Tuning the π-Accepting Properties of Mesoionic Carbenes: A Combined Computational and Experimental Study

Mesoionic imidazolylidenes are recognized as excellent electron-donating ligands in organometallic and main group chemistry. However, these carbene ligands typically show poor π-accepting properties. A computational analysis of 71 mesoionic imidazolylidenes that bear different aryl or heteroaryl substituents in C2 position was performed. The study has revealed that a diphenyltriazinyl (Dpt) substituent renders the corresponding carbene particularly π-acidic. The computational results could be corroborated experimentally. A mesoionic imidazolylidene with a Dpt substituent was found to be a better σ-donor and a better π-acceptor compared to an Arduengo-type N-heterocyclic carbene. To demonstrate the utility of the new carbene, the ligand was used to stabilize a low-valent paramagnetic tin compound.     

Development and investigation of a site selective palladium-catalyzed 1,4-difunctionalization of isoprene using pyridine–oxazoline ligands

Palladium-catalyzed 1,4-difunctionalizations of isoprene that produce skipped polyenes are reported. Complex isomeric product mixtures are possible as a result of the difficult-to-control migratory insertion of isoprene into a Pd–alkenyl bond, but good site selectivity has been achieved using easily accessible pyrox ligands. Mechanistic studies suggest that the control of insertion is the result of the unique electronic asymmetry and steric properties of the ligand.     

NHC Pdii complexes for the solvent-free telomerisation of isoprene with methanol

A comparative study of N-heterocyclic carbene Pd complexes in the head-to-head isoprene telomerization with methanol revealed significant impact of ligand structure as well as axial group structure on the catalyst activity. Some N,N'-diaryl substituted imidazol-2-ylidene, imidazolidin-2-ylidene and expanded-ring tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ylidene and tetrahydrodiazepin-2-ylidene based ligands were tested to explore the fundamental correlations between structure (ring carbene size along with the substituent sterical and electronic properties) and catalytic activity.     

2-alkyl-1,3-butadiene polymerization under the influence of π-allylic complexes of transition metals

Stereoregulation in the polymerization of 2-alkyl-1,3-butadienes with transition metal π-allylic complexes has been studied. The direction of isoprene polymerization is shown to be a function of the nature of the metal and ligands in the allylic compound. The presence of acidic ligands in π-allylic complexes of Zr, Cr, Mo, and Co contributes to 1,4-addition and increases the selectivity of π-allylic nickel complexes, favoring cis-1,4-structure formation. Investigation of the model reaction of 2-alkyl-1,3-butadienes with bis(π-perdeuterocrotyl nickel iodide) revealed that active sites have an π-allylic type structure. The mechanism of formation of π-allylic adducts and the main factors which determine the dependence of direction and rate of polymerization on the nature of a monomer in the diene series: 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene(isoprene), 2-ethyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-isopropyl-1,3-butadiene, and 2-tert-butyl-1,3-butadiene, are discussed.     

Formation mechanism of 2-methyl-2-buten-1,4-diol and 2-methyl-3-buten-1,2-diol from 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene on a head-to-head pivalamidato-bridged cis-diammineplatinum(III) binuclear complex

Reactions of a pivalamidato-bridged head-to-head (HH) platinum(III) binuclear complex with 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (isoprene) and p-styrenesulfonate and of an α-pyrrolidonato-bridged HH platinum(III) binuclear complex with p-styrenesulfonate were studied kinetically using UV-vis spectrophotometry and (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and detailed reaction mechanisms are proposed. Pt(III) binuclear complexes react with p-styrenesulfonate in four successive steps with mechanisms similar to that for an HH α-pyridonato-bridged Pt(III) binuclear complex with p-styrenesulfonate. In the case of isoprene, four steps were observed on the basis of UV-vis spectrophotometry. However, the reaction kinetics for steps 1 and 2 correspond to those for the previous reaction system, and those for steps 3 and 4 do not correspond to those for the previous system or to those observed by using (1)H NMR spectroscopy for the present isoprene system. By using UV-vis spectrophotometry, it was shown that isoprene preferentially π-coordinates to the Pt(N(2)O(2)) atom via the double bond adjacent to the methyl group in step 1. In step 2, a second isoprene molecule π-coordinates to the Pt(N(4)) atom, which is the rate-determining step, followed by nucleophilic attack of a water molecule on the π-coordinated isoprene on the Pt(N(2)O(2)) atom to form two isomeric σ-complexes. In the same step, π-coordinated isoprene on the Pt(N(4)) atom of the σ-complexes is released. This is different from the reaction of the Pt(III) binuclear complexes with other olefins. In step 3, reductive elimination of the σ-complexes occurs to form two diols and the HH pivalamidato-bridged Pt(II) binuclear complex. Finally, acid decomposition of the Pt(II) binuclear complex occurs to form monomers in step 4. From (1)H NMR spectroscopic observations, fast isomerization between σ-complexes and reductive elimination of the σ-complexes occurs in step 3, and isomerization from a 1,4-diol to a 1,2-diol occurs in step 4.     

The mechanism of formation of π-allyl complexes: The reaction of PdCl2−4 with isoprene in methanol

A kinetic study of the reaction between PdCl^2?₄ and isoprene is described. The results are interpreted in terms of the formation of two π-complexes between palladium(II) and isoprene, one having only one double bond coordinated to the metal, the other being a chelated diene compound. Nucleophilic attack of solvent methanol on these intermediate complexes gives the methoxy π-allyl complex.     

Electric field gradient models based on the geometry of the coordination sphere

A complication in NQR studies of many organometallic complexes of contemporary interest is the low molecular symmetry. Guidance is needed on the principal axis orientation and geometric effects of the electric field gradient. In this paper a “coordination sphere” model based on electrostatic charges is described for the fac-a₃b₂c, fac-a₃b₂ ligand geometries. Experimental tests are made using e²Qq/h and η for a number of organometallic Co and Mn complexes having these geometries. The model is surprisingly successful if b and c are single-atom donor ligands. π-Olefin and some other strong π-acceptor ligands yield poorer results. The coordination sphere model is a useful augment to the Townes-Dailey model.     

Komplexchemie reaktiver organischer Verbindungen. XLIV. Dimethylcarben- und Acetonazin-Komplexe aus 2-Diazopropan

Organometallic Chemistry of Reactive Organic Compounds. XLIV. Dimethylcarbene and Acetone Azine Complexes from 2-Diazopropane The ether complex of composition (η⁵-C₅H₅)Mn(CO)₂(thf) ( 1 ; thf = tetrahydrofuran) which is prone to substitution of the thf ligand, reacts with 2-diazopropane ( 2 ) at temperatures around 0…5°C (thf solution) to yield the known dimethylcarbene manganese complex 3 as well as the novel acetone azine complex 4 . According to a single crystal X-ray diffraction study, this latter compound belongs to the structures of type (η⁵-C₅H₅)Mn(CO)₂L and exhibits a ketazine ligand that coordinates as a strong σ-donor via one of the nitrogen atoms. The manganese-nitrogen bond length amounting to 206.3(3) pm is much longer than the distance typical of π-acidic nitrogen ligands in analogous complexes.     

Rhodium catalyzed hydroformylation of olefins

DFT and CCSD(T) methods were used to examine 61 different rhodium catalysts for the hydroformylation of ethylene. The carbon monoxide (CO) stretching frequency was a key electronic parameter to understand the π-accepting nature of the ligand. Normally, π-accepting ligands lead to increased CO stretching frequencies and a reduction in CO dissociation energy. There was no relationship between CO dissociation energy and CO stretching frequency. However, a clear relationship exists between the ethylene insertion barrier (from the rhodium dicarbonyl hydride resting state) and the CO stretching frequency as stronger π-accepting ligands systematically led to a reduction in the barrier. Due to the multistep nature of the rate-limiting step, the overall barrier can be divided into the CO/ethylene equilibrium and an intrinsic ethylene insertion barrier and both are systematically reduced as the π-accepting nature of the ligand is increased. A comparison of the carbonylation transition state (TS) to the ethylene insertion TS allowed us to understand reversibility of olefin insertion. While the ethylene insertion TS systematically decreases with increasing CO stretching frequency, the carbonylation TS is relatively flat. The lines cross at 2156 cm⁻¹ implying a change in the rate-limiting step in this region given a standard set of process conditions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

13C nuclear magnetic resonance studies of the adducts of bis-(π-crotyl-D7-nickel iodide) and 2-alkylbutadienes as related to mechanism of polymerization

By ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, the structures of (C₄D₇Nil)₂ adducts with isoprene, 2-ethyl-, 2-isopropyl- and 2-tert. butylbutadienes have been investigated. The nature of the 2-alkyl substituent in the anti- and syn-1,2-disubstituted π-allylic complexes influences the character of electron charge densities distribution on the carbon atoms of a π-allylic ligand. Mutual arrangement of substituents in the π-allylic active sites has been shown to remain in the double bonds of elementary units of a polymer chain.     

Well-defined phosphate yttrium dialkyl complexes for catalytic stereo-controllable 1,4-polymerization of isoprene

Oxygen ligation is envisioned to provide a stable and distinctive coordination environment to the strongly oxophilic rare-earth metals. However, the well-defined dialkyl complexes bearing oxyanion ancillary ligand had been rarely addressed for the instability of the complexes and the shortage of easily available ligands. Herein, we report the synthesis of phosphate ligated dialkyl yttrium complexes（PYR2） featuring a high stability and a tunable ligand. Treated with the borate reagent, the phosph...     

Quantification of the trans influence in d8 square planar and d6 octahedral complexes: a database study

A systematic search of the Cambridge structural database was undertaken to quantify the trans influence in square planar and octahedral transition metal compounds. For square planar geometry, d⁸ metal centers were studied, while octahedral searches focused on low-spin d⁶ complexes. Two probe ligands (PL) were used to measure the effect of the trans ligand (TL), chloride, and triphenylphosphine (PPh₃). For the TLs O=CX₂, NR₃, pyridine, and Cl^? (X?=?any non-metal, R?=?H or hydrocarbon), the effects on the metal–probe ligand (M–PL) distance were statistically equal and were taken as essentially no trans influence. The other ligands studied showed significant decrease in the mean M–PL bond order, relative to the above ligands: SR₂?=?0.941; S=CX₂?=?0.887; PPh₃?=?0.825; phenyl?=?0.743; CR₃?=?0.719; hydride?=?0.685. Some variation in the trans influence is observed, based on the geometry of the metal center and the PL. In general, electron-donating, σ-bonding ligands lead to a larger trans influence, but π-bonding effects can also be important, particularly when the probe ligand also has π-bonding properties.     

A simple 1H NMR method for determining the σ-donor properties of N-heterocyclic carbenes

The σ-donor properties of NHC ligands (NHC?=?N-heterocyclic carbene) are crucial in controlling their interaction with transition metals, and as a consequence, to determine the selectivity and reactivity of NHCs in transition-metal-catalysis. Herein, we report a simple NMR method for estimating the σ-donor properties of NHC ligands based on a straightforward ¹H NMR measurement of ligand precursors. We present evaluation of σ-donating properties for a range of NHC ligands varied by structure and electronics that are relevant to transition-metal-catalysis. We expect that the simple measurement of σ-donating properties of NHCs, together with the known methods for evaluating sterics and π-backbonding, will enhance the understanding of the properties of NHCs in transition-metal-catalysis.     

A Joint Experimental/Theoretical Investigation of the Statistical Olefin/Conjugated Diene Copolymerization Catalyzed by a Hemi‐Lanthanidocene [(Cp*)(BH4)LnR]

Statistical copolymerization of ethylene and isoprene was achieved by using a borohydrido half‐lanthanidocene complex. Under copolymerization conditions, activation of [(Cp*)(BH₄)₂Nd(thf)₂] (Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅) by an appropriate alkylating agent affords trans‐1,4‐poly‐isoprene‐co‐ethylene. Analysis of the microstructure of the copolymer revealed the presence of successive short sequences of ethylene/ethylene, trans‐1,4‐isoprene/ethylene, and trans‐1,4‐isoprene/trans‐1,4‐isoprene. A small amount of 1,2‐insertion of isoprene was observed, and no cyclic structures within the chain were characterized. Test runs showed that these catalysts are unable to copolymerize α‐olefins (such as hex‐1‐ene) with isoprene. The probable initial steps in the copolymerization have been computed at the DFT level of theory. Analysis of the energy profile provides insight into the catalyst’s activity and selectivity. Our theoretical results highlight the key role played by the allyl intermediate, in which diene insertion, and to a lesser extent olefin insertion, is the rate‐determining step of the process. These results also illustrate the coordination behavior of the allyl ligand during the insertion of an incoming monomer, which directly inserts, after pre‐coordination to the metal center, into the η³‐allyl ligand without inducing an η³ to η¹ haptotropic shift. Finally, the inactivity of this family of catalysts towards the copolymerization of hex‐1‐ene was rationalized on the basis of the free‐energy profile of the copolymerization.     

Electron spin resonance spectroscopy of the high- and low-spin dithiochelate manganese/II/ complexes

The ⁵⁵Mn hyperfine interaction has been analysed for MN/II/ complexes of the formula: I. Mn/dtch/₂ - high-spin, S=$\text{5}\text{2}$ II. Mn/dtch/2/NO//Cl/ - low-spin, S=$\text{1}\text{2}$, were dtch=dithiocarbamate, xanthate or thioxanthate ligand. The increasing π-acceptor properties of the ligands result in the decrease of isotropic hyperfine parameters K. This effect has been observed for both types of complexes. The axially symmetric hyperfine tensor depending on the π-properties of the ligands has been determined for the low-spin complexes. The spin polarization mechanism involving π-orbitals /xz,yz/ has been used for interpretation of the ¹⁴N superhyperfine tensor.     

Coumarin synthesis on π-acidic surfaces

Catalysis with anion–π interactions is emerging as an important topic in supramolecular chemistry. Among the reactions explored so far on π-acidic surfaces, coumarin synthesis stands out as a cascade process with several coupled anionic transition states. Increasing π-acidity has been shown in a different context to increase transition-state stabilisation and thus catalytic activity. In this report, we explore the possible use of macrocycles to accelerate coumarin synthesis between two π-acidic surfaces. To our disappointment, we found that compared to monomeric π-acids, coumarin synthesis within divalent macrocycles is clearly slower. Hindered access to an overly confined active site within the macrocycles could possibly account for this loss in activity, but several other explanations are certainly possible. However, operational coumarin synthesis on monomeric π-acidic surfaces is shown to tolerate structural modifications. Best results are obtained with structures that aim for proximity without obstructing transition-state stabilisation on the π-acidic surface.     

Electrically Conductive π-Intercalated Graphitic Metal-Organic Framework Containing Alternate π-Donor/Acceptor Stacks

Two-dimensional graphitic metal–organic frameworks (GMOF) often display impressive electrical conductivity chiefly due to efficient through-bond in-plane charge transport, however, less efficient out-of-plane conduction across the stacked layers creates large disparity between two orthogonal conduction pathways and dampens their bulk conductivity. To address this issue and engineer higher bulk conductivity in 2D GMOFs, we have constructed via an elegant bottom-up method the first π-intercalated GMOF (iGMOF1) featuring built-in alternate π-donor/acceptor (π-D/A) stacks of Cu^II-coordinated electron-rich hexaaminotriphenylene (HATP) ligands and non-coordinatively intercalated π-acidic hexacyano-triphenylene (HCTP) molecules, which facilitated out-of-plane charge transport while the hexagonal Cu₃(HATP)₂ scaffold maintained in-plane conduction. As a result, iGMOF1 attained an order of magnitude higher bulk electrical conductivity and much smaller activation energy than Cu₃(HATP)₂ (σ=25 vs. 2 S m⁻¹, E_a=36 vs. 65 meV), demostrating that simultaneous in-plane (through-bond) and out-of-plane (through πD/A stacks) charge transport can generate higher electrical conductivity in novel iGMOFs.     

Markovnikov hydroformylation catalyzed by ROPAC in the presence of phosphine and phosphine oxide ligands

Rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of 1-octene in the presence of different phosphine and phosphine oxide ligands has been investigated. The molecular structure of new phosphine ligand, fluorenylidine methyl phenyl diphenylphosphine, was determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Parameters such as different ligands, molar ratio of ligand to rhodium complex, ratio of olefin to rhodium complex, pressure of CO : H₂ mixture, and time of the reaction were studied. The linear aldehyde was the main product when the phosphine ligands were used as auxiliary ligands while the selectivity was changed to the branched products when the related phosphine oxide ligands were used. Under optimized reaction conditions, in the presence of [Rh(acac)(CO)(Ph₃P)]-di(1-naphthyl)phenyl phosphine oxide, conversion of 1-octene reached 97% with 87% selectivity of branched aldehyde.     

An Allyl Uranium(IV) Sandwich Complex: Are ϕ Bonding Interactions Possible?

A method to explore head-to-head ϕ back-bonding from uranium f-orbitals into allyl π* orbitals has been pursued. Anionic allyl groups were coordinated to uranium with tethered anilide ligands, then the products were investigated by using NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal XRD, and theoretical methods. The (allyl)silylanilide ligand, N-((dimethyl)prop-2-enylsilyl)-2,6-diisopropylaniline (LH), was used as either the fully protonated, singly deprotonated, or doubly deprotonated form, thereby highlighting the stability and versatility of the silylanilide motif. A free, neutral allyl group was observed in UI₂(L1)₂ ( 1 ), which was synthesized by using the mono-deprotonated ligand [K][N-((dimethyl)prop-2-enyl)silyl)-2,6-diisopropylanilide] (L1). The desired homoleptic sandwich complex U[L2]₂ ( 2 ) was prepared from all three ligand precursors, but the most consistent results came from using the dipotassium salt of the doubly deprotonated ligand [K]₂[N-((dimethyl)propenidesilyl)-2,6-diisopropylanilide] (L2). This allyl-based sandwich complex was studied by using theoretical techniques with supporting experimental spectroscopy to investigate the potential for phi (ϕ) back-bonding. The bonding between U^IV and the allyl fragments is best described as ligand-to-metal electron donation from a two carbon fragment-localized electron density into empty f-orbitals.     

Effect of P-Containing Ligands on the Structural and Optical Properties of (CdSe)<Subscript>n</Subscript> (n = 3, 6, 10) Clusters

The effect of phosphorus-containing ligands on the structure, energetics and properties of the (CdSe)_n clusters (n = 3, 6, and 10) with different number of PH₃ and PMe₃ ligands were studied by using density functional theory calculations. The P atom in the ligand interacts with Cd and forms a strong Cd–P coordination bond. The introduction of ligands does not change the cluster architecture, but leads to considerable changes in Cd–Se bondlength, charge distribution, binding energy, HOMO–LUMO gap and optical absorption. The ligand influence is enhanced with increasing ligand coverage. A blueshift in absorption band was predicted for the clusters with increasing ligands, resulting from the electron donating characteristics of the ligands that hamper electron transition from Se to Cd. As P-containing ligands are often used in the preparation of CdSe nanocrystals, our calculations reveal the influence of ligand-cluster interaction on the cluster geometrical and electronic properties, which would be helpful for the nanocrystal design and synthesis.