Stoichiometric photoisomerization of mononuclear ruthenium(II) monoaquo complexes controlling redox properties and water oxidation catalysis

Although various reactions involved in photoexcited states of polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes have been extensively studied, photoisomerization of the complexes is very rare. We report the first illustration of stoichiometric photoisomerization of trans-[Ru(tpy)(pynp)OH(2)](2+) (1a) [tpy = 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine; pynp = 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine] to cis-[Ru(tpy)(pynp)OH(2)](2+) (1a') and the isolation of 1a and 1a' for X-ray crystallographic analysis. Polypyridyl ruthenium(II) aquo complexes are attracting much attention related to proton-coupled electron transfer and water oxidation catalysis. We demonstrate that the photoisomerization significantly controls the redox reactions and water oxidation catalyses involving the ruthenium(II) aquo complexes 1a and 1a'.     

Role of axial donors in the ligand isomerization processes of quadruply bonded dimolybdenum(II) compounds

Quadruply bonded dimolybdenum(II) complexes with NP-R (2-(2-R)-1,8-naphthyridine; R = thiazolyl (NP-tz), furyl (NP-fu), thienyl (NP-th)) and 2,3-dimethyl-1,8-naphthyridine (NP-Me 2) have been synthesized by reactions of cis-[Mo2(OAc)2(CH3CN)6][BF4]2 with the corresponding ligands. The products cis-[Mo2(NP-tz)2(OAc)2][BF4]2 (1), trans-[Mo2(NP-fu)2(OAc)2][BF4]2 (2), trans-[Mo2(NP-th)2(OAc)2][BF4]2 (3), and trans-[Mo2(NP-Me2)2(OAc)2][BF4]2 (4) were isolated and characterized. The NP-R ligands with stronger R = pyridyl and thiazolyl donors result in cis isomers whereas the weaker furyl and thienyl appendages lead to compounds having a trans orientation of the ligands. The use of NP-Me2 leads to a trans structure with a tetrafluoroborate anion occupying one of the axial sites. Complete replacement of two acetate groups by acetonitrile in 1 and 2 resulted in the cis isomers [Mo2(NP-tz)2(CH3CN)4][OTf]4 (5) and [Mo2(NP-fu)2(CH3CN)4][OTf]4 (6) respectively. The combination of one acetate and two acetonitriles as ancillary ligands, however, yields trans-[Mo2(NP-tz)2(OAc)(CH3CN)2][BF4]3 (7) in the solid state as determined by X-ray crystallography. (1)H NMR spectra of the products are diagnostic of the cis and trans dispositions of the ligands. Solution studies reveal that the ligand arrangements observed in the solid state are mostly retained in the acetonitrile medium. The only exception is 7, for which a mixture of cis and trans isomers are detected on the NMR time scale. The isolation of trans compounds 2- 4 from the cis precursor [Mo2(OAc)2(CH3CN)6][BF4]2 indicates that an isomerization process occurs during the reactions. The mechanism involving acetate migration through axial coordination has been invoked to rationalize the product formation. Compounds 1- 7 were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray methods.     

Cationic complexes of dirhodium(II) with 1,8-naphthyridine: Catalysis of reactions involving silanes

The synthesis of cationic dirhodium(II) complexes by partial or total substitution of the acetate groups of [Rh₂(OAc)₄] with different homoleptic neutral bidentate ligands has been attempted. The ligand 1,8-naphthyridine gave the best results: substitution of one as well as of all four acetate ligands is possible, giving rise to mono-, di- and tetra-cationic complexes. One of the resulting tetrasubstituted complexes has been structurally characterised and found to exhibit the expected lantern-shaped structure. All cationic complexes have been investigated as catalysts in different reactions involving silanes: promising results have been obtained, particularly in the silylformylation of alkynes.     

Axial coordination of NHC ligands on dirhodium(II) complexes: generation of a new family of catalysts

An efficient new methodology for the arylation of aldehydes is disclosed which uses dirhodium(II) catalysts and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands. Complexes of Rh 2(OAc) 4 with one and two NHCs attached on the axial positions were successfully isolated, fully characterized, and used as catalysts in the reaction. The saturated monocomplex ((NHC 5)Rh 2(OAc) 4) 31 was shown to be the most active catalyst and was particularly efficient in the arylation of alkyl aldehydes. DFT calculations support participation of complexes with one axial NHC in the reaction as the catalysts active species and indicate that hydrogen bonds involving dirhodium unit, reactants, and solvent (alcohol) play an important role on the reaction mechanism.     

Synthesis and spectral investigations of manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of new polydentate ligands containing a 1,8-naphthyridine moiety

2-(o-Hydroxyphenyl)-1,8-naphthyridine (HN), 2-(4-hydroxy-6-methylpyran-2-one-3-yl)-1,8-naphthyridine (HMPN) and 2-(benzimidazol-2-yl)-1,8-naphthyridine(BN) react with acetates of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) to yield metal ion complexes of definite composition. These compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility measurements, thermal studies, IR, UV-visible, NMR and mass spectral investigations. The complexes are found to have the formulae [M(HN)2(H2O)2], [M(HMPN)2(H2O)2] and [M(BN)2(OAc)2], respectively.     

Infinite sheet structure of disodium tetra-μ-acetato- dichlorodirhodate(II) tetrahydrate

The binuclear rhodium(II) complex Na2[Rh2Cl2(OAc)4]· 4H2O has an infinite sheet structure. Binuclear anionic complexes [Rh2Cl2(OAc)4]2– are bound with cationic entities. The Na+ cation has pseudooctahedral coordination and is surrounded by two chloro ligands and two oxygen atoms of bridging acetato ligands of two [Rh2Cl2(OAc)4]2– anions and two water molecules. Both Cl and H2O are bridging ligands involved in formation of the Na+ chains. The remaining water molecules are located between sheets.     

Optimizing dirhodium(II) tetrakiscarboxylates as chiral NMR auxiliaries

Thirteen enantiopure paddlewheel-shaped dirhodium(II) tetrakiscarboxylate complexes have been checked for their efficiency in the dirhodium method (differentiation of enantiomers by NMR spectroscopy); six of them are new. Their diastereomeric dispersion effects were studied and compared via so-called key numbers KN. Adducts of each complex were tested with five different test ligands representing all relevant donor properties from strong (phosphane) to very weak (ether). Only one of them, the dirhodium complex with four axial (S)-N-2,3-naphthalenedicarboxyl-tert-leucinate groups (N23tL), showed results significantly better for all ligands than the conventional complex Rh* [Rh(II)(2)[(R)-(+)-MTPA](4); MTPA = methoxytrifluoromethylphenylacetate]. On the basis of (1)H{(1)H} NOE spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, a combination of favourable anisotropic group orientation and conformational flexibility is held responsible for the high efficiency of N23tL in enantiodifferentiation. Both complexes, Rh* and N23tL, are recommended as chiral auxiliaries for the dirhodium experiment.     

Stereospecific synthesis and redox properties of ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes bearing a redox-active 1,8-naphthyridine unit

Two stereoisomers of cis-[Ru(bpy)(pynp)(CO)Cl]PF₆ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, pynp = 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) were selectively prepared. The pyridyl rings of the pynp ligand in [Ru(bpy)(pynp)(CO)Cl]⁺ are situated trans and cis, respectively, to the CO ligand. The corresponding CH₃CN complex ([Ru(bpy)(pynp)(CO)(CH₃CN)]²⁺) was also prepared by replacement reactions of the chlorido ligand in CH₃CN. Using these complexes, ligand-centered redox behavior was studied by electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques. The molecular structures of pynp-containing complexes (two stereoisomers of [Ru(bpy)(pynp)(CO)Cl]PF₆ and [Ru(pynp)₂(CO)Cl]PF₆) were determined by X-ray structure analyses.     

Syntheses and reactivity studies of solvated dirhenium acetonitrile complexes

Fully and partially solvated triply-bonded [Re2]4+ complexes have been synthesized and their X-ray structures are described. A fully solvated dirhenium salt with BArf [tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate] as the counter anion [Re2(CH3CN)10][BArf]4 () has been characterized. The solubility of the complex in CH2Cl2 and THF in addition to CH3CN offers the possibility of improved reactivity. The structure of [Re2(micro-O)(CH3CN)10][BF4]4 () that possesses a linear [Re(III)-O-Re(III)]4+ unit is reported. Protonation reactions of cis-Re2Cl2(dppm)2(O2CCH3)2 and trans-Re2Cl4(dppm)2 with HBF4.Et2O in acetonitrile afforded cis and trans [Re2(dppm)2(CH3CN)6][BF4]4 ( and ), respectively. Prolonging the reaction time, however, does not lead to fully solvated complex [Re2(CH3CN)10][BF4]4. The neutral nitrogen donor ligands pynp (2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) and tznp (2-(2-thiazolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) react readily with [Re2(CH3CN)10][BF4]4 to provide trans-[Re2(pynp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4 and trans-[Re2(tznp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4. The X-ray structures trans-[Re2(pynp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]4 () and trans-[Re2(tznp)2(CH3CN)4][BF4]3[PF6] () have been determined.     

Novel binding interactions of the DNA fragment d(pGpG) cross-linked by the antitumor active compound tetrakis(mu-carboxylato)dirhodium(II,II)

Insight into the N7/O6 equatorial binding interactions of the antitumor active complex Rh(2)(OAc)(4)(H(2)O)(2) (OAc(-) = CH(3)CO(2)(-)) with the nucleotide 5'-GMP and the DNA fragment d(pGpG) has been obtained by one- (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR spectroscopy. The lack of N7 protonation at low pH values and the significant increase in the acidity of N1-H (pK(a) approximately 5.6 as compared to 8.5 for N7 only bound platinum adducts), indicated by the pH dependence study of the H8 (1)H NMR resonance for the HT (head-to-tail) isomer of Rh(2)(OAc)(2)(5'-GMP)(2), are consistent with bidentate N7/O6 binding of the guanine. The H8 (1)H NMR resonance of the HH (head-to-head) Rh(2)(OAc)(2)(5'-GMP)(2) isomer, as well as the 5'-G and 3'-G H8 resonances of the Rh(2)(OAc)(2) [d(pGpG)] adduct exhibit pH-independent titration curves, attributable to the added effect of the 5'-phosphate group deprotonation at a pH value similar to that of the N1 site. The enhancement in the acidity of N1-H, with respect to N7 only bound metal adducts, afforded by the O6 binding of the bases to the rhodium centers, has been corroborated by monitoring the pH dependence of the purine C6 and C2 (13)C NMR resonances for Rh(2)(OAc)(2)(5'-GMP)(2) and Rh(2)(OAc)(2) [d(pGpG)]. The latter studies resulted in pK(a) values in good agreement with those derived from the pH-dependent (1)H NMR titrations of the H8 resonances. Comparison of the (13)C NMR resonances of C6 and C2 for the dirhodium adducts Rh(2)(OAc)(2)(5'-GMP)(2) and Rh(2)(OAc)(2) [d(pGpG)] with the corresponding resonances of the unbound ligands at pH 8.0, showed substantial downfield shifts of Deltadelta approximately 11.0 and 6.0 ppm, respectively. The HH arrangement of the bases in the Rh(2)(OAc)(2) [d(pGpG)] adduct is evidenced by intense H8/H8 ROE cross-peaks in the 2D ROESY NMR spectrum. The presence of the terminal 5'-phosphate group in d(pGpG) results in stabilization of one left-handed Rh(2)(OAc)(2) [d(pGpG)] HH1 L conformer, due to the steric effect of the 5'-group, favoring left canting in cisplatin-DNA adducts. Complete characterization of the Rh(2)(OAc)(2[d(pGpG)] adduct revealed notable structural features that resemble those of cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2) [d(pGpG)]]; the latter involve repuckering of the 5'-G sugar ring to C3'-endo (N-type) conformation, retention of C2'-endo (S-type) 3'-G sugar ring conformation, and anti orientation with respect to the glycosyl bonds. The superposition of the low energy Rh(2)(OAc)(2) [d(pGpG)] conformers, generated by simulated annealing calculations, with the crystal structure of cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2) [d(pGpG)]], reveals remarkable similarities between the adducts; not only are the bases almost completely destacked upon coordination to the metal in both cases, but they are favorably poised to accommodate the bidentate N7/O6 binding to the dirhodium unit. Unexpectedly, the two metal-metal bonded rhodium centers are capable of engaging in cis binding to GG intrastrand sites by establishing N7/O6 bridges that span the Rh-Rh bond.     

Rhodium and palladium complexes of a pyridyl-centred polyphenylene derivative

2-(2'-Pyridyl)-3,4,5,6-tetraphenylpyridine 2 (HL), a ligand with both N,N-bidentate and N,N,C-terdentate coordination potential, was prepared in excellent yield by the Diels-Alder [2+4] cycloaddition of 2-cyanopyridine and tetraphenylcyclopentadien-1-one. Monometallic Pd(II) and Rh(III) complexes were formed which exhibit both types of ligand coordination (trans-[RhCl2(L)(NCMe)] 3, cis-[RhCl(L)(NCMe)2]PF6, cis-[RhCl2(HL)2]PF6 6, [RhCl(L)(HL)]PF6 7, [Rh(L)2]PF6 8, [Pd(OAc)(L)] 9 and [Pd(eta3-methallyl)(HL)]PF6) 10. The molecular structures of the ligand and six complexes, including the chloro-bridged dimer [RhCl(L)(micro-Cl)]2 5, were obtained by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Effects of axial coordination on the Ru-Ru single bond in diruthenium paddlewheel complexes

The 1,8-naphthyridine-based (NP-based) ligands with furyl, thiazolyl, pyridyl, and pyrrolyl attachments at the 2-position have been synthesized. Reactions of 3-MeNP (3-methyl-1,8-naphthyridine), fuNP (2-(2-furyl)-1,8-naphthyridine), tzNP (2-(2-thiazolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine), pyNP (2-(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine), and prNP(-1) (2-(2-pyrrolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine) with [Ru2(CO)4(CH3CN)6]2+ lead to [Ru2(3-MeNP)2(CO)4(OTf)2] (1), [Ru2(fuNP)2(CO)4]2[BF4]2 (2), [Ru2(tzNP)2(CO)4][ClO4]2 (3), [Ru2(pyNP)2(CO)4][OTf]2 (4), and [Ru2(prNP)2(CO)4] (5). The molecular structures of complexes 1-5 have been established by X-ray crystallographic studies. The modulation of the Ru-Ru single-bond distances with axial donors triflates, furyls, thiazolyls, pyridyls, and pyrrolyls has been examined. A small and gradual increase in the Ru-Ru distance is measured with various donors of increasing strengths. The shortest Ru-Ru distance of 2.6071(9) angstroms is observed for the axially coordinated triflates in complex 1, and the longest Ru-Ru distance of 2.6969(10) angstroms is measured for axial pyrrolyls in complex 5. The Ru-Ru distances in complexes 3 (2.6734(7) angstroms) and 4 (2.6792(9) angstroms), having thiazolyls and pyridyls at axial sites respectively, are similar. The Ru-Ru distance for axial furyls in complex 2 (2.6261(9) angstroms) is significantly shorter than the corresponding distances in 3, 4, and 5. DFT calculations provide insight into the interaction of the Ru-Ru sigma orbital with axial donors. The Ru-Ru sigma orbital is elevated to a higher energy because of the interaction with axial lone pairs. The degree of destabilization depends on the nature of axial ligands: the stronger the ligand, higher the elevation of Ru-Ru orbital. The lengthening of Ru-Ru distances with respect to the axial donors in compounds 1-5 follows along the direction pyrrolyl > pyridyl approximately thiazolyl > furyl > triflate, and the trend correlates well with the computed destabilization of the Ru-Ru sigma orbitals.     

Unprecedented head-to-head conformers of d(GpG) bound to the antitumor active compound tetrakis (mu-carboxylato)dirhodium(II,II)

The N7/O6 equatorial binding interactions of the antitumor active complex Rh(2)(OAc)(4)(H(2)O)(2) (OAc(-) = CH(3)CO(2)(-)) with the DNA fragment d(GpG) have been unambiguously determined by NMR spectroscopy. Previous X-ray crystallographic determinations of the head-to-head (HH) and head-to-tail (HT) adducts of dirhodium tetraacetate with 9-ethylguanine (9-EtGH) revealed unprecedented bridging N7/O6 guanine nucleobases that span the Rh-Rh bond. The absence of N7 protonation at low pH and the notable increase in the acidity of N1-H (pK(a) approximately 5.7 as compared to 8.5 for N7 only bound platinum adducts), suggested by the pH dependence titrations of the purine H8 (1)H NMR resonances for Rh(2)(OAc)(2)(9-EtG)(2) and Rh(2)(OAc)(2-)[d(GpG)],are consistent with bidentate N7/O6 binding of the guanine nucleobases. The pK(a) values estimated for N1-H (de)protonation, from the pH dependence studies of the C6 and C2 (13)C NMR resonances for the Rh(2)(OAc)(2)(9-EtG)(2) isomers, concur with those derived from the H8 (1)H NMR resonance titrations. Comparison of the (13)C NMR resonances of C6 and C2 for the dirhodium adducts Rh(2)(OAc)(2)(9-EtG)(2) and Rh(2)(OAc)(2)[d(GpG)] with the corresponding resonances of the unbound ligands [at pH 7.0 for 9-EtGH and pH 8.0 for d(GpG)], shows substantial downfield shifts of Deltadelta approximately 11.0 and 6.0 ppm for C6 and C2, respectively; the latter shifts reflect the effect of O6 binding to the dirhodium centers and the ensuing enhancement in the acidity of N1-H. Intense H8/H8 ROE cross-peaks in the 2D ROESY NMR spectrum of Rh(2)(OAc)(2)[d(GpG)] indicate head-to-head arrangement of the guanine bases. The Rh(2)(OAc)(2)[d(GpG)] adduct exhibits two major right-handed conformers, HH1 R and HH2 R, with HH1 R being three times more abundant than the unusual HH2 R. Complete characterization of both adducts revealed repuckering of the 5'-G sugar rings to C3'-endo (N-type), retention of C2'-endo (S-type) conformation for the 3'-G sugar rings, and anti orientation with respect to the glycosyl bonds. The structural features obtained for Rh(2)(OAc)(2))[d(GpG)] by means of NMR spectroscopy are very similar to those for cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2))[d(GpG)]] and corroborate molecular modeling studies.     

Enantio- and diastereoselective synthesis of cis-2-aryl-3-methoxycarbonyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans via the Rh(II)-catalyzed C-H insertion process

[formula: see text] The enantioselective intramolecular C-H insertion reaction of aryldiazoacetates has been explored with use of dirhodium(II) carboxylate catalysts, which incorporate N-phthaloyl- or N-benzene-fused-phthaloyl-(S)-amino acids as chiral bridging ligands. Dirhodium tetrakis[N-phthaloyl-(S)-tert-leucinate], Rh2(S-PTTL)4, has proven to be the catalyst of choice for this process, providing exclusively cis-2-aryl-3-methoxycarbonyl-2,3-dihydobenzofurans in up to 94% ee.     

Synthesis and electrochemical studies of diiron complexes of 1,8-naphthyridine-based dinucleating ligands to model features of the active sites of non-heme diiron enzymes

A bis(mu-carboxylato)(mu-1,8-naphthyridine)diiron(II) complex, [Fe2(BPMAN)(mu-O2CPhCy)2](OTf)2 (1), was prepared by using the 1,8-naphthyridine-based dinucleating ligand BPMAN, where BPMAN = 2,7-bis[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]-1,8-naphthyridine. The cyclic voltammogram (CV) of this complex in CH2Cl2 exhibited two reversible one-electron redox waves at +296 mV (DeltaE(p) = 80 mV) and +781 mV (DeltaE(p) = 74 mV) vs Cp2Fe+/Cp2Fe, corresponding to the FeIIIFeII/FeIIFeII and FeIIIFeIII/FeIIIFeII couples, respectively. This result is unprecedented for diiron complexes having no single atom bridge. Dinuclear complexes [Fe2(BPMAN)(mu-OH)(mu-O2CPhCy)](OTf)2 (2) and [Mn2(BPMAN)(mu-O2CPhCy)2](OTf)2 (3) were also synthesized and structurally characterized. The cyclic voltammogram of 2 in CH2Cl2 exhibited one reversible redox wave at -22 mV only when the potential was kept below +400 mV. The CV of 3 showed irreversible oxidation at potentials above +900 mV. Diiron(II) complexes [Fe2(BEAN)(mu-O2CPhCy)3](OTf) (4) and [Fe2(BBBAN)(mu-OAc)2(OTf)](OTf) (6) were also prepared and characterized, where BEAN = 2,7-bis(N,N-diethylaminomethyl)-1,8-naphthyridine and BBBAN = 2,7-bis[2-[2-(1-methyl)benzimidazolylethyl]-N-benzylaminomethyl]-1,8-naphthyridine. The cyclic voltammograms of these complexes were recorded. The M?ssbauer properties of the diiron compounds were studied.     

Head-to-head cross-linked adduct between the antitumor unit bis(mu-N,N'-di-p-tolylformamidinato)dirhodium(II,II) and the DNA fragment d(GpG)

Reactions of the compound cis-[Rh2(DTolF)2(CH3CN)6](BF4)2, a formamidinate derivative of the class of antitumor compounds [Rh2(O2CR)4] (R=Me, Et, Pr), with 9-ethylguanine (9-EtGuaH) or the dinucleotide d(GpG) proceed by substitution of the acetonitrile groups, with the guanine bases spanning the Rh--Rh bond, in a bridging fashion, through sites N7/O6. In the case of 9-EtGuaH, both head-to-head (HH) and head-to-tail (HT) isomers are formed, whereas with the tethered bases in d(GpG), only one right-handed conformer HH1R [Rh2(DTolF)2{d(GpG)}] is present in solution. For both cis-[Rh2(DTolF)2(9-EtGuaH)2](BF4)2 and [Rh2(DTolF)2{d(GpG)}], the absence of N7 protonation at low pH and the substantial decrease of the pKa values for N1-H deprotonation, support N7/O6 binding of the bases to the dirhodium core. The N7/O6 binding of the bases is further corroborated by the downfield shift by Deltadelta approximately 4.0 ppm of the 13C NMR resonances for the C6 nuclei as compared to the corresponding resonances of the free ligands. The HH arrangement of the guanine bases in [Rh2(DTolF)2{d(GpG)}] is indicated by the intense H8/H8 ROE cross-peaks in the 2D ROESY NMR spectrum. Complete characterization of the [Rh2(DTolF)2{d(GpG)}] conformer by 2D NMR spectroscopy supports anti-orientation and N (C3'-endo) conformation for both deoxyribose residues. The N-pucker for the 5'-G base is universal in such cross-links, but it is very unusual for platinum and unprecedented for dirhodium HH cross-linked adducts to have both deoxyribose residues in the N-type conformation. The bulk, the nonlabile character, and the electron-donating ability of the formamidinate bridging groups spanning the dirhodium core affect the nature of the preferred dirhodium DNA adducts. Molecular modeling studies performed on [Rh2(DTolF)2{d(GpG)}] corroborate the structural features obtained by NMR spectroscopy.     

Redox-active dirhodium(II,II) species covalently entrapped into a methylmethacrylate backbone

A novel class of polymers was obtained by insertion of dirhodium(II,II) metal systems into a methacrylate backbone; the synthesis was realized by free radical polymerization of an appropriate methacrylate-functionalized dirhodium polymer precursor, namely [Rh2(form)2(MA-COO)2](form =N,N'-di-p-tolylformamidinate)(MA-COO = 2-(methacroyloxy)ethyl-phthalate), with methylmethacrylate (MMA); the new copolymers, in solution, show reversible CO-absorption, connected to the axial reactivity of dirhodium(II,II) species.     

"Matched/mismatched" diastereomeric dirhodium(II) carboxamidate catalyst pairs. Structure-selectivity correlations in diazo decomposition and hetero-Diels-Alder reactions

Homo-ligated dirhodium(II) carboxamidates provide well-defined structural frameworks with which to investigate catalyst-controlled multiple asymmetric induction ("match/mismatch" effects). Diastereomeric pairs of methyl 2-oxoimidazolidine-4(S)-carboxylate ligands containing 2-phenylcyclopropane (4S,2'S,3'S-HMCPIM and 4S,2'R,3'R-HMCPIM) and N-benzenesulfonylproline (4S,2'S-HBSPIM and 4S,2'R-HBSPIM) attachments at the 1-N-acyl site have been prepared; the resulting (cis-2,2)-Rh(2)L(4) compounds have been produced in good yields, and the X-ray crystal structure of each dirhodium(II) compound has been obtained. The incorporation of additional stereocenters into the dirhodium(II) ligands leads to recognizable levels of double asymmetric induction for C-H insertion, cyclopropanation, and hetero-Diels-Alder cycloaddition applications. The configurationally "matched" cases provide modest increases in enantioselectivity for intramolecular C-H insertion reactions relative to the model catalyst Rh(2)(MPPIM)(4), but applications of the configurationally mismatched catalysts result in significant lowering of enantioselectivity. The Rh(2)(BSPIM)(4) catalysts show the highest degree of differential selectivity. Hetero-Diels-Alder reactions show inverse behavior from the configurationally matched and mismatched Rh(2)L(4) catalysts to that found in the metal carbene transformations.