Al/P- and Ga/P-Based Frustrated Lewis Pairs and Electronically Unsaturated Substrates: Ring Cleavage and Ring Closure,C−C and C−N Bond Formation

Al/P- and Ga/P-based frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) reacted with an azirine under mild conditions under cleavage of the heterocycle on two different positions. Opening of the C−C bond yielded an unusual nitrile–ylide adduct in which a C−N moiety coordinated to the FLP backbone. Cleavage of a C−N bond afforded the thermodynamically favored enamine adduct with the N atom bound to P and Al or Ga atoms. Ring closure was observed upon treatment of an Al/P FLP with electronically unsaturated substrates (4-(1-cyclohexenyl)-1-aza-but-1-en-3-ynes) and yielded by C−N bond formation hexahydroquinoline derivatives, which coordinated to the FLP through P−C and Al−C bonds. Diphenylcyclopropenone showed a diverse reactivity, which depending on steric shielding and the polarizing effect of Al or Ga atoms afforded different products. An AltBu₂/P FLP yielded an adduct with the C=O group coordinated to P and Al. The dineopentyl derivative gave an equilibrium mixture consisting of a similar product and a simple adduct with O bound to Al and a three-coordinate P atom. Both compounds co-crystallize. The Ga/P FLP only formed the simple adduct with the same substrate. Rearrangement resulted in all cases in C₃-ring cleavage and migration of a mesityl group from P to a former ring C atom by C−C bond formation. Diphenylthiocyclopropenone (evidence for the presence of P=C bonds) and an imine derivative afforded similar products.     

New Reactivity Patterns in 3H-Phosphaallene Chemistry [Aryl-P=C=C(H)-tBu]: Hydroboration of the C=C Bond,Deprotonation and Trimerisation

3H-Phosphaallenes, R−P=C=C(H)C−R’ ( 3 ), are accessible in a multigram scale on a new and facile route and show a fascinating chemical reactivity. BH₃(SMe₂) and 3 a (R=Mes*, R’=tBu) afforded by hydroboration of the C=C bonds of two phosphaallene molecules an unprecedented borane ( 7 ) with the B atom bound to two P=C double bonds. This compound represents a new FLP based on a B and two P atoms. The increased Lewis acidity of the B atom led to a different reaction course upon treatment of 3 a with H₂B-C₆F₅(SMe₂). Hydroboration of a C=C bond of a first phosphaallene is followed in a typical FLP reaction by the coordination of a second phosphaallene molecule via B−C and P−B bond formation to yield a BP₂C₂ heterocycle ( 8 ). Its B−P bond is short and the B-bound P atom has a planar surrounding. Treatment of 3 a with tBuLi resulted in deprotonation of the β-C atom of the phosphaallene ( 9 ). The Li atom is bound to the P atom as demonstrated by crystal structure determination, quantum chemical calculations and reactions with HCl, Cl-SiMe₃ or Cl-PtBu₂. The thermally unstable phosphaallene Ph−P=C=C(H)-tBu gave a unique trimeric secondary product by P−P, P−C and C−C bond formation. It contains a P₂C₄ heterocycle and was isolated as a W(CO)₄ complex with two P atoms coordinated to W ( 15 ).     

Bildung und Struktur des iso-Tetraphosphans P(PtBu2)3: ein Molekül mit einem planaren,dreibindigen P-Atom

Formation and Structure of the iso -Tetraphosphane P(P^tBu₂)₃: a Molecule with a Planar Three-coordinated P Atom The iso-tetraphosphane P(P^tBu₂)₃ ( 1 ) was obtained by irradiating ^tBu₂P–P=P(Me)^tBu₂ ( 3 ). 1 forms hexagonal crystals (space group P6₃/m) with a = 1005,63(8), c = 1621,4(2) pm, Z = 2. The P(P^tBu₂)₃ molecules are arranged in a hexagonally close packed lattice. The four P atoms in each molecule are coplanar with P–P bond distances 219.08(4) pm and P–P–P angles 120°. The observed planar geometry is in accordance with ab initio calculations.     

Diiodotetrasupersilylcyclotetrasilene (tBu3Si)4Si4I2—A Molecule Containing an Unsaturated Si4 Ring

The red-orange tetrasilacyclobutene 1 (R*=SitBu₃) is formed quantitatively by the reaction of tetrasilatetrahedrane 2 and iodine. Surprisingly, water and methanol do not react with 1 with addition to the Si−Si double bond, but instead with replacement of the silicon-bound iodine atoms with oxygen or the methoxy group, respectively. The substitutions possibly proceed by dissociative activation via intermediate 3 .     

Nitrogen‐Based Lewis Acids: Synthesis and Reactivity of a Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Nitrenium Cation

A room‐temperature‐stable crystalline cyclic (alkyl)(amino)nitrenium cation 2 features cationic nitrogen atom with a smaller HOMO–LUMO gap compared to that of a 1,2,3‐triazolium 5 (an N‐heterocyclic nitrenium cation). The low‐lying LUMO of 2 results in an enhanced electrophilicity, which allowed for the formation of Lewis adducts with neutral Lewis bases, such as Me₃P, nBu₃P, and IiPr. The N‐based Lewis acid 2 also forms an FLP with tBu₃P but subsequently reacts with (PrS)₂ to cleave the S?S bond. Both experimental and theoretical results suggest that the Lewis acidity of 2 is stronger than its N₃ analogues.     

Reactions of a Ga/P‐Based Frustrated Lewis Pair with HX (X = F – I), Heterocumulenes R–NCY (Y = O,S) and Chalcogens–Adduct Formation and Surprising Stability towards Protolysis

Treatment of the geminal Ga/P‐based frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) Mes₂P–C(GatBu₂)=C(H)–Ph ( 1 ) with HX (X = F, Cl, Br, I) afforded the corresponding adducts 2 with the protons bound to the P and the halide anions coordinated to the Ga atoms. Short intramolecular contacts may indicate P–H ··· X hydrogen bonding interactions. The Br and I compounds ( 2c , 2d ) were accessible in moderate yields even when aqueous solutions of the acids were employed. These unexpected reactions confirm the surprising stability of FLP 1 towards protolysis. Heterocumulenes R–N=C=Y (Y = O, S) and 1 yielded adducts with two different structural motifs. The N=C=Y groups were coordinated to the FLP either via the C=Y (Y = S; Ph–N=C=O) or the C=N bonds (Ph–N=C=O, Et–N=C=O). For phenyl isocyanate the C=O bonded isomer was observed in the solid state, while both isomeric forms were detected in solution. Steric shielding and the hardness of the atoms may influence the formation of the respective isomer. Cleavage of the C=S bonds of isothiocyanates was observed for the first time and afforded a sulfur adduct 9a , in which an S atom (electron sextet) was bound to the lone pair of electrons at phosphorus and to the Lewis acidic Ga atom. Four‐membered PCGaY heterocycles resulted, which were also synthesized in high yields by the direct reaction of 1 with propylene sulfide or selenium.     

Synthesis and some properties of lanthanum, neodymium, and samariumtert-butoxycuprates [(ButO)5Cu2Ln]2

Lanthanum, neodymium, and samariumtert-butoxycuprates [(Bu^tO)₅Cu₂Ln]₂ were synthesized in high yields by reactions of Bu^tOCu with lanthanide metals, the halides Sml₂ and LnX₃ (Ln=La, Nd: X=Cl, 1) and by the reaction of Bu^tOLi with a mixture of LnCl₃ and CuCl. X-Ray diffraction analysis showed that the structure of [(Bu^tO)₅Cu₂Sm]₂ is based on octahedra formed by four copper atoms in equatorial positions and two samarium atoms in axoal positions; the copper and samarium atoms are linked by μ₃-bridging Bu^tO groups. The reactions of lanthanumtert-butoxycuprate with H₂O, HCl, CpH, PhC≡CH, and CO₂ were studied.     

Die Kristallstruktur des tBu2P?PP(Br)tBu2

The Crystal Structure of tBu₂P? P?P(Br)tBu₂ tBu₂P? P?P(Br)tBu₂ 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 2 888.9(3), b = 972.16(10), c = 1 534.04(14) pm, β = 105.129(8)° and 8 formula units in the unit cell. The two independent P₃-units in 1 form angles of 105.77° or 105.98°, resp. One P? P distance (220,4 pm) corresponds to a single bond, the other one (207.9 pm) to a double bond.     

New Ga/N‐based Active Lewis Pairs,Trifunctional Ga–Ga Compounds,Reactions with Cyanamide and Dual Insertion of Isocyanate

Hydrogallation of Me₃Si–C≡C–NR'₂ with R₂Ga–H (R = tBu, CH₂tBu, iBu) yielded Ga/N‐based active Lewis pairs, R₂Ga–C(SiMe₃)=C(H)–NR'₂ ( 7 ). The Ga and N atoms adopt cis‐positions at the C=C bonds and show weak Ga–N interactions. tBu₂GaH and Me₃Si–C≡C–N(C₂H₄)₂NMe afforded under exposure of daylight the trifunctional digallium(II) compound [MeN(C₂H₄)₂N](H)C=C(SiMe₃)Ga(tBu)–Ga(tBu)C(SiMe₃)=C(H)[N(C₂H₄)₂NMe] ( 8 ), which results from elimination of isobutene and H₂ and Ga–Ga bond formation. 8 was selectively obtained from the ynamine and [tBu(H)Ga–Ga(H)tBu]₂[HGatBu₂]₂. 7a (R = tBu; NR'₂ = 2,6‐Me₂NC₅H₈) and H₈C₄N–C≡N afforded the adduct tBu₂Ga‐C(SiMe₃)=C(H)(2,6‐Me₂NC₅H₈) · N≡C–NC₄H₈ ( 11 ) with the nitrile bound to gallium. The analogous ALP with harder Al atoms yielded an adduct of the nitrile dimer or oligomers of the nitrile at room temperature. The reaction of 7a with Ph–N=C=O led to the insertion of two NCO groups into the Ga–C_vinyl bond to yield a GaOCNCN heterocycle with Ga bound to O and N atoms ( 12 ).     

Homolytic C−H Bond Activation by Phosphine−Quinone-Based Radical Ion Pairs

Herein, we present the formation of transient radical ion pairs (RIPs) by single-electron transfer (SET) in phosphine−quinone systems and explore their potential for the activation of C−H bonds. PMes₃ (Mes=2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂) reacts with DDQ (2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone) with formation of the P−O bonded zwitterionic adduct Mes₃P−DDQ ( 1 ), while the reaction with the sterically more crowded PTip₃ (Tip=2,4,6-iPr₃C₆H₂) afforded C−H bond activation product Tip₂P(H)(2-[CMe₂(DDQ)]-4,6-iPr₂-C₆H₂) ( 2 ). UV/Vis and EPR spectroscopic studies showed that the latter reaction proceeds via initial SET, forming RIP [PTip₃]⋅⁺[DDQ]⋅⁻, and subsequent homolytic C−H bond activation, which was supported by DFT calculations. The isolation of analogous products, Tip₂P(H)(2-[CMe₂{TCQ−B(C₆F₅)₃}]-4,6-iPr₂-C₆H₂) ( 4 , TCQ=tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone) and Tip₂P(H)(2-[CMe₂{oQ^tBu−B(C₆F₅)₃}]-4,6-iPr₂-C₆H₂) ( 8 , oQ^tBu=3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone), from reactions of PTip₃ with Lewis-acid activated quinones, TCQ−B(C₆F₅)₃ and oQ^tBu−B(C₆F₅)₃, respectively, further supports the proposed radical mechanism. As such, this study presents key mechanistic insights into the homolytic C−H bond activation by the synergistic action of radical ion pairs.     

Frustrated Lewis Pairs Comprising Nitrogen Lewis Acids for Si–H Bond Activation

N-heterocyclic nitrogen Lewis acids are a recent addition to the field of organic chemistry. Based on nitrenium cations, these acids where previously shown to generate Lewis adducts when combined with the appropriate Lewis bases. Herein, a triazinium-based Lewis acid was combined with tBu₃P to generate a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) capable of cleaving, for the first time, Si−H bonds in silanes. Whereas low yields were initially encountered owing to insufficient Lewis acidity, a new nitrenium-based Lewis acid was synthesized, and its superior Lewis acidity was experimentally and computationally confirmed. A FLP based on this acid cleaved the Si−H bond in PhSiH₃, generating the triazane product in a quantitative yield. This unprecedented N−H triazane was fully characterized by multinuclear NMR techniques and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. A new class of compounds, N-H triazanes display the potential capacity to participate in hydride transfer reactions.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Methylzinc Tri(tert‐butyl)silylphosphanide as well as Related Sodium and Potassium Phosphanylzincates

The reaction of dimethylzinc and tri(tert‐butyl)silylphosphane in toluene yielded dimeric methylzinc tri(tert‐butyl)silylphosphanide ( 1 ) which crystallized tetrameric. Compound 1 was deprotonated with sodium in DME and the solvent‐separated dimeric ion pair [(dme)₃Na]⁺ [(dme)Na(MeZn)₂(μ‐PSitBu₃)₂]^? ( 2 ) was isolated. The reaction of 1 in THF with two equivalents of potassium and one equivalent of tri(tert‐butyl)silylphosphane gave dimeric [{tBu₃Si(H)P}{(thf)₂K}₂(MeZn)(PSitBu₃)]₂ ( 3 ). Both of these phosphanylzincates contain Zn₂P₂ cycles with Zn‐P bond lengths of approximately 237 pm, whereas in 1 larger Zn‐P bond lengths of 248.5 pm were found due to the larger coordination numbers of the phosphorus and zinc atoms.     

Small Chains of Main Group Elements by BH3 Adduct Formation of tBu2E-N(H)-EtBu2 (E = P,As)

Borane adducts of bis(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)amine ( 1a ) and bis(di-tert-butylarsino)amine ( 1b ) are reported. Based on quantum-chemical investigations in combination with experimental results, it is demonstrated that the tautomerism known for tBu₂P-N(H)-PtBu₂ ( 1a ), can be observed for the mono adduct tBu₂P-N(H)-P(BH₃)tBu₂ ( 2a ) as well, whereas for the corresponding arsenic compound 2b only one stable isomer is found. The bis-borane adduct tBu₂(BH₃)As-N(H)-As(BH₃)tBu₂ ( 3b ) is a rare example of a structurally characterized, tertiary arsine borane adduct, which can be directly compared with the corresponding phosphorus compound tBu₂(BH₃)P-N(H)-P(BH₃)tBu₂ ( 3a ). Deprotonation of mixtures containing 2a by nBuLi leads to the lithium-containing coordination polymer 4a , in which the actual chain consists only of non-carbon atoms.     

Synthesis and solid‐state structures of t‐Bu3Ga–EPh3 Lewis acid–base adducts

Three Lewis acid–base adducts t‐Bu₃Ga–EPh₃ (E = P 1 , As 2 , Sb 3 ) were synthesized by reactions of Ph₃E and t‐Bu₃Ga and characterized by heteronuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C (³¹P)) and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Their structural parameters are discussed and compared to similar t‐Bu₃Ga adducts. The strength of the donor‐acceptor interactions within 1 – 3 was investigated in solution by temperature‐dependent ¹H NMR spectroscopy and by quantum chemical calculations.     

Iron-Catalyzed Intermolecular C−H Amination Assisted by an Isolated Iron-Imido Radical Intermediate

Here we report the use of a base metal complex [(^tBupyrpyrr₂)Fe(OEt₂)] ( 1 -OEt₂) (^tBupyrpyrr₂²⁻=3,5-tBu₂-bis(pyrrolyl)pyridine) as a catalyst for intermolecular amination of C_sp3−H bonds of 9,10-dihydroanthracene ( 2 a ) using 2,4,6-trimethyl phenyl azide ( 3 a ) as the nitrene source. The reaction is complete within one hour at 80 °C using as low as 2 mol % 1 -OEt₂ with control in selectivity for single C−H amination versus double C−H amination. Catalytic C−H amination reactions can be extended to other substrates such as cyclohexadiene and xanthene derivatives and can tolerate a variety of aryl azides having methyl groups in both ortho positions. Under stoichiometric conditions the imido radical species [(^tBupyrpyrr₂)Fe{=N(2,6-Me₂-4-tBu-C₆H₂)] ( 1 -imido) can be isolated in 56 % yield, and spectroscopic, magnetometric, and computational studies confirmed it to be an S = 1 Fe^IV complex. Complex 1 -imido reacts with 2 a to produce the ferrous aniline adduct [(^tBupyrpyrr₂)Fe{NH(2,6-Me₂-4-tBu-C₆H₂)(C₁₄H₁₁)}] ( 1 -aniline) in 45 % yield. Lastly, it was found that complexes 1 -imido and 1 -aniline are both competent intermediates in catalytic intermolecular C−H amination.     

tBu2P?PP(X)tBu2-Ylide (X = Cl,Br, I) durch Halogenierung von [tBu2P]2P?SiMe3

tBu₂P? P?P(X)tBu₂ Ylides (X = Cl, Br, I) by Halogenation of [tBu₂P]₂P? SiMe₃ [tBu₂P]₂P? SiMe₃ 1 with halogenating agents as Br₂, I₂, Br-succinimide, CCl₄, CBr₄, CI₄ or C₂Cl₆ via cleavage of the Si? P bond in 1 produces the ylides tBu₂P? P?P(X)tBu₂ (X = Cl, Br, I). This proceeds independent from the formerly known pathway – [tBu₂P]₂PLi + 1,2-dibromoethane – and shows that the Li-phosphide must not be present as a necessary requirement for the formation of ylides.     

C−H Activation of Inert Arenes using a Photochemically Activated Guanidinato-Magnesium(I) Compound

UV irradiation of solutions of a guanidinate coordinated dimagnesium(I) compound, [{(Priso)Mg}₂] 3 (Priso=[(DipN)₂CNPrⁱ₂]⁻, Dip=2,6-diisopropylphenyl), in either benzene, toluene, the three isomers of xylene, or mesitylene, leads to facile activation of an aromatic C−H bond of the solvent in all cases, and formation of aryl/hydride bridged magnesium(II) products, [{(Priso)Mg}₂(μ-H)(μ-Ar)] 4 – 9 . In contrast to similar reactions reported for β-diketiminate coordinated counterparts of 3 , these C−H activations proceed with little regioselectivity, though they are considerably faster. Reaction of 3 with an excess of the pyridine, p-NC₅H₄Bu^t (py^But), gave [(Priso)Mg(py^ButH)(py^But)₂] 10 , presumably via reduction of the pyridine to yield a radical intermediate, [(Priso)Mg(py^But⋅)(py^But)₂] 11 , which then abstracts a proton from the reaction solvent or a reactant. DFT calculations suggest two possible pathways to the observed arene C−H activations. One of these involves photochemical cleavage of the Mg−Mg bond of 3 , generating magnesium(I) doublet radicals, (Priso)Mg⋅. These then doubly reduce the arene substrate to give “Birch-like” products, which subsequently rearrange via C−H activation of the arene. Circumstantial evidence for the photochemical generation of transient magnesium radical species includes the fact that irradiation of a cyclohexane solution of 3 leads to an intramolecular aliphatic C−H activation process and formation of an alkyl-bridged magnesium(II) species, [{Mg(μ-Priso^−H)}₂] 12 . Furthermore, irradiation of a 1 : 1 mixture of 3 and the β-diketiminato dimagnesium(I) compound, [{(^DipNacnac)Mg}₂] (^DipNacnac=[HC(MeCNDip)₂]⁻), effects a “scrambling” reaction, and the near quantitative formation of an unsymmetrical dimagnesium(I) compound, [(Priso)Mg−Mg(^DipNacnac)] 13 . Finally, the EPR spectrum (77 K) of a glassed solution of UV irradiated 3 is dominated by a broad featureless signal, indicating the presence of a doublet radical species.     

Darstellung und Kristallstrukturen von tBu‐substituierten Disiloxanen des Typus tBu2SiX‐O‐SiYtBu2 (X = Y = OH,Br; X = OH,Y = H) und den Addukten tBu3SiOH·(HO3SCF3)0.5·H2O und tBu3SiOLi·(LiO3SCF3)2·(H2O)2

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of tBu‐substituted Disiloxanes tBu₂SiX‐O‐SiYtBu₂ (X = Y = OH, Br; X = OH, Y = H) and of the Adducts tBu₃SiOH·(HO₃SCF₃)_0.5·H₂O and tBu₃SiOLi·(LiO₃SCF₃)₂·(H₂O)₂ The disiloxanes tBu₂SiX‐O‐SiYtBu₂ (X = Y = H, OH) are accessible from the reaction of CF₃SO₂Cl with tBu₂SiHOH or tBu₂Si(OH)₂. By this reaction the disiloxane tBu₂SiH‐O‐SiHtBu₂ is formed together with tBu₂SiH‐O‐SiOHtBu₂. The disiloxanes tBu₂SiX‐O‐SiYtBu₂ (X = Y = Cl, Br) can be synthesized almost quantitatively from tBu₂SiH‐O‐SiHtBu₂ with Cl₂ and Br₂ in CH₂Cl₂. The structures of the disiloxanes tBu₂SiX‐O‐SiYtBu₂ (X = H, Y = OH; X = Y = OH, Br) show almost linear Si‐O‐Si units with short Si‐O bonds. Single crystals of the adducts tBu₃SiOH·(HO₃SCF₃)_0.5·H₂O and tBu₃SiOLi·(LiO₃SCF₃)₂·(H₂O)₂ have been obtained from the reaction of tBu₃SiOH with CF₃SO₃H and of tBu₃SiO₃SCF₃ with LiOH. According to the result of the X‐ray structural analysis (hexagonal, P‐62c), tBu₃SiOLi · (LiO₃SCF₃)₂·(H₂O)₂ features the ion pair [(tBu₃SiOLi)₂(LiO₃SCF₃)₃(H₂O)₃Li]⁺ [CF₃SO₃]^?. The central framework of the cation forms a trigonal Li₆ prism.     

A Highly Reactive Geminal P/B Frustrated Lewis Pair: Expanding the Scope to C−X (X=Cl,Br) Bond Activation

The geminal frustrated Lewis pair tBu₂PCH₂B(Fxyl)₂ ( 1 ; Fxyl=3,5‐(CF₃)₂C₆H₃) is accessible in 65 % yield from tBu₂PCH₂Li and (Fxyl)₂BF. According to NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography, 1 is monomeric both in solution and in the solid state. The intramolecular P ??? B distance of 2.900(5) Å and the full planarity of the borane site exclude any significant P/B interaction. Compound 1 readily activates a broad variety of substrates including H₂, EtMe₂SiH, CO₂/CS₂, Ph₂CO, and H₃CCN. Terminal alkynes react with heterolysis of the C?H bond. Haloboranes give cyclic adducts with strong P?BX₃ and weak R₃B?X bonds. Unprecedented transformations leading to zwitterionic XP/BCX₃ adducts occur on treatment of 1 with CCl₄ or CBr₄ in Et₂O. In less polar solvents (C₆H₆, n‐pentane), XP/BCX₃ adduct formation is accompanied by the generation of significant amounts of XP/BX adducts. FLP 1 catalyzes the hydrogenation of PhCH=NtBu and the hydrosilylation of Ph₂CO with EtMe₂SiH.     

Unexpected Zwitterionic Allenyls from Silylenes and a Fischer Alkynylcarbene: A Remarkable Silylene-Promoted Rearrangement

The silylenes Si(tBu₂bzam)R (tBu₂bzam=N,N′-bis(tertbutyl)benzamidinate; R=mesityl, CH₂SiMe₃) attack the C_carbene atom of the Fischer alkynyl(ethoxy)carbene complex [W(CO)₅{C(OEt)C₂Ph}] to give, after a striking rearrangement, zwitterionic σ-allenyl complexes in which the original carbene C atom forms part of the allene C₃ fragment and also of a Si-C-N-C-N five-membered ring after insertion into a Si−N bond of the original amidinatosilylene. These remarkable allenyl products, which contain two stereogenic groups, are selectively formed as single diastereomers.