β‐O‐[α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl]ursolic acid 28‐O‐[β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 6)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl] ester. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Square Planar Nickel（II） Complexes with Halogenated o-Diiminobenzosemiquinonato Ligation： Synthesis,Characterization, and Redox Property

Seven square planar bis（o-diiminobenzosemiquinonato）nickel（II） complexes, [Ni（o-C6H4（NH）（NAr））2] （Ar= Mes, 1; p-F-C6H4, 2; p-CI-C6H4, 3）, [Ni（o-4,5-F2-C6H2（NH）（NPh））2] （4）, and [Ni（o-4,5-CIz-C6H2（NH）（NAr））2] （Ar =Ph, 5; 2,6-F2-C6H3, 6; 2,6-C12-C6H3, 7）, have been synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR, IR, UV-Vis-NIR, elemental analyses, HRMS, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies （1 and 7）. The cyclic voltammograms of these complexes exhibit two reversible redox processes of [NiLe]0n- and [NIL2]l /2 , and one irreversible process of [NiL2]~n＋. Substituent effects on the redox properties of these complexes, in addi- tion with those of the known complexes [Ni（o-C6Ha（NH）（NPh））2] （8） and [Ni（o-3,5-Butz-C6Hz（NH）2）2] （9）, are identified by comparing the half-wave potentials of the reduction waves, as 1 ~ 9 〈 8 ~ 2 〈 3 〈 4 〈 5 〈 7 〈 6, reflect- ing the ease of reduction of [NIL2] parallels the electron-donating and -withdrawing ability of the substituent group. Reduction of 1 with one or two equivalents of sodium metal in THF has led to the isolation of [Na（THF）3][I] and [Na（THF）3]2[1]. The structure data of these two complexes revealed by low-temperature X-ray crystallography suggest their corresponding electronic structures of [Nill（lL-1 ）（IL2-）]1- and [Ni1]（1L2 ）212-, which are in line with those of [9]n （n = 1-, 2-） suggested by spectroelectrochemical study.     

New Pyrrole Alkaloids with Bulky N‐Alkyl Side Chains Containing Stereogenic Centers from Lycium chinense

Four new pyrrole alkaloids, methyl 2‐[2‐formyl‐5‐(methoxymethyl)‐1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl]propanoate ( 1 ), methyl 2‐[2‐formyl‐5‐(methoxymethyl)‐1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl]‐3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propanoate ( 2 ), dimethyl 2‐[2‐formyl‐5‐(methoxymethyl)‐1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl]butanedioate ( 3 ), and dimethyl 2‐[2‐formyl‐5‐(methoxymethyl)‐1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl]pentanedioate ( 4 ), were isolated from the AcOEt extract of the fruits of Lycium chinense Miller (Solanaceae). The stereogenic center C(2) in the bulky N‐alkyl side chain in each of 1 – 4 seems to hold the H‐atoms of nearby CH₂ groups, CH₂(7′) and CH₂(3) (if R≠H), leading to two different chemical shifts in the ¹H‐NMR spectrum due to their diastereotopic characteristics. In the ¹H‐NMR data of each of 2 – 4 , the enhancement of H? C(2) signal was inhibited by the R group, probably due to steric hindrance, and its chemical shift was influenced by the anisotropy effect. The structures of 1 – 4 were elucidated by analysis of various spectroscopic data, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR.     

Two new acylated flavonoid glycosides from Morina nepalensis var. alba Hand.‐Mazz.

From the whole plant of Morina nepalensis var. alba Hand.‐Mazz., two new acylated flavonoid glycosides ( 1 and 2 ), together with four known flavonoid glycosides ( 3–6 ), were isolated. Their structures were determined to be quercetin 3‐O‐[2″′‐O‐(E)‐caffeoyl]‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D ‐galactopyranoside (monepalin A, 1 ), quercetin 3‐O‐[2″′‐O‐(E)‐caffeoyl]‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside (monepalin B, 2 ), quercetin 3‐O‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D ‐galactopyranoside (rumarin, 3 ), quercetin 3‐O‐β‐D ‐galactopyranoside ( 4 ), quercetin 3‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 5 ) and apigenin 4^′‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 6 ). Their structures were determined on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence. Complete assignments of the ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of all compounds were achieved from the 2D NMR spectra, including H–H COSY, HMQC, HMBC and 2D HMQC‐TOCSY spectra. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solution Behaviour and Biomolecular Interactions of Two Cytotoxic trans‐Platinum(II) Complexes Bearing Aliphatic Amine Ligands

A novel trans‐platinum(II) complex bearing one dimethylamine (dma) and one methylamine (ma) ligand, namely trans‐[PtCl₂(dma)(ma)], recently synthesised and characterised in our laboratory, displayed relevant antiproliferative properties in vitro, being more active than the parent complex, trans‐[PtCl₂(dma)(ipa)], which has isopropylamine (ipa) in place of methylamine. We have analysed comparatively the solution behaviour of these two complexes under various experimental conditions, and investigated their reactivity with horse heart cytochrome c by mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), 2D [¹H,¹⁵N],[¹H,¹³C] HSQC and [¹H,¹H] NOESY NMR. Some important changes that occurred in the [¹H,¹³C] HSQC NMR spectrum of cytochrome c treated with trans‐[PtCl₂(dma)(ma)] in water, after two days’ incubation, most probably arose from direct platinum coordination to the protein side chain; this was proved conclusively by [¹H,¹H] NOESY NMR and [¹H,¹⁵N] HSQC NMR measurements. Met65 was identified as the primary Pt binding site on cytochrome c. Electrospray mass spectrometry (ESIMS) results provided evidence for extensive platinum–protein adduct formation. A fragment of the [Pt(amine)(amine′)] type was established to be primarily responsible for protein metalation. ICP‐OES analysis revealed that these trans‐platinum(II) complexes bind preferentially to the serum proteins albumin and transferrin rather than to calf thymus DNA. Pt binding to DNA was found to be far lower than in the case of cisplatin. The implications of the results for the mechanism of action of novel cytotoxic trans‐platinum complexes are discussed.     

Complete assignments of 1H and 13C NMR data for two new sesquiterpenes from Cyperus rotundus L.

Two new sesquiterpenes, epi‐guaidiol A (1) and sugebiol (3), together with four known sesquiterpenes, guaidiol A(2), sugetriol triacetate (4), cyperenoic acid (5), and cyperotundone (6) were isolated from the rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus L. Their structures were identified by MS and NMR experiments, and the complete assignments of ¹H and ¹³C NMR data for two new sesquiterpenes were obtained by the aid of two‐dimensional (2D) NMR techniques, including HSQC, HMBC, ¹H‐¹HCOSY and nuclear overhauser enhancement spectroscopy(NOESY). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fast Hydrocarbon Oxidation by a High‐Valent Nickel–Fluoride Complex

In the search for highly reactive oxidants we have identified high‐valent metal–fluorides as a potential potent oxidant. The high‐valent Ni–F complex [Ni^III(F)(L)] ( 2 , L=N,N′‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)‐2,6‐pyridinedicarboxamidate) was prepared from [Ni^II(F)(L)]^? ( 1 ) by oxidation with selectfluor. Complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by using ¹H/¹⁹F NMR, UV‐vis, and EPR spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, and X‐ray crystallography. Complex 2 was found to be a highly reactive oxidant in the oxidation of hydrocarbons. Kinetic data and products analysis demonstrate a hydrogen atom transfer mechanism of oxidation. The rate constant determined for the oxidation of 9,10‐dihydroanthracene (k₂=29 m ^?1 s^?1) compared favorably with the most reactive high‐valent metallo‐oxidants. Complex 2 displayed reaction rates 2000–4500‐fold enhanced with respect to [Ni^III(Cl)(L)] and also displayed high kinetic isotope effect values. Oxidative hydrocarbon and phosphine fluorination was achieved. Our results provide an interesting direction in designing catalysts for hydrocarbon oxidation and fluorination