Steric modulation of coordination number and reactivity in the synthesis of lanthanoid(III) formamidinates

Reactions of a range of the readily prepared and sterically tunable N,N'-bis(aryl)formamidines with lanthanoid metals and bis(pentafluorophenyl)mercury (Hg(C6F5)2) in THF have given an extensive series of tris(formamidinato)lanthanoid(III) complexes, [Ln(Form)3(thf)n], namely [La(o-TolForm)3(thf)2], [Er(o-TolForm)3(thf)], [La(XylForm)3(thf)], [Sm(XylForm)3], [Ln(MesForm)3] (Ln=La, Nd, Sm and Yb), [Ln(EtForm)3] (Ln=La, Nd, Sm, Ho and Yb), and [Ln(o-PhPhForm)3] (Ln=La, Nd, Sm and Er). [For an explanation of the N,N'-bis(aryl)formamidinate abbreviations used see Scheme 1.] Analogous attempts to prepare [Yb(o-TolForm)3] by this method invariably yielded [{Yb(o-TolForm)2(mu-OH)(thf)}2], but [Yb(o-TolForm)3] was isolated from a metathesis synthesis. X-ray crystal structures show exclusively N,N'-chelation of the Form ligands and a gradation in coordination number with Ln3+ size and with Form ligand bulk. The largest ligands, MesForm, EtForm and o-PhPhForm give solely homoleptic complexes, the first two being six-coordinate, the last having an eta1-pi-Ar--Ln interaction. Reaction of lanthanoid elements and Hg(C6F5)2 with the still bulkier DippFormH in THF resulted in C--F activation and formation of [Ln(DippForm)2F(thf)] (Ln=La, Ce, Nd, Sm and Tm) complexes, and o-HC6F4O(CH2)4DippForm in which the formamidine is functionalised by a ring-opened THF that has trapped tetrafluorobenzyne. Analogous reactions between Ln metals, Hg(o-HC6F4)2 and DippFormH yielded [Ln(DippForm)2F(thf)] (Ln=La, Sm and Nd) and 3,4,5-F3C6H2O(CH2)4DippForm. X-ray crystal structures of the heteroleptic fluorides show six-coordinate monomers with two chelating DippForm ligands and cisoid fluoride and THF ligands in a trigonal prismatic array. The organometallic species [Ln(DippForm)2(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)(thf)] (Ln=Nd or Sm) are obtained from reaction of Nd metal, bis(phenylethynyl)mercury (Hg(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)2) and DippFormH, and the oxidation of [Sm(DippForm)2(thf)2] with Hg(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)2, respectively. The monomeric, six-coordinate, cisoid [Ln(DippForm)2(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)(thf)] complexes have trigonal prismatic geometries and rare (for Ln) terminal C[triple chemical bond]CPh groups with contrasting Ln--C[triple chemical bond]C angles (Ln=Nd, 170.9(4) degrees; Ln=Sm, 142.9(7) degrees). Their formation lends support to the view that [Ln(DippForm)2F(thf)] complexes arise from oxidative formation and C--F activation of [Ln(DippForm)2(C6F5)] intermediates.     

Cross coupling reactions of polyfluoroarenes via C-F activation

This Perspective provides an overview of transition metal-catalyzed cross coupling reactions of polyfluoroarenes. When appropriate, stoichiometric C-F activation and subsequent reaction are briefly covered.     

Catalytic C-F activation of polyfluorinated pyridines by nickel-mediated cross-coupling reactions

The cross-coupling reaction of pentafluoropyridine with tributyl(vinyl)tin affording 2-vinyltetrafluoropyridine by activation of a carbon-fluorine bond is catalysed by [NiF(2-C5NF4)(PEt3)2]; a similar reaction is observed with 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoropyridine.     

Selective palladium-catalyzed C-F activation/carbon-carbon bond formation of polyfluoroaryl oxazolines

A selective palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction of polyfluorophenyl oxazolines through ortho C-F activation is described. It was found that reactions with DPPF as the ligand occurred much faster than those with other ligands. A variety of arylboronic acids including challenging functionalized arylboronic acids such as enolizable ketones, aldehyde, cyano, ester, and trifluoromethyl groups were tolerated with the reaction conditions.     

Time-resolved infrared dynamics of C-F bond activation by a tungsten metal-carbonyl

Chemical reactions that break, or activate, C-H and C-F are of tremendous synthetic interest. The intramolecular C-F bond activation of a tungsten carbonyl system has been studied by time-resolved infrared spectroscopy. The formation of solvent complexes and the final product are monitored using time-resolved infrared spectroscopy of the CO stretches. The rate of the reaction is shown to be limited by the formation of an intermolecular complex between the tungsten metal center and a solvent molecule. Comparison with DFT calculations shows that in the absence of solvent molecules the intramolecular complex with the tethered perfluorobenzene ring is energetically favorable, but is not the primary kinetic product because of the initial geometry of the complex.     

The effects of light lanthanoid elements (La, Ce, Nd) on (Ar)CF-Ln coordination and C-F activation in N,N-dialkyl-N'-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenylethane-1,2-diaminate complexes

A new class of homoleptic organoamido rare earth complexes [Ln(L(Me) or L(Et))(3)] (Ln = La, Ce, Nd; L(Me/Et) = p-HC(6)F(4)N(CH(2))(2)NMe(2)/Et(2)) exhibiting (Ar)CF-Ln interactions has been isolated from redox-transmetallation/protolysis (RTP) reactions between the free metals, Hg(C(6)F(5))(2) and L(Me/Et)H in tetrahydrofuran, together with low yields of [Ln(L(Me))(2)F](3) (Ln = La, Ce) or [Nd(L(Et))(2)F](2) species, resulting from C-F activation reactions. The structures of the homoleptic complexes have eight-coordinate Ln metals with two tridentate (N,N',F) amide ligands including (Ar)CF-Ln bonds and either a bidentate (N,F) ligand (Ln = La, Ce, Nd; L(Et)) or a bidentate (N,N') ligand (Ln = Nd; L(Me)), in an unusual case of linkage variation. All (Ar)CF-Ln bond lengths are shorter than or similar to the corresponding Ln-NMe(2)/Et(2) bond lengths. In [Ln(L(Me))(2)F](3) (Ln = La, Ce) complexes, there is a six-membered ring framework with alternating F and Ln atoms and the metal atoms are eight-coordinate with two tridentate (N,N',F) L(Me) ligands, whilst [Nd(L(Et))(2)F](2) is a fluoride-bridged dimer.     

Routes to fluorinated organic derivatives by nickel mediated C-F activation of heteroaromatics

New fluorinated azaheterocycles can be synthesised regio- and chemo-selectively via C-F activation of fluorinated precursors at nickel, with subsequent functionalisation and release from the coordination sphere of the metal; the requirements for productive C-F activation are significantly different from those for C-H bond activation.     

Copper-free defluorinative alkylation of allylic difluorides through Lewis acid-mediated C-F bond activation

The reactions of difluorohomoallyl alcohols with trialkylaluminiums smoothly proceeded in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature to give (Z)-fluoro-olefin products in excellent yields. On the basis of this chemistry, fluoro-olefinic dipeptide isostere of norvalinyl glycine was synthesized in stereoselective manner.     

Catalytic C-C bond formation accomplished by selective C-F activation of perfluorinated arenes

The first example of a catalytically active system for Suzuki-type cross-coupling reactions of perfluorinated arenes such as octafluorotoluene and decafluorobiphenyl is presented.     

Imine-assisted C-F bond activation by electron-rich iron complexes supported by trimethylphosphine

C-F bond activation of ortho-fluorinated benzalimines 2,6-F(2)C(6)R1R2R3-CH=N-R (1-3) using the electron-rich complex Fe(PMe(3))(4) is reported. With the assistance of the imine group as the anchoring group, bis-chelated iron(II) complexes (C(6)FR1R2R3-CH=N-R)(2)Fe(PMe(3))(2) (4-6) were formed. The reaction of 2,6-difluorobenzylidenenaphthalen-1-amine 2,6-F(2)C(6)H(3)-CH=N-C(10)H(7) (9) with Fe(PMe(3))(4) affords [CNC]-pincer iron(II) complex (C(6)H(3)F-CH=N-C(10)H(6))Fe(PMe(3))(3) (10) through both C-F and C-H bond activation and π-(C=N) coordinate iron(0) complex (C(6)H(3)F-CH=N-C(10)H(7))(2)Fe(PMe(3))(2) (11) with C,C-coupling, while a similar reaction with perfluorobenzylidenenaphthalen-1-amine C(6)F(5)-CH=N-C(10)H(7) (14) gave rise to only [CNC]-pincer iron(II) complex (C(6)F(4)-CH=N-C(10)H(6))Fe(PMe(3))(3) (15). The proposed formation mechanisms of these complexes are discussed. The structures of complexes 5, 6, 10 and 11 were confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction.     

Hydrogen- and fluorine-bridged disilyl cations and their use in catalytic C-F activation

The hydrogen-bridged disilyl cation 6 with an 1,8-naphthalenediyl backbone was synthesized and was characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography, supported by quantum mechanical computations. The SiHSi linkage is symmetrical, corresponding to a single minimum potential, and the structural parameters are in agreement with the presence of a two electron-three center bond in 6. Treatment of disilyl cation 6 with alkyl fluorides yields the disilylfluoronium ion 10. The SiFSi group in the disilyl fluoronium ion 10 is symmetrical with an average SiF bond length of 175.9(8) and a bent angle beta = 130 degrees . Both cations catalyze the hydrodefluorination reaction of alkyl and benzyl fluorides to give alkanes.     

First regioselective cyclometalation reactions of cobalt in arylketones: C-H versus C-F activation

Phenyl ketones react smoothly under mild conditions with low valent cobalt(i) adducts to form new and stable five-membered cobaltacycles via C-H and C-F activation.     

Nickel-catalyzed alkenylation and alkylation of fluoroarenes via activation of C-H bond over C-F bond

Nickel/P(c-C(5)H(9))(3) (PCyp(3)) catalyst effects the addition reactions of fluoroarenes across alkynes, 1,3-dienes, and vinylarenes via the activation of C-H bonds over C-F bonds. The acidic C-H bonds located ortho to fluorine are exclusively activated to afford a range of alkenylated and alkylated fluoroarenes.     

Direct reaction of iodine-activated lanthanoid metals with 2,6-diisopropylphenol

Rare earth metals activated with ca. 2% iodine react directly with 2,6-diisopropylphenol (HOdip) in tetrahydrofuran (thf), 1,2-dimethoxyethane (dme), and dig-dme (dig = di(2-methoxyethyl) ether) to give solvated phenolate complexes [Ln(Odip)(3)(thf)(n)] (Ln = La, Nd, n = 3; Ln = Sm, Dy, Y, Yb, n = 2), [Eu(Odip)(μ-Odip)(thf)(2)](2), [Ln(Odip)(3)(dme)(2)] (Ln = La, Yb) and [La(Odip)(3)(dig)] in good yield for Ln = La, Nd, Eu but modest yield for smaller Ln metals under comparable conditions. However, increasing the excess of metal greatly increased the yield for Ln = Y. The synthetic method has general potential, at least for lanthanoid phenolates. Comparison redox transmetallation/protolysis (RTP) reactions between Ln metals, Hg(C(6)F(5))(2) and the phenol gave higher yields in shorter time and, for Eu, gave [Eu(Odip)(3)(thf)(3)] in contrast to an Eu(II) complex from Eu(I(2)). New [Ln(Odip)(3)(thf)(3)] complexes have fac-octahedral structures and [Ln(Odip)(3)(thf)(2)] monomeric five coordinate distorted trigonal bipyramidal structures with apical thf ligands. [Eu(Odip)(μ-Odip)(thf)(2)](2) is an unsymmetrical dimer with two bridging Odip ligands. One five coordinate Eu atom has distorted trigonal bipyramidal stereochemistry and the other is distorted square pyramidal. Whilst [La(Odip)(3)(dme)(2)] has irregular seven coordination with mer-Odip and chelating dme ligands, [Ln(Odip)(3)(dme)(2)] (Ln = Dy, Y (prepared by ligand exchange), Yb) are monomeric six coordinate with one chelating and one unidentate dme. A six coordinate fac-octahedral arrangement is observed in [La(Odip)(3)(dig)].     

Theoretical evidence for C-F bond activation by a fluoro-calix[4]pyrrole-tert-amine macrocycle

Density functional theory as well as highly correlated ab initio molecular orbital theory was used to explore the possibility of activating C-F bonds in fluoroalkanes by organic macrocycles. The results indicate that the reaction between fluoro-calix [4]pyrrole-tert-amine and CH3F via a Menshutkin displacement mechanism is highly favorable and competitive from a thermochemical point of view with the very efficient C-Cl activation by a simple macrocyclic amine recently reported in the literature (Stanger, L. J.; Noll, B. C.; Gonzalez, C.; Marquez, M.; Smith, B. D. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 4184).     

Efficient C-F and C-C activation by a novel N-heterocyclic carbene-nickel(0) complex

The NHC-stabilized complex [Ni2(iPr2Im)4(cod)] (1) was isolated in good yield from the reaction of [Ni(cod)2] with 1,3-diisopropylimidazole-2-ylidene (iPr2Im). Compound 1 is a source of the [Ni(iPr2Im)2] complex fragment in stoichiometric and catalytic transformations. The reactions of 1 with ethylene and CO under atmospheric pressure or with equimolar amounts of diphenylacetylene lead to the compounds [Ni(iPr2Im)2(eta2-C2H4)] (2), [Ni(iPr2Im)2(eta2-C2Ph2)] (3), and [Ni(iPr2Im)2(CO)2] (4) in good yields. In all cases the [Ni(iPr2Im)2] complex fragment is readily transferred without decomposition or fragmentation. In the infrared spectrum of carbonyl complex 4, the CO stretching frequencies are observed at 1847 and 1921 cm(-1), and are significantly shifted to lower wavenumbers compared with other nickel(0) carbonyl complexes of the type [NiL2(CO)2]. Complex 1 activates the C--F bond of hexafluorobenzene very efficiently to give [Ni(iPr2Im)2(F)(C6F5)] (5). Furthermore, [Ni2(iPr2Im)4(cod)] (1) is also an excellent catalyst for the catalytic insertion of diphenylacetylene into the 2,2' bond of biphenylene. The reaction of 1 with equimolar amounts of biphenylene at low temperature leads to [Ni(iPr2Im)2(2,2'-biphenyl)] (6), which is formed by insertion into the strained 2,2' bond. The reaction of diphenylacetylene and biphenylene at 80 degrees C in the presence of 2 mol % of 1 as catalyst yields diphenylphenanthrene quantitatively and is complete within 30 minutes.     

Competing C-F activation pathways in the reaction of Pt(0) with fluoropyridines: phosphine-assistance versus oxidative addition

A survey of computed mechanisms for C-F bond activation at the 4-position of pentafluoropyridine by the model zero-valent bis-phosphine complex, [Pt(PH3)(PH2Me)], reveals three quite distinct pathways leading to square-planar Pt(II) products. Direct oxidative addition leads to cis-[Pt(F)(4-C5NF4)(PH3)(PH2Me)] via a conventional 3-center transition state. This process competes with two different phosphine-assisted mechanisms in which C-F activation involves fluorine transfer to a phosphorus center via novel 4-center transition states. The more accessible of the two phosphine-assisted processes involves concerted transfer of an alkyl group from phosphorus to the metal to give a platinum(alkyl)(fluorophosphine), trans-[Pt(Me)(4-C5NF4)(PH3)(PH2F)], analogues of which have been observed experimentally. The second phosphine-assisted pathway sees fluorine transfer to one of the phosphine ligands with formation of a metastable metallophosphorane intermediate from which either alkyl or fluorine transfer to the metal is possible. Both Pt-fluoride and Pt(alkyl)(fluorophosphine) products are therefore accessible via this route. Our calculations highlight the central role of metallophosphorane species, either as intermediates or transition states, in aromatic C-F bond activation. In addition, the similar computed barriers for all three processes suggest that Pt-fluoride species should be accessible. This is confirmed experimentally by the reaction of [Pt(PR3)2] species (R = isopropyl (iPr), cyclohexyl (Cy), and cyclopentyl (Cyp)) with 2,3,5-trifluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine to give cis-[Pt(F){2-C5NHF2(CF3)}(PR3)2]. These species subsequently convert to the trans-isomers, either thermally or photochemically. The crystal structure of cis-[Pt(F){2-C5NHF2(CF3)}(P iPr3)2] shows planar coordination at Pt with r(F-Pt) = 2.029(3) A and P(1)-Pt-P(2) = 109.10(3) degrees. The crystal structure of trans-[Pt(F){2-C5NHF2(CF3)}(PCyp3)2] shows standard square-planar coordination at Pt with r(F-Pt) = 2.040(19) A.