Highly convenient amine-free sonogashira coupling in air in a polar mixed aqueous medium by trans- and cis-[(NHC)2PdX2] (X=Cl, Br) complexes of N/O-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes

Two new trans- and cis-[(NHC)(2)PdX(2)] (X=Cl, Br) complexes of N/O-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes employed in a highly convenient amine-free Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction in air in a polar mixed aqueous medium are reported. Specifically, the trans-[{1-benzyl-3-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutyl)imidazol-2-ylidene}(2)PdBr(2)] (3) and cis-[{1-benzyl-3-(N-tert-butylacetamido)imidazol-2-ylidene}(2)PdCl(2)] (4) complexes effectively catalyzed the Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction of aryl iodides with substituted acetylenes in air in a mixed solvent (DMF/H(2)O, 3:1 v/v) under amine-free conditions. Interestingly, these trans- and cis-[(NHC)(2)PdX(2)] (X=Cl, Br) complexes, with two N-heterocyclic carbene ligands, exhibited superior activity compared with the now popular PEPPSI (pyridine enhanced precatalyst preparation, stabilization and initiation)-themed analogues, trans-[(NHC)Pd(pyridine)X(2)] (X=Cl, Br), 3 a and 4 a, with one N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and a "throw away" pyridine ligand in a trans disposition to each other. The higher activities of 3 and 4 compared with PEPPSI analogues 3 a and 4 a are attributed to more-electron-rich metal centers, as revealed by DFT studies, in the former complexes and is in concurrence with a more electron-rich metal center being effective in facilitating the oxidative addition of aryl halide, often a rate-determining step in palladium-mediated cross-coupling reactions. Complexes 3 and 4 were prepared from the corresponding silver analogues by transmetalation with [(cod)PdCl(2)], whereas the corresponding PEPPSI analogues 3 a and 4 a were obtained directly from the imidazolium halide salts by reaction with PdCl(2) in pyridine in the presence of K(2)CO(3) as base.     

Gold(I) N-heterocyclic carbene based initiators for bulk ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide

Synthesis, structures, and catalysis studies of gold(I) complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes namely, a di-O-functionalized [1-(2-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-3-(acetophenone)imidazol-2-ylidene], a mono-O-functionalized [1-(2-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-3-(benzyl)imidazol-2-ylidene] and a non-functionalized [1,3-di-i-propyl-benzimidazol-2-ylidene], are reported. Specifically, the gold complexes, [1-(2-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-3-(acetophenone)imidazol-2-ylidene]AuCl (1c), [1-(2-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-3-(benzyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]AuCl (2c), and [1,3-di-i-propyl-benzimidazol-2-ylidene]AuCl (3b), were prepared from the respective silver complexes 1b, 2b, and 3a by treatment with (SMe₂)AuCl in good yields following the commonly used silver carbene transfer route. The silver complexes 1b, 2b, and 3a were synthesized from the respective imidazolium halide salts by the reactions with Ag₂O. The N-heterocyclic carbene precursors, 1-(2-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-3-(acetophenone)imidazolium chloride (1a) and 1-(2-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-3-(benzyl)imidazolium chloride (2a), were synthesized by the direct reactions of cyclohexene oxide and imidazole with chloroacetophenone and benzyl chloride respectively. The gold (1c, 2c, and 3b) and the silver (3a) complexes along with a new O-functionalized imidazolium chloride salt (1a) have been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. The structural studies revealed that geometries around the metal centers were almost linear in these gold and silver complexes. The gold (1c, 2c, and 3b) complexes efficiently catalyze ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of l-lactide under solvent-free melt conditions producing polylactide polymer of moderate to low molecular weights with narrow molecular weight distributions.     

Unprecedented long-range 1,7-bromination in gold complexes of N-(aryl)imino functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes

An unique long-range 1,7-bromination reaction is observed in gold(iii) complexes of N-(aryl)imino functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene with the bromination occurring at two different carbon (sp(2) and sp(3)) centers spatially separated by ca. 6.4 A but existing in extended conjugation to each other. In particular, the unusual distant 1,7-brominated gold(iii) complexes [1-R-3-{N-(p-bromo-2,6-di-i-propylphenylimino)-2-phenyl-1-bromoethyl}imidazol-2-ylidene]AuBr(3) [R = Me (), i-Pr (), t-Bu (), -CH(2)Ph ()] were synthesized cleanly at room temperature under ambient conditions from the reactions of molecular bromine with the gold(i) complexes [1-R-3-{N-(2,6-di-i-propylphenylimino)-2-phenylethyl}imidazol-2-ylidene]AuCl [R = Me (), i-Pr (), t-Bu (), -CH(2)Ph ()]. All of the 1,7-bromination products (, , and ) have been structurally verified by X-ray diffraction studies.     

A new tridentate pincer phosphine/n-heterocyclic carbene ligand: palladium complexes, their structures, and catalytic activities

A new imidazolium salt, 1,3-bis(2-diphenylphosphanylethyl)-3H-imidazol-1-ium chloride (2), for the phosphine/N-heterocyclic carbene-based pincer ligand, PC(NHC)P, and its palladium complexes were reported. The complex, [Pd(PC(NHC)P)Cl]Cl (4), was prepared by the common route of silver carbene transfer reaction and a novel direct reaction between the ligand precursor, PC(NHC)P.HCl and PdCl(2) without the need of a base. Metathesis reactions of 4 with AgBF(4) in acetonitrile produced [Pd(PC(NHC)P)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (5). The same reaction in the presence of excess pyridine gave [Pd(PC(NHC)P)(py)](BF(4))(2) (6). The X-ray structure determination on 4-6 revealed the chiral twisting of the central imidazole rings from the metal coordination plane. In solution, fast interconversion between left- and right-twisted forms occurs. The twisting reflects the weak pi-accepting property of the central NHC in PC(NHC)P. The uneven extent of twisting among the three complexes further implies the low rotational barrier about the Pd-NHC bond. Related theoretical computations confirm the small rotational energy barrier about the Pd-NHC bond (ca. 4 kcal/mol). Catalytic applications of 4 and 5 have shown that the complexes are modest catalysts in Suzuki coupling. The complexes were active catalysts in Heck coupling reactions with the dicationic complex 5 being more effective than the monocationic complex 4.     

新型氮杂环卡宾银(I)配合物的合成及其晶体结构

以取代苄氯(1a~1c)为起始原料,与咪唑经氮烷基化反应制得苄基咪唑氯盐(2a~2c); 2a~2c与氧化银经原位去质子化反应合成了3种新型的氮杂环卡宾银配合物--(NHC)AgCl［NHC: 1,3-二(4-甲氧基苄基)咪唑-2-亚基(3a), 1,3-二(3-甲氧基苄基)咪唑-2-亚基(3b)］和［(NHC)AgCl]₂［NHC=1,3-二(4-氯苄基)咪唑-2-亚基(3c)］,其结构经¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, IR,元素分析和X-射线单晶衍射表征。3a~3c单晶结构均属单斜晶系,3a为P2₁/n空间群,3b和3c为P2₁/c空间群,3a和3b为单核银配合物,3c为双核银配合物。     

Imidazolium carboxylates as versatile and selective N-heterocyclic carbene transfer agents: synthesis, mechanism, and applications

N,N'-Disubstituted imidazolium carboxylates, readily synthetically available, isolable, air- and water-stable reagents, efficiently transfer N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) groups to Rh, Ir, Ru, Pt, and Pd, to give novel NHC complexes, e.g., [Pd(NHC)3OAc]OAc and [Pt(NHC)3Cl]Cl (NHC = 1,3-dimethyl imidazol-2-ylidene). The NHC esters are also effective. Tuning the reaction conditions for NHC transfer can give either mono- or bis-NHCs, or bis- and tris-NHCs. A net N to C rearrangement of the N-alkyl imidazole complex to the corresponding NHC complex was seen with (MeO)2CO (DMC). DFT calculations identify the steps needed to form the carboxylate from imidazole and DMC: SN2 methyl transfer from DMC to imidazole, followed by proton transfer from the imidazolium CH to the carboxylate counterion, produces the free NHC H-bonded to MeOH with a weakly associated CO2. The nucleophilic NHC attacks CO2 to form NHC-CO2. NHC transfer to the metal with loss of CO2 has been calculated for Rh(cod)Cl. A proposed two-cis-site reactivity model rationalizes the experimental data: two such vacant sites at the metal are needed to allow coordination of the NHC-CO2 carboxylate and subsequent CC cleavage with NHC transfer. Partial cod decoordination or chloride loss is thus required for Rh(cod)Cl. Chloride dissociation, calculated to be easier in polar solvent, is confirmed experimentally from the retarding effect of excess chloride.     

Anellated N-heterocyclic carbenes: 1,3-dineopentylnaphtho[2,3-d]imidazol-2-ylidene: synthesis, KOH addition product, transition-metal complexes, and anellation effects

Two novel anellated N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC), 1,3-dineopentylnaphtho[2,3-d]imidazol-2-ylidene, and 1,3-dineopentyl-2-ylido-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine were obtained by reduction of the respective thiones with potassium, the former also by deprotonation of the corresponding naphthimidazolium hexafluorophosphate by using excess KH in THF. The use of equimolar amounts of KH provided an unexpected formal addition product of this NHC with KOH. X-ray crystal structure analysis of the adduct provided evidence for a distorted tetrameric N-heterocyclic alkoxide, stabilized by two THF molecules. In C(6)D(6) the compound undergoes disproportionation. Transition-metal complexes [(NHC)AgCl], [(NHC)Rh(cod)Cl], and (E)-[(NHC)(2)PdCl(2)] of the novel naphthimidazol-2-ylidene were synthesized. X-ray crystal structures and (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopic data provided detailed structural information. Comparing characteristic data with those of nonanellated and differently anellated NHCs or their complexes provides information on the influence of the extended anellation.     

The reactivity of N-heterocyclic carbenes and their precursors with [Ru(3)(CO)(12)

The ambient temperature reaction of the N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) 1,3-dimesitylimidazol-2-ylidene (IMes) and 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IDipp) with the triruthenium cluster [Ru(3)(CO)(12)], in a 3 : 1 stoichiometric ratio, results in homolytic cleavage of the cluster to quantitatively afford the complexes [Ru(CO)(4)(NHC)] (; NHC = IMes, ; NHC = IDipp). Reaction of the 2-thione or hydrochloride precursors to IMes, i.e. S[double bond, length as m-dash]IMes and IMes.HCl, with the same triruthenium cluster affords the complexes [Ru(4)(mu(4)-S)(2)(CO)(9)(IMes)(2)] () and [Ru(4)(mu(4)-S)(CO)(10)(IMes)(2)] () (3 : 1 and 2 : 1 reaction), and [{Ru(mu-Cl)(CO)(2)(IMes)}(2)] () (3 : 1 reaction) respectively. By contrast, the complex [Ru(3)(mu(3)-S)(2)(CO)(7)(IMeMe)(2)] (), where IMeMe is 1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene, is the sole product of the 2 : 1 stoichiometric reaction of S[double bond, length as m-dash]IMeMe with [Ru(3)(CO)(12)]. Compounds -, and have been structurally characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Shorter argentophilic interaction than aurophilic interaction in a pair of dimeric {(NHC)MCl}(2) (M = Ag, Au) complexes supported over a N/O-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand

Synthesis, structure, bonding, and photoluminescence studies of a pair of neutral dimeric silver and gold complexes of a N/O-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligand exhibiting closed-shell d10...d10 argentophilic and aurophilic interactions, are reported. In particular, dimeric complexes of the type {[1-(benzyl)-3-(N-tert-butylacetamido)imidazol-2-ylidene]MCl}2 [M = Ag (2); Au (3)] displayed attractive metallophilic interaction in the form of a close ligand-unsupported metal...metal contact [3.1970(12) A in 2; 3.2042(2) A in 3] as observed from X-ray diffraction study and also was further verified by low temperature photoluminescence study at 77 K that showed the characteristic emission [527 nm for 2; 529 nm for 3] owing to the metal...metal interaction. The nature of the metallophilic interaction in these complexes was further probed using computational studies that estimated the metal...metal interaction energy to be 12.8 (2) and 8.6 kcal/mol (3). Notably, the argentophilic interaction was found to be stronger than the aurophilic interaction in this series of neutral dimeric complexes. The complexes 2 and 3 were synthesized sequentially, with the silver 2 complex prepared by the reaction of the 1-(benzyl)-3-(N-tert-butylacetamido)imidazolium chloride with Ag2O in 66% yield, while the gold 3 complex was obtained by the transmetallation reaction of the silver 2 complex with (SMe2)AuCl in 86% yield.     

Anticancer and antimicrobial metallopharmaceutical agents based on palladium, gold, and silver N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

Complete synthetic, structural, and biomedical studies of two Pd complexes as well as Au and Ag complexes of 1-benzyl-3-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidene are reported. Specifically, trans-[1-benzyl-3-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidene]Pd(pyridine)Cl2 (1a) was synthesized from the reaction of 1-benzyl-3-tert-butylimidazolium chloride (1) with PdCl2 in the presence of K2CO3 as a base. The other palladium complex, [1-benzyl-3-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidene]2PdCl2 (1b), and a gold complex, [1-benzyl-3-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidene]AuCl (1c), were synthesized by following a transmetallation route from the silver complex, [1-benzyl-3-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidene]AgCl (1d), by treatment with (COD)PdCl2 and (SMe2)AuCl, respectively. The silver complex 1d in turn was synthesized by the reaction of 1 with Ag2O. The molecular structures of 1a-d have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies. Biomedical studies revealed that, while the palladium complexes 1a and 1b displayed potent anticancer activity, the gold (1c) and silver (1d) complexes exhibited significant antimicrobial properties. Specifically, 1b showed strong antiproliferative activity against three types of human tumor cells, namely, cervical cancer (HeLa), breast cancer (MCF-7), and colon adenocarcinoma (HCT 116), in culture. The antiproliferative activity of 1b was found to be considerably stronger than that of cisplatin. The 1b complex inhibited tumor cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle progression at the G2 phase, preventing the mitotic entry of the cell. We present evidence suggesting that the treated cells underwent programmed cell death through a p53-dependent pathway. Though both the gold (1c) and silver (1d) complexes showed antimicrobial activity toward Bacillus subtilis, 1c was found to be ca. 2 times more potent than 1d.     

Pd(II) complexes of N,S-heterocyclic carbenes with pendant and coordinated allyl function and their Suzuki coupling activities

3-(2-Propenyl)benzothiazolium bromide () provides a direct and simple entry to Pd(ii) complexes with N,S-heterocyclic carbene (NSHC) ligands functionalized with an allyl pendant with hemilabile potential. Addition of salt to Pd(OAc)(2) eliminates HOAc and affords the bis(carbene) complexes cis-[PdBr(2)(NHSC)(2)] (cis-, NSHC = 3-(2-propenyl)benzothiazolin-2-ylidene) and trans-[PdBr(2)(NHSC)(2)] (trans-) along with the monocarbene complexes [PdBr(2)(NSHC)] () and trans-[PdBr(2)(benzothiazole-kappaN)(NSHC)] () as minor side products. Salt-metathesis of cis- with AgO(2)CCF(3) yields the mixed dicarboxylato-bis(carbene) complex cis-[Pd(O(2)CCF(3))(2)(NSHC)(2)] (). Complexes cis-, trans- and were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopies, ESI mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The molecular structures of complexes cis-, and have been determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction. Complexes cis- and as well as an in situ mixture of Pd(OAc)(2) and salt are active toward Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of aryl bromides and activated aryl chlorides giving good conversions.     

The beta-dialdiminato ligand [{N(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)C(H)}2CPh]-: the conjugate acid and Li, Al, Ga and In derivatives

The synthesis of the following crystalline complexes is described: [Li(L)(thf)2] (), [Li(L)(tmeda)] (), [MCl2(L)] [M=Al (), Ga ()], [In(Cl)(L)(micro-Cl)2Li(OEt2)2] (), [In(Cl)(L){N(H)C6H3Pri(2)-2,6}] (), [In(L){N(H)C6H3Pri(2)-2,6}2] (), [{In(Cl)(L)(micro-OH)}2] (), [L(Cl)In-In(Cl)(L)] () (the thf-solvate, the solvate-free and the hexane-solvate), [{In(Cl)L}2(micro-S)] () and [InCl2(L)(tmeda)] () ([L]-=[{N(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)C(H)}2CPh]-). From H(L) (), via Li(L) in Et2O, and thf, tmeda, AlCl3, GaCl3 or InCl3 there was obtained , , , or , respectively in excellent yield. Compound was the precursor for each of , and [{InCl3(tmeda)2{micro-(OSnMe2)2}}] () by treatment with one () or two () equivalents of K[N(H)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)], successively Li[N(SiMe3)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)] and moist air (), Na in thf (), tmeda (), or successively tmeda and Me3SnSnMe3 (). Crystals of (with an equivalent of In) and were obtained from InCl or thermolysis of [In(Cl)(L){N(SiMe3)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)}] () {prepared in situ from and Li[N(SiMe3)(C6H3Pri(2)-2,6)] in Et2O}, respectively. Compound was obtained from a thf solution of and sulfur. X-Ray data for crystalline , , , , , and are presented. The M(L) moiety in each (not the L-free ) has the monoanionic L ligated to the metal in the N,N'-chelating mode. The MN1C1C2C3N2 six-membered M(L) ring is pi-delocalised and has the half-chair (, and ) or boat (, and ) conformation.     

Experimental and quantum-chemical studies of 15N NMR coordination shifts in palladium and platinum chloride complexes with pyridine, 2,2'-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline

A series of Pd and Pt chloride complexes with pyridine (py), 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), of general formulae trans-/cis-[M(py)2Cl2], [M(py)4]Cl2, trans-/cis-[M(py)2Cl4], [M(bpy)Cl2], [M(bpy)Cl4], [M(phen)Cl2], [M(phen)Cl4], where M = Pd, Pt, was studied by 1H, 195Pt, and 15N NMR. The 90-140 ppm low-frequency 15N coordination shifts are discussed in terms of such structural features of the complexes as the type of platinide metal, oxidation state, coordination sphere geometry and the type of ligand. The results of quantum-chemical NMR calculations were compared with the experimental 15N coordination shifts, well reproducing their magnitude and correlation with the molecular structure.     

Controlled synthesis of nickel(II) dihalides bearing two different or identical N-heterocyclic carbene ligands and the influence of carbene ligands on their structures and catalysis

Ni(II) dihalides bearing two different or identical NHC ligands have been prepared via a controlled indene elimination synthesis, and the former product provides a new route for the design of biscarbene Ni(II)-based catalysts. The indene elimination reaction of the indenynickel(II) complex (1-H-Ind)Ni(NHC)X (Ind = indenyl) with one equiv. of a distinct imidazolium salt at 100 °C afforded the first example of Ni(II) dihalides bearing two different NHC ligands, i.e., Ni(iPr)(IPr)X(2) [iPr = 1,3-diisopropylimidazol-2-ylidene, IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene), X = Cl, 1; X = Br, 2] and Ni(iPr)(IMes)Br(2) [IMes = 1,3-bis(mesityl)imidazol-2-ylidene, 3]. Alternatively, complexes 1-3 can be synthesized using a bis-indenyl Ni(II) complex (1-H-Ind)(2)Ni as starting materials via a step-by-step indene elimination at different reaction temperatures. The direct reaction of (1-R-Ind)(2)Ni (R = H or Me) with two equiv. of imidazolium salts at 100 °C afforded Ni(II) dihalides bearing two identical NHC ligands, i.e., Ni(iPr)X(2) (X = Cl, 4; X = Br, 5) and Ni(IPr)Cl(2) (6). All of these complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography for complexes 1-5. The two identical or different NHC ligands in complexes 1-6 changed the coordination sphere of the nickel center from a typical square-planar geometry to a slightly tetrahedral array. A preliminary catalytic study on the cross-coupling reactions of aryl Grignard reagents with aryl halides revealed that complexes 1 and 2 possess the highest activity. In comparison, complexes 3 and 6 exhibited moderate activity and the least active complexes were 4 and 5.     

N-杂环卡宾Pd络合物的合成及其在Buchwald-Hartwig反应中的应用

合成鉴定了二个N-杂环卡宾环金属Pd络合物[1,3-N,N’-双{2,6-二取代基苯基}咪唑基-2-卡宾][N,N-二甲基卞胺-2-C,N]氯化钯(Ⅱ)(3a：取代基 = 异丙基；和3b：取代基 = 甲基)，评价了它们在氯代芳烃和各种胺偶联反应中的催化性能。发现NaOBu-t是效果较好的碱，及Pd周围有较大的立体位阻的3a在4-甲基氯苯与吗啡啉反应中较3b有更好的催化性能.     

Steric control over the formation of cis and trans bis-chelated palladium(II) complexes using a new series of flexible N,P pyridyl-phosphine ligands

The deprotection of phosphonium chloride salts [PR2(CH2OH)2]+Cl- and subsequent condensation reaction with N-methyl-2-aminopyridine has been carried out to give a series of ligands of the form PR2CH2N(CH3)C5H4N (R=Ph , Cy , t-Bu ) which have been fully characterised either as the pure ligand () or the air stable borane adducts (R=Cy , t-Bu ). The 1:1 reactions of , and with PdCl2(COD) gave the N,P chelate complexes [Pd{PR2CH2N(CH3)C5H4N}Cl2]; the Cy () and t-Bu () complexes were characterised by X-ray crystallography. The bisligated species [Pd{PCy2CH2N(CH3)C5H4N}2Cl2] () was obtained when the reaction was carried out at higher temperatures and the ligands were found to be coordinated to the metal in a trans configuration through the phosphorus donors. Abstraction of the chlorides from the bis-ligated species , using silver salts, resulted in the coordination of the pyridine ring forming the bis-chelate complex [Pd{PCy2CH2N(CH3)C5H4N}2]2+. In comparison, the palladium bis-chelate complex of ligand [Pd{PPh2CH2N(CH3)C5H4N}2]2+ () was shown to form in a cis configuration and was fully characterised by X-ray crystallography.     

Heterometallic Coii-Lii carboxylate complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene,triphenylphosphine and pyridine: a comparative study of magnetic properties

Heterometallic Coii-Lii compounds with N-heterocyclic carbene 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IMes), tri phenylphosphine (Ph3P) and pyridine (py), [Co2Li2(Piv)6(IMes)2] (Piv is the anion of pivalic acid), [Co2Li2(Piv)6(Ph3P)2] and [Co2Li2(Fur)6(py)2] (Fur is the anion of 2-furoic acid), respectively, have been prepared and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Easy-plane magnetic anisotropy in Coii complexes with pseudo-tetrahedral cores CoO3X (X = C, P and N) was revealed by measuring the magnetic properties together with quantum-chemical calculations using the SA-CASSCF/NEVPT2 approach. The field-induced slow magnetic relaxation of the complexes was mainly attributed to the Raman and direct processes.     

Silver N-heterocyclic carbene complexes as initiators for bulk ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of l-lactides

Synthetic, structural and catalysis studies of two silver complexes namely, {[1-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-(N-phenylacetamido)imidazol-2-ylidene]₂Ag}⁺Cl⁻1b, supported over an amido-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, and [1-(i-propyl)-3-(benzyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]AgCl 2b, supported over a non-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, are reported. Specifically, 1b, a cationic complex bearing 2:1 NHC ligand to metal ratio, was obtained from the reaction of 1-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3-(N-phenylacetamido)imidazolium chloride 1a with Ag₂O in 52% yield. The corresponding 1a was synthesized by the alkylation reaction of 1-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylimidazole) with N-phenyl chloroacetamide in 73% yield. The other silver complex 2b, a neutral complex bearing 1:1 NHC ligand to metal ratio, was obtained from the reaction of 1-(i-propyl)-3-(benzyl)imidazolium chloride 2a with Ag₂O in 42% yield. The 2a was synthesized by the alkylation reaction of 1-(i-propylimidazole) with benzyl chloride in 45% yield. The molecular structures of the imidazolium chloride, 1a, and the silver complexes, 1b and 2b, have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies. The silver complexes, 1b and 2b, successfully catalyze bulk ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of l-lactides at elevated temperatures under solvent-free melt conditions producing moderate to low molecular weight polylactide polymers having narrow molecular weight distributions.     

Stoichiometric and catalytic reactivity of the N-heterocyclic carbene ruthenium hydride complexes [Ru(NHC)(L)(CO)HCl] and [Ru(NHC)(L)(CO)H(eta2-BH4)] (L=NHC, PPh3)

Thermolysis of [Ru(AsPh3)3(CO)H2] with the N-aryl heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) IMes (1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene), IPr (1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) or the adduct SIPr.(C6F5)H (SIPr=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene), followed by addition of CH2Cl2, affords the coordinatively unsaturated ruthenium hydride chloride complexes [Ru(NHC)2(CO)HCl] (NHC=IMes , IPr , SIPr ). These react with CO at room temperature to yield the corresponding 18-electron dicarbonyl complexes . Reduction of and [Ru(IMes)(PPh3)(CO)HCl] () with NaBH4 yields the isolable borohydride complexes [Ru(NHC)(L)(CO)H(eta2-BH4)] (, L=NHC, PPh3). Both the bis-IMes complex and the IMes-PPh3 species react with CO at low temperature to give the eta1-borohydride species [Ru(IMes)(L)(CO)2H(eta1-BH4)] (L=IMes , PPh3), which can be spectroscopically characterised. Upon warming to room temperature, further reaction with CO takes place to afford initially [Ru(IMes)(L)(CO)2H2] (L=IMes, L=PPh3) and, ultimately, [Ru(IMes)(L)(CO)3] (L=IMes , L=PPh3). Both and lose BH3 on addition of PMe2Ph to give [Ru(IMes)(L)(L')(CO)H2](L=L'=PMe2Ph; L=PPh3, L'=PMe2Ph). Compounds and have been tested as catalysts for the hydrogenation of aromatic ketones in the presence of (i)PrOH and H2. For the reduction of acetophenone, catalytic activity varies with the NHC present, decreasing in the order IPr>IMes>SIMes.     

Experimental and theoretical studies of a silver complex of O-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene

Experimental and theoretical studies of a silver complex namely, [1-i-propyl-3-(2-oxo-2-t-butyl ethyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]AgCl (1b), supported over an O-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligand are reported. Specifically, [1-i-propyl-3-(2-oxo-2-t-butyl ethyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]AgCl (1b) was synthesized by reaction of 1-i-propyl-3-(2-oxo-2-t-butyl ethyl)imidazolium chloride 1a with Ag₂O in 42% yield. The 1-i-propyl-3-(2-oxo-2-t-butyl ethyl)imidazolium chloride 1a was synthesized by the alkylation reaction of 1-i-propylimidazole with α-chloropinacolone in 70% yield. The molecular structures of 1a and 1b have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Detailed theoretical investigation has been performed using the density functional theory method with the B3LYP functional. Bonding in 1b has been probed with the help of charge decomposition analysis (CDA), atoms in molecule (AIM) approach as well as natural bond orbital (NBO) methods. The Ag-NHC bond has a dominantly covalent character with NHC acting as an effective σ-donor. The π-back-bonding from the metal to the ligand was found to be negligible.