Asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketones using in situ generated oxazaborolidines derived from amino alcohols of (1R)-camphor as catalysts

Chiral oxazaborolidines generated in situ from 1,2-amino alcohols and amino alcohol derivatives derived from (1R)-(+)-camphor and borane or trimethyl borate were used as catalysts for the enantioselective reduction of prochiral ketones.     

Stereochemistry of terpene derivatives. Part 8: synthesis of novel terpenoids from (1S,4R)- and (1R,4S)-fenchone and their comparative odour characteristics

O-alkylation of (+) and (−)-fenchone oximes with various alkyl halides led to 20 novel ethers. Better results were obtained when mild reaction conditions were employed (i.e., aprotic, polar solvent and room temperature). The hydrolytic kinetic resolution of the O-glycidyl derivative was carried out using cobalt-salen catalysts. The best results were obtained when using (−)-(R,R)-catalyst: (−)-(R)-isomer was obtained with >90% de. The use of a (+)-(S,S)-catalyst gave the (−)-(S)-epoxide with only 67% de. However, the (S)-epoxide was obtained with >90% de when the (−)-(R)-diol was subjected to the Mitsunobu reaction. Significant fragrance diversity was observed between the homologous series of fenchone oxime ethers. More agreeable are scents of ethers derived from (−)-fenchone oxime. Their odours range from turpentine like and resinous to vegetable, floral or woody whereas the scents of (+)-ethers range from turpentine, resinous to onion like and slightly floral.     

Rhodium complexes of (R)-Me-CATPHOS and (R)-(S)-JOSIPHOS: highly enantioselective catalysts for the asymmetric hydrogenation of (E)- and (Z)-β-aryl-β-(enamido)phosphonates

Rhodium complexes of (R)-Me-CATPHOS and (R)-(S)-JOSIPHOS form a complementary pair of catalysts for the highly efficient asymmetric hydrogenation of a selection of (E)- and (Z)-β-aryl-β-(enamido)phosphonates, respectively, in the majority of cases giving excellent yields and ee’s in excess of 99%; the highest to be reported for this class of substrate.     

Synthesis of (R)- and (S)-4-hydroxyisophorone by ruthenium-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketoisophorone

The first synthesis of (R)- and (S)-4-hydroxyisophorone by catalytic transfer hydrogenation of ketoisophorone is reported. Ruthenium catalysts containing commercially available chiral amino alcohols afforded 4-hydroxyisophorone in up to 97% selectivity and 97% ee. (R)- or (S)-4-Hydroxyisophorones with >99% ee were isolated by crystallization. The catalyst precursors [RuCl₂((S,R)-ADPE)(η⁶-p-cymene)] ((S,R)-ADPE=(1S,2R)-amino-1,2-diphenylethanol-N) and (R_Ru)-[RuCl((S,R)-ADPE⁻¹)(η⁶-p-cymene)] (ADPE⁻¹=amino-1,2-diphenylethanolato-N,O) were isolated for the first time and the X-ray crystal structure of the latter determined.     

Selective performance of sol-gel synthesised titanium dioxide photocatalysts in aqueous oxidation of various-type organic pollutants

Photocatalysts synthesized by sol-gel method inevitably incorporate carbon together with dopants. The objective of the research consists in the synthesis and testing of photocatalytic activity of carbon-containing titanium dioxide photocatalysts calcinated at various temperatures. The optical and structural properties of the catalysts were also studied. The activity was tested in visible light in aqueous photocatalytic oxidation of three various-type pollutants, methyl-tert-butyl ether, p-toluidine and phenol, where the divergent character of the C-TiO₂ catalysts was distinctively observed: methyl-tert-butyl ether and p-toluidine were oxidized with the efficiency close to or even surpassing that of UV-irradiated P25 (Evonik), whereas phenol was oxidized poorly. The observed photocatalytic activity, where quantum efficiency varied from 0.6 to 2.3 and from 0.1 to 1.2% for p-toluidine and phenol degradation respectively, may be explained by the different electrostatic properties of the catalysts’ surface and the tested substances, i.e. their interaction. This compromises the widespread usage of phenol as a reference substance for comparison of catalytic activities of catalysts.     

Synthesis of phenoxy-ester titanium complexes with different R1 and R2 substituents and their catalytic properties

A series of phenoxy-ester ligated titanium complexes with different R₁ and R₂ substituents was synthesized. The structures of 3-silylsubstituted salicylate ligands and their corresponding titanium complexes were characterized using infrared spectrometer, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometer. The novel [O, O] bidentate coordination compounds with different R₁ and R₂ substituents were then used as the catalysts for ethylene-propylene copolymerization together with ⁱBu₃A1/Ph₃CB(C₆F₅)₄ as the cocatalysts in toluene. The correlations between R₁, R₂ substituents of titanium complexes and polymerization activity, polymer molecular weight were studied. The catalytic activity of titanium complex was observed to decline with increasing the size of R₂, whereas the copolymers with higher molecular weight were synthesized using the titanium complex with larger R₁ substituent. The ethylene propylene copolymers prepared using different titanium complex catalysts were all random copolymers.     

Gallium-containing catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of organic compounds

A method was developed for introducing gallium into Mg-Al hydrotalcites—precursors of oxide catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes. Samples of oxide catalysts were synthesized that contained gallium oxide and also oxides of magnesium, aluminum, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, and niobium in various combinations. The catalytic properties of the produced catalysts were studied in the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane, propane, isobutane, and hexane. It was established that the addition of gallium to catalysts increases the ethylene and propylene yields in the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane and propane. New hydroxo salts with a layered structure of the hydrotalcite type were synthesized: ternary magnesium gallium aluminum hydroxonitrate of variable composition [Al_{1 ? n} Ga _n Mg _m (OH)_{3 + 2m ? 1}][NO₃ · nH₂O] and quaternary magnesium gallium chromium aluminum hydroxonitrate of the composition [AlGaCrMg_1.8(OH)_11.6][NO₃ · nH₂O]; these salts were found to be isostructural.     

Structural and electrocatalytic properties of Pt/C and Pt-Ni/C catalysts prepared by electrochemical dispersion

The structural and electrocatalytic properties of Pt/C and Pt-Ni/C catalysts prepared by the electrochemical dispersion of metals under the action of pulse alternating current in a solution of NaOH were studied. Using X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning and transmission electron microscopy, it was found that the synthesized Pt/C catalysts contained active constituent particles with the average size D ₁₁₁ = 10.6 nm with a predominantly cubic shape. Upon the dispersion of a Pt₃Ni alloy, the Pt-Ni/C catalyst containing the particles of a stoichiometric metal phase of Pt₃Ni (D ₁₁₁ = 9.6 nm) and also Pt _x Ni particles (x > 3) enriched in platinum (D ₁₁₁ = 8.1 nm). The synthesized catalysts possessed high electrocatalytic activity and stability in the reaction of methanol oxidation. The characteristics of these catalysts as anodes in the membrane-electronic unit of a hydrogen-air solid-polymer fuel cell were studied.     

On the structure and cure acceleration of phenol-urea-formaldehyde resins with different catalysts

Phenol-urea-formaldehyde (PUF) resins with different catalysts [calcium oxide (CaO), sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), zinc oxide (ZnO), and magnesium oxide (MgO)] were prepared to accelerate the cure of the resin at low temperature. The cure-acceleration effects of catalysts on chemical structure and cure characteristics of PUF resins were investigated by using both liquid ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The liquid ¹³C NMR analysis indicated that the catalyst such as CaO seemed to present a retarded effect on the polycondensation reaction of phenolic components with urea units, while the Na₂CO₃ appeared to promote the self-condensation reaction of phenolic methylol groups at para position toward the formation of para-para methylene linkage. Both ZnO and MgO in PUF resins promoted self-condensation reaction of para methylol groups and condensation reaction of ortho methylol groups with para methylol groups. The catalysts such as Na₂CO₃, ZnO, and MgO can make PUF resins cure at a low temperature. Among these catalysts, the MgO had the most significant accelerating effect on polycondensation and cure reaction of PUF resin.     

Polyisobutylene-supported N-heterocyclic carbene palladium catalysts

This paper describes how the nonpolar polymer polyisobutylene (PIB) can be used as a handle to prepare PIB-bound NHC ligands that are soluble in monophasic mixtures of mixed solvents but phase separable when such solvent systems are perturbed to be biphasic. The results here show that such PIB-bound NHC ligands can be used to synthesize useful palladium catalysts. In this paper, both PIB-bound analogs of an N,N′-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) heterocyclic carbene and simpler N,N′-dialkyl heterocyclic carbene ligand were prepared and were successfully used to form palladium cross-coupling catalysts. The reactivity, recycling and reusability of these catalysts has been examined.     

Preparation and use of MeO-PEG-supported chiral diphosphine ligands: soluble polymer-supported catalysts for asymmetric hydrogenation

Two new chiral MeO-PEG-supported (R)-BINAP and (3R,4R)-Pyrphos ligands were synthesized and employed in the Ru(II)- and Rh(I)-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of 2-(6′-methoxy-2′-naphthyl)propenoic acid 5 and prochiral enamides 10. The results showed that these new soluble polymeric catalysts exhibited high catalytic activity and enantioselectivity. Enantiomeric excesses (e.e.s) in the ranges 90–96% and 86–96% were achieved in the hydrogenation of 5 and 10, respectively. Furthermore, these catalysts could be recovered easily and the recycled catalysts were shown to maintain their efficiency in subsequent reactions.     

Indium-containing catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of organic compounds

For the first time, a method was developed for introducing indium into Mg-Al hydrotalcites—precursors of oxide catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes. Samples of oxide catalysts were synthesized that contained indium oxide and also oxides of magnesium, aluminum, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, and niobium in various combinations. The catalytic properties of the produced catalysts were studied in the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane, propane, and isobutane. It was established that the introduction of indium into catalysts increases the selectivity and the yields of desired products. New hydroxo salts with a layered structure of the hydrotalcite type were synthesized: [Al_{1 ? n} In _n Mg _m (OH)_{3 + 2m ? 1}][(NO₃) · nH₂O] and quaternary magnesium indium chromium aluminum hydroxonitrate of the composition [Al_0.5In_0.5Cr_0.5Mg_2.5(OH)_8.5][(NO₃) · nH₂O]; these salts were found to be isostructural. The obtained compounds were studied as catalyst precursors.     

Recent topics in the desymmetrization of meso-diols

The desymmetrization of meso compounds is one of the most effective strategies for asymmetric synthesis. This digest focuses on recent progress in the desymmetrization of meso-diols and their derivatives. The topics discussed here include methods for the enzymatic acylation of meso-diols and the hydrolysis of meso-diesters, acylation, related reactions of meso-diols with organocatalysts and metal catalysts, the oxidation of meso-diols by enzymes, organocatalysts, and metal catalysts, and the desymmetrization of meso-dicarbamates with metal catalysts. The desymmetrization of meso-diols using tandem reactions is also discussed.     

Chiral terpene auxiliaries IV: new monoterpene PHOX ligands and their application in the catalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones

New PHOX ligands, derived in three steps from (1R,2S,3R,5R)-3-amino-apopinan-2-ol 1 and (1R,2R,3S,5R)-3-amino-pinan-2-ol 2 were applied as chiral ligands for the formation of ruthenium catalysts. The catalysts were used in asymmetric transfer hydrogenations of prochiral ketones producing the corresponding alcohols in moderate to high yields and enantioselectivity.     

New heterogenized C2-symmetric bis(sulfonamide)-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine-RhCp∗ complexes and their application in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of ketones in water

C₂-symmetric bis(sulfonamide) ligands derived from chiral trans-(1R,2R)-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine were immobilized on silica gel and on polystyrene resin, and complexed to Rh^IIICp∗. The resulting complexes were used as catalysts in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of acetophenone. The chiral secondary alcohol was obtained in high yields (>99%) and enantioselectivities (92%) with aqueous sodium formate as the hydride source. The immobilized catalysts were recycled with no loss in activity.     

Toward a rational design of the assembly structure of polymetallic asymmetric catalysts: design, synthesis, and evaluation of new chiral ligands for catalytic asymmetric cyanation reactions

New chiral ligands (4 and 5) for polymetallic asymmetric catalysts were designed based on the hypothesis that the assembled structure should be stable when made from a stable module 8. A metal-ligand=5:6+μ-oxo+OH complex was generated from Gd(OⁱPr)₃ and 4 or 5, and this complex was an improved asymmetric catalyst for the desymmetrization of meso-aziridines with TMSCN and conjugate addition of TMSCN to α,β-unsaturated N-acylpyrroles, compared to the previously reported catalysts derived from 1-3. These two groups of catalysts produced opposing enantioselectivity even though the ligands had the same chirality. The functional difference in the asymmetric catalysts is derived from differences in the higher-order structure of the polymetallic catalysts.     

New olefin metathesis catalysts bearing polyether clamp in N-heterocyclic carbenes ligands

Synthesis of new type of the Hoveyda–Grubbs catalysts containing modified N-heterocyclic carbene ligands is described herein. New catalysts bear different in size polyether clamp embracing N,N′-2,4-dimethylphenyl substituents in N-heterocyclic carbene. New complexes were tested in model RCM, enyne and CM reactions. They showed comparable activity to that of commercially available Grubbs second generation and Hoveyda–Grubbs second generation complexes. Complex with larger polyether clamp proved Z-stereoselective in a macrocycle formation and yielded more Z isomers than commercial complexes in CM reactions. The catalysts are stable and easy to purify.     

Immobilization of catalysts derived from Cinchona alkaloids on modified poly(ethylene glycol)

The straightforward immobilization of some derivatives of Cinchona alkaloids on modified poly(ethylene glycol)s is reported. The compounds, obtained by simple reactions exploiting different sites for the attachment of the alkaloids to the polymer, were tested as catalysts in the enantioselective benzylation of the benzophenone imine of glycine t-butyl ester (ee up to 64%) and in the conjugate addition of thiophenol to cyclohexenone (ee 22%). The observed stereoselectivities were compared to those obtained either with the unsupported catalysts or with the catalysts immobilized on different polymeric matrixes. The influence of the poly(ethylene glycol) moieties on the catalytic activity is discussed.     

Stereospecific polymerization of acetaldehyde by R2AlOR′ catalyst

Stereospecific polymerization of acetaldehyde was examined by using four possible purified diethylaluminum butoxides, (Et₂AlOBu)₂ [Bu = n-, i-, sec-, or tert-Bu], as catalyst. These catalysts gave isotactic polyacetaldehyde quantitatively irrespective of the degree of branching of the butyl group, only when an optimum amount of water (about 0.03 mole/mole of catalyst) was added to the purified acetaldehyde monomer. Quite similar results were obtained for organozinc catalysts. These results indicate that water is an indispensable cocatalyst in the polymerization reaction with organoaluminum and zinc catalysts. An novel coordinate cationic mechanism was proposed for the stereospecific polymerization of acetaldehyde with organoaluminums, based on the above phenomena and on the inactivation of the catalyst by forming a complex with a strong Lewis base.     

Facile preparation of Fe-Y catalyst under water-free conditions for selective catalytic reduction of NO x by ammonia

A series of Fe-Y zeolite catalysts with different Fe loading were prepared by ferrocene sublimation under solvent and water-free conditions.The dispersion,structure and morphology of the iron species on the Fe-Y catalysts were characterized by XRD,TEM and UV-Vis.The catalytic activities of Fe-Y samples were measured in selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia(NH3-SCR).The results showed that the iron species on the HY zeolite support were mainly made up of isolated Fe3+ions,Fex Oy oligomers and a little amount of<3 nm spherical Fe2O3particles.Isolated Fe3+ions are predominating among all the Fe-Y catalysts.The sum of isolated Fe3+ions and Fex Oy oligomers took up more than 90%percent of total iron species on the Fe-Y till 10.0 wt%loading of Fe.