Arylation of alkenylidenecyclopropanes via Heck reaction. A simple access to arylallylidenecyclopropanes

Five alkenylidenecyclopropanes have been arylated using a catalytic amount of [Pd(C₃H₅)Cl]₂ (0.004%) associated to the tetradentate ligand cis, cis, cis-1,2,3,4-tetrakis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)cyclopentane or Tedicyp as the catalyst. The carbo-palladation step occurs on the terminal double bond of the vinylidenecyclopropanes, without interaction with the internal one. The addition of the complex PdArL₂ corresponds to an electrophilic attack on the face of the double bond, syn to the best electron-donor cyclopropyl substituent.     

Rh<Subscript>2</Subscript>(OAc)<Subscript>4</Subscript>-catalyzed reaction of 2-(2-carbonylvinyl)-3-phenyl-2<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>-azirines with diazo esters

Rh₂(OAc)₄-catalyzed reaction of 2-(2-carbonylvinyl)-3-phenyl-2H-azirines with diazo esters proceeds through an intermediate generation of azirinium ylide suffering a nonstereoselective ring opening to form (3Z)- and (3E)-2-azahexa-1,3,5-trienes. The former depending on configuration of the C ⁵ =C ⁶ bond may undergo cyclization either in derivative of 2,3-dihydropyridine, or in pyrrolium ylide that isomerizes into a derivative of 1H-pyrrole. According to DFT calculation, the preferred formation of pyrroles at increasing volume of Z-substituent at the atom C ⁶ and of substituents at the atom C ¹ of 2-azahexatriene occurs due to the destabilization of more sterically loaded transition states of 1,6-cyclization.     

Facial selectivity in addition reactions to the highly strained enone in tricyclo[5.2.1.0]deca-2(6),8-dienone and tricyclo[5.2.1.0]dec-2(6)-enone

Tricyclo[5.2.1.0^2,6]deca-2(6),8-dien-3-one contains a highly strained central double bond due to geometrical constraints imposed by the tricyclic skeleton which does not allow optimal sp² hybridization at the C₂ and C₆ bridgehead positions. Michael addition of various nucleophiles (alkoxides, cyanide, and malonate) under protic conditions resulted in an exclusive exo-facial selectivity. This preference can be explained by steric and electronic factors. Michael additions using lithium dialkylcuprates resulted in predominant formation of endo-products, but also some exo-products were obtained. These exo-products arising from endo-approach may be the result of coordination of the cuprate with both the enone moiety and the olefinic C₈-C₉ bond. Michael additions to tricyclo[5.2.1.0^2,6]dec-2(6)-en-3-one, which lacks this C₈-C₉ double bond showed exclusive exo-facial selectivity to give exo-products. Besides these additions were all considerably slower than those to tricyclo[5.2.1.0^2,6]deca-2(6),8-dien-3-one proving significant electronic participation of the C₈-C₉ double bond in reactions with this substrate.     

Differentiation of isomeric allylic alkenyl methyl ethers by Raman spectroscopy

The Raman spectra of several pairs of alkenyl methyl ethers of general structure R¹R²CCR⁵C(R³R⁴)OCH₃ and R¹R²C(OCH₃)C(R⁵)CR³R⁴ (R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ = H or C_nH_2n+1, n = 1-3) are reported and discussed, with a view to establishing whether Raman spectroscopy offers a viable means of distinguishing between these isomeric unsaturated species. Key bands associated with the ν(sp₂CH) and ν(CC) stretching modes are found to be particularly useful in this connection: R¹R²CCHCH₂OCH₃ and R¹R²C(OCH₃)CHCH₂ ethers (R¹, R² = CH₃, C₂H₅) are easily distinguished on this basis. Differentiation of their lower homologues, R¹CHCHCH₂OCH₃ and R¹CH(OCH₃)CHCH₂ (R¹ = CH₃, C₂H₅, C₃H₇), by similar means is also quite straightforward, even in cases where cis and trans isomers are possible. Pairs of isomeric ethers, such as CH₃CHC(CH₃)CH₂OCH₃ and CH₃CH(OCH₃)C(CH₃)CH₂, in which the structural differences are more subtle, may also be distinguished with care. Deductions based on bands ascribed to the stretching vibrations are usually confirmed by consideration of the signals associated with the corresponding δ(sp₂CH) deformation vibrations. Even C₂H₅CHCHCH(C₃H₇)OCH₃ and C₃H₇CHCHCH(C₂H₅)OCH₃ are found to have distinctive Raman spectra, but differentiation of these closely related isomers requires additional consideration of the low wavenumber region.     

Protonation of manganese phosphonioallenyl complexes

The addition of phosphines to the manganese allenylidene complexes Cp(CO)₂MnCCC(Ph)R (R = H, Ph) proceeds selectively at the C_α atom to result in the α-phosphonioallenyl complexes Cp(CO)₂Mn⁻-C(⁺PR₃¹)CC(Ph)R. The protonation of the latter affords the η²-(1,2)-phosphonioallenes Cp(CO)₂Mn{η²-(1,2)-HC(⁺PR₃¹)CC(Ph)R}, rather than the phosphoniovinylcarbenes Cp(CO)₂MnC(⁺PR₃¹)-HCC(Ph)R. All complexes obtained are stereochemically rigid and do not isomerize into the η²-(2,3)-phosphonioallene isomers.     

1,2-CF bond activation of perfluoroarenes and alkylidene isomers of titanium. DFT analysis of the C-F bond activation pathway and rotation of the titanium alkylidene moiety

Isomeric alkylidene complexes syn- and anti-(PNP)Ti[C^tBu(C₆F₅)](F) (1) and (PNP)Ti[C^tBu(C₇F₇)](F) (2) have been generated from C-F bond addition of hexafluorobenzene (C₆F₆) and octafluorotoluene (C₇F₈) across the alkylidyne ligand of transient (PNP)Ti≡C^tBu (A) (PNP⁻N[2-P(CHMe₂)₂-4-methylphenyl]₂), which was generated from the precursor (PNP)TiCH^tBu(CH₂^tBu). Two mechanistic scenarios for the activation of the C-F bond by A are considered: 1,2-CF addition and [2 + 2]-cycloaddition/β-fluoride elimination. Upon formation of the alkylidenes 1 and 2, the kinetic and thermodynamic alkylidene product is the syn isomer, which gradually isomerizes to the corresponding anti isomer to ultimately establish an equilibrium mixture (when using 1, 65/35) if the solution is heated in benzene to 105 °C for 1 h. Single crystal X-Ray crystallographic data obtained for the two isomers of 2 (and syn isomer of 1) are in good agreement with computed DFT-optimized models. Our calculations suggest convincingly that the isomerization process proceeds via a concerted rotation involving a heterolytic bond cleavage about the alkylidene bond. The two rotamers are thermodynamically very close in energy and interconvert with an estimated barrier of ∼26 kcal/mol. The electronic reason for this unexpectedly low barrier is investigated.     

Structure, configuration, conformation and quantification of the push-pull effect of 2-alkylidene-4-thiazolidinones and 2-alkylidene-4,5-fused bicyclic thiazolidine derivatives

Structures of a series of push-pull 2-alkylidene-4-thiazolidinones and 2-alkylidene-4,5-fused bicyclic thiazolidine derivatives were optimized at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory in the gas phase and discussed with respect to configurational and conformational stability. Employing the GIAO method, ¹³C NMR chemical shifts of the C-2, C-2′, C-4 and C-5 atoms were calculated at the same level of theory in the gas phase and with inclusion of solvent, and compared with experimental data. Push-pull effect of all compounds was quantified by means of the quotient π^∗/π, length of the partial double bond, ¹³C NMR chemical shift difference (Δδ_CC) and ¹H NMR chemical shifts of olefinic protons. The effect of bromine on donating and accepting ability of other substituents of the push-pull CC double bond is discussed, too.     

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of diaryldiazomethanes across N-ethoxy-carbonyl-N-(2,2,2-trichloroethylidene)amine and reactivity of the resulting 2-azabutadienes towards thiolates and cyclic amides

1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of diaryldiazomethanes Ar₂CN₂ across Cl₃C–CHN–CO₂Et 1 yields Δ³-1,2,4-triazolines 2. Thermolysis of 2 leads, via transient azomethine ylides 3, to diaryldichloroazabutadienes [Ar(Ar')CN–CHCCl₂] 4. Treatment of 4a (Ar = Ar' = C₆H₅) and 4c (Ar = Ar' = p-ClC₆H₄) with NaSR in DMF yields 2-azabutadienes [Ar₂CN–C(H)C(SR)₂] 5. In contrast, nucleophilic attack of NaStBu on 4 affords azadienic dithioethers [Ar₂CN–C(S^tBu)C(H)(S^tBu)] (7a Ar = C₆H₅; 7b Ar' = p-ClC₆H₄). The reaction of 4a with NaSEt conducted in neat EtSH produces [Ph₂CN–C(H)(SEt)–CCl₂H] 8, which after dehydrochloration by NaOMe and subsequent addition of NaSEt is converted to [Ph₂CN–C(SEt)C(H)(SEt)] 7c. Upon the reaction of 4c with NaSⁱPr, the intermediate dithioether [(p-ClC₆H₄)₂CN–CHC(SⁱPr)₂] 5k is converted to tetrakisthioether [(p-ⁱPrSC₆H₄)₂CN–CHC(SⁱPr)₂] 6. Treatment of 4a with the sodium salt of piperidine leads to [Ph₂CN–CHC(NC₅H₁₀)₂] 10. The coordination of 6 on CuBr affords the macrocyclic dinuclear Cu(I) complex 11. The crystal structures of 5i, 7a,b, 10 and 11 have been determined by X-ray diffraction.     

Palladium(II) aryl-amido complexes of diphosphinoazines in unsymmetrical PNP’ pincer-type configuration

Square planar palladium(II) aryl-amido complexes of diphosphinoazines in monoanionic unsymmetrical PNP’ pincer-type coordination were prepared by reactions of phenyl-, o-tolyl-, or 2,6-dimethylphenyllithium with previously described chloro-amido complexes of diphosphinoazines having isopropyl, cyclohexyl and tert-butyl substituents on phosphorus atoms. The compounds were characterized by NMR showing free rotation around metal-aryl bond in the complexes; the presence of C_ipso-Pd bond was detected by two-dimensional experiments. In addition to that, crystal and molecular structure of one phenyl-amido complex, [Pd(C₆H₅){P(C₆H₁₁)₂CHC(Bu^t)NNC(Bu^t)CH₂P(C₆H₁₁)₂}], was determined by X-ray diffraction together with the structure of a chloro-amido complex [PdCl{PBu^t₂CHC(Bu^t)NNC(Bu^t)CH₂PBu^t₂}]. In both structures the ligand trans to the amide nitrogen is well surrounded by substituents on phosphorus atoms, the former complex showing significant interactions between two cyclohexyl hydrogen atoms and the π-system of the phenyl ring. The values od Pd-C and Pd-N bond distances in this complex are the same as those in a monodentate analog [Pd(PMe₃)₂(C₆H₅)(NHC₆H₅)] which contrasts with the different values in a similar PNP symmetrical pincer complex reported in the literature.     

Bis(amino)allenylidene complexes by displacement of the MeO group in methoxy allenylidene complexes of chromium and tungsten. Synthesis, DFT calculations and solid-state structures of new bis(amino)allenylidene complexes

Pentacarbonyl dimethylamino(methoxy)allenylidene tungsten, [(CO)₅WCCC(OMe)NMe₂] (1b), reacts with one equivalent of primary amines, H₂NR, by selectively replacing the methoxy group to give dimethylamino(amino)allenylidene complexes, [(CO)₅WCCC(NHR)NMe₂]. When the amine is used in excess both terminal groups, OMe as well as NMe₂, are replaced by the primary amino group giving [(CO)₅WCCC(NHR)₂ ]. The NHR substituent in these complexes may be modified by deprotonation with LDA followed by alkylation. The replacement of the methoxy group in 1b by a secondary amino group, NR₂, can be achieved by a stepwise process. Addition of Li[NR₂] to the C_γ atom of 1b affords an alkynyl tungstate. Subsequent OMe⁻ elimination induced by TMS-Cl/SiO₂ yields the allenylidene complexes [(CO)₅WCCC(NR₂)NMe₂]. When bidentate diamines are used instead of monoamines both substituents, OMe and NMe₂, are replaced and allenylidene complexes are formed in which C_γ constitutes part of a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered heterocycle. The reaction of [(CO)₅CrCCC(OMe)NMe₂] (1a) with diethylene triamine affords an allenylidene complex with a heterocyclic endgroup carrying a dangling CH₂CH₂NH₂ substituent. All reactions follow a strict regioselective attack of the nucleophile at C_γ and proceed with good to excellent yields. The addition of N-H to the C_αC_β bond is not observed. By applying either one of these routes nearly any substitution pattern in bis(amino)allenylidene complex can be realized.     

Synthesis and reactivity of new trimethylplatinum(IV) complexes containing chiral Schiff bases as ligands: Crystal structure of (OC-6-44-C)-[PtIMe3{κ-(R)-Ph2P(C6H4)CHNC*H(Ph)Me-P,N}]

Reaction of the tetranuclear complex [PtIMe₃]₄ with the ligand (S)- and (R)-Ph₂P(C₆H₄)CHNC*H(Ph)Me in a 1:4 molar ratio yields the mononuclear neutral complexes in diastereoisomeric mixtures [PtIMe₃{κ²-Ph₂P(C₆H₄)CHNC*H(Ph)Me-P,N}]. Iodide abstraction from mixture with AgBF₄ in the presence of pyridine (Py) induces a reductive elimination reaction with loss of ethane, leading to the cationic complex [PtMe(Py){κ²-Ph₂P(C₆H₄)CHNC*H(Ph)Me-P,N}][BF₄] [C* = (S)-, 3; (R)-, 4]. When this reaction was carried out in the presence of PPh₃ a consecutive orthometallation reaction with loss of methane is produced, forming the cationic complex [Pt(PPh₃){κ³-Ph₂P(C₆H₄)CHNC*H(C₆H₄)Me-C,P,N}][BF₄], [(S)-, 5; (R)-, 6]. All species were characterised in solution by ¹H and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and mass spectrometry.The crystal structure of the diastereoisomer (OC-6-44-C)-[PtIMe₃{κ²-(R)-Ph₂P(C₆H₄)CHNC*H(Ph)Me-P,N}] has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Steric tuning of C2-symmetric chiral N-heterocyclic carbene in gold-catalyzed asymmetric cyclization of 1,6-enynes

Steric tuning of C₂-symmetric chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) was performed in Au(I)-catalyzed asymmetric cyclization of 1,6-enyne. Higher enantioselectivity was realized when chiral NHC–AuCl/AgSbF₆ catalysts whose N-substituent on the NHC overlays the Au–Cl bond was utilized.     

Intermolecular hydrogen bonding in the binary mixture [(C2H5)2CO + CH3OH] probed by polarized Raman measurements and DFT calculations

The Raman spectra of neat (C₂H₅)₂CO (pentanone) and its binary mixtures with hydrogen donor solvent (CH₃OH), [(C₂H₅)₂CO + CH₃OH] having different mole fractions of the reference system, (C₂H₅)₂CO in the range 0.1-0.9 at a regular interval of 0.1 were recorded in the CO stretching region. In neat liquid, the Raman peak appears asymmetric. The asymmetric nature of the peak has been attributed to the CO stretching mode of the two conformers of (C₂H₅)₂CO having C₂ and C_2v point groups and the corresponding bands at ∼1711 and ∼1718 cm⁻¹, respectively. A careful analysis of the I_iso (isotropic component of the Raman scattered intensity) at different concentrations reveals that upon dilution with methanol, at mole fraction C = 0.6, an additional peak in the CO stretching region is observed at ∼1703 cm⁻¹ which is attributed to the hydrogen bonding with methanol. A peculiar feature in this study is that upon dilution, the peak at ∼1718 cm⁻¹ shows a minimum at C = 0.6, but on further dilution it shows a blue shift. However, the other peak at ∼1711 cm⁻¹ shows a continuous red shift with dilution as well as a maximum at C = 0.7 in the linewidth vs. concentration plot, which is essentially due to competition between motional narrowing and diffusion phenomena. A significant amount of narrowing in the Raman band at ∼1718 cm⁻¹ can be understood in terms of caging effect of the reference molecule by the solvent molecules at high dilution. A density functional theoretic (DFT) calculation on optimized geometries and vibrational frequencies of two conformers of neat (C₂H₅)₂CO in C₂ ad C_2v forms and the complexes with one and two CH₃OH molecules with both the conformers was performed. The experimental results and theoretical calculations together indicate a co-existence of two conformers as well as hydrogen bonded complex with methanol in the binary mixture, [(C₂H₅)₂CO + CH₃OH] at intermediate concentrations.     

Reactions of quadricyclane with fluorinated nitrogen-containing compounds. Synthesis of 3-aza-4-perfluoroalkyl-tricyclo[4.2.1.0]non-3,7-dienes

The cycloaddition reactions of quadricyclane (1) and polyfluorinated imines and nitriles were studied. Both (CF₃)₂CNH and (CF₃)₂CN(2-FC₆H₄) were found to have low reactivity towards 1, giving the corresponding [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadducts in a low yield. C₂F₅NCFCF₃ however, reacts with 1 rapidly, giving a mixture of two isomeric cycloadducts in a high yield. Perfluoroalkyl nitriles R_fCN (R_f = CF₃, C₂F₅, n-C₃F₇) were found to have surprisingly high reactivity to 1 producing exo-3-aza-4-(fluoroalkyl)-tricyclo[4.2.1.0^2,5]non-3,7-dienes in 56-81% yields at elevated temperature. Exo-3-aza-4-(perfluoroalkyl)-tricyclo[4.2.1.0^2,5]non-3,7-dienes rapidly react with CF₃Si(CH₃)₃ in the presence of CsF catalyst. The reaction results in addition of CF₃Si(CH₃)₃ across the CN bond of the azadienes with selective formation of only one stereoisomer of exo-3-aza-3-(trimethylsilyl)-4,4-bis(perfluoroalkyl)-tricyclo[4.2.1.0^2,5]non-7-enes. Silyl group in this compounds can be removed either by the action of tetrabutylammonium fluoride hydrate, leading to the formation of the corresponding amine after hydrolysis, or by reaction with HCl resulting in the formation of the corresponding amine hydrochloride.     

Factors controlling the regioselectivity of additions to α-enones—III: Reactions of 3-aryl α-enones with phosphorylated anions

Reaction of phosphonoester 2 and phosphononitrile 3 with chalcone and p-methoxychaleone in THF-t-BuOK at room temperature gives only the product resulting from CC double bond attack. The same reagents with benzalacetone lead to mixture of products resulting from CC double bond and carbonyl attack, though phosphine oxide 4 gives only the products of CC attack. Dypnone gives products of carbonyl attack with 3 and does not react with 2.These results are discussed in terms of perturbation theory: C₄ attack increases with delocalization of the reagent's negative charge and lowering of the α-enone LUMO level.     

Titanium and zirconium ketimide complexes: synthesis and ethylene polymerisation catalysis

The syntheses of ketimide titanium complexes of the type Ti(NC^tBu₂)₃X (X = Cl, Cp, Ind), Ti(NC^tBu₂)₄ and the zirconium complex CpZr(NC^tBu₂)₂Cl are described. When activated by MAO, all compounds are ethylene polymerisation catalysts. In the conditions studied, the most active catalyst is CpZr(NC^tBu₂)₂Cl, with an activity of 2.7 × 10⁵ kg/(molZr [E] h). Titanium complexes are less active by about two orders of magnitude. The polyethylene produced is linear, as determined by NMR spectroscopy. Molecular structures of Ti(NC^tBu₂)₃X (X = Cl, Cp, Ind) and Ti(NC^tBu₂)₄ were determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction.     

A zirconium dichloro complex supported by an ancillary stereorigid tetradentate bis(phenoxo-imino) Schiff-base-donor ligand: Evidence for a conformational equilibrium between two solution stereoisomers

Reaction of the dilithium salt of the Schiff-base N,N′-o-phenylene-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-salicylidene-imine) (^tBu₄salophenH₂) with 1 equiv. of ZrCl₄(THF)₂ in toluene at −78 °C affords the dichloro complex ZrCl₂[C₆H₄-1,2-{NCH-(3,5-^tBu₂C₆H₂-2-O)}₂], isolated as a mixture of the C_2v-(3a) and C₂-(3b) symmetry isomers. Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters for the equilibrium between 3a and 3b have been determined and studied by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Reactions of ZrCl₂[C₆H₄-1,2-{NCH-(3,5-^tBu₂C₆H₂-2-O)}₂] with alkylating reagents gave an intractable, unidentified mixture of products from which the NMR spectra in C₆D₆ solution are unusable.     

Remarkable Lewis acid effects on polymerization of functionalized alkenes by metallocene and lithium ester enolates

Drastic effects of Lewis acids E(C₆F₅)₃ (E = Al, B) on polymerization of functionalized alkenes such as methyl methacrylate (MMA) and N,N-dimethyl acrylamide (DMAA) mediated by metallocene and lithium ester enolates, Cp₂Zr[OC(OⁱPr)CMe₂]₂ (1) and Me₂CC(OⁱPr)OLi, are documented as well as elucidated. In the case of metallocene bis(ester enolate) 1, when combined with 2 equiv. of Al(C₆F₅)₃, it effects highly active ion-pairing polymerization of MMA and DMAA; the living nature of this polymerization system allows for the synthesis of well-defined diblock and triblock copolymers of MMA with longer-chain alkyl methacrylates. In sharp contrast, the 1/2B(C₆F₅)₃ combination exhibits low to negligible polymerization activity due to the formation of ineffective adduct Cp₂Zr[OC(OⁱPr)CMe₂]⁺[OC(OⁱPr)CMe₂B(C₆F₅)₃]⁻ (2). Such a profound Al vs. B Lewis acid effect has also been observed for the lithium ester enolate; while the Me₂CC(OⁱPr)OLi/2Al(C₆F₅)₃ system is highly active for MMA polymerization, the seemingly analogous Me₂CC(OⁱPr)OLi/2B(C₆F₅)₃ system is inactive. Structure analyses of the resulting lithium enolaluminate and enolborate adducts, Li⁺[Me₂CC(OⁱPr)OAl(C₆F₅)₃]⁻ (3) and Li⁺[Me₂CC(OⁱPr)OB(C₆F₅)₃]⁻ (4), coupled with polymerization studies, show that the remarkable differences observed for Al vs. B are due to the inability of the lithium enolborate/borane pair to effect the bimolecular, activated-monomer anionic polymerization as does the lithium enolaluminate/alane pair.