A DFT Study on the Mechanism of Rh2II,II‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Amidation of Carbamates

The potential‐energy surfaces of the reactions of dirhodium tetracarboxylate (Rh₂^II,II) catalyzed nitrene (NR) insertion into C H bonds were examined by a DFT computational study. A pure Becke exchange functional (B88) rather than a hybrid exchange functional (B3, BHandH) was found to be appropriate for the calculation of the energy difference between the singlet and triplet Rh₂^II,II–NH nitrene species. Rh₂^II,II–NR¹ (R¹=(S)‐2‐methyl‐1‐butylformyl) is thermodynamically more favorable with a free energy lower than that of Rh₂^II,II–N(PhI)R¹. The singlet and triplet states of Rh₂^II,II–NR¹ have similar stability. Singlet Rh₂^II,II–NR¹ undergoes a concerted NR insertion into the C H bond with simultaneous formation of the N H and N C bonds during C H bond cleavage; triplet Rh₂^II,II–NR¹ undergoes H atom abstraction to produce a diradical, followed by subsequent bond formation by diradical recombination. The singlet pathway is favored over the triplet in the context of the free energy of activation and leads to the retention of the chirality of the C atom in the NR insertion product. The reactivities of the C H bonds toward the nitrene‐insertion reaction follow the order tertiary>secondary>primary. Relative reaction rates were calculated for the six reaction pathways examined in this work.     

Arene C?H Amination at Nickel in Terphenyl–Diphosphine Complexes with Labile Metal–Arene Interactions

The meta‐terphenyl diphosphine, m‐P₂, 1 , was utilized to support Ni centers in the oxidation states 0, I, and II. A series of complexes bearing different substituents or ligands at Ni was prepared to investigate the dependence of metal–arene interactions on oxidation state and substitution at the metal center. Complex (m‐P₂)Ni ( 2 ) shows strong Ni⁰–arene interactions involving the central arene ring of the terphenyl ligand both in solution and the solid state. These interactions are significantly less pronounced in Ni⁰ complexes bearing L‐type ligands ( 2‐L : L=CH₃CN, CO, Ph₂CN₂), Ni^IX complexes ( 3‐X : X=Cl, BF₄, N₃, N₃B(C₆F₅)₃), and [(m‐P₂)Ni^IICl₂] ( 4 ). Complex 2 reacts with substrates, such as diphenyldiazoalkane, sulfur ylides (Ph₂S?CH₂), organoazides (RN₃: R=para‐C₆H₄OMe, para‐C₆H₄CF₃, 1‐adamantyl), and N₂O with the locus of observed reactivity dependent on the nature of the substrate. These reactions led to isolation of an η¹‐diphenyldiazoalkane adduct ( 2‐Ph₂CN₂ ), methylidene insertion into a Ni? P bond followed by rearrangement of a nickel‐bound phosphorus ylide ( 5 ) to a benzylphosphine ( 6) , Staudinger oxidation of the phosphine arms, and metal‐mediated nitrene insertion into an arene C? H bond of 1 , all derived from the same compound ( 2 ). Hydrogen‐atom abstraction from a Ni^I–amide ( 9 ) and the resulting nitrene transfer supports the viability of Ni–imide intermediates in the reaction of 1 with 1‐azido‐arenes.     

Application of the impulse oscillation model for modelling the formation of peroxocarbonates via carbon dioxide reaction with dioxygen transition metal complexes: A comparison with the experimental results obtained for Rh(η2-O2)ClP3 [P=phosphane ligand]

The reaction of CO₂ with (η²-dioxygen)-transition metal complexes to give peroxocarbonates has been modelled using the Impulse Oscillation Model (IOM).¹ In accordance with our experimental findings concerning the reactivity of P₃ClRh(η²-O₂) (P=phosphane ligand) complexes towards carbon dioxide, application of the model to this reaction shows that the insertion of carbon dioxide into the OO bond is the preferred pathway. In fact, the probability for CO₂ insertion into the OO bond equals maximum to 0.98 while into the M–O bond equals to 0.02. The concordance of calculated and experimental stretching frequencies indicates the possibility of identifying, through the vibration modes, proper ligands and metal systems that behave as selective catalysts at molecular level.     

Elevated Catalytic Activity of Ruthenium(II)–Porphyrin‐Catalyzed Carbene/Nitrene Transfer and Insertion Reactions with N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands

Bis(NHC)ruthenium(II)–porphyrin complexes were designed, synthesized, and characterized. Owing to the strong donor strength of axial NHC ligands in stabilizing the trans M?CRR′/M?NR moiety, these complexes showed unprecedently high catalytic activity towards alkene cyclopropanation, carbene C? H, N? H, S? H, and O? H insertion, alkene aziridination, and nitrene C? H insertion with turnover frequencies up to 1950 min^?1. The use of chiral [Ru(D₄‐Por)(BIMe)₂] ( 1 g ) as a catalyst led to highly enantioselective carbene/nitrene transfer and insertion reactions with up to 98 % ee. Carbene modification of the N terminus of peptides at 37 °C was possible. DFT calculations revealed that the trans axial NHC ligand facilitates the decomposition of diazo compounds by stabilizing the metal–carbene reaction intermediate.     

Kinetics of the thermal decomposition of ferrocenyl azide: Character of ferrocenyl nitrene

The Arrhenius parameters for the thermal decomposition of ferrocenyl azide in isooctane are A = (5.1 ± 1.4) × 10¹² s^?1 and E_act = 113.1 ± 0.9 (kJ mol^?1) and the rate is relatively insensitive to solvent (isooctane, benzene, acetonitrile: 1:1.7:2.4). The results indicate a relatively nonpolar transition state which is considerably “tighter” than for a normal bond fission reaction. The Arrhenius parameters are comparable to those for aromatic azides and do not offer any support for anchimeric assistance by the iron atom. A kinetic scheme is presented which accounts for the observed products: Nitrogen, ferrocene, aminoferrocene, azoferrocene, and insoluble material. Rates of hydrogen abstraction by the intermediate ferrocenyl nitrene from cyclohexane, benzene, and acetonitrile are used to show that the nitrene is nucleophilic. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Rhodium(II)-Catalyzed CH Insertions with {[(4-Nitrophenyl)sulfonyl]imino}phenyl-λ3-iodane

The [Rh₂(OAc)₄]-catalyzed decomposition of {[(4-nitrophenyl)sulfonyl]imino}phenyl-λ³-iodane (NsN?IPh) resulted in formal insertions into CH bonds, activated by phenyl or vinyl groups, or by O-substituents. Scope and limitations of the reaction were investigated. Yields of up to 84% were achieved in the most favorable cases. Yields were enhanced by electron-releasing substituents and decreased by steric hindrance. Aziridination competed with allylic insertion with olefinic substrates. The insertion reaction proceeded with retention of configuration. With chiral Rh^II catalysts, a modest asymmetric induction was observed. A mechanism involving direct insertion by a Rh-complexed nitrene into the CH bond is proposed.     

Photoactivated Nitrene Chemistry to Prepare Gold Nanoparticle Hybrids with Carbonaceous Materials

Photolysis of organic solvent soluble aryl azide‐modified gold nanoparticles (N₃‐AuNPs) with a core size of 4.6±1.6 nm results in the generation of interfacial reactive nitrene intermediates. The high reactivity of the nitrenes is utilized to tether the AuNP to the native surface of carbon nanotubes, and reduce graphene oxide and micro‐diamond powder, likely via addition to π‐conjugated carbon skeleton or insertion into the functionalities at the surface, to yield the desired hybrid material without the need for pretreatment of the surface. The AuNP‐covalent hybrid materials are robust in that they survive vigorous washing and sonication. In the absence of photolysis no attachment occurs with the same N₃‐AuNP. The nanohybrid AuNP‐nanohybrid materials are characterized using a combination of TEM, powder XRD, XPS and UV/Vis and IR spectroscopies. All of the characterization studies confirm the uniform incorporation of the AuNP on the irradiated substrates.     

Reactions of metallocenes during intercalation into the layered TiSe2 lattice

The intercalation of metallocenes (Cp₂Co, Cp₂Fe, and Cp₂Ni, where Cp is η⁵-C₅H₅) from the gas phase into the TiSe₂ lattice and of cobaltocene from solutions in acetonitrile, carbon tetrachloride, and chloroform into TiSe₂ was studied. The insertion of metallocenes from the gas phase into the TiSe₂ lattice gives rise to the TiSe₂(Cp₂M)_0.3 compounds (M = Co or Fe) having the same stoichiometry. The reactions with the use of acetonitrile as the solvent for metallocenes, which facilitates the insertion, afford not only the intercalation complex but also the reaction product of metallocene and acetonitrile, viz., (η ⁵-C₅H₅)Co(η⁴-C₅H₅CH₂CN) (1). In the reactions of cobaltocene with chloroform or carbon tetrachloride in the presence of titanium diselenide, only the addition product, viz., (η ⁵-C₅H₅)Co(η₄-C₅H₅CCl₃) (2), was isolated. The structures of complexes 1 and 2 were studied by X-ray diffraction. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 5, pp. 876–880, May, 2007.     

Reactions of group IV organometallic compounds : XXIX. Insertion reactions of (trimethylsilylmethylene)phosphorane with heterocumulenes. Inhibition of Wittig type reactions

A reaction of (trimethylsilylmethylene)dimethylphenylphosphorane, PhMe₂PCHSiMe₃ (I), with phenyl isocyanate affords a 2/1 insertion product, which results from insertion of phenyl isocyanate into both the CSi and CH bonds of I. By way of contrast, a reaction of isothiocyanate and carbon disulfide with I affords 1/1 products by insertion of these heterocumulenes into the CSi bond of I. In these reactions, Wittig-type elimination of dimethylphenylphosphine oxide or sulfide did not occur because of irreversible migrations of the trimethylsilyl group to the anionic centers of the Zwitterionic intermediates.     

Ligand and solvent effects on CO2 insertion into group 10 metal alkyl bonds

The insertion of carbon dioxide into metal element σ-bonds is an important elementary step in many catalytic reactions for carbon dioxide valorization. Here, the insertion of carbon dioxide into a family of group 10 alkyl complexes of the type (^RPBP)M(CH₃) (^RPBP = B(NCH₂PR₂)₂C₆H₄⁻; R = Cy or ^tBu; M = Ni or Pd) to generate κ¹-acetate complexes of the form (^RPBP)M{OC(O)CH₃} is investigated. This involved the preparation and characterization of a number of new complexes supported by the unusual ^RPBP ligand, which features a central boryl donor that exerts a strong trans-influence, and the identification of a new decomposition pathway that results in C–B bond formation. In contrast to other group 10 methyl complexes supported by pincer ligands, carbon dioxide insertion into (^RPBP)M(CH₃) is facile and occurs at room temperature because of the high trans-influence of the boryl donor. Given the mild conditions for carbon dioxide insertion, we perform a rare kinetic study on carbon dioxide insertion into a late-transition metal alkyl species using (^tBuPBP)Pd(CH₃). These studies demonstrate that the Dimroth–Reichardt parameter for a solvent correlates with the rate of carbon dioxide insertion and that Lewis acids do not promote insertion. DFT calculations indicate that insertion into (^tBuPBP)M(CH₃) (M = Ni or Pd) proceeds via an S_E2 mechanism and we compare the reaction pathway for carbon dioxide insertion into group 10 methyl complexes with insertion into group 10 hydrides. Overall, this work provides fundamental insight that will be valuable for the development of improved and new catalysts for carbon dioxide utilization.

The kinetics of carbon dioxide insertion into a pincer-supported palladium methyl complex are studied. The complex inserts carbon dioxide at room temperature, and we explore both solvent and Lewis acid effects on carbon dioxide insertion.     

An efficient synthesis of carbazole-based secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) inhibitors LSN433771 and LSN426891

The flexible and efficient synthesis of two structurally similar carbazole derivatives is described. This general strategy features an intramolecular palladium-mediated biaryl coupling reaction to join two aromatic domains of the target molecules. Formation of the carbazole core is accomplished via nitrene insertion. The synthesis of secretory phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂) inhibitors LSN433771 (1) and LSN426891 (2) is detailed.     

Photo-decarbonylation of β-styryl isocyanates

β-Styryl isocyanate (1, R ? H) and its β-methyl- (1, R ? CH₃) and β-phenyl- (1, R ? C₆H₅) derivatives underwent both extensive polymerization and the loss of the elements of carbon monoxide upon irradiation at 254 nm in cyclohexane. The formation of 2,5-diphenylpyrazine ( 3 ) and indole 4 , (R ? H) from 1 , (R - H) and 2,3-dimethyl-5,6-diphenylpyrazine ( 6 ) and 2-methylindole ( 4 , R ? CH₃) from 1 , (R ? CH₃) provided diagnostic evidence for styryl nitrene ( 2a ) intermediates. The formation of both phenylacetonitrile ( 5 , R ? H) and α-phenylpropio-nitrile ( 5 , R ? CH₃) was assigned to an initial rearrangement of the residue, C₈H₆(R)N?: ( 2 ), into a ketenimine concerted with the elimination of carbon monoxide from 1. Isomerization then produced a nitrile. β3-(β-phenyl)styryl isocyanate ( 1 , R ? C₆H₅) gave no product requiring the intermediacy of a nitrene and/or an azirine. The formation of 2,3,4,5-tetraphenylpyrrole ( 8 ) was assigned to a dimerization of the isocyanate concerted with or following the elimination of the elements of carbon monoxide and isocyanic acid, and the formation of 3-phenylisocarbo-styril ( 9 ) was assigned to a ring-closure of the isocyanate in an excited triplet state. Each isocyanate gave stilbene and trace amounts of oxidative fragmentation into benzaldehyde and benzonitrile. Solvent participation produced benzylcyclohexane and bicyclohexyl. Two unidentified solids, C₁₇H₁₄N₂O and C₁₂H₁₄N₂O, were obtained from 1 , (R ? CH₃).     

Iridium(III)‐Catalyzed Regioselective Intermolecular Unactivated Secondary Csp3−H Bond Amidation

For the first time, a highly regioselective intermolecular sulfonylamidation unactivated secondary Csp³?H bond has been achieved using Ir^III catalysts. The introduced N,N’‐bichelating ligand plays a crucial role in enabling iridium–nitrene insertion into a secondary Csp³?H bond via an outer‐sphere pathway. Mechanistic studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that a two‐electron concerted nitrene insertion was involved in this Csp³?H amidation process. This method tolerates a broad range of linear and branched‐chain N‐alkylamides, and provides efficient access to diverse γ‐sulfonamido‐substituted aliphatic amines.     

Sulfinylamid-Metathese und Nitren-Transfer an Komplexen des sechswertigen Molybdäns und Wolframs

Sulfinylamide Metathesis and Nitrene Transfer at Complexes of Hexavalent Molybdenum and Tungsten Protolysis of tungsten hexachloride with tosyl amide offers a direct access to [W(NTos)₂Cl₂]_n ( 1 a) . In presence of donor ligands coordination polymer 1 a can be converted into molecular complexes, e. g. [W(NTos)₂Cl₂(dme)] ( 1 b ), [W(NTos)₂Cl₂(PMe₃)₂] ( 1 c ) and [W(NTos)₂Cl₂(4,4′-Me₂bipy)] ( 1 d ). The synthesis of the homologous molybdenum compound [Mo(NTos)₂Cl₂]_n ( 2 a) can be achieved via metathesis of [Mo(O)₂Cl₂]_n with sulfinyl amide Tos-NSO. An attempt to synthesize a molybdenum phosphine complex in an analogous manner as 1 c , but starting from 2 a or its base adduct [Mo(NTos)₂Cl₂(dme)] ( 2 b ), leads to nitrene transfer to the phosphine. Me₃P=NTos can be detected and the d² molybdenum complex [Mo(NTos)Cl₂(PMe₃)₃] ( 3 ) is isolated. 3 is characterized by a crystal structure analysis. In phosphine complex 1 c , a similar nitrene abstraction is inhibited, in contrast 1 d is reacting with PMe₃ under nitrene abstraction to yield [W(NTos)Cl₂(4,4′-Me₂bipy)(PMe₃)₂] ( 4 ). This observation is in accord with a nitrene transfer induced via direct attack of the phosphine on the nitrogen atom of 1 d .     

A facile and efficient carbocatalytic route to quaternary C-bearing N-tosylaziridines from Morita-Baylis-Hillman adduct in water

Graphene oxide (GO)/GO-I₂ co-catalyzed green synthesis of tosylaziridine bearing keto and nitrile/ester functional groups is reported. The strategy involves sequential GO-catalyzed oxidation of benzylic alcohol and GO-I₂ catalyzed nitrene insertion into olefin of Morita-Baylis-Hillman adduct. Operational simplicity, use of water as solvent, ambient reaction conditions, excellent yield of products (88–96%) and recyclability of catalyst up to five times without any substantial change in morphology as well as catalytic efficiency are the salient features of the envisaged protocol.     

Co2P/Sn4P3 particle encapsulated in N,P codoped carbon nanocubes for efficient sodium storage

Phosphorus-based materials as the anode for sodium-ion batteries have drawn extensive attention because of their high theoretical capacity and low insertion potential. Nevertheless, the severe volume variation and low electric conductivity hindered their further practical applications. Herein, a novel Co₂P/Sn₄P₃ hybrid encapsulated in carbon nanocubes was fabricated by a coprecipitation method followed by phosphating progress. Accompanying with the N, P codoping and abundant grain boundaries, which facilitates electric transport and provides rich active sites, the as-synthesized Co₂P/Sn₄P₃@C anode delivered a high charge specific capacity of 185.6 mA h g^?1 after 400 cycles at the current density of 1000 mA g^?1 and outstanding cycling stability with a high capacity retention of 86.9%. Kinetics exploration indicated that the capacity was governed by the surface pseudo-capacitive controlled process due to the abundant defects originated from heteroatom doping and grain boundaries.     

Designed To React: Terminal Copper Nitrenes and Their Application in Catalytic C−H Aminations

Heteroscorpionate ligands of the bis(pyrazolyl)methane family have been applied in the stabilisation of terminal copper tosyl nitrenes. These species are highly active intermediates in the copper‐catalysed direct C?H amination and nitrene transfer. Novel perfluoroalkyl‐pyrazolyl‐ and pyridinyl‐containing ligands were synthesized to coordinate to a reactive copper nitrene centre. Four distinct copper tosyl nitrenes were prepared at low temperatures by the reaction with SO₂tBuPhINTs and copper(I) acetonitrile complexes. Their stoichiometric reactivity has been elucidated regarding the imination of phosphines and the aziridination of styrenes. The formation and thermal decay of the copper nitrenes were investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy of the highly coloured species. Additionally, the compounds were studied by cryo‐UHR‐ESI mass spectrometry and DFT calculations. In addition, a mild catalytic procedure has been developed where the copper nitrene precursors enable the C?H amination of cyclohexane and toluene and the aziridination of styrenes.     

The Addition of Nitriles to Tetramesityldisilene: A Comparison of the Reactivity between Surface and Molecular Disilenes

The addition of acetonitrile, propionitrile, and phenylacetonitrile to tetramesityldisilene (Mes₂Si?SiMes₂) was examined. In general, 1,2,3‐azadisiletines and the tautomeric enamines were formed, although a ketenimine was formed as the major product in the addition of phenylacetonitrile to the disilene. In the presence of LiCl, the mode of addition changed for both acetonitrile and propionitrile: insertion into the α‐CH bond of acetonitrile and/or formation of the formal HCN adduct was observed. Preliminary investigations of the reactivity of the nitrile adducts are also reported. A comparison between the reactivity of nitriles with Mes₂Si?SiMes₂ and the Si(100)‐2×1 surface was made both in terms of the types of adducts formed and their reactivity. Some insights into the surface chemistry are offered.     

Highly Selective Phosphinylphosphination of Alkenes with Tetraphenyldiphosphine Monoxide

In sharp contrast to tetraphenyldiphosphine, which does not add to carbon–carbon double bonds efficiently, its monoxide, [Ph₂P(O)PPh₂] can engage in a radical addition to various alkenes, thus affording the corresponding 1‐phosphinyl‐2‐phosphinoalkanes regioselectively, and they can be converted into their sulfides by treatment with elemental sulfur. The phosphinylphosphination proceeds by the homolytic cleavage of the P^V(O)?P^III single bond of Ph₂P(O)PPh₂, followed by selective attack of the phosphinyl radical at the terminal position of the alkenes, and selective trapping of the resulting carbon radical by the phosphino group. Furthermore, the phosphinylphosphination product could be converted directly into its platinum complex with a hemilabile P,O chelation.     

Synthesis of PCP‐Supported Nickel Complexes and their Reactivity with Carbon Dioxide

The Ni amide and hydroxide complexes [(PCP)Ni(NH₂)] ( 2 ; PCP=bis‐2,6‐di‐tert‐butylphosphinomethylbenzene) and [(PCP)Ni(OH)] ( 3 ) were prepared by treatment of [(PCP)NiCl] ( 1 ) with NaNH₂ or NaOH, respectively. The conditions for the formation of 3 from 1 and NaOH were harsh (2 weeks in THF at reflux) and a more facile synthetic route involved protonation of 2 with H₂O, to generate 3 and ammonia. Similarly the basic amide in 2 was protonated with a variety of other weak acids to form the complexes [(PCP)Ni(2‐Me‐imidazole)] ( 4 ), [(PCP)Ni(dimethylmalonate)] ( 5 ), [(PCP)Ni(oxazole)] ( 6 ), and [(PCP)Ni(CCPh)] ( 7 ), respectively. The hydroxide compound 3 , could also be used as a Ni precursor and treatment of 3 with TMSCN (TMS=trimethylsilyl) or TMSN₃ generated [(PCP)Ni(CN)] ( 8 ) or [(PCP)Ni(N₃)] ( 9 ), respectively. Compounds 3–7 , and 9 were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Although 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 , and 9 are all four‐coordinate complexes with a square‐planar geometry around Ni, 5 is a pseudo‐five‐coordinate complex, with the dimethylmalonate ligand coordinated in an X‐type fashion through one oxygen atom, and weakly as an L‐type ligand through another oxygen atom. Complexes 2–9 were all reacted with carbon dioxide. Compounds 2 – 4 underwent facile reaction at low temperature to form the κ¹‐O carboxylate products [(PCP)Ni{OC(O)NH₂}] ( 10 ), [(PCP)Ni{OC(O)OH}] ( 11 ), and [(PCP)Ni{OC(O)‐2‐Me‐imidazole}] ( 12 ), respectively. Compounds 10 and 11 were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. No reaction was observed between 5 – 9 and carbon dioxide, even at elevated temperatures. DFT calculations were performed to model the thermodynamics for the insertion of carbon dioxide into 2 – 9 to form a κ¹‐O carboxylate product and understand the pathways for carbon dioxide insertion into 2 , 3 , 6 , and 7 . The computed free energies indicate that carbon dioxide insertion into 2 and 3 is thermodynamically favorable, insertion into 8 and 9 is significantly uphill, insertion into 5 and 7 is slightly uphill, and insertion into 4 and 6 is close to thermoneutral. The pathway for insertion into 2 and 3 has a low barrier and involves nucleophilic attack of the nitrogen or oxygen lone pair on electrophilic carbon dioxide. A related stepwise pathway is calculated for 7 , but in this case the carbon of the alkyne is significantly less nucleophilic and as a result, the barrier for carbon dioxide insertion is high. In contrast, carbon dioxide insertion into 6 involves a single concerted step that has a high barrier.