Catalyst/cocatalyst nuclearity effects in single-site polymerization. Enhanced polyethylene branching and alpha-olefin comonomer enchainment in polymerizations mediated by binuclear catalysts and cocatalysts via a new enchainment pathway

The binuclear "constrained geometry catalyst" (CGC) (mu-CH2CH2-3,3'){(eta5-indenyl )[1-Me2Si(tBuN)](ZrMe2)}2 [EBICGC(ZrMe2)2; Zr2] and the trityl bisborate dianion (Ph3C+)2[1,4-(C6F5)3BC6F4B(C6F5)3]2- (B2) have been synthesized to serve as new types of multicenter homogeneous olefin polymerization catalysts and cocatalysts, respectively. Additionally, the complex [1-Me2Si(3-ethylindenyl)(tBuN)]ZrMe2 (Zr1) was synthesized as a mononuclear control. For the bimetallic catalyst or bisborate cocatalyst, high effective local active site concentrations and catalyst center-catalyst center cooperative effects are evidenced by bringing the catalytic centers together via either covalent or electrostatic bonding. For ethylene homopolymerization at constant conversion, the branch content of the polyolefin products (primarily ethyl branches) is dramatically increased as catalyst or cocatalyst nuclearity is increased. Moreover, catalyst and cocatalyst nuclearity effects are approximately additive. Compared to the catalyst derived from monometallic Zr1 and monofunctional Ph3C+B(C6F5)4- (B1), the active catalyst derived from bimetallic Zr2 and bifunctional B2 produces approximately 11 times more ethyl branches in ethylene homopolymerization via a process which is predominantly intradimer in character. Moreover, approximately 3 times more 1-hexene incorporation in ethylene + 1-hexene copolymerization and approximately 4 times more 1-pentene incorporation in ethylene + 1-pentene copolymerization are observed for Zr2 + B2 versus Zr1 + B1.     

Catalyst/cocatalyst nuclearity effects in single-site olefin polymerization. Significantly enhanced 1-octene and isobutene comonomer enchainment in ethylene polymerizations mediated by binuclear catalysts and cocatalysts

This Communication describes the implementation of a new binuclear homometallic organotitanium "constrained geometry catalyst" (CGC), (mu-CH2CH2-3,3'){ (eta5-indenyl )[1-Me2Si (tBuN)](TiMe2)}2[EBICGC(TiMe2)2; Ti2], together with the bifunctional activators (Ph3C+)2[1,4-(C6F5)3BC6F4B(C6F5)3]2- (B2) and new bisborane 1,4-(C6F5)2BC6F4B(C6F5)2 (BN2) in ethylene + alpha-olefin copolymerization processes. Specifically examined are the comonomers 1-octene and poorly responsive isobutene. Large increases in comonomer enchainment efficiency into the polyethylene microstructure are observed versus the corresponding mononuclear catalyst [1-Me2Si(3-ethylindenyl)(tBuN)]TiMe2 (Ti1) + Ph3C+B(C6F5)4- (B1) or B(C6F5)3 (BN) under identical polymerization conditions. In ethylene + 1-octene copolymerization, 11 times more 1-octene incorporation is observed for Ti2 + B2 vs Ti1 + B1. In ethylene + isobutene copolymerization, 5 times more isobutene incorporation is observed for Ti2 + BN2 vs Ti1 + BN.     

Bimetallic effects in homopolymerization of styrene and copolymerization of ethylene and styrenic comonomers: scope, kinetics, and mechanism

This contribution describes the homopolymerization of styrene and the copolymerization of ethylene and styrenic comonomers mediated by the single-site bimetallic "constrained geometry catalysts" (CGCs), (mu-CH2CH2-3,3'){(eta(5)-indenyl)[1-Me2Si(tBuN)](TiMe2)}2 [EBICGC(TiMe2)2; Ti2], (mu-CH2CH2-3,3'){(eta(5)-indenyl)[1-Me2Si(tBuN)](ZrMe2)}2 [EBICGC(ZrMe2)2; Zr2], (mu-CH2-3,3'){(eta(5)-indenyl)[1-Me2Si(tBuN)](TiMe2)}2 [MBICGC(TiMe2)2; C1-Ti2], and (mu-CH2-3,3'){(eta(5)-indenyl)[1-Me2Si(tBuN)](ZrMe2)}2 [MBICGC(ZrMe2)2; C1-Zr2], in combination with the borate activator/cocatalyst Ph3C+ B(C6F5)4- (B1). Under identical styrene homopolymerization conditions, C1-Ti2 + B1 and Ti2 + B1 exhibit approximately 65 and approximately 35 times greater polymerization activities, respectively, than does monometallic [1-Me2Si(3-ethylindenyl)(tBuN)]TiMe2 (Ti1) + B1. C1-Zr2 + B1 and Zr2 + B1 exhibit approximately 8 and approximately 4 times greater polymerization activities, respectively, than does the monometallic control [1-Me2Si(3-ethylindenyl)(tBuN)]ZrMe2 (Zr1) + B1. NMR analyses show that the bimetallic catalysts suppress the regiochemical insertion selectivity exhibited by the monometallic analogues. In ethylene copolymerization, Ti2 + B1 enchains 15.4% more styrene (B), 28.9% more 4-methylstyrene (C), 45.4% more 4-fluorostyrene (D), 41.2% more 4-chlorostyrene (E), and 31.0% more 4-bromostyrene (F) than does Ti1 + B1. This observed bimetallic chemoselectivity effect follows the same general trend as the pi-electron density on the styrenic ipso carbon (D > E > F > C > B). Kinetic studies reveal that both Ti2 + B1 and Ti1 + B1-mediated ethylene-styrene copolymerizations follow second-order Markovian statistics and tend to be alternating. Moreover, calculated reactivity ratios indicate that Ti2 + B1 favors styrene insertion more than does Ti1 + B1. All the organozirconium complexes (C1-Zr2, Zr2, and Zr1) are found to be incompetent for ethylene-styrene copolymerization, yielding only mixtures of polyethylene and polystyrene. Model compound (mu-CH2CH2-3,3'){(eta(5)-indenyl)[1-Me2Si(tBuN)][Ti(CH2Ph)2]}2 {EBICGC[Ti(CH2Ph)2]2; Ti2(CH2Ph)4} was designed, synthesized, and structurally characterized. In situ activation studies with cocatalyst B(C6F5)3 suggest an eta(1)-coordination mode for the benzyl groups, thus supporting the proposed polymerization mechanism. For ethylene-styrene copolymerization, polar solvents are found to increase copolymerization activities and coproduce atactic polystyrene impurities in addition to ethylene-co-styrene, without diminishing the comonomer incorporation selectivity. Both homopolymerization and copolymerization results argue that substantial cooperative effects between catalytic sites are operative.     

Reaction of vinyl chloride with late transition metal olefin polymerization catalysts

The reactions of vinyl chloride (VC) with representative late metal, single-site olefin dimerization and polymerization catalysts have been investigated. VC coordinates more weakly than ethylene or propylene to the simple catalyst (Me(2)bipy)PdMe(+) (Me(2)bipy = 4,4'-Me(2)-2,2'-bipyridine). Insertion rates of (Me(2)bipy)Pd(Me)(olefin)(+) species vary in the order VC > ethylene > propylene. The VC complexes (Me(2)bipy)Pd(Me)(VC)(+) and (alpha-diimine)Pd(Me)(VC)(+) (alpha-diimine = (2,6-(i)Pr(2)[bond]C(6)H(3))N[double bond]CMeCMe[double bond]N(2,6-(i)Pr(2)[bond]C(6)H(3))) undergo net 1,2 VC insertion and beta-Cl elimination to yield Pd[bond]Cl species and propylene. Analogous chemistry occurs for (pyridine-bisimine)MCl(2)/MAO catalysts (M = Fe, Co; pyridine-bisimine = 2,6-[(2,6-(i)Pr(2)[bond]C(6)H(3))N[double bond]CMe](2)-pyridine) and for neutral (sal)Ni(Ph)PPh(3) and (P[bond]O)Ni(Ph)PPh(3) catalysts (sal = 2-[C(H)[double bond]N(2,6-(i)Pr(2)-C(6)H(3))]-6-Ph-phenoxide; P[bond]O = [Ph(2)PC(SO(3)Na)[double bond]C(p-tol)O]), although the initial metal alkyl VC adducts were not detected in these cases. These results show that the L(n)MCH(2)CHClR species formed by VC insertion into the active species of late metal olefin polymerization catalysts undergo rapid beta-Cl elimination which precludes VC polymerization. Termination of chain growth by beta-Cl elimination is the most significant obstacle to metal-catalyzed insertion polymerization of VC.     

Role of titanium oxidation states in polymerization activity of Ziegler-Natta catalyst: A density functional study

The role of titanium oxidation states in olefin polymerization activity for Ziegler-Natta (ZN) catalyst has been investigated using density functional calculations at B3LYP/LANL2DZ as well as extended LANL2DZ basis that includes diffuse and polarization functions for C, H and Cl. Using the simple [TiCl₂CH₃]ⁿ (n = +1, 0, −1) model catalyst systems, we could rationalize some of the well-known experimental facts with varying Ti oxidation states (+4, +3, +2) in the real ZN systems. Firstly, irrespective of Ti oxidation states, the activation barriers (E_act) for ethylene and syn propylene insertion in Ti-CH₃ bond are comparable in accordance with experimental and modeling studies. Secondly, it was observed that Ti(IV) catalyst has the lowest E_act which progressively increase in the order Ti(IV) < Ti(III) < Ti(II) high spin < Ti(II) low spin catalysts in line with experimental and several modeling results. The effect of solvation on olefin insertion barriers are seen more prominent in case of Ti(IV) systems compared to other oxidation states.     

A sterically expanded "constrained geometry catalyst" for highly active olefin polymerization and copolymerization: an unyielding comonomer effect

The 14 A octamethyloctahydrodibenzofluorene moiety has been incorporated into a sterically expanded constrained geometry catalyst, Me2Si(eta1-C29H36)(eta1-N-tBu)ZrCl2.OEt2 (1). The solid-state structure suggests that the activated olefin polymerization catalyst is quite spatially accessible, rationalizing its extraordinary reactivity toward alpha-olefins. 1/MAO (MAO = methylaluminoxane) can be more reactive toward alpha-olefins than toward ethylene and exhibit activities that are linearly and continuously proportional to 4-methyl-1-pentene or 1-octene concentration in their copolymerizations with ethylene.     

Alternating stereospecific copolymerization of ethylene and propylene with metallocene catalysts

The copolymerization of ethylene and propylene with bridged metallocenes Me(2)E(3-RCp)(Flu)X(2)/MAO (E = C, X = Me; E = Si, X = Cl; R = H or alkyl) was investigated. Ethylene/propylene copolymerization with metallocenes having heterotopic active sites (R =Me, i-Pr) yield alternating, isotactic ethylene/propylene copolymers with percentages of alternating EPE+PEP triads in the range of 61-76% at 50% ethylene incorporation. Both the nature of the substituent R and the bridge E influence the copolymerization behavior including the copolymerization activity, copolymer sequence distribution, molecular weight, and stereochemistry. Silicon-bridged metallocenes produce copolymers with higher activity and molecular weight but lower propylene incorporation at similar feeds than the carbon-bridged analogues. Isotactic PEPEP sequences were observed for all metallocenes, while the tacticities of the EPPE sequences varied with the bridge and the substituent on the metallocene ligand. Isotactic PEPEP sequences and atactic EPPE sequence errors in the alternating copolymers are consistent with a mechanism where the comonomers are enchained alternately at the heterotopic coordination sites of the metallocenes. Isotactic EPPE sequences are indicative of occasional multiple insertions at the stereospecific site, caused by an isomerization of the chain prior to monomer insertion (backskip).     

Dynamic properties of metallocenium ion pairs in solution by atomistic simulations

We report a molecular dynamics study of the dynamics and energetic of the [H(2)Si(Cp)(2)ZrMe(+)][MeB(C(6)F(5))(3)(-)], IP1, and [Me(2)Si(Cp)(2)ZrMe(+)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-)], IP2, ion pairs in benzene. The metrical parameters obtained for the IP1 ion pair are in excellent agreement with the NMR data reported for the strictly related [Me(2)Si(Cp)(2)ZrMe(+)][MeB(C(6)F(5))(3)(-)] ion pair (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126, 1448). This validates the molecular modeling protocol we developed. Simulation of the IP2 ion pair suggests that the counterion oscillates between two geometries characterized by a different coordination pattern of the F atoms to the Zr cation. In one case the B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) coordinates to the metal with two F atoms of the same aryl ring, whereas in the other case two F atoms of different aryl rings are involved in the coordination. Strong solvent reorganization occurs around IP1 and IP2, as well as around the two isolated cations. In the case of the two ion pairs solvent is never coordinated directly to the metal, whereas in the absence of the counterion one benzene molecule is coordinated to the metal through a cation-pi interaction. Free energy calculations result in ion pair free energies of separation of 36.8 and 23.3 kcal/mol for IP1 and IP2, respectively. Simulations with the Zr-B distance fixed at values > 7 A have been also performed. This mimics the situation occurring after counterion displacement by an inserting monomer molecule during olefin polymerization by the title catalysts.     

Density functional studies on the Pauson--Khand reaction.

The Pauson--Khand reaction represents a one-step Co(2)(CO)(8)-catalyzed synthesis of cyclopentenone through [2 + 2 + 1] assembly of one molecule each of alkene, alkyne, and carbon monoxide. Density functional studies (B3LYP/631LAN) on the reaction pathway of the Pauson--Khand (PK) reaction reported here for the first time provides valuable information on the structures and energetics of various intermediates and transition states. The PK reaction consists of olefin insertion, CO insertion, and reductive elimination steps. The olefin insertion step was found to be an irreversible step that determines the stereo- and regiochemistry of the overall reaction. The following steps are low activation energy processes and reversible. The bond-forming events occur only on one of the two metal atoms, while the second metal atom not only acts as an anchor that fixes the metal cluster to the organic substrate but also exerts electronic influences on the reaction at the first atom.     

Polynuclear catalysis: enhancement of enchainment cooperativity between different single-site olefin polymerization catalysts by ion pairing with a binuclear cocatalyst

A new multicenter ethylene polymerization process is described whereby two different single-site catalysts, one competent for producing vinyl-terminated oligomers or macromonomers and one competent for producing high-molecular weight ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, are held in close spatial proximity via ion-pairing with a dianionic binuclear bis-borate cocatalyst. Ethylene polymerizations mediated by stoichiometrically appropriate quantities of Me2Si(tBuN)(eta5-3-ethylindenyl)ZrMe2 and Me2Si(tBuN)(eta5-C5Me4)TiMe2 activated by the bis-borate cocatalyst [Ph3C+]2[1,4-(C6F5)3BC6F4B(C6F5)3-2] yield a more homogeneous polyethylene product when compared to control polymerizations using the mononuclear activator [Ph3C+][B(C6F5)4-]. The bulk and spectroscopic properties of the polymer produced using the binuclear activator are consistent with highly branched polyethylene.     

Highly selective hydrogenation of carbon-carbon multiple bonds catalyzed by the cation [(C(6)Me(6))(2)Ru(2)(PPh(2))H(2)](+): molecular structure of [(C(6)Me(6))(2)Ru(2)(PPh(2))(CHCHPh)H](+), a possible intermediate in the case of phenylacetylene hydrogenation

The dinuclear cation [(C(6)Me(6))(2)Ru(2)(PPh(2))H(2)](+) (1) has been studied as the catalyst for the hydrogenation of carbon-carbon double and triple bonds. In particular, [1][BF(4)] turned out to be a highly selective hydrogenation catalyst for olefin functions in molecules also containing reducible carbonyl functions, such as acrolein, carvone, and methyljasmonate. The hypothesis of molecular catalysis by dinuclear ruthenium complexes is supported by catalyst-poisoning experiments, the absence of an induction period in the kinetics of cyclohexene hydrogenation, and the isolation and single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of the tetrafluoroborate salt of the cation [(C(6)Me(6))(2)Ru(2)(PPh(2))(CHCHPh)H](+) (2), which can be considered as an intermediate in the case of phenylacetylene hydrogenation. On the basis of these findings, a catalytic cycle is proposed which implies that substrate hydrogenation takes place at the intact diruthenium backbone, with the two ruthenium atoms acting cooperatively in the hydrogen-transfer process.     

NONBRIDGED HALF-TITANOCENES CONTAINING ANIONIC ANCILLARY DONOR LIGANDS: PROMISING NEW CATALYSTS FOR PRECISE SYNTHESIS OF CYCLIC OLEFIN COPOLYMERS (COCs)

Precise,efficient copolymerizations of ethylene with cyclic olefins[norbornene(NBE),cyclopentene(CPE)]using nonbridged half-titanocenes of type,Cp'TiCl_2(L)(Cp'=cyclopentadienyl group,L=aryloxo,ketimide)-MAO catalyst systems have been summarized.CpTiCl_2(N=C'Bu_2)exhibited both remarkable catalytic activity and efficient NBE incorporation for ethylene/NBE copolymerization:the NBE incorporation by Cp'TiCl_2(X)(X=N=C'Bu_2,O-2,6-'Pr_2C_6H_3; Cp'=Cp,C_5Me_5,indenyl)was related to the calculated coordination ...     

Cationic alkylaluminum-complexed zirconocene hydrides: NMR-spectroscopic identification, crystallographic structure determination, and interconversion with other zirconocene cations

The ansa-zirconocene complex rac-Me(2)Si(1-indenyl)(2)ZrCl(2) ((SBI)ZrCl(2)) reacts with diisobutylaluminum hydride and trityl tetrakis(perfluorophenyl)borate in hydrocarbon solutions to give the cation [(SBI)Zr(μ-H)(3)(Al(i)Bu(2))(2)](+), the identity of which is derived from NMR data and supported by a crystallographic structure determination. Analogous reactions proceed with many other zirconocene dichloride complexes. [(SBI)Zr(μ-H)(3)(Al(i)Bu(2))(2)](+) reacts reversibly with ClAl(i)Bu(2) to give the dichloro-bridged cation [(SBI)Zr(μ-Cl)(2)Al(i)Bu(2)](+). Reaction with AlMe(3) first leads to mixed-alkyl species [(SBI)Zr(μ-H)(3)(AlMe(x)(i)Bu(2-x))(2)](+) by exchange of alkyl groups between aluminum centers. At higher AlMe(3)/Zr ratios, [(SBI)Zr(μ-Me)(2)AlMe(2)](+), a constituent of methylalumoxane-activated catalyst systems, is formed in an equilibrium, in which the hydride cation [(SBI)Zr(μ-H)(3)(AlR(2))(2)](+) strongly predominates at comparable HAl(i)Bu(2) and AlMe(3) concentrations, thus implicating the presence of this hydride cation in olefin polymerization catalyst systems.     

Bimetallic catalysis for styrene homopolymerization and ethylene-styrene copolymerization. Exceptional comonomer selectivity and insertion regiochemistry

This communication reports the styrene homopolymerization behavior and ethylene-styrene copolymerization behavior of the covalently linked bimetallic constrained geometry catalyst (mu-CH2CH2-3,3'){(eta5-indenyl)[1-Me2Si(tBuN)](TiMe2)}2 (Ti2), which is the first single-site catalyst that effects not only styrene homopolymerization with high activity, but also efficient ethylene-styrene copolymerization over a broad styrene composition range (0-76% at 20 degrees C, 1.0 atm ethylene pressure). In styrene homopolymerization, a 50x increase in polymerization activity is achieved with Ti2 vs the mononuclear analogue, Ti1, using an identical trityl borate cocatalyst and polymerization conditions. In ethylene + styrene copolymerization, Ti2 enchains approximately 20% more styrene than Ti1 under identical reaction conditions. 13C NMR spectroscopy indicates that greater than two consecutive styrene units are enchained in the copolymer backbone produced by Ti2 + Ph3C+B(C6F5)4-. End group analysis of the styrene homopolymer produced by Ti2 + Ph3C+B(C6F5)4- suggests that 1,2-regiochemistry is installed in approximately 50% of the initiation steps. This unusual microstructure is believed to be related to the bimetallic catalyst structure.     

Co-oligomerization of ethylene and higher linear alpha olefins. II. Olefin reactivities in various reaction steps of co-oligomerization with nickel ylide-based system

Part I described co-oligomerization reactions of ethylene and various linear α-olefins (propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, and 1-decene) in the presence of the homogeneous catalyst consisting of sulfonated nickel ylide and diethylaluminum ethoxide. The present article analyzes olefin reactivities in various reaction steps of the co-oligomerization reactions as well as reactivities of various catalytic species. Chain propagation reactions (insertion into the Ni? C bonds) with participation of α-olefins exhibit poor regioselectivity, primary insertion being ca. 60% more probable than the secondary insertion. Ethylene is significantly more reactive in chain propagation reactions: 50–70 times compared to olefin primary insertion and 100–120 times compared to olefin secondary insertion. Reactivities of α-olefins in chain propagation reactions decrease slightly for higher olefin alkyl groups. Reactivities of Ni? C bonds in chain propagation and chain termination reactions strongly depend on the structure of the alkyl group attached to the nickel atom. The Ni? CHR? CH₂? R bond has very low reactivity in ethylene insertion reaction and usually decomposes in the α-hydrogen elimination process. Kinetic analysis of olefin co-oligomerization reactions provides numerous analogies with olefin copolymerization reactions in the presence of Ziegler–Natta catalysts.     

Reversible Isomerization Between Silacyclopropyl Cation and Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Silylene

A phosphine-stabilized silacyclopropyl cation 2 has been synthesized and fully characterized. Of particular interest, 2 reversibly isomerizes into the corresponding seven-membered cyclic (alkyl)(amino)silylene 3 at room temperature via a formal migratory ethylene insertion into the Si−P bond. Although silylene 3 has not been spectroscopically detected, its transient formation has been evidenced by the isolation of the corresponding disilene dimer 5 as well as by trapping reactions.     

Catalytic Hydrogenolysis at Low Temperature and Pressure of Polyethylene and Polypropylene to Diesels or Lower Alkanes by a Zirconium Hydride Supported on Silica-Alumina: A Step Toward Polyolefin Degradation by the Microscopic Reverse of Ziegler–Natta Polymerization

Cleavage and polymerization with the same catalyst: The catalyst system named in the title, which cleaves polyethylene and polypropylene under a hydrogen atmosphere, is also capable of polymerizing ethylene or propylene. This shows the close relationship between olefin insertion and β-alkyl elimination [Eq. (a), (P)=polymer chain(P)].     

Substitution matters: isolating phosphorus diiminopyridine complexes

The direct reactions of PI(3) with -H or -C(6)H(5) substituted diiminopyridine ligands yield the N,N',N'-chelated P(I) cations. The analogous chemistry with the ubiquitous -CH(3) substituted derivative produces a complex mixture of products underscoring the importance of the substitution on the α-carbon atom. The I(3)(-) counteranion of the compounds could be easily exchanged with the more robust B(12)Cl(12)(2-) dianion. Reactions of PCl(3) and PBr(3) with -CH(3) and -C(6)H(5) substituted ligands led to indiscernible mixtures or no reaction. However, heating PBr(3) with the -H derivative in the presence of a halide trap produced the corresponding phosphorus(I) cation as the bromide salt. These species represent the first phosphorus diiminopyridine complexes reported.     

Unusual reactivity of tris(pyrazolyl)borate zirconium benzyl complexes

The synthesis and reactivity of [Tp*Zr(CH2Ph)2][B(C6F5)4] (2, Tp* = HB(3,5-Me2pz)3, pz = pyrazolyl) have been explored to probe the possible role of Tp'MR2+ species in group 4 metal Tp'MCl3/MAO olefin polymerization catalysts (Tp' = generic tris(pyrazolyl)borate). The reaction of Tp*Zr(CH2Ph)3 (1) with [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] in CD2Cl2 at -60 degrees C yields 2. 2 rearranges rapidly to [{(PhCH2)(H)B(mu-Me2pz)2}Zr(eta2-Me2pz)(CH2Ph)][B(C6F5)4] (3) at 0 degrees C. Both 2 and 3 are highly active for ethylene polymerization and alkyne insertion. Reaction of 2 with excess 2-butyne yields the double insertion product [Tp*Zr(CH2Ph)(CMe=CMeCMe=CMeCH2Ph)][B(C6F5)4] (4). Reaction of 3 with excess 2-butyne yields [{(PhCH2)(H)B(mu-Me2pz)2}Zr(Cp*)(eta2-Me2pz)][B(C6F5)4] (6, Cp* = C5Me5) via three successive 2-butyne insertions, intramolecular insertion, chain walking, and beta-Cp* elimination.     

Theoretical insights into the role of a counterion in copper-catalyzed enantioselective cyclopropanation reactions

The effect of a coordinating counteranion on the mechanism of Cu(I)-catalyzed cyclopropanation has been investigated extensively for a medium-sized reaction model by means of theoretical calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The main mechanistic features are similar to those found for the cationic (without a counteranion) mechanism, the rate-limiting step being nitrogen extrusion from a catalyst-diazoester complex to generate a copper-carbene intermediate. The cyclopropanation step takes place through a direct carbene insertion of the metal-carbene species to yield a catalyst-product complex, which can finally regenerate the starting complex. However, the presence of the counteranion has a noticeable influence on the calculated geometries of all the intermediates and transition structures. Furthermore, the existence of a preequilibrium with a dimeric form of the catalyst, together with a higher activation barrier in the insertion step, explains the lower yield of cyclopropane products observed experimentally in the presence of chloride counterion. The stereochemical predictions of a more realistic model (made by considering a chiral bis(oxazoline)-copper(i) catalyst) have been rationalized in terms of the lack of significant steric repulsions, and the model shows good agreement with the low enantioselectivities observed experimentally for these kinds of catalytic systems.