Copper(I)-anilide complex [Na(phen)3][Cu(NPh2)2]: an intermediate in the copper-catalyzed N-arylation of N-phenylaniline

Complex [Na(phen)₃][Cu(NPh₂)₂] ( 2 ), containing a linear bis(N‐phenylanilide)copper(I) anion and a distorted octahedral tris(1,10‐phenanthroline)sodium counter cation, has been isolated from the catalytic C? N cross‐coupling reaction with the CuI/phen/tBuONa (phen=1,10‐phenanthroline) catalytic system. Complex 2 can react with 4‐iodotoluene to produce 4‐methyl‐N,N‐diphenylaniline ( 3 a ) with 70.6 % yield. In addition, 2 can work as an effective catalyst for C? N coupling under the same reaction conditions, thus indicating that 2 is the intermediate of the catalytic system. Both [Cu(NPh₂)₂]^? and [Cu(NPh₂)I]^? have been observed by in situ electron ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) under catalytic reaction conditions, thus confirming that they are intermediates in the reaction. A catalytic cycle has been proposed based on these observations. The molecular structure of 2 has been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

A one‐pot green synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐benzo[h]chromenes catalyzed by a dioxomolybdenum Schiff base complex supported on magnetic nanoparticles as an efficient and recyclable nanocatalyst

In this work, catalytic performance of a molybdenum Schiff base complex‐supported magnetic support as a nanocatalyst was evaluated for the preparation of 2‐amino‐4H‐benzo[h]chromenes through one‐pot, three component reactions of 1‐naphthol, various aldehydes, and malononitrile under solvent‐free conditions. A promising greener and eco‐friendly method with a short reaction time, high yield of products, and simple work‐up procedure was achieved. The nanocatalyst could be easily separated and regenerated from reaction media by an external magnet and reused at least seven consecutive times with small drops in its catalytic performance.     

Effect of catalysts on the reaction of an aliphatic isocyanate and water

The kinetics of the reaction of aliphatic isocyanate with water were investigated with hexyl isocyanate as a model compound. The kinetic study was carried out with a titration method to determine the concentration of the isocyanate group as a function of time. Gas chromatography was used to augment the kinetic data obtained from the titration method. The effects of an organic acid [p‐toluene sulfonic acid monohydrate (p‐TSA)], a tertiary amine {diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO)}, and an organotin compound [dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL)] on the reaction were investigated for the conversion of isocyanate to a urea. Under the reaction conditions in this study, urea was the only product observed. The rate constants indicated that p‐TSA had low catalytic activity, DABCO had intermediate catalytic activity, and DBTDL had high catalytic activity. A reaction mechanism was proposed for each of the catalysts. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1677–1688, 2002     

Characterization and catalytic performance of basaltic dust as an efficient catalyst in the liquid‐phase esterification of acetic acid with n‐butanol

Three natural basaltic samples were collected and used as efficient catalysts for the liquid‐phase synthesis of n‐butyl acetate. The samples were characterized by X‐ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N₂ sorption. The acidity of the samples was determined using isopropanol dehydration, and the strength of the acid sites was measured using chemisorption of basic probes. The catalytic activity of the samples towards the esterification of acetic acid with n‐butanol was extensively examined. The influence of different parameters, such as the reaction refluxing time, molar ratio, catalyst loading, reusability, and calcination temperature, on the esterification reaction was studied in detail. The results revealed that all samples had high catalytic activity with a selectivity of 100% to n‐butyl acetate formation. In addition, the sample obtained from the top hill of Volcano had the highest activity with a 80% yield of n‐butyl acetate. Moreover, the significant catalytic performances were well correlated with the acidity of the samples and to the reaction rate constants.     

Synthesis of 1,1‐Diacetates using a New Combined Catalytic System: Copper p‐Toluenesulfonate/HOAc

Copper p‐toluenesulfonate acetic acid has been established as an efficient combined catalytic system for chemoselective conversion of aldehydes to diacetates in high yields at ambient temperature in short reaction times. For the catalytic system, the amount of copper p‐toluenesulfonate reduced to 0.3 mol%. After the reaction, copper p‐toluenesulfonate can be easily recovered and reused for at least 10 runs.     

Synthesis of N‐butylphthalimide catalyzed by quaternary phosphonium salt‐type triphase catalysts based on cross‐linked polystyrene microspheres

Chloroacylation reactions of cross‐linked polystyrene (CPS) microspheres were conducted with two kinds of ω‐chloroacyl chlorides, chloroacetyl chloride, and 4‐chlorobutyryl chloride as reagent, respectively, and the chloromethylation reaction of CPS microspheres was also performed using 1,4‐bis (chloromethoxy) butane as reagent, obtaining three kinds of modified CPS microspheres on which the exchangeable chlorine atoms were introduced. Subsequently, the reactions of these modified microspheres with triphenylphosphine were carried out, respectively, and three kinds of quaternary phosphonium salt (QPS)‐type triphase catalysts (TPC) were prepared. These catalysts were used in the N‐alkylation reaction of phthalimide, namely the reaction of phthalimide in water phase with 1‐bromobutane in organic phase, resulting in N‐butylphthalimide. The effects of main reaction conditions on the triphase‐transfer catalysis reaction were examined, and the relationship between the structure and catalytic activity for these TPC was investigated. The experimental results indicate that the prepared QPS‐type TPC are effective for the N‐alkylation reaction of phthalimide carried out between oil phase and water phase. The polarity of the organic solvent and the temperature affect the reaction rate greatly. The result of the reaction in nitrobenzene having the highest polarity among the used several solvents is the best. It will make the reaction to speed up to raise temperature. The chemical structures of the TPC have crucial influences on the catalytic activity of the TPC. The catalyst with a longer spacer arm, which links the catalytic group to the matrix microspheres, has higher activity. The bonding density of QPS group on the polymer microspheres affects the hydrophilic and hydrophobic property of the TPC and, accordingly, affects the catalytic activity greatly. There is a maximum conversion of 1‐bromobutane as the bonding density of QPS group on TPC is 0.94 mmol/g. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 677–686, 2011     

Chiral Brønsted Acid Directed Iron‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Friedel–Crafts Alkylation of Indoles with β‐Aryl α′‐Hydroxy Enones

A cooperative catalytic system established by the combination of an iron salt and a chiral Brønsted acid has proven to be effective in the asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles with β‐aryl α′‐hydroxy enones. Good to excellent yields and enatioselectivities were observed for a variety of α′‐hydroxy enones and indoles, particularly for the β‐aryl α′‐hydroxy enones bearing an electron‐withdrawing group at the para position of the phenyl ring (up to 90 % yield and 91 % ee). The proton of the chiral Brønsted acid, the Lewis acid activation site, as well as the inherent basic site for the hydrogen‐bonding interaction of the Brønsted acid are responsible for the high catalytic activities and enantioselectivities of the title reaction. A possible reaction mechanism was proposed. The key catalytic species in the catalytic system, the phosphate salt of Fe^III, which was thought to be responsible for the high activity and good enantioselectivity, was then confirmed by ESIMS studies.     

Catalytic Asymmetric Phase‐Transfer Michael Reaction and Mannich‐Type Reaction of Glycine Schiff Bases with Tartrate‐Derived Diammonium Salts

Catalytic asymmetric Michael and Mannich‐type reactions of glycine Schiff bases with chiral two‐center organocatalysts, tartrate‐derived diammonium salts (TaDiASs), are described. On the basis of conformational studies, optimized TaDiASs with a 2,6‐disubstituted cyclohexane spiroacetal were newly designed. These TaDiASs catalyzed the asymmetric Michael and Mannich‐type reactions of glycine Schiff bases with higher enantioselectivity than previous catalysts. In the Mannich‐type reaction, aromatic N‐Boc‐protected imines (Boc=tert‐butoxycarbonyl) as well as enolizable alkyl imines were applicable. As a synthetic application of the catalytic asymmetric Mannich‐type reaction with the optimized TaDiASs, we developed a catalytic asymmetric total synthesis of (+)‐nemonapride, which is an antipsychotic agent.     

Commercial Zinc Oxide (Zn2+) as an Efficient and Environmentally Benign Catalyst for Homogeneous Benzoylation of Hydroxyl Functional Groups

The solvent‐free O‐acylation of some alcohols with benzoyl chloride was carried out to the corresponding benzoylated products in good to excellent yields by the mediation of a catalytic amount (5 mol%) of the commercially available and inexpensive zinc oxide in short reaction times. This methodology represents an eco‐friendly and simple catalytic alternative for benzoylation of primary, secondary, tertiary, and benzylic alcohols with ZnO. This catalytic system was homogeneous because of high solubility of zinc oxide in the reaction medium. Findings showed that ZnO was dissolved in hydrochloric acid, created in situ, after a few minutes. Although, others argued on the catalytic role of solid phase zinc oxide under a heterogeneous condition, it is not surprising to emphasize on the catalytic function of Zn²⁺ in the benzoylation of alcohols under homogeneous reaction conditions. Zinc oxide served as pre‐catalyst to form Zn²⁺, as the catalytically active species.     

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Cascade Reactions of 7‐Vinylindoles: Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Synthesis of C7‐Functionalized Indoles

The first catalytic asymmetric cascade reaction of 7‐vinylindoles has been established by the rational design of such substrates. Cascade reactions with isatin‐derived 3‐indolylmethanols in the presence of a chiral phosphoric acid derivative allow the diastereo‐ and enantioselective synthesis of C7‐functionalized indoles as well as the construction of cyclopenta[b]indole and spirooxindole frameworks (all >95:5 d.r., 94–>99 % ee). This approach not only addresses the great challenge of the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of C7‐functionalized indoles, but also provides an efficient method for constructing biologically important cyclopenta[b]indole and spirooxindole scaffolds with excellent optical purity. Investigation of the reaction pathway and activation mode has suggested that this cascade reaction proceeds through a vinylogous Michael addition/Friedel–Crafts process, in which dual H‐bonding activation of the two reactants plays a crucial role.     

Cu(0)/2,6‐bis(imino)pyridines catalyzed single‐electron transfer‐living radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated with poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐chlorotrifluoroethylene)

A series of 2,6‐bis(imino)pyridines, as common ligands for late transition metal catalyst in ethylene coordination polymerization, were successfully employed in single‐electron transfer‐living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) by using poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐chlorotrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐co‐CTFE)) as macroinitiator with low concentration of copper catalyst under relative mild‐reaction conditions. Well‐controlled polymerization features were observed under varied reaction conditions including reaction temperature, catalyst concentration, as well as monomer amount in feed. The typical side reactions including the chain‐transfer reaction and dehydrochlorination reaction happened on P(VDF‐co‐CTFE) in atom‐transfer radical polymerization process were avoided in current system. The relationship between the catalytic activity and the chemical structure of 2,6‐bis(imino)pyridine ligands was investigated by comparing both the electrochemical properties of Cu(II)/2,6‐bis(imino)pyridine and the kinetic results of SET‐LRP of MMA catalyzed with different ligands. The substitute groups onto N‐binding sites with proper steric bulk and electron donating are desirable for both high‐propagation reaction rate and C? Cl bonds activation capability on P(VDF‐co‐CTFE). The catalytic activity of Cu(0)/2,6‐bis(imino)pyridines is comparable with Cu(0)/2,2′‐bipyridine under the consistent reaction conditions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 4378–4388     

Chelation‐Assisted Nickel‐Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation via Double C−H Activation/Alkyne Insertion Reaction

A nickel/NHC system for regioselective oxidative annulation by double C?H bond activation and concomitant alkyne insertion is described. The catalytic reaction requires a bidentate directing group, such as an 8‐aminoquinoline, embedded in the substrate. Various 5,6,7,8‐tetrasubstituted‐N‐(quinolin‐8‐yl)‐1‐naphthamides can be prepared as well as phenanthrene and benzo[h]quinoline amide derivatives. Diarylalkynes, dialkylalkynes, and arylalkylalkynes can be used in the system. A Ni⁰/Ni^II catalytic cycle is proposed as the main catalytic cycle. The alkyne plays a double role as a two‐component coupling partner and as a hydrogen acceptor.     

Design and Catalytic Asymmetric Construction of Axially Chiral 3,3′‐Bisindole Skeletons

The first catalytic asymmetric construction of 3,3′‐bisindole skeletons bearing both axial and central chirality has been established by organocatalytic asymmetric addition reactions of 2‐substituted 3,3′‐bisindoles with 3‐indolylmethanols (up to 98 % yield, all >95:5 d.r., >99 % ee). This reaction also represents the first highly enantioselective construction of axially chiral 3,3′‐bisindole skeletons, and utilizes the strategy of introducing a bulky group to the ortho‐position of prochiral 3,3′‐bisindoles. This reaction not only provides a good example for simultaneously controlling axial and central chirality in one operation, but also serves as a new strategy for catalytic enantioselective construction of axially chiral 3,3′‐bisindole backbones from prochiral substrates.     

Catalytic activity of 1‐methylimidazole‐based phosphine ligands in the palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction

The catalytic activities of three N‐methylimidazole‐based phosphine ligands in the Suzuki coupling reaction were tested using PdCl₂ as the catalyst. The results showed all three phosphine ligands exhibited excellent activity towards the Suzuki reaction, and the catalytic activity decreased with increasing number of imidazole groups. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Desymmetrization of Bicyclic Bislactones Bearing an All‐Carbon Stereogenic Center: Total Syntheses of (−)‐Rhazinilam and (−)‐Leucomidine B

In the presence of a catalytic amount of an imidodiphosphoric acid, enantioselective desymmetrization of bicyclic bislactones by reaction with alcohols took place smoothly to afford enantiomerically enriched monoacids having an all‐carbon stereogenic center. Concise catalytic enantioselective syntheses of both (?)‐rhazinilam and (?)‐leucomidine B were subsequently developed using (S)‐methyl 4‐ethyl‐4‐formylpimelate monoacid as a common starting material.     

Aerobic epoxidation of olefins catalyzed by the cobalt-based metal-organic framework STA-12(Co)

A Co‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) was investigated as a catalytic material in the aerobic epoxidation of olefins in DMF and exhibited, based on catalyst mass, a remarkably high catalytic activity compared with the Co‐doped zeolite catalysts that are typically used in this reaction. The structure of STA‐12(Co) is similar to that of STA‐12(Ni), as shown by XRD Rietveld refinement and is stable up to 270 °C. For the epoxidation reaction, significantly different selectivities were obtained depending on the substrate. Although styrene was epoxidized with low selectivity due to oligomerization, (E)‐stilbene was converted with high selectivities between 80 and 90 %. Leaching of Co was low and the reaction was found to proceed mainly heterogeneously. The catalyst was reusable with only a small loss of activity. The catalytic epoxidation of stilbene with the MOF featured an induction period, which was, interestingly, considerably reduced by styrene/stilbene co‐epoxidation. This could be traced back to the formation of benzaldehyde promoting the reaction. Detailed parameter and catalytic studies, including in situ EPR and EXAFS spectroscopy, were performed to obtain an initial insight into the reaction mechanism.     

Ruthenium‐Catalyzed synthesis of quinolines from anilines and N‐allylic compounds by cascade amine exchange reaction‐heteroannulation

Anilines react with N‐allylic compounds such as triallylamine and N,N‐diallylaniline in dioxane in the presence of a catalytic amount of ruthenium(III) chloride hydrate and bis(diphenylphosphino)methane and tin(II) chloride dihydrate to afford the corresponding quinolines in high yields. Several other phosphorus ligands are also effective, but bis(diphenylphosphino)methane is the ligand of choice. A reaction pathway involving cascade amine exchange reaction‐heteroannulation is proposed for this catalytic process.     

Preparation,characterization and catalytic activity studies of organoruthenium‐supported polyoxotungstates on SBA‐15

Organoruthenium‐supported polyoxometalates [(RuC₆H₆)XW₉O₃₄]^7? (XWRu; X = As, P) were selected as samples to study their catalytic activities towards the solvent‐free oxidation of n‐hexadecane. First of all, the XWRu were deposited on 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane‐modified SBA‐15 to prepare solid catalysts, which were characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption measurements, Fourier transform infrared reflectance spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Subsequently, their catalytic performances and stabilities were assessed through the oxidation of n‐hexadecane using air as the oxygen source without any additives and solvents, and the influences of the loading amount, catalyst amount, reaction time and reaction temperature on the catalytic activities were investigated. The results indicated the influence of the central heteroatoms X of XWRu on the catalytic activities. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sustainable Heck–Matsuda Reaction with Catalytic Amounts of Diazonium Salts: An Experimental and Theoretical Study

The palladium‐catalyzed Heck–Matsuda reaction with a catalytic amount of an in‐situ‐generated diazonium salt proceeded under mild and sustainable conditions. The reaction proceeded at room temperature, under base‐free conditions, and only generated tBuOH, H₂O, and N₂ as by‐products. Ortho‐substituted diazonium salts were more‐efficiently coupled to methyl acrylate than their corresponding para isomers, which required the addition of anisole as an additive. In support of these experimental data, we carried out theoretical studies to gain a deeper understanding of these reaction outcomes.     

Synthesis and characterization of the novel diamine‐functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2 nanocatalyst and its application for one‐pot three‐component synthesis of chromenes

Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@propyltriethoxysilane@o‐phenylendiamine as an environmentally‐benign functionalized silica‐coated magnetic organometallic nanomaterial has been synthesized and characterized by Fourier transforms infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analyses. Then, its catalytic activity was investigated for the one‐pot three‐component condensation reaction between dimedone, malononitrile and various substituted aromatic aldehydes to afford the corresponding 2‐amino‐4H‐chromene derivatives under mild reaction conditions. This nanocatalyst can be easily recovered from the reaction mixture by using a magnet and reused for at least five times without significant decrease in catalytic activity.