Transition Metal-Free Aromatic C−H,C−N,C−S and C−O Borylation

Aromatic organoboron compounds are highly valuable building blocks in organic chemistry. They were mainly synthesized through aromatic C−H and C−Het borylation, in which transition metal-catalysis dominate. In the past decade, with increasing attention to sustainable chemistry, numerous transition metal-free C−H and C−Het borylation transformations have been developed and emerged as efficient methods towards the synthesis of aromatic organoboron compounds. This account mainly focuses on recent advances in transition metal-free aromatic C−H, C−N, C−S, and C−O borylation transformations and provides insights to where further developments are required.     

Rhoda-Electrocatalyzed C−H Methylation and Paired Electrocatalyzed C−H Ethylation and Propylation

The use of electricity over traditional stoichiometric oxidants is a promising strategy for sustainable molecular assembly. Herein, we describe the rhoda-electrocatalyzed C−H activation/alkylation of several N-heteroarenes. This catalytic approach has been successfully applied to several arenes, including biologically relevant purines, diazepam, and amino acids. The versatile C−H alkylation featured water as a co-solvent and user-friendly trifluoroborates as alkylating agents. Finally, the rhoda-electrocatalysis with unsaturated organotrifluoroborates proceeded by paired electrolysis.     

C−H Bond Activation by Iridium(III) and Iridium(IV) Oxo Complexes

Oxidation of an iridium(III) oxo precursor enabled the structural, spectroscopic, and quantum-chemical characterization of the first well-defined iridium(IV) oxo complex. Side-by-side examination of the proton-coupled electron transfer thermochemistry revealed similar driving forces for the isostructural oxo complexes in two redox states due to compensating contributions from H⁺ and e⁻ transfer. However, C−H activation of dihydroanthracene revealed significant hydrogen tunneling for the distinctly more basic iridium(III) oxo complex. Our findings complement the growing body of data that relate tunneling to ground state properties as predictors for the selectivity of C−H bond activation.     

Covalent Bonding in Au(BO) 2 − and Au(BS) 2 −

We perform in this work a comprehensive first-principles investigation on the geometric and electronic structures of Au(BO) ₂ ^? and Au(BS) ₂ ^? which are valent isoelectronic to the well-known Au(CN) ₂ ^? monoanion. Au(BO) ₂ ^? and Au(BS) ₂ ^? complexes prove to possess linear ground-state structures similar to Au(CN) ₂ ^? and the BO^? and BS^? ligands in them are found to be coordinated terminally via boron atoms to gold centers which are weakly negatively charged. Au–B bonds in Au(BO) ₂ ^? and Au(BS) ₂ ^? appear to have higher Wiberg bond indices (0.79 and 0.80) and more covalent components (60 and 53 %) than the corresponding values of Au–C interaction in Au(CN) ₂ ^? (0.67 and 39 %, respectively) at the same theoretical levels. Their Au–B bifurcation values of the electronic localization function also turn out to be higher than Au–C. These results strongly suggest that the Au–B bonds in Au(BO) ₂ ^? and Au(BS) ₂ ^? with multiple-bond character possess stronger covalent characters than Au–C in Au(CN) ₂ ^? .     

Small Gold(I) and Gold(I)–Silver(I) Clusters by C−Si Auration

Auration of o-trimethylsilyl arylphosphines leads to the formation of gold and gold–silver clusters with ortho-metalated phosphines displaying 3c–2e Au−C−M bonds (M=Au/Ag). Hexagold clusters [Au₆L₄](X)₂ are obtained by reaction of (L−TMS)AuCl with AgX, whereas reaction with AgX and Ag₂O leads to gold–silver clusters [Au₄Ag₂L₄](X)₂. Oxo-trigold(I) species [Au₃O]⁺ were identified as the intermediates in the formation of the silver-doped clusters. Other [Au₅], [Au₄Ag], and [Au₁₂Ag₄] clusters were also obtained. Clusters containing PAu−Au−AuP structural motif display good catalytic activity in the activation of alkynes under homogeneous conditions.     

Electronic structures of C36 fulleride anions: C36− and C362−

Electronic structures for mono- and dianionic species of two promising C₃₆ fullerene isomers, 14 and 15, are investigated by means of the hybrid Hartree–Fock (HF)/density functional (DF) method. Structural deformations, charge distributions, and spin densities upon one- or two-electron reduction are explained in light of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) of each neutral isomer. First electron affinities for the neutral isomers 14 and 15 are predicted to be 2.3 and 2.5 eV, respectively, facilitating n-type doping for C₃₆ solids. The degrees of local aromaticity of the isomers 14 and 15 tend to decrease with reduction in contrast with C₆₀.     

Divergent Coupling of Benzocyclobutenones with Indoles via C−H and C−C Activations

Highly selective divergent coupling reactions of benzocyclobutenones and indoles, in which the chemoselectivity is controlled by catalysts, are reported herein. The substrates undergo C2(indole)–C8(benzocyclobutenone) coupling to produce benzylated indoles and benzo[b]carbazoles in the Ni- and Ru-catalyzed reactions. A completely different selectivity pattern C2(indole)–C2(benzocyclobutenone) coupling to form arylated indoles is observed in the Rh-catalyzed reaction. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest C−H and C−C activations in the reaction pathway. Synthetic utility of this protocol is demonstrated by the selective synthesis of three different types of carbazoles from the representative products.     

C−C Cross-Couplings from a Cyclometalated Au(III) C N Complex: Mechanistic Insights and Synthetic Developments

In recent years, the reactivity of gold complexes was shown to extend well beyond π-activation and to hold promises to achieve selective cross-couplings in several C−C and C−E (E=heteroatom) bond forming reactions. Here, with the aim of exploiting new organometallic species for cross-coupling reactions, we report on the Au(III)-mediated C(sp²)−C(sp) occurring upon reaction of the cyclometalated complex [Au(C^CH2N)Cl₂] ( 1 , C^CH2N=2-benzylpyridine) with AgPhCC. The reaction progress has been monitored by NMR spectroscopy, demonstrating the involvement of a number of key intermediates, whose structures have been unambiguously ascertained through 1D and 2D NMR analyses (¹H, ¹³C, ¹H-¹H COSY, ¹H-¹³C HSQC and ¹H-¹³C HMBC) as well as by HR-ESI-MS and X-ray diffraction studies. Furthermore, crystallographic studies have serendipitously resulted in the authentication of zwitterionic Au(I) complexes as side-products arising from cyclization of the coupling product in the coordination sphere of gold. The experimental work has been paralleled and complemented by DFT calculations of the reaction profiles, providing valuable insight into the structure and energetics of the key intermediates and transition states, as well as on the coordination sphere of gold along the whole process. Of note, the broader scope of the cross-coupling at the Au(III) C^CH2N centre has also been demonstrated studying the reaction of 1 with C(sp²)-based nucleophiles, namely vinyl and heteroaryl tin and zinc reagents. These reactions stand as rare examples of C(sp²)−C(sp²) cross-couplings at Au(III).     

Regioselective C−H Trifluoromethylation and Its Related Reactions of (Hetero)aromatic Compounds

Fluorinated functional groups, including trifluoromethyl group, play important roles in the development of drugs, agrochemicals, and organic functional materials. Therefore, the development of highly effective and practical reactions to introduce fluorinated functional groups into (hetero)aromatic compounds is highly desirable. We have achieved several regioselective C−H trifluoromethylation and related reactions by electrophilic and nucleophilic activation of six-membered heteroaromatic compounds and steric protection of aromatic compounds. These reactions proceed in good to excellent yields, even on a gram scale, with high functional group tolerance, and are applicable to the regioselective trifluoromethylation of drug molecules. In this personal account, the background of the introduction reactions of fluorinated functional groups, our reaction designs to achieve regioselective C−H trifluoromethylation and the related reactions of (hetero)aromatic compounds are explained.     

Room-Temperature-Observable Interconversion Between Si(IV) and Si(II) via Reversible Intramolecular Insertion Into an Aromatic C−C Bond

An easily isolable silacycloheptatriene (silepin) 1 b was synthesized from the reaction of a N-heterocyclic imino (IPrN) substituted tribromosilane IPrNSiBr₃ with the sterically congested bis(trimethylsilyl)triisopropylsilyl silanide KSi(TMS)₂Si(ⁱPr)₃ (BTTPS). In solution, the Si(IV) silepin 1 b is in a thermodynamic equilibrium with the acyclic Si(II) silylene 1 a . The relative concentration of the Si(II) or Si(IV) isomers can be controlled by temperature variation and observed by variable temperature NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. DFT calculations show a small reaction barrier for the Si(II)⇌Si(IV) interconversion and a small energy gap between the Si(II) and Si(IV) species. The reactivity of 1 a/b is demonstrated on a variety of small molecules.     

Vibrational Predissociation Spectra of C2N− and C3N−: Bending and Stretching Vibrations

We present infrared predissociation spectra of C₂N⁻(H₂) and C ₃N⁻(H₂) in the 300–1850 cm⁻¹ range. Measurements were performed using the FELion cryogenic ion trap end user station at the Free Electron Lasers for Infrared eXperiments (FELIX) laboratory. For C₂N⁻(H₂), we detected the CCN bending and CC−N stretching vibrations. For the C₃N⁻(H₂) system, we detected the CCN bending, the CC−CN stretching, and multiple overtones and/or combination bands. The assignment and interpretation of the presented experimental spectra is validated by calculations of anharmonic spectra within the vibrational configuration interaction (VCI) approach, based on potential energy surfaces calculated at explicitly correlated coupled cluster theory (CCSD(T)-F12/cc-pVTZ−F12). The H₂ tag acts as an innocent spectator, not significantly affecting the C_2,3N⁻ bending and stretching mode positions. The recorded infrared predissociation spectra can thus be used as a proxy for the vibrational spectra of the bare anions.     

A Next-Generation Air-Stable Palladium(I) Dimer Enables Olefin Migration and Selective C−C Coupling in Air

We report a new air-stable Pd^I dimer, [Pd(μ-I)(PCy₂^tBu)]₂, which triggers E-selective olefin migration to enamides and styrene derivatives in the presence of multiple functional groups and with complete tolerance of air. The same dimer also triggers extremely rapid C−C coupling (alkylation and arylation) at room temperature in a modular and triply selective fashion of aromatic C−Br, C−OTf/OFs, and C−Cl bonds in poly(pseudo)halogenated arenes, displaying superior activity over previous Pd^I dimer generations for substrates that bear substituents ortho to C−OTf.     

On−off−on gold nanocluster-based near infrared fluorescent probe for recognition of Cu(II) and vitamin C

The authors described gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) for use on an “on ? off ? on” NIR fluorescent probe for the determination of citrate and Cu(II) ion. The AuNCs were prepared by a microwave-assisted method using BSA as both the stabilizing and reducing agent. The resulting BSA-capped AuNCs display NIR fluorescence peaking at 680 nm under 500 nm excitation, a quantum yield of ~6.0%, an average size of 2.8 ± 0.5 nm, water-dispersibility, stability and biocompatibility. The on?off probe for Cu(II) is based on the interaction between Cu(II) and BSA which causes the fluorescence of the BSA?AuNCs to be quenched. The quenched fluorescence is recovered on addition of vitamin C (VC), obviously due to complexation of Cu(II) by citrate. The probe was employed to image Cu(II) and citrate in HeLa cells and in aqueous solutions. The method works in the 20 nM to 0.1 mM concentration range for Cu(II), and in the 8 nM to 120 μM concentration range for VC.

Open image in new window

Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of the gold nanocluster based probe whose fluorescence is quenched by Cu(II) ions and then restored by addition of vitamin C. This is demonstrated for both aqueous solutions and living cells.

     

The unusual electrochemical behaviour of [Co8(CO)18C]2− compared to [M6(CO)15C]2− (M = Co,Rh) and [Fe6(CO)16C]2− carbido clusters

A variety of electrochemical reactions has been observed for the carbido-carbonyl clusters [Co₈(CO)₁₈C](NMe₃CH₂C₆H₅)₂, [Co₆(CO)₁₅C](NMe₃CH₂C₆H₅)₂, [Rh₆(CO)₁₅C](Et₄N)₂ and [Fe₆(CO)₁₆C](Et₄N)₂. The hexanuclear clusters undergo irreversible electrochemical oxidation and reduction steps, whereas the octacobalt species exhibits three electrochemically reversible one-electron steps. The relation between the redox properties and the structure of these clusters is discussed.     

Synthesis and physical and chemical characterization of Ca10−xAgx(PO4)6(OH)2−xx apatites

The synthesis of calcium-silver hydroxyapatites of composition Ca_10−xAg_x(PO₄)₆(OH)_2−xx is discussed, together with their physical and chemical properties. Samples prepared both by dry process and by double decomposition were characterized using a variety of analytical techniques (chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy). The lattice parameters a and c increase linearly with the amount of silver added. The increase is attributed to the preferential substitution of the silver ion in site me (I) of these apatites.     

Asymmetric Pd(II)-Catalyzed C−O,C−N,C−C Bond Formation Using Alkenes as Substrates: Insight into Recent Enantioselective Developments

This Review summarizes the advances in the catalytic enantioselective mono- and difunctionalization of alkenes, highlighting the fundamental role of ligands. Several types of asymmetric reactions have been developed involving different bonds formation, C−O, C−N and C−C, highlighting the urgency to go ahead in the search for new ligands and synthetic methodologies in order to improve the control over the reaction selectivity and activity and thus, to increase the applications in the synthesis of heterocyclic scaffolds and biologically active compounds. The Review is organized into paragraphs, which discuss the type of bond formed during the nucleopalladation, C−O, C−N, C−C bonds, and the type of reaction involved.     

On-Surface Synthesis of One-Dimensional Carbon-Based Nanostructures via C−X and C−H Activation Reactions

The past decades have witnessed the emergence of low-dimensional carbon-based nanostructures owing to their unique properties and various subsequent applications. It is of fundamental importance to explore ways to achieve atomically precise fabrication of these interesting structures. The newly developed on-surface synthesis approach provides an efficient strategy for this challenging issue, demonstrating the potential of atomically precise preparation of low-dimensional nanostructures. Up to now, the formation of various surface nanostructures, especially carbon-based ones, such as graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), kinds of organic (organometallic) chains and films, have been achieved via on-surface synthesis strategy, in which in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanism has also been explored. This review article will provide a general overview on the formation of one-dimensional carbon-based nanostructures via on-surface synthesis method. In this review, only a part of the on-surface chemical reactions (specifically, C−X (X=Cl, Br, I) and C−H activation reactions) under ultra-high vacuum conditions will be covered.     

Ring and Cluster Structures of {Li[C(NtBu)2(HNtBu)]}2·(THF) and {Li2[C(NtBu)3]}2, Containing the Novel Anions [C(NtBu)2(HNtBu)]−- and [C(NtBu)3]2−

The reaction of tert.-butyl carbodiimide with one equivalent of LiNH^tBu in tetrahydrofuran at-78 °C produces {Li[C(N^tBu)₂(HN^tBu)]}₂-(THF) (1), which is an eight-membered Li₂C₂N₄ ring; the deprotonation of (1) with two equivalents of n-BuLi in tetrahydrofuran at -78 °C and recrystallisation of the product from n-pentane yielded the unsolvated dimer {Li₂[C(N^tBu)₃]}₂ (2), which adopts the structure of a distorted hexagonal prism.     

Preparation and some properties of ionic salts of C 60 − and C 60 2− fullerides with phthalocyanine cations

Ionic fullerides of C ₆₀ ^? and C ₆₀ ^2? with the silicon phthalocyanines cations were obtained in the reaction of PcSi(OH)₂ with fullerene C₆₀ in the presence of KOH in DMSO or in xylene and THF with the addition of 15C5 crown ether. The fullerides were characterized by electron absorption, ¹H NMR and electron spin resonance spectra, and their reaction with O₂ and CF₃COOH were carried out.     

Triethylaluminum-Based Ferrocenylalanes. Synthesis and Crystal Structure of (η5−C5H5)Fe[η5−C5H4Al2(C2H5)4Cl]

Abstract

The trietheylaluminum based ferrocenylalane (η⁵?C₅H₅)Fe[η⁵?C₅H₄Al₂(C₂H₅)₄Cl] was prepared from the reaction of triethylaluminum with chloromercuriferrocene in toluene and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 with unit cell dimensions a = 9.353(3) Å, b = 10.281(7) Å, c = 11.599(9) Å, α = 79.64(7)°, β = 69.41(6)°, γ = 84.33(4)°, and Z = 2 for D_c = 1.27 g cm^?3. Full-matrix least-squares refinement has led to a final R factor of 0.068 based on 1866 independent observed reflections. The two diethylaluminum units are bridged by a chlorine atom and one carbon atom of a cyclopentadienyl group, thus forming an Al-Cl-Al-C ring. The four-membered ring is planar to within 0.02 Å. The Al-Cl distances are 2.404(4) Å and 2.266(5) Å. The Al-Cl-Al angle is 78.9(1)° while the Al-C-Al angle is 91.3(4)°. No significant aluminum-iron interaction is observed (Al… Fe = 3.137(4) Å).