Synthesis and characterization of a large bite angle iridium nixantphos complex

The complex (nixantphos)Ir(cod)Cl·CH₂Cl₂(0.5C₇H₈) 3 has been synthesized and structurally characterized by NMR, IR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The coordination around Ir is trigonal bipyramidal with both P groups of the nixantphos bound in a bis-equatorial mode. The bis-chelating cod (C₈H₁₂) occupies the remaining equatorial position and an axial position. This mode of bonding resulted in a large bite angle (P1—Ir—P2) of 106.49° (3) for 3. The IR and NMR data support the elucidated structure. Thermal analyses of 3 indicate that it is thermally stable up to decomposition greater than 400°C.     

A novel phosphate ligand used for the Rh-catalyzed hydroformylation of cyclohexene in a thermoregulated PEG biphase system

A novel phosphate ligand,tri-(methoxyl polyethylene glycol)-phosphate (TMPGPA),has been synthesized and used in the Rh- catalyzed hydroformylation of cyclohexene in a thermoregulated PEG biphase system.Under the optimized conditions, pressure=5 MPa (H_2:CO=1:1),P/Rh=10 (molar ratio),reaction time=4h and temperature=120℃,the conversion of cyciohexene and the yield of aldehyde are 99%.The catalyst retained in PEG phase can be easily separated from the organic phase containing product by simple phase separation and reused ten times without obvious loss in activity.     

The synthesis and X-ray structure of the first cobalt carbonyl-NHC dimer. implications for the use of NHCs in hydroformylation catalysis

The synthesis, X-ray structure, and catalytic properties of the first cobalt carbonyl dimer supported by a N-heterocyclic carbene ligand Co(2)(CO)(6)(IMes)(2) [IMes = 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene] is reported.     

Encapsulated transition metal catalysts comprising peripheral Zn(II)salen building blocks: template-controlled reactivity and selectivity in hydroformylation catalysis

Encapsulated phosphane ligands can be easily constructed through coordinative interactions between Zn(II)-salphen complexes and pyridylphosphane templates; the template has a pronounced impact on the catalyst structure and consequently on the performance in the hydroformylation of 1-octene.     

Synthesis and reactivity of iridium complexes with pyridine and piperidine ligands: models for hydrodenitrogenation

The complexes [Ir(H)2(eta1-N-L)2(PPh3)2]PF6, L = py (1), iQ (2) and pip (3) (py = pyridine, iQ = isoquinoline, pip = piperidine) have been synthesized in high yields by hydrogenation of [Ir(cod)(PPh3)2]PF6 in the presence of the appropriate nitrogen compound. When hydrogen is bubbled through 1,2-dichloroethane solutions of 1 or 2, two new species were formed in each case by C-Cl bond activation of the solvent, Ir(H)2Cl(eta1-N-L)(PPh3)2 (L = py, 4; iQ, 5) and IrH(Cl)2(eta1-N-L)(PPh3)2 (L = py, 6; iQ, 7). Reaction of 3 with py or iQ yielded complexes 1 and 2, respectively, while under a slow stream of carbon monoxide the complex [Ir(H)2(eta1-N-pip)(CO)(PPh3)2]PF6 (8) was produced. Complex 3 also reacts with halide and 4-bromothiophenolate anions leading to the corresponding neutral species Ir(H)2(X)(eta1-N-pip)(PPh3)2, X = Cl (9), I (10) and 4-BrC6H4S (11), or with [MoS4]2- to yield the hetero-bimetallic complex [Ir(H)(PPh3)2(mu-S)2MoS2]- (13). All the new complexes were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. The X-ray structures of , 2 and 8 consist of distorted octahedra with a mutually cis disposition of the two hydrides and mutually trans phosphines. Complexes 1, 2 and 3 and their derivatives are of interest as models for the chemisorption step in hydrodenitrogenation reactions on solid catalysts.     

Chemical reactivity within a smectic B liquid crystalline phase: A model of enzyme catalysis?

The rearrangement of allyl p-dimethylaminobenzenesulphonate (ASE) to form a zwitterionic product has already been recognized as an effective probe for the study of reactivity within the smectic B phase [4, 5, 19]. We have used deuterium NMR, linear dichroism and X-ray diffraction techniques to investigate the phase diagram of the ASE-OS35 reaction system. The partitioning of the reactant molecules between coexisting smectic, nematic and/or isotropic phases and the structural organization of the smectic catalytic host at different temperatures and reactant guest concentrations have been characterized. On the basis of these measurements, a model of ASE reactivity in smectic solvents has been developed. The reaction takes place provided that coexisting isotropic or nematic phases are present to act as a reservoir for the ASE reactant molecules prior to their entering the smectic phase; they then react and leave the smectic phase as a zwitterionic product. The analogy between this model of reactivity within smectic phases and the Michaelis-Menten enzyme processes is discussed. This relationship opens up the intriguing possibility of designing new experiments with which to investigate further liquid crystalline models of enzyme catalysis.     

A novel dicationic phenoxaphosphino-modified Xantphos-type ligand: a ligand for highly active and selective, biphasic, rhodium catalysed hydroformylation in ionic liquids

A highly active and regioselective catalyst obtained from a novel dicationic ligand (1) and Rh(CO)2(acac) for hydroformylation of 1-hexene and 1-octene in ionic liquids is reported. Optimisation studies of various reaction parameters led to an unprecedentedly active (TOFs > 6200 mol mol(-1) h(-1), T= 100 degrees C), selective (l/b ratios > 40) and stable hydroformylation procedure. No catalyst leaching (Rh-loss < 0.07% of initial rhodium intake, P-loss < 0.4% of the initial phosphorus intake) or losses in performance could be measured during 1-octene hydroformylation recycle experiments in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate. At low catalyst loadings activities and regioselectivities competitive with one-phase catalysis in conventional solvents were observed. At high catalyst loadings the system is extremely stable and has a long shelf-life as a result of the formation of stable, if inactive rhodium dimers.     

Ruthenium complexes with non-innocent ligands: Electron distribution and implications for catalysis

Ruthenium complexes with the non-innocent ligands (NILs) benzoquinone, iminobenzoquinone and benzoquinonediimine and their redox derivatives exhibit intriguing electronic properties. With the proper ligand set the NIL π* orbitals mix extensively with the ruthenium dπ orbitals resulting in delocalized electron distributions and non-integer oxidation states, and in most of these systems a particular ruthenium oxidation state dominates. This review critically examines the electronic structure of Ru–NIL systems from both an experimental and computational (DFT) perspective. The electron distribution within these complexes can be modulated by altering both the ancillary ligands and the NIL, and in a few cases the resultant electron distributions are exploited for catalysis. The Ru–NIL systems that perform alcohol oxidation and water oxidation catalysis are discussed in detail. The Tanaka catalyst, an anthracene-bridged dinuclear Ru complex, is an intriguing example of a Ru–NIL framework in catalysis. Unlike other known ruthenium water oxidation catalysts, the two Ru atoms remain low valent during the catalytic cycle according to DFT calculations, some experimental evidence, and predictions based on the behavior of the related mononuclear species.     

A new tetradentate nitrogen ligand for organometallic catalysis: electrochemical nickel-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization

The new tetraaza-molecule, 1 has been synthesized and used as a ligand for a cationic mononuclear nickel(II) complex. This complex is an efficient catalysts for the intramolecular electrochemical cyclization of o-haloaryl compounds containing unsaturated side chains.     

Steric nature of the bite angle. A closer and a broader look

The bite angle (ligand-metal-ligand angle) is known to greatly influence the activity of catalytically active transition-metal complexes towards bond activation. Here, we have computationally explored how and why the bite angle has such effects in a wide range of prototypical C-X bonds and palladium complexes, using relativistic density functional theory at ZORA-BLYP/TZ2P. Our model reactions cover the substrates H(3)C-X (with X = H, CH(3), Cl) and, among others, the model catalysts, Pd[PH(2)(CH(2))(n)PH(2)] (with n = 2-6) and Pd[PR(2)(CH(2))(n)PR(2)] (n = 2-4 and R = Me, Ph, t-Bu, Cl), Pd(PH(3))X(-) (X = Cl, Br, I), as well as palladium complexes of chelating and non-chelating N-heterocyclic carbenes. The purpose is to elaborate on an earlier finding that bite-angle effects have a predominantly (although not exclusively) steric nature: a smaller bite angle makes more room for coordinating a substrate by bending away the ligands. Indeed, the present results further consolidate this steric picture by revealing its occurrence in this broader range of model reactions and by identifying and quantifying the exact working mechanism through activation strain analyses.     

Acidic iridium hydrides: implications for aerobic and Oppenauer oxidation of alcohols

[Cp*Ir(H)(bpym)]+ and [Cp*Ir(H)(bpy)]+ are the first examples of iridium based catalysts for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols; the catalytic cycle proceeds via acidic hydrides. Deprotonation of the hydride leads to a highly oxygen sensitive Ir I species that regenerate the Ir III complexes upon oxidation with dioxygen.     

A novel thermoregulated phosphine ligand used for the Rh-catalyzed hydroformylation of mixed C11~12 olefins in aqueous/organic biphasic system

<正>A novel thermoregulated phosphine ligand Ph_2P(CH_2CH_2O)_nCH_3(n=22) was synthesized and used for the Rh-catalyzed hydroformylation of mixed C_(11-12) olefins in aqueous/organic biphasic system.Under the optimized conditions,pressure =5 MPa (H_2:CO=1:1),phosphine/Rh =13(molar ratio),reaction time =6 h and temperature =130℃,the conversion of C_(11-12) olefins and the yield of aldehyde are 99%and 94%,respectively.The catalyst retained in aqueous phase can be easily separated from the product-containing organic phase by simple phase separation and the catalytic activity remains almost constant after four consecutive cycles.     

A theoretical study of the electronic effect of the ligand bite angle on the hydrosilylation reaction of ketones by Cu(I) diphosphine complexes

Diphosphine ligands are commonly used for the catalytic hydrosilylation of ketones using Cu(I) complexes. The electronic effect of the P-Cu-P bite angle has been investigated by a theoretical DFT study. An increase of the P-Cu-P bite angle induces a stronger phosphorus lone pair/Cu-H σ∗ orbital interaction due to a better overlap between these orbitals. This increase in overlap affects structural and electronic properties of the copper hydride catalyst. Increasing the bite angle leads to a decrease of the Cu-P distances and an increases of the Cu-H distances. From an electronic point of view, the effect of an increasing bite angle leads to a weakening of the σ Cu-H orbital, and an increase of the hydride population. The increased polarization of the hydride leads to an easier electron transfer from the σ Cu-H bond to the carbon of the ketone.     

"Frustrated Lewis pairs": a concept for new reactivity and catalysis

The concept of "frustrated Lewis pairs" is described and shown to result in molecular systems capable of unique reactivity as well as applications in catalysis.     

Tetrakis(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethene and derivatives. A structurally preorganized tetradentate ligand system for polymetallic coordination chemistry and catalysis

A topologically unique, conformationally constrained tetradentate ligand system for polymetallic coordination chemistry has been developed: tetrakis(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethene (1a) and substituted derivatives. The design exploits the planarity of the tetraphenylethylene core to impart rigidity to the roughly square oxygen binding array, while maintaining a degree of conformational mobility associated with rotation about the aryl-ethylene carbon-carbon bonds. Tetrakis(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethene derivatives are designed to promote multiple metal bridging over chelating coordination modes. The ligand is synthesized from anisole or 4-tert-butylanisole in four steps via the 2,2'-dimethoxybenzophenone hydrazones 4a,b. The sterically hindered ortho-substituted tetraphenylethylene core is produced in high yield by acid-catalyzed decomposition of the corresponding diaryl diazomethane prepared in situ by oxidation of the hydrazone using nickel peroxide. Deprotection of the methyl ethers using boron tribromide gives tetrakis(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethene (1a), characterized by X-ray crystallography, and tetrakis(5-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)ethene (1b). Sterically isolating substituents in the 3-position can be installed via Claisen rearrangement/hydrogenation, providing tetrakis(3-n-propyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)ethene (6) efficiently. To illustrate potential applications of this unprecedented ligand class, two coordination complexes are reported, including tetrakis(2-diethylaluminoxyphenyl)ethene (8), a structurally robust eight-membered-ring aluminum/oxygen crown complex characterized both in solution and in the solid state.     

The titration of clay minerals II. Structure-based model and implications for clay reactivity

The potentiometric titration and CEC data presented in part I are modeled in this paper, part II. Two models are compared: the two pK, three complexation sites plus exchange sites nonelectrostatic model developed by Baeyens and Bradbury and a model based on the MUSIC approach developed by Hiemstra and Van Riemsdijk. Both morphological and structural information is used to develop this new model. Morphological information is taken from the literature, while structural information is taken from the literature and constrained by supporting FTIR experiments. The Baeyens and Bradbury model is found to reproduce the general tendency of the titration curve, whereas the model based on the Hiemstra and Van Riemsdijk MUSIC approach provides a better fit to the experimental data. The former uses only 3 edge reaction sites, whereas the latter uses at least 27 edge reaction sites. Five main reactive sites are sufficient to fit the MUSIC model curve, but the model allows us to derive the properties of 22 other reactive sites. Logically, the greater the number of sites, the better the fit. Nevertheless, fewer adjustable parameters are necessary for the Hiemstra and Van Riemsdijk MUSIC model than for the Baeyens and Bradbury model, thanks to structural and morphological constraints. The precision of the potentiometric titration curve is insufficient to verify that the properties of the 27 sites given by the MUSIC model are effective. Thus, we coupled some properties of clay minerals, such as dissolution, to the modeled acid-base properties of these sites to assess our model. We then questioned the ability of simplified models such as the Baeyens and Bradbury model to predict the interactions between clay minerals and solutions in natural environments. In addition, we derived the cation exchange selectivity coefficients for CaCl+ ionic pairs and H+ from our CEC data and gave an estimate for the CaOH+ selectivity coefficient.     

Gas-phase acidity of sulfonamides: implications for reactivity and prodrug design

A computational study at the density functional theory level was performed on bioactive and model sulfonamides with the aim of determining the factors affecting the acidity of the sulfonamido group. The effects of introducing different substituents at either the para-aryl or the N¹-sulfonamide positions were independently analyzed. A linear correlation was found between sulfonamide acidity and the Hammett constants or charge of the SO₂ group of substituents at the para-aryl position. Most N¹-substituents were taken from bacteriostatic sulfonamide structures and presented a more complex behavior, possibly due to a conjugation of steric and electronic factors. In the latter situation, sulfonamide acidity and the charge of the SO₂ group were not linearly correlated. Interestingly, the acidity of the sulfonamido group was found to be correlated with the reactivity of sulfa drugs towards acylating agents. The implications for the design of suitable sulfonamide prodrugs are discussed.