Chiral Organoborane Lewis Pairs Derived from Pyridylferrocene

In an effort to develop a new class of redox‐active chiral Lewis pairs, pyridine and borane moieties with different steric and electronic properties were introduced onto a planar chiral 1,2‐disubstituted ferrocene framework. Metathesis of lithiated, stannylated, or mercuriated pyridylferrocenes with boron halides afforded (pR)‐2‐[bis(pentafluorophenyl)boryl]‐1‐(3,5‐dimethylpyrid‐2‐yl)ferrocene ( 4‐Pf ), (pR)‐2‐[dimesitylboryl]‐1‐(3,5‐dimethylpyrid‐2‐yl)ferrocene ( 4‐Mes ), (pS)‐2‐(bis(pentafluorophenyl)boryl)‐1‐(2‐trimethylsilylpyrid‐6‐yl)ferrocene ( 5‐Pf ), or (pS)‐2‐[dimesitylboryl]‐1‐(2‐trimethylsilylpyrid‐6‐yl)ferrocene ( 5‐Mes ). The borylated products were analyzed by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, HRMS, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Chiral HPLC and optical‐rotation measurements were employed to assess the stereoselectivity of the borylation process and to establish the correct stereochemical assignments. The strength of the B–N interactions were investigated in solution and in the solid state. Compounds 4‐Pf and 4‐Mes formed robust ‘closed’ B?N heterocyclic systems that proved to be perfectly stable to air and moisture, whereas 5‐Pf established a dynamic equilibrium, in which the B?N heterocycle was observed exclusively at room temperature, but opened up at high temperature according to ¹⁹F NMR exchange spectroscopy data. As a consequence, 5‐Pf reacted readily with a molecule of water to generate a ring‐opened pyridinium borate. The combination of bulky borane and bulky pyridyl groups in 5‐Mes led to a completely ‘open’ frustrated Lewis pair system with uncomplexed pyridine and borane groups, even at room temperature. Electrochemical studies were performed and the effect of preparative ferrocene oxidation on the structural features was also explored.     

Binding cooperativity of two different Lewis acid groups at the edge of ferrocene

The binding properties of heteronuclear bidentate Lewis acids, in which an organoboron and an organotin moiety are attached adjacent to each other at one of the Cp rings of ferrocene, have been studied. Treatment of [1,2-fc(SnMe2Cl)(BClMe)] (1-Cl) (fc = ferrocenediyl) with one equivalent of pyridine or 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) resulted in diastereoselective complexation of boron. Adducts 2 and 3 have been studied by multinuclear NMR, and the stereoselectivity of complexation was further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction of 2. The importance of cooperative effects that involve an intramolecular B-ClSn interaction on the diastereoselectivity is evident from comparison with binding studies on the phenyl-substituted analogue [1,2-fc(SnMe2Cl)(BPhMe)] (1-Ph). Complexation of 1-Ph led to diastereomeric mixtures of adducts 4 and 5, respectively, which were identified by multinuclear NMR including NOESY experiments. The solid-state structure of one of the diastereomers of 5 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Facile isomerization was found in solution and the barrier of activation was determined by VT NMR studies (4: Delta(#)(298) = 54.9+/-0.4 kJ mol(-1); 5: Delta(#)(298) = 70.3+/-0.1 kJ mol(-1)). Competitive binding of pyridine to 1-Cl and [FcB(Cl)Me] (Fc = ferrocenyl) showed that cooperative effects between tin and boron lead to significant Lewis acidity enhancement. Binding of a second nucleophile in the presence of excess of base occurred also at boron. The novel zwitterionic complexes [1,2-fc(BMe(py)2)(SnMe2Cl2)] (6) and [1,2-fc(BMe(dmap)(2))(SnMe(2)Cl2)] (7) formed, which consist of boronium cation and stannate anion moieties. The structure of 7 in the solid-state was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Multinuclear NMR data and competition experiments indicate weak binding of chloride to tin in 7 and partial dissociation in solution.     

Planar Chiral,Ferrocene‐Stabilized Silicon Cations

The preparation of a series of planar chiral, ferrocenyl‐substituted hydrosilanes as precursors of ferrocene‐stabilized silicon cations is described. These molecules also feature stereogenicity at the silicon atom. The generation and ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopic characterization of the corresponding silicon cations is reported, and problems arising from interactions of the electron‐deficient silicon atom and adjacent C(sp³)?H bonds or aromatic π donors are discussed. These issues are overcome by tethering another substituent at the silicon atom to the ferrocene backbone. The resulting annulation also imparts conformational rigidity and steric hindrance in such a way that the central chirality at the silicon atom is set with complete diastereocontrol. These chiral Lewis acid catalysts were then tested in difficult Diels–Alder reactions, but no enantioinduction was seen.     

Diferrocenophosphaborin: A Planar‐Chiral,Redox‐Active and Anion‐Responsive Ambiphilic Ligand

A new class of Janus‐like ambiphilic ligands is introduced. The rigid diferrocene backbone in heterocycles 4‐SnP and 4‐BP creates an unprecedented chiral environment as demonstrated by multinuclear NMR and single‐crystal X‐ray studies. In addition, the ligands are redox‐responsive and the Lewis acidic borane moiety in 4‐BP can be exploited to further tune the properties: a clear decrease in the CO stretching frequency of a Vaska‐type Rh^I complex 5‐BP is observed upon addition of fluoride ions. Thus, the Lewis acid and Lewis base sites influence each other and their strength can be modulated by redox chemistry and anion binding.     

Lewis Base Free Oxophosphonium Ions: Tunable,Trigonal‐Planar Lewis Acids

Oxophosphonium ions (R₂P=O)⁺ are fascinating chemical intermediates related to the well‐known acylium cations (RC=O)⁺, and comprise a tricoordinate phosphorus(V) center with a phosphorus–oxygen double bond. Here, we report the synthesis of two oxophosphonium ions stabilized by bulky imidazolin‐2‐imine and imidazolin‐2‐olefin substituents attached to phosphorus. The novel species were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, and the bonding situation was probed by DFT calculations. Determination of the acceptor number and the fluoride ion affinity revealed that the choice of the substituents has a strong influence on the electrophilicity of the phosphorus center. Additionally, the formation of Lewis base adducts with pyridine derivatives and the reactivity with isopropyl alcohol was explored.     

Controlled Generation of 9‐Boratriptycene by Lewis Adduct Dissociation: Accessing a Non‐Planar Triarylborane

A highly bent triarylborane, 9‐boratriptycene, was generated in solution by selective protodeboronation of the corresponding tetra‐aryl boron ate complex with the strong Brønsted acid HNTf₂. The iptycene core confers enhanced Lewis acidity to 9‐boratriptycene, making it unique in terms of structure and reactivity. We studied the stereoelectronic properties of 9‐boratriptycene by quantifying its association with small N‐ and O‐centered Lewis bases, as well as with sterically hindered phosphines. The resultant Lewis adducts exhibited unique structural, spectroscopic, and photophysical properties. Beyond the high pyramidalization of the 9‐boratriptycene scaffold and its low reorganization energy upon Lewis base coordination, quantum chemical calculations revealed that the absence of π donation from the triptycene aryl rings to the boron vacant p_z orbital is one of the main reasons for its high Lewis acidity.     

Enhancing the Acceptor Character of Conjugated Organoborane Macrocycles: A Highly Electron-Deficient Hexaboracyclophane

We introduce a new boron-doped cyclophane, the hexabora[1₆]cyclophane B6-^FMes , in which six tricoordinate borane moieties alternate with short conjugated p-phenylene linkers. Exocyclic 2,4,6-tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (^FMes) groups serve not only to further withdraw electron density but at the same time sterically shield the boron atoms, resulting in a macrocycle that is both highly electron-deficient and stable. The optical and electronic properties are compared with those of related linear oligomers and the electronic structure is further evaluated by computational methods. The studies uncover unique properties of B6-^FMes , including a low-lying and extensively delocalized LUMO and a wide HOMO–LUMO gap, which arise from the combination of a cyclic π-system, strong electronic communication between the closely spaced borons, and the attachment of electron-deficient pendent groups. The binding of small anions to the electron-deficient macrocycle and molecular model compounds is investigated and emissive exciplexes are detected in aromatic solvents.     

Bidentate Lewis Acids Derived from o‐Diethynylbenzene with Group 13 and 14 Functions

Starting from 1,2‐diethynylbenzene, a series of bidentate Lewis acids was prepared by means of hydrometalations, in particular hydrosilylation, hydroboration, hydroalumination and terminal metalation based on group 13 and 14 elements. In the case of terminal alkyne metalation, the Lewis‐acidic gallium function was introduced using triethylgallium under alkane elimination. A total of six different Lewis acids based on a semiflexible organic scaffold were prepared, bearing −SiClMe₂, −SiCl₂Me, −SiCl₃, −B(C₆F₅)₂, −AlBis₂ (Bis=bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl) and −GaEt₂ as the corresponding functional units. In all cases, the Lewis acid functionalisation was carried out twice and the products were obtained in good to excellent yields. In the case of the twofold gallium Lewis acid, a different structural motif in the form of a polymer‐like chain was observed in the solid state. All new bidentate Lewis acids were characterised by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, CHN analysis and X‐ray diffraction experiments.     

An axially chiral, electron-deficient borane: synthesis, coordination chemistry, Lewis acidity, and reactivity

An axially chiral dihydroborepine with a binaphthyl backbone and a C(6)F(5) substituent at the boron atom was prepared by transmetalation from the corresponding tin precursor. This novel motif was structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis as its THF and its PhCN Lewis acid/base complex. (1)H NMR measurements at variable temperatures of the former adduct revealed a remarkable dynamic behavior in solution. Several more Lewis pairs with oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus σ-donors were synthesized and analyzed by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The determination of the borane's Lewis acidity with the Gutmann-Beckett method attests its substantial Lewis acidity [85% with Et(3) PO as well as 74% with Ph(3) PO relative to the parent B(C(6)F(5))(3)]. Representative examples of Si-H bond activation (carbonyl reduction and dehydrogenative Si-O coupling) are included, demonstrating the chemical stability and the synthetic potential of the new chiral boron-based Lewis acid.     

The Behavior of Acid Halides Toward Lewis Acids and Lewis Bases

Reactions of some typical acid halides of carbonic and trithiocarbonic acids and of orthophosphoric and sulfuric acids with Lewis acids and Lewis bases are compared. Acylium, perfluoroacylium, thioacylium, and even sulfonylium ions are obtainable with Lewis acids. It is possible by conductivity measurements and by electronic and above all IR spectroscopic investigations to determine whether the 1:1 adducts of acid halides and Lewis compounds are acylium or sulfonylium salts or donor-acceptor complexes. In the reaction with Lewis bases, the halogen atom in the acid halide is replaced by the electron donor, generally with formation of nonpolar molecular compounds or complexes.     

Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Ketones and Enones with Chiral Lewis Base Derived Frustrated Lewis Pairs

The concept of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) has been widely applied in various research areas, and metal‐free hydrogenation undoubtedly belongs to the most significant and successful ones. In the past decade, great efforts have been devoted to the synthesis of chiral boron Lewis acids. In a sharp contrast, chiral Lewis base derived FLPs have rarely been disclosed for the asymmetric hydrogenation. In this work, a novel type of chiral FLP was developed by simple combination of chiral oxazoline Lewis bases with achiral boron Lewis acids, thus providing a promising new direction for the development of chiral FLPs in the future. These chiral FLPs proved to be highly effective for the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones, enones, and chromones, giving the corresponding products in high yields with up to 95 % ee. Mechanistic studies suggest that the hydrogen transfer to simple ketones likely proceeds in a concerted manner.     

Enhancing the Acceptor Character of Conjugated Organoborane Macrocycles: A Highly Electron‐Deficient Hexaboracyclophane

We introduce a new boron‐doped cyclophane, the hexabora[1₆]cyclophane B6‐^FMes , in which six tricoordinate borane moieties alternate with short conjugated p‐phenylene linkers. Exocyclic 2,4,6‐tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (^FMes) groups serve not only to further withdraw electron density but at the same time sterically shield the boron atoms, resulting in a macrocycle that is both highly electron‐deficient and stable. The optical and electronic properties are compared with those of related linear oligomers and the electronic structure is further evaluated by computational methods. The studies uncover unique properties of B6‐^FMes , including a low‐lying and extensively delocalized LUMO and a wide HOMO–LUMO gap, which arise from the combination of a cyclic π‐system, strong electronic communication between the closely spaced borons, and the attachment of electron‐deficient pendent groups. The binding of small anions to the electron‐deficient macrocycle and molecular model compounds is investigated and emissive exciplexes are detected in aromatic solvents.     

Enantioselective Intramolecular [2+2] Photocycloaddition Reactions of 4‐Substituted Coumarins Catalyzed by a Chiral Lewis Acid

Eight coumarins, which carry a terminal alkene tethered by a CH₂XCH₂ group to their 4‐position (X=CH₂, CMe₂, O, S, NBoc, NZ, NTs, NBn), were synthesized in overall yields of 51–80 %. Starting materials for the syntheses were either commercially available 4‐hydroxycoumarin or 4‐formylcoumarin. The intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition of these coumarins gave diastereoselectively products with a tetracyclic 3,3a,4,4a‐tetrahydro‐1H‐cyclopenta[2,3]cyclobuta[1,2‐c]chromen‐5(2H)‐one skeleton. Direct irradiation at λ=300 nm in dichloromethane (c=10 mM ) led to product formation in good yields for most substrates, presumably via a singlet excited state intermediate. Due to the low coumarin absorption at λ >350 nm the photocycloaddition was slow upon irradiation at λ=366 nm. Addition of a chiral oxazaborolidine‐based Lewis acid (50 mol %) increased the reaction rate at λ=366 nm and induced a significant enantioselectivity in the [2+2] photocycloaddition. Six out of eight coumarin substrates (X=CH₂, CMe₂, O, NBoc, NZ, NTs) gave the respective products in yields of 72–96 % and with 74–90 % enantiomeric excess (ee) upon irradiation in dichloromethane (c=20 mM ) at ?75 °C. The Lewis acid presumably acts by coordination to the coumarin carbonyl oxygen atom, which leads to a bathochromic shift (redshift) of the UV absorption and which increases the singlet state lifetime. A second electrostatic interaction of the hydrogen atom at C3 with the oxygen atom of the oxazaborolidine is likely.     

手性Lewis酸催化硝酮与烯烃的1,3-偶极环加成反应

综述了近年来利用手性Lewis酸催化剂对映选择催化硝酮与1,2-二取代烯烃的1,3-偶极环加成反应的研究进展.     

Nitrogen‐Based Lewis Acids Derived from Phosphonium Diazo Cations

Reaction of PPh₃ and [(p‐ClC₆H₄)N₂][BF₄] affords [(p‐ClC₆H₄)N(PPh₃)N(PPh₃)][BF₄] 1 , while reaction with (Ph₂PCH₂)₂ gave [(p‐ClC₆H₄)(NPh₂PCH₂)₂)][BF₄] 2 . These species confirm the Lewis acidity of [(p‐ClC₆H₄)N₂(PR₃)][BF₄] cations at N. In contrast, use of bulky phosphines afford the species [ArN₂(PR₃)][BF₄] (R=tBu 3 , Mes 4 ). Compound 3 undergoes one electron reduction to give the stable radical [(p‐ClC₆H₄)N₂(PtBu₃)]^. 5 . Combination of 3 and PtBu₃ acts as an FLP to effect (SPh)₂ cleavage, generating [PhSPtBu₃]⁺ and the radical [ArN₂(PR₃)]^.. Collectively, these data affirm the ability of the cations [ArN₂(PR₃)]⁺ to behave as one or two electron acceptors.     

Controlled Generation of 9-Boratriptycene by Lewis Adduct Dissociation: Accessing a Non-Planar Triarylborane

A highly bent triarylborane, 9-boratriptycene, was generated in solution by selective protodeboronation of the corresponding tetra-aryl boron ate complex with the strong Brønsted acid HNTf₂. The iptycene core confers enhanced Lewis acidity to 9-boratriptycene, making it unique in terms of structure and reactivity. We studied the stereoelectronic properties of 9-boratriptycene by quantifying its association with small N- and O-centered Lewis bases, as well as with sterically hindered phosphines. The resultant Lewis adducts exhibited unique structural, spectroscopic, and photophysical properties. Beyond the high pyramidalization of the 9-boratriptycene scaffold and its low reorganization energy upon Lewis base coordination, quantum chemical calculations revealed that the absence of π donation from the triptycene aryl rings to the boron vacant p_z orbital is one of the main reasons for its high Lewis acidity.     

Chiral Amino Acids‐Derived Catalysts and Ligands

Transforming amino acids into novel catalysts and ligands is a remarkable subset of new catalyst development in order to imitate enzymatic efficiencies. Their ability to perform a variety of asymmetric catalytic reactions is complimented by their ready availability, rich transformations, stability and easy procedure. Herein, we focused on describing our endeavor of developing new catalysts and ligands from primary and secondary amino acids. It includes C₂‐symmetric N,N'‐dioxides, guanidine‐amides, bispidine‐based diamines, and other organic salts. The account covered a brief introduction about their discovery, representative applications and related mechanisms.