Synthesis of monodentate bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) complexes of iridium: Mixed complexes of abnormal NHCs, normal NHCs, and triazole NHCs

A stepwise synthesis of mixed monodentate bis-NHC complexes of Ir(I), employing Ag(I)NHC complexes as transfer agents, yields complexes with two monodentate NHCs having different steric and electronic characteristics. The crystal structure of the mixed complex (5) with both a triazole-derived NHC ligand and an imidazole-derived NHC ligand is reported and both the NHC ring geometry and the M-NHC bond lengths are similar to related complexes. The complexes maintain their integrity over time and do not disproportionate, consistent with the NHC ligands not being labile.     

Nickel complexes of a bis(benzimidazolin-2-ylidene)pyridine pincer ligand with four- and five-coordinate geometries

The four- and five-coordinate complexes [(CNC)NiX(2)] (X = Cl, Br, I), [(CNC)NiX]PF(6) (X = Cl, Br) and [(CNC)NiCl]Cl·H(2)O have been isolated, where CNC is the bis(N-butylbenzimidazolin-2-ylidene)-2,6-pyridine pincer ligand. A five-coordinate geometry is rare for this class of complex. Where amenable, the complexes have been structurally characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies and in solution by NMR, UV-vis and MS studies. The five-coordinate dibromo complex [(CNC)NiBr(2)] is readily prepared on the gram-scale from the benzimidazolium salt precursor and Ni(OAc)(2)·4H(2)O in DMSO without the exclusion of air. Halide exchange and salt metathesis reactions using [(CNC)NiBr(2)] afford the other four- and five-coordinate complexes. [(CNC)NiBr(2)] displays very low solubility, and upon dissolution affords solutions of the four-coordinate [(CNC)NiBr](+). Factors that influence the formation of four- or five-coordinate complexes with this ligand class are discussed.     

Carbene-pyridine chelating 2Fe2S hydrogenase model complexes as highly active catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of protons from weak acid (HOAc)

Two asymmetrically disubstituted diiron complexes (micro-pdt)[Fe(CO)(3)][Fe(CO)(eta(2)-L)] (L = 1-methyl-3-(2-pyridyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (NHC(MePy)), 2; 1,3-bis(2-picolyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (NHC(diPic)), 4) and a mono-substituted diiron complex (mu-pdt)[Fe(CO)(3)][Fe(CO)(2)(NHC(diPic))] (3) were prepared as biomimetic models of the Fe-only hydrogenase active site. X-Ray studies show that the NHC(MePy) and NHC(diPic) ligands in 2 and 4 each coordinate to the single iron atom as NHC-Py chelating ligands in two basal positions and the NHC(diPic) ligand of complex 3 lies in an apical position as a monodentate ligand. The large ranges of the highest and the lowest nu(CO) frequencies of 2 and 4 reflect that the relatively uneven electron density on the two iron atoms of the 2Fe2S model complexes 2 and 4 is as that observed for mono-substituted diiron complexes of good donor ligands. The cyclic voltammograms and the electrochemical proton reduction by 2 and 3 were studied in the presence of HOAc to evaluate the effect of asymmetrical substitution of strong donor ligands on the redox properties of the iron atoms and on the electrocatalytic activity for proton reduction.     

Redox-Switchable Complexes Based on Nanographene-NHCs

A series of rhodium and iridium complexes with a N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand decorated with a perylene-diimide-pyrene moiety are described. Electrochemical studies reveal that the complexes can undergo two successive one-electron reduction events, associated to the reduction of the PDI moiety attached to the NHC ligand. The reduction of the ligand produces a significant increase on its electron-donating character, as observed from the infrared spectroelectrochemical studies. The rhodium complex was tested in the [3+2] cycloaddition of diphenylcyclopropenone and methylphenylacetylene, where it displayed a redox-switchable behavior. The neutral complex showed moderate activity, which was suppressed when the catalyst was reduced.     

A new tridentate pincer phosphine/n-heterocyclic carbene ligand: palladium complexes, their structures, and catalytic activities

A new imidazolium salt, 1,3-bis(2-diphenylphosphanylethyl)-3H-imidazol-1-ium chloride (2), for the phosphine/N-heterocyclic carbene-based pincer ligand, PC(NHC)P, and its palladium complexes were reported. The complex, [Pd(PC(NHC)P)Cl]Cl (4), was prepared by the common route of silver carbene transfer reaction and a novel direct reaction between the ligand precursor, PC(NHC)P.HCl and PdCl(2) without the need of a base. Metathesis reactions of 4 with AgBF(4) in acetonitrile produced [Pd(PC(NHC)P)(CH(3)CN)](BF(4))(2) (5). The same reaction in the presence of excess pyridine gave [Pd(PC(NHC)P)(py)](BF(4))(2) (6). The X-ray structure determination on 4-6 revealed the chiral twisting of the central imidazole rings from the metal coordination plane. In solution, fast interconversion between left- and right-twisted forms occurs. The twisting reflects the weak pi-accepting property of the central NHC in PC(NHC)P. The uneven extent of twisting among the three complexes further implies the low rotational barrier about the Pd-NHC bond. Related theoretical computations confirm the small rotational energy barrier about the Pd-NHC bond (ca. 4 kcal/mol). Catalytic applications of 4 and 5 have shown that the complexes are modest catalysts in Suzuki coupling. The complexes were active catalysts in Heck coupling reactions with the dicationic complex 5 being more effective than the monocationic complex 4.     

[(NHC)(NHCewg)RuCl2(CHPh)] Complexes with Modified NHCewg Ligands for Efficient Ring‐Closing Metathesis Leading to Tetrasubstituted Olefins

Imidazolium salts (NHC_ewg ? HCl) with electronically variable substituents in the 4,5‐position (H,H or Cl,Cl or H,NO₂ or CN,CN) and sterically variable substituents in the 1,3‐position (Me,Me or Et,Et or iPr,iPr or Me,iPr) were synthesized and converted into the respective [AgI(NHC)_ewg] complexes. The reactions of [(NHC)RuCl₂(CHPh)(py)₂] with the [AgI(NHC_ewg)] complexes provide the respective [(NHC)(NHC_ewg)RuCl₂(CHPh)] complexes in excellent yields. The catalytic activity of such complexes in ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) reactions leading to tetrasubstituted olefins was studied. To obtain quantitative substrate conversion, catalyst loadings of 0.2–0.5 mol % at 80 °C in toluene are sufficient. The complex with the best catalytic activity in such RCM reactions and the fastest initiation rate has an NHC_ewg group with 1,3‐Me,iPr and 4,5‐Cl,Cl substituents and can be synthesized in 95 % isolated yield from the ruthenium precursor. To learn which one of the two NHC ligands acts as the leaving group in olefin metathesis reactions two complexes, [(FL‐NHC)(NHC_ewg)RuCl₂(CHPh)] and [(FL‐NHC_ewg)(NHC)RuCl₂(CHPh)], with a dansyl fluorophore (FL)‐tagged electron‐rich NHC ligand (FL‐NHC) and an electron‐deficient NHC ligand (FL‐NHC_ewg) were prepared. The fluorescence of the dansyl fluorophore is quenched as long as it is in close vicinity to ruthenium, but increases strongly upon dissociation of the respective fluorophore‐tagged ligand. In this manner, it was shown for ring‐opening metathesis ploymerization (ROMP) reactions at room temperature that the NHC_ewg ligand normally acts as the leaving group, whereas the other NHC ligand remains ligated to ruthenium.     

Dynamic behaviour attributed to chiral carbohydrate substituents of N-heterocyclic carbene ligands in square planar nickel complexes

Nickel complexes having acetylated glucopyranosyl group incorporated N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands with methyl or benzyl groups as an N-substituent exhibit two kinds of dynamic behaviours in solution (1)H NMR spectroscopy. One of the dynamic behaviours is attributed to the anti- and syn-rotamers, which occur by the rotation of the unsymmetrical NHC ligands around the axes of the Ni-C bonds. The other is attributed to the diastereomers of the syn-rotamers, which occur by opposite rotation of the imidazolylidene rings and the chiral carbohydrate group incorporated into the NHC ligands. Crystallographic analysis of the nickel complex having the NHC ligand with acetylated glucopyranosyl and benzyl groups as N-substituents showed CH-π interaction between the glucopyranosyl unit of each NHC ligand and the phenyl ring of the other NHC ligand in the complex in the solid state.     

Rhodium and iridium complexes of an asymmetric bicyclic NHC bearing secondary pyridyl donors

A tridentate N^C^N ligand, 1, containing a bicyclic central NHC ring and two flanking pyridyl groups has been coordinated to Rh(I) and Ir(I) to give complexes of the type [M(κ(3)-1)(1,5-COD)]PF(6) (2 M = Rh; 3 M = Ir). In contrast to our earlier study with this ligand, the complexes have been shown to approximate to a trigonal bipyramidal geometry in the solid state and exist as an isomeric mixture in solution as determined by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. Electrochemical studies revealed that both complexes undergo a 1-electron oxidation with the potential of the Rh complex 0.1 V less than that of the Ir complex in CH(2)Cl(2). Preliminary DFT studies confirm the lowest energy conformations as those seen in the solid state and show the location and energy of the HOMOs to be identical in 2 and 3. Partial charge analysis shows a greater positive charge on the Ir in 3 compared to the Rh in 2. Some preliminary studies of hydrogenation reactivity have shown the complexes to be efficient for both transfer and direct hydrogenation of prochiral ketones and alkenes at moderate temperatures but without any discernible enantioselectivity.     

N-Heterocyclic carbene–rhodium complexes as catalysts for hydroformylation and related reactions

Rhodium(I) complexes with N-heterocyclic carbenes (Rh–NHC) can be considered as important candidates for catalysts of hydroformylation of olefins. The high stability of Rh-C(NHC) bonding under reaction conditions allow to expect that NHC ligand will be present in coordination sphere of the catalytically active rhodium complex and therefore influences the reaction yield and regioselectivity. The potential applicability of Rh–NHC complexes containing chiral carbene ligand in asymmetric hydroformylation can be also considered. The excellent review articles relevant to application of Rh–NHC in hydroformylation have been published recently [1], [2], [3]. After that, important contributions to this subject, concerning theoretical and experimental studies, both structural and catalytic, have been reported. Therefore, the reactivity of Rh–NHC complexes can be discussed now in term of these new data. The up to now reported results indicate that the most promising and selective systems for hydroformylation can be composed from Rh–NHC complex and stoichiometric amount of electron-withdrawing phosphorus ligand.     

Controlled synthesis of nickel(II) dihalides bearing two different or identical N-heterocyclic carbene ligands and the influence of carbene ligands on their structures and catalysis

Ni(II) dihalides bearing two different or identical NHC ligands have been prepared via a controlled indene elimination synthesis, and the former product provides a new route for the design of biscarbene Ni(II)-based catalysts. The indene elimination reaction of the indenynickel(II) complex (1-H-Ind)Ni(NHC)X (Ind = indenyl) with one equiv. of a distinct imidazolium salt at 100 °C afforded the first example of Ni(II) dihalides bearing two different NHC ligands, i.e., Ni(iPr)(IPr)X(2) [iPr = 1,3-diisopropylimidazol-2-ylidene, IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene), X = Cl, 1; X = Br, 2] and Ni(iPr)(IMes)Br(2) [IMes = 1,3-bis(mesityl)imidazol-2-ylidene, 3]. Alternatively, complexes 1-3 can be synthesized using a bis-indenyl Ni(II) complex (1-H-Ind)(2)Ni as starting materials via a step-by-step indene elimination at different reaction temperatures. The direct reaction of (1-R-Ind)(2)Ni (R = H or Me) with two equiv. of imidazolium salts at 100 °C afforded Ni(II) dihalides bearing two identical NHC ligands, i.e., Ni(iPr)X(2) (X = Cl, 4; X = Br, 5) and Ni(IPr)Cl(2) (6). All of these complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography for complexes 1-5. The two identical or different NHC ligands in complexes 1-6 changed the coordination sphere of the nickel center from a typical square-planar geometry to a slightly tetrahedral array. A preliminary catalytic study on the cross-coupling reactions of aryl Grignard reagents with aryl halides revealed that complexes 1 and 2 possess the highest activity. In comparison, complexes 3 and 6 exhibited moderate activity and the least active complexes were 4 and 5.     

Synthesis, magnetic, spectral, and antimicrobial studies of Cu(II), Ni(II) Co(II), Fe(III), and UO2(II) complexes of a new Schiff base hydrazone derived from 7-chloro-4-hydrazinoquinoline

A new hydrazone ligand, HL, was prepared by the reaction of 7-chloro-4-hydrazinoquinoline with o-hydroxybenzaldehyde. The ligand behaves as monoprotic bidentate. This was accounted for as the ligand contains a phenolic group and its hydrogen atom is reluctant to be replaced by a metal ion. The ligand reacted with Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Fe(III), and UO2(II) ions to yield mononuclear complexes. In the case of Fe(III) ion two complexes, mono- and binuclear complexes, were obtained in the absence and presence of LiOH, respectively. Also, mixed ligand complexes were obtained from the reaction of the metal cations Cu(II), Ni(II) and Fe(III) with the ligand (HL) and 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-OHqu) in the presence of LiOH, in the molar ratio 1:1:1:1. It is clear that 8-OHqu behaves as monoprotic bidentate ligand in such mixed ligand complexes. The ligand, HL, and its metal complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV-vis, mass, and 1H NMR spectra, as well as magnetic moment, conductance measurements, and thermal analyses. All complexes have octahedral configurations except Cu(II) complex which has an extra square-planar geometry, while Ni(II) mixed complex has also formed a tetrahedral configuration and UO2(II) complex which formed a favorable pentagonal biprymidial geometry. Magnetic moment of the binuclear Fe(III) complex is quite low compared to calculated value for two iron ions complex and thus shows antiferromagnetic interactions between the two adjacent ferric ions. The HL and metal complexes were tested against one stain Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), and fungi (Candida albicans). The tested compounds exhibited higher antibacterial acivities.     

N-Heterocyclic carbene functionalized iridium phosphinidene complex [Cp*(NHC)Ir=PMes*]: comparison of phosphinidene,imido, and carbene complexes

The novel phosphinidene complex [Cp*(NHC)Ir=PMes*] (3; NHC=1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene) was prepared in high yield from [Cp*(NHC)IrCl(2)] (2) and [LiPHMes*].3 THF. It represents the first example of an NHC ligated transition metal phosphinidene complex. The X-ray crystal structure for 3 is also reported. DFT calculations on the N-heterocyclic carbene containing parent complexes [Cp(NHC)Ir=E] (E=PH, NH, CH(2)) show that the NHC ligand acts as good sigma-donor/weak pi-acceptor ligand and forms strong Ir-C(NHC) single bonds. The Ir=E double bonds result from strong triplet-triplet interactions between [Cp(NHC)Ir] and E.     

Pincer‐Type Platinum(II) Complexes Containing N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Ligand: Structures,Photophysical and Anion‐Binding Properties,and Anticancer Activities

Two classes of pincer‐type Pt^II complexes containing tridentate N‐donor ligands ( 1 – 8 ) or C‐deprotonated N^C^N ligands derived from 1,3‐di(2‐pyridyl)benzene ( 10 – 13 ) and auxiliary N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand were synthesized. [Pt(trpy)(NHC)]²⁺ complexes 1 – 5 display green phosphorescence in CH₂Cl₂ (Φ: 1.1–5.3 %; τ: 0.3–1.0 μs) at room temperature. Moderate‐to‐intense emissions are observed for 1 – 7 in glassy solutions at 77 K and for 1 – 6 in the solid state. The [Pt(N^C^N)(NHC)]⁺ complexes 10 – 13 display strong green phosphorescence with quantum yields up to 65 % in CHCl₃. The reactions of 1 with a wide variety of anions were examined in various solvents. The tridentate N‐donor ligand of 1 undergoes displacement reaction with CN^? in protic solvents. Similar displacement of the N^C^N ligand by CN^? has been observed for 10 , leading to a luminescence “switch‐off” response. The water‐soluble 7 containing anthracenyl‐functionalized NHC ligand acts as a light “switch‐on” sensor for the detection of CN^? ion with high selectivity. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the Pt^II complexes towards HeLa cells has been evaluated. Complex 12 showed high cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ value of 0.46 μM , whereas 1 – 4 and 6 – 8 are less cytotoxic. The cellular localization of the strongly luminescent complex 12 traced by using emission microscopy revealed that it mainly localizes in the cytoplasmic structures rather than in the nucleus. This complex can induce mitochondria dysfunction and subsequent cell death.     

Ammonia Activation by a Nickel NCN‐Pincer Complex featuring a Non‐Innocent N‐Heterocyclic Carbene: Ammine and Amido Complexes in Equilibrium

A Ni⁰‐NCN pincer complex featuring a six‐membered N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) central platform and amidine pendant arms was synthesized by deprotonation of its Ni^II precursor. It retained chloride in the square‐planar coordination sphere of nickel and was expected to be highly susceptible to oxidative addition reactions. The Ni⁰ complex rapidly activated ammonia at room temperature, in a ligand‐assisted process where the carbene carbon atom played the unprecedented role of proton acceptor. For the first time, the coordinated (ammine) and activated (amido) species were observed together in solution, in a solvent‐dependent equilibrium. A structural analysis of the Ni complexes provided insight into the highly unusual, non‐innocent behavior of the NHC ligand.     

Nickel N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes in the vinyl polymerization of norbornene

Vinyl polymerized norbornene has some useful properties such as good mechanical strength, optical transparency and heat resistance. Several transition metal complexes have been described in the literature as active catalysts for the vinyl polymerization of norbornene. We now report the use of three types of nickel(II) complexes with N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands in the catalytic vinyl polymerization of norbornene under a range of conditions. Specifically, two nickel complexes bearing a chelating bis(NHC) ligand, two nickel complexes bearing two chelating anionic N‐donor functionalized NHC ligands as well as one diiodidonickel(II) complex with two monodentate NHC ligands were tested. The solid‐state structure of bis(1,3‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene)diiodidonickel(II), as determined by X‐ray crystallography, is presented. The highest polymerization activity of 2.6 × 10⁷ g (mol cat)^?1 h^?1 was observed using the latter nickel complex as catalyst, activated by methylaluminoxane. The norbornene polymers thus obtained are of high molecular weight but with rather low polydispersity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An NHC–Silyl–NHC Pincer Ligand for the Oxidative Addition of C−H,N−H,and O−H Bonds to Cobalt(I) Complexes

N‐Heterocyclic carbene based pincer ligands bearing a central silyl donor, [CSiC]⁻, have been envisioned as a class of strongly σ‐donating ligands that can be used for synthesizing electron‐rich transition‐metal complexes for the activation of inert bonds. However, this type of pincer ligand and complexes thereof have remained elusive owing to their challenging synthesis. We herein describe the first synthesis of a CSiC pincer ligand scaffold through the coupling of a silyl–NHC chelate with a benzyl–NHC chelate induced by one‐electron oxidation in the coordination sphere of a cobalt complex. The monoanionic CSiC ligand stabilizes the Co^I dinitrogen complex [(CSiC)Co(N₂)] with an unusual coordination geometry and enables the challenging oxidative addition of E−H bonds (E=C, N, O) to Co^I to form Co^III complexes. The structure and reactivity of the cobalt(I) complex are ascribed to the unique electronic properties of the CSiC pincer ligand, which provides a strong trans effect and pronounced σ‐donation.     

An NHC–Silyl–NHC Pincer Ligand for the Oxidative Addition of C−H,N−H,and O−H Bonds to Cobalt(I) Complexes

N‐Heterocyclic carbene based pincer ligands bearing a central silyl donor, [CSiC]⁻, have been envisioned as a class of strongly σ‐donating ligands that can be used for synthesizing electron‐rich transition‐metal complexes for the activation of inert bonds. However, this type of pincer ligand and complexes thereof have remained elusive owing to their challenging synthesis. We herein describe the first synthesis of a CSiC pincer ligand scaffold through the coupling of a silyl–NHC chelate with a benzyl–NHC chelate induced by one‐electron oxidation in the coordination sphere of a cobalt complex. The monoanionic CSiC ligand stabilizes the Co^I dinitrogen complex [(CSiC)Co(N₂)] with an unusual coordination geometry and enables the challenging oxidative addition of E−H bonds (E=C, N, O) to Co^I to form Co^III complexes. The structure and reactivity of the cobalt(I) complex are ascribed to the unique electronic properties of the CSiC pincer ligand, which provides a strong trans effect and pronounced σ‐donation.     

A theoretical study of an unusual Y-shaped three-coordinate Pt complex: Pt(0) σ-disilane complex or Pt(II) disilyl complex?

The unusual Y-shaped structure of the recently reported three-coordinate Pt complex Pt[NHC(Dip)(2)](SiMe(2)Ph)(2) (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene; Dip = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) was considered a snapshot of the reductive elimination of disilane. A density functional theory study indicates that this structure arises from the strong trans influence of the extremely σ-donating carbene and silyl ligands. Though this complex can be understood to be a Pt(II) disilyl complex bearing a distorted geometry due to the Jahn-Teller effect, its (195)Pt NMR chemical shift is considerably different from those of Pt(II) complexes but close to those of typical Pt(0) complexes. Its Si···Si bonding interaction is ~50% of the usual energy of a Si-Si single bond. The interaction between the Pt center and the (SiMe(2)Ph)(2) moiety can be understood in terms of donation and back-donation interactions of the Si-Si σ-bonding and σ*-antibonding molecular orbitals with the Pt center. Thus, we conclude that this is likely a Pt(0) σ-disilane complex and thus a snapshot after a considerable amount of the charge transfer from disilane to the Pt center has occurred. Phenyl anion (Ph(-)) and [R-Ar](-) [R-Ar = 2,6-(2,6-iPr(2)C(6)H(3))(2)C(6)H(3)] as well as the divalent carbon(0) ligand C(NHC)(2) also provide similar unusual Y-shaped structures. Three-coordinate digermyl, diboryl, and silyl-boryl complexes of Pt and a disilyl complex of Pd are theoretically predicted to have similar unusual Y-shaped structures when a strongly donating ligand coordinates to the metal center. In a trigonal-bipyramidal Ir disilyl complex [Ir{NHC(Dip)(2)}(PH(3))(2)(SiMe(3))(2)](+), the equatorial plane has a similar unusual Y-shaped structure. These results suggest that various snapshots can be shown for the reductive eliminations of the Ge-Ge, B-B, and B-Si σ-bonds.     

Nickel(II) complexes of bidentate N-heterocyclic carbene/phosphine ligands: efficient catalysts for Suzuki coupling of aryl chlorides

Nickel(II) complexes of bidentate N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)/phosphane ligand L were prepared and structurally characterized. Unlike palladium, which forms [PdCl(2)(L)], the stable nickel product isolated is the ionic [Ni(L)(2)]Cl(2). These Ni(II) complexes are highly robust in air. Among different N-substituents on the ligand framework, the nickel complex of ligand L bearing N-1-naphthylmethyl groups (2 a) is a highly effective catalyst for Suzuki cross-coupling between phenylboronic acid and a range of aryl halides, including unreactive aryl chlorides. The activities of 2 a are largely superior to those of other reported nickel NHC complexes and their palladium counterparts. Unlike the previously reported [NiCl(2)(dppe)] (dppe=1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), 2 a can effectively catalyze the cross-coupling reaction without the need for a catalytic amount of PPh(3), and this suggests that the PPh(2) functionality of hybrid NHC ligand L can partially take on the role of free PPh(3). However, for unreactive aryl chlorides at low catalyst loading, the presence of PPh(3) accelerates the reaction.     

A readily available chiral Ag-based N-heterocyclic carbene complex for use in efficient and highly enantioselective Ru-catalyzed olefin metathesis and Cu-catalyzed allylic alkylation reactions

A new chiral bidentate N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand has been designed and synthesized. The NHC ligand bears a chiral diamine backbone and an achiral biphenol group; upon metal complexation (derived from Ag(I), Ru(II), or Cu(II)), the diamine moiety induces >98% diastereoselectivity such that the biaryl unit coordinates to the metal center to afford the desired complex as a single atropisomer. Because the ligand does not require optically pure biaryl amino alcohols, its synthesis is significantly shorter and simpler than the related first generation ligands bearing a chiral binaphthyl-based amino alcohol. The chiral NHC ligand can be used in the preparation of highly effective Ru- and Cu-based complexes (prepared and used in situ from the Ag(I) carbene) that promote enantioselective olefin metathesis and allylic alkylations with scope that is improved from previously reported protocols. In many cases, transformations promoted by the chiral NHC-based complexes proceed with higher enantioselectivity and reactivity than was observed with previously reported complexes.