Reactions of PhSCH(2)Li and NCCH(2)Li with benzaldehyde and benzophenone: when does the mechanism change from ET to polar?

The carbonyl-carbon kinetic isotope effect (KIE) and the substituent effect were measured for the reaction of phenylthiomethyllithium (PhSCH(2)Li, 1) with benzaldehyde and benzophenone, and cyanomethyllithium (NCCH(2)Li, 2) with benzaldehyde, and the results were compared with those for other lithium reagents such as MeLi, PhLi, CH(2)=CHCH(2)Li, and CH(2)=C(OLi)C(CH(3))(3). It was previously shown that the reactions of MeLi, PhLi, and CH(2)=CHCH(2)Li proceed via a rate-determining electron transfer (ET) process whereas the reaction of lithium pinacolone enolate goes through the polar (PL) mechanism. The reaction of 1 with benzaldehyde gave no carbonyl-carbon KIE ((12)k/(13)k = 0.999 +/- 0.004), similar to that measured previously for the MeLi reaction with benzophenone ((12)k/(14)k = 1.000). The effect of substituents of the aromatic ring of benzaldehyde and benzophenone on the reactivity gave very small Hammett rho values of 0.17 +/- 0.03 and 0.26 +/- 0.05, respectively. These small rho values are again similar to that observed for the reaction of MeLi. Likewise the reactions of 2 with benzaldehydes gave small KIE and the rho value ((12)k/(13)k = 0.996 +/- 0.004, rho = 0.14 +/- 0.02). Dehalogenation and enone-isomerization probe experiments for 2 showed no evidence for the presence of radical-ion pair of sufficient lifetime during the course of the reaction. It is concluded that the reactions of 1 and 2 with the aromatic carbonyl compounds proceed via the electron transfer-radical coupling mechanism with rate-determining ET as in the reactions of MeLi, PhLi, and CH(2)=CHCH(2)Li.     

Synthesis and structures of cis- and trans-bis(alkyneselenolato)platinum(II) complexes

The reaction of 2 equiv of LiSeCC-n-C(5)H(11) (1) with cis-PtCl(2)(Ph(3)P)(2) (2) gives a mixture of the cis and trans isomers of Pt(Ph(3)P)(2)(SeCC-n-C(5)H(11))(2) (3), which slowly isomerizes in CH(2)Cl(2) to the preferred trans form trans-3. The closely related cis-[Pt(dppf)(2)(SeCC-n-C(5)H(11))(2)] (4) (dppf = bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) was prepared by a similar metathetical reaction using the platinum chloride complex of the chelating dppf to impose the cis geometry. The structures of the cis and trans complexes have been investigated in solution by heteronuclear NMR ((31)P, (77)Se, and (195)Pt) and, in the cases of trans-3 and 4, characterized in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Changing the coordination geometry from cis to trans induces significant changes in the structural and spectroscopic parameters, which do not comply with the previously anticipated donor-acceptor properties of selenolate ligands.     

Competitive formation of cis and trans derivatives in the nucleophilic substitution reactions of cyclophosphazenes having a mono-spiro P-NHR group

Nucleophilic substitution reactions of N(3)P(3)Cl(4)[NH(CH(2))(3)NMe] (1) and N(3)P(3)Cl(4)[NH(CH(2))(3)O] (2) with mono-functional alcohols (methanol, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, phenol) and a secondary amine (pyrrolidine) were used to investigate the relationship between the incoming nucleophile and the proportions of products with substituents that are cis or trans to the spiro NH moiety. The reaction products were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, (1)H and (31)P NMR spectroscopy and the configurational isomers by X-ray crystallography. Six products have been characterised with the substituent cis to the spiro NH group for the alcohol (methanol, phenol) and pyrrolidine derivatives of both compounds 1 and 2, compared to just one derivative with the substituent trans to the spiro NH group, that for the pyrrolidine derivative of compound 2. For each reaction the relative proportions of cis and trans isomers were determined by (31)P NMR measurements of the reaction mixtures. It was found that the reactions of compound 1 with all three alcohols and of compound 2 with methanol lead to exclusive formation of isomers with the substituent cis to the NH moiety, whereas all other reactions lead to mixtures of cis and trans isomers in different ratios under standard reaction conditions. However, when crown ether is included in the reaction medium for the reactions of compound 2 with both 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol and phenol, it is found that only cis isomers are formed. All these results are rationalised in terms of the competition between at least two effects; the cis-directing effect by hydrogen bonding of the incoming nucleophile to the spiro N-H group already present on the cyclophophazene ring and the cis-directing effect of the sodium cation coordinating to the oxygen lone pairs of the P-O moiety of the spiro ring.     

Density functional theory investigations on sulfur ylide promoted cyclopropanation reactions: insights on mechanism and diastereoselection issues

The mechanism and diastereoselectivity of synthetically useful sulfur ylide promoted cyclopropanation reactions have been studied using the density functional theory method. Addition of different substituted ylides (Me2S+CH-R) to enone ((E)-pent-3-en-2-one, MeHC=CH-COMe) has been investigated. The nature of the substituent on the ylidic carbon brings about subtle changes in the reaction profile. The stabilized (R=COMe) and semistabilized (R=Ph) ylides follow a cisoid addition mode, leading to 1,2-trans and 1,2-cis cyclopropanes, respectively, via syn and anti betaine intermediates. The simplest and highly reactive model ylide (R=H) prefers a transoid addition mode. Diastereoselectivity is controlled by the barrier for cisoid-transoid rotation in the case of stabilized ylides, whereas the initial electrophilic addition is found to be the diastereoselectivity-determining step for semistabilized ylides. High selectivity toward trans cyclopropanes with stabilized ylides are predicted on the basis of the relative activation energies of diastereomeric torsional transition states. The energy differences between these transition states could be rationalized with the help of weak intramolecular as well as other stereoelectronic interactions.     

Reactivity and selectivity in the Wittig reaction: a computational study

The salt-free Wittig reaction of non-, semi-, and stabilized ylides has been investigated on realistic systems using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, including continuum solvation. Our results provide unequivocal support for the generally accepted mechanism and are in very good agreement with experimental selectivities. This study shows that E/Z selectivity of non- and semi-stabilized ylides cannot be fully understood without considering the energy of the elimination TS. The influence of ylide stabilization and the nature of phosphorus substituents on reversibility of oxaphosphetane formation is clarified. Unexpectedly, the puckering ability of addition TSs is shown not to depend on ylide stabilization, but the geometry of the TS is decided by an interplay of 1,2; 1,3; and C-H...O interactions in the case of non- and semi-stabilized ylides, whereas a dipole-dipole interaction governs the addition TS structures for stabilized ylides. The well-known influence of ylide stabilization on selectivity of PPh(3) derivatives is explained as follows: in non- and semi-stabilized ylides reactions, cis and trans addition TSs have, respectively, puckered and planar geometries, and selectivity is governed by an interplay of 1,2 and 1,3 interactions. For stabilized ylides, the high E selectivity is due to a strong dipole-dipole interaction at the addition TS. The influence of the nature of phosphorus substituents on selectivity is also detailed, the different behavior of (MeO)(3)PCHCO(2)Me ylides being explained by their lower dipole. This novel picture of the factors determining TS structures and selectivity provides a sound basis for the design of new ylides.     

Mechanism and diastereoselectivity of aziridine formation from sulfur ylides and imines: a computational study

A computational investigation of the title reaction involving semistabilized (R = Ph) and stabilized (R = CO2Me) sulfur ylides has been performed using DFT methods including a continuum model of solvent. Our results provide support for the generally accepted mechanism and are in very good agreement with observed cis/trans selectivities. This study shows that betaine formation is nonreversible, and that selectivity is thereby determined at the initial addition step, in the case of semistabilized ylides. Our analysis indicates moreover that addition TS structures are governed by the steric strain induced by the N-sulfonyl group, which favors the transoid approach in the case of syn betaine formation and the cisoid mode of addition in anti TSs. The observed low trans selectivity is accounted for by the favorable Coulombic interactions and stabilization by C-H...O hydrogen bonding allowed in the cisoid anti addition TS. In the case of stabilized ylides, the endothermicity of betaine formation combined with the high barrier to ring closure render the elimination step rate- and selectivity-determining. Accordingly, the low cis selectivity observed in stabilized ylide reactions is explained by the lower steric strain in the elimination step generated by the formation of the cis aziridine (as compared to the trans case).     

Computational investigations on the general reaction profile and diastereoselectivity in sulfur ylide promoted aziridination

Mechanism and diastereoselectivity of sulfur ylide promoted aziridination reactions were studied by density functional theory with inclusion of solvent effects through the continuum solvation model. The general reaction pathway was modeled for the addition of substituted sulfur ylides (Me(2)S(+)CH(-)R) to an aldimine ((E)-methyl ethylidenecarbamate, MeHC=NCO(2)Me). The nature of the substituents on the ylidic carbon atom substantially affects the reaction profile. The stabilized (R=COMe) and semistabilized (R=Ph) ylides follow a cisoid addition mode leading to trans aziridines via anti betaine intermediates. The simplest model ylide (unstabilized, R=H) underwent cisoid addition in a similar fashion. In the case of stabilized ylides product diastereoselectivity is controlled by the barriers of the elimination step leading to the 2,3-trans aziridine, whereas it is decided in the addition step in the case of semistabilized ylides. The importance of steric and electronic factors in diastereoselective addition (2 and 5) and elimination (5) transition states was established. Comparison of results obtained with the gas-phase optimized geometries and with the fully optimized solvent-phase geometries reveals that the inclusion of solvent effects does not bring about any dramatic changes in the reaction profiles for all three kinds of ylides. In particular, diastereoselectivity for both kinds of ylides was found to be nearly the same in both these approaches.     

Double silyl migration converting ORe[N(SiMe(2)CH(2)PCy(2))(2)] to NRe[O(SiMe(2)CH(2)PCy(2))(2)] substructures

The reaction of (R(2)PCH(2)SiMe(2))(2)NM (PNP(R)M; R = Cy; M = Li, Na, MgHal, Ag) with L(2)ReOX(3) [L(2) = (Ph(3)P)(2) or (Ph(3)PO)(Me(2)S); X = Cl, Br] gives (PNP(Cy))ReOX(2) as two isomers, mer,trans and mer,cis. These compounds undergo a double Si migration from N to O at 90 degrees C to form (POP(Cy))ReNX(2) as a mixture of mer,trans and fac,cis isomers. Additional thermolysis effects migration of CH(3) from Si to Re, along with compensating migration of halide from Re to Si. DFT calculations on various structural isomers support the greater thermodynamic stability of the POP/ReN isomer vs PNP/ReO and highlight the influence of the template effect on the reactivities of these species.     

A new route to diastereomerically pure cyclopropanes utilizing stabilized phosphorus ylides and gamma-hydroxy enones derived from 1, 2-dioxines: mechanistic investigations and scope of reaction

A new chemical transformation for the construction of diversely functionalized cyclopropanes utilizing 1,2-dioxines and stabilized phosphorus ylides as the key precursors is presented. Through a series of mechanistic studies we have elucidated a clear understanding of the hitherto unknown complex relationship between 1, 2-dioxines 1a-e, and their isomeric cis/trans gamma-hydroxy enones (23 and 21a-e), cis/trans hemiacetals 24a-e, and beta-ketoepoxides (e.g., 26), and how these precursors can be utilized to construct diversely functionalized cyclopropanes. Furthermore, several new synthetically useful routes to these structural isomers are presented. Key features of the cyclopropanation include the ylide acting as a mild base inducing the ring opening of the 1,2-dioxines to their isomeric cis gamma-hydroxy enones 23a-e, followed by Michael addition of the ylide to the cis gamma-hydroxy enones 23a-e and attachment of the electrophilic phosphorus pole of the ylide to the hydroxyl moiety, affording the intermediate 1-2lambda(5)-oxaphospholanes 4 and setting up the observed cis stereochemistry between H1 and H3. Cyclization of the resultant enolate (30a or 30b), expulsion of triphenylphosphine oxide, and proton transfer from the reaction manifold affords the observed cyclopropanes in excellent diastereomeric excess. The utilization of Co(SALEN)(2) in a catalytic manner also allows for a dramatic acceleration of reaction rates when entering the reaction manifold from the 1,2-dioxines. While cyclopropanation is favored by the use of ester-stabilized ylides, the use of keto- or aldo-stabilized ylides results in a preference for 1,4-dicarbonyl formation through a competing Kornblum-De La Mare rearrangement of the intermediate hemiacetals. This finding can be attributed to subtle differences in ylide basicity/nucleophilicity. In addition, the use of doubly substituted ester ylides allows for the incorporation of another stereogenic center within the side chain. Finally, our studies have revealed that the isomeric trans gamma-hydroxy enones and the beta-keto epoxides are not involved in the cyclopropanation process; however, they do represent an alternative entry point into this reaction manifold.     

Unusual neutral ligand coordination to arsenic and antimony trifluoride

The preparations and spectroscopic characterisation of the hydrolytically unstable As(III) complexes, [AsF(3)(OPR(3))(2)] (R = Me or Ph) and [AsF(3){Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2)}] are described and represent the first examples of complexes of AsF(3) with neutral ligands. The crystal structure of [AsF(3){Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2)}] contains dimers with bridging diphosphine dioxide, but there are also long contacts between the dimers to neighbouring phosphine oxide groups, completing a very distorted six-coordination at arsenic and producing a weakly associated polymer structure. The reaction of AsF(3) with OAsPh(3) affords Ph(3)AsF(2), and no arsine oxide complex was formed. Reaction of SbF(3) with OER(3) (R = Me or Ph, E = P or As), Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2) and Ph(2)P(O)(CH(2))(n)P(O)Ph(2) (n = 1 or 2) in MeOH produces [SbF(3)(OER(3))(2)], [SbF(3){Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2)}] and [SbF(3){Ph(2)P(O)(CH(2))(n)P(O)Ph(2)}] respectively. The X-ray structures reveal that the complexes contain square pyramidal SbF(3)O(2) cores with apical F and cis disposed pnictogen oxides. However, whilst [SbF(3)(OER(3))(2)] (R = Ph: E = P or As; R = Me: E = As) and [SbF(3){Ph(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Ph(2)}] are monomeric, [SbF(3){Me(2)P(O)CH(2)P(O)Me(2)}] is a dimer with bridging diphosphine dioxides producing a twelve-membered ring, and [SbF(3){Ph(2)P(O)(CH(2))(2)P(O)Ph(2)}] is a chain polymer with diphosphine dioxide bridges. In the OAsR(3) reactions with SbF(3), R(3)AsF(2) are also formed. Notably the Sb-O(P) bonds are shorter than As-O(P), despite the covalent radii (As < Sb), consistent with very weak coordination of the AsF(3). IR and multinuclear ((1)H, (19)F and (31)P) NMR data are reported and discussed. BiF(3) does not react with pnictogen oxide ligands under similar conditions and halide exchange of bismuth chloro complexes with Me(3)SnF gave BiF(3).     

Ring-closing metathesis reactions of terminal alkene-derived cyclic phosphazenes

The first examples of ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reactions of a series of terminal alkene-derived cyclic phosphazenes have been carried out. The tetrakis-, hexakis-, and octakis(allyloxy)cyclophosphazenes (NPPh(2))(NP(OCH(2)CH=CH(2))(2))(2) (1), N(3)P(3)(OCH(2)CH=CH(2))(6) (2), and N(4)P(4)(OCH(2)CH=CH(2))(8) (3) and the tetrakis(allyloxy)-S-phenylthionylphosphazene (NS(O)Ph)[NP(OCH(2)CH=CH(2))(2)](2) (4) were prepared by the reactions of CH(2)=CHCH(2)ONa with the cyclophosphazenes (NPPh(2))(NPCl(2))(2), N(3)P(3)Cl(6), and N(4)P(4)Cl(8) and the S-phenylthionylphosphazene (NS(O)Ph)(NPCl(2))(2). The reactions of 1-4 with Grubbs first-generation olefin metathesis catalyst Cl(2)Ru=CHPh(PCy(3))(2) resulted in the selective formation of seven-membered di-, tri-, and tetraspirocyclic phosphazene compounds (NPPh(2))[NP(OCH(2)CH=CHCH(2)O)](2) (5), N(3)P(3)(OCH(2)CH=CHCH(2)O)(3) (6), and N(4)P(4)(OCH(2)CH=CHCH(2)O)(4) (7) and the dispirocyclic S-phenylthionylphosphazene compound (NS(O)Ph)[NP(OCH(2)CH=CHCH(2)O)](2) (8). X-ray structural studies of 5-8 indicated that the double bond of the spiro-substituted cycloalkene units is in the cis orientation in these compounds. In contrast to the reactions of 1-4, RCM reactions of the homoallyloxy-derived cyclophosphazene and thionylphosphazene (NPPh(2))[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(2)](2) (9) and (NS(O)Ph)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(2)](2) (10) with the same catalyst resulted in the formation of 11-membered diansa compounds NPPh(2)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CHCH(2)CH(2)O)](2) (11) and (NS(O)Ph)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CHCH(2)CH(2)O)](2) (13) and the intermolecular doubly bridged ansa-dibino-ansa compounds 12 and 14. The X-ray structural studies of compounds 11 and 13 indicated that the double bonds of the ansa-substituted cycloalkene units are in the trans orientation in these compounds. The geminal bis(homoallyloxy)tetraphenylcyclotriphosphazene [NPPh(2)](2)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(2)] (15) upon RCM with Grubbs first- and second-generation catalysts gave the spirocyclic product [NPPh(2)](2)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CHCH(2)CH(2)O)] (16) along with the geminal dibino-substituted dimeric compound [NPPh(2)](2)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CHCH(2)CH(2)O)(2)PN][NPPh(2)](2) (17) as the major product. The dibino compound 17, upon reaction with the Grubbs second-generation catalyst, was found to undergo a unique ring-opening metathesis reaction, opening up the bino bridges and partially converting to the spirocyclic compound 16.     

Rhodium-hydrido-benzylamine-triphenylphosphine complexes: solid-state and solution structures and implications in catalyzed imine hydrogenation

The complexes cis,trans,cis-[Rh(H)(2)(PPh(3))(2)(NH(2)CH(2)Ph)(2)]PF(6) (1) and cis-[Rh(PPh(3))(2)(NH(2)CH(2)Ph)(2)]PF(6) (2) are characterized by X-ray crystallography; the structures are maintained in CH(2)Cl(2) where the species are in equilibrium under H(2). In MeOH and in acetone, loss of amine and/or H(2) can occur. Traces of 1 and 2 are present after a Rh-catalyzed H(2)-hydrogenation of PhCH=NCH(2)Ph in MeOH, where the amine is generated by hydrolysis of the imine substrate through adventitious water. The findings are relevant to catalyst poisoning in the catalytic process.     

Reactions of N-silylphosphoranimines with alcohols: synthesis and structure of cyclotriphosphazenes with nongeminal methyl and phenyl substituents

The reactions of Me(3)SiN=P(OR")RR'(R" = Ph, CH(2)CF(3); R, R' = Me, Ph) with alcohols were investigated. With nonequivalent amounts of CF(3)CH(2)OH, the reactions produced high yields of the cyclic phosphazene (Me(2)PN)(3) and both the cis and trans isomers of nongeminally substituted [(Ph)(Me)PN](3). The isomers of this new cyclic phosphazene were separated by column chromatography and characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. Crystals of the cis isomer 6a have a monoclinic crystal system, while the trans isomer 6b has a triclinic crystal system with two different molecules in an asymmetric unit. The bond lengths and bond angles are very similar to those of the simpler cyclic trimers (Me(2)PN)(3) and (Ph(2)PN)(3.) A likely pathway for the formation of these compounds is discussed.     

Large effects of ion pairing and protonic-hydridic bonding on the stereochemistry and basicity of crown-, azacrown-, and cryptand-222-potassium salts of anionic tetrahydride complexes of iridium(III)

The compounds [K(Q)][IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)] (Q = 18-crown-6, R = Ph, (i)Pr, Cy; Q = aza-18-crown-6, R = (i)Pr; Q = 1,10-diaza-18-crown-6, R = Ph, (i)Pr, Cy; Q = cryptand-222, R = (i)Pr, Cy) were formed in the reactions of IrH(5)(PR(3))(2) with KH and Q. In solution, the stereochemistry of the salts of [IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)](-) is surprisingly sensitive to the countercation: either trans as the potassium cryptand-222 salts (R = Cy, (i)Pr) or exclusively cis (R = Cy, Ph) as the crown- and azacrown-potassium salts or a mixture of cis and trans (R = (i)Pr). There is IR evidence for protonic-hydridic bonding between the NH of the aza salts and the iridium hydride in solution. In single crystals of [K(18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(PR(3))(2)] (R = Ph, (i)Pr) and [K(aza-18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)], the potassium bonds to three hydrides on a face of the iridium octahedron according to X-ray diffraction studies. Significantly, [K(1,10-diaza-18-crown-6)][trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] crystallizes in a chain structure held together by protonic-hydridic bonds. In [K(1,10-diaza-18-crown-6)][cis-IrH(4)(PPh(3))(2)], the potassium bonds to two hydrides so that one NH can form an intra-ion-pair protonic-hydridic hydrogen bond while the other forms an inter-ion-pair NH.HIr hydrogen bond to form chains through the lattice. Thus, there is a competition between the potassium and NH groups in forming bonds with the hydrides on iridium. The more basic P(i)R(3) complex has the lower N-H stretch in the IR spectrum because of stronger N[bond]H...HIr hydrogen bonding. The trans complexes have very low Ir-H wavenumbers (1670-1680) due to the trans hydride ligands. The [K(cryptand)](+) salt of [trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)](-) reacts with WH(6)(PMe(2)Ph)(3) (pK(alpha)(THF) 42) to give an equilibrium (K(eq) = 1.6) with IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) and [WH(5)(PMe(2)Ph)(3)](-) while the same reaction of WH(6)(PMe(2)Ph)(3) with the [K(18-crown-6)](+) salt of [cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)](-) has a much larger equilibrium constant (K(eq) = 150) to give IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2) and [WH(5)(PMe(2)Ph)(3)](-); therefore, the tetrahydride anion displays an unprecedented increase (about 100-fold) in basicity with a change from [K(crypt)](+) to [K(crown)](+) countercation and a change from trans to cis stereochemistry. The acidity of the pentahydrides decrease in THF as IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)/[K(crypt)][trans-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 42) > IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2)/[K(crypt)][trans-IrH(4)(PCy(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 43) > IrH(5)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)/[K(crown)][cis-IrH(4)(P(i)Pr(3))(2)] (pK(alpha)(THF) = 44) > IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2)/[K(crown)][cis-IrH(4)(PCy(3))(2)]. The loss of PCy(3) from IrH(5)(PCy(3))(2) can result in mixed ligand complexes and H/D exchange with deuterated solvents. Reductive cleavage of P-Ph bonds is observed in some preparations of the PPh(3) complexes.     

Asymmetric inter- and intramolecular cyclopropanation of alkenes catalyzed by chiral ruthenium porphyrins. Synthesis and crystal structure of a chiral metalloporphyrin carbene complex.

Extensive investigations of asymmetric intermolecular cyclopropanation of terminal alkenes with diazoacetates catalyzed by ruthenium porphyrin [Ru(P*)(CO)(EtOH)] (1, H2P = 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[(1S,4R,5R,8S)-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-1,4:5,8-dimethanoanthracene-9-yl]porphyrin) and the application of catalyst 1 to asymmetric intramolecular cyclopropanation of allylic or homoallylic diazoacetates are described. The intermolecular cyclopropanation of styrene and its derivatives with ethyl diazoacetate afforded the corresponding cyclopropyl esters in up to 98% ee with high trans/cis ratios of up to 36 and extremely high catalyst turnovers of up to 1.1 x 10(4). Examination of the effects of temperature, diazoacetate, solvent, and substituent in the intermolecular cyclopropanation reveals that (i) both enantioselectivity and trans selectivity increase with decreasing temperature, (ii) sterically encumbered diazoacetates N2CHCO2R, such as R = Bu(t), and donor solvents, such as diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran, are beneficial to the trans selectivity, and (iii) electron-donating para substituents on styrene accelerate the cyclopropanations, with the log(k(X)/k(H)) vs sigma(+) plot for para-substituted styrenes p-X-C6H4CH=CH2 (X = MeO, Me, Cl, CF3) exhibiting good linearity with a small negative rho(+) value of -0.44 +/- 0.09. In the case of intramolecular cyclopropanation, complex 1 promoted the decomposition of a series of allylic diazoacetates to form the cyclopropyl lactones in up to 85% ee, contributing the first efficient metalloporphyrin catalyst for an asymmetric intramolecular cyclopropanation. Both the inter- and intramolecular cyclopropanations were proposed to proceed via a reactive chiral ruthenium carbene intermediate. The enantioselectivities in these processes were rationalized on the basis of the X-ray crystal structures of closely related stable chiral carbene complexes [Ru(P*)(CPh2)] (2) and [Ru(P*)(C(Ph)CO2CH2CH=CH2)] (3) obtained from reactions of complex 1 with N2CPh2 and N2C(Ph)CO2CH2CH=CH2, respectively.     

Complexes of germanium(IV) fluoride with phosphane ligands: structural and spectroscopic authentication of germanium(IV) phosphane complexes

The first phosphane complexes of germanium(iv) fluoride, trans-[GeF(4)(PR(3))(2)] (R = Me or Ph) and cis-[GeF(4)(diphosphane)] (diphosphane = R(2)P(CH(2))(2)PR(2), R = Me, Et, Ph or Cy; o-C(6)H(4)(PR(2))(2), R = Me or Ph) have been prepared from [GeF(4)(MeCN)(2)] and the ligands in dry CH(2)Cl(2) and characterised by microanalysis, IR, Raman, (1)H, (19)F{(1)H} and (31)P{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of [GeF(4)(diphosphane)] (diphosphane = Ph(2)P(CH(2))(2)PPh(2) and o-C(6)H(4)(PMe(2))(2)) have been determined and show the expected cis octahedral geometries. In anhydrous CH(2)Cl(2) solution the complexes are slowly converted into the corresponding phosphane oxide adducts by dry O(2). The apparently contradictory literature on the reaction of GeCl(4) with phosphanes is clarified. The complexes trans-[GeCl(4)(AsR(3))(2)] (R = Me or Et) are obtained from GeCl(4) and AsR(3) either without solvent or in CH(2)Cl(2), and the structures of trans-[GeCl(4)(AsEt(3))(2)] and Et(3)AsCl(2) determined. Unexpectedly, the complexes of GeF(4) with arsane ligands are very unstable and have not been isolated in a pure state. The behaviour of the germanium(iv) halides towards phosphane and arsane ligands are compared with the corresponding silicon(iv) and tin(iv) systems.     

Theoretical study on the substituent effect of a Wittig reaction

The substituent effects of F, H and methyl (Me) in replacement of phenyl (Ph) groups bonding with the ylide phosphorus in Wittig reactions have been examined theoretically by performing ab intio calculations. It is shown that the energy barrier for the Wittig reaction with F as the substituent is much higher than that with H, Me and Ph. The Wittig reaction is found to be more favorable with the substituent in the order F<H<Ph<Me. The reactions are found to proceed through two transition states: the formation and the decomposition of oxaphosphetane. We conclude that only the model of the Wittig reaction in which Ph is simplified to Me can reasonably describe the real Wittig reaction. Received: 7 August 2001 / Accepted: 25 October 2001 / Published online: 22 March 2002     

New diphosphine ligands containing ethyleneglycol and amino alcohol spacers for the rhodium-catalyzed carbonylation of methanol

The new diphosphine ligands Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)C(O)X(CH(2))(2)OC(O)C(6)H(4)PPh(2) (1: X=NH; 2: X=NPh; 3: X=O) and Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)C(O)O(CH(2))(2)O(CH(2))(2)OC(O)C(6)H(4)PPh(2) (5) as well as the monophosphine ligand Ph(2)PC(6)H(4)C(O)X(CH(2))(2)OH (4) have been prepared from 2-diphenylphosphinobenzoic acid and the corresponding amino alcohols or diols. Coordination of the diphosphine ligands to rhodium, iridium, and platinum resulted in the formation of the square-planar complexes [(Pbond;P)Rh(CO)Cl] (6: Pbond;P=1; 7: Pbond;P=2; 8: Pbond;P=3), [(Pbond;P)Rh(CO)Cl](2) (9: Pbond;P=5), [(P-P)Ir(cod)Cl] (10: Pbond;P=1; 11: Pbond;P=2; 12: Pbond;P=3), [(Pbond;P)Ir(CO)Cl] (13: Pbond;P=1; 14: Pbond;P=2; 15: Pbond;P=3), and [(Pbond;P)PtI(2)] (18: Pbond;P=2). In all complexes, the diphosphine ligands are trans coordinated to the metal center, thanks to the large spacer groups, which allow the two phosphorus atoms to occupy opposite positions in the square-planar coordination geometry. The trans coordination is demonstrated unambiguously by the single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of complex 18. In the case of the diphosphine ligand 5, the spacer group is so large that dinuclear complexes with ligand 5 in bridging positions are formed, maintaining the trans coordination of the P atoms on each metal center, as shown by the crystal structure analysis of 9. The monophosphine ligand 4 reacts with [[Ir(cod)Cl](2)] (cod=cyclooctadiene) to give the simple derivative [(4)Ir(cod)Cl] (16) which is converted into the carbonyl complex [(4)Ir(CO)(2)Cl] (17) with carbon monoxide. The crystal structure analysis of 16 also reveals a square-planar coordination geometry in which the phosphine ligand occupies a position cis with respect to the chloro ligand. The diphosphine ligands 1, 2, 3, and 5 have been tested as cocatalysts in combination with the catalyst precursors [[Rh(CO)(2)Cl](2)] and [[Ir(cod)Cl](2)] or [H(2)IrCl(6)] for the carbonylation of methanol at 170 degrees C and 22 bar CO. The best results (TON 800 after 15 min) are obtained for the combination 2/[[Rh(CO)(2)Cl](2)]. After the catalytic reaction, complex 7 is identified in the reaction mixture and can be isolated; it is active for further runs without loss of catalytic activity.     

Mechanism and electronic effects in nitrogen ylide-promoted asymmetric aziridination reaction

The mechanism and stereoselectivity of the aziridination reaction between guanidinium ylide and a series of para-substituted benzaldehydes have been studied by using density functional theory methods. The mechanistic details and analyses of the key elementary steps involved in (a) the addition of nitrogen ylide to benzaldehydes and (b) subsequent fragmentation of the resulting oxaspirocyclic intermediate are presented. The relative energies of important transition states and intermediates are found to be useful toward rationalizing reported diastereoselective product formation. The relative energies of the key transition states could be rationalized on the basis of the differences in steric, electrostatic, and other stabilizing weak interactions. The deformation analysis of the transition state geometries exhibited good correlation with the predicted activation barriers. The changes in cis/trans diastereoselectivity preferences upon changes in the electron donating/withdrawing abilities of the para substituents on benzaldehyde are identified as arising due to vital differences in the preferred pathways. The large value of reaction constant (ρ > 4.8) estimated from the slope of good linear Hammett plots indicated high sensitivity to the electronic nature of substituents on benzaldehyde. The formation of trans-aziridine in the case of strong electron donating groups and cis-aziridines with weakly electron donating/withdrawing group has been explained by the likely changes in the mechanistic course of the reaction. In general, the predicted trends are found to be in good agreement with the earlier experimental reports.     

Study of ruthenium(II) complexes with anticancer drugs as ligands. Design of metal-based phototherapeutic agents

The reaction of trans-[RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(3)] (Ph = C(6)H(5)) with 2-thio-1,3-pyrimidine (HTPYM) and 6-thiopurines (TPs) produced mainly crystalline solids that consist of cis,cis,trans-[Ru(PPh(3))(2)(N,S-TPYM)(2)] (1) and cis,cis,trans-[Ru(PPh(3))(2)(N(7),S-TPs)(2)]X(2) (X = Cl(-), CF(3)SO(3)(-)). In the case of TPs, other coordination isomers have never been isolated and reported. Instead, the mother liquor obtained after filtration of 1 produced red single crystals of trans,cis,cis-[Ru(PPh(3))(2)(N,S-TPYM)(2)].2H(3)O(+).2Cl(-) (2.2H(3)O(+).2Cl(-)). Selected ruthenium(II)-thiobase complexes were studied for their structural, reactivity, spectroscopic, redox, and cytotoxic properties. Single crystals of 1 contain thiopyrimidinato anions chelated to the metal center via N and S. The Ru[bond]N bonds are significantly elongated for 1 [2.122(2) and 2.167(2) A] with respect to 2 [2.063(3) A] because of the trans influence from PPh(3). The coordination pseudo-octahedron for 2 is significantly elongated at the apical sites (PPh(3) ligands). Solutions of cis,cis,trans isomers in air are stable for weeks, whereas those of 2 turn green within 24 h, in agreement with the respective redox potentials. cis,cis,trans- and trans,cis,cis-[Ru(PH(3))(2)(N,S-TPYM)(2)], as optimized through the DFT methods at the Becke3LYP level are in good agreement with experimental geometrical parameters (1 and 2), with cis,cis,trans being more stable than trans,cis,cis by 3.88 kcal. The trend is confirmed by molecular modeling based on semiempirical (ZINDO/1) and molecular mechanics (MM) methods. Cytotoxic activity measurements for cis,cis,trans-[Ru(PPh(3))(N-THZ)(N(7),S -H(2)TP)(2)]Cl(2) (4) (THZ = thiazole, H(2)TP = 6-thiopurine) and cis,cis,trans-[Ru(PPh(3))(2)(N(7),S-HTPR)2]Cl(2) (5) (HTPR = 6-thiopurine riboside) against ovarian cancer cells A2780/S gave IC(50) values of 17 +/- 1 and 29 +/- 9 microM, respectively. Furthermore, the spectral analysis of HTPYM, TPs, and their Ru(II) complexes in solution shows that intense absorptions occur in the UVA/vis region of light, whereas standard nucleobases absorb in the UVB region.