Boron-Made N2: Realization of a B≡B Triple Bond in the B2Al3− Cluster

Until now, all B≡B triple bonds have been achieved by adopting two ligands in the L→B≡B←L manner. Herein, we report an alternative route of designing the B≡B bonds based on the assumption that by acquiring two extra electrons, an element with the atomic number Z can have properties similar to those of the element with the atomic number Z+2. Specifically, we show that due to the electron donation from Al to B, the negatively charged B≡B kernel in the B₂Al₃⁻ cluster mimics a triple N≡N bond. Comprehensive computational searches reveal that the global minimum structure of B₂Al₃⁻ exhibits a direct B–B distance of 1.553 Å, and its calculated electron vertical detachment energies are in excellent agreement with the corresponding values of the experimental photoelectron spectrum. Chemical bonding analysis revealed one σ and two π bonds between the two B atoms, thus confirming a classical textbook B≡B triple bond, similar to that of N₂.     

Rhodium-Catalyzed [2+1+2+1] Cycloaddition of Benzoic Acids with Diynes through Decarboxylation and C≡C Triple Bond Cleavage

It has been established that an electron-deficient cyclopentadienyl rhodium(III) (Cp^ERh^III) complex catalyzes the oxidative and decarboxylative [2+1+2+1] cycloaddition of benzoic acids with diynes through C≡C triple bond cleavage, leading to fused naphthalenes. This cyclotrimerization is initiated by directed ortho C−H bond cleavage of a benzoic acid, and the subsequent regioselective alkyne insertion and decarboxylation produce a five-membered rhodacycle. The electron-deficient nature of the Cp^ERh^III complex promotes reductive elimination giving a cyclobutadiene–rhodium(I) complex rather than the second intermolecular alkyne insertion. The oxidative addition of the thus generated cyclobutadiene to rhodium(I) (formal C≡C triple bond cleavage) followed by the second intramolecular alkyne insertion and reductive elimination give the corresponding [2+1+2+1] cycloaddition product. The synthetic utility of the present [2+1+2+1] cycloaddition was demonstrated in the facile synthesis of a donor–acceptor [5]helicene and a hemi-hexabenzocoronene by a combination with the chemoselective Scholl reaction.     

Novel C‐C Bond Cleavage from Arylacetonitriles in Alcohols to Aryl Carboxylic Esters using Potassium Iodide and Catalytic Amount of Samarium

A novel way to cleave the carbon–carbon bond from arylacetonitriles in alcohols to their corresponding aryl carboxylic esters using potassium iodide and a catalytic amount of samarium under mild and neutral conditions is described. Useful yields of the reaction can be obtained with electron‐deficient subsistent groups in aromatic rings, and the yields are higher when the subsistent group is an electron‐withdrawing group (EWG) rather than an electron‐donating group (EDG). Products were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and MS.     

Photoinduced C(sp3)−N Bond Cleavage Leading to the Stereoselective Syntheses of Alkenes

Herein we report a versatile Mizoroki–Heck-type photoinduced C(sp³)−N bond cleavage reaction. Under visible-light irradiation (455 nm, blue LEDs) at room temperature, alkyl Katritzky salts react smoothly with alkenes in a 1:1 molar ratio in the presence of 1.0 mol % of commercially available photoredox catalyst without the need for any base, affording the corresponding alkyl-substituted alkenes in good yields with broad functional-group compatibility. Notably, the E/Z-selectivity of the alkene products can be controlled by an appropriate choice of photoredox catalyst.     

Re-Catalyzed Annulations of Weakly Coordinating N-Carbamoyl Indoles/Indolines with Alkynes via C−H/C−N Bond Cleavage

Described herein are rhenium-catalyzed [3+2] annulations of N-carbamoyl indoles with alkynes via C−H/C−N bond cleavage, which provide rapid access to fused-ring pyrroloindolone derivatives. For the first time, the weakly coordinating O-directing group was successfully employed in rhenium-catalyzed C−H activation reactions, enabled by the unique catalytic trio of Re₂(CO)₁₀, Me₂Zn and ZnCl₂. Mechanistic studies revealed that aminozinc species plays an important role in the reaction. Based on the mechanistic understanding, a more powerful catalytic trio of Re₂(CO)₁₀, [MeZnNPh₂]₂ and Zn(OTf)₂ was devised and applied successfully in the [4+2] annulations of indolines and alkynes affording pyrroloquinolinone derivatives.     

Anomeric Stereoauxiliary Cleavage of the C−N Bond of d-Glucosamine for the Preparation of Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines

The targeted cleavage of the C−N bonds of alkyl primary amines in sustainable compounds of biomass according to a metal-free pathway and the conjunction of nitrogen in the synthesis of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines are still highly challenging. Despite tremendous progress in the synthesis of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines over the past decade, many of them can still not be efficiently prepared. Herein, we report an anomeric stereoauxiliary approach for the synthesis of a wide range of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines after cleaving the C−N bond of d -glucosamine (α-2° amine) from biobased resources. This new approach expands the scope of readily accessible imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines relative to existing state-of-the-art methods. A key strategic advantage of this approach is that the α-anomer of d -glucosamine enables C−N bond cleavage via a seven-membered ring transition state. By using this novel method, a series of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine derivatives (>80 examples) was synthesized from pyridine ketones (including para-dipyridine ketone) and aldehydes (including para-dialdehyde). Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine derivatives containing diverse important deuterated C(sp²)−H and C(sp³)−H bonds were also efficiently achieved.     

The Catalytic Performance of Preyssler's Anion, [NaP5W30O110]14−, in the Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohols

Under mild conditions, monosubstituted benzyl alcohols were oxidized to benzaldehydes and benzoic acids in the presence of sodium 30-tungstopentaphosphate (Preyssler's anion), [NaP₅W₃₀O₁₂₀]^14? , and hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. This polyanion with high hydrolytic stability (pH = 0–12), high thermal stability, and high acidic strength shows good activities. The effects of various parameters on the yield of the products, including a catalyst type, a nature of the substitutents, and temperature, were studied. Comparison between Keggin's heteropolyacids, H₃[PW₁₂O₄₀], H₃[PMo₁₂O₄₀], H₄[SiW₁₂O₄₀], and H₄[SiMo₁₂O₄₀], and Preyssler's anion shows that this polyanion reacts similar to Keggin's acids whitout any degradation of the structure.     

Studies on a New Usage of Hypophosphorous Acid—iodine System in N—C Bond Cleavage

A mixture of hypophosphorous acid(H3PO2)and iodine in acetic acid can cleave the N-alkyl bond in a variety of N-1 substituted pyrimidine derivative in relatively high yields,without any damage to the amido bond in the non-nucleosides pyrimidine base skeleton.     

C–C Bond Rupture in the Oxidation of Lower (C2–C6) Alcohols with Hydrogen Peroxide Mediated by Iron-Containing Compounds

C–C bond rupture upon the oxidation of alcohols in the Fe(ClO₄)₃+ H₂O₂system in aqueous acetonitrile at room temperature is found. The relative yield of the products of C–C bond rupture is 20–30% under standard conditions for C₂and C₃alcohols and decreases in the series C₂> C₃> C₄> C₆. The alkyl radical and carboxylic acid are the products of C–C bond rupture in alcohol oxidation. Cyclohexane is a competitive inhibiting agent for C–H bond oxidation in 1-propanol, and it does not affect the yield of the products of C–C bond rupture. When H₂O₂is replaced by tert-BuOOH, the fraction of the products of C–C bond rupture decreases by an order of magnitude. Our data suggest that a non-radical intermediate, likely Fe(III) hydroperoxo complex, is responsible for C–C bond rupture in alcohol under the reaction conditions.     

Samarium Diiodide-Induced Reductive Cleavage of Se-St Bond in Arylselenotrimethylsilane Leading to the Formation of Samarium Arylselenolate: Synthesis of β-Arylseleno Estsrs and β-Arylseleno Nitriles

Theapplicationofsamariumdiiodideinorganicsynthesishasreceivedmoreandmoreattenhoninthelastdecadel4.ItisapoWerfuloneelectrontransferreductant.OurpreviousworkonthereduchvecleavageofC-S,S-S,Se-Se,Te-TeandS-StbondwithSInly-'hasledustoinvershgatethereduchvecleavageofSe-StbondbySInI2.Organoseleniumcompoundshaveattractedconsiderableinterestasreagentsandintermedieatesinorganicsynthesisrecently'-".Somemethodsforthepreparationof0selenoesterand6-selenonitrilehavebeenreported.AusefulapproachistheMi…     

Vacancy-Rich Ni(OH)2 Drives the Electrooxidation of Amino C−N Bonds to Nitrile C≡N Bonds

Electrochemical synthesis based on electrons as reagents provides a broad prospect for commodity chemical manufacturing. A direct one-step route for the electrooxidation of amino C−N bonds to nitrile C≡N bonds offers an alternative pathway for nitrile production. However, this route has not been fully explored with respect to either the chemical bond reforming process or the performance optimization. Proposed here is a model of vacancy-rich Ni(OH)₂ atomic layers for studying the performance relationship with respect to structure. Theoretical calculations show the vacancy-induced local electropositive sites chemisorb the N atom with a lone pair of electrons and then attack the corresponding N(sp³)−H, thus accelerating amino C−N bond activation for dehydrogenation directly into the C≡N bond. Vacancy-rich nanosheets exhibit up to 96.5 % propionitrile selectivity at a moderate potential of 1.38 V. These findings can lead to a new pathway for facilitating catalytic reactions in the chemicals industry.     

Dioxygen Reactivity of Biomimetic Iron-Catecholate and Iron-o-Aminophenolate Complexes of a Tris(2-pyridylthio)methanido Ligand: Aromatic CC Bond Cleavage of Catecholate versus o-Iminobenzosemiquinonate Radical Formation

An iron(III)-catecholate complex [L(1) Fe(III) (DBC)] (2) and an iron(II)-o-aminophenolate complex [L(1) Fe(II) (HAP)] (3; where L(1) =tris(2-pyridylthio)methanido anion, DBC=dianionic 3,5-di-tert-butylcatecholate, and HAP=monoanionic 4,6-di-tert-butyl-2-aminophenolate) have been synthesised from an iron(II)-acetonitrile complex [L(1) Fe(II) (CH(3) CN)(2) ](ClO(4) ) (1). Complex 2 reacts with dioxygen to oxidatively cleave the aromatic C?C bond of DBC giving rise to selective extradiol cleavage products. Controlled chemical or electrochemical oxidation of 2, on the other hand, forms an iron(III)-semiquinone radical complex [L(1) Fe(III) (SQ)](PF(6) ) (2(ox) -PF(6) ; SQ=3,5-di-tert-butylsemiquinonate). The iron(II)-o-aminophenolate complex (3) reacts with dioxygen to afford an iron(III)-o-iminosemiquinonato radical complex [L(1) Fe(III) (ISQ)](ClO(4) ) (3(ox) -ClO(4) ; ISQ=4,6-di-tert-butyl-o-iminobenzosemiquinonato radical) via an iron(III)-o-amidophenolate intermediate species. Structural characterisations of 1, 2, 2(ox) and 3(ox) reveal the presence of a strong iron?carbon bonding interaction in all the complexes. The bond parameters of 2(ox) and 3(ox) clearly establish the radical nature of catecholate- and o-aminophenolate-derived ligand, respectively. The effect of iron?carbon bonding interaction on the dioxygen reactivity of biomimetic iron-catecholate and iron-o-aminophenolate complexes is discussed.     

Reductive Cleavage of Te-Te Bond in Ditellurides by Sm / ZrCl4 System : a Novel Method for the Synthesis of β-Telluroesters (and Nitriles)

Diaryl ditellurides were conveniently reduced by a system consisting of samarium and zirconium tetrachloride in tetrahydrofuran to produce samarium aryltellurolates. This new tellurolate anion species reacted smoothly with α, β-unsaturated esters (and nitriles) to give β-telluroesters (and nitriles) in good yields.     

First Example of the Aza-Favorskii Reaction. Ethynylation of C=N Bond in the Superbasic System t-BuOK–DMSO

Russian Journal of Organic Chemistry - Direct ethynylation of ketimines with alkynes in the superbasic system t-BuOK–DMSO has been accomplished for the first time using the reaction of...     

Pivotal Role of the Basic Character of Organic and Salt Catalysts in C−N Bond Forming Reactions of Amines with CO2

Organocatalysts promote a range of C−N bond forming reactions of amines with CO₂. Herein, we review these reactions and attempt to identify the unifying features of the catalysts that allows them to promote a multitude of seemingly unrelated reactions. Analysis of the literature shows that these reactions predominantly proceed by carbamate salt formation in the form [BaseH][RR′NCOO]. The anion of the carbamate salt acts as a nucleophile in hydrosilane reductions of CO₂, internal cyclization reactions or after dehydration as an electrophile in the synthesis of urea derivatives. The reactions are enhanced by polar aprotic solvents and can be either promoted or hindered by H-bonding interactions. The predominant role of all types of organic and salt catalysts (including ionic liquids, ILs) is the stabilization of the carbamate salt, mostly by acting as a base. Catalytic enhancement depends on the combination of the amine, the base strength, the solvent, steric factors, ion pairing and H-bonding. A linear relationship between the base strength and the reaction yield has been demonstrated with IL catalysts in the synthesis of formamides and quinazoline-2,4-diones. The role of organocatalysts in the reactions indicates that all bases of sufficient strength should be able to catalyze the reactions. However, a physical limit to the extent of a purely base catalyzed reaction mechanism should exist, which needs to be identified, understood and overcome by synergistic or alternative methods.     

Effects of Explicit and Implicit Solvent Models on the Hydrolysis Cleavage of N-Glycosidic Bond in 8-Oxo-7,8-dihydro-2?-deoxyguanosine

8-Oxoguanine(8-oxoG), a critical mutagenic DNA lesion induced by reactive oxygen species, gives rise to a G·C→T·A transversion during replication and thereby must be repaired. The effects of explicit and implicit solvent molecules on the hydrolysis cleavage of N-Glycosidic bond in 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine(8-oxo-dG) have been systematically clarified in the present work based upon two types of computational models. Detailed potential energy surface(PES) scans and full unconstraint optimizations for all the representative points on PESs were carried out at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d) level of theory. The effect of implicit solvent was tested by single-point calculation at the SCRF/IEF-PCM model. The results illustrate that the direct hydrolysis model involving one explicit water molecule can't provide a complete depiction of the hydrolysis process of 8-oxo-dG, attributed to the insufficiency of nucleophile activation and leaving group stabilization. The expansion hydrolysis model involving four explicit water molecules, however, facilitates discrete proton transfer and therefore produces smooth reaction surfaces for both the dissociative(SN1) and concerted(SN2) pathways. The presence of the implicit solvent substantially lowers all activation energies and the SN1 process is more favorable than the SN2 process. The data and insights present here agree well with the experimental results and have given out a baseline for the enzymatic deglycosylation reaction of 8-oxo-dG.     

Cleavage of B−C bonds and Anion [PhBH3]− Formation in the Reaction of the Yb(II) Hydride Complex with BPh3

Russian Journal of Coordination Chemistry - The reaction of the amidinatehydride complex of divalent ytterbium [(Amd)YbII(μ2-H)]2 (Amd is {tert-BuC(NC6H3-iso-Pr2-2,6)2}) with BPh3 proceeds...