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.     

Not Carbon s–p Hybridization,but Coordination Number Determines C−H and C−C Bond Length

A fundamental and ubiquitous phenomenon in chemistry is the contraction of both C−H and C−C bonds as the carbon atoms involved vary, in s–p hybridization, along sp³ to sp² to sp. Our quantum chemical bonding analyses based on Kohn–Sham molecular orbital theory show that the generally accepted rationale behind this trend is incorrect. Inspection of the molecular orbitals and their corresponding orbital overlaps reveals that the above-mentioned shortening in C−H and C−C bonds is not determined by an increasing amount of s-character at the carbon atom in these bonds. Instead, we establish that this structural trend is caused by a diminishing steric (Pauli) repulsion between substituents around the pertinent carbon atom, as the coordination number decreases along sp³ to sp² to sp.     

Ruthenium Catalyzed Intramolecular C−X (X=C,N, O,S) Bond Formation via C−H Functionalization: An Overview

Ruthenium catalyzed C−H activation is well known for its high tolerance towards the functional group and broad applicability in organic synthesis and molecular sciences, with significant applications in pharmaceutical industries, material sciences, and polymer industry. In the last few decades, enormous progress has been observed with ruthenium-catalyzed C−H activation chemistry. Notably, the vast majority of the C−H functionalization known in the literature are intermolecular, although the intramolecular variant provides fascinating new structural facet starting from the simple molecular scaffolds. Intramolecular C−H functionalization is atom economical and step efficient, results in less formation of undesired products which is easy to purify. This has created a lot of interest in organic chemistry in developing new synthetic strategies for such functionalization. The focus of this review is to present the relatively unexplored intramolecular functionalization of C−H bonds into C−X (X=C, N, O, S) bonds utilizing versatile ruthenium catalysts, their scope, and brief mechanistic discussion.     

Magnetische Kernresonanzuntersuchungen an Ti−C−H-Legierungen

Ohne ZusammenfassungMit 4 Abbildungen     

Magnetische Messungen an den Teilsystemen TiC−ZrC,TiC−HfC,ZrC−HfC,TiC−VC,TiC−NbC,TiC−TaC und NbC−TaC

Ohne ZusammenfassungMit 3 Abbildungen     

Atramacronoids A−C,three eudesmanolide sesquiterpene-phenol hybrids with an unprecedented C−C linkage from the rhizomes of Atractylodes macrocephala

Three eudesmanolide sesquiterpene-phenol hybrids, atramacronoids A?C (1?3), featuring an unusual 6/6/5/5/6 skeleton furnished by forming an unexpected C-8?C-16 linkage, were obtained from the rhizomes of Atractylodes macrocephala. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis, chemical calculations, combined with X-ray diffractions. The plausible biosynthetic pathways for compounds 1?3 are proposed. Surprisingly, compound 1 exhibited cytotoxicity against SGC-7901 cells by inducing cells apoptosis, which might relate to the promotion of synthesis of neutrophil elastase.     

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.     

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.     

Reversible Boron-Insertion into Aromatic C−C Bonds

Formation of borabicyclo[3.2.0]heptadiene derivatives was achieved via boron-insertion into aromatic C−C bonds in the photo-promoted skeletal rearrangement reaction of triarylboranes bearing an ortho-phosphino substituent (ambiphilic phosphine-boranes). The borabicyclo[3.2.0]heptadiene derivatives were fully characterized by NMR and X-ray analyses. The dearomatized products were demonstrated to undergo the reverse reaction in the dark at room temperature, realizing photochemical and thermal interconversion between triarylboranes and boron-doped bicyclic systems. Experimental and theoretical studies revealed that sequential two electrocyclic reactions involving E/Z-isomerization of an alkene moiety proceed via a highly strained trans-borepin intermediate.     

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.     

Untersuchungen in den Systemen: V−B,Nb−B,V−B−Si und Ta−B−Si

Zusammenfassung Mit Hilfe röntgenographischer Messungen werden die Boride von Vanadin und Niob untersucht, wobei eine neue Phase der ungefähren Zusammensetzung V₂B identifiziert wird, welche mit der entsprechenden Nb-Borid-Phase isotyp ist. Dieselbe Kristallart tritt auch im System: Ta–B auf. Die in der Literatur angegebene -Phase im Zweistoff: Nb–B erweist sich als NbO.Im System: V–B–Si wird wie im analogen Mo-System die Existenz einer ternärenT 2-Phase Me₅(Si_1/3, B_2/3)₃ nach-gewiesen¹; ihre Gitterkonstanten werden ermittelt.Im Schnitt Ta₂Si–Ta₂B besteht ein geringes Lösungs-vermögen der beiden Phasen ineinander. Durch Zusatz von 20 Mol-% Ta₂Si zu Ta₂B erhält man die oben erwähnte neue Kristallart.Bei den Borid-Siliziden der Metalle aus der 4a-, 5a- und 6a-Gruppe werden die Stabilitätsbereiche derT 1-,T 2- undD 8₈-Phasen miteinander verglichen.     

Flexible C−C Bonds: Reversible Expansion,Contraction, Formation,and Scission of Extremely Elongated Single Bonds

Since carbon–carbon (C−C) covalent bonds are rigid and robust, the bond length is, in general, nearly constant and depends only on the bond order and hybrid orbitals. We report herein direct visualization of the reversible expansion and contraction of a C(sp³)−C(sp³) single bond by light and heat. This flexibility of a C−C bond was demonstrated by X-ray analysis and Raman spectroscopy of hexaphenylethane (HPE)-type hydrocarbons with two spiro-dibenzocycloheptatriene units, the intramolecular [2+2] photocyclization of which and thermal cleavage of the resulting cyclobutane ring both occur in a single-crystalline phase. The force constant of the contracted C−C bond is 1.6 times greater than that of the expanded bond. Since formation of the cyclobutane ring and contraction of the C−C bond lower the HOMO level by approximately 1 eV, the oxidative properties of these HPEs with a flexible C−C bond can be deactivated/activated by light/heat.     

Kristallchemische Untersuchungen in den Systemen Mn−As,V−Sb,Ti−Sb

Zusammenfassung Im System Mn–As wurde die Struktur der Phase Mn₃As bestimmt. Sie kristallisiert in einem eigenen Typ, der eng in Beziehung zum Gitter von Mn₂As steht. Die Elementarzelle von Mn₃As ist pseudotetragonal orthorhombisch mit den Achsen:a=b=3,780 undc=16,2₆ k X·E. Im charakteristischen Raumsystem D_2h ¹³ werden die Parameter ermittelt. Auf die strukturellen Zusammenhänge zwischen der Zelle von -Mn, Mn₃As und Mn₂As wird hingewiesen; die Bauprinzipien bei solehen Gittern werden erörtert.Im System V–Sb wurde die zu TiSb₂ isotype Verbindung VSb₂ mit C 16-Struktur gefunden. Überraschend ist die hohe Dichte dieser Kristallarten. Die Achsen der Elementarzelle sind:a=6,54₂ undc=5,62₄ k X·E. Der Bereich der C 16-Strukturen erfährt damit bezüglich desB_Partners eine Erweiterung. Die sich daraus ergebenden Folgerungen werden besprochen.Im System Ti–Sb wird das Bestehen der Phase Ti₄Sb nachgewiesen, die gemäß einer Formulierung Ti₃(Ti_0,2Sb_0,8) im DO₁₉-Typ kristallisiert.Mit 2 Abbildungen     

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.     

Carbon Monoxide Activation by a Molecular Aluminium Imide: C−O Bond Cleavage and C−C Bond Formation

Anionic molecular imide complexes of aluminium are accessible via a rational synthetic approach involving the reactions of organo azides with a potassium aluminyl reagent. In the case of K₂[( NON )Al(NDipp)]₂ ( NON =4,5-bis(2,6-diisopropylanilido)-2,7-di-tert-butyl-9,9-dimethyl-xanthene; Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl) structural characterization by X-ray crystallography reveals a short Al−N distance, which is thought primarily to be due to the low coordinate nature of the nitrogen centre. The Al−N unit is highly polar, and capable of the activation of relatively inert chemical bonds, such as those found in dihydrogen and carbon monoxide. In the case of CO, uptake of two molecules of the substrate leads to C−C coupling and C≡O bond cleavage. Thermodynamically, this is driven, at least in part, by Al−O bond formation. Mechanistically, a combination of quantum chemical and experimental observations suggests that the reaction proceeds via exchange of the NR and O substituents through intermediates featuring an aluminium-bound isocyanate fragment.     

Iron-Catalyzed Oxidative C−O and C−N Coupling Reactions Using Air as Sole Oxidant**

We describe the oxygenation of tertiary arylamines, and the amination of tertiary arylamines and phenols. The key step of these coupling reactions is an iron-catalyzed oxidative C−O or C−N bond formation which generally provides the corresponding products in high yields and with excellent regioselectivity. The transformations are accomplished using hexadecafluorophthalocyanine−iron(II) (FePcF₁₆) as catalyst in the presence of an acid or a base additive and require only ambient air as sole oxidant.     

Non-Covalent Interaction-Controlled Site-Selective C−H Transformations

Site-selective C−H transformations are important to obtain desired compounds as single products in a highly efficient manner. However, it is generally difficult to achieve such transformations because organic substrates contain many C−H bonds with similar reactivities. Therefore, the development of practical and efficient methods for controlling site selectivity is highly desirable. The most frequently used strategy is “directing group method”. Although this method is highly effective and promotes site-selective reactions, it has several limitations. Our group recently reported other methods to achieve site-selective C−H transformations using non-covalent interactions between a substrate and a reagent or a catalyst and a substrate (non-covalent method). In this personal account, the background of site-selective C−H transformations, our reaction design to achieve site-selective C−H transformations, and recently reported reactions are explained.     

A High-Performance n-Type Thermoelectric Polymer from C−H/C−H Oxidative Direct Arylation Polycondensation

n-Type conjugated polymers (CPs) are crucial in the applications of organic electronics. Direct coupling of electron-deficient C−H monomer via selective C−H activation, namely C−H/C−H oxidative direct arylation polycondensation (Oxi-DArP), is an ideal approach toward such CPs. Herein, Oxi-DArP is firstly adopted to synthesize a high-performance n-type CP using a newly developed monomer, i.e., 3,6-di(thiazol-5-yl)-diketopyrrolopyrrole (Tz-5-DPP). Tz-5-DPP based homopolymer PTz - 5 - DPP with a molecular weight of 22 kDa has been synthesized via Oxi-DArP. After n-doping, PTz - 5 - DPP films exhibited electric conductivity values up to 8 S cm⁻¹ and power factors (PFs) up to 106 μW m⁻¹ K⁻². Notably, this PF value is the highest for n-type polymer thermoelectric materials to date. The Oxi-DArP synthesis and the excellent n-type performance of the polymer make this work an important step toward the straightforward and sustainable preparation of high-performance n-type polymer semiconductors.     

Aryne-Enabled C−N Arylation of Anilines

Anilines are potentially high-value arylating agents, but are limited by the low reactivity of the strong C−N bond. We show that the reactive intermediate benzyne can be used to both activate anilines, and set-up an aryl transfer reaction in a single step. The reaction does not require any transition metal catalysts or stoichiometric organometallics, and establishes a metal-free route to valuable biaryl products by functionalizing the aniline C−N bond.     

A systematic density functional and wavefunction-based study on dicarboxyl dianions −O2C–R–CO2 − with R = C2, C2X2, C2X4, and C6X4 (X = H, F)

The possible existence of the gas phase cis- and trans-maleate, i.e. completely deprotonated maleic acid (O₂C–CΗ=CΗ–CO₂)^2–, is investigated by density functional (B3LYP) and ab-initio quantum chemical methods (MP2, CCSD(T)) using large basis sets. The calculations reveal that only the trans-isomer is Coulomb stable with respect to electron loss. The results are compared to other previously investigated dicarboxylate dianions of the general form ^?O₂C–R–CO₂ ^? with R = C₂, C₂X₂, C₂X₄, and C₆X₄ (X = H, F). Fluorine substitution on the carbon framework helps to stabilize these doubly charged systems, and we predict that all of the aromatic fluorine substituted dicarboxylate dianions are Coulomb stable in the gas phase. Only the highest levels of theory reveal the slight stabilization of both the succinate dianion and the ortho-isomer of the phthalic acid dianion in unprecedented agreement with experiments.