Cyclic (Amino)(aryl)carbenes (CAArCs) as Strong σ‐Donating and π‐Accepting Ligands for Transition Metals

Cyclic (amino)(aryl)carbenes (CAArCs) result from the replacement of the alkyl substituent of cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbenes (CAACs) by an aryl group. This structural modification leads to enhanced electrophilicity of the carbene center with retention of the high nucleophilicity of CAACs, and therefore CAArCs feature a small singlet–triplet gap. The isoindolium precursors are readily prepared in good yields, and deprotonation at low temperature, in the presence of [RhCl(cod)]₂ and [(Me₂S)AuCl] lead to air‐stable rhodium and gold CAArC‐supported complexes, respectively. The rhodium complexes promote the [3+2] cycloaddition of diphenylcyclopropenone with ethyl phenylpropiolate, and induce the addition of 2‐vinylpyridine to alkenes by CH activation. The gold complexes allow for the catalytic three‐component preparation of 1,2‐dihydroquinolines from aniline and phenyl acetylene. These preliminary results illustrate the potential of CAArC ligands in transition‐metal catalysis.     

Facile Synthetic Access to Rhenium(II) Complexes: Activation of Carbon–Bromine Bonds by Single‐Electron Transfer

The five‐coordinated Re^I hydride complexes [Re(Br)(H)(NO)(PR₃)₂] (R=Cy 1 a , iPr 1 b ) were reacted with benzylbromide, thereby affording the 17‐electron mononuclear Re^II hydride complexes [Re(Br)₂(H)(NO)(PR₃)₂] (R=Cy 3 a , iPr 3 b ), which were characterized by EPR, cyclic voltammetry, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. In the case of dibromomethane or bromoform, the reaction of 1 afforded Re^II hydrides 3 in addition to Re^I carbene hydrides [Re(?CHR¹)(Br)(H)(NO)(PR₃)₂] (R¹=H 4 , Br 5 ; R=Cy a , iPr b ) in which the hydride ligand is positioned cis to the carbene ligand. For comparison, the dihydrogen Re^I dibromide complexes [Re(Br)₂(NO)(PR₃)₂(η²‐H₂)] (R=Cy 2 a , iPr 2 b ) were reacted with allyl‐ or benzylbromide, thereby affording the monophosphine Re^II complex salts [R₃PCH₂R′][Re(Br)₄(NO)(PR₃)] (R′=? CH?CH₂ 6 , Ph 7 ). The reduction of Re^II complexes has also been examined. Complex 3 a or 3 b can be reduced by zinc to afford 1 a or 1 b in high yield. Under catalytic conditions, this reaction enables homocoupling of benzylbromide (turnover frequency (TOF): 3 a 150, 3 b 134 h^?1) or allylbromide (TOF: 3 a 575, 3 b 562 h^?1). The reaction of 6 a and 6 b with zinc in acetonitrile affords in good yields the monophosphine Re^I complexes [Re(Br)₂(NO)(MeCN)₂(PR₃)] (R=Cy 8 a , iPr 8 b ), which showed high catalytic activity toward highly selective dehydrogenative silylation of styrenes (maximum TOF of 61 h^?1). Single‐electron transfer (SET) mechanisms were proposed for all these transformations. The molecular structures of 3 a , 6 a , 6 b , 7 a , 7 b , and 8 a were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.     

Grubbs Metathesis Enabled by a Light-Driven gem-Hydrogenation of Internal Alkynes

[(NHC)(cymene)RuCl₂] (NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) complexes instigate a light-driven gem-hydrogenation of internal alkynes with concomitant formation of discrete Grubbs-type ruthenium carbene species. This unorthodox reactivity mode is harnessed in the form of a “hydrogenative metathesis” reaction, which converts an enyne substrate into a cyclic alkene. The intervention of ruthenium carbenes formed in the actual gem-hydrogenation step was proven by the isolation and crystallographic characterization of a rather unusual representative of this series carrying an unconfined alkyl group on a disubstituted carbene center.     

Diborabutatriene: An Electron‐Deficient Cumulene

The complexation of two equivalents of a cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC) to tetrabromodiborane, followed by reduction with four equivalents of sodium naphthalide, led to the formation of the CAAC‐stabilized linear diboracumulene (CAAC)₂B₂. The capacity of the CAAC ligand to facilitate B₂→CAAC donation of π‐electron density resulted in important differences between this species and a previously reported complex featuring a B?B triple bond stabilized by cyclic di(amino)carbenes, including a longer B? B bond and shorter B? C bonds. Frontier orbital analysis indicated sharing of valence electrons across the entire linear C‐B‐B‐C unit in (CAAC)₂B₂, which is supported by natural population analysis and cyclic voltammetry.     

Oxidative Addition at a Carbene Center: Synthesis of an Iminoboryl–CAAC Adduct

The reaction of a cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC) with dichloro‐ and dibromobis(trimethylsilyl)aminoborane results in the formation of haloiminoborane–CAAC adducts. When the iodo analogue is used, an oxidative addition at the carbene center affords a cationic iminoboryl–CAAC adduct, featuring a boron–nitrogen triple bond. Similar salts are also obtained by halide abstraction from the chloro‐ and bromoiminoborane–CAAC adducts. The reactivity of all of these compounds towards CO₂ is discussed.     

Reversible N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Induced α-H Abstraction in Tungsten(VI) Imido Dialkyl Dialkoxide Complexes

The first reversible N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) induced α-H abstraction in tungsten(VI) imido-dialkyl dialkoxide complexes is reported. Treatment of W(NAr)(CH₂Ph)₂(OtBu)₂ (Ar=2,6-dichlorophenyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl, 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) with different NHCs leads to the formation of complexes of the type W(NAr)(CHPh)(NHC)(CH₂Ph)(OtBu) in excellent isolated yields of up to 96 %. The highly unusual release of the tert-butoxide ligand as tBuOH in the course of the reaction was observed. The formed alkylidene complexes and tBuOH are in an equilibrium with the NHC and the dialkyl complexes. Reaction kinetics were monitored by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. A correlation between the steric and electronic properties of the NHC and the reaction rates was observed. Kinetics of a deuterium-labeled complex in comparison to its non-deuterated counterpart revealed the presence of a strong primary kinetic isotope effect (KIE) of 4.2, indicating that α-H abstraction is the rate-determining step (RDS) of the reaction.     

Facile Syntheses of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Precursors through I2‐ or NIS‐Promoted Amidiniumation of N‐Alkenyl Formamidines

We have developed I₂‐ or N‐iodosuccinimide (NIS)‐mediated amidiniumation of N‐alkenyl formamidines for the syntheses of cyclic formamidinium salts, some of which could be directly used as N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors. Treatment of iodine‐containing formamidinium salts with Al₂O₃ led to the formation of cyclic formamidinium salts with an unsaturated backbone. A rhodium(I) complex ligated by a representative NHC was prepared by the reaction of [Rh(cod)Cl]₂ (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) with the free carbene obtained in situ from deprotonation of the corresponding formamidinium salts. The NHCs prepared in situ can also react with S₈ to afford the corresponding thiones.     

Copper–Carbene Intermediates in the Copper‐Catalyzed Functionalization of OH Bonds

Copper–carbene [Tp^xCu?C(Ph)(CO₂Et)] and copper–diazo adducts [Tp^xCu{η¹‐N₂C(Ph)(CO₂Et)}] have been detected and characterized in the context of the catalytic functionalization of O?H bonds through carbene insertion by using N₂?C(Ph)(CO₂Et) as the carbene source. These are the first examples of these type of complexes in which the copper center bears a tridentate ligand and displays a tetrahedral geometry. The relevance of these complexes in the catalytic cycle has been assessed by NMR spectroscopy, and kinetic studies have demonstrated that the N‐bound diazo adduct is a dormant species and is not en route to the formation of the copper–carbene intermediate.     

Copper‐Catalyzed Vicinal Diphosphination of Styrenes: Access to 1,2‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane‐Type Bidentate Ligands from Olefins

A copper/N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed oxidative vicinal diphosphination of styrenes with diphenyl(trimethylsilyl)phosphine proceeds in the presence of LiOtBu and a pyridine N‐oxide/MnO₂ combined oxidant to deliver the corresponding 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethanes (DPPEs) in good yields. The present copper catalysis can provide access to the DPPE‐type ligands directly from the relatively simple alkenes.     

A New Class of Remote N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes with Exceptionally Strong σ‐Donor Properties: Introducing Benzo[c]quinolin‐6‐ylidene

We make the case for benzo[c]quinolin‐6‐ylidene ( 1 ) as a strongly electron‐donating carbene ligand. The facile synthesis of 6‐trifluoromethanesulfonylbenzo[c]quinolizinium trifluoromethanesulfonate ( 2 ) gives straightforward access to a useful precursor for oxidative addition to low‐valent metals, to yield the desired carbene complexes. This concept has been achieved in the case of [Mn(benzo[c]quinolin‐6‐ylidene)(CO)₅]⁺ ( 15 ) and [Pd(benzo[c]quinolin‐6‐ylidene)(PPh₃)₂(L)]²⁺ L=THF ( 21 ), OTf ( 22 ) or pyridine ( 23 ). Attempts to coordinate to nickel result in coupling products from two carbene precursor fragments. The CO IR‐stretching‐frequency data for the manganese compound suggests benzo[c]quinolin‐6‐ylidene is at least as strong a donor as any heteroatom‐stabilised carbene ligand reported.     

A Cyclization–Rearrangement Cascade for the Synthesis of Structurally Complex Chiral Gold(I)–Aminocarbene Complexes

A facile synthesis of chiral cyclic alkyl aminocarbene–gold(I) complexes from gold‐free 1,7‐enyne substrates was developed. The novel cyclization–rearrangement reaction sequence is triggered by the addition of (Me₂S)AuCl to different 1,7‐enynes and leads to structurally unique carbene–gold(I) complexes in high yields. These novel complexes are catalytically active and inhibit the proliferation of different human cancer cell lines.     

Simple Synthetic Routes to N-Heterocyclic Carbene Gold(I)–Aryl Complexes: Expanded Scope and Reactivity

The discovery of sustainable and scalable synthetic protocols leading to gold–aryl compounds bearing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands sparked an investigation of their reactivity and potential utility as organometallic synthons. The use of a mild base and green solvents provide access to these compounds, starting from widely available boronic acids and various [Au(NHC)Cl] complexes, with reactions taking place under air, at room temperature and leading to high yields with unprecedented ease. One compound, (N,N′-bis[2,6-(di-isopropyl)phenyl]imidazol-2-ylidene)(4-methoxyphenyl)gold, ([Au(IPr)(4-MeOC₆H₄)]), was synthesized on a multigram scale and used to gauge the reactivity of this class of compounds towards C−H/N−H bonds and with various acids, revealing simple pathways to gold–based species that possess attractive properties as materials, reagents and/or catalysts.     

How to Bend a Cumulene

Allenes (carbodicarbenes) and [3]cumulenes are linear carbon chains that can be bent when the terminal group has a strong carbene nature. This bending can be quite pronounced in allenes but not in [3]cumulenes. In this study, how N-heterocyclic or cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene (NHC and CAAC, respectively) terminal groups can modify the linear structure of [n]cumulenes has been analyzed. A low π acidity of the terminal carbene affects the linearity of [2n]cumulenes. Indeed, it has been found that the NHC [4]cumulene is extremely bent, contrary to classical [4]cumulenes. The predicted NHC [4]cumulene or tricarbodicarbene has two lone pairs and the π electrons are delocalized over the whole molecule. More significantly, DFT calculations have shown that this bent [4]cumulene is very stable, considerably more so than the corresponding [3]cumulene, which has been elusive to synthesize. Remarkably, calculations have shown that all the NHC [2n]cumulenes are more than 25 kcal mol⁻¹ more stable than the [2n−1]cumulenes.     

NHC‐CAAC Heterodimers with Three Stable Oxidation States

The synthesis of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)–cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene (CAAC) heterodimers is presented. As the free carbenes do not react together in solution, the synthetic approach involves the addition of a free NHC to a cyclic iminium salt, which results in the formation of the protonated heterodimer. Subsequent deprotonation leads to the isolation of the corresponding mixed Wanzlick dimers. One‐ and two‐electron oxidations of these triazaolefins result in the formation of stable cationic radicals and bis(cations), respectively, which have been isolated and fully characterized. Cyclic voltammetry, UV/Vis spectroscopy, spin density, and DFT calculations suggest that these heterodimers feature complementary electronic properties to tetrathiafulvalenes (TTFs).     

Control of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Reactions of Enals: Asymmetric Synthesis of Oxindole‐γ‐Amino Acid Derivatives

A strategy to control the switch between a non‐cycloaddition reaction and a cycloaddition reaction of enals, using N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyisis, has been developed. The new scalable protocol leads to γ‐amino‐acid esters bearing a tetrasubstituted stereocenter in good yields and high stereoselectivities by homo‐Mannich reactions of enals and isatin‐derived ketimines. By simply changing the N‐ketimine substituent to an ortho‐hydroxy phenyl group, the corresponding spirocyclic oxindolo‐γ‐lactams are obtained.     

A Stable Neutral Radical in the Coordination Sphere of Aluminum

The neutral radical (Me₂‐cAAC)₂AlCl₂ ( 2 ) is stabilized by cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (cAACs). Complex 2 was synthesized by reduction of the Me₂‐cAAC:→AlCl₃ ( 1 ) adduct with KC₈ in the presence of another equivalent of Me₂‐cAAC. The crystal structure of 2 shows that the Al−C bond lengths of the two carbenes bound to the Al center are considerably different, which is likely the result of intermolecular interactions. Quantum‐chemical calculations from the gas phase give an equilibrium structure with identical Al−C bond lengths. Compound 2 exhibits monoradical character, which was confirmed by EPR measurements. A bonding analysis indicates that the unpaired electron resides mainly at the carbene carbon atoms. Compound 2 is an example for an unusual neutral Al radical.     

MeCAAC=N−: A Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Carbene Imino Ligand

A cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC) has been shown to react with a covalent azide similar to the Staudinger reaction. The reaction of ^MeCAAC with trimethylsilyl azide afforded the N-silylated 2-iminopyrrolidine (^MeCAAC=NSiMe₃), which was fully characterized. This compound undergoes hydrolysis to afford the 2-iminopyrrolidine and trimethylsiloxane which co-crystallize as a hydrogen-bonded adduct. The N-silylated 2-iminopyrrolidine was used to transfer the novel pyrrolidine-2-iminato ligand onto both main-group and transition-metal centers. The reaction of the tetrabromodiborane bis(dimethyl sulfide) adduct with two equivalents of ^MeCAAC=NSiMe₃ afforded the disubstituted diborane. The reaction of ^MeCAAC=NSiMe₃ with TiCl₄ and CpTiCl₃ afforded ^MeCAAC=NTiCl₃ and ^MeCAAC=NTiCl₂Cp, respectively.     

Syntheses and Structures of Ruthenium(II) N,S‐Heterocyclic Carbene Diphosphine Complexes and their Catalytic Activity towards Transfer Hydrogenation

Phosphine exchange of [Ru^IIBr(MeCOO)(PPh₃)₂(3‐RBzTh)] (3‐RBzTh=3‐benzylbenzothiazol‐2‐ylidene) with a series of diphosphines (bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm), 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene (dppv), 1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf), 1,4‐bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (dppb), and 1,3‐(diphenylphosphino)propane (dppp)) gave mononuclear and neutral octahedral complexes [RuBr(MeCOO)(η²‐P₂)(3‐RBzTh)] (P₂=dppm ( 2 ), dppv ( 3 ), dppf ( 4 ), dppb ( 5 ), or dppp ( 6 )), the coordination spheres of which contained four different ligands, namely, a chelating diphosphine, carboxylate, N,S‐heterocyclic carbene (NSHC), and a bromide. Two geometric isomers of 6 ( 6a and 6 b ) have been isolated. The structures of these products, which have been elucidated by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, show two structural types, I and II, depending on the relative dispositions of the ligands. Type I structures contain a carbenic carbon atom trans to the oxygen atom, whereas two phosphorus atoms are trans to bromine and oxygen atoms. The type II system comprises a carbene carbon atom trans to one of the phosphorus atoms, whereas the other phosphorus is trans to the oxygen atom, with the bromine trans to the remaining oxygen atom. Complexes 2 , 3 , 4 , and 6a belong to type I, whereas 5 and 6 b are of type II. The kinetic product 6 b eventually converts into 6a upon standing. These complexes are active towards catalytic reduction of para‐methyl acetophenone by 2‐propanol at 82 °C under 1 % catalyst load giving the corresponding alcohols. The dppm complex 2 shows the good yields (91–97 %) towards selected ketones.     

Crystalline Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbene‐tetrafluoropyridyl Radical

A stable cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC) 1 inserts into the para‐CF bond of pentafluoropyridine, and after fluoride abstraction, the iminium‐pyridyl adduct [ 3 ]⁺ was isolated. A cyclic voltammetry study shows a reversible three‐state redox system involving [ 3 ]⁺, [ 3 ] ^? , and [ 3 ] ^? . The CAAC‐pyridyl radical [ 3 ] ^? , obtained by reduction of [ 3 ]⁺ with magnesium, has been spectroscopically and crystallographically characterized. In contrast to the lack of π communication between the CAAC and the pyridine units in cation [ 3 ]⁺, the unpaired electron of [ 3 ] ^? is delocalized over an extended π system involving both heterocycles.     

Serendipitous Observation of AlI Insertion into a C−O Bond in L2PhB (L=Oxazol‐2‐ylidene)

Oxidative addition of the C?O bond in L₂PhB: (L=oxazol‐2‐ylidene) to an Al^I center induced ring expansion of an oxazol‐2‐ylidene ring, affording a unique organoboron species formally involving either an Al, N, O mixed heterocyclic carbene or anionic (amino)(boryl)carbene fragment.