Stable P‐Heterocyclic Carbenes: Scope and Limitations

The conjugate acids (PHCH⁺s) of P‐heterocyclic carbenes (PHCs) are prepared by formal [3+2] cycloaddition of a 1,3‐diphosphaallyl or 1,3‐phosphinophosphenium cation with various nitriles. The effect of the phosphorus substituent on the fate of the cyclization and on that of the counteranion and base in the subsequent deprotonation reaction are reported. Two PHCs that are indefinitely stable in the solid state are described. In solution, one of them, made from acetonitrile, undergoes a facile [3+2] cycloreversion, whereas the other, based on dimethyl cyanamide, is stable, presumably owing to its zwitterionic structure, which involves a tricoordinate pentavalent phosphorus atom. The reactivity of PHCs is strongly driven by the high electrophilicity of the phosphorus centers, as demonstrated by their reactivity with water and benzaldehyde. Although both PHCs reported in this paper are direct analogues of the least‐basic NHCs, their basicity is comparable to those of the more strongly basic NHCs (as determined by comparison of the carbonyl stretching frequencies of their corresponding cis‐[RhCl‐(CO)₂(L)] complexes).     

Light‐Induced Reversible Self‐Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles Surface‐Immobilized with Coumarin Ligands

A novel light‐induced reversible self‐assembly (LIRSA) system is based on the reversible photodimerization and photocleavage of coumarin groups on the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in THF solution. Facilitated by coumarin groups, light irradiation at 365 nm triggers the stable assembly of monodisperse AuNPs; the resulting self‐assembly system can be disassembled back to the disassembled state by a relatively short exposure to benign UV light. The reversible self‐assembly cycle can be repeated 4 times. A specific concentration range of coumarin ligand and the THF solvent were identified to be the two predominant factors that contribute to the LIRSA of AuNPs. This is the first successful application of reversible photodimerization based on a coumarin derivative in the field of AuNP LIRSA. This LIRSA system may provide unique opportunities for the photoregulated synthesis of many adjustable nanostructures and devices.     

A Visible‐Light‐Mediated Radical Smiles Rearrangement and its Application to the Synthesis of a Difluoro‐Substituted Spirocyclic ORL‐1 Antagonist

A visible‐light‐mediated radical Smiles rearrangement has been developed to address the challenging synthesis of the gem‐difluoro group present in an opioid receptor‐like 1 (ORL‐1) antagonist that is currently in development for the treatment of depression and/or obesity. This method enables the direct and efficient introduction of the difluoroethanol motif into a range of aryl and heteroaryl systems, representing a new disconnection for the synthesis of this versatile moiety. When applied to the target compound, the photochemical step could be conducted on 15 g scale using industrially relevant [Ru(bpy)₃Cl₂] catalyst loadings of 0.01 mol %. This transformation is part of an overall five‐step route to the antagonist that compares favorably to the current synthetic sequence and demonstrates, in this specific case, a clear strategic benefit of photocatalysis.     

Substituted Bisphosphanylamines as Ligands in Gold(I) Chemistry – Synthesis and Structures

Dimethyl 5‐aminoisophthalate, which is a building block of amino‐substituted tetralactam macrocycles, was used as ligand in gold(I) chemistry to form model complexes for macrocyclic gold compounds. Reaction of dimethyl 5‐aminoisophthalate with chlorodiphenylphosphine gave the diphosphine compound dimethyl 5‐[N,N‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)amino]isophthalate (dmbpaip). This compound can further be reacted with [AuCl(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) to give the dinuclear complex [Au₂Cl₂(dmbpaip)]. In contrast, treatment of dmbpaip with [Au(tht)₂]ClO₄ resulted in the ionic compound [Au₂(dmbpaip)₂](ClO₄)₂ in which the cation forms an eight‐membered Au₂P₄N₂ heterocycle. In both gold(I) compounds Au···Au interactions are observed. All new compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.     

A Novel N,P,C Cage Complex Formed by Rearrangement of a Tricyclic Phosphirane Complex: On the Importance of Non‐covalent Interactions

The reaction of Li/Cl P‐CPh₃ phosphinidenoid tungsten(0) complex 2 with dimethylcyanamide afforded tricyclic phosphirane complex 4 , an unprecedented rearrangement of which led to the novel N,P,C cage complex 6 . On the basis of DFT calculations, formation and intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition of the transient nitrilium phosphane ylide complex 3 to a phenyl ring of the triphenylmethyl substituent to give 4 is proposed. Furthermore, theoretical evidence for terminal N‐amidinophosphinidene complex 7 , formed by [2+1] cycloelimination from 4 , is provided, and the role of the electronic structure and non‐covalent interactions of intermediate 7 discussed.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective C‐Benzylation via a Rearrangement Reaction: Access to Benzyl‐Substituted Anilines

An unprecedented C‐benzylation rearrangement reaction, catalyzed by palladium, is reported. The reaction proceeds by rearrangement leading to the direct synthesis of para or ortho benzyl‐substituted N‐methylanilines. The product is obtained in high regioselectivity, without the need to use a ligand for the catalytic process.     

Coordination Chemistry of N‐Heterocyclic Nitrenium‐Based Ligands

Comprehensive studies on the coordination properties of tridentate nitrenium‐based ligands are presented. N‐heterocyclic nitrenium ions demonstrate general and versatile binding abilities to various transition metals, as exemplified by the synthesis and characterization of Rh^I, Rh^III, Mo⁰, Ru⁰, Ru^II, Pd^II, Pt^II, Pt^IV, and Ag^I complexes based on these unusual ligands. Formation of nitrenium–metal bonds is unambiguously confirmed both in solution by selective ¹⁵N‐labeling experiments and in the solid state by X‐ray crystallography. The generality of N‐heterocyclic nitrenium as a ligand is also validated by a systematic DFT study of its affinity towards all second‐row transition and post‐transition metals (Y–Cd) in terms of the corresponding bond‐dissociation energies.     

Blue‐Light‐Induced Carbene‐Transfer Reactions of Diazoalkanes

Carbenes are very important reactive intermediates to access a variety of complex molecules and are applied widely in organic synthesis and drug discovery. Typically, their chemistry is accessed by the use of transition metal catalysts. Herein, we describe the application of low‐energy blue light for the photochemical generation of carbenes from donor–acceptor diazoalkanes. This catalyst‐free and operationally simple approach enables highly efficient cyclopropenation reactions with alkynes and the rearrangement of sulfides under mild reaction conditions, which can be utilized for both batch and continuous‐flow processes.     

Cascades of Interrupted Pummerer Reaction‐Sigmatropic Rearrangement

A new class of Pummerer chemistry has emerged as a powerful tool in organic synthesis. The new technology consists of a beautiful cascade of an interrupted Pummerer reaction and the subsequent [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement. The interrupted Pummerer reactions of alkenyl or aryl sulfoxides with unsaturated nucleophiles such as allylic silanes, ketones, and phenols provide sulfonium intermediates, which are ready to undergo smooth charge‐accelerated [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement with excellent to exclusive regioselectivity. Some of the transformations proceed with transient loss of aromaticity. The reactions afforded five‐membered heterocycles, benzofurans, and biaryls of importance, depending on the sulfoxides and nucleophiles used. The reactions are unique and game‐changing because they are efficient, robust, redox‐neutral, regioselective, and metal‐free, which perfectly fits the need of modern organic synthesis. This chemistry also underscores the synthetic potential of organosulfur chemistry.     

Synthesis and Thermal Rearrangement of Tetramethyldisilane-bridged Bis(cyclopentadienyl) Diiron Complexes with Bis(phosphine)Substitution

Photolysis of [Me2SiSiMe2)[C5H4Fe(CO2)]2with a series of bis(phosphine)ligands Ph2P(CH2)n PPh2(n=1-4) leads to the formation of the corresponding diiron complexes with intramolecular and intermolecular bis(phosphine) substitution.When these complexes were heated in refluxing xylene.only in the complexes with intermolecular bis(phosphine )substitution the thermal rearrangement reaction occurred.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Isomerization and Hydroformylation of Olefins

A novel selective palladium catalyst system based on bidentate 2,2′‐heteroarylarylphosphines and p‐TsOH has been developed for hydroformylation reactions (see scheme). By applying optimal conditions good to excellent regioselectivity is obtained for the hydroformylation of aliphatic and aromatic olefins. It is shown that a low acid concentration is crucial for obtaining high degrees of the linear isomer.

     

Synthesis of Differently Substituted N- and P-Aminodiphosphinoamine PNPN-H Ligands

Abstract

On the basis of the known aminodiphosphinoamine ligand Ph₂PN(i-Pr)P(Ph) N(i-Pr)-H (3a), differently substituted aminodiphosphinoamine PNPN-H ligands (3) were prepared. By using different synthetic methods, the N-substituted ligands Ph₂PN (i-Pr)P(Ph)N(c-Hex)-H (3b), Ph₂PN(c-Hex)P(Ph)N(i-Pr)-H (3g), and Ph₂PN(i-Pr)P(Ph) N[(CH₂)₃Si(OEt)₃]-H (3c), in addition to the formerly described Ph₂PN(n-Hex)P (Ph)N (i-Pr)-H (3h), Ph₂PN(i-Pr)P(Ph)N(Et)-H (3d), Ph₂PN(i-Pr)P(Ph)N(Me)-H (3e), and Ph₂PN(c-Hex)P(Ph)N(c-Hex)-H (3f), were obtained. In addition, Ph₂PN(i-Pr)P(Me)N(i-Pr)-H (3i), (cyclopentyl)₂PN(i-Pr)P(Ph)N(i-Pr)-H (3j), (-O-CH₂-CH₂-O-)PN(i-Pr)P(Ph)N(i-Pr)-H (3k), and (1-Ad)₂PN(i-Pr)P(Ph)N(i-Pr)-H (3l) were prepared with different P-substitutions. All compounds were characterized and the molecular structures of the intermediates Ph₂PN(i-Pr)P(Ph)Cl (1a) and (cyclopentyl)₂PN(i-Pr)P(Ph)Cl (1e) and the ligand (1-Ad)₂PN(i-Pr)P(Ph)N(i-Pr)-H (3l) were investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements to view the free supplemental file.     

Synthesis of Substituted Indenes from Isovanillin via Claisen Rearrangement and Ring‐Closing Metathesis

A new synthesis of substituted indenes was studied. Based on Claisen rearrangement, Wittig reaction and ring‐closing metathesis (RCM), a series of substituted indenes was synthesized from isovanillin in good yields.     

Extending the Substrate Scope of Bicyclic P‐Oxazoline/Thiazole Ligands for Ir‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Unfunctionalized Olefins by Introducing a Biaryl Phosphoroamidite Group

This study identifies a series of Ir‐bicyclic phosphoroamidite–oxazoline/thiazole catalytic systems that can hydrogenate a wide range of minimally functionalized olefins (including E‐ and Z‐tri‐ and disubstituted substrates, vinylsilanes, enol phosphinates, tri‐ and disubstituted alkenylboronic esters, and α,β‐unsaturated enones) in high enantioselectivities (ee values up to 99 %) and conversions. The design of the new phosphoroamidite–oxazoline/thiazole ligands derives from a previous successful generation of bicyclic N‐phosphane–oxazoline/thiazole ligands, by replacing the N‐phosphane group with a π‐acceptor biaryl phosphoroamidite moiety. A small but structurally important family of Ir‐phosphoroamidite–oxazoline/thiazole precatalysts has thus been synthesized by changing the nature of the N‐donor group (either oxazoline or thiazole) and the configuration at the biaryl phosphoroamidite moiety. The substitution of the N‐phosphane by a phosphoroamidite group in the bicyclic N‐phosphane–oxazoline/thiazole ligands extended the range of olefins that can be successfully hydrogenated.     

Exploring Regioselective Bond Cleavage and Cross‐Coupling Reactions using a Low‐Valent Nickel Complex

Recently, esters have received much attention as transmetalation partners for cross‐coupling reactions. Herein, we report a systematic study of the reactivity of a series of esters and thioesters with [{(dtbpe)Ni}₂(μ‐η²:η²‐C₆H₆)] (dtbpe=1,2‐bis(di‐tert‐butyl)phosphinoethane), which is a source of (dtbpe)nickel(0). Trifluoromethylthioesters were found to form η²‐carbonyl complexes. In contrast, acetylthioesters underwent rapid C_acyl?S bond cleavage followed by decarbonylation to generate methylnickel complexes. This decarbonylation could be pushed backwards by the addition of CO, allowing for regeneration of the thioester. Most of the thioester complexes were found to undergo stoichiometric cross‐coupling with phenylboronic acid to yield sulfides. While ethyl trifluoroacetate was also found to form an η²‐carbonyl complex, phenyl esters were found to predominantly undergo C_aryl?O bond cleavage to yield arylnickel complexes. These could also undergo transmetalation to yield biaryls. Attempts to render the reactions catalytic were hindered by ligand scrambling to yield nickel bis(acetate) complexes, the formation of which was supported by independent syntheses. Finally, 2‐naphthyl acetate was also found to undergo clean C_aryl?O bond cleavage, and although stoichiometric cross‐coupling with phenylboronic acid proceeded with good yield, catalytic turnover has so far proven elusive.     

A Nonheme Sulfur‐Ligated {FeNO}6 Complex and Comparison with Redox‐Interconvertible {FeNO}7 and {FeNO}8 Analogues

A nonheme {FeNO}⁶ complex, [Fe(NO)(N3PyS)]²⁺, was synthesized by reversible, one‐electron oxidation of an {FeNO}⁷ analogue. This complex completes the first known series of sulfur‐ligated {FeNO}^6–8 complexes. All three {FeNO}^6–8 complexes are readily interconverted by one‐electron oxidation/reduction. A comparison of spectroscopic data (UV/Vis, NMR, IR, Mössbauer, X‐ray absorption) provides a complete picture of the electronic and structural changes that occur upon {FeNO}⁶–{FeNO}⁸ interconversion. Dissociation of NO from the new {FeNO}⁶ complex is shown to be controlled by solvent, temperature, and photolysis, which is rare for a sulfur‐ligated {FeNO}⁶ species.     

The Thermal Rearrangement of an NHC‐Ligated 3‐Benzoborepin to an NHC‐Boranorcaradiene

An N‐heterocyclic‐carbene‐ligated 3‐benzoborepin with a bridged structure has been synthesized by double radical trans‐hydroboration of benzo[3,4]cycloundec‐3‐ene‐1,5‐diyne with an N‐heterocyclic carbene borane. The thermal reaction of the NHC‐ligated borepin at 150 °C gives an isolable NHC‐boranorcaradiene. Experiments and density functional theory calculations support a mechanism whereby the borepin initially rearranges to a boranorcaradiene by a thermal 6π‐electrocyclic reaction. This is followed by 1,5‐boron shift to give a rearranged boranorcaradiene. This shift occurs with stereoinversion at boron through a transition state with open‐shell diradical character. This is the first example of the isolation of a boranorcaradiene from a thermal reaction of a borepin.     

Ring Expansion and Skeletal Rearrangement of Propargyl Alcohol Substituted Aziridines Induced by Ruthenium Complexes

The ring expansion and skeletal rearrangement of two types of propargyl alcohol substituted aziridines with or without cycloalkane moieties was induced by a ruthenium cyclopentadienyl phosphine complex. In the simple aziridine system with no cycloalkane, the unique cycloisomerization process altered the absolute connectivity of the two‐carbon unit in the three‐membered ring to give organometallic products with substituted pyridine or dihydropyridine ligands. For the aziridine on a cyclohexyl ring, the cycloisomerization process was controlled by an interchange process between vinylidene and allenylidene species, thus creating a better relative configuration of the aziridinyl and the alkynyl units. This determines the stereochemistry of the metal carbene products of the octahydroindole derivatives. The structures of five products were determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis.