Density functional computations of the cyclopropanation of ethene catalyzed by iron (II) carbene complexes Cp(CO)(L)FeCHR,L = CO,PMe3, R = Me,OMe, ph,CO2Me

Density functional theory has been used to study the Fe‐catalyzed cyclopropanation of Fe‐carbene complexes with ethene. All the intermediates and transition states were optimized completely at the B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p) level. Calculation results confirm that the cyclopropanation of Fe‐carbene complexes with ethene involves the two reaction paths I and II . In the reaction path I , the double bond of ethene attacks directly on the carbene carbon of Fe‐carbene complexes to generate the cyclopropane. In the reaction path II , ethene substitution for PMe₃ or CO in the Fe‐carbene complexes leads to the complexes M2 ; and the attack of one carbon of ethene on the carbene carbon results in the complexes M3 with a Fe? C? C? C four‐membered ring, and then generates the cyclopropane via the elimination reaction. For Fe‐carbene complexes A , C , D , E , and H , the main reaction mode is the reaction path I ; for Fe‐carbene complexes B , F , and G , the main reaction mode is the reaction path II . © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008     

Copper and Silver Carbene Complexes without Heteroatom‐Stabilization: Structure,Spectroscopy, and Relativistic Effects

Salts of a copper and a silver carbene complex were prepared from dimesityl diazomethane, made possible by the steric shielding of the N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ancillary ligand IPr**. The mint‐green complex [IPr**Ag=CMes₂]⁺[NTf₂]^? is the first isolated silver carbene complex without heteroatom donor substituents. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction provides evidence for a predominant carbenoid character, and supports the postulation of such reactive species as intermediates in silver‐catalyzed C? H activation reactions. The greenish yellow copper carbene complex [IPr**Cu=CMes₂]⁺[NTf₂]^? has spectroscopic properties in between the isostructural silver complex and the already reported emerald green gold carbene complex. A comparison in the Group 11 series indicates that relativistic effects are responsible for the strong σ bond and the significant π back‐bonding in the gold carbene moiety.     

Expanding the Chemistry of Cationic N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes: Alternative Synthesis,Reactivity, and Coordination Chemistry

A new synthetic route to complexes of the cationic N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand 2 has been developed by the attachment of a cationic pentamethylcyclopentadienylruthenium ([RuCp*]⁺) fragment to a metal‐coordinated benzimidazol‐2‐ylidene ligand. The coordination chemistry and the steric and electronic properties of the cationic carbene were investigated in detail by experimental and theoretical methods. X‐ray structures of three carbene–metal complexes were determined. The cationic ligand 2 is a poorer overall electron donor relative to the related neutral carbene, which is evident from cyclic voltammetry (CV) and IR measurements.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and electronic structure of some new Cu(I) carbene complexes

Reaction of oligomeric Cu(I) complexes [Cu(Μ-S-C(=NR)(O-Ar-CH₃)]_n with Lewis acids gave Cu(I) carbene complexes, which were characterized by¹H and¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Cu(I) carbene complexes could be directly generated from RNCS, Cu(I)-OAr and Lewis acids; this method can be used to prepare Cu(I) carbene complexes with different substitutents on the carbene carbon. The complexes were unreactive towards olefins and do not undergo cyclopropanation. Electronic structure calculations (DFT) show that the charge on the carbene carbon plays an important role in controlling the reactivity of the carbene complex.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Reactivity of a Uranium(VI) Carbene Imido Oxo Complex

We report the uranium(VI) carbene imido oxo complex [U(BIPM^TMS)(NMes)(O)(DMAP)₂] ( 5 , BIPM^TMS=C(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂; Mes=2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂; DMAP=4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine) which exhibits the unprecedented arrangement of three formal multiply bonded ligands to one metal center where the coordinated heteroatoms derive from different element groups. This complex was prepared by incorporation of carbene, imido, and then oxo groups at the uranium center by salt elimination, protonolysis, and two‐electron oxidation, respectively. The oxo and imido groups adopt axial positions in a T‐shaped motif with respect to the carbene, which is consistent with an inverse trans‐influence. Complex 5 reacts with tert‐butylisocyanate at the imido rather than carbene group to afford the uranyl(VI) carbene complex [U(BIPM^TMS)(O)₂(DMAP)₂] ( 6 ).     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Reactivity of a Uranium(VI) Carbene Imido Oxo Complex

We report the uranium(VI) carbene imido oxo complex [U(BIPM^TMS)(NMes)(O)(DMAP)₂] ( 5 , BIPM^TMS=C(PPh₂NSiMe₃)₂; Mes=2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂; DMAP=4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine) which exhibits the unprecedented arrangement of three formal multiply bonded ligands to one metal center where the coordinated heteroatoms derive from different element groups. This complex was prepared by incorporation of carbene, imido, and then oxo groups at the uranium center by salt elimination, protonolysis, and two‐electron oxidation, respectively. The oxo and imido groups adopt axial positions in a T‐shaped motif with respect to the carbene, which is consistent with an inverse trans‐influence. Complex 5 reacts with tert‐butylisocyanate at the imido rather than carbene group to afford the uranyl(VI) carbene complex [U(BIPM^TMS)(O)₂(DMAP)₂] ( 6 ).     

Generation,direct observation,and kinetics of triplet 9-(1,1,4,4,5,5,8,8-octamethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro- anthryl)phenylcarbene

[structure: see text] Reactivities of the title triplet carbene were compared with those of the "untied" counterpart, [2,4,6-tris(tert)butylphenyl](phenyl)carbene. An appreciable increase in the stability of triplet carbene is noted by tuning the distance between the o-hydrogen and the carbene center.     

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.     

Polyphenylens,Cross-Linked Through Pd-Carbene Complexes Formation,for Catalysis in Suzuki-Miyaura Reactions

Polyphenylenes supported N-heterocyclic carbene Pd-complexes were synthesized for catalysis of cross-coupling Suzuki-Miyaura reactions. Starting polyphenylenes were prepared by cyclocondensation reaction of diacetylaromatic with monoacetylaromatic compounds. N-metylimidazole has been involved to the polymer through the mono-functional acetyl monomer, in which in p-position to acetyl group the group of haloalkyl was situated, and haloalkyl group interacted with N-methylimidazole. N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of Pd were synthesized usually by the reaction of imidazolium salts with the salts of transition metals in the presence of a base, obtaining the complex (N-heterocyclic carbene)₂PdX₂. The catalysis reaction was carried out between arylhalides (iodo- or bromobenzene) and phenylboronic acid with the presence of 1 mol% of Pd. The yields of biphenyl are from 70 to 95%, which is comparable with homogeneous catalysis.     

Reaction of α,β-unsaturated Fischer carbene complexes with allyl alkoxide

Optically enriched homo-binuclear Fischer chromium carbene complexes with planar chiral arene chromium complexes gave α-allyl β-arylpropionates up to 97% ee by reaction with allyl alkoxide and subsequent photo-oxidative demetalation. The chiral hetero-binuclear tungsten carbene complexes afforded anti α-allyl β-hydroxy β-arylpropionates as a major product up to 92/8 dr by the same reaction sequence. High diastereoselectivity in these reactions is contributed to the planar chirality of the arene chromium complex, even though the reaction was carried out under vigorous basic media. The reaction products, α-allyl β-arylpropionates were derived by 1,3-M(CO)₅ shift and subsequent [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement. Also, the corresponding chromium-uncomplexed α,β-unsaturated Fischer carbene complexes afforded α-allyl β-arylpropionates under the same conditions. Formation of β-allyl β-arylpropionates via 1,2-M(CO)₅ shift followed by [3,4]-sigmatropic rearrangement was not observed in both reactions of chromium-coordinated and the corresponding chromium-uncoordinated α,β-unsaturated Fischer carbene complexes with allyl alkoxide in the presence of base.     

Reactions of silicon-, germanium- and tin-containing carbene complexes of tungsten Ph3E-CW(OBu)3 (E=Si, Ge, Sn) with hydrogen chloride: crystal structures of carbene complexes Ph3E-CHWCl2(OBu)2 (E=Si, Ge)

The novel organosilicon, -germanium and -tin-containing carbene complexes of tungsten of the type Ph₃E-CHWCl₂(OBu^t)₂ (E=Si, Ge, Sn) have been prepared by the reaction of heteroelement-containing carbene complexes of tungsten Ph₃E-CW(OBu^t)₃ (E=Si, Ge, Sn) with hydrogen chloride. The tin-containing carbene complex was identified in solution by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Silicon- and germanium-containing carbene complexes were isolated in high yields as crystalline solids and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. The geometry of the W atoms in the compounds can be described as a distorted square pyramid.     

Cationic nitrile‐functionalized Ag(I)‐ and Hg(II)‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes of CCC,CNC, and NCN pincer‐type carbene ligands: Synthesis,crystal structures,and characterization

Three nitrile‐functionalized (benz)imid‐ zaolium derivatives with CCC, CNC, and NCN coordination pockets have been synthesized and isolated as the bromide salts and are converted into their hexafluorophosphate counterparts ( 5–7 ) by ligand metathesis. N‐heterocyclic carbene Ag(I)‐ and Hg(II)‐complexes ( 8–10 and 11–13 ) are readily formed in good to excellent yields from ligand precursors 5–7 and Ag₂O and Hg(OAc)₂, respectively. All reported compounds have been characterized by various spectral and analytical techniques, such as FTIR, ¹H, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction studies. Solid‐state structures of carbene precursors 5 , 7 , and an Ag(I)–carbene complex 10 have been determined crystallographically. Single crystal X‐ray crystallography of complex 10 reveals the chelation of carbene carbons to metal center in almost a linear manner. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 23:486–497, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com . DOI 10.1002/hc.21041     

Generation, characterization, and kinetics of triplet Di[1,2,3,4,5,6, 7,8-octahydro-1,4:5,8-di(ethano)anthryl]carbene

The title carbene has been generated by photolysis of the corresponding diazo precursors and studied by spectroscopic means, i. e., electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV/vis spectroscopy in matrixes at low temperature and laser-flash photolysis in solution at room temperature, with the product analysis. The results are compared with triplet di(2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenyl)carbene, an open-chain counterpart, which revealed that bicycloalkyl groups are acting as a fairly good kinetic protector for the triplet carbene as opposed to the open-chain counterpart. The formation of all-hydrocarbon triplet carbenes having a half-life over a second under normal conditions was realized for the first time. Effects of para-substituents on the structure and reactivities of the carbene are also investigated and discussed in terms of polar and spin electronic effects.     

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.     

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.     

Iron in the service of chromium: the ortho-benzannulation of trans,trans-dienyl Fischer carbene complexes

Chromium Fischer carbene complexes with trans,trans-dienyl substituents on the carbene carbon will react with diiron nonacarbonyl to give 2-alkoxycyclohexa-2,4-dienone iron tricarbonyl complexes and/or 2-alkoxyphenols in excellent yields. In the presence of silica gel or base, the cyclohexadienone complex will suffer loss of the iron and aromatization to give 2-alkoxyphenols. The formation of 2-alkoxyphenols from dienyl chromium carbene complexes is a known process (ortho-benzannulation) that only occurs with certain cis,trans-dienyl complexes. Control experiments show that trans,trans-dienyl chromium carbene complexes do not undergo conversion to 2-alkoxyphenols in the absence of an iron source. The process most likely occurs either via coordination of the dienyl unit in the chromium carbene complex to an iron tricarbonyl group and then loss of the chromium or via direct trans-metalation of the carbene ligand to give an iron carbene complex and then internal coordination to the dienyl unit such that cis to trans isomerization of the alpha,beta-double bond occurs.     

One-N, six-membered heterocyclic carbene complexes and the remote heteroatom concept

A whole library of six-membered N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of Ni(ii) and Pd(ii) were prepared by oxidative substitution. In some of these compounds the heteroatom occurs in a position distant from the carbene donor atom. Combined structural and physical data, especially (13)C NMR results, indicate carbene character in such ligands. DFT quantum mechanical calculation at the RI-BP56/SVP level allowed the extraction of valuable chemical information predicting that rNHC (r = remote) ligands would bond more strongly than their nNHC (n = normal) isomers. This result is also corroborated by calculations on the metal complexes themselves. Orbital overlap (mainly sigma) follows the order N(2)HC(5) < nN(1)HC(6) < rN(1)HC(6) when ligands derived from halo-imidazolium and halo-pyridinium salts are compared. In C-C coupling catalysis using Pd(ii) and Ni(ii) complexes, the simple one-N, six-membered carbene complexes are superior to simple two-N, five-membered examples but clear differentiation between nNHC and rNHC precatalysts in the former family, is not always possible.     

Mesoionic oxides: facile access from triazolium salts or triazolylidene copper precursors, and catalytic relevance

Reaction of CsOH with triazolium salts affords mesoionic compounds containing an exocyclic oxygen; the same product is obtained by reaction of the corresponding Cu(I) triazolylidenes with CsOH and represents an unusual reactivity pattern of N-heterocyclic carbene precursors that has implications for carbene copper-catalyzed reactions.     

Dinuclear gold(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes: Synthesis,characterization, and catalytic application for hydrohydrazidation of terminal alkynes

Dinuclear gold(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes were developed for the hydrohydrazidation of terminal alkynes. The gold(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes 2a-2b were synthesized in good yields from silver complexes synthesized in situ, which in turn were obtained from the corresponding imidazolium salts with Ag₂O in dichloromethane as a solvent. The new air-stable gold(I)-NHC complexes, 2a - 2b, were characterized using NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, infrared, and mass spectroscopy studies. The gold(I) complex 2a was characterized using X-ray crystallography. Bis-N-heterocyclic carbene–based gold(I) complexes 2a - 2b exhibited excellent catalytic activities for hydrohydrazidation of terminal alkynes yielding acylhydrazone derivatives. The working catalytic system can be used in gram-scale synthesis. In addition, the catalytic reaction mechanism of the hydrohydrazidation of terminal alkynes by gold(I)-NHC complex was studied in detail using density functional theory.     

New Bisbenzimidazolin‐2‐Ylidene Salts as N‐Heterocyclic Dicarbene Precursors: Synthesis,Characterization, and Involvement in Palladium‐Catalyzed Suzuki Reactions

A new series of bis‐N‐heterocyclic carbene precursors, LHX ( 3a–d ), have been synthesized and characterized by appropriate spectroscopic techniques and microanalyses. In situ prepared Pd(OAc)₂/bis‐N‐heterocyclic carbene precursors catalysts have catalyzed unactivated aryl chlorides on the Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction under mild reaction conditions in aqueous media.