Conversion of Triple Bonds into Single Bonds in a Domino Carbopalladation with Norbornene

A domino carbopalladation reaction of haloalkynes is presented. Remarkably, the four‐time carbopalladation process converts the carbon‐carbon triple bonds of haloalkynes stepwise into carbon–carbon double bonds, and finally to carbon‐carbon single bonds. Features of this reaction are that the carbon‐carbon double bonds of stable vinyl palladium intermediates are transformed into carbon‐carbon single bonds with the generation of unstable alkyl palladium intermediates. The subsequently formed π‐allylpalladium species are independently trapped by N ‐tosylhydrazones, boronic acids, and B₂pin₂ in a highly diastereoselective manner, delivering the corresponding polycyclic and twisted products with a bicyclo[3.2.1]oct‐2‐en‐3‐yl)tricyclo[3.2.1.0^2,4]octane core skeleton in moderate to good yields via C−C and C−B bond formations. Significantly, the dual roles of norbornenes, ring construction and ring expansion, and the identification of electron‐rich tri(2‐furyl)phosphine as the ligand are found to be critical for the success of these transformations.     

Quantum chemical topology: The electronic structure of the alkaline nitrites MONO (M = Li,Na, K) studied by means of topological analysis of the electron localization function

In the search of the protocovalent bonding, previously recognized in the nitrous acid (HONO), a nature of the chemical bonds in the alkaline nitrites MONO (M = Li, Na, K) has been studied by means of the topological analysis of the Electron Localization Function (ELF) and Electron Localizability Indicator (ELI‐D). Calculations carried out with the B3LYP and MP2(full) methods, in conjunction with the aug‐cc‐pVTZ and 6‐311++G(3df,3pd) basis sets, revealed the cis (C_2v, more stable) and trans (C_s) isomers as minima on PES. Alkaline nitrites consist of the alkali metal cation M^δ+ interacting, mainly via electrostatic forces, with the nitrite anion [ONO]^δ− (δ ≈ 1e). The covalent N O bonds are characterized by disynaptic basins V(N,O) with the basin populations: 1.58÷1.62e for cis‐M^δ+[ONO]^δ− but 1.39÷1.49e for single N O bond and 1.81÷1.87e for formally double NO bond in trans M^δ+[O NO]^δ−. The protocovalent nitrogen–oxygen bond has not been observed. The N O bonds are slightly polarized towards the nitrogen atom with the polarity index p_NO ≤ 0.12. Two different sets of the hybrid (Lewis) structures are compared leading to different pictures of the bonding. According to NBO data there is a delocalization between the single N O and double NO type bonds, meanwhile results of the ELF analysis emphasize an electron delocalization between the single N O and ionic O⁻N⁺ hybrids. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010     

Direct Light-Enabled Access to α-Boryl Radicals: Application in the Stereodivergent Synthesis of Allyl Boronic Esters**

Operationally simple strategies to assemble boron containing organic frameworks are highly enabling in organic synthesis. While conventional retrosynthetic logic has engendered many platforms focusing on the direct formation of C−B bonds, α-boryl radicals have recently reemerged as versatile open-shell alternatives to access organoborons via adjacent C−C bond formation. Direct light-enabled α-activation is currently contingent on photo- or transition metal-catalysis activation to efficiently generate radical species. Here, we disclose a facile activation of α-halo boronic esters using only visible light and a simple Lewis base to enable homolytic scission. Intermolecular addition to styrenes facilitates the rapid construction of highly versatile E-allylic boronic esters. The simplicity of activation permits the strategic merger of this construct with selective energy transfer catalysis to enable the complimentary stereodivergent synthesis of Z-allylic boronic esters.     

Electron-Deficient Borinic Acid Polymers: Synthesis,Supramolecular Assembly,and Examination as Catalysts in Amide Bond Formation

The Lewis acidic character of borinic-acid-functionalized polymers suggests broad potential applications in supramolecular materials, chemo- and biosensors, as well as supported catalysts. Two highly electron-deficient borinic acid copolymers ( 3 a and 3 b ) with variable steric hindrance at the boron center were prepared by reaction of aryldibromoboranes ArBBr₂ ( 2 , Ar=2,4-Cl₂Ph, 3,5-Cl₂Ph) with a 10 % stannylated polystyrene random copolymer, followed by conversion to the desired PS-B(Ar)OH functionalities. The supramolecular assembly of these polymers through Lewis acid–Lewis base interactions and reversible covalent B−O−B bond formation was investigated. Exposure of a polymer solution of 3 a to pyridine triggered spontaneous gelation, whereas 3 b only gelled upon addition of molecular sieves to favor formation of boroxane crosslinks. The crosslinking process was readily reversed by addition of small amounts of water or wet solvent. The dynamic processes were studied in detail by variable-temperature (VT) NMR by using molecular model compounds. The polymers and their corresponding model compounds were also examined as catalysts in the amide bond formation reaction between phenylacetic acid and benzylamine. The 3,5-dichlorophenyl borinic acid derivatives proved to be the more effective catalysts. Mechanistic studies suggested that the borane Lewis acid-catalyzed coupling involves initial acid-induced protodeboronation to release the dichlorophenyl boronic acid as the active catalyst.     

Directed Synthesis and Chemistry of Unsymmetric Dicationic Diboranes and Their Use in Frustrated Lewis Pair-like Chemistry

The chemistry of dicationic diboranes with two B^II atoms that are engaged in direct B−B bonding is by enlarge unexplored, although these molecules have intriguing properties due to their combined Lewis acidic and electron-donor properties. Unsymmetric dicationic diboranes are extremely rare, but especially attractive due to their polarized B−B bond. In this work we report the directed synthesis of several stable unsymmetric dicationic diboranes by reaction between the electron-rich ditriflato-diborane B₂(hpp)₂(OTf)₂ (hpp=1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-α]pyrimidinate) and phosphino-pyridines, establishing B−N and B−P bonds with the diborane concomitant with triflate elimination. In the case of 2-((ditertbutylphosphino)methyl)pyridine, the B−N bond is formed instantly, but the B−P bond formation requires (due to steric constraints) several days at ambient conditions for completion, creating an intermediate that could be used for frustrated Lewis pair (FLP)-like chemistry. Here we test its reaction with an aldehyde, and propose a new type of FLP-like chemistry.     

Cationic Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Decarbonylative Aryl Addition of Aromatic Aldehydes to Bicyclic Alkenes

We report an unprecedented catalytic protocol for the enantioselective decarbonylative transformation of aryl aldehydes. In this process, the decarbonylation of aldehydes catalyzed by chiral iridium complexes enabled the formation of asymmetric C−C bonds through the formation of an aryl−iridium intermediate. The decarbonylative aryl addition to bicyclic alkenes was fluidly performed without a stoichiometric aryl−metal reagent, such as aryl boronic acid, with a cationic iridium complex generated in situ from Ir(cod)₂(BAr^F₄) and the sulfur-linked bis(phosphoramidite) ligand ((R,R)-S−Me−BIPAM). This reaction has broad functional group compatibility, and no waste is generated, except carbon monoxide.     

Sucrose-based epoxy monomers and their reactions with diethylenetriamine

Two sets of sucrose-based epoxy monomers, namely, epoxy allyl sucroses (EAS), and epoxy crotyl sucroses (ECS), were prepared by epoxidation of octa-O-allyl and octa-O-crotyl sucroses (OAS and OCS, respectively). Synthetic and structural characterization studies showed that the new epoxy monomers were mixtures of structural isomers and diastereoisomers that contained varying numbers of epoxy groups per sucrose. EAS and ECS can be tailored to contain an average of one to eight epoxy groups per sucrose. Quantitative ¹³C-NMR spectrometry and titrimetry were used independently to confirm the average number of epoxy groups per sucrose. Sucrose-based epoxy monomers were cured with diethylenetriamine (DETA) in a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and their curing characteristics were compared with those of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and diepoxycrotyl ether of bisphenol A (DECEBA). EAS and DGEBA cured at 100 to 125°C and exhibited a heat of cure of about 108.8 kJ per mol epoxy. ECS and DECEBA cured at 150 and 171°C, respectively, and exhibited a heat of cure of about 83.7 kJ per mol epoxy. Depending upon the degree of epoxidation (average number of epoxy groups per sucrose) and the concentration of DETA, glass transition temperatures (T_gs) of cured EAS varied from −17 to 72°C. DETA-cured ECS containing an average of 7.3 epoxy groups per sucrose (ECS-7.3) showed no DSC glass transition between −140 and 220°C when the ratio of amine (NH) to epoxy group was 1:1 and 1.5:1. Maximum T_gs obtained for DETA-cured DGEBA and DECEBA polymers were 134 and 106°C, respectively. DETA-cured bisphenol A-based epoxy polymers degraded at about 340°C, as observed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). DETA-cured sucrose-based epoxy polymers degraded at about 320°C. Sucrose-based epoxies cured with DETA were found to bind aluminum, glass, and steel. Comparative lap shear tests (ASTM D1002–94) showed that DETA-cured epoxy allyl sucroses with an average of 3.2 epoxy groups per sucrose (EAS-3.2) generated a flexible adhesive comparable in bond strength to DGEBA. However, DETA-cured ECS-7.3 outperformed the bonding characteristics of both DGEBA and EAS-3.2. All sucrose-based epoxy polymers were crosslinked and insoluble in water, N,N-dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, and dichloromethane. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. A Polym. Chem. 36: 2397–2413, 1998     

Plasma-Assisted Coupling Reactions of Dinitrogen and Carbon Dioxide Mediated by Monometallic YB1–4−⋅Anions: Carbon−Nitrogen Bond Formation

Transition-metal catalyzed coupling to form C−N bonds is significant in chemical science. However, the inert nature of N₂ and CO₂ renders their coupling quite challenging. Herein, we report the activation of dinitrogen in the mild plasma atmosphere by the gas-phase monometallic YB_1–4⁻ anions and further coupling of CO₂ to form C−N bonds by using mass spectrometry and theoretical calculation. The observed product anions are NCNBO⁻ and N(BO)₂⁻, accompanied by the formation of neutral products YO and YB_0–2NC, respectively. We can tune the reactivity and the type of products by manipulating the number of B atoms. The B atoms in YB_1–4N₂⁻ act as electron donors in CO₂ reduction reactions, and the carbon atom originating from CO₂ serves as an electron reservoir. This is the first example of gas-phase monometallic anions, which are capable to realize the functionalization of N₂ with CO₂ through C−N bond formation and N−N and C−O bond cleavage.     

Metal–Ligand Cooperativity of the Calix[4]pyrrolato Aluminate: Triggerable C−C Bond Formation and Rate Control in Catalysis

Metal-ligand cooperativity (MLC) had a remarkable impact on transition metal chemistry and catalysis. By use of the calix[4]pyrrolato aluminate, [ 1 ]⁻, which features a square-planar Al^III, we transfer this concept into the p-block and fully elucidate its mechanisms by experiment and theory. Complementary to transition metal-based MLC (aromatization upon substrate binding), substrate binding in [ 1 ]⁻ occurs by dearomatization of the ligand. The aluminate trapps carbonyls by the formation of C−C and Al−O bonds, but the products maintain full reversibility and outstanding dynamic exchange rates. Remarkably, the C−C bonds can be formed or cleaved by the addition or removal of lithium cations, permitting unprecedented control over the system's constitutional state. Moreover, the metal-ligand cooperative substrate interaction allows to twist the kinetics of catalytic hydroboration reactions in a unique sense. Ultimately, this work describes the evolution of an anti-van't Hoff/Le Bel species from their being as a structural curiosity to their application as a reagent and catalyst.     

Reversible Hydride Migration from C5Me5 to RhI Revealed by a Cooperative Bimetallic Approach

The use of cyclopentadienyl ligands in organometallic chemistry and catalysis is ubiquitous, mostly due to their robust spectator role. Nonetheless, increasing examples of non-innocent behaviour are being documented. Here, we provide evidence for reversible intramolecular C−H activation at one methyl terminus of C₅Me₅ in [(η-C₅Me₅)Rh(PMe₃)₂] to form a new Rh−H bond, a process so far restricted to early transition metals. Experimental evidence was acquired from bimetallic rhodium/gold structures in which the gold center binds either to the rhodium atom or to the activated Cp* ring. Reversibility of the C−H activation event regenerates the Rh^I and Au^I monometallic precursors, whose cooperative reactivity towards polar E−H bonds (E=O, N), including the N−H bonds in ammonia, can be understood in terms of bimetallic frustration.     

Hydrogen-Bonded Crystalline Molecular Machines with Ultrafast Rotation and Displacive Phase Transitions

Two new crystalline rotors 1 and 2 assembled through N−H⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bonds by using halogenated carbazole as stators and 1,4-diaza[2.2.2]bicyclooctane (DABCO) as the rotator, are described. The dynamic characterization through ¹H T₁ relaxometry experiments indicate very low rotational activation barriers (E_a) of 0.67 kcal mol⁻¹ for 1 and 0.26 kcal mol⁻¹ for 2 , indicating that DABCO can reach a THz frequency at room temperature in the latter. These E_a values are supported by solid-state density functional theory computations. Interestingly, both supramolecular rotors show a phase transition between 298 and 250 K, revealed by differential scanning calorimetry and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The subtle changes in the crystalline environment of these rotors that can alter the motion of an almost barrierless DABCO are discussed here.     

Iodine(I) and Silver(I) Complexes of Benzoimidazole and Pyridylcarbazole Derivatives

The synthesis of iodine(I) complexes with either benzoimidazole or carbazole-derived sp² N-containing Lewis bases is described, as well as their corresponding silver(I) complexes. The addition of elemental iodine to the linear two-coordinate Ag(I) complexes produces iodine(I) complexes with a three-center four-electron (3c–4e) [N−I−N]⁺ bond. The ¹H and ¹H-¹⁵N HMBC NMR studies unambiguously confirm the formation of the complexes in all cases via the [N−Ag−N]⁺→[N−I−N]⁺ cation exchange, with the ¹⁵N NMR chemical shift change between 94 to 111 ppm when compared to the free ligand. The single crystal X-ray crystallographic studies on eight I⁺ complexes revealed highly symmetrical [N−I−N]⁺ bonds with I−N bond distances of 2.21–2.26 Å and N−I−N angles of 177–180°, whilst some of the corresponding Ag⁺ complexes showed a clear deviation from linearity with N−Ag−N angles of ca. 150° and Ag−N bond distances of 2.09–2.18 Å.     

Mobilité conformationnelle et migration des liaisons π dans le [24]annulène

Conformational Mobility and Migration of the π Bonds of the [24]annulene. The configuration and the conformation of [24]annulene have been determined after a detailed analysis of its ¹H-NMR spectrum recorded at −95°. At this temperature, molecular dynamics is practically frozen, and the spectrum can be correctly simulated considering eight magnetic sites with the relevant couplings. The [24]annulene exhibits alternation of the double and the single bonds with the CTTTCTTTCTTT sequence (C=cis, T=trans) expressing the connectivity of the double bonds. The signal of the 9 protons pointing inside the ring is 7.72 ppm at lower field than the signal of the 15 outer protons; this indicates a marked paramagnetic ring current. Molecular dynamics is revealed by the dependence of the spectrum upon the temperature; the simulation of the line shape of these spectra indicates that the [24]annulene in solution exists as an equilibrium of two conformers A and B ( B / A ≤0.05), both having the same configuration. Each of these conformers undergoes two isodynamic processes: a migration of the π bonds on the adjacent single bonds (bond shift) described by V and a conformational mobility described by K. The two conformers interconvert extremely rapidely. Conformer A complies with C_3h symmetry, conformer B with C₃ symmetry. The enthalpy, entropy, and free energy of activation for the processes described by V and K in the major conformer A have been determined: these processes are slower than those observed in [16]annulene. From their values, we could deduce that the resonance energy in the [24]-7³annulene is negative and of the order of −9 to −10 kcal⋅mol⁻¹.     

Three‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded framework in bis(melamin‐1‐ium) naphthalene‐1,5‐disulfonate melamine pentahydrate

Crystals of the title compound, 2C₃H₇N₆⁺·C₁₀H₆O₆S₂²⁻·C₃H₆N₆·5H₂O, are built up of neutral 2,4,6‐triamino‐1,3,5‐triazine (melamine), singly protonated melaminium cations, naphthalene‐1,5‐disulfonate dianions and water molecules. Two independent anions lie across centres of inversion in the space group P. The melamine molecules are connected by N—H...N hydrogen bonds into two different one‐dimensional polymers almost parallel to the (010) plane, forming a stacking structure along the b axis. The centrosymmetric naphthalene‐1,5‐disulfonate anions interact with water molecules via O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to the (001) plane. The cations and anions are connected by N—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds to form a three‐dimensional supramolecular framework.     

Kinetic and Product Study of the S-oxidation vs HAT Chemoselectivity in Reactions Promoted by Nonheme Iron(IV)-oxo Complex/NHPI Mediator System

The chemoselectivity between S-oxidation and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from C−H bonds has been investigated in the oxidations of a series of aryl sulfides, alkyl aromatic compounds and benzylic alcohols promoted by the iron(IV)-oxo complex [(N4Py)Fe^IV(O)]²⁺ (N4Py: N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-bis(2-pyridyl)-methylamine) either alone or in the presence of the N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) mediator via kinetic and product studies. Kinetic analyses indicate a generally higher reactivity of [(N4Py)Fe^IV(O)]²⁺ for S-oxidation process while HAT is favored in the reactions promoted by phthalimide-N-oxyl radical (PINO) deriving from NHPI oxidation. Product analysis in intermolecular competitive oxidations confirms the kinetic results with sulfoxides obtained as major products in the oxidation promoted by [(N4Py)Fe^IV(O)]²⁺. Conversely, when NHPI is employed as a mediator, significant differences in terms of chemoselectivity are observed, and HAT-derived products are obtained in higher yields which translate into an inversion of selectivity in the case of the substrates containing activated C−H bonds like diphenylmethane, triphenylmethane and benzylic alcohols. A similar change of chemoselectivity is also observed in the oxidation of aromatic substrates containing both a sulfur atom and α to OH benzylic C−H bonds, with the sulfoxide product more abundant in the absence of NHPI and carbonyl products prevailing with the [(N4Py)Fe^IV(O)]²⁺/NHPI system.     

Organopotassium-Catalyzed Silylation of Benzylic C(sp3)−H Bonds

Benzylsilanes have found increasing applications in organic synthesis as bench-stable synthetic intermediates, yet are mostly produced by stoichiometric procedures. Catalytic alternatives based on the atom-economical silylation of benzylic C(sp³)−H bonds remain scarcely available as specialized directing groups and catalytic systems are needed to outcompete the kinetically-favored silylation of C(sp²)−H bonds. Herein, we describe the first general and catalytic-in-metal undirected silylation of benzylic C(sp³)−H bonds under ambient, transition metal-free conditions using stable tert-butyl-substituted silyldiazenes (tBu−N=N−SiR₃) as silicon source. The high activity and selectivity of the catalytic system, exemplified by the preparation of various mono- or gem-bis benzyl(di)silanes, originates from the facile generation of organopotassium reagents, including tert-butylpotassium.     

Ultra-Small-Bandgap Conjugated Polymers Based on an N−B←N Unit

Since the breakthrough of conductive polymers in 1977, scientists have made great efforts to create small band gap (E_g) conjugated polymers. Two general strategies to design small E_g conjugated polymers are quinoid structure and donor-acceptor structure. Ultrasmall E_g conjugated polymers (E_g<1.0 eV) always suffer from poor air stability because of high-lying HOMO energy levels. In this work, we report a new strategy to design ultrasmall E_g conjugated polymers by N−B←N unit, i.e. balanced resonant boron-nitrogen covalent bond (B−N) and boron-nitrogen coordination bond (B←N). The resulting polymer exhibits an E_g of 0.82 eV and an onset absorption wavelength of >1500 nm. Moreover, the polymer exhibits excellent air stability because of its low-lying LUMO/HOMO energy levels. An unprecedented property of this polymer is the selective light absorption in the infrared range (800–1500 nm) and high transparency in the visible range (400–780 nm). Using this property, for the first time, we demonstrate the application of conjugated polymers as transparent thermal-shielding coating layer on glass, which reduces indoor solar irradiation through window and consequently reduces power consumption for cooling of buildings and cars in summer.     

Saturated Boronic Acids,Boronates, and Trifluoroborates: An Update on Their Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry

This review discusses recent advances in the chemistry of saturated boronic acids, boronates, and trifluoroborates. Applications of the title compounds in the design of boron-containing drugs are surveyed, with special emphasis on α-amino boronic derivatives. A general overview of saturated boronic compounds as modern tools to construct C(sp³)−C and C(sp³)-heteroatom bonds is given, including recent developments in the Suzuki-Miyaura and Chan-Lam cross-couplings, single-electron-transfer processes including metallo- and organocatalytic photoredox reactions, and transformations of boron “ate” complexes. Finally, an attempt to summarize the current state of the art in the synthesis of saturated boronic acids, boronates, and trifluoroborates is made, with a brief mention of the “classical” methods (transmetallation of organolithium/magnesium reagents with boron species, anti-Markovnikov hydroboration of alkenes, and the modification of alkenyl boron compounds) and a special focus on recent methodologies (boronation of alkyl (pseudo)halides, derivatives of carboxylic acids, alcohols, and primary amines, boronative C−H activation, novel approaches to alkene hydroboration, and 1,2-metallate-type rearrangements).     

A new two‐dimensional managnese(II) coordination polymer constructed by 2,2′‐(1,2‐phenylene)bis(1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylate)

In recent years, N‐heterocyclic carboxylate ligands have attracted much interest in the preparation of new coordination polymers since they contain N‐atom donors, as well as O‐atom donors, and have a rich variety of coordination modes which can lead to polymers with intriguing structures and interesting properties. A new two‐dimensional coordination polymer, namely poly[[μ₃‐2,2′‐(1,2‐phenylene)bis(4‐carboxy‐1H‐imidazole‐5‐carboxylato)‐κ⁶O⁴,N³,N^3′,O^4′:O⁵:O^5′]manganese(II)], [Mn(C₁₆H₈N₄O₈)]_n or [Mn(H₄Phbidc)]_n, has been synthesized by the reaction of Mn(OAc)₂·4H₂O (OAc is acetate) with 2,2′‐(1,2‐phenylene)bis(1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylic acid) (H₆Phbidc) under solvothermal conditions. In the polymer, each Mn^II ion is six‐coordinated by two N atoms from one H₄Phbidc²⁻ ligand and by four O atoms from three H₄Phbidc²⁻ ligands, forming a significantly distorted octahedral MnN₂O₄ coordination geometry. The Mn^II ions are linked by hexadentate H₄Phbidc²⁻ ligands, leading to a two‐dimensional structure parallel to the ac plane. In the crystal, adjacent layers are further connected by N—H…O hydrogen bonds, forming a three‐dimensional structure in the solid state.     

Bio‐based epoxy vitrimers: Reprocessibility,controllable shape memory,and degradability

The research activities in the development of recyclable and reprocessable covalently crosslinked networks, and the construction of polymers from renewable resources are both stemmed from the economical and environmental problems associated with traditional thermosets. However, there is little effort in combination of these two attractive strategies in material designs. This article reported a bio‐based vitrimer constructed from isosorbide‐derived epoxy and aromatic diamines containing disulfide bonds. The resulted dynamic epoxy resins showed comparable thermomechanical properties as compared to similar epoxy networks cured by traditional curing agent. Rheological tests demonstrated the fast stress relaxation of the dynamic network due to the rapid metathesis of disulfide bonds at temperature higher than glass transition temperature. This feature permitted the recycling and reprocessing of the fragmented samples for several times by hot press. The dynamic epoxy resins also exhibited shape‐memory effect, and it is demonstrated that the shape recovery ratio could be readily adjusted by controlling the stress relaxation in the temporary state at programming temperature. Moreover, the degradability of the dynamic epoxy resins in alkaline aqueous solution was also demonstrated. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 1790–1799