Rhodium(I)-catalyzed [3+2+2]-cyclization of alkenyl Fischer carbene complexes with methyl buta-2,3-dienoate

A variety of alkenyl chromium Fischer carbene complexes react with methyl buta-2,3-dienoate in the presence of a rhodium catalyst to afford substituted cycloheptene derivatives 7, along with minor amounts of cyclopentene derivatives 6. Through this [3+2+2]-cyclization two allene units and one alkenyl carbene ligand are assembled in a selective manner.     

Transmetalation reactions from Fischer carbene complexes to late transition metals: a DFT study

Transmetalation reactions from chromium(0) Fischer carbene complexes to late-transition-metal complexes (palladium(0), copper(I), and rhodium(I)) have been studied computationally by density functional theory. The computational data were compared with the available experimental data. In this study, the different reaction pathways involving the different metal atoms have been compared with each other in terms of their activation barriers and reaction energies. Although the reaction profiles for the transmetalation reactions to palladium and copper are quite similar, the computed energy values indicate that the process involving palladium as catalyst is more favorable than that involving copper. In contrast to these transformations, which occur via triangular heterobimetallic species, the transmetalation reaction to rhodium leads to a new heterobimetallic species in which a carbonyl ligand is also transferred from the Fischer carbene to the rhodium catalyst. Moreover, the structure and bonding situation of the so far elusive heterobimetallic complexes are briefly discussed.     

Intramolecular cyclization reactions of unsaturated amino Fischer chromium carbenes forming indoles and quinolines

A thermally induced intramolecular annulation reaction of N-(2-alkenylphenyl)amino substituted Fischer chromium carbenes has been extensively examined. The carbene complexes were prepared in moderate to good yields by reaction of 2-aminostyrenes with intermediately formed acyloxy substituted carbenes. Upon heating, the thermally labile carbenes decomposed producing indoles and quinolines as the major products. The product distribution was found to be highly dependent on the substitution pattern and electronic properties of the starting material, and on the solvent used.     

Nickel(0)‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Annulations of Alkynes and Arylenoates Enabled by a Chiral NHC Ligand: Efficient Access to Cyclopentenones

Cyclopentenones are versatile structural motifs of natural products as well as reactive synthetic intermediates. The nickel‐catalyzed reductive [3+2] cycloaddition of α,β‐unsaturated aromatic esters and alkynes constitutes an efficient method for their synthesis. Here, nickel(0) catalysts comprising a chiral bulky C₁‐symmetric N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand were shown to enable an efficient asymmetric synthesis of cyclopentenones from mesityl enoates and internal alkynes under mild conditions. The bulky NHC ligand provided the cyclopentenone products in very high enantioselectivity and led to a regioselective incorporation of unsymmetrically substituted alkynes.     

The first metal complexes of bis(diisopropylamino)carbene: synthesis, structure and ligand properties

The synthesis of rhodium(I) and iridium(I) complexes of the bis(diisopropylamino)carbene is described for the first time. The formamidinium chloride and the free bis(diisopropylamino)carbene (L) were used as consecutive precursor compounds to form the metal complexes. Spectroscopic and, for LRh(cod)Cl, crystallographic data are presented for the complexes LRh(cod)Cl and LIr(cod)Cl (L=bis(diisopropylamino)carbene). The ligand properties of the acyclic bis(diisopropylamino)carbene are compared with imidazolin-2-ylidenes and imidazolidin-2-ylidenes as ligands in related rhodium(I) carbonyl complexes. Bis(diisopropylamino)carbene is the most basic known carbene ligand to date.     

Quantitative Description of Structural Effects on the Stability of Gold(I) Carbenes

The gas‐phase bond‐dissociation energies of a SO₂–imidazolylidene leaving group of three gold(I) benzyl imidazolium sulfone complexes are reported (E₀=46.6±1.7, 49.6±1.7, and 48.9±2.1 kcal mol^?1). Although these energies are similar to each other, they are reproducibly distinguishable. The energy‐resolved collision‐induced dissociation experiments of the three [L]–gold(I) (L=ligand) carbene precursor complexes were performed by using a modified tandem mass spectrometer. The measurements quantitatively describe the structural and electronic effects a p‐methoxy substituent on the benzyl fragment, and trans [NHC] and [P] gold ligands, have towards gold carbene formation. Evidence for the formation of the electrophilic gold carbene in solution was obtained through the stoichiometric and catalytic cyclopropanation of olefins under thermal conditions. The observed cyclopropane yields are dependent on the rate of gold carbene formation, which in turn is influenced by the ligand and substituent. The donation of electron density to the carbene carbon by the p‐methoxy benzyl substituent and [NHC] ligand stabilizes the gold carbene intermediate and lowers the dissociation barrier. Through the careful comparison of gas‐phase and solution chemistry, the results suggest that even gas‐phase leaving‐group bond‐dissociation energy differences of 2–3 kcal mol^?1 enormously affect the rate of gold carbene formation in solution, especially when there are competing reactions. The thermal decay of the gold carbene precursor complex was observed to follow first‐order kinetics, whereas cyclopropanation was found to follow pseudo‐first‐order kinetics. Density‐functional‐theory calculations at the M06‐L and BP86‐D3 levels of theory were used to confirm the observed gas‐phase reactivity and model the measured bond‐dissociation energies.     

Rh(1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ylidene)(COD) tetrafluoroborate, an unsymmetrical Rh-homoazallylcarbene: synthesis, X-ray structure and reactivity in carbonyl arylation and hydrosilylation reactions

The synthesis of novel Rh(1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ylidene)(COD) tetrafluoroborate (1, COD = η⁴-1,5-cyclooctadiene) is described. The N-heterocyclic carbene acts as a bidentate ligand with the carbene coordinating to the Rh(I) center and an arene group acting as a homoazallyl ligand. 1 was used in various carbonyl arylation and hydrosilylation reactions allowing the formation of the desired products with unprecedented selectivity and efficiency. Thus, turn-over numbers (TONs) up to 2000 were achieved.     

Cationic Bis‐N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Ruthenium Complex: Structure and Application as Latent Catalyst in Olefin Metathesis

An unexpected cationic bis‐N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) benzylidene ether based ruthenium complex ( 2 a ) was prepared through the double incorporation of an unsymmetrical unsaturated N‐heterocyclic carbene (U₂‐NHC) ligand that bore an N‐substituted cyclododecyl side chain. The isolation and full characterization (including X‐ray diffraction studies) of key synthetic intermediates along with theoretical calculations allowed us to understand the mechanism of the overall cationization process. Finally, the newly developed complex 2 a displayed interesting latent behavior during ring‐closing metathesis, which could be “switched on” under acidic conditions.     

An Imidazolylidene-Based Mesoionic Carbene–Mn(I) Complex and Its Catalytic Potential in N-Heteroarene Hydrogenation

Herein we report the first mesoionic carbene (MIC)-Mn(I) complex Mn-bim-MIC^imz derived from imidazolylidene motif. Structurally the octahedral Mn(I) complex Mn-bim-MIC^imz was assembled with an anionic benzimidazolato-anchored imidazolylidene MIC-based bidentate ligand ( bim-MIC^imz ) and four CO ligands, as supported by detailed characterization using NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and single crystal X-ray diffraction study. We reckoned that the bim-MIC^imz ligand would provide a robust and stable bonding with the Mn(I) centre, and also enhance electron density at the Mn(I) centre through its stronger σ-donating/weaker π-accepting property. These structural and electronic attributes triggered to exploit Mn-bim-MIC^imz in catalytic hydrogenation of N-heteroarenes, where efficient hydride (Mn−H) delivery is a key step.     

A Click Approach to Polymetallic Chromium(0) and Tungsten(0) Fischer‐Carbene Complexes and Their Use in the Synthesis of Functionalized Polymetallic Metal?Carbene Complexes

Alkynylamino Cr⁰ and W⁰ Fischer carbenes undergo a CuAAC reaction with a diverse range of di‐, tri‐, and tetra‐azides to produce polymetallic chromium(0) and tungsten(0) (Fischer)‐carbene complexes in good‐to‐excellent yields. This method is simple, versatile, and is suitable for the preparation of a diverse range of structures with a high level of symmetry. Moreover, the resulting polymetallic carbene complexes are suitable partners for the peripheral functionalization of the metal nuclei, whilst retaining the metal fragment. This fact has been demonstrated in a simultaneous Pauson–Khand reaction, which, in some cases, allows for the generation of four bicyclic [5,5] rings on the periphery of a tetrametallic molecule in a process that involves the formation of 12 new C? C bonds, with four simultaneous CO‐insertion processes. The electrochemistry of the polymetallic Fischer carbenes show completely independent behavior for each nucleus, as well as an anomalous observation of the reversible oxidation of the allyl substituents, which has not been reported before in this class of chemistry.     

Pd-catalyzed inter- and intramolecular carbene transfer from group 6 metal-carbene complexes.

The use of group 6 metal-carbene complexes in inter- and intramolecular carbene transfer reactions has been studied. Thus, pentacarbonyl[(aryl)(methoxy)carbene]chromium(0) and tungsten complexes, 10, efficiently dimerize at room temperature in the presence of diverse Pd(0) and Pd(II)/Et(3)N catalysts. The effect of additives (PPh(3), AsPh(3), or SbPh(3)) on the nature and the isomeric ratio of the reaction products is negligible. The nature of the reaction products is more catalyst-dependent for metal carbenes 12 bearing alkyl groups attached to the carbene carbon. In these cases, either carbene ligand dimerization or beta-hydrogen elimination reactions are observed, depending on the catalyst. The carbene ligand dimerization reaction can be used to prepare conjugated polyenes, including those having metal moieties at both ends of the polyene system, as well as enediyne derivatives. The intramolecular carbene ligand dimerization of chromium bis-carbene complexes 28 and 30 allows the preparation of mono- and bicyclic derivatives, with ring sizes from six to nine members. For bis-carbene derivatives the beta-hydrogen elimination reaction is inhibited, provided that both metal centers are tethered by an o-xylylene group. Other alkyl complexes 32 form new mononuclear carbene complexes 37 or decompose to complex reaction mixtures. The results obtained in these reactions may be explained by transmetalation from Cr(0) to Pd(0) and the intermediacy of Pd-carbene complexes. Aminocarbene-chromium(0) complexes 15, need harsher reaction conditions to transfer the carbene ligand, and this transfer occurs only in the presence of deactivated olefins. The corresponding insertion/hydrolysis products 48 resulted in these cases. A catalytic cycle involving transmetalation from a chromacyclobutane to a palladacyclobutane is proposed to explain these results.     

Photolytic reaction of chromium and molybdenum carbene complexes with imines : Synthesis of cepham, oxapenam, and oxacepham derivatives

A variety of substituted β-lactams, including a cepham analog, were synthesized by the photochemical reaction of [(methoxy)(methyl)carbene]chromium complexes with substituted imines. Oxazines and oxazolines were inert towards chromium carbene complexes. Oxazines were converted to bicyclic β-lactams by the photolytic reaction of molybdenum carbene complexes. Oxazolines were considerably less reactive and produced only low yields of β-lactam product and an equivalent amount of the corresponding oxazinone, incorporating two (MeO)(Me)C(CO) groups.     

Chromium(0)-rhodium(I) metal exchange: Synthesis and X-ray structure of new Fischer (NHC)carbene complexes of rhodium(I)

An easy approach to Fischer (NHC)carbene complexes of rhodium(I) 3 from methoxy- and aminocarbene complexes of chromium 1 and (NHC)(cod)RhCl (2) is described. The process involves the transfer of the carbene unit and a CO ligand from chromium to rhodium. The X-ray analysis is provided for 3d and the preliminary results on their thermal stability and reactivity toward alkynes and allenes are also reported.     

Cycloadditions and annulations of transition metal carbene complexes

The synthetic aspects of several reactions from the multifaceted chemistry of Fischer carbene complexes are examined. Their benzannulation reactions with acetylenes are utilized in the synthesis of anthracyclinones via two approaches which differ by beginning at opposite ends of the molecule with either an aryl or an alkenyl substituted chromium carbene complex. The latter has been employed in a formal synthesis of daunomycinone. The Diels-Alder reactions of ,β-acetylenic chromium carbene complexes provide for a facile entry into substituted cyclohexenyl chromium carbene complexes that are subsequently employed in benzannulation reactions. These tandem cycloaddition/annulation reactions are incorporated into model studies for the synthesis of anthracyclinones and wentilactone A. Their potential is also demonstrated for coupling to yet a third reaction of organochromium compounds ; aromatic nucleophilic substitutions on arene chromium tricarbonyl complexes. The annulations of β,β-disubstituted alkenyl complexes provides for a regio- and stereoselective synthesis of 2,4-cyclohexadienones under neutral conditions at near ambient temperatures.     

Metal‐Free Stabilization of Monomeric Antimony(I): A Carbene‐Supported Stibinidene

A diamidocarbene was coordinated to an antimony(III) dichloride Lewis acid. Subsequent reduction with magnesium gave a monomeric, formally antimony(I) fragment that is supported by the diamidocarbene. Spectroscopic, crystallographic, and computational analyses demonstrated that the carbene ligand engages the antimony(I) center in π‐backbonding resulting in a short (2.068(7) Å) Sb?C interaction that is comparable to those observed in known stibaalkenes.     

以N-杂环卡宾为配体的金属络合物催化有机合成的反应

综述了近几年来以N-杂环卡宾为配体的金属络合物催化有机合成的反应。     

Copper-catalyzed dimerization of chromium Fischer carbene complexes: synthesis of dialkoxytrienes and their Nazarov-type cyclization to 2-alkoxy-2-cyclopentenones

Fischer carbene complexes 1 underwent a clean ligand dimerization reaction yielding functionalized olefins and trienes 4 in the presence of copper (I) catalysts. If treated with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), trienes 4c, d, f undergo a cyclization process (Nazarov reaction) which furnishes cyclopentenone derivatives 6c, d, 7c, d and 8 in good yields. Finally, the Fischer aminocarbene 9 efficiently cyclodimerizes to the substituted arene 10 in the presence of CuBr.     

Enantioselective Oxidative Gold Catalysis Enabled by a Designed Chiral P,N‐Bidentate Ligand

A newly developed P,N‐bidentate ligand enables enantioselective intramolecular cyclopropanation by a reactive α‐oxo gold carbene intermediate generated in situ. The ligand design is based on our previously proposed structure (with a well‐organized triscoordinated gold center) of the carbene intermediate in the presence of a P,N‐bidentate ligand. A C₂‐symmetric piperidine ring was incorporated in the ligand as the nitrogen‐containing moiety. A range of racemic transformations of α‐oxo gold carbene intermediates have been developed recently, and this new class of chiral ligands could enable their modification for asymmetric synthesis, as demonstrated in this study.     

Indol-2-ylidene (IdY): Ambiphilic N-Heterocyclic Carbene Derived from Indole**

The synthesis of ambiphilic N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, indol-2-ylidene (IdY, A ), is described. A series of indolenium precursors ( 2 a – f ) were prepared on a gram scale in good yields. Trapping experiments with elemental selenium, [RhCl(cod)]₂ and CuCl provided the expected carbene adducts. Further computational and spectroscopic studies supported the ambiphilicity of IdY, which lies between cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (CAAC-5) and cyclic (amino)(aryl)carbene (CAArC). The copper complexes ( 6 ) show high percent buried volume (% V_bur = 58.1) and allow for carboboration of terminal alkynes within 30 minutes in a demonstration of synthetic utility with good yields and high regioselectivity.     

Thermochemistry of N‐heterocyclic carbenes with 5‐, 4‐, 3‐, and 2‐membered rings

N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) based on imidazole‐2‐ylidene ( 1 ) or the saturated imidazolidine‐2‐ylidene ( 2 ) scaffolds are long‐lived singlet carbenes. Both benefit from inductive stabilization of the sigma lone pair on carbon by neighboring N atoms and delocalization of the N pi lone pairs into the nominally vacant p‐pi atomic orbital at the carbene carbon. With thermochemical schemes G4 and CBS‐QB3, we estimate the relative thermodynamic stabilization of smaller ring carbenes and acyclic species which may share the keys to NHC stability. These include four‐membered ring systems incorporating the carbene center, two trivalent N centers, and either a boron or a phosphorus atom to complete the ring. Amino‐substituted cyclopropenylidenes have been reported but three‐membered rings containing the carbene center and two N atoms are not known. Our calculations suggest that amino‐substituted cyclopropenylidenes are comparable in stability to the four‐membered NHCs but that diazacyclopropanylidenes would be substantially less effectively stabilized. Concluding the series are acyclic carbenes with and without neighboring N atoms and a series of “two‐membered ring” azapropadienenylidene cations of form :C?N?W with W = an electron‐withdrawing agent. We have studied W = NO₂, CH₂(+), CF₂(+), and (CN)₂C(+). Although these systems display a degree of stabilization and carbene‐like electronic structure, the stability of the NHCs is unsurpassed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.