On the Structure of Intermediates in Enyne Gold(I)-Catalyzed Cyclizations: Formation of trans-Fused Bicyclo[5.1.0]octanes as a Case Study

The nature of cyclopropyl gold(I) carbene-type intermediates has been reexamined as part of a mechanistic study on the formation of cis- or trans-fused bicyclo[5.1.0]octanes in a gold(I)-catalyzed cascade reaction. Benchmark of DFT methods together with QTAIM theory and NBO analysis confirms the formation of distinct intermediates with carbenic or carbocationic structures in the cycloisomerizations of enynes.     

Access to Indole-Fused Benzannulated Medium-Sized Rings through a Gold(I)-Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization of Azido-Alkynes

Because benzannulated and indole-fused medium-sized rings are found in many bioactive compounds, combining these fragments might lead to unexplored areas of biologically relevant and uncovered chemical space. Herein is shown that α-imino gold carbene chemistry can play an important role in solving the difficulty in the formation of medium-sized rings. Namely, phenylene-tethered azido-alkynes undergo arylative cyclization through the formation of a gold carbene intermediate to afford benzannulated indole-fused medium-sized tetracycles. The reactions allow a range of different aryl substitution patterns and efficient access to these otherwise difficult-to-obtain medium-sized rings. This study also demonstrates the feasibility of the semihollow-shaped C-dtbm ligand for the construction of a nine-membered ring.     

Nucleophilic Substitution at Phosphorus Centers (SN2@P)

We have studied the characteristics of archetypal model systems for bimolecular nucleophilic substitution at phosphorus (S_N2@P) and, for comparison, at carbon (S_N2@C) and silicon (S_N2@Si) centers. In our studies, we applied the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) of density functional theory (DFT) at the OLYP/TZ2P level. Our model systems cover nucleophilic substitution at carbon in X^?+CH₃Y (S_N2@C), at silicon in X^?+SiH₃Y (S_N2@Si), at tricoordinate phosphorus in X^?+PH₂Y (S_N2@P3), and at tetracoordinate phosphorus in X^?+POH₂Y (S_N2@P4). The main feature of going from S_N2@C to S_N2@P is the loss of the characteristic double‐well potential energy surface (PES) involving a transition state [X? CH₃? Y]^? and the occurrence of a single‐well PES with a stable transition complex, namely, [X? PH₂? Y]^? or [X? POH₂? Y]^?. The differences between S_N2@P3 and S_N2@P4 are relatively small. We explored both the symmetric and asymmetric (i.e. X, Y=Cl, OH) S_N2 reactions in our model systems, the competition between backside and frontside pathways, and the dependence of the reactions on the conformation of the reactants. Furthermore, we studied the effect, on the symmetric and asymmetric S_N2@P3 and S_N2@P4 reactions, of replacing hydrogen substituents at the phosphorus centers by chlorine and fluorine in the model systems X^?+PR₂Y and X^?+POR₂Y, with R=Cl, F. An interesting phenomenon is the occurrence of a triple‐well PES not only in the symmetric, but also in the asymmetric S_N2@P4 reactions of X^?+POCl₂? Y.     

A Copper(I)-Catalyzed Sulfonylative Hiyama Cross-Coupling

An air-tolerant Cu-catalyzed sulfonylative Hiyama cross-coupling reaction enabling the formation of diaryl sulfones is described. Starting from aryl silanes, DABSO and aryliodides, the reaction tolerates a large variety of polar functional groups (amines, ketones, esters, aldehydes). Control experiments coupled with DFT calculations shed light on the mechanism, characterized by the formation of a Cu(I)-sulfinate intermediate via fast insertion of a SO₂ molecule.     

Unexpected Anion Effect in the Alkoxylation of Alkynes Catalyzed by N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Cationic Gold Complexes

The intermolecular alkoxylation of alkynes is the oldest application of cationic gold(I) catalysts; however, no systematic experimental data about the role of the anion are available. In this contribution, the role of the anion in this catalytic reaction as promoted by a N‐heterocyclic carbene‐based gold catalyst, [(NHC)AuX] (X=BARF^?, BF₄^?, OTf^?, OTs^?, TFA^?, or OAc^?) is analyzed, through a combined experimental (NMR spectroscopy) and theoretical (DFT calculation) approach. The most important factor seems to be the ability to abstract the proton from the methanol during the nucleophilic attack, and such ability is related to the anion basicity. On the other hand, too high coordination power or basicity of the anion worsens the catalytic performance by preventing alkyne coordination or by forming too much free methoxide in solution, which poisons the catalyst. The intermediate coordinating power and basicity of the OTs^? anion provides the best compromise to achieve efficient catalysis.     

Silyldefluorination of Fluoroarenes by Concerted Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution

The reaction of readily generated silyl lithium reagents with various aryl fluorides to provide the corresponding aryl silanes is reported. DFT calculations reveal that the nucleophilic aromatic substitution of the fluoride anion by the silyl lithium reagent proceeds through concerted ipso substitution. In contrast to the classical nucleophilic aromatic substitution, this concerted ionic silyldefluorination also occurs on more electron‐rich aryl fluorides.     

Stereo‐ and Regioselective Alkyne Hydrometallation with Gold(III) Hydrides

The hydroauration of internal and terminal alkynes by gold(III) hydride complexes [(C^N^C)AuH] was found to be mediated by radicals and proceeds by an unexpected binuclear outer‐sphere mechanism to cleanly form trans‐insertion products. Radical precursors such as azobisisobutyronitrile lead to a drastic rate enhancement. DFT calculations support the proposed radical mechanism, with very low activation barriers, and rule out mononuclear mechanistic alternatives. These alkyne hydroaurations are highly regio‐ and stereospecific for the formation of Z‐vinyl isomers, with Z/E ratios of >99:1 in most cases.     

Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Dearomative [2+2]‐Cycloaddition of Indoles with Activated Allenes: A Combined Experimental–Computational Study

The gold‐catalyzed synthesis of methylidene 2,3‐cyclobutane‐indoles is documented through a combined experimental/computational investigation. Besides optimizing the racemic synthesis of the tricyclic indole compounds, the enantioselective variant is presented to its full extent. In particular, the scope of the reaction encompasses both aryloxyallenes and allenamides as electrophilic partners providing high yields and excellent stereochemical controls in the desired cycloadducts. The computational (DFT) investigation has fully elucidated the reaction mechanism providing clear evidence for a two‐step reaction. Two parallel reaction pathways explain the regioisomeric products obtained under kinetic and thermodynamic conditions. In both cases, the dearomative C?C bond‐forming event turned out to be the rate‐determining step.     

On the Mechanism of the Digold(I)–Hydroxide‐Catalysed Hydrophenoxylation of Alkynes

Herein, we present a detailed investigation of the mechanistic aspects of the dual gold‐catalysed hydrophenoxylation of alkynes by both experimental and computational methods. The dissociation of [{Au(NHC)}₂(μ‐OH)][BF₄] is essential to enter the catalytic cycle, and this step is favoured by the presence of bulky, non‐coordinating counter ions. Moreover, in silico studies confirmed that phenol does not only act as a reactant, but also as a co‐catalyst, lowering the energy barriers of several transition states. A gem‐diaurated species might form during the reaction, but this lies deep within a potential energy well, and is likely to be an “off‐cycle” rather than an “in‐cycle” intermediate.     

Competition between Nucleophilic Substitution of Halogen (SNAr) versus Substitution of Hydrogen (SNArH)—A Mass Spectrometry and Computational Study

The mechanism of intramolecular gas‐phase reactions of N‐(2‐X‐5‐nitrophenyl)‐N‐methylacetamide carbanions (X=H, F, Cl) has been studied using negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry ((?)ESI‐MS) technique and modelled computationally. It was proven that all three anions form cyclic σ^H adducts, which undergo elimination of water. In the case of X=F, formation of the σ^F adduct, leading to S_NAr reaction, was a competing process. This is the first proof that also in the gas phase formation of σ^H adduct proceeds faster than σ^X adduct and only when X=F, rates of these two processes are comparable. The experimental results are in full agreement with quantum chemical calculations.     

Lowering Energy Barriers in Surface Reactions through Concerted Reaction Mechanisms

Any technologically important chemical reaction typically involves a number of different elementary reaction steps consisting of bond‐breaking and bond‐making processes. Usually, one assumes that such complex chemical reactions occur in a step‐wise fashion where one single bond is made or broken at a time. Using first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory we show that the barriers of rate‐limiting steps for technologically relevant surface reactions are significantly reduced if concerted reaction mechanisms are taken into account.     

The Mechanism of Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Hydroalkoxylation of Alkynes: An Extensive Experimental Study

An extensive experimental study of the mechanism of gold(I)‐catalyzed hydroalkoxylation of internal alkynes has been conducted by using NMR spectroscopy. This study was focused on the organogold intermediates, observations of actual catalytic intermediates in situ, and the reaction kinetics that are involved in this reaction. Based on the experimental results, a complete mechanistic picture was established, including on‐ and off‐cycle processes that explain the role of diaurated species. We have shown that gold‐catalyzed hydroalkoxylation of internal alkynes is a reaction that requires only one gold atom for the catalytic cycle, disproving a recent hypothesis regarding the involvement of cooperative gold catalysis.     

金催化的吲哚与末端炔烃的分子间烷基化反应

尝试了用金(Au)催化吲哚和炔烃的Friedel-Crafts烷基化反应, 具体探讨了金(I)配合物催化吲哚与末端炔烃的烷基化反应的条件, 并制备了一系列尚未见文献报道的双取代β-吲哚烷基化衍生物. 产物的结构经1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS和元素分析确证. 并对其反应机理可能性进行了推测.     

Inner-Sphere Oxygen Activation Promoting Outer-Sphere Nucleophilic Attack on Olefins

Alkoxylation and hydroxylation reactions of 1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod) in an iridium complex with alcohols and water promoted by the reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide are described. The exo configuration of the OH/OR groups in the products agrees with nucleophilic attack at the external face of the olefin as the key step. The reactions also require the presence of a coordinating protic acid (such as picolinic acid (Hpic)) and involve the participation of a cationic diolefin iridium(III) complex, [Ir(cod)(pic)₂]⁺, which has been isolated. Independently, this cation is also involved in easy alkoxy group exchange reactions, which are very unusual for organic ethers. DFT studies on the mechanism of olefin alkoxylation mediated by oxygen show a low-energy proton-coupled electron-transfer step connecting a superoxide–iridium(II) complex with hydroperoxide–iridium(III) intermediates, rather than peroxide complexes. Accordingly, a more complex reaction, with up to four different products, occurred upon reacting the diolefin–peroxide iridium(III) complex with Hpic. Moreover, such hydroperoxide intermediates are the origin of the regio- and stereoselectivity of the hydroxylation/alkoxylation reactions. If this protocol is applied to the diolefin–rhodium(I) complex [Rh(pic)(cod)], free alkyl ethers ORC₈H₁₁ (R=Me, Et) resulted, and the reaction is enantioselective if a chiral amino acid, such as l -proline, is used instead of Hpic.     

Self‐Relay Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Pictet–Spengler/Cyclization Cascade Reaction for the Rapid Elaboration of Pentacyclic Indole Derivatives

Gold‐catalyzed cascade reactions allow the rapid elaboration of pentacyclic indolo[2,3‐a]quinolizidines from N‐allyl tryptamines and ortho‐alkynylarylaldehydes. The tandem process combines a gold‐catalyzed Pictet‐Spengler reaction and a cyclization occurring concomitantly with an allyl transfer from the nitrogen atom to the stilbene function. Various substituted allyls were successfully transferred, furnishing the products in yields typically ranging from 60–98 % in high diastereoselectivity. Tryptamines bearing a butenol chain undergo an additional cyclization to chiral hemiaminals in high diastereoselectivities.     

Silver(I)‐Catalyzed Addition of Phenols to Alkyne Cobalt Cluster Stabilized Carbocations

A smooth catalytic method to use phenols as the nucleophilic partner in the Nicholas reaction has been developed. The method uses either Ag^I or Au^I catalysts with AgClO₄ or AgBF₄ as the most efficient catalysts tested. Neither additional additives nor cocatalysts were required and the formation of the corresponding phenol adducts occurred in excellent yields. The process has the single limitation of the inability of less nucleophilic phenols (4‐nitrophenol) to generate the corresponding adducts. Additionally, the reaction is highly diastereoselective. DFT calculations allow a catalytic cycle to be proposed that involves trimetallic intermediates; the rate‐determining step of the reaction is hydroxy‐group elimination in a cobalt–silver trimetallic intermediate.     

Thermal Decomposition of Trialkyl/Arylphosphine Gold(I) Cyanide Complexes

Combined TG/DTA techniques have been used to study the thermal decomposition of R₃PAuCN (where Ris ethyl, cyclohexyl, o-tolyl, m-tolyl, p-tolyl, allyl, cyanoethyl,1-naphthyl and phenyl) complexes. It was observed that all of these complexes underwant decomposition cum redox reactions in the range of 200–600oC with evolution of both transligands, which are phosphine and cyanide, leaving metallic gold as a residue. The thermal decomposition of o-Tol₃PAuCN has revealed that this is a stepwise process. In the first step decomposition takes place with evolution of phosphine and generation of AuCN, which in second step undergoes a redox reaction to produce metallic gold. The DTA curves have also confirmed these results. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Competition of Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution, σ‐Bond Metathesis,and syn Hydrometalation in Titanium(III)‐Catalyzed Hydrodefluorination of Arenes

Several functionalized and non‐functionalized perfluoroarenes were catalytically transformed into their para‐hydrodefluorinated products by using catalytic amounts of titanocene difluoride and stoichiometric amounts diphenylsilane. Turnover numbers of up to 93 were observed. Solution density functional theory calculations at the M06‐2X/TZ(PCM)//M06‐2X/TZ(PCM) level of theory provided insight into the mechanism of Ti^III‐catalyzed aromatic hydrodefluorination. Two different substrate approaches, with a Ti–F interaction (pathway A) and without a Ti–F interaction (pathway B), are possible. Pathway A leads to a σ‐bond metathesis transition state, whereas pathway B proceeds by means of a two‐step mechanism through a syn‐hydrometalation intermediate or through a Meisenheimer intermediate. Both pathways are competitive over a broad range of substrates.