Easy, inexpensive and effective oxidative iodination of deactivated arenes in sulfuric acid

Two ‘model’ deactivated arenes, benzoic acid and nitrobenzene, were effectively monoiodinated within 1 h at 25-30 °C, with strongly electrophilic I⁺ reagents, prior prepared from diiodine and various oxidants (CrO₃, KMnO₄, active MnO₂, HIO₃, NaIO₃, or NaIO₄) in 90% (v/v) concd sulfuric acid (ca. 75 mol% H₂SO₄). Next, an I₂/NaIO₃/90% (v/v) concd H₂SO₄ exemplary system was used to effectively mono- or diiodinate a number of deactivated arenes. All former papers dealing with the direct iodination of deactivated arenes are briefly reviewed.     

A quest for triplet silylenes XHSi3 at ab initio and DFT levels (X = H, F, Cl and Br)

Four ground state triplet silylenes are found among 30 possible silylenic XHSi₃ structures (X = H, F, Cl and Br), at seven ab initio and DFT levels including: B3LYP/6-311++G^∗∗, HF/6-311++G^∗∗, MP3/6-311G^∗, MP2/6-311+G^∗∗, MP4(SDTQ)/6-311++G^∗∗, QCISD(T)/6-311++G^∗∗ and CCSD(T)/6-311++G^∗∗. The latter six methods indicate that the triplet states of 3-flouro-1,2,3-trisilapropadienylidene, 1-chloro-1,2,3-trisilapropargylene and 3-chloro-1,2,3-trisilapropargylene are energy minima. These triplets appear more stable than their corresponding singlet states which cannot even exist for showing negative force constants. Also, triplet state of 1-flouro-1,2,3-trisilapropargylene is possibly accessible for being an energy minimum, since its corresponding singlet state is not a real isomer. Some discrepancies are observed between energetic and/or structural results of DFT vs. ab initio data.     

Synthesis, characterization, and crystal structures of the osmium triflate complexes CpOs(P-P)(OTf) and [CpOs(P-P)(OH2)][OTf]

Treatment of the osmium(II) hydrides Cp^∗Os(P-P)H (Cp^∗ = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) with methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (MeOTf) affords osmium(II) triflate complexes with the general formula Cp^∗Os(P-P)(OTf), where P-P = bis(dimethylphosphino)methane (dmpm), bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm), or 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane (dmpe). The aqua complexes [Cp^∗Os(dmpm)(OH₂)][OTf] and [Cp^∗Os(dppm)(OH₂)][OTf] are synthesized by the addition of water to the corresponding anhydrous triflates. The complexes Cp^∗Os(dppm)(OTf) and [Cp^∗Os(dmpm)(OH₂)][OTf] have been examined crystallographically, and all compounds have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy.     

Reactions of Ru(Cp) complexes with P(o-tolyl)3

Reaction of [Ru(Cp^∗)(CH₃CN)₃](PF₆) with P(o-tolyl)₃ affords [Ru(Cp^∗){(η⁶-o-tolyl)P(o-tolyl)₂}](PF₆) (4) in which the P-atom is not coordinated to the metal. The solid-state structure of 4 has been determined. A related reaction with P(p-tolyl)₃ reveals a small quantity [Ru(Cp^∗){(η⁶-p-tolyl)P(o-tolyl)₂}](PF₆), in solution, but mostly the expected bis-phosphine complex. Reaction of the Ru(IV) dication, [Ru(Cp^∗)(η³-PhCHCHCH₂)(DMF)₂](PF₆)₂, with P(o-tolyl)₃ gives a mixture of the phosphonium salt, C₆H₅CHCHCH₂P(o-tolyl)₃ (9) and the dication [Ru(Cp^∗) (η⁶-C₆H₅CHCHCH₂P(o-tolyl)₃)](PF₆)₂ (10). Salt 9 forms via attack of the P-atom on the allyl ligand. The latter product results from complexation of 9 via the phenyl group of the former allyl ligand. It would seem that the sterically demanding P(o-tolyl)₃ ligand is not readily compatible with the Ru(Cp^∗) fragment, in either the +2 or +4 oxidation state. Detailed NMR studies are reported.     

Solvent effects on the diastereoselection in LiAlH4 reduction of α-substituted ketones

Based on high-level DFT calculations including solvent molecules, it was found that steric effects of solvent may be responsible for the diastereoselection in LiAlH₄ reduction of acyclic ketones substituted by an oxygen-containing functional group at the α-position to the carbonyl. It was concluded that the conventional chelated transition state models lead to the predominance of the R^∗,S^∗-diastereoisomers against experimental observation.     

Tetramethylcyclobutadienecobalt(I) complexes containing pyrazolate or tetrazolate ligands with various coordination modes

Treatment of Cb^∗Co(CO)₂I (Cb^∗ = η⁴-C₄Me₄) with one equivalent of potassium 3,5-dimethylpyrazolate (Me₂pzK) or potassium 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolate ((CF₃)₂pzK) in tetrahydrofuran at 0 °C afforded (η⁴-C₄Me₄(Me₂pz))Co(CO)₂ and Cb^∗Co((CF₃)₂pz)(CO)₂ in 90 and 71% yields, respectively. Treatment of Cb^∗Co(CO)₂I with one equivalent of Me₂pzH followed by the addition of one equivalent Me₂pzK in tetrahydrofuran afforded Cb^∗Co(Me₂pzH)(Me₂pz)(CO) in 74% yield. The reaction of Cb^∗Co(CO)₂I with one equivalent of potassium phenyl tetrazolate (PhtetzK) in tetrahydrofuran at 0 °C afforded [Cb^∗Co(Phtetz)(CO)]₂ in 44% yield. The solid state structure of (η⁴-C₄Me₄(Me₂pz))Co(CO)₂ revealed nucleophilic addition of a pyrazolate nitrogen atom to a Cb^∗ ligand carbon atom to afford a novel tetradentate ligand that bonds to the cobalt ion through an η³-π-allyl interaction and one pyrazolyl nitrogen atom. Two carbonyl ligands are also present. An X-ray crystal structure determination of Cb^∗Co((CF₃)₂pz)(CO)₂ showed η¹-coordination of the (CF₃)₂pz ligand and η⁴-coordination of the Cb^∗ ligand. The solid state structure of Cb^∗Co(Me₂pz)(Me₂pzH)(CO) is monomeric with one η¹-Me₂pz, one η¹-Me₂pzH, two carbonyl, and one η⁴-Cb^∗ ligands. The η¹-Me₂pz and η¹-Me₂pzH ligands are linked by a hydrogen bond involving the uncoordinated nitrogen atoms. The X-ray crystal structure determination of [Cb^∗Co(Phtetz)(CO)]₂ showed a dimeric molecular structure with two μ:η¹,η¹-Phtetz ligands connected to the cobalt ions through the 2- and 3-nitrogen atoms, one η⁴-Cb^∗ ligand, and one carbonyl ligand per cobalt center. (η⁴-C₄Me₄(Me₂pz))Co(CO)₂ is highly volatile and sublimes at 60 °C/0.03 Torr.     

Estimation of the 2.05 helix type i→i hydrogen bond energy at Aib-Oxa motif: an isodesmic approach

Bending at the valence angle N–C^α–C′ (τ) is a known control feature for attenuating the stability of the rare intramolecular i→i hydrogen bonded pseudo five-membered ring C₅ structures, the so called 2.0₅ helices, at Aib. The competitive 3₁₀-helical structures still predominate over the C₅ structures at Aib for most values of τ. However at Aib^∗, a mimic of Aib where the carbonyl O of Aib is replaced with an imidate N (in 5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3-oxazine = Oxa), in the peptidomimic Piv-Pro-Aib^∗-Oxa (1), the C₅i structure is persistent in both crystals and in solution. Here we show that the i→i hydrogen bond energy is a more determinant control for the relative stability of the C₅ structure and estimate its value to be 18.5 ± 0.7 kJ/mol at Aib^∗ in 1, through the computational isodesmic reaction approach, using two independent sets of theoretical isodesmic reactions.     

C-H activation of benzene with CpRu(CO)2CH3

Irradiation of Cp^∗Ru(CO)₂CH₃ (1) in C₆D₆ at room temperature yields Cp^∗Ru(CO)₂C₆D₅ and CH₃D (where Cp^∗ = n⁵-C₅Me₅). Cp^∗Ru(CO)₂CD₃ (2) has also been prepared and similar irradiation in C₆H₆ yields Cp^∗Ru(CO)₂C₆H₅ (3) and CD₃H. This latter reaction confirms that it is the methyl group bonded to ruthenium that is involved in the C-H activation process and not the methyl groups on the Cp^∗ ligand system. The compound Cp^∗Ru(CO)₂C₆H₅ (3) has been prepared for the first time in good yield by the reaction of Cp^∗Ru(CO)₂Br with NaBPh₄. X-ray crystal structures of both Cp^∗Ru(CO)₂CH₃ (1) and Cp^∗Ru(CO)₂C₆H₅ (3) have been determined and the results are reported and discussed.     

IR-change and yellowing of polyurethane as a result of UV irradiation

In this investigation IR-change and yellowing of polyurethane as a result of UV radiation were studied. In the presence of UV radiation (200 h, λ > 300 nm), the synthesized aromatic polyurethane undergoes photodegradation with gradual change of its colour. The photochemical degradation of the polyurethane is associated with the scission of the urethane group and photooxidation of the central CH₂ group between the aromatic rings. These reactions are combined with the yellowing of the polyurethane surface. Analysis of the colour changes in PU surface during photodegradation was carried out by measuring CIEL^∗a^∗b^∗ colour components (L^∗,a^∗,b^∗ and ΔE_a,b^∗). FT-IR spectroscopy was used to study the chemical changes caused by UV irradiation. The colour difference of yellowing Δ_a,b^∗ exhibits a systematic tendency to higher values with increasing irradiation time. Overall, ΔE_a,b^∗ colour change correlates well with photodegradation of polyurethane by relative increase of the concentration of carbonyl group. Our results are in agreement with the quinone (yellow colour) formation as the chromophoric reaction product of polyurethane degradation.     

Synthesis of di-, tri-, tetra- and pentacyclic arene complexes of ruthenium(II):[Ru(η-polycyclic arene)-(1-5-η-cyclooctadienyl)]PF6 and their reactions with NaBH4

The phenanthrene complex of ruthenium(II), [Ru(η⁶-phenanthrene)(1,5-η⁵-cyclooctadienyl)]PF₆ (2c), is prepared by the reaction of Ru(η⁴-1,5-COD)(η⁶-1,3,5-COT) (1) with phenanthrene and HPF₆ in 65% yield. Similar treatments with di- tri-, tetra- and pentacyclic arenes give corresponding polycyclic arene complexes, [Ru(η⁶-polycyclic arene)(1-5-η⁵-cyclooctadienyl)]PF₆ [polycyclic arene = naphthalene (2b), anthracene (2d), triphenylene (2e), pyrene (2f) and perylene (2g)] in 46-90% yields. The molecular structure of the perylene complex 2g is characterized by X-ray crystallography. Reaction of 2c with NaBH₄ gives a mixture of the 1,5- and 1,4-COD complexes of ruthenium(0), Ru(η⁶-phenanthrene)(η⁴-1,5-COD) (3c) and Ru(η⁶-phenanthrene)(η⁴-1,4-COD) (4c) in 76% in 1:8 molar ratio. The arene exchange reactions among cationic complexes [Ru(η⁶-arene)(1-5-η⁵-cyclooctadienyl)]PF₆ (2) showed the coordination ability of arenes in the following order: benzene ∼ triphenylene > phenanthrene > naphthalene > perylene ∼ pyrene > anthracene, suggesting the benzo fused rings, particularly those of acenes, decreasing thermal stability of the arene complex.     

Preparation, characterization, and catalytic properties of ruthenium nitrosyl complexes with polypyrazolylmethane ligands

Ruthenium(II) nitrosyl complexes with polypyrazolylmethanes, [(Bpm)Ru(NO)Cl₃] [Bpm = bis(1-pyrazolyl)methane, 1], [(Bpm^∗)Ru(NO)Cl₃] [Bpm^∗ = bis(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane, 2], [(Tpm)Ru(NO)Cl₂][PF₆] [Tpm = tris(1-pyrazolyl)methane, 3], and [(Tpm^∗)Ru(NO)Cl₂][PF₆] [Tpm^∗ = tris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane, 4], have been synthesized and characterized. The solid-state structures of [(Bpm^∗)Ru(NO)Cl₃] (2) and [(Tpm^∗)Ru(NO)Cl₂][PF₆] (4) were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analyses. These complexes have been tested as catalysts in the transfer hydrogenation of several ketones under mild conditions.     

Studies on the factors controlling the stereoselectivity in electrophilic iodocyclization of alkylidenecyclopropyl ketones

An efficient electrophilic iodocyclization of alkylidenecyclopropyl ketones with N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) or I₂ in aqueous CH₃CN affording 3-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-ols is described. NIS is a better electrophilic iodocyclization reagent than I₂. Four chiral centers were formed within one step. The stereochemistry was established by the X-ray diffraction studies of compounds 2e-2h, 2n, and 2c. It is quite interesting to observe that the substituent of the cyclopropane ring plays an important role in determining the relative stereochemistry at the 4-position: with R² being an acyl or ester group a mixture of (1S^∗,2R^∗,4S^∗,5R^∗)-2 (major) and (1R^∗,2R^∗,4R^∗,5R^∗)-2 (minor) was formed with moderate selectivity while the reaction of the substrates with R² being sulfonyl and p-methylphenylsulfonyl or R¹ being phenyl afforded (1R^∗,2R^∗,4S^∗,5S^∗)-2 or (1S^∗,2R^∗,4S^∗,5R^∗)-2f as the only product. The reaction is general for a range of different substrates to afford the products in moderate to high yields.     

Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical behavior of some N-heterocyclic carbene-containing active site models of [FeFe]-hydrogenases

Treatment of parent compounds [(μ-SCH₂)₂X]Fe₂(CO)₆ (A, X = O; B, X = NBu-t; C, X = NC₆H₄OMe-p) with N-heterocyclic carbene I_Mes (I_Mes = 1,3-bis(mesityl)imidazol-2-ylidene) generated in situ through reaction of imidazolium salt I_Mes ·HCl with n-BuLi or t-BuOK afforded the monocarbene-substituted complexes [(μ-SCH₂)₂X]Fe₂(CO)₅(I_Mes) (1, X = O; 2, X = NBu-t; 3, X = NC₆H₄OMe-p). Similarly, the monocarbene and dicarbene-substituted complexes [(μ-SCH₂)₂NBu-t]Fe₂(CO)₅[I^∗_Mes(CH₂)₃I^∗_Mes]·HBr (4) and [(μ-SCH₂)₂CH₂Fe₂(CO)₅]₂[μ-I^∗_Mes(CH₂)₃I^∗_Mes] (5, I^∗_Mes = 1-(mesityl)imidazol-2-ylidene) could be prepared by reactions of parent compound B with the mono-NHC ligand-containing imidazolium salt [I^∗_Mes(CH₂)₃I^∗_Mes] · HBr and parent compound [(μ-SCH₂)₂CH₂]Fe₂(CO)₆ (D) with di-NHC ligand I^∗_Mes(CH₂)₃I^∗_Mes (both NHC ligands were generated in situ from reaction of n-BuLi with imidazolium salt [I^∗_MesI^∗_Mes(CH₂)₃I^∗_Mes] · 2HBr), respectively. The imidazolium salt [I^∗_Mes(CH₂)₃I^∗_Mes] · 2HBr was prepared by reaction of 1-(mesityl)imidazole with Br(CH₂)₃Br. All the new model compounds 1-5 and imidazolium salt [I^∗_Mes(CH₂)₃I^∗_Mes] · 2HBr were fully characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. On the basis of electrochemical studies of 1 and 2, compound 2 was found to be a catalyst for proton reduction to hydrogen. In addition, an EECC mechanism for this electrocatalytic reaction is preliminarily suggested.     

Reactivity of cationic decamethylmetallocene complexes towards ketones

Reaction of decamethylmetallocene cations [Cp∗₂M]⁺ (M = Sc, Ti, V) with acetone and benzophenone resulted in the formation of the corresponding acetone adducts [Cp∗₂M(OCMe₂)_n]⁺ (M = Sc, n = 2; M = Ti, n = 1; M = V, n = 1) and benzophenone adducts [Cp∗₂M(OCPh)]⁺. The stoichiometry of these adducts is determined by both the electronic configuration of the metal center as well as steric pressure imparted by the large Cp∗-ligands. In addition, the M-O-C angle is controlled by the number of free valence orbitals of the Cp∗₂M unit.     

Metallacarboranes and triple-decker complexes with the (C4Me4)Pt fragment

Complex Cp∗PtCl₂ (Cp∗ = η-C₄Me₄) reacts with the carborane anions [7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁]²⁻ and [9-SMe₂-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₀]⁻ giving platinacarboranes Cp∗Pt(η-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₁) (1) and [Cp∗Pt(η-9-SMe₂-7,8-C₂B₉H₁₀)]⁺ (2), respectively. Reactions of the [Cp∗Pt]²⁺ fragment (as a labile nitromethane solvate) with the sandwich compounds Cp∗Fe(η-C₅H₃Me₂BMe) and Cp∗Rh(η⁵-C₄H₄BPh) afford the triple-decker cations [Cp∗Pt(μ-η:η-C₅H₃Me₂BMe)FeCp∗]²⁺ (3) and [Cp∗Pt(μ-η⁵:η⁵-C₄H₄BPh)RhCp∗]²⁺ (4) with bridging boratabenzene and borole ligands. The structures of 1 and 3(CF₃SO₃)₂ were determined by X-ray diffraction.     

Catalytic hydrogenation of CO and CN bonds via heterolysis of H2 mediated by metal-sulfur bonds of rhodium and iridium thiolate complexes

Coordinatively unsaturated rhodium and iridium complexes having a bulky thiolate, [Cp∗M(PMe₃)(SDmp)](BAr^F₄) (1a: M = Rh; 1b: M = Ir; Dmp = 2,6-(mesityl)₂C₆H₃, Ar^F = 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃), catalyzed the hydrogenation of benzaldehyde, N-benzylideneaniline, and cyclohexanone, under 1 atm of H₂ at low temperatures. In these catalytic reactions, the M-H/S-H complexes [Cp∗M(PMe₃)(H)(HSDmp)](BAr^F₄) (2a: M = Rh; 2b: M = Ir) generated via H₂ heterolysis by 1a or 1b were suggested to transfer both M-H hydride and S-H proton to substrates. The catalytic reactions were terminated by the dissociation of H-SDmp from the metal centers of 2a and 2b that occurs at ambient temperature under H₂ atmosphere.     

Superacid-catalyzed reactions of pyridinecarboxaldehydes

A variety of pyridinecarboxaldehydes are shown to give condensation products in high yields (80-99%, 10 examples) by reacting with benzene and CF₃SO₃H (triflic acid). In the superacidic solution, pyridinecarboxaldehydes can react with deactivated arenes (o-dichlorobenzene and nitrobenzene) and with saturated hydrocarbons (methylcyclohexane and adamantane). Dicationic intermediates from pyridinecarboxaldehydes in superacid (FSO₃H-SbF₅) have been directly observed using low temperature ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Diprotonated pyridinecarboxaldehydes have also been studies using ab initio computational methods.     

Hydrogenation of cyclohexene catalyzed by ruthenium nitrosyl complexes: Crystal structures of catalyst precursors [CpRu(μ2-NO)2RuCp] and [CpRu(NO)(η-C6H10)] (Cp = η-C5(CH3)5)

Hydrogenation of cyclohexene with 0.1 mol% of the (nitrosyl)ruthenium catalyst [Cp^∗Ru(NO)(C₆H₅)₂] (1; Cp^∗ = η⁵-C₅(CH₃)₅) under 1.0 MPa of H₂ in water at 90 °C for 13 h afforded cyclohexane in 94% yield. The nitrosyl-bridged dinuclear complex [Cp^∗Ru(μ₂-NO)₂RuCp^∗] (2) and the mononuclear cyclohexene complex [Cp^∗Ru(NO)(η²-C₆H₁₀)] (3), which also serve as catalyst precursors, have been obtained from the reaction mixture. X-ray crystallographic analyses of 2 and 3 have revealed that the bridging nitrosyl ligands in 2 form an almost planar Ru₂N₂ four-membered ring with the Ru–Ru distance of 2.5366(5) Å, whereas the nitrosyl ligand in 3 is linear. On the other hand, a ruthenium complex without a nitrosyl ligand [Cp^∗Ru(CH₃CN)₃][OSO₂CF₃] proved to be less effective for this hydrogenation.     

Reactions of the rhenium fragment (η-C5Me5)Re(CO)2 with chlorinated ethylenes: Coordination and C-Cl bond activation

Photochemical reactions of the dinitrogen complex Cp^∗Re(CO)₂N₂ with tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene yield the coordination complexes Cp^∗Re(CO)₂(η²-tetrachloroethylene) (1) and Cp^∗Re(CO)₂(η²-trichloroethylene) (2), respectively. Complex 1 reacts thermally in polar organic solvents to produce the C-Cl bond activation product cis-Cp^∗Re(CO)₂(C₂Cl₃)Cl (3). All complexes were isolated and characterized by IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies and mass spectrometry. Complex 3 was also characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Aromaticity and ring currents in ferrocene and two isomeric sandwich complexes

Ring currents induced in the ferrocene molecule and its two hypothetical isomers (η⁴-C₄H₄)Fe(η⁶-C₆H₆) and (η³-C₃H₃)Fe(η⁷-C₇H₇) by an external magnetic field directed along the principal axis are plotted within the ipsocentric approach (at the B3LYP/6-31G∗∗//B3LYP/6-31G∗∗ level). The carbocyclic ligands in all three species are found to be aromatic, i.e. to support individual diatropic ring currents, with formal charges that are consistent with the 4n + 2 rule and the +2 oxidation state of iron.