Mass spectrometry of systems containing a group IVB—transition metal bond : I. The phenyl- and pentafluorophenyl- silicon, -germanium and -tin derivatives of pentacarbonylmanganese

The 70 eV mass spectra of the series Ph_3?n(C₆F₅)_nMMn(CO)₅ (n = 0 to 3 and M = Si, Ge or Sn) and Ph₃PbMn(CO)₅ have been examined and the proposed fragmentation schemes are supported by the observance of the appropriate metastable ions. Most of the total ion current is carried by metal-containing ions, particularly those containing just a Group IV metal. In all cases the initial fragmentation is by the loss of one or more carbonyl groups from the molecular ion, followed, except in the case of the fully fluorinated silicon derivatives, by the cleavage of the metal—metal bond. The fragmentation of the remainder of the molecule is then controlled by the nature of M and the number of pentafluorophenyl groups, the silicon derivatives showing a greater abundance of ions formed by the cleavage of the CC, CH or CF bonds in the aromatic ring, in contrast to the tin and lead derivatives which fragment almost exclusively by the cleavage of the metal—carbon bond. The formation of metal fluoride species plays an important part in the fragmentation of the pentafluorophenyl derivatives and becomes more important as the Group IV metal becomes heavier, while except for Ph₃PbMn(CO)₅ the abundances of the ions resulting from the migration of a complete aromatic ring from one metal to the other remain essentially constant. However, some of the observed changes in the fragmentation modes are not readily predicted on the basis of the expected variation in the relative metal—carbon or metal—metal bond strengths since these appear to be more dependent on the stabilities of the radical species or on the ion species formed. The tin—metal molecular bond dissociation energies in Ph₃SnMn(CO)₅ and Ph₃SnFe(CO)₂Cp were found to be 61 ± 8 and 54 ± 9 kcal mol^?1, respectively.     

Reaction of (bromodifluoromethyl)phenyldimethylsilane with organometallic reagents

A new fluorine-containing organosilicon compound, (bromodifluoromethyl)-phenyldimethylsilane (II), was synthesized by the N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) bromination of difluoromethyl)phenyldimethylsilane (I), which was prepared from phenyldimethylsilyllithium and chlorodifluoromethane. Compound II reacted with dimethyl sulfoxide to give dimethyl sulfide and phenyldimethylfluorosilane in quantitative yield. The reaction of II with nucleophiles, such as sodium ethoxide, Grignard or lithium reagents, afforded products arising from cleavage of the carbonsilicon bond. In contrast, the reaction of II with Grignard reagents in the presence of appropriate catalysts (Group VIII transition metal salts or complexes) afforded the homo-coupling product of II, 1,2-bis-(phenyldimethylsilyl)-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (IV), in excellent yield. The silver(I) salt-catalyzed reaction of II with ethylmagnesium bromide gave the cross-coupling product, (1,1-difluoropropyl)phenyldimethylsilane (V) as well as III and IV. When cuprous bromide was employed as catalyst, the reaction of II with ethylmagnesium bromide afforded 1-phenyldimethylsilyl-1-propene (VI) and 3-phenyldimethylsilyl-2-pentene (VII) as main products.     

Photoinduced bond homolysis of B12 coenzymes. An FT-EPR study

A Fourier Transform Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (FT-EPR) study was made of free radicals produced by photoinduced homolytic cleavage of the Co—C bond in methyl- and 5′-adenosylcobalamine (B₁₂ coenzymes) and R(4-t-butyl-pyridyl)cobaloximes, R = methyl or ethyl. Spectra of methyl and adenosyl free radicals generated by the cobalamines show Chemically Induced Dynamic Electron Polarization (CIDEP) produced in precursor radical pairs. The polarization pattern can be accounted for in terms of bond cleavage via a singlet excited state of the cobalamines. In the case of methylcobalamine the polarization pattern is wavelength dependent confirming earlier findings that bond cleavage occurs via two reaction channels. Spectra of the methyl and ethyl radicals given by the cobaloximes show a remarkably strong dependence on solvent and the identity of the axial ligand trans to the leaving alkyl group. This illustrates that the character of the excited state involved in the bond cleavage reaction is strongly dependent on axial ligation of the cobalt ion.     

Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution with Dianions: Reactions Driven by the Release of Coulomb Repulsion

The reactions of a nucleophilic dianion with a series of activated aryl bromides were studied in the gas phase. Nucleophilic aromatic substitution (S_NAr) as well as proton transfer reactions were observed. Rate constants and branching ratios were determined for all the reactions and the experimental data are supported by ab initio calculations. Reactions with bis-trifluoromethylbromobenzenes give only S_NAr reactions and the rate constants follow the expected pattern, with substituents at the ortho and para positions having the greatest impact. Reactions of polyfluorobromobenzenes give a mix of proton transfer (when possible) and S_NAr, with both bromide and fluoride acting as leaving groups. The latter is much less thermodynamically favorable but is the dominant pathway in each case. The selectivity of the reactions indicate that the products are determined early on the potential energy surface, before there is significant cleavage of the bond to the leaving group—the reaction is potentially directed by the initial formation of a hydrogen bond with the arene. The computational data also suggest that hydrogen bonding in the product ion–ion complexes can stabilize the system until there is sufficient charge separation to use the internal Coulomb repulsion to drive the reactions to products. Overall, the results highlight (1) the ability of multiply-charged systems to efficiently funnel their Coulomb repulsion into reaction processes that are intrinsically unfavorable, and (2) the high degree of selectivity that can be attained even in systems with multiple, low-barrier pathways.

Synthesis,functionalization and crosslinking reactions of poly(silylenemethylene)s

Novel poly(silylenemethylene)s have been prepared by the ring‐opening polymerization of 1,3‐disilacyclobutanes followed by a protodesilylation reaction with triflic acid. The silicon–aryl bond cleavage could be controlled by using different leaving groups, for instance phenyl‐ and para‐anisyl substituents. The reactions of the triflate derivatives with organomagnesium compounds, LiAlH₄, amines or alcohols gave functional substituted poly(silylenemethylene)s. Hydrosilylation reactions or reductive coupling with potassium–graphite led to organosilicon network‐polymers, which may serve as suitable precursors for silicon carbide and Si/C/N‐based materials. The structures of the polymers were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (²⁹Si, ¹³C, ¹H). Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Convenient approach to novel functional substituted and branched poly(silylenemethylenes)

Novel poly(silylenemethylenes) have been prepared by the ring-opening polymerization of 1,3-disilacyclobutanes followed by a protodesilylation reaction with triflic acid. The silicon–aryl bond cleavage could be controlled by using different leaving groups, for instance phenyl- and para-anisyl substituents. The reactions of the triflate derivatives with organomagnesium compounds, LiAlH₄, amines, or alcohols gave functional substituted poly(silylenemethylenes). Hydrosilylation reactions or reductive coupling with potassium–graphite led to organosilicon network–polymers, which may serve as suitable precursors for silicon carbide and Si/C/N-based materials. The structures of the polymers were identified by NMR spectroscopy (²⁹Si, ¹³C, ¹H). © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 725–735, 1998     

C(sp3)H Activation without a Directing Group: Regioselective Synthesis of N‐Ylide or N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes Controlled by the Choice of Metal and Ligand

N‐Ylide complexes of Ir have been generated by C(sp³)?H activation of α‐pyridinium or α‐imidazolium esters in reactions with [Cp*IrCl₂]₂ and NaOAc. These reactions are rare examples of C(sp³)?H activation without a covalent directing group, which—even more unusually—occur α to a carbonyl group. For the reaction of the α‐imidazolium ester [ 3 H]Cl, the site selectivity of C?H activation could be controlled by the choice of metal and ligand: with [Cp*IrCl₂]₂ and NaOAc, C(sp³)?H activation gave the N‐ylide complex 4 ; in contrast, with Ag₂O followed by [Cp*IrCl₂]₂, C(sp²)?H activation gave the N‐heterocyclic carbene complex 5 . DFT calculations revealed that the N‐ylide complex 4 was the kinetic product of an ambiphilic C?H activation. Examination of the computed transition state for the reaction to give 4 indicated that unlike in related reactions, the acetate ligand appears to play the dominant role in C?H bond cleavage.     

Facile C=O Bond Splitting of Carbon Dioxide Induced by Metal–Ligand Cooperativity in a Phosphinine Iron(0) Complex

New iron complexes [Cp*Fe L ]^? ( 1‐σ and 1‐π , Cp*=C₅Me₅) containing the chelating phosphinine ligand 2‐(2′‐pyridyl)‐4,6‐diphenylphosphinine ( L ) have been prepared, and found to undergo facile reaction with CO₂ under ambient conditions. The outcome of this reaction depends on the coordination mode of the versatile ligand L . Interaction of CO₂ with the isomer 1‐π , in which L binds to Fe through the phosphinine moiety in an η⁵ fashion, leads to the formation of 3‐π , in which CO₂ has undergone electrophilic addition to the phosphinine group. In contrast, interaction with 1‐σ —in which L acts as a σ‐chelating [P,N] ligand—leads to product 3‐σ in which one C=O bond has been completely broken. Such CO₂ cleavage reactions are extremely rare for late 3d metals, and this represents the first such example mediated by a single Fe centre.     

PCC-mediated novel oxidation reactions of homobenzylic and homoallylic alcohols

A new PCC-mediated carboncarbon bond cleavage reaction during oxidation of homobenzylic alcohols leading to the formation of benzylic carbonyl compounds has been observed. Homobenzylic alcohols with no benzylic substitution (R¹=H) gave benzylic aldehydes without further oxidation, while those with benzylic substitution (R¹=Me, Et, Ar) gave benzylic ketones. In contrast, homoallylic alcohols gave products arising from double bond migration, cis- to trans-olefin isomerization and/or allylic oxidation.     

Pyrolysis of 1,1,2-trimethyl-1-silacyclobutane. Site of initial ring cleavage

The gas-phase, flow pyrolysis of 1,1,2-trimethyl-1-silacyclobutane (I) is described. A total of six products, containing two silicon atoms, have been analyzed with respect to relative yields (at 520°, 570°, 620° and 680°) and mechanistic origin. It is concluded that thermolysis of I occurs with predominant initial cleavage of the carboncarbon bond rather than the siliconcarbon bond and that further cleavage affords a silaalkene, Me₂Si=CHCH₃. The pyrolysis of 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-1,3-disilacyclobutane at 700° leads to silaalkene production as shown through trapping with benzaldehyde.     

Copper‐Catalyzed Domino Synthesis of 2‐Imino‐1H‐imidazol‐5(2H)‐ones and Quinoxalines Involving CC Bond Cleavage with a 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Unit as a Leaving Group

Although 2‐imino‐1H‐imidazol‐5(2H)‐ones have important biological activities in metabolism, their synthesis has rarely been investigated. Quinoxalines as “privileged scaffolds” in medicinal chemistry have been extensively investigated, but the development of novel and efficient synthetic methods remains very attractive. Herein, we have developed two copper‐catalyzed domino reactions for the synthesis of 2‐imino‐1H‐imidazol‐5(2H)‐ones and quinoxalines involving C?C bond‐cleavage with a 1,3‐dicarbonyl unit as a leaving group. The domino sequence for the synthesis of 2‐imino‐1H‐imidazol‐5(2H)‐ones includes aza‐Michael addition, intramolecular cyclization, C?C bond‐cleavage, 1,2‐rearrangement, and aerobic dehydrogenation reaction, whereas the domino sequence for the synthesis of quinoxalines includes aza‐Michael addition, intramolecular cyclization, elimination reaction, and C?C bond‐cleavage reaction. The two domino reactions have significant advantages including high efficiency, mild reaction conditions, and high tolerance of various functional groups.     

The interaction of aromatic hydrocarbons with organometallic compounds of the main group elements : III. The crystal structure of K[Al2(CH3)6F]·C6H6

The crystal structure of K[Al₂(CH₃)₆F]·C₆H₆ has been determined from three-dimensional X-ray data measured by counter methods. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with cell dimensions a = 14.071(5), b = 14.404(5), c = 8.862(3) Å and ρ_calc = 1.04 g·cm^-3 for Z = 4. Least squares refinement gave a conventional weighted R factor of 0.037 for 973 independent observed reflections. In the fluorine-bridged anion, the aluminum—fluorine—aluminum bond angle is fixed at 180° by crystallographic symmetry. The aluminum—fluorine bond length of 1.782(2) Å is compared to other halogen-bridged systems. The potassium ion coordination sphere contains six methyl groups at distances from 3.23 to 3.47 Å; the benzene functions as a molecule of crystallization with 3.947(7) Å as the shortest benzene carbon—potassium ion approach.     

Nucleophilic substitution reaction of benzyl benzenesulfonates with anilines in methanol-acetonitrile mixtures. Part 3

Kinetic studies on the nucleophilic substitution reaction of para-nitrobenzyl benzenesulfonates with anilines in methanol-acetonitrile mixtures are reported. It was found that the reaction proceeds via a dissociative S_N2 mechanism with a more product -like transition state compared to that for substrate with a less electron attracting substituent. A stronger electron withdrawing substituent in the benzyl moiety and in the leaving group is shown to enhance both bond making and bond breaking but the enhancement of bond making was found to be greater than that of bond breaking.     

Oxidative behavior and relative reactivities of some unsaturated compounds towards hexachloroiridate(IV) in perchloric acid medium

The kinetics of the oxidation of styrene, cinnamic acid, and some of their substituted derivatives by hexachloroiridate(IV) in dimethyl formamide–water mixtures and in the presence of perchloric acid have been investigated. The reactions appear to proceed via the formation of an unstable intermediate 1:1 complex between iridium(IV) and the substrate, followed by the decomposition of the complex in the rate‐determining step. Correlation with σ yielded ρ values of ?4.0 and ?3.5 which suggests the formation of a cationic intermediate in the rate‐determining step of the reaction. Subsequent cleavage of the carbon–carbon bond yielded the product aldehydes. Thermodynamic and activation parameters associated with the equilibrium and the rate‐determining steps were also evaluated. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 411–417, 2002     

Hydrolytic stability of 2',3'-O-methyleneadenos-5'-yl 2',5'-di-O-methylurid-3'-yl 5'-O-methylurid-3'(2')-yl phosphate: implications to feasibility of existence of phosphate-branched RNA under physiological conditions

Hydrolytic reactions of 2',3'-O-methyleneadenos-5'-yl 2',5'-di-O-methylurid-3'-yl 5'-O-methylurid-3'(2')-yl phosphate (1a,b) have been followed by RP-HPLC over a wide pH range to evaluate the feasibility of occurrence of phosphate-branched RNA under physiological conditions. At pH <2, where the decomposition of is first order in [H3O+], the P-O5' bond is cleaved 1.5 times as rapidly as the P-O3' bond. Under these conditions, the reaction probably proceeds by an attack of the 2'-OH on the phosphotriester monocation. Over a relatively wide range from pH 2 to 5, the hydrolysis is pH-independent, referring to rapid initial deprotonation of the attacking 2'-OH followed by general acid catalyzed departure of the leaving nucleoside. The P-O5' bond is cleaved 3 times as rapidly as the P-O3' bond. At pH 6, the reaction becomes first order in [HO-], consistent with an attack of the 2'-oxyanion on neutral phosphate. The product distribution is gradually inversed: in 10 mmol L(-1) aqueous sodium hydroxide, cleavage of the P-O3' bond is favored over P-O5' by a factor of 7.3. The results of the present study suggest that the half-life for the cleavage of under physiological conditions is only 100 s. Even at pH 2, where is most stable, the half-life for its cleavage is less than one hour and the isomerization between and is even more rapid than cleavage. The mechanisms of the partial reactions are discussed.     

Photoinduced Fe-Cp bond cleavage and insertion reactions of strained silicon- and sulphur-bridged [1]ferrocenophanes in the presence of transition-metal carbonyls

The photochemical reactions of the moderately strained sila[1]ferrocenophane [Fe(eta-C(5)H(4))(2)SiPh(2)] (1) and the highly strained thia[1]ferrocenophane [Fe(eta-C(5)H(4))(2)S] (8) with transition-metal carbonyls ([Fe(CO)(5)], [Fe(2)(CO)(9)] and [Co(2)(CO)(8)]) have been studied. The use of metal carbonyls has allowed the products of photochemically induced Fe-cyclopentadienyl (Cp) bond cleavage reactions in the [1]ferrocenophanes to be trapped as stable, characterisable products. During the course of these studies the synthesis of 8 from [Fe(eta-C(5)H(4)Li)(2)TMEDA] (TMEDA=N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine) and S(SO(2)Ph)(2) has been significantly improved by a change of reaction solvent and temperature. Photochemical reaction of 1 with excess [Fe(CO)(5)] in THF gave the dinuclear complex [Fe(2)(CO)(2)(mu-CO)(2)(eta-C(5)H(4))(2)SiPh(2)] (9). The analogous photolytic reaction of 8 with [Fe(CO)(5)] in THF gave cyclic dimer [Fe(eta-C(5)H(4))(2)S](2) (10) and [Fe(2)(CO)(2)(mu-CO)(2)(eta-C(5)H(4))(2)S] (11), with the former being the major product. Photolysis of 1 with [Co(2)(CO)(8)] afforded the remarkable tetrametallic dimer [(CO)(2)Co(eta-C(5)H(4))SiPh(2)(eta-C(5)H(4))Fe(CO)(2)](2) (13). The corresponding photochemical reaction of 8 with [Co(2)(CO)(8)] gave a trimetallic insertion product in high conversion, [Co(CO)(4)(CO)(2)Fe(eta-C(5)H(4))S(eta-C(5)H(4))Co(CO)(2)] (14). These reactivity studies show that UV light promotes Fe-Cp bond cleavage reactions of both of the [1]ferrocenophanes 1 and 8. We have found that, whereas the less strained sila[1]ferrocenophane 1 requires photoactivation for Fe-Cp bond insertions to occur, the highly strained thia[1]ferrocenophane 8 undergoes both irradiative and non-irradiative insertions, although the latter occur at a slower rate. Our results suggest that such photoinduced bond cleavage reactions may be general and applicable to other related strained organometallic rings with pi-hydrocarbon ligands.     

Organic cyclizations in microemulsions catalyzed by a cobalt corrin-polyion-scaffold on electrodes

Metallopolyion films of cobalt corrin vitamin B₁₂ hexacarboxylate and poly(l-lysine) [B₁₂(COOH)₆–PLL] covalently attached to carbon electrodes were used to cyclize n-bromoalkyl-2-cyclohexenones in microemulsions with good catalytic efficiency. Trans-1-decalone was obtained in up to 60% yields at reasonable current efficiency. Turnover rates were 30–85 fold greater for films compared to dissolved catalyst. There was no dependence of turnover rate on microemulsion composition, suggesting that cleavage of the alkyl-cobalt bond in the alkyl-Co^III intermediate is rate determining. 5-Endo-trig cyclization giving 4-hyndrindanone is disfavored by Baldwin's rules, but B₁₂(COOH)₆–PLL films in microemulsions still gave 24% yields at relatively high turnover numbers. It is possible that proton donors at film reaction sites protonate a carbanion intermediate to give competitive product 2-propyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one to decrease the yield of 4-hyndrindanone.     

Polycondensation and disproportionation of an oligosiloxanol in the presence of a superbase

Kinetics of reactions of model oligosiloxanols, 1,1,3,3,3-pentamethyldisiloxane-1-ol (MDH) and 1,1,3,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-1-ol (MD₂H), which occur in the presence of phosphazenium superbase, hexapyrrolidine-diphosphazenium hydroxide, in an acid-base inert solvent, toluene, was studied using sampling and gas chromatographic analysis method. In addition, kinetics of reactions of MDH and MD₂H with trimethylsilanol (MH) was studied. In the MDH and MD₂H systems the oligosiloxanol condensation competes with the oligosiloxanol disproportionation, the latter being the dominating process. The disproportionation products, i.e. MD_n+1H and MD_n−1H, n=1, 2, … undergo analogous consecutive disproportionation and condensation reactions. The kinetic law was derived and rate parameters determined from initial rates and by computer simulation to the best agreement with experimental data. Both competing reactions, the disproportionation and the condensation, conform to the same general kinetic law being first internal order in substrate and first order in catalyst. Activation parameters of these reactions were determined. The results were interpreted in terms of a bimolecular mechanism in which nucleophilic attack of the silanolate anion directed to silicon of the silanol group causes the cleavage of one of its geminal bonds to oxygen, either the one to hydroxyl leading to condensation or the one to siloxane which leads to disproportionation. The latter is faster as the silanolate is a better leaving group compared with OH⁻. Moreover, in the pentacoordinate silicon transition state (or intermediate) the siloxane substituent preferentially enters the apical position, thus driving the OH substituent into the unreactive equatorial position.     

The role of ion-molecule pairs in solvolysis reactions. Nucleophilic addition of water to a tertiary allylic carbocation.

The acid-catalyzed solvolysis of 2-methoxy-2-phenyl-3-butene (1-OMe) in 9.09 vol % acetonitrile in water provides 2-hydroxy-2-phenyl-3-butene (1-OH) as the predominant product under kinetic control along with the rearranged alcohol 1-hydroxy-3-phenyl-2-butene (2-OH) and a small amount of the rearranged ether 2-OMe. The more stable isomer 2-OH is the predominant product after long reaction time, K(eq) = [2-OH](eq)/[1-OH](eq) = 16. The ether 2-OMe reacts to give 2-OH and a trace of 1-OH. Solvolysis of 1-OMe in (18)O-labeled water/acetonitrile shows complete incorporation of (18)O in the product 1-OH, confirming that the reaction involves cleavage of the carbon-oxygen bond to the allylic carbon. A completely solvent-equilibrated allylic carbocation is not formed since the solvolysis of the corresponding chloride 1-chloro-3-phenyl-2-butene (2-Cl) yields a larger fraction of 1-OH. This may be attributed to a shielding effect from the chloride leaving group. Quantum chemical calculations of the geometry and charge distribution show that the cation should rather be described as a vinyl-substituted benzyl cation than as an allyl cation, which is in accord with its higher reactivity at the tertiary carbon.