In situ IR,NMR, EPR,and UV/Vis Spectroscopy: Tools for New Insight into the Mechanisms of Heterogeneous Catalysis

The development of new solid catalysts for use in industrial chemistry has hitherto been based to a large extent upon the empirical testing of a wide range of different materials. In only a few exceptional cases has success been achieved in understanding the overall, usually very complex mechanism of the chemical reaction through the elucidation of individual intermediate aspects of a heterogeneously catalyzed reaction. With the modern approach of combinatorial catalysis it is now possible to prepare and test much more rapidly a wide range of different materials within a short time and thus find suitable catalysts or optimize their chemical composition. Our understanding of the mechanisms of reactions catalyzed by these materials must be developed, however, by spectroscopic investigations on working catalysts under conditions that are as close as possible to practice (temperature, partial pressures of the reactants, space velocity). This demands the development and the application of new techniques of in situ spectroscopy. This review will show how this objective is being achieved. By the term in situ (Lat.: in the original position) is meant the investigation of the chemical reactions which are taking place as well as the changes in the working catalysts directly in the spectrometer.     

Metal-Organic Frameworks as Versatile Heterogeneous Solid Catalysts for Henry Reactions

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have become one of the versatile solid materials used for a wide range of applications, such as gas storage, gas separation, proton conductivity, sensors and catalysis. Among these fields, one of the more well-studied areas is the use of MOFs as heterogeneous catalysts for a broad range of organic reactions. In the present review, the employment of MOFs as solid catalysts for the Henry reaction is discussed, and the available literature data from the last decade are grouped. The review is organized with a brief introduction of the importance of Henry reactions and structural properties of MOFs that are suitable for catalysis. The second part of the review discusses the use of MOFs as solid catalysts for the Henry reaction involving metal nodes as active sites, while the third section provides data utilizing basic sites (primary amine, secondary amine, amides and urea-donating sites). While commenting on the catalytic results in these two sections, the advantage of MOFs over other solid catalysts is compared in terms of activity by providing turnover number (TON) values and the structural stability of MOFs during the course of the reaction. The final section provides our views on further directions in this field.     

Olefin Metathesis in Confinement: Towards Covalent Organic Framework Scaffolds for Increased Macrocyclization Selectivity

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) offer vast structural and chemical diversity enabling a wide and growing range of applications. While COFs are well-established as heterogeneous catalysts, so far, their high and ordered porosity has scarcely been utilized to its full potential when it comes to spatially confined reactions in COF pores to alter the outcome of reactions. Here, we present a highly porous and crystalline, large-pore COF as catalytic support in α,ω-diene ring-closing metathesis reactions, leading to increased macrocyclization selectivity. COF pore-wall modification by immobilization of a Grubbs-Hoveyda-type catalyst via a mild silylation reaction provides a molecularly precise heterogeneous olefin metathesis catalyst. An increased macro(mono)cyclization (MMC) selectivity over oligomerization (O) for the heterogeneous COF-catalyst (MMC:O=1.35) of up to 51 % compared to the homogeneous catalyst (MMC:O=0.90) was observed along with a substrate-size dependency in selectivity, pointing to diffusion limitations induced by the pore confinement.     

High pressure approach to the synthesis of cryptands and related compounds

Some fundamentals concerning the high-pressure technique in organic chemistry and recent progress in high-pressure synthesis of cryptands and related compounds are described. A brief discussion is given of several examples illustrating various approaches to high-pressure syntheses of simple and chiral cryptands. Emphasis is placed on double-quaternization reactions carried out under high pressure.This review is based on a lecture presented at the Fourth International Symposium on Inclusion Phenomena/Third International Symposium on Cyclodextrins, Lancaster, U.K., 20–25 July 1986.     

Reactivity of Grubbs' catalysts with urea- and amide-substituted olefins. Metathesis and isomerization

[Chemical reaction: see text] The reactions of a series of urea- and amide-substituted olefins with Grubbs' catalysts are presented. Depending on the substrate's nature, the formation of either cross-metathesis or isomerization products is observed. To favor the cross-metathesis products, the reactions have been carried out using a wide range of experimental conditions. Upon addition of monophenyl phosphoester to these reactions, the isomerization of the olefins is completely suppressed and the cross-metathesis products are obtained in up to 60% yield.     

Rhodium‐Catalyzed C(sp2)‐ or C(sp3)−H Bond Functionalization Assisted by Removable Directing Groups

In recent years, transition‐metal‐catalyzed C?H activation has become a key strategy in the field of organic synthesis. Rhodium complexes are widely used as catalysts in a variety of C?H functionalization reactions because of their high reactivity and selectivity. The availability of a number of rhodium complexes in various oxidation states enables diverse reaction patterns to be obtained. Regioselectivity, an important issue in C?H activation chemistry, can be accomplished by using a directing group to assist the reaction. However, to obtain the target functionalized compounds, it is also necessary to use a directing group that can be easily removed. A wide range of directed C?H functionalization reactions catalyzed by rhodium complexes have been reported to date. In this Review, we discuss Rh‐catalyzed C?H functionalization reactions that are aided by the use of a removable directing group such as phenol, amine, aldehyde, ketones, ester, acid, sulfonic acid, and N‐heteroaromatic derivatives.     

Pivotal Role of the Basic Character of Organic and Salt Catalysts in C−N Bond Forming Reactions of Amines with CO2

Organocatalysts promote a range of C?N bond forming reactions of amines with CO₂. Herein, we review these reactions and attempt to identify the unifying features of the catalysts that allows them to promote a multitude of seemingly unrelated reactions. Analysis of the literature shows that these reactions predominantly proceed by carbamate salt formation in the form [BaseH][RR′NCOO]. The anion of the carbamate salt acts as a nucleophile in hydrosilane reductions of CO₂, internal cyclization reactions or after dehydration as an electrophile in the synthesis of urea derivatives. The reactions are enhanced by polar aprotic solvents and can be either promoted or hindered by H‐bonding interactions. The predominant role of all types of organic and salt catalysts (including ionic liquids, ILs) is the stabilization of the carbamate salt, mostly by acting as a base. Catalytic enhancement depends on the combination of the amine, the base strength, the solvent, steric factors, ion pairing and H‐bonding. A linear relationship between the base strength and the reaction yield has been demonstrated with IL catalysts in the synthesis of formamides and quinazoline‐2,4‐diones. The role of organocatalysts in the reactions indicates that all bases of sufficient strength should be able to catalyze the reactions. However, a physical limit to the extent of a purely base catalyzed reaction mechanism should exist, which needs to be identified, understood and overcome by synergistic or alternative methods.     

磁性纳米粒子负载钯催化剂在C-C键偶联反应中的应用

磁性纳米粒子(MNPs)负载钯催化剂因具有高的催化活性及易于原位磁分离回收等优点而得到快速发展,成为一类具有广泛应用前景的纳米催化剂,在学术及工业领域均受到广泛的关注。 本文对近年来MNPs负载钯催化剂在Suzuki、Heck等C-C偶联反应中的应用研究进行简要阐述,并对其发展前景进行了展望。     

Sophisticated Design of Covalent Organic Frameworks with Controllable Bimetallic Docking for a Cascade Reaction

Precise control of the number and position of the catalytic metal ions in heterogeneous catalysts remains a big challenge. Here we synthesized a series of two‐dimensional (2D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) containing two different types of nitrogen ligands, namely imine and bipyridine, with controllable contents. For the first time, the selective coordination of the two nitrogen ligands of the 2D COFs to two different metal complexes, chloro(1,5‐cyclooctadiene)rhodium(I) (Rh(COD)Cl) and palladium(II) acetate (Pd(OAc)₂), has been realized using a programmed synthetic procedure. The bimetallically docked COFs showed excellent catalytic activity in a one‐pot addition–oxidation cascade reaction. The high surface area, controllable metal‐loading content, and predesigned active sites make them ideal candidates for their use as heterogeneous catalysts in a wide range of chemical reactions.     

The molecular anvil model of an enzyme taking into consideration the flexibility of enzyme molecules

The concept of a molecular anvil model of an enzyme, assuming a rigid enzyme molecule, is introduced. Two distinct features of enzymes, high catalytic power and high specificity, are reasonably and consistently explained. The dynamic nature of molecular anvil action is stressed. The origin of the high catalytic power is the spontaneous creation of a high energy state at the anvil site. The origin of the high specificity is a high sensitivity of the maximum accessible potential energy to the relatively extruded distance of the molecular anvil. The flexible model is developed by assuming a flexible enzyme molecule. It is deduced from this flexible model that enzyme activity shows a maximum with a wide range of monotonous change of the configuration of the enzyme molecule. This is the origin of the general property of enzymes that enzyme activity shows a maximum with monotonous variation of environmental parameters such as pH, temperature, pressure or some times concentration of chemical substances. The induced fit theory of Koshland is reasonably explained. The relation and differences between individual theories of enzymes are discussed. The enzymological basis of the complex regulation of biological organisms is discussed. The inversion of the sign of control of effectors is predicted when environmental parameters are varied. This concept may be useful in designing artificial enzymes or high specificity catalysts.Presented at the Fourth International Symposium on Inclusion Phenomena and the Third International Symposium on Cyclodextrins, Lancaster, U.K., 20–25 July 1986.     

Photoinitiated atom transfer radical polymerization: Current status and future perspectives

In macromolecular and material science, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) has intensely influenced the research strategies facilitating fabrication of a wide range of polymers with well‐defined structures and functions and their conjugation with biomolecules. Recently, the required copper (I) catalyst for ATRP process is generated by photoinduced redox reactions involving the in situ reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I). Photochemically initiated reactions provide several distinct advantages, including temporal and spatial controls, rapid and energy efficient activation. The process is based on photoredox reactions of copper catalysts under various radiation sources with or without various photoinitiators. This Highlight focuses on the historical development, mechanistic aspects, limitations, and opportunities of photoinitiated ATRP along with selected examples. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 2878–2888     

Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Platform for Lewis‐Acid‐Catalyzed Organic Transformations

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly promising Lewis acid catalysts; they either inherently possess Lewis acid sites (LASs) on it or the LASs can be generated through various post‐synthetic methods, the later can be performed in MOFs in a trivial fashion. MOFs are suitable platform for catalysis because of its highly crystalline and porous nature. Moreover, with recent advancements, thermal and chemical stability is not a problem with many MOFs. In this Minireview, an enormous versatility of MOFs, in terms of their microporosity/mesoporosity, size/shape selectivity, chirality, pore size, etc., has been highlighted. These are advantageous for designing and performing various targeted organic transformations. Although, many organic transformations catalyzed by MOFs with LASs have been reported in the recent past. In this Minireview, we have restricted ourselves to four important organic reactions: (i) cyanosilylation, (ii) Diels–Alder reaction, (iii) C?H activation, and (iv) CO₂‐addition. The discussion focuses mostly on the recent reports (42 examples).     

石墨烯基催化剂的设计合成与电催化应用

为了解决能源匮乏和环境污染的问题,研究人员正致力于寻找清洁可持续的新能源。 其中,氧气还原、氧气析出、析氢反应等是紧密联系新型清洁能源获取和存贮的重要电化学反应。 为了提高其能量转化效率,电催化剂(如碳载铂Pt/C)被广泛地用于降低其反应活化能、提高能量转化效率。 近年来,石墨烯作为一种具有高比表面积和优异导电性的二维碳材料受到了广泛关注。 通过表面杂原子掺杂、缺陷调控和引入催化活性组分等方式,获得了催化性能与贵金属催化剂相媲美,且低价格和高稳定性的非贵金属石墨烯基催化材料。 针对氧气还原、氧气析出和析氢反应在燃料电池、金属-空气电池和电催化水分解中的应用,本文概括综述了通过表/界面结构性质调控提高石墨烯电催化性能和稳定性,获得具有双功能或复合催化性能的石墨烯基催化剂的最新研究进展。 最后总结和展望了亟待解决的问题及未来的发展趋势。     

Non‐Redox‐Metal‐Catalyzed Redox Reactions: Zinc Catalysts

The advantages of zinc catalysts, such as their low toxicity, low cost, and environmentally benignity, are encouraging organic chemists to explore their applications in organic synthesis. As a non‐redox metal, zinc catalysts have been investigated in redox reactions over the past few decades. Because of the importance of redox reactions, the interest in zinc catalysts, and the fact that no review on zinc‐catalyzed redox reactions has been published, herein, I have collected and summarized the main contributions in this area. This review is divided into two parts: reduction reactions and oxidation reactions.     

Hydroxide Ion Initiated Reactions Under Phase Transfer Catalysis Conditions: Mechanism and Implications. New Synthetic Methods (62)

The development of Phase Transfer Catalysis (PTC) represents a major step forward in the employment of many organic reactions and renders them very convenient and useful processes. These reactions involve the application of nucleophiles in general, anions and bases in particular, in reactions carried out in a water-organic solvent system. They can be performed both in the laboratory and on an industrial scale. The ease of application of PTC processes is the main reason for their increasing utilization in industry. An outstanding achievement of this technique is the employment of aqueous bases in reactions which traditionally would otherwise require a strong base in a nonaqueous medium. The classical procedures that require severe anhydrous conditions, expensive solvents and dangerous bases such as metal hydrides and organometallic reagents are now replaced by aqueous solutions of, e.g., sodium or potassium hydroxides (PTC/OH processes). In contrast to the extensive synthetic applications of PTC/OH systems, the detailed mechanisms of these processes have been the subject of a great deal of controversy and various mechanisms have been suggested. However, it would seem that our knowledge concerning the mechanistic aspects of such reactions has now reached the stage where it can be used to advantage in synthesis planning. A better understanding of the various factors which influence the reaction would undoubtedly help to optimize PTC/OH processes such as to enable higher yields in shorter reaction times at lower temperatures. The importance of, inter alia, the catalyst will be pointed out and it is highly recommended that such catalysts be always available in the laboratory, for the range of organic reactions that they can efficiently, conveniently and safely catalyze is vast indeed.     

Recent Advances in Amino Acid-Based Phosphine Catalysts and Their Applications in Asymmetric Reactions

Amino acid-based catalysts have been intensively researched in recent years. Amino acid-derived phosphines possess high nucleophilicity and exhibit unique catalytic activities in asymmetric synthesis. L-Threonine and valine are most utilized natural amino acids in the preparation of chiral phosphines. The efficient and versatile chiral phosphine catalysts are applied in a wide range of reactions such as MBH reaction, Rauhut–Currier reaction, Michael addition, [4 + 2]-annulation, [3 + 2]-annulation, 1,4-dipolar cycloaddition. They are also widely used in the construction of core structures of natural products. Amino acid-based phosphine catalysts and their applications in asymmetric synthesis are summarized.     

Density functional theory study of mechanism of epoxy‐carboxylic acid curing reaction

A comprehensive picture on the mechanism of the epoxy‐carboxylic acid curing reactions is presented using the density functional theory B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) and simplified physical molecular models to examine all possible reaction pathways. Carboxylic acid can act as its own promoter by using the OH group of an additional acid molecule to stabilize the transition states, and thus lower the rate‐limiting barriers by 45 kJ/mol. For comparison, in the uncatalyzed reaction, an epoxy ring is opened by a phenol with an apparent barrier of about 107 kJ/mol. In catalyzed reaction, catalysts facilitate the epoxy ring opening prior to curing that lowers the apparent barriers by 35 kJ/mol. However, this can be competed in highly basic catalysts such as amine‐based catalysts, where catalysts can enhance the nucleophilicity of the acid by forming hydrogen‐bonded complex with it. Our theoretical results predict the activation energy in the range of 71 to 94 kJ/mol, which agrees well with the reported experimental range for catalyzed reactions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Transition‐Metal‐Free Intramolecular Carbene Aromatic Substitution/Büchner Reaction: Synthesis of Fluorenes and [6,5,7]Benzo‐fused Rings

Intramolecular aromatic substitution and Büchner reaction have been established as powerful methods for the construction of polycyclic compounds. These reactions are traditionally catalyzed by Rh^II catalysts with α‐diazocarbonyl compounds as the substrates. Herein a transition‐metal‐free intramolecular aromatic substitution/Büchner reaction is presented. These reactions use readily available N‐tosylhydrazones as the diazo compound precursors and show wide substrate scope.     

Methoxycyclization of 1,5-Enynes by Coinage Metal Catalysts: Is Gold Always Superior?

Au(I) catalysts promote the intramolecular cycloisomerization of 1,n-enynes, as well as facilitate reactions with alcohols, characteristics that have led to their wide-spread in the synthesis of complex natural products. Literature reports of Cu and Ag species catalyzing the same or similar reactions are much less common. Here, we utilize molecular volcano plots to assess the activity of 45 coinage metal phosphine/phosphite catalysts possessing a variety of stereoelectronic properties for the methoxycyclization reaction of a prototypical 1,5-enyne. Our analysis reveals that the intrinsic properties of gold allow it to be coupled with a wide range of ligands, all of which exhibit high catalytic activity. On the other hand, the coupling of silver and copper with more traditional phosphines, such as triphenylphosphine, leads to catalysts with diminished catalytic ability. The activity of Ag and Cu species, however, can be enhanced by appending ligands with strong π-accepting character, which shifts these species closer to the volcano peak.     

Recent Developments on Catalytic Applications of Nano-Crystalline Magnesium Oxide

Nanocrystalline metal oxides, MgO, CuO, ZnO, TiO₂ as catalysts or catalyst supports have been received much attention in the recent years, especially nanocrystalline magnesium oxide (NAP-MgO) has been used as a recyclable catalyst for Wittig, Wadsworth–Emmons, aza-Michael, Baylis–Hillman, Strecker, Aldol, Claisen-Schmidt condensation and other useful organic reactions. In general, it is reported that nanocrystalline magnesium oxide shows better activity in many organic reactions. These high reactivities are due to high surface areas combined with unusually reactive morphologies. The nanomaterials were also explored as supports to make supported metal catalysts for the organic reactions. The higher activity of these catalysts was studied partly to understand the mechanism of the reaction, the putative reaction pathways were preliminarily presented with the help of spectroscopic support, XPS, silicon, and phosphorus NMR spectroscopy. The catalysts are recovered and reused for several cycles. These catalytic systems are expected to contribute to the development of benign chemical processes.