Effects of metal ions and ligands on transesterification: synthesis,structures, and catalytic activities of a series of cation–anionic complexes with dipyridylamine ligands

A series of cation–anion complexes derived by 2,2′-dipyridylamine (Hdpa) and carboxylate ligands with formulas [Ni(Hdpa)₂(CH₃COO)]Cl(CH₃OH) (1), [Co(Hdpa)₂(CH₃COO)]Cl(CH₃OH) (2), [Ni(Hdpa)₂(CH₃CH₂CH₂COO)]Cl (3), [Co(Hdpa)₂(CH₃CH₂CH₂COO)]Cl (4), [Ni(Hdpa)₂(C₆H₅COO)]Cl (5), and [Co(Hdpa)₂(C₆H₅COO)]Cl (6), were synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, MS(ESI), TG analysis, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectra. X-ray single crystal structural analysis showed that the coordination geometries of metal ions in these complexes are similar and they are cation–anion species. The hydrogen-bonding structures are 1-D chains through the N–H···Cl bonds. There are weak stacking interactions between pyridine rings in 1–4, while there are no stacking interactions in 5 and 6. We have investigated the transesterification of phenyl acetate with methanol catalyzed by 1–6 under mild conditions; 1–4 are homogeneous catalysts while 5 and 6 are heterogeneous catalysts due to their poor solubility in methanol. Cobalt complexes exhibit higher catalytic activities than corresponding nickel complexes. Complex 4 is the best catalyst of these six complexes.     

Ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone by lithium piperazinyl-aminephenolate complexes: synthesis, characterization and kinetic studies

A series of lithium complexes were prepared from 2(N-piperazinyl-N'-methyl)-2-methylene-4-R'-6-R-phenols ([ONN](RR')) and characterized through elemental analysis, (1)H and (13)C{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Treatment of the ligands with n-butyllithium afforded {Li[ONN](RR')}(3) [R = Me, R' = (t)Bu, (1); R = R' = (t)Bu (2); R = R' = (t)Am, (3), (t)Am = C(CH(3))(2)CH(2)CH(3)], with trimetallic structures in the solid-state as shown by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The reactivity of these complexes in the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL), as well as the influences of monomer concentration, monomer/Li molar ratio, polymerization temperature and time, was studied. Rates of polymerization were first order with respect to both monomer and lithium concentrations, and activation energies for the reactions were determined. MALDI-TOF MS analysis revealed that transesterification had occurred during the polymerization.     

Synthesis, characterization of homoleptic guanidino lanthanide complexes and their catalytic activity for the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone

A series of homoleptic lanthanide guanidinate (guan)₃Ln · ((C₂H₅)₂O)_n (Ln=Yb, n=1 guan=(CyN)₂CNiPr₂, (1); Ln=Nd, n=0, guan=(CyN)₂CNiPr₂, (2); (iPrN)₂CNiPr₂, (3); (iPrN)₂CN(CH₂)₅, (4)); (iPr=isopropyl, Cy=Cyclohexyl) were synthesized by the reaction of THF solution of lithium guanidinate with anhydrous lanthanide trichlorides in THF in 3:1 molar ratio. The molecular structures of 2 and 3 were determined to be monomeric in solid state with a six coordinate lanthanide metal ligated by six nitrogens of three guanidinate groups. All the complexes exhibited extremely high activity for the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and the polymerization gave the polymers with high molecular weights. The different substituents at guanidino ligands have great effect on the catalytic activity. The mechanism of the polymerization was presented.     

Synthesis, structure of functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of Fe(II) and their catalytic activity for ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone

The reaction of anhydrous FeBr₂ with two equivalents of in situ generated anionic aryloxo-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene [NaO-4,6-di-C(CH₃)₃-C₆H₂-2-CH₂{C(NCHCHNR)}] (R = CH(CH₃)₂, NaL¹; R = CH₂Ph, NaL²) affords two bis-ligand Fe(II) complexes (1) and (2) in good yield, respectively. Attempt to synthesize mono-ligand Fe(II) bromide by the 1:1 molar ratio of NaL to FeBr₂ is unsuccessful, the same complexes of 1 and 2 were obtained. Both of 1 and 2 have been fully characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR spectra and X-ray structure determination. Preliminary studies show that 1 can catalyze the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone as a single component catalyst. The mechanism of the present ROP of ε-caprolactone has been investigated by the end group analysis.     

Synthesis,crystal structures and catalytic activities of new palladium(II)–bis(oxazoline) complexes

Palladium–bis(oxazoline) complexes (Pd-BOX-A and Pd-BOX-B) were synthesized and characterized by ¹H, ¹³C NMR, IR and elemental analysis. The molecular structures of the complexes were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis. In both cases, the palladium center is coordinated by the nitrogen atoms of the two oxazoline rings and two chloride ligands in a distorted square planar geometry. Despite the fact that the bis(oxazoline) ligand is achiral, the asymmetrical substitution on the phenyl spacer and the rigid backbone of the complex Pd-BOX-A induce inherent chirality and the compound crystallizes as a racemic mixture. Both complexes were found to be highly effective catalysts for Suzuki–Miyaura, Mizoroki–Heck and Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions. They also show excellent catalytic activities toward carbonylative coupling reactions.     

Zirconium and hafnium amide, alkoxide, and pyrrolyl complexes manifesting with pyrrolyl-linked N-donor ligands: Syntheses, characterization, and ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone

A series of zirconium and hafnium alkoxide and amide complexes containing symmetrical tridentate pyrrolyl ligand, [C₄H₂NH(2,5-CH₂NMe₂)₂] have been synthesized conveniently by treatment of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, tert-butanol or pyrrole in pentane and their reactivity over ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone have been carried out. Reactions of [C₄H₂NH(2,5-CH₂NMe₂)₂] with M(NEt₂)₄ (M = Zr or Hf) originate [C₄H₂N(2,5-CH₂NMe₂)₂]M(NEt₂)₃ (1, M = Zr; 2, M = Hf). Furthermore, reactions of [C₄H₂N(2,5-CH₂NMe₂)₂]M(NEt₂)₃ with 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, tert-butanol or pyrrole afford [C₄H₂N(2,5-CH₂NMe₂)₂]M(OC₆H₃-2,6-^tBu₂)(NEt₂)₂ (3, M = Zr; 4, M = Hf), [C₄H₂N(2,5-CH₂NMe₂)₂]M(O^tBu)₃ (5, M = Zr; 6, M = Hf) and [C₄H₂N(2,5-CH₂NMe₂)₂]M(C₄H₄N)₃ (7, M = Zr; 8, M = Hf), respectively, in satisfactory yield. All the complexes have been characterized by NMR spectra as well 3, 4 and 6 subjected to the X-ray diffraction analysis. Complexes 3-8 have been used as initiators for the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and observed broad PDI values (1.84-2.75) representing multiple reactivity centers of these complexes.     

Methylaluminium 8-quinolinolates: synthesis, characterization and use in ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone

The stoichiometric reactions of 2-(2,6-R-phenylimino)quinolin-8-ol (L1-L5, L1: R = Me, L2: R = Et, L3: R = (i)Pr, L4: R = Cl, L5: R = F) with Me(3)Al afforded the dimeric aluminium complexes [Me(2)AlL](2) (1-5) in good yields. By contrast, stoichiometric reactions of 2-(1-(2,6-R-phenylimino)propyl) quinolin-8-ol (L6-L10, L6: R = Me, L7: R = Et, L8: R = (i)Pr, L9: R = Cl, L10: R = F)) with Me(3)Al gave the mononuclear aluminium complexes Me(2)AlL (6-10) accompanied with by-products of the form Me(2)AlL·Me(3)Al (11-15). All methylaluminium complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and the molecular structures of complexes 3, 6 and 8 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Aluminium compounds 1-5 possessed negligible activity towards the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone either in the presence or absence of BnOH. In contrast, in the presence of BnOH, the mononuclear aluminium compounds 6-10 could efficiently initiate the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone; the polymerization proceeded in a living manner.     

Unbridged bidentate aluminum complexes supported by diaroylhydrazone ligands: Synthesis,structure and catalysis in polymerization of ε-caprolactone and lactides

A series of novel diaroylhydrazone aluminum complexes have been synthesized and well-defined structurally, and their catalytic performance in the polymerization of ε-caprolactone and lactides have also been evaluated. Complexes [(L^1–4)₂AlMe] ( 1 – 4 ) {[L¹ = (3,5-^tBu₂–2-OMe-C₆H₂)CH=NNCOC₆H₅], [L² = (3,5-^tBu₂–2-OMe-C₆H₂)CH=NNCO(C₆H₄–4-OCH₃)], [L³ = (3,5-^tBu₂–2-OMe-C₆H₂)CH=NNCO(C₆H₄–4-Br)] and [L⁴ = (2-OMe-C₆H₄)CH=NNCO(C₆H₄–4-^tBu)]} were prepared through treatment of AlMe₃ with the corresponding proligands L^1–4H in molar ratios of 1: 1 or 1: 2. Chemical structures of all the complexes were well-defined by elemental analysis, NMR spectra as well as single-crystal X-ray study. Complexes [(L^1–4)₂AlMe] ( 1 – 4 ) in this work represent the first examples of aluminum complexes of aroylhydrazone ligands with crystallographic characterization. Specifically, they are all in monomeric form with a penta-coordinated aluminum center, including two approximately co-planar five-membered metallacycles with aluminum. Introduced bulky tert-butyl substituents in aroylhydrazone ligands could affect the geometry around the central metal which is a distorted square-based pyramid in complexes 1 – 3 while being a trigonal bipyramidal in complex 4 , thus affecting their catalytic behaviors. The complexes can successfully catalyze the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and _L-lactide under mild conditions without any activator. In addition, complexes 1 – 4 could also polymerize rac-lactide, affording atactic polylactides with high conversions and good controllability in relatively short reaction time.     

Aluminum complexes based on 1,10-phenanthroline-containing diols: synthesis and application as initiators of polymerization of ε-caprolactone

Russian Chemical Bulletin - The reaction of the O,N,N,O-type ligands, namely, 4,7-bis(4-R-phenyloxy)-2,9-(HOCR′2-CH2)2-1,10-phenanthrolines, LH2 (R = But (1–4), Me (5–8), R′...     

Ruthenium(II) complexes of azoimine and α-diimine ligands: synthesis,spectroscopic and electrochemical properties,crystal structures and DFT calculations

Five octahedral ruthenium(II) complexes with azoimine–quinoline (Azo) and α-diimine (L) ligands having the general formula [Ru^II(L)(Azo)Cl](PF₆) (1–5) {Azo: PhN=NC(COMe)=NC₉H₆N, L = 4,4′-dimethoxy-2,2′-bipyridine (dmeb) (1), 4,4′-di-tertbutyl-2,2′-bipyridine (dtb) (2), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) (3), 5-chlorophenanthroline (Clphen) (4), or 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (tmphen) (5)} were prepared by stepwise addition of the tridentate azoimine (H₂Azo) and α-diimine (L) pro-ligands to RuCl₃ in refluxing EtOH. The tridentate azoimine–quinoline ligands coordinate to ruthenium via the Azo-N′, N′-imine and N″-quinolone nitrogen atoms. The spectroscopic properties (IR, UV/Vis, ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹F NMR) and electrochemical behavior of complexes 1–5 and the X-ray crystal structures of complexes 2 and 3 are presented. The coordination of Ru(II) to these strong π-acceptor ligands (Azo and L) results in a large anodic shift for the Ru(III/II) couples of 1.63–1.72 V versus NHE. The electronic spectra in MeCN and IR spectra in CH₂Cl₂ for complex 3 in its oxidized 3 ⁺ and reduced 3 ^? forms were investigated. The calculated absorption spectrum of 3 in MeCN was used to assign the UV–Vis absorption bands.     

Binuclear aluminum complexes with amine–imine type ligands derived from 1,3-benzenedialdehyde: synthesis,structures and their catalytic properties in ring-opening polymerization

Reaction of 1,3-bis(imino)benzenes with a stoichiometric amount of LiAlH₄ in THF yields iminoaminobenzenes L1 and L2. Further reaction of iminoaminobenzenes L1 and L2 with an equivalent of AlR₃ in toluene affords macrocyclic binuclear aluminum complexes 1a, 1b, and 2a. These macrocyclic aluminum complexes were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and IR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of 1a, 1b, and 2a were further confirmed by X-ray crystallography. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that 1a, 1b, and 2a adopted a distorted tetrahedral geometry around aluminum. These complexes have efficient activities toward ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone in the presence of benzyl alcohol.     

Syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic and fluorescence properties of three complexes of mixed flexible N,N′-bis(3-pyridylmethyl)amine and rigid pyromellitate ligands

Three new complexes, {[Mn(Hbpma)₂(pm)(H₂O)₂]·8H₂O}_n, {[Co(Hbpma)₂(pm)(H₂O)₂]·8H₂O}_n and {[Zn(Hbpma)₂(pm)(H₂O)₂]·8H₂O}_n (bpma = N,N′-bis(3-pyridylmethyl)amine and H₄pm = pyromellitic acid) were synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All three complexes are isomorphous consisting of one-dimensional coordination polymers bridged by rigid pm ligands, while the flexible dipyridyl bpma only acts as a terminal ligand. The bpma ligand adopts the trans–trans conformation in all three complexes. The magnetic properties of the Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes show the occurrence of antiferromagnetic interactions between adjacent metal atoms. The Zn(II) complex exhibits fluorescent emission in the solid state at room temperature.     

Novel heteroligated titanium complexes with fluorinated salicylaldiminato and β-enaminoketonato ligands: synthesis, characterization and catalytic behavior in vinyl addition polymerization of norbornene

A series of heteroligated (salicylaldiminato)(β-enaminoketonato)titanium complexes of the general formula [3-Bu(t)-2-OC(6)H(3)CH==N(C(6)F(5))][PhN==C(CF(3))CHC(R)O]TiCl(2) (3a: R==Ph, 3b: R==C(6)H(4)Ph(p), 3c: R==C(6)H(4)Ph(o), 3d: R = 1-naphthyl, 3e: R = C(6)H(4)F2(2,6), 3f: R = C(6)H(4)Cl2(2,5), 3g: R==C(6)F4(2,3,5,6)OMe(4)) were synthesized. The structure of complexes 3d, 3f-g were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The X-ray crystallographic analysis indicated these complexes adopted a distorted octahedral geometry around the titanium center. Upon activation with modified methylaluminoxane, complexes 3a-g exhibited moderate to good catalytic activity for norbornene (NB) vinyl addition polymerization, producing moderate molecular weight polynorbornenes under mild conditions. The introduction of electron-withdrawing groups can greatly enhance the catalytic activity. Significantly, the heteroligated titanium complexes displayed greatly improved activity for vinyl addition polymerization of NB compared to homoligated counterparts, which may stem from the suitable combinations of electronic and steric effects.     

Synthesis,structure and catalytic activity of complexes [Ln(EDBP)_2(DME)Na(DME)_3](Ln=Er,Yb,Sm) for ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone

Discrete ion-pair complexes [Ln(EDBP)2(DME)Na(DME)3] [Ln=Er (1), Yb (2), Sm (3)] have been synthesized by the reaction between sodium salt of 2,2'-ethylidene-bis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol)(EDBPH2) and Ln(BH4)3·3THF (Ln=Er, Yb, Sm) followed by centrifugation and recrystalization. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and FT-IR, and the bonding model of these compounds was confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction for complex 1. It was found that four O atoms in two biphenol ligands as well...     

Effects of metal centers of complexes supported by S,S′-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-thioethane on catalytic activities for electrochemical- and photochemical-driven hydrogen production

S,S′-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-thioethane (bpte) reacts with MCl₂ (M = Co, Ni, and Fe) to give three complexes, namely, [Co^II(bpte)Cl₂] ( 1 ), [Ni^II(bpte)Cl₂] ( 2 ), and [Fe^II(bpte)Cl₂] ( 3 ), respectively. They all act as catalysts for proton or water reduction to dihydrogen via electrolysis or photolysis. Under an overpotential of 837.6 mV, the electrolysis of a neutral buffer with complex 1 , 2 , or 3 can provide 418 (±3), 555 (±3), and 243 (±3) moles of hydrogen per mole of catalyst per hour (mol H₂/mol catalyst/h), respectively. Under blue light, together with a photosensitizer and ascorbic acid (H₂A) as a sacrificial electron donor, the photolysis of an aqueous solution (pH 4.5) containing complex 1 , 2 , or 3 can afford 9060 (±5), 24,900 (±5), and 10,630 (±5) moles H₂ per mole of catalyst (mol of H₂ [mol of cat]⁻¹) during 83-h irradiation with an average apparent quantum yield of 7.1%, 24%, and 10%, respectively. The results show that the nickel complex [Ni^II(bpte)Cl₂] exhibits a more efficient activity for hydrogen generation than the iron or cobalt species. These findings may offer a new chemical paradigm for the design of efficient catalysts.     

Ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone catalysed by (pyridyl)benzoazole Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes

This paper describes the synthesis of (pyridyl)benzoazole Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes and their applications as catalysts in ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL). Reactions of 2-(3-pyridyl)-1H-benzimidazole (L1), 2-(2-pyridyl)-1H-benzothiazole (L2) and 2-(2-pyridyl)-1H-benzimidazole (L3) with Zn(II) and Cu(II) acetates produced the corresponding complexes; [Zn₂(L1)₂(OAc)₄)] (1), [Cu₂(L1)₂(OAc)₄] (2), [Zn(L2)(OAc)₂)] (3), [Zn(L3)(OAc)₂)] (4) and [Cu(L3), (OAc)₂)] (5). Molecular structures of complexes 2 and 5a revealed that while L1 adopts a monodentate binding mode, through the pyridyl nitrogen atom, L3 exhibits a bidentate coordination mode. All the complexes formed active catalysts in the ROP of ε-CL to afford moderate molecular weight polymers. The kinetics of the ROP reactions of ε-CL were pseudo-first-order with respect to monomer and catalysts.     

Temperature-dependent synthesis, crystal structures, characterizations, and DFT calculations of two new copper(II) complexes with p-fluorobenzoic acid and 2,2′-bipyridine ligands

Two new copper(II) complexes, [Cu(p-FBA)₂(2,2′-bpy)]·(H₂O) (1) and [Cu(p-FBA)(2,2′-bpy)₂]·(p-FBA)₂ (2) {p-FBA = p-fluorobenzoic acid, 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine} have been obtained from an identical starting mixture using temperature as the only independent variable and characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction as well as with infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results reveal that 1 has 1D infinite chain structure formed by O–H···O hydrogen bonds, while 2 features a 0D structure. Additionally, there exist C–H···O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions in 1, forming 2D supramolecular structure. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the structures, stabilities, orbital energies, composition characteristics of some frontier molecular orbitals and Mulliken charge distributions of the [Cu(p-FBA)₂(2,2′-bpy)] of 1 and [Cu(p-FBA)(2,2′-bpy)₂]⁺ cation of 2 were performed by means of Gaussian 03W package and taking B3LYP/lanl2dz basis set.     

Synthesis, structures and ε-caprolactone polymerization activity of aluminum N,N′-dimethyloxalamidates

Alkyl aluminum N,N′-dimethyloxalamidates R₄Al₂(dmoa) (1, R = Me; 2, R = Et; 3, R = ⁱBu; 4, R = ^tBu) (dmoa-H₂ = N,N′-dimethyloxalamide) have been prepared and characterized. Molecular structures of the compounds 1 and 4 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The centrosymmetric molecules of the compounds consist of one N,N′-dimethyloxalamidate unit bonded to two four-coordinated aluminum atoms. Each of the aluminum atoms is bonded to two alkyl groups, and oxygen and nitrogen atoms originating from two different amidate groups. A skeleton framework of the molecules of 1 and 4 consists of two fused AlNOC₂ heterocyclic rings, which are flat and positioned in one plane. It was shown that compounds 1-3 were initiators in a process of ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone. The compound 4 exhibited low activity in ROP.     

Complexes of PdCl2 with chiral oximes of α-(o-anisidino)caranone and α-(o-anisidino)pinanone: synthesis and crystal structures

3-(2-Methoxyphenylamino)caran-4-one and 2-(2-methoxyphenylamino)pinan-3-one E-oximes obtained from appropriate natural terpenes were transformed into 1: 1 complexes with PdCl₂. The structures of the complexes were examined by X-ray diffraction.     

New tetrylenes based on substituted diethylenetriamines: synthesis and use as initiators for ε-caprolactone polymerization

Russian Chemical Bulletin - The reactions of 3-benzyl-1,5-ditosyl-1,3,5-triazapentane (1) and 3-benzyl-1,5-dimesityl- 1,3,5-triazapentane (2) with one equivalent of Lappert´s germylene or...