"Designer acids": combined acid catalysis for asymmetric synthesis

Lewis and Brønsted acids can be utilized as more‐effective tools for chemical reactions by sophisticated engineering (“designer acids”). The ultimate goal of such “designer acids” is to form a combination of acids with higher reactivity, selectivity, and versatility than the individual acid catalysts. One possible way to take advantage of such abilities may be to apply a “combined acids system” to the catalyst design. The concept of combined acids, which can be classified into Brønsted acid assisted Lewis acid (BLA), Lewis acid assisted Lewis acid (LLA), Lewis acid assisted Brønsted acid (LBA), and Brønsted acid assisted Brønsted acid (BBA), can be a particularly useful tool for the design of asymmetric catalysis, because combining such acids will bring out their inherent reactivity by associative interaction, and also provide more‐organized structures that allow an effective asymmetric environment.     

Acid-Catalyzed Regioselective Nitration of o-Xylene to 4-Nitro-o-xylene with Nitrogen Dioxide: Brønsted Acid Versus Lewis Acid

Nitration of o-xylene with nitrogen dioxide imparts remarkable selectivity to 4-nitro-o-xylene. The addition of Brønsted acids and Lewis acids can effectively improve the selectivity for 4-nitro-o-xylene and/or yield, and the Lewis acids present a better influence on the reactions than Brønsted acids do. A 71% yield of mononitro-o-xylene with high selectivity for 4-nitro-o-xylene (ratio 4-/3- = 3.91) has been achieved by the assistance of bismuth trichloride under solvent-free conditions.     

Brønsted Acid Mediated Novel Rearrangements of Diarylvinylidenecyclopropanes and Mechanistic Investigations Based on DFT Calculations

Diarylvinylidenecyclopropanes undergo a novel rearrangement in the presence of the Brønsted acid Tf₂NH (Tf: trifluoromethanesulfonyl) to give the corresponding naphthalene derivatives in good to high yields upon heating, whereas in the presence of the Brønsted acid toluene‐4‐sulfonic acid (p‐TSA), the corresponding triene derivatives are afforded in moderate to good yields under mild conditions. Corresponding mechanistic studies on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) with the Gaussian03 program by using the B3LYP method have revealed that the pK_a value of the Brønsted acid, as well as the entropy and solvent effects, plays a significant role in this reaction; these factors can discriminate the differences in the reactivity and regioselectivity among the Brønsted acids used in this reaction. In the presence of Lewis acid Sn(OTf)₂, a butatrienecyclopane can produce the corresponding ring‐opened products in moderate yields.     

Highly efficient synthesis of dicoumarols and xanthene derivatives in presence of Brønsted–Lewis acidic ionic liquids catalyst

A series of metal chloride-based acidic ionic liquids have been prepared and used as an efficient catalyst in one-pot multicomponent synthesis of biscoumarins and substituted xanthenes derivatives under solvent-free conditions. Among the acidic ionic liquids, N-methylpyrrolidonium zinc chloride (Hnmp/ZnCl₃)-based Brønsted–Lewis acidic ionic liquids were found to be an effective and recyclable catalyst for a one-pot synthesis of biscoumarins through the domino Knoevenagel–Michael reaction of a variety of aldehydes with 4-hydroxycoumarin in short reaction times. The reactions which occur under relatively mild conditions afforded the biscoumarin derivatives employing a very low loading of catalyst in satisfactory isolated yields and high purity after simple work-up. The Brønsted–Lewis acidic ionic liquid catalyst was reused four times without any variation in yield.     

Quantification of the Activation Capabilities of Lewis/Brφnsted Acid for Electrophilic Trifluoromethylthiolating Reagents

Summary of main observation and conclusion Electrophilic trifluoromethylthiolation has emerged as an important and efficient methodology for installing the SCF3 moiety onto an array of organic molecules.Due to the low reactivities of trifluoromethylthiolating reagents,these transformations often require activation through an exogenous Lewis/Br0nsted acid.We report herein the quantification of the activation capabilities of Lewis/Br0nsted acids for trifluoromethylthiolating reagents through computing the differenee in trifluoromethylthio cation donor ability(Tt+DA)between the"activated"and"unactivated"reagent.A moderate correlation is found to exist between the activation capability and Lewis acidity.     

Asymmetric Aza-Diels–Alder Reaction with Ion-Paired—Iron Lewis Acid—Brønsted Acid Catalyst

The development and use of a multiple-activation catalyst with ion-paired Lewis acid and Brønsted acid in an asymmetric aza-Diels–Alder reaction of simple dienes (non-Danishefsky-type electron-rich dienes) was achieved by utilizing the [FeBr₂]⁺[FeBr₄]⁻ combination prepared in situ from FeBr₃ and chiral phosphoric acid. Synergistic effects of the highly active ion-paired Lewis acid [FeBr₂]⁺[FeBr₄]⁻ and a chiral Brønsted acid are important for promoting the reaction with high turnover frequency and high enantioselectivity. The multiple-activation catalyst system was confirmed using synchrotron-based X-ray absorption fine structure measurements, and theoretical studies. This study reveals that the developed catalyst promoted the reaction not only by the interaction offered by the ion-paired Lewis acid and the Brønsted acid but also noncovalent interactions.     

Effect of Brønsted/Lewis Acid Ratio on Conversion of Sugars to 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural over Mesoporous Nb and Nb‐W Oxides

A series of mesoporous Nb and Nb‐W oxides were employed as highly active solid acid catalysts for the conversion of glucose to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF ). The results of solid state ³¹P MAS NMR spectroscopy with adsorbed trimethylphosphine as probe molecule show that the addition of W in niobium oxide increases the number of Brønsted acid sites and decreases the number of Lewis acid sites. The catalytic performance for Nb‐W oxides varied with the ratio of Brønsted to Lewis acid sites and high glucose conversion was observed over Nb₅W₅ and Nb₇W₃ oxides with high ratios of Brønsted to Lewis acid sites. All Nb‐W oxides show a relatively high selectivity of HMF , whereas no HMF forms over sulfuric acid due to its pure Brønsted acidity. The results indicate fast isomerization of glucose to fructose over Lewis acid sites followed by dehydration of fructose to HMF over Brønsted acid sites. Moreover, comparing to the reaction occurred in aqueous media, the 2‐butanol/H₂O system enhances the HMF selectivity and stabilizes the activity of the catalysts which gives the highest HMF selectivity of 52% over Nb₇W₃ oxide. The 2‐butanol/H₂O catalytic system can also be employed in conversion of sucrose, achieving HMF selectivity of 46% over Nb₅W₅ oxide.     

Chemoselective Catalysis with Organosoluble Lewis Acidic Polyoxotungstates

The preparation of new organosoluble Lewis acidic polyoxometalates (POMs) is reported. These complexes were prepared by the incorporation of Zr, Sc, and Y atoms into the corresponding monolacunary Dawson [P₂W₁₇O₆₁]^10? and Keggin [PW₁₁O₃₉]^7? polyoxotungstates. The catalytic activity of these compounds was evaluated for C? C bond formation in the Diels–Alder, Mannich, and Mukaiyama‐type reactions. Comparisons with previously described Lewis acidic POMs are reported. Competitive reactions between imines and aldehydes or between various imines demonstrated that fine tuning of the reactivity could be reached by varying the metal atom incorporated into the polyanionic framework. A series of experiments that employed pyridine derivatives allowed us to distinguish between the Lewis and induced Brønsted acidity of the POMs. These catalysts activate imines in a Lewis acidic way, whereas aldehydes are activated by indirect Brønsted catalysis.     

Ring-opening polymerisation of ɛ-caprolactone catalysed by Brønsted acids

Two new Brønsted acids [2,2′-ethylidene-bis (4,6-di-tert-butylphenol)] phosphoric acid (EDBPPOOH) and (3,3′,5,5′-tetra-tert-butylbiphenyl-2,2′-diol) phosphoric acid (TBPO-POOH) were synthesised and fully characterised by ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra and mass spectra. The ringopening polymerisation (ROP) of ?-caprolactone (?-CL) catalysed by the two Brønsted acids proceeded at 110°C without a solvent or at ambient temperature in toluene. Experimental results indicated that the two Brønsted acids were efficient catalysts for the ROP of ?-CL with moderate number-average molar mass (Mn) and narrow polydispersity indices (PDI). The catalytic activity of TBPO-POOH is higher than EDBP-POOH in the ROP of ?-CL. After benzyl alcohol was added, it was able to accelerate the polymerisation process. The polymerisation can also occur with the addition of water with a monomer/catalyst/initiator mole ratio of 100: 1: 1. The living polymerisation was ascertained by the linear relationships of the Mn vs. monomer conversion, then it was further confirmed by a second-feed experiment of a double monomer producing double Mn. A kinetic study of the relationships between monomer concentration and time revealed a first-order dependence on monomer concentration in the polymerisation. End-group analysis of ¹H NMR spectra and electrospray-ionisation mass spectra suggests that the two Brønsted acids are capable of catalysing and initiating the ROP of ?-CL.     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel organic–inorganic hybrid salt and its application as a highly effectual Brønsted–Lewis acidic catalyst for the production of N,N′‐alkylidene bisamides

In this research, a novel organic–inorganic hybrid salt, namely, N¹,N¹,N²,N²‐tetramethyl‐N¹,N²‐bis(sulfo)ethane‐1,2‐diaminium tetrachloroferrate ([TMBSED][FeCl₄]₂) was prepared and characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), elemental mapping, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric (TG), differential thermal gravimetric (DTG), and vibrating‐sample magnetometry (VSM) analyses. Catalytic activity of the hybrid salt was tested for the synthesis of N,N′‐alkylidene bisamides through the reaction of benzamide (2 eq.) and aromatic aldehydes (1 eq.) under solvent‐free conditions in which the products were obtained in high yields and short reaction times. The catalyst was superior to many of the reported catalysts in terms of two or more of these factors: the reaction medium and temperature, yield, time, and turnover frequency (TOF). [TMBSED][FeCl₄]₂ is a Brønsted–Lewis acidic catalyst; there are two SO₃H groups (as Brønsted acidic sites) and two tetrachloroferrate anions (as Lewis acidic sites) in its structure. Highly effectiveness of the catalyst for the synthesis of N,N′‐alkylidene bisamides can be attributed to synergy of the Brønsted and Lewis acids and also possessing two sites of each acid.     

Regioselective Hydration of Alkynes by Iron(III) Lewis/Brønsted Catalysis

The triflimide iron(III) salt [Fe(NTf₂)₃] promotes the direct hydration of terminal and internal alkynes with very good Markovnikov regioselectivities and high yields. The enhanced carbophilic Lewis acidity of the Fe^III cation mediated by the weakly‐coordinating triflimide anion is crucial for the catalytic activity. The iron(III) metal salt can be recycled in the form of the OPPh₃/[Fe(NTf₂)₃] system with similar activity and selectivity. However, spectroscopic and kinetic studies show that [Fe(NTf₂)₃] hydrolyzes under the reaction conditions and that catalytically less active Brønsted species are formed, which points to a Lewis/Brønsted co‐catalysis. This triflimide‐based catalytic system is regioselective for the hydration of internal aryl‐alkynes and opens the door to a new synthetic route to alkyl ketophenones. As a proof of concept, the synthesis of two antipsychotics Haloperidol and Melperone, with general butyrophenone‐like structure, is shown.     

Effect of the Catalyst Nature on the Structure of Products of the Reaction of 4-(Dibromomethyl)Benzaldehyde with Trialkyl Orthoformates

Reactions of 4-(dibromomethyl)benzaldehyde with trialkyl orthoformates in the presence of both Brønsted (H₂SO₄) and Lewis (ZnCl₂) acids involved acetalization of the aldehyde group. In the first case, the corresponding acetal is formed as the only product, whereas in the second case the reaction is accompanied by transformation of the dibromomethyl group to give terephthalaldehyde and its mono- and bis-acetals.     

How weak an acid can be? Variations of H-bond and/or <Emphasis Type="Italic">van der Waals</Emphasis> Interaction of Weak Acids

Complex formation ability and stability of both weak and super-weak acids was studied by mean of in silico determined thermodynamic data of the complexes. While weak acids act like Brønsted acids forming hydrogen bond type Brønsted complexes, super-weak acids form Lewis complexes via van der Waals interaction. Unlike in the former type, upon complexation, C-H distances changes insignificantly, yet the complex formation is energy driven in the terms of zero-point corrected Energies, ΔE _zp  < 0 kcal mol^?1, which supports the Lewis complex formation, with the exception of CH₄, an extremely “weak acid”.

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Graphical abstract Selected NBOs of the complexes formed between NC-CH₂-H (Lewis acid) with dioxolane as well as NC-O-H (Brønsted acid) and dioxolane.

     

Synthesis of N- and N,N′-coordinated derivatives of 3,7-dithia-1,5-diazabicyclo[3.3.0]octanes and their fungicidal activity

Possibility of obtaining water-soluble N- and N,N′-coordinated adducts by reacting 3,7-dithia-1,5-diazabicyclo[3.3.0]octane with methyl iodide and Brønsted (HCl, HBr) and Lewis (AlCl₃) acids was examined. The fungicidal activity of 3,7-dithia-1,5-diazabicyclo[3.3.0]octane and its water-soluble adducts with hydrobromide and methyl iodide against a number of microscopic fungi affecting cultivated plants and various materials was studied.     

Evidence that protons can be the active catalysts in Lewis acid mediated hetero-Michael addition reactions

The mechanism of Lewis acid catalysed hetero‐Michael addition reactions of weakly basic nucleophiles to α,β‐unsaturated ketones was investigated. Protons, rather than metal ions, were identified as the active catalysts. Other mechanisms have been ruled out by analyses of side products and of stoichiometric enone–catalyst mixtures and by the use of radical inhibitors. No evidence for the involvement of π‐olefin–metal complexes or for carbonyl–metal‐ion interactions was obtained. The reactions did not proceed in the presence of the non‐coordinating base 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylpyridine. An excellent correlation of catalytic activities with cation hydrolysis constants was obtained. Different reactivities of mono‐ and dicarbonyl substrates have been rationalised. A ¹H NMR probe for the assessment of proton generation was established and Lewis acids have been classified according to their propensity to hydrolyse in organic solvents. Brønsted acid‐catalysed conjugate addition reactions of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur and carbon nucleophiles are developed and implications for asymmetric Lewis acid catalysis are discussed.     

Visible-Light Photocatalysis of the Ketyl Radical Coupling Reaction

Ketyl radical coupling reactions for the construction of diversely functionalized alcohols have been continuously developed for many decades. Based on the recently widespread application of photocatalysis, ketyl radical coupling reactions have also witnessed rapid development. This Minireview aims to briefly and concisely summarize the methods to construct ketyl radical intermediates through visible-light photocatalysis over the past 10 years. The ketyl-radical-generation activators are grouped as Lewis acids, Brønsted acids, in situ generated Brønsted acids, and others.     

Synthesis of pyranopyrazoles,benzopyrans, amino-2-chromenes and dihydropyrano[<Emphasis Type="Italic">c</Emphasis>]chromenes using ionic liquid with dual Brønsted acidic and Lewis basic sites

An efficient ionic liquid with both Brønsted acidic and Lewis basic sites, namely 1,4-dimethyl-1-(4-sulphobutyl)piperazinium hydrogen sulphate (IL1), was synthesised and characterised. IL1 is a “green”, homogeneous and reusable catalyst for: i) the synthesis of pyranopyrazoles (Va-Vj)and benzopyrans (VIa-VIj and VIIa-VIIf) at ambient temperature under solvent-free conditions and ii) the synthesis of amino-2-chromenes (VIIIa-VIIIi and IXa-IXi) and dihyropyrano[c]chromenes (Xa-Xi) at 80 °C under solvent-free conditions. The reactions were rapid with excellent product yields. In addition, the double Brønsted acid, 1,4-dimethyl-1,4-bis(4-sulphobutyl)piperazinium hydrogen sulphate (IL2), was prepared to evaluate the cooperation efficiency of their Brønsted acidic and Lewis basic sites as compared with the double Brønsted acidic sites in IL1.     

Recent advances in polyoxometalates acid-catalyzed organic reactions

Polyoxometalates (POMs) have conducive properties such as controlled Brønsted and Lewis acidity, high thermal stability, nontoxic nature, tunable solubility, and less corrosiveness. POMs have been extensively applied in catalytic organic reactions and have an exciting prospect for industrial applications. This review summarized recent progress in the application of POMs as acid catalysts for various organic reactions including CC bond formation, CN bond formation, CO bond formation, heterocyclic synthesis reactions, cyanosilylation and hydrolysis reactions. Various POMs catalysts including heteropoly acids (HPAs) and cationic functionalized HPAs with Brønsted acidity, HPAs supported on non-precious metal support with Brønsted acidity (or both Brønsted and Lewis acidity), transition metal substituted POMs with Lewis acidity were applied in above reactions. This review attempts to provide up-to-date information about POMs acid-catalyzed organic reactions and propose future prospects.     

Effect of Lewis and Brønsted acids on the homopolymerization of acrylates and their copolymerization with 1‐alkenes

The first copolymerization of acrylate and methacrylate with nonpolar 1‐alkenes in the presence of Brønsted acids as complexation agents has been reported. The addition of both homogeneous and heterogeneous Brønsted acids resulted in increased monomer conversion and 1‐alkene incorporation. Further, the heterogeneous Brønsted acids can be recycled without loss of activity. A direct correlation exists between the ability of the Lewis or Brønsted acid to bind to the ester group of the acrylate/methacrylate monomer and its ability to promote the copolymerization reaction. For Lewis acids, there is also a direct correlation between the charge/size ratio at the metal center and their ability to promote copolymerizations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5499–5505, 2008     

Brønsted Acid and H-Bond Activation in Boronic Acid Catalysis

Boronic acid catalysis has emerged as a mild method for promoting a wide variety of reactions. It has been proposed that the mode of catalysis involves Lewis acid or covalent activation of hydroxyl groups by boron, but limited mechanistic evidence exists. In this work, representative boronic acid catalyzed reactions of alcohols and oximes have been reinvestigated. A series of control experiments with boronic and Brønsted acids were interpreted along with correlations between their reactivity and their acidity measured by the Gutmann–Beckett method. Overall, it was concluded that the major modes of catalysis involve either dual H-bond catalysis or Brønsted acid catalysis. Strong Brønsted acids were shown to be generated in situ from covalent assembly of the boronic acids with hexafluoroisopropanol, explaining why the solvent had such a major impact on the reactivity. This new insight should guide the future development of boronic acid catalysis, where the diverse and solvent-specific nature of catalytic modes has been overlooked.