Chiral pyridine imidazolines from C1-symmetric diamines: Synthesis, arene ruthenium complexes and application as asymmetric catalysis for Diels-Alder reactions

Condensation of mono N-substituted chiral ethylenediamines and pyridine-2-methoxyimidate gives new chiral pyridine imidazolines (1a-c). These react with [RuCl₂(mes)]₂ (mes = 1,3,5-trimethyl benzene) in the presence of NaSbF₆ to give complexes [RuCl(L)(mes)][SbF₆] (5a-c) which after treatment with AgSbF₆ are enantioselective catalysts for the Diels-Alder reaction of methacrolein and cyclopentadiene. The imidazoline catalysts are less selective than the corresponding oxazoline ones. Compounds 1a, 5b and 5c have been characterised by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis of extended ethynylnaphthalene-based ruthenium(II) 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine complexes

A ‘synthesis-at-metal’ approach is described for the preparation of extended ethynylnaphthalene-based ruthenium(II) 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine complexes.     

A pyrazolyl-terminated 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine ligand: Iron(II), ruthenium(II) and palladium(II) complexes of 4′-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine

The preparation of 4′-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (2) under acidic conditions results in the formation of the salts [H₂2][MeOSO₃]₂ and [H₂2][EtOSO₃]₂, treatment of which with base leads to neutral 2. The structure of [H₂2][EtOSO₃]₂ · H₂O has been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The complexes [Fe(2)₂][PF₆]₂ and [Ru(2)₂][PF₆]₂ have been prepared and characterized, and the single crystal structure determination of [Ru(2)₂][PF₆]₂ is reported; [Fe(2)₂][PF₆]₂ is isostructural with [Ru(2)₂][PF₆]₂. Treatment of [Fe(2)₂]²⁺ with PdCl₂ produces [Pd(2)Cl]⁺, isolated and structurally characterized as the hexafluoridophosphate salt, illustrating that metal exchange within the tpy-binding domain occurs in preference to palladium(II) coordination by the N-donor atom of the pendant 3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl unit in 2. [Pd(2)Cl]²⁺ can also be prepared from PdCl₂ and [H₂2][MeOSO₃]₂ in refluxing methanol.     

Syntheses and properties of complexes with bis(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) moieties coordinated to 4,4′:2′,2′′:4′′,4′′′-quaterpyridinium ligands

Eleven new complexes of the form cis-[Ru^II(bpy)₂(L^A)]⁴⁺ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl; L^A = a pyridinium-substituted bpy derivative) have been prepared and isolated as their PF₆⁻ salts. Characterisation involved various techniques including ¹H NMR spectroscopy and MALDI mass spectrometry. The UV-Vis spectra show intense intraligand π → π^∗ absorptions and metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) bands with two distinct maxima in the visible region. Small shifts in the MLCT bands correlate with the electron-withdrawing strength of the ligand L^A. Cyclic voltammograms show quasi-reversible or reversible Ru^III/II oxidation waves, and two or more ligand-based reductions with varying degrees of reversibility. The variations in the redox potentials correlate with changes in the structure of L^A, and also with the MLCT energies. Differential pulse voltammetry allows the first reduction process for two of the complex salts to be resolved into two peaks. Single-crystal X-ray structures have been solved for three of the new complex salts and also for a pro-ligand salt. Two carboxylate-functionalised compounds have been tested as photosensitizers on TiO₂-coated electrodes, but show only negligible efficiencies, in accord with expectations.     

Synthesis of new C1-symmetric bis(oxazoline) ligands with a chelating sidearm for stereoselective Mukaiyama aldol condensations

Novel C₁-symmetric bis(oxazoline) ligands with a secondary binding sidearm were prepared in enantiomerically pure form in good yields, in only four steps starting from commercially available reagents. These new chiral ligands were tested in the enantioselective Mukaiyama aldol condensation between the trimethylsilyl keteneacetal of methyl isobutyrate and a non-chelating substrate such as benzaldehyde to afford the product in up to 55% ee.     

Synthesis of N-functionalized 2,2′-dipyridylamine ligands, complexation to ruthenium (II) and anchoring of complexes to papain from papaya latex

2,2′-Dipyridylamine (dpa) derivatives carrying a thiol-targeted maleimide group located at the end of an alkyl substituent on the central amine were synthesized. Reaction with the organometallic precursors [(η⁶-arene)RuCl₂]₂ (arene = benzene or p-cymene) yielded the half-sandwich cationic complexes [(η⁶-arene)Ru(dpa)Cl]⁺ where the dipyridylamine derivatives were coordinated as bidentate N,N donor ligands. Enzymatic studies showed that these derivatives were able to inactivate the cysteine endoproteinase papain by S-alkylation of the cysteine active site.     

1,1′-Methylene-bis(1,1′,2,2′,3,3′,4,4′-octahydroisoquinoline): synthesis, reaction, resolution, and application in catalytic enantioselective transformations

The preparation of new chiral 1,3-diamine ligand systems based on the 1,1′-methylene-bis(1,1′,2,2′,3,3′,4,4′-octahydroisoquinoline) framework is described. Synthesis of various mono-, di-, and bridged N-alkyl derivatives are presented. Resolution of one compound, its Cu(I)Br X-ray crystallographic structure and the preliminary results on its application in the enantioselective Henry and Aldol reactions are disclosed.     

Some new C2-symmetric bicyclo[2.2.1]heptadiene ligands: synthesis and catalytic activity in rhodium(I)-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4- and 1,2-additions

C₂-Symmetric bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-dienes with various substituents (R=Bn, i-Bu, c-Hex, allyl) are prepared starting from the corresponding enantiomerically pure bis-triflate (R=OTf). These chiral ligands are tested and compared in rhodium(I)-catalyzed 1,4- and 1,2-addition of phenylboronic acid to cyclic enones and aryl aldehydes, respectively. Some interesting reactivity and selectivity effects due to the introduction of sterically demanding or olefinic substituents are reported. Moreover, remarkably high catalytic activity is observed for the rhodium(I)-catalyzed 1,2-addition.     

Chemiluminescence reactions with cationic, neutral, and anionic ruthenium(II) complexes containing 2,2′-bipyridine and bathophenanthroline disulfonate ligands

Ruthenium complexes containing 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline disulfonate (bathophenanthroline disulfonate; BPS) ligands, Ru(BPS)₃⁴⁻, Ru(BPS)₂(bipy)²⁻ and Ru(BPS)(bipy)₂, were compared to tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bipy)₃²⁺), including examination of the wavelengths of maximum absorption and corrected emission intensity, photoluminescence quantum yield, stability of their oxidised ruthenium(III) form, and relative chemiluminescence intensities and signal-to-blank ratios with cerium(IV) sulfate and six analytes (codeine, morphine cocaine, potassium oxalate, furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide) in acidic aqueous solution. The presence of BPS ligands in the complex increased the photoluminescence quantum yield, but decreased the stability of the oxidised form of the reagent. In contrast to previous evidence showing much greater electrochemiluminescence intensities using Ru(BPS)₂(bipy)²⁻ and Ru(BPS)(bipy)₂, these complexes did not provide superior chemiluminescence signals than their homoleptic analogues.     

Preparation and characterization of ruthenium(II), rhodium(III) and iridium(III) complexes of isocyanide bearing the azo group

Reactions of [(η⁶-arene)RuCl₂]₂ (1) (η⁶-arene=p-cymene (1a), 1,3,5-Me₃C₆H₃ (1b), 1,2,3-Me₃C₆H₃ (1c) 1,2,3,4-Me₄C₆H₂(1d), 1,2,3,5-Me₄C₆H₂ (1e) and C₆Me₆ (1f)) or [Cp*MCl₂]₂ (M=Rh (2), Ir (3); Cp*=C₅Me₅) with 4-isocyanoazobenzene (RNC) and 4,4′-diisocyanoazobenzene (CN–R–NC) gave mononuclear and dinuclear complexes, [(η⁶-arene)Ru(CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₅)Cl₂] (4a–f), [Cp*M(CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₅)Cl₂] (5: M=Rh; 6: M=Ir)_, [{(η⁶-arene)RuCl₂}₂{μ-CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₄NC}] (8a–f) and [(Cp*MCl₂)₂(μ-CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₄NC)}] (9: M=Rh; 10: M=Ir)_, respectively. It was confirmed by X-ray analyses of 4a and 5 that these complexes have trans-forms for the ---N=N--- moieties. Reaction of [Cp*Rh(dppf)(MeCN)](PF₆)₂ (dppf=1,1′-bis (diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) with 4-isocyanoazobenzene gave [Cp*Rh(dppf)(CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₅)](PF₆)₂ (7), confirmed by X-ray analysis. Complex 8b reacted with Ag(CF₃SO₃), giving a rectangular tetranuclear complex 11b, [{(η⁶-1,3,5-Me₃C₆H₃)Ru(μ-Cl}₄(μ-CNC₆H₄N=NC₆H₄NC)₂](CF₃SO₃)₄ bridged by four Cl atoms and two μ-diisocyanoazobenzene ligands. Photochemical reactions of the ruthenium complexes (4 and 8) led to the decomposition of the complexes, whereas those of 5, 7, 9 and 10 underwent a trans-to-cis isomerization. In the electrochemical reactions the reductive waves about −1.50 V for 4 and −1.44 V for 8 are due to the reduction of azo group, [---N=N---]→[---N=N---]²⁻. The irreversible oxidative waves at ca. 0.87 V for the 4 and at ca. 0.85 V for 8 came from the oxidation of Ru(II)→Ru(III).     

Catalytic asymmetric Henry reaction using copper(II) chiral tridentate Schiff-base complexes and their polymer-supported complexes

A series of chiral tridentate Schiff-base ligands and their polymer-supported ligands were conveniently prepared and introduced as copper(II) chiral complexes for the asymmetric Henry reaction. The structures of these ligands have been characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and MS. The experimental results showed that the corresponding β-nitro alcohols were obtained in moderate to high yields (up to 98%) with up to 98% ee under mild conditions. The complex catalyst forming from copper(II) polymer-supported ligands could be recycled by a simple filtration and reused 6 times at least with similar good catalytic effect (about 94% yield and 90% ee).     

Preparation, structure and catalytic activity of copper(II) complexes of novel 4,4′-BOX ligands

This Letter details the synthesis of two new 4,4′-bisoxazoline (BOX) ligands. The copper(II) complex of one of the new ligands is structurally determined. The catalytic performance of the copper(II) complexes of the novel ligands, and that of our recently described phenyl AraBOX ligand in Diels-Alder reactions are reported. We have used the structural information to propose an explanation of a curious variation in the diastereoselectivity obtained in the case of one ligand complex.     

Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic application of a new chiral P,N-indene ligand derived from (R)-BINOL

Lithiation of 2-dimethylaminoindene followed by quenching with [(R)-(1,1′-binaphthalene-2,2′-diyl)]chlorophosphite and treatment with triethylamine afforded the crystallographically characterized enantiopure P,N-indene 3 in 71% isolated yield. In the course of rhodium coordination chemistry studies involving 3, the formation of the isolable complex [(κ²-P,N-3)(κ¹-P,N-3)RhCl] (7) (81%) was observed, thereby confirming the propensity of this new ligand to form L_nRh(3)₂ complexes. Such coordination chemistry behavior may contribute in part to the generally poor catalytic performance exhibited by mixtures of 3 and rhodium precursor complexes in the asymmetric hydrogenation and hydrosilylation studies described herein.     

Copper(II) complexes derived from substituted 2,2′-bis-(4-isopropyl-4-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-5-one) ligands: Synthesis,structure and catalytic activity

New chiral N,N-bidentate 2,2′-bis-(4-isopropyl-4-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-5-one) ligands have been prepared and characterised by their ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra and/or optical rotation. The ligands prepared were then tested for their ability to form complexes with copper(II) salts. It was found that the most stable complex is formed from the 2,2′-bis-(4-isopropyl-1,4-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-5-one) ligand and copper(II) chloride. The structure of this complex was determined by means of quantum-chemical computations at the B3LYP or UB3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level. According to the computations, the geometry of the copper atom most resembles a tetrahedral arrangement, which was also confirmed by means of X-ray structural analysis. It was found that the structure of this copper(II) complex does not allow the copper atom to coordinate to additional ligands; therefore, it is catalytically inactive in the asymmetric Henry reaction.     

The next generation of C2-symmetric ligands: A di-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand and the synthesis and X-ray characterization of mono- and dinuclear rhodium(I) and iridium(I) complexes

A new C₂-symmetric chelating di-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand is reported. The stable free di-carbene (+/−)[DEAM-BY] (3) forms upon treating the imidazolium salt (+/−)[DEAM-BI][OTf]₂ (2) with potassium bis-trimethylsilylamide (where DEAM-BY = trans-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene-11,12-bis(1-benzyl)imidaz-2-ylidene and DEAM-BI = trans-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene-11,12-bis(1-benzyl)imidazolium). Metalation reactions of 2 with [Rh(COD)Cl]₂ and [Ir(COD)Cl]₂ are carried out under mild conditions to produce either mono- or bimetallic complexes. Each compound is characterized by NMR spectroscopy, combustion analysis, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography.     

Organometallic ruthenium, rhodium and iridium complexes containing a P-bound thiophene-2-(N-diphenylphosphino)methylamine ligand: Synthesis, molecular structure and catalytic activity

Reaction of Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S with [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂, [Ru(η⁶-benzene)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂, [Rh(μ-Cl)(cod)]₂ and [Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₅)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ yields complexes [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)(η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₂], 1, [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)(η⁶-benzene)Cl₂], 2, [Rh(Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)(cod)Cl], 3 and [Ir(Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)(η⁵-C₅Me₅)Cl₂], 4, respectively. All complexes were isolated from the reaction solution and fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. The structure of [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)(η⁶-benzene)Cl₂], 2 was also determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1-4 are suitable precursors forming highly active catalyst in the transfer hydrogenation of a variety of simple ketones. Notably, the catalysts obtained by using the ruthenium complexes [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)(η⁶-p-cymene)Cl₂], 1 and [Ru(Ph₂PNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)(η⁶-benzene)Cl₂], 2 are much more active in the transfer hydrogenation converting the carbonyls to the corresponding alcohols in 98-99% yields (TOF ≤ 200 h⁻¹) in comparison to analogous rhodium and iridium complexes.     

Copper(II) Schiff base complexes derived from 2,2′-dimethyl-propandiamine: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance in the oxidation of styrene and cyclooctene

Two new mononuclear copper(II) complexes ([CuL¹]·CHCl₃ (1) and [CuL²] (2)) have been prepared by the reaction of two ONNO type Schiff base ligands, ([bis(2-hydroxy-propiophenone)2,2′-dimethylpropan-diamine] (H₂L¹) and [bis(5-bromosalicylaldehyde)2,2′-dimethyl-propandiamine] (H₂L²)) with Cu(OAc)₂·H₂O in 1:1 molar ratios. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The structures have been confirmed by X-ray single crystal analysis at 100 K. The Cu(II) atom in 1 is coordinated equatorially by a N₂O₂ donor set of the tetradentate, dinegative Schiff-base (L¹)²⁻ in a distorted square planar arrangement. While in [CuL²] (2), the Cu(II) ion possesses an additional weak intermolecular contact with one bromine atom of the ligand, thus the coordination sphere of 2 can be described as strongly distorted square pyramidal. The catalytic performance of the prepared copper complexes for the oxidation of styrene and cyclooctene with tert-butyl hydroperoxide has been evaluated.     

Biphasic asymmetric hydroformylation and hydrogenation by water-soluble rhodium and ruthenium complexes of sulfonated (R)-2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl in ionic liquids

A biphasic catalytic system with water-soluble rhodium complexes of sulfonated (R)-2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl (labeled as (R)-BINAPS) in ionic liquid BMI·BF₄ has been developed for the asymmetric hydroformylation of vinyl acetate under mild conditions. The corresponding ruthenium complexes have been investigated for the biphasic asymmetric hydrogenation of dimethyl itaconate. The biphasic asymmetric hydroformylation of vinyl acetate provided 28.2% conversion and 55.2% enantiomeric excess when BMI·BF₄–toluene was used as the reaction medium at 333 K and 1.0 MPa for 24 h. The biphasic asymmetric hydrogenation of dimethyl itaconate in BMI·BF₄–ⁱPrOH at 333 K and 2.0 MPa afforded 65% enantiomeric excess with an activity similar to the homogenous analogs. Both biphasic catalytic systems with (R)-BINAPS ligand could be reused several times without significantly decrease in the activity, enantio- and regio-selectivities. The effects of properties of ionic liquid, molar ratio of ligand to rhodium, temperature, pressure and reaction time have been discussed.     

Synthesis and properties of novel crown ether-annelated 4′,5′-diaza-9′-(1,3-dithiole-2-ylidene)-fluorenes and their ruthenium(II) complexes

Two novel redox-active 1,3-dithiole (DT) ring-fused 4,5-diazafluorene ligands with crown ether moieties (L1 and L2) were synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of L1 was studied. The electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of these new ligands, as well as the corresponding bis(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) complexes [4: Ru L1(bpy)₂ and 5: Ru L2(bpy)₂], were also been investigated.