Palladium Complexes Based on Ylide-Functionalized Phosphines (YPhos): Broadly Applicable High-Performance Precatalysts for the Amination of Aryl Halides at Room Temperature

Palladium allyl, cinnamyl, and indenyl complexes with the ylide-substituted phosphines Cy₃P⁺−C⁻(R)PCy₂ (with R=Me ( L1 ) or Ph ( L2 )) and Cy₃P⁺−C⁻(Me)PtBu₂ ( L3 ) were prepared and applied as defined precatalysts in C−N coupling reactions. The complexes are highly active in the amination of 4-chlorotoluene with a series of different amines. Higher yields were observed with the precatalysts in comparison to the in situ generated catalysts. Changes in the ligand structures allowed for improved selectivities by shutting down β-hydride elimination or diarylation reactions. Particularly, the complexes based on L2 (joYPhos) revealed to be universal precatalysts for various amines and aryl halides. Full conversions to the desired products are reached mostly within 1 h reaction time at room temperature, thus making L2 to one of the most efficient ligands in C−N coupling reactions. The applicability of the catalysts was demonstrated for aryl chlorides, bromides and iodides together with primary and secondary aryl and alkyl amines, including gram-scale applications also with low catalyst loadings of down to 0.05 mol %. Kinetic studies further demonstrated the outstanding activity of the precatalysts with TOF over 10.000 h⁻¹.     

A guide to Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions: the influence of substituents in aryl bromides, acetylenes, and phosphines

The conversion-time data for 168 different Pd/Cu-catalyzed Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions of five arylacetylenes (phenylacetylene; 1-ethynyl-2-ethylbenzene; 1-ethynyl-2,4,6-R(3)-benzene (R = Me, Et, i-Pr)) and Me(3)SiCCH with seven aryl bromides (three 2-R-bromobenzenes (R = Me, Et, i-Pr); 2,6-Me(2)-bromobenzene and three 2,4,6-R(3)-bromobenzenes (R = Me, Et, i-Pr)) with four different phosphines (P-t-Bu(3), t-Bu(2)PCy, t-BuPCy(2), PCy(3)) were determined using quantitative gas chromatography. The stereoelectronic properties of the substituents in the aryl bromides, acetylenes, and phosphines were correlated with the performance in Sonogashira reactions. It was found that the nature of the most active Pd/PR(3) complex for a Sonogashira transformation is primarily determined by the steric bulk of the acetylene; ideal catalysts are: Pd/P-t-Bu(3) or Pd/t-Bu(2)PCy for sterically undemanding phenylacetylene, Pd/t-BuPCy(2) for 2- and 2,6-substituted arylacetylenes or Me(3)SiCCH and Pd/PCy(3) for extremely bulky acetylenes and aryl bromides. Electron-rich and sterically demanding aryl bromides with substituents in the 2- or the 2,6-position require larger amounts of catalyst than 4-substituted aryl bromides. The synthesis of tolanes with bulky groups at one of the two aryl rings is best done by placing the steric bulk at the arylacetylene, which is also the best place for electron-withdrawing substituents.     

Experimental and Computational Studies of the Molybdenum‐Flanking Arene Interaction in Quadruply Bonded Dimolybdenum Complexes with Terphenyl Ligands

To clarify the nature of the Mo?C_arene interaction in terphenyl complexes with quadruple Mo?Mo bonds, ether adducts of composition [Mo₂(Ar′)(I)(O₂CR)₂(OEt₂)] have been prepared and characterized (Ar′=Ar^Xyl₂, R=Me; Ar′=ArMes₂, R=Me; Ar′=Ar^Xyl2, R=CF₃) (Mes=mesityl; Xyl=2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃, from now on xylyl) and their reactivity toward different neutral Lewis bases investigated. PMe₃, P(OMe)₃ and PiPr₃ were chosen as P‐donors and the reactivity studies complemented with the use of the C‐donors CNXyl and CN₂C₂Me₄ (1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene). New compounds of general formula [Mo₂(Ar′)(I)(O₂CR)₂( L )] were obtained, except for the imidazol‐2‐ylidene ligand that yielded a salt‐like compound of composition [Mo₂(Ar^Xyl2)(O₂CMe)₂(CN₂C₂Me₄)₂]I. The Mo?C_arene interaction in these complexes has been analyzed with the aid of X‐ray data and computational studies. This interaction compensates the coordinative and electronic unsaturation of one of the Mo atoms in the above complexes, but it seems to be weak in terms of sharing of electron density between the Mo and C_arene atoms and appears to have no appreciable effect in the length of the Mo?Mo, Mo?X, and Mo? L bonds present in these molecules.     

Substitution of Secondary Benzylic Phosphates with Diarylmethyl Anions

Substitution of diethyl and diphenyl benzylic phosphates, Alk-CH(Ar¹)OP(O)(OR)₂ (R = Et, Ph; Alk = Me, Et, i-Pr; Ar¹ = aryl), with the anions derived from Ar²CH₂ (Ph₂CH₂,9H-xanthene and fluorene) and n-BuLi at –15 °C was studied. For phosphates with Me as an Alk, diethyl phosphates produced Me-CH(Ar¹)CH(Ar²)₂ (Ar¹ = 4-halo-, 4-CN, 4-Me-, 2-Me, 2-Br-, 3-MeO-phenyl and 2-naphthyl). However, an unwanted substitution at the Et group competed with phosphates of Alk = Et- and i-Pr. Fortunately, the corresponding diphenyl phosphates cleanly underwent the desired substitution. Two enantioenriched phosphates, MeCH(Ph)OP(O)(OEt)₂ and EtCH(Ph)OP(O)(OPh)₂, proceeded with complete inversion of the stereochemistry.     

Distannabarrelenes with Three Coordinated SnII Atoms

Crystalline 1,4-distannabarrelene compounds [(ADC^Ar)₃Sn₂]SnCl₃ ( 3 - Ar ) (ADC^Ar={ArC(NDipp)₂CC}; Dipp=2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃, Ar=Ph or DMP; DMP=4-Me₂NC₆H₄) derived from anionic dicarbenes Li(ADC^Ar) ( 2 - Ar ) (Ar=Ph or DMP) have been reported. The cationic moiety of 3 - Ar features a barrelene framework with three coordinated Sn^II atoms at the 1,4-positions, whereas the anionic unit SnCl₃ is formally derived from SnCl₂ and chloride ion. The all carbon substituted bis-stannylenes 3 - Ar have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. DFT calculations reveal that the HOMO of 3 - Ph (ϵ=−6.40 eV) is mainly the lone-pair orbital at the Sn^II atoms of the barrelene unit. 3 - Ar readily react with sulfur and selenium to afford the mixed-valence Sn^II/Sn^IV compounds [(ADC^Ar)₃SnSn(E)](SnCl₆)_0.5 (E=S 4 - Ar , Ar=Ph or DMP; E=Se 5 - Ph ).     

Crystalline Radicals Derived from Classical N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes

One‐electron reduction of C2‐arylated 1,3‐imidazoli(ni)um salts (IPr^Ar)Br (Ar=Ph, 3 a ; 4‐DMP, 3 b ; 4‐DMP=4‐Me₂NC₆H₄) and (SIPr^Ar)I (Ar=Ph, 4 a ; 4‐Tol, 4 b ) derived from classical NHCs (IPr=:C{N(2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃)}₂CHCH, 1 ; SIPr=:C{N(2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃)}₂CH₂CH₂, 2 ) gave radicals [(IPr^Ar)]^. (Ar=Ph, 5 a ; 4‐DMP, 5 b ) and [(SIPr^Ar)]^. (Ar=Ph, 6 a ; 4‐Tol, 6 b ). Each of 5 a , b and 6 a , b exhibited a doublet EPR signal, a characteristic of monoradical species. The first solid‐state characterization of NHC‐derived carbon‐centered radicals 6 a , b by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction is reported. DFT calculations indicate that the unpaired electron is mainly located at the original carbene carbon atom and stabilized by partial delocalization over the adjacent aryl group.     

Structural Snapshots of π-Arene Bonding in a Gold Germylene Cation

Heavier group 14 element cations exhibit a remarkable reactivity that has typically hampered their isolation. For the few available examples, the role of π-arene interactions is crucial to provide kinetic stabilization, but dynamic and structural information on those contacts is yet limited. In this study we have accessed the metalogermylenium cation [(PMe₂Ar^Dipp2)AuGe(Ar^Dipp2)Cl]⁺ ( 4⁺ ) (Ar^Dipp2=C₆H₃-2,6-(C₆H₃-2,6-iPr₂)₂) that has been structurally characterized with three different non-coordinating counter anions. These studies provide for the first time dynamic information about the conformational rearrangement that characterizes π-arene bonding thorough a series of X-ray diffraction structural snapshots. Computational studies reveal the weak character of the π-arene bonding (ca. 2 kcal mol⁻¹) that can be described as the donation from a π_C=C bond toward the empty p valence orbital of germanium.     

From Disilene (SiSi) to Phosphasilene (SiP) and Phosphacumulene (PCN)

The generation of heavier double‐bond systems without by‐ or side‐product formation is of considerable importance for their application in synthesis. Peripheral functional groups in such alkene homologues are promising in this regard owing to their inherent mobility. Depending on the steric demand of the N‐alkyl substituent R, the reaction of disilenide Ar₂Si?Si(Ar)Li (Ar=2,4,6‐iPr₃C₆H₂) with ClP(NR₂)₂ either affords the phosphinodisilene Ar₂Si?Si(Ar)P(NR₂)₂ (for R=iPr) or P‐amino functionalized phosphasilenes Ar₂(R₂N)Si? Si(Ar)?P(NR₂) (for R=Et, Me) by 1,3‐migration of one of the amino groups. In case of R=Me, upon addition of one equivalent of tert‐butylisonitrile a second amino group shift occurs to yield the 1‐aza‐3‐phosphaallene Ar₂(R₂N)Si? Si(NR₂)(Ar)? P?C?NtBu with pronounced ylidic character. All new compounds were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and DFT calculations in selected cases.     

Elusive Terminal Copper Arylnitrene Intermediates

We report herein three new modes of reactivity between arylazides N₃Ar with a bulky copper(I) β-diketiminate. Addition of N₃Ar^X3 (Ar^X3=2,4,6-X₃C₆H₂; X=Cl or Me) to [ⁱPr₂NN]Cu(NCMe) results in triazenido complexes from azide attack on the β-diketiminato backbone. Reaction of [ⁱPr₂NN]Cu(NCMe) with bulkier azides N₃Ar leads to terminal nitrenes [ⁱPr₂NN]Cu]=NAr that dimerize via formation of a C−C bond at the arylnitrene p-position to give the dicopper(II) diketimide 4 (Ar=2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃) or undergo nitrile insertion to give diazametallocyclobutene 8 (Ar=4-Ph-2,6-iPr₂C₆H₂). Importantly, reactivity studies reveal both 4 and 8 to be “masked” forms of the terminal nitrenes [ⁱPr₂NN]Cu=NAr that undergo nitrene group transfer to PMe₃, ^tBuNC, and even into a benzylic sp³ C−H bond of ethylbenzene.     

Synthesis,Structure and Nickel Carbonyl Complexes of Dialkylterphenyl Phosphines

The experimental and computational characterization of a series of dialkylterphenyl phosphines, PR₂Ar′ is described. The new P-donors comprise five compounds of general formula PR₂Ar (R=Me, Et, iPr, c-C₅H₉ and c-C₆H₁₁); Ar = 2,6-C₆H₃-(3,5-C₆H₃-(CMe₃)₂)₂), and another five PR₂Ar′ phosphines containing the bulky alkyl groups iPr, c-C₅H₉ or c-C₆H₁₁, in combination with Ar′=Ar , Ar , or Ar ( L1 – L10 ). Steric and electronic parameters have been determined computationally and from IR and X-ray data obtained for the phosphines and for some derivatives, including tricarbonyl and dicarbonyl nickel complexes, Ni(CO)₃(PR₂Ar′) and Ni(CO)₂(PR₂Ar′). In the solid state, the free phosphines PR₂Ar′ adopt one of the three possible structures formally related by rotation around the C_ipso−P bond. Details on their relative energies and on the influence of the free phosphine structure on its coordination chemistry towards Ni(CO)_n (n = 2, 3) fragments has been obtained by experimental and computational methods.     

Sterically Demanding Novel Triazole Based Tertiary Phosphines: Synthesis,Transition Metal Chemistry and Catalytic Applications

Sterically demanding 2,6-dibenzhydryl-4-methylphenyl and 1,2,3-triazole based tertiary phosphines, [Ar*{1,2,3-N₃C(Ph)C(PR₂)}] (R=Ph, 3 ; R=ⁱPr, 4 ) were obtained by the temperature-controlled lithiation of 1-(2,6-dibenzydryl-4-methyl)-5-iodo-4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole ( 2 ) followed by the reaction with R₂PCl (R=Ph, ⁱPr). Treatment of 3 with H₂O₂, elemental sulfur and selenium yielded chalcogenides [Ar*{1,2,3-N₃C(Ph)C(P(E)Ph₂)}] (E=O, 5 ; E=S, 6 ; E=Se, 7 ). The reaction of 3 with [Pd(COD)Cl₂] in 1 : 1 molar ratio, afforded dimeric complex [Pd(μ₂-Cl)Cl{Ar*{1,2,3-N₃C(Ph)C(PPh₂)}-κ¹-P}]₂ ( 8 ), whereas the reactions of 3 and 4 with [Pd(η³-C₃H₅)Cl]₂ in 2 : 1 molar ratios produced complexes [Pd(η³-C₃H₅)Cl{Ar*{1,2,3-N₃C(Ph)C(PR₂)}-κ¹-P}] (R=Ph, 9 ; R=ⁱPr, 10 ). Treatment of 3 with [Pd(OAc)₂] in 1 : 1 molar ratio afforded a rare trinuclear complex [{Pd₃(OAc)₄}{Ar*{1,2,3-N₃C(C₆H₄)C(PPh₂)}-κ²-C,P}₂] ( 11 ). Treatment of 3 and 4 with [AuCl(SMe₂)] resulted in [AuCl{Ar*{1,2,3-N₃C(Ph)C(PR₂)}-κ¹-P}] (R=Ph, 12 ; R=ⁱPr, 13 ). Bulky phosphine 4 was very effective in Suzuki-Miyaura coupling and amination reactions with very low catalyst loading. Molecular structures of 3 – 5 , and 8 – 13 were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Expanded‐Ring N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes for the Stabilization of Highly Electrophilic Gold(I) Cations

Strategies for the synthesis of highly electrophilic Au^I complexes from either hydride‐ or chloride‐containing precursors have been investigated by employing sterically encumbered Dipp‐substituted expanded‐ring NHCs (Dipp=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃). Thus, complexes of the type (NHC)AuH have been synthesised (for NHC=6‐Dipp or 7‐Dipp) and shown to feature significantly more electron‐rich hydrides than those based on ancillary imidazolylidene donors. This finding is consistent with the stronger σ‐donor character of these NHCs, and allows for protonation of the hydride ligand. Such chemistry leads to the loss of dihydrogen and to the trapping of the [(NHC)Au]⁺ fragment within a dinuclear gold cation containing a bridging hydride. Activation of the hydride ligand in (NHC)AuH by B(C₆F₅)₃, by contrast, generates a species (at low temperatures) featuring a [HB(C₆F₅)₃]^? fragment with spectroscopic signatures similar to the “free” borate anion. Subsequent rearrangement involves B?C bond cleavage and aryl transfer to the carbophilic metal centre. Under halide abstraction conditions utilizing Na[BAr^f₄] (Ar^f=C₆H₃(CF₃)₂‐3,5), systems of the type [(NHC)AuCl] (NHC=6‐Dipp or 7‐Dipp) generate dinuclear complexes [{(NHC)Au}₂(μ‐Cl)]⁺ that are still electrophilic enough at gold to induce aryl abstraction from the [BAr^f₄]^? counterion.     

Bisaminophosphane – Synthese,Struktur und Reaktivität

Bisaminophosphanes – Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity Different pathways for the synthesis of bis(alkylamino)phosphanes RP(N(H)R′)₂ are described. t‐BuP(N(H)‐ Dipp)₂ (Dipp = 2,6‐i‐Pr₂–C₆H₃) was structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The reactivity of the compounds was examplarily investigated using t‐BuP(N(H)t‐Bu)₂. Its reaction with Me₃Al and R₂AlH (R = Me, Et, i‐Bu) in 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 stoichiometrie yield monosubstituted compounds of the type t‐BuP(N(H)t‐Bu)(N(AlR₂)t‐Bu).     

Synthesis and characterizations of arsine– and stibine–ligated Schiff base palladacycles and their applications in Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions

A series of arsine‐ and stibine‐ligated Schiff base palladacycles were synthesized by the reaction of μ‐Cl‐bridged Schiff base palladacycles [Pd(C₆H₄CH]NC₆H₂R)(μ‐Cl)]₂ (R = 2,4,6‐trimethyl or 2,6‐diisopropyl) with AsPh₃ or SbPh_3. The new arsine‐ and stibine‐ligated palladacycles were fully characterized using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and infrared spectroscopies, high‐resolution mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Further exploration of the catalytic application of the palladacycles for Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions of aryl bromides with arylboronic acids was carried out. It was found that the new palladacycles are considerably active for these coupling reactions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Kinetic Destabilization of Metal–Metal Single Bonds: Isolation of a Pentacoordinate Manganese(0) Monoradical

The 17e⁻ monoradical [Mn(CO)₅] is widely recognized as an unstable organometallic transient and is known to dimerize rapidly with the formation of a Mn Mn single bond. As a result of this instability, isolable analogues of [Mn(CO)₅] have remained elusive. Herein, we show that two sterically encumbering isocyanide ligands can destabilize the Mn Mn bond leading to the formation of the isolable, manganese(0) monoradical [Mn(CO)₃(CNAr^Dipp2)₂] (Ar^Dipp2=2,6‐(2,6‐(iPr)₂C₆H₃)₂C₆H₃). The persistence of [Mn(CO)₃(CNAr^Dipp2)₂] has allowed for new insights into nitrosoarene spin‐trapping studies of [Mn(CO)₅].     

Reduction vs. Addition: The Reaction of an Aluminyl Anion with 1,3,5,7‐Cyclooctatetraene

The potassium aluminyl complex K[Al(NON^Ar)] (NON=NON^Ar=[O(SiMe₂NAr)₂]^2?, Ar=2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃) reacts with 1,3,5,7‐cyclooctatetraene (COT) to give K[Al(NON^Ar)(COT)]. The COT‐ligand is present in the asymmetric unit as a planar μ₂‐η²:η⁸‐bridge between Al and K, with additional K???π‐aryl interactions to neighboring molecules that generate a helical chain. DFT calculations indicate significant aromatic character, consistent with reduction to [COT]^2?. Addition of 18‐crown‐6 causes a rearrangement of the C₈‐carbocycle to form the isomeric 9‐aluminabicyclo[4.2.1]nona‐2,4,7‐triene anion.     

Heavy Alkali Metal Manganate Complexes: Synthesis,Structures and Solvent-Induced Dissociation Effects

Rare examples of heavier alkali metal manganates [{(AM)Mn(CH₂SiMe₃)(N^‘Ar)₂}_∞] (AM=K, Rb, or Cs) [N^‘Ar=N(SiMe₃)(Dipp), where Dipp=2,6-iPr₂-C₆H₃] have been synthesised with the Rb and Cs examples crystallographically characterised. These heaviest manganates crystallise as polymeric zig-zag chains propagated by AM⋅⋅⋅π-arene interactions. Key to their preparation is to avoid Lewis base donor solvents. In contrast, using multidentate nitrogen donors encourages ligand scrambling leading to redistribution of these bimetallic manganate compounds into their corresponding homometallic species as witnessed for the complete Li - Cs series. Adding to the few known crystallographically characterised unsolvated and solvated rubidium and caesium s-block metal amides, six new derivatives ([{AM(N^‘Ar)}_∞], [{AM(N^‘Ar)⋅TMEDA}_∞], and [{AM(N^‘Ar)⋅PMDETA}_∞] where AM=Rb or Cs) have been structurally authenticated. Utilising monodentate diethyl ether as a donor, it was also possible to isolate and crystallographically characterise sodium manganate [(Et₂O)₂Na(ⁿBu)Mn[(N^‘Ar)₂], a monomeric, dinuclear structure prevented from aggregating by two blocking ether ligands bound to sodium.     

Synthesis,Bonding and Reactivity of a Terminal Titanium Alkylidene Hydrazido Compound

We report a detailed study of the reactions of the Ti?NNCPh₂ alkylidene hydrazide functional group in [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}(NNCPh₂)] ( 8 ) with a variety of unsaturated and saturated substrates. Compound 8 was prepared from [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}(NtBu)] and Ph₂CNNH₂. DFT calculations were used to determine the nature of the bonding for the Ti?NNCPh₂ moiety in 8 and in the previously reported [Cp₂Ti(NNCPh₂)(PMe₃)]. Reaction of 8 with CO₂ gave dimeric [(Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{μ‐OC(NNCPh₂)O})₂] and the “double‐insertion” dicarboxylate species [Cp*Ti‐{MeC(NiPr)₂}{OC(O)N(NCPh₂)C(O)O}] through an initial [2+2] cycloaddition product [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{N(NCPh₂)C(O)O}], the congener of which could be isolated in the corresponding reaction with CS₂. The reaction with isocyanates or isothiocyanates tBuNCO or ArNCE (Ar=Tol or 2,6‐C₆H₃iPr₂; E=O, S) gave either complete NNCPh₂ transfer, [2+2] cycloaddition to Ti?N_α or single‐ or double‐substrate insertion into the Ti?N_α bond. The treatment of 8 with isonitriles RNC (R=tBu or Xyl) formed σ‐adducts [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}(NNCPh₂)(CNR)]. With Ar^F5CCH (Ar^F5=C₆F₅) the [2+2] cycloaddition product [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{N(NCPh₂)C(Ar^F5)C(H)}] was formed, whereas with benzonitriles ArCN (Ar=Ph or Ar^F5) two equivalents of substrate were coupled in a head‐to‐tail manner across the Ti?N_α bond to form [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{N(NCPh₂)C(Ar)NC(Ar)N}]. Treatment of 8 with RSiH₃ (R=aryl or Bu) or Ph₂SiH₂ gave [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}{N(SiHRR′)N(CHPh₂)}] (R′=H or Ph) through net 1,3‐addition of Si? H to the N? N?CPh₂ linkage of 8 , whereas reaction with PhSiH₂X (X=Cl, Br) led to the Ti?N_α 1,2‐addition products [Cp*Ti{MeC(NiPr)₂}(X){N(NCPh₂)SiH₂Ph}].     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Arylation of Arylboronic Acids with Yagupolskii–Umemoto Reagents

A Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki cross‐coupling of arylboronic acids with Yagupolskii–Umemoto reagents was explored. In contrary to trifluoromethylations, the Pd‐catalyzed reaction of R?B(OH)₂ and [Ar₂SCF₃]⁺[OTf]^? provided the arylation products (R?Ar) in good to high yields. The reaction confirms that the S?Ar bonds of [Ar₂SCF₃]⁺[OTf]^? can be readily cleaved in the presence of Pd complexes. The relatively electron‐poor aryl groups of asymmetric [Ar¹Ar²SCF₃]⁺[OTf]^? salts are more favorably transferred compared to the electron‐rich ones. This reaction represents the first report of utilization of [Ar₂SCF₃]⁺[OTf]^? as arylation reagents in organic synthesis.     

Intramolecular Ring-Expansion Reaction (RER) and Intermolecular Coordination of In Situ Generated Cyclic (Amino)(aryl)carbenes (cAArCs)

Cyclic (amino)(aryl)carbenes (cAArCs) based on the isoindoline core were successfully generated in situ by α-elimination of 3-alkoxyisoindolines at high temperatures or by deprotonation of isoindol-2-ium chlorides with sodium or copper(I) acetates at low temperatures. 3-Alkoxy-isoindolines 2 a , b-OR (R=Me, Et, iPr) have been prepared in high yields by the addition of a solution of 2-aryl-1,1-diphenylisoindol-2-ium triflate ( 1 a , b-OTf ; a : aryl=Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl; b : Mesityl-, Mes=2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) to the corresponding alcohol (ROH) with NEt₃ at room temperature. Furthermore, the reaction of 2 a , b-OMe in diethyl ether with a tenfold excess of hydrochloric acid led to the isolation of the isoindol-2-ium chlorides 1 a , b-Cl in high yields. The thermally generated cAArC reacts with sulfur to form the thioamide 3 a . Without any additional trapping reagent, in situ generation of 1,1-diphenylisoidolin-3-ylidenes does not lead to the isolation of these compounds, but to the reaction products of the insertion of the carbene carbon atom into an ortho C−H bond of a phenyl substituent, followed by ring-expansion reaction; namely, anthracene derivatives 9-N(H)aryl-10-Ph-C₁₄H₈ 4 a , b ( a : Dipp; b : Mes). These compounds are conveniently synthesized by deprotonation of the isoindol-2-ium chlorides with sodium acetate in high yields. Deprotonation of 1 a-Cl with copper(I) acetate at low temperatures afforded a mixture of 4 a and the corresponding cAArC copper(I) chloride 5 a , and allowed the isolation and structural characterization of the first example of a cAArC copper complex of general formula [(cAArC)CuCl].