A well feasible and general route to (organoethynyl)difluoroboranes, RHCCBF2, and their perfluorinated analogues, RFCCBF2

A representative series of (organoethynyl)difluoroboranes RCCBF₂ (RC₄H₉, (CH₃)₃C, CF₃, C₃F₇, (CF₃)₂CF, CF₃CFCF, C₄F₉CFCF, C₆F₅) was prepared by abstraction of fluoride from the corresponding K[RCCBF₃] salts with BF₃ in appropriate solvents (1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane, or dichloromethane).     

N-Perfluoroalkylsulfonylimido derivatives of arenecarboxylic acid amides and their oxidative aza Hofmann rearrangement

The analogues of carboxamides in which the sp²-hybridized oxygen atom is replaced by more electron-withdrawing groups, NSO₂CF₃ and NSO₂C₄F₉, have been synthesized. The resulting N-perfluoroalkylsulfonyl arenecarboxamidines ArC(NSO₂R_f)NH₂ (R_f = CF₃, C₄F₉) undergo an oxidative Hofmann-type rearrangement to the corresponding carbodiimides ArNCNSO₂R_f under the action of (diacyloxyiodo)arenes. Rearrangement of related compounds ArC(NSO₂R)NH₂ (R = CH₃, Ph) containing fluorine-free substituents at the sulfonyl group also occurs in similar conditions. It was found that the reactivity of amidines rises with the increasing electron-withdrawing ability of the substituent R.     

Preparation of E-(1,2-difluoro-1,2-ethenediyl)bis(tributylstannane)

Chlorotrifluoroethene is converted in situ to [F₂CCFSiMe₃]. The crude [F₂CCFSiMe₃] solution is reduced with lithium aluminum hydride to (HFCCFSiMe₃), which (without isolation) is converted to (Z)-HFCCFSnBu₃. Subsequent metallation and trapping of the vinyllithium reagent with Bu₃SnCl gives (E)-Bu₃SnCFCFSnBu₃ in 73% overall yield. Only two isolation steps are required and the use of Me₃SiCl and F₂CCFCl provides a cheap, economical route to this useful synthon.     

Reactions of quadricyclane with fluorinated nitrogen-containing compounds. Synthesis of 3-aza-4-perfluoroalkyl-tricyclo[4.2.1.0]non-3,7-dienes

The cycloaddition reactions of quadricyclane (1) and polyfluorinated imines and nitriles were studied. Both (CF₃)₂CNH and (CF₃)₂CN(2-FC₆H₄) were found to have low reactivity towards 1, giving the corresponding [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadducts in a low yield. C₂F₅NCFCF₃ however, reacts with 1 rapidly, giving a mixture of two isomeric cycloadducts in a high yield. Perfluoroalkyl nitriles R_fCN (R_f = CF₃, C₂F₅, n-C₃F₇) were found to have surprisingly high reactivity to 1 producing exo-3-aza-4-(fluoroalkyl)-tricyclo[4.2.1.0^2,5]non-3,7-dienes in 56-81% yields at elevated temperature. Exo-3-aza-4-(perfluoroalkyl)-tricyclo[4.2.1.0^2,5]non-3,7-dienes rapidly react with CF₃Si(CH₃)₃ in the presence of CsF catalyst. The reaction results in addition of CF₃Si(CH₃)₃ across the CN bond of the azadienes with selective formation of only one stereoisomer of exo-3-aza-3-(trimethylsilyl)-4,4-bis(perfluoroalkyl)-tricyclo[4.2.1.0^2,5]non-7-enes. Silyl group in this compounds can be removed either by the action of tetrabutylammonium fluoride hydrate, leading to the formation of the corresponding amine after hydrolysis, or by reaction with HCl resulting in the formation of the corresponding amine hydrochloride.     

Cycloaddition reaction of quadricyclane and fluoroolefins

Reaction of quadricyclane (1) with fluoroolefins of different structure results in stereoselective formation of polyfluorinated exo-tricyclo[4.2.1.0^2,5]non-7-enes. The reaction of a mixture of trans/cis CF₃CFCFCF₃ with 1 is stereoselective and the resulting cycloadducts 7a, b preserve the original alkene stereochemistry. The relative rate constants of cycloaddition of a series of fluoroolefins to 1 under pseudo first-order conditions measured by kinetic NMR at 109 °C provide a kinetic scale of reactivities of the fluoroolefins in this reaction.These relative rate constants correlate well with the number of fluoroalkyl groups connected to the double bond, reaching a maximum for the tri-substituted olefin: CF₃CFCF₂:CF₃CFCFCF₃:(CF₃)₂CC(CF₃)₂:(CF₃)₂CCFC₂F₅ = 1:1.2-1.9:4:138.     

Thermal gas-phase reaction of perfluorobuta-1,3-diene with NO2

The reaction of NO₂ with perfluorobuta-1,3-diene, CF₂CFCFCF₂ (C₄F₆), has been studied at 312.9, 323.0, 333.4, 396.0 and 418.0 K, using a conventional static system. The products formed in the temperature range 312.9-333.4 K were CF₂CFCF(NO₂)CF₂(NO₂) (I), CF₂(NO₂)CFCFCF₂(NO₂) (II), CF₂CFCF(NO₂)C(O)F (III) and CF₂(NO₂)CFCFC(O)F (IV) and FNO. The formation of these compounds was detected performing infrared and Raman spectra. The infrared spectrum shows a band at 1785 cm⁻¹, characteristic to the terminal -CFCF₂ group and the Raman spectrum shows a band located at 1733 cm⁻¹, corresponding to -CFCF- group. It indicates, that in this temperature range, NO₂ attacks initially only one double bound of CF₂CFCFCF₂. Since the intermediate radical CF₂CFCFCF₂(NO₂) formed in this process is allylic in nature, so there is no isomerization involved in this process, but rather the allylic radical is able to add the second NO₂ either to CF₂ or CFCF₂(NO₂) end, forming the corresponding products. At 396.0 and 418.0 K different products were observed: CF₂(NO₂)CF(NO₂)C(O)F (V), NO, CF₃C(O)F, C(O)F₂ and traces of epoxide of tetrafluoroethene, showing that, at these temperatures, both double bonds are attacked by NO₂ and detachment of CF₂ group is produced. The mechanisms consistent with experimental results in the temperature range 312.9-333.4 and at 396.0 and 418 K are proposed.     

Fluoroalkene chemistry: Part 3. Reactions of arylthiols with perfluoroisobutene, perfluoropropene and chlorotrifluoroethene

Reactions of perfluoroisobutene (PFIB), perfluoropropene (PFP) and chlorotrifluoroethene (CTFE) with benzenethiol and 2-methoxybenzenethiol in acetonitrile, with potassium carbonate as base, were compared. PFIB reacted with benzenethiol to give ketene thioacetal (CF₃)₂CC(SAr)₂ and with 2-methoxybenzenethiol to give mono- and bis-vinyl species (CF₃)₂CCFSAr and (CF₃)₂CC(SAr)₂. PFP reacted with both thiols to give the addition product CF₃CFHCF₂SAr and vinyl isomers CF₃CFCFSAr (6:1 E/Z ratio). CTFE reacted with several methoxy-substituted arylthiols to give addition products of structure CFClHCF₂SAr. The arylthiols used throughout the study imitate biological thiols. Inhalation toxicities of the fluoroalkenes decrease in the order PFIB > PFP > CTFE and correlate with their reactivities towards the model thiols, supporting the current view that their toxicity relates to their ability to react with biological thiols.     

Trifluoromethanesulfonylimides of arenehydroxamic acids and their aza Lossen rearrangement

Trifluoromethanesulfonylimides of arenehydroxamic acids ArC(NSO₂CF₃)NHOH (1), analogues of arenehydroxamic acids, in which sp² hybridized oxygen atom is replaced by the much stronger electron-withdrawing group NSO₂CF₃, have been synthesized, and the abilities of these compounds to undergo transformations similar to the Lossen rearrangement have been studied.At heating O-trimethylsilyl or O-tosyl derivatives of acids 1 rearrange to carbodiimides ArNCNSO₂CF₃ or products of their hydration, the corresponding carbamides. Interaction of acids 1 with sulfinyl chloride or phosphorus pentachloride results in formation of N-trifluoromethylsulfonyl-N′-arenechloroformamidines, ArNHC(Cl)NSO₂CF₃, which were transformed into their morpholine derivatives and thus characterized.     

A ruthenium(II) allenylidene complex with a 4,5-diazafluorene functional group: A new building-block for organometallic molecular assemblies

The synthesis of the new ruthenium(II) allenylidene complex [ClRu(dppe)₂CCC₁₁H₆N₂][OTf] (4) (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) terminated with a 4,5-diazafluorene ligand is reported. Further coordination of that metal allenylidene to ruthenium and rhenium moieties leads to the bimetallic adducts [ClRu(dppe)₂CCC₁₁H₆N₂{Ru(bpy)₂}][B(C₆F₅)₄]₃ (5a), [ClRu(dppe)₂CCC₁₁H₆N₂{Ru(^tBu-bpy)₂}][PF₆]₃ (5b) and [ClRu(dppe)₂CCC₁₁H₆N₂{Re(CO)₃Cl}][OTf] (6). Their optical and electrochemical properties show that the allenylidene moiety is an attractive molecular clip for the access to larger original redox-active homo/heteronuclear multi-component supramolecular assemblies. The X-ray crystal structure of the allenylidene metal building block is also described.     

Bis(amino)allenylidene complexes by displacement of the MeO group in methoxy allenylidene complexes of chromium and tungsten. Synthesis, DFT calculations and solid-state structures of new bis(amino)allenylidene complexes

Pentacarbonyl dimethylamino(methoxy)allenylidene tungsten, [(CO)₅WCCC(OMe)NMe₂] (1b), reacts with one equivalent of primary amines, H₂NR, by selectively replacing the methoxy group to give dimethylamino(amino)allenylidene complexes, [(CO)₅WCCC(NHR)NMe₂]. When the amine is used in excess both terminal groups, OMe as well as NMe₂, are replaced by the primary amino group giving [(CO)₅WCCC(NHR)₂ ]. The NHR substituent in these complexes may be modified by deprotonation with LDA followed by alkylation. The replacement of the methoxy group in 1b by a secondary amino group, NR₂, can be achieved by a stepwise process. Addition of Li[NR₂] to the C_γ atom of 1b affords an alkynyl tungstate. Subsequent OMe⁻ elimination induced by TMS-Cl/SiO₂ yields the allenylidene complexes [(CO)₅WCCC(NR₂)NMe₂]. When bidentate diamines are used instead of monoamines both substituents, OMe and NMe₂, are replaced and allenylidene complexes are formed in which C_γ constitutes part of a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered heterocycle. The reaction of [(CO)₅CrCCC(OMe)NMe₂] (1a) with diethylene triamine affords an allenylidene complex with a heterocyclic endgroup carrying a dangling CH₂CH₂NH₂ substituent. All reactions follow a strict regioselective attack of the nucleophile at C_γ and proceed with good to excellent yields. The addition of N-H to the C_αC_β bond is not observed. By applying either one of these routes nearly any substitution pattern in bis(amino)allenylidene complex can be realized.     

Nickel alkynyl and allenylidene complexes: Synthesis and properties

Copper-catalyzed reaction of [Cp(PPh₃)NiCl] with the terminal alkynes H-CC-C(O)R (R = O-Menthyl, NMe₂, Ph) yields the alkynyl complexes [Cp(PPh₃)Ni-CC-C(O)R]. Subsequent O-methylation with either [Me₃O]BF₄ or MeSO₃CF₃ affords cationic allenylidene complexes, [Cp(PPh₃)NiCCC(OMe)R]⁺X¯ (X = BF₄, SO₃CF₃). N-Alkylation of Cp(PPh₃)Ni-pyridylethynyl complexes likewise gives cationic allenylidene complexes. [Cp(PPh₃)Ni-CC-C(CH)₄N] adds BF₃ at nitrogen. Modification of the ligand sphere in these nickel allenylidene complexes is possible by replacing PPh₃ by PMe₃ in the alkynyl complex precursors. The first allenylidene(carbene)nickel cation, [Cp(SIMes)NCCC(OMe)NMe₂]⁺, is accessible by successive reaction of [Cp(SIMes)NiCl] with H-CC-C(O)NMe₂ and [Me₃O]BF₄. By the analogous sequence an allenylidene complex containing the chelating (diphenylphosphanyl)ethylcyclopentadienyl ligand can be prepared. DFT Calculations were carried out on the allenylidene complex cation [Cp(PPh₃)NiCCC(OMe)NMe₂]⁺ and on its precursor, the alkynyl complex [Cp(PPh₃)Ni-CC-C(O)NMe₂]. Based on the spectroscopic data and a X-ray structure analysis the bonding in the new nickel allenylidene complexes is best represented by several resonance forms, an alkynyl resonance form considerably contributing to the overall bond.     

Tetrafluoroethylene telomerization using dibromohaloethanes as telogens

Carrier mediated telomerization (CMT) between C₂F₄ and bromochlorofluoroethanes has been evaluated in terms of product distributions arising from CMT and ‘normal’ telomerization. The effect of parameters like type of initiator and telogen, TFE pressure and temperature on the reaction has been studied. The peroxide initiated telomerization between dibromohaloethanes and C₂F₄ offers an easy synthetic route to α,ω-dibromo perfluoroalkanes Br(CF₂)_nBr with n = 2, 4, 6 and 8. The selectivity of the CMT products versus those from “normal” telomerization depends mainly on the choice of telogen and on its ability to act as ‘bromine donor’ in the radical telomerization. These perfluoroalkyl dibromides are useful intermediates for other derivatives, for example, perfluorinated mono- and diolefins, Br(CF₂)_nCHCH₂ and CH₂CH(CF₂)_nCHCH₂.     

An efficient dehyrohalogenation method for the synthesis of α,β,β-trifluorostyrenes, α-chloro-β,β-difluorostyrenes and E-1-arylperfluoroalkenes

Dehydrofluorination of 1-aryl-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethanes (ArCHFCF₃) and 1-aryl-1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (ArCHClCF₃) using lithiumhexamethyldisilazide (LHMDS) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at room temperature produced 1,2,2-trifluorostyrene and 1-chloro-2,2-difluorostyrene, respectively, in very good isolated yields. Dehydrofluorination of 1,2,2,3,3,3-hexafluoro-1-phenyl-propane (PhCHFCF₂CF₃) and 1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-1-phenyl-butane (PhCHFCF₂CF₂CF₃) using LHMDS produced the corresponding substituted olefins (1-phenyl-1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoroprop-1-ene and 1-phenyl-1,2,3,3,4,4,4-pentafluorobut-1-ene) in good yield and high E-selectivity. Dehydrofluorination of 1-chloro-1-phenyl-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane (PhCHClCF₂CF₃) and 1-chloro-1-phenyl-2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutane (PhCHClCF₂CF₂CF₃) produced a mixture of the corresponding E and Z olefins (PhCClCFCF₃ and PhCClCFCF₂CF₃) in good yield.     

The first evidence for a transient stibaallene ArSbCCR2

Dechlorofluorination of ArSb(F)-C(Cl)CR₂ (CR₂ = fluorenylidene, Ar = 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl) by tert-butyllithium afforded a 3,4-bis(fluorenylidene)-1,2-distibacyclobutane. The formation of the latter probably involves the transient stibaallene ArSbCCR₂ followed by a head-to-head dimerization via two SbC double bonds. Molecular orbital calculations at the ab initio and DFT levels support the head-to-head dimerization of ArSbCCR₂ with the formation of a 1,2-distibacyclobutane.     

Explored routes to unknown polyfluoroorganyliodine hexafluorides, RFIF6

Two routes to R_FIF₆ compounds were investigated: (a) the substitution of F by R_F in IF₇ and (b) the fluorine addition to iodine in R_FIF₄ precursors. For route (a) the reagents C₆F₅SiMe₃, C₆F₅SiF₃, [NMe₄][C₆F₅SiF₄], C₆F₅BF₂, and 1,4-C₆F₄(BF₂)₂ were tested. C₆F₅IF₄ and CF₃CH₂IF₄ were used in route (b) and treated with the fluoro-oxidizers IF₇, [O₂][SbF₆]/KF, and K₂[NiF₆]/KF. The observed sidestep reactions in case of routes (a) and (b) are discussed. Interaction of C₆F₅SiX₃ (X = Me, F), C₆F₅BF₂, 1,4-C₆F₄(BF₂)₂ with IF₇ gave exclusively the corresponding ring fluorination products, perfluorinated cyclohexadiene and cyclohexene derivatives, whereas [NMe₄][C₆F₅SiF₄] and IF₇ formed mixtures of C₆F_nIF₄ and C₆F_nH compounds (n = 7 and 9). CF₃CH₂IF₄ was not reactive towards the fluoro-oxidizer IF₇, whereas C₆F₅IF₄ formed C₆F_nIF₄ compounds (n = 7 and 9). C₆F₅IF₄ and CF₃CH₂IF₄ were inert towards [O₂][SbF₆] in anhydrous HF. CF₃CH₂IF₄ underwent C-H fluorination and C-I bond cleavage when treated with K₂[NiF₆]/KF in HF. The fluorine addition property of IF₇ was independently demonstrated in case of perfluorohexenes. C₄F₉CFCF₂ and IF₇ underwent oxidative fluorine addition at −30 °C, and the isomers (CF₃)₂CFCFCFCF₃ (cis and trans) formed very slowly perfluoroisohexanes even at 25 °C. The compatibility of IF₇ and selected organic solvents was investigated. The polyfluoroalkanes CF₃CH₂CHF₂ (PFP), CF₃CH₂CF₂CH₃ (PFB), and C₄F₉Br are inert towards iodine heptafluoride at 25 °C while CF₃CH₂Br was slowly converted to CF₃CH₂F. Especially PFP and PFB are new suitable organic solvents for IF₇.     

Reactions of β-alkoxyvinyl trihalogenomethyl ketones with triethyl phosphite

The Perkow reaction of triethyl phosphite and β-alkoxyvinyl trihalogenomethyl ketones, which have common acyclic or cyclic structural fragment: -O-CC-C(O)CX₂Cl, yielded dienyl phosphates: -O-CC-C[OP(O)(OEt)₂]CX₂ where X = F or Cl, whereas γ-bromo-β-methoxy-α,β-unsaturated trifluoromethyl ketone CF₃C(O)CHC(OMe)CH₂Br gave diene CF₃C[OP(O)(OEt)₂]CH-C(OMe)CH₂.     

From alkenylphosphane aminoallenylidene ruthenium(II) complexes to highly unsaturated ruthenaphosphabicycloheptene complexes

The alkenylaminoallenylidene complex [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇){CCC(NEt₂)[C(Me)CPh₂]}{κ(P)-Ph₂PCH₂CHCH₂}(PPh₃)][PF₆] (2) has been prepared by the reaction of the allenylidene [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇)(CCCPh₂){κ(P)-Ph₂PCH₂CHCH₂}(PPh₃)][PF₆] (1) with the ynamine MeCCNEt₂. The reaction proceeds regio- and stereoselectively, and the insertion of the ynamine takes place exclusively at the C_βC_γ bond of the unsaturated chain. The secondary allenylidene [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇){CCC(H)[C(Me)CPh₂]}{κ(P)-Ph₂PCH₂CHCH₂}(PPh₃)][PF₆] (3) is obtained, in a one-pot synthesis, from the reaction of aminoallenylidene 2 with LiBHEt₃ and subsequent treatment with silica. Moreover, the addition of an excess of NaBH₄ to a solution of the complex 2 in THF at room temperature gives exclusively the alkynyl complex [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇){CCCH₂[C(Me)CPh₂]}{κ(P)-Ph₂PCH₂CHCH₂}(PPh₃)] (5). The heating of a solution of allenylidene derivative 3 in THF at reflux gives regio- and diastereoselectively the cyclobutylidene complex [Ru(η⁵-C₉H₇) (PPh₃)][PF₆](4) through an intramolecular cycloaddition of the CC allyl and the C_αC_β bonds in the allenylidene complex 3. The structure of complex 4 has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Room temperature preparation of α-chloro-β,β-difluoroethenylzinc reagent (CF2CClZnCl) by the metallation of HCFC-133a (CF3CH2Cl) and a high yield one-pot synthesis of α-chloro-β,β-difluorostyrenes

α-Chloro-β,β-difluorovinylzinc reagent [CF₂CClZnCl] was generated in 91% yield by the metallation of a THF solution of commercially available HCFC-133a (CF₃CH₂Cl) and zinc chloride at 15-20 °C using LDA as base. The corresponding reaction with Halothane™ (CF₃CHClBr) produced a poor yield of CF₂CClZnCl. The palladium catalyzed coupling reaction of the CF₂CClZnCl with aryl iodides under mild reaction conditions produced α-chloro-β,β-difluorostyrenes in 64-90% isolated yields. The stability of the intermediate CF₂CClLi and the nature of the zinc reagents are discussed.     

Reaction of trifluoromethylated β-alkoxyenones with tris(trimethylsilyl) phosphite: A temperature influence on regioselectivity

The interaction of tris(trimethylsilyl) phosphite (TMSO)₃P and E-trifluoromethyl-β-alkoxyenones CF₃C(O)CHCHOEt and CF₃C(O)CHC(OMe)Me yielded mixtures of E-1,2- and Z-1,4-adducts, CF₃C(OTMS)[P(O)(OTMS)₂]CCH(OAlk)R 2 and CF₃(OTMS)CCHCR(OAlk)[P(O)(OTMS)₂] 3 where R and Alk = H and Me, or both Me. Conversion of these 1,2-adducts to 1,4-isomers was effected by increased temperature or by exposure to more tris(trimethylsilyl) phosphite. Acid hydrolysis of 2b (R and Alk = Me) gave ketophosphonic acid CF₃C(OH)[P(O)(OH)₂]CH₂COMe in 88% yield, whereas hydrolysis of 2a (R = H and Alk = Et) with KOH in methanol gave CF₃C(OH)[P(O)(OK)₂]CHCHOEt in 37% yield. Acid hydrolysis of 3a (R = H and Alk = Et) and 3b (R and Alk = Me) gave phosphonic acid CF₃C(OH)₂CHCHP(O)(OH)₂ in 82% yield and trifluoromethylated 1,2λ⁵σ⁴-oxaphosphol-3-en.     

Formation of a cyclobutenylidene by cyclo-addition of an alkynyl-ruthenium complex to a cyano(alkynyl)ethene

In contrast to the usual formal [2+2]-cycloaddition reaction, (NC)₂CC{CC(SiPrⁱ₃)}₂, containing bulky alkynyl substituents, reacts with Ru(CCPh)(PPh₃)₂Cp to give the unprecedented cyclobutenylidene complex Ru{C(CN)₂C[CC(SiPrⁱ₃)]CC(SiPrⁱ₃)CPhC}(PPh₃)Cp, formed by addition of one of the CC(SiPrⁱ₃) groups to the Ru-CCPh moiety and subsequent electronic reorganisation.