Reevaluation of the mechanism of the amination of aryl halides catalyzed by BINAP-ligated palladium complexes

Two previous mechanistic studies of the amination of aryl halides catalyzed by palladium complexes of 1,1'-binaphthalene-2,2'-diylbis(diphenylphosphine) (BINAP) are reexamined by the authors of both studies. This current work includes a detailed study of the identity of the BINAP-ligated palladium complexes present in reactions of amines with aryl halides and rate measurements of these catalytic reactions initiated with pure precatalysts and precatalysts generated in situ from [Pd2(dba)3] and BINAP. This work reveals errors in both previous studies, and we describe our current state of understanding of the mechanism of this synthetically important transformation. 31P NMR spectroscopy shows that several palladium(0) species are present in the catalytic system when the catalyst is generated in situ from [Pd2(dba)3] and BINAP, and that at least two of these complexes generate catalytic intermediates. Further, these spectroscopic studies and accompanying kinetic data demonstrate that an apparent positive order in the concentration of amine during reactions of secondary amines is best attributed to catalyst decomposition. Kinetic studies with isolated precatalysts show that the rates of the catalytic reactions are independent of the identity and the concentration of amine, and studies with catalysts generated in situ show that the rates of these reactions are independent of the concentration of amine. Further, reactions catalyzed by [Pd(BINAP)2] with added BINAP are found to be first-order in bromoarene and inverse first-order in ligand, in contrast to previous work indicating zero-order kinetics in both. These data, as well as a correlation between the decay of bromobenzene in the catalytic reaction and the predicted decay of bromobenzene from rate constants of studies on stoichiometric oxidative addition, are consistent with a catalytic process in which oxidative addition of the bromoarene occurs to [Pd(BINAP)] prior to coordination of amine and in which [Pd(BINAP)2], which generates [Pd(BINAP)] by dissociation of BINAP, lies off the cycle. By this mechanism, the amine and base react with [Pd(BINAP)(Ar)(Br)] to form an arylpalladium amido complex, and reductive elimination from this amido complex forms the arylamine.     

Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of amines with alkenyl bromides: a new method for the synthesis of enamines and imines

The palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of alkenyl bromides with secondary and primary amines gives rise to enamines and imines, respectively. This new transformation expands the applicability of palladium-catalyzed C-N bond forming reactions (the Buchwald-Hartwig amination), which have mostly been applied to aryl halides. After screening of different ligands, bases, and solvents, the catalytic combination [Pd(2)(dba)(3)]/BINAP in the presence of NaOtBu in toluene gave the best results in the cross-coupling of secondary amines with 1-bromostyrene (dba=dibenzylideneacetone, BINAP=2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl). The corresponding enamines are obtained cleanly and in nearly quantitative yields. However, steric hindrance seems to be a limitation of the reaction, as amines carrying large substituents are not well converted. The same methodology can be applied to the coupling of secondary amines with 2-bromostyrene. Moreover, the reaction with substituted 2-bromopropenes allows regioselective synthesis of isomerizable terminal enamines without isomerization of the double bond. The best catalytic conditions for the cross-coupling of 1-bromostyrene with primary amines include again the use of the Pd(0)/BINAP/NaOtBu system. The reaction gives rise to the expected imines in very short times and with low catalyst loadings. A set of structurally diverse imines can be prepared by this methodology through variations in the structure of both coupling partners. However, 2-bromostyrene failed to give good results in this coupling reaction, probably due to product inhibition of the catalytic cycle. Competition experiments of vinyl versus aryl amination reveal that the reaction occurs preferentially on vinyl bromides.     

Scope and limitations of the Pd/BINAP-catalyzed amination of aryl bromides

Mixtures of Pd(2)(dba)(3) or Pd(OAc)(2) and BINAP catalyze the cross-coupling of amines with a variety of aryl bromides. Primary amines are arylated in high yield, and certain classes of secondary amines are also effectively transformed. The process tolerates the presence of several functional groups including methyl and ethyl esters, enolizable ketones, and nitro groups provided that cesium carbonate is employed as the base. Most reactions proceed to completion with 0.5-1.0 mol % of the palladium catalyst; in some cases, catalyst levels as low as 0.05 mol % Pd may be employed. Reactions are considerably faster if Pd(OAc)(2) is employed as the precatalyst, and the order in which reagents are added to the reaction has a substantial effect on reaction rate. It is likely that the catalytic process proceeds via bis(phosphine)palladium complexes as intermediates. These complexes are less prone to undergo undesirable side reactions which lead to diminished yields or catalyst deactivation than complexes of the corresponding monodentate triarylphosphines.     

Oxidative addition of phenyl bromide to Pd(BINAP) vs Pd(BINAP)(amine). Evidence for addition to Pd(BINAP)

[STRUCTURE: SEE TEXT] The rates of oxidative addition of phenyl bromide to [Pd(BINAP)2] have been measured in the presence and absence of added amine to assess a previous hypothesis that addition to [Pd(BINAP)(amine)] is faster than addition to [Pd(BINAP)]. These data show that addition to the amine complex is not faster than addition to [Pd(BINAP)]. Instead, they are consistent with oxidative addition, even in the presence of amine, to [Pd(BINAP)] as the major pathway. These data underscore the value of studying the stoichiometric reactions of isolated complexes when assessing the mechanism of a catalytic process.     

Palladium-catalyzed amination of aryl halides on solid support

[reaction: see text] The first examples of the Pd(0)-catalyzed amination of aryl halides using Rink-resins as nitrogen source are described. Pd(2)dba(3)/BINAP/NaO-t-Bu was found to be the most efficient catalyst/base system, while a solvent mixture of dioxane and tert-butyl alcohol was shown to enhance the selectivity toward the desired monoarylation. Moderate to good yields and excellent purities of the amination products were found with electron-poor aryl halides, while electon-rich aryl halides failed to react under these conditions.     

Pd‐Catalyzed Carbonylative α‐Arylation of Aryl Bromides: Scope and Mechanistic Studies

Reaction conditions for the three‐component synthesis of aryl 1,3‐diketones are reported applying the palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative α‐arylation of ketones with aryl bromides. The optimal conditions were found by using a catalytic system derived from [Pd(dba)₂] (dba=dibenzylideneacetone) as the palladium source and 1,3‐bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (DPPP) as the bidentate ligand. These transformations were run in the two‐chamber reactor, COware, applying only 1.5 equivalents of carbon monoxide generated from the CO‐releasing compound, 9‐methylfluorene‐9‐carbonyl chloride (COgen). The methodology proved adaptable to a wide variety of aryl and heteroaryl bromides leading to a diverse range of aryl 1,3‐diketones. A mechanistic investigation of this transformation relying on ³¹P and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy was undertaken to determine the possible catalytic pathway. Our results revealed that the combination of [Pd(dba)₂] and DPPP was only reactive towards 4‐bromoanisole in the presence of the sodium enolate of propiophenone suggesting that a [Pd(dppp)(enolate)] anion was initially generated before the oxidative‐addition step. Subsequent CO insertion into an [Pd(Ar)(dppp)(enolate)] species provided the 1,3‐diketone. These results indicate that a catalytic cycle, different from the classical carbonylation mechanism proposed by Heck, is operating. To investigate the effect of the dba ligand, the Pd⁰ precursor, [Pd(η³‐1‐PhC₃H₄)(η⁵‐C₅H₅)], was examined. In the presence of DPPP, and in contrast to [Pd(dba)₂], its oxidative addition with 4‐bromoanisole occurred smoothly providing the [PdBr(Ar)(dppp)] complex. After treatment with CO, the acyl complex [Pd(CO)Br(Ar)(dppp)] was generated, however, its treatment with the sodium enolate led exclusively to the acylated enol in high yield. Nevertheless, the carbonylative α‐arylation of 4‐bromoanisole with either catalytic or stoichiometric [Pd(η³‐1‐PhC₃H₄)(η⁵‐C₅H₅)] over a short reaction time, led to the 1,3‐diketone product. Because none of the acylated enol was detected, this implied that a similar mechanistic pathway is operating as that observed for the same transformation with [Pd(dba)₂] as the Pd source.     

Palladium-catalyzed formylation of aryl bromides: elucidation of the catalytic cycle of an industrially applied coupling reaction

The first comprehensive study of the catalytic cycle of the palladium-catalyzed formylation of aryl bromides with synthesis gas (CO/H2, 1:1) is presented. The formylation in the presence of efficient (Pd/PR2(n)Bu, R = 1-Ad, (t)Bu) and nonefficient (Pd/P(t)Bu3) catalysts was investigated. The main organometallic complexes involved in the catalytic cycle were synthesized and characterized, and their solution chemistry was studied in detail. Comparison of stoichiometric and catalytic reactions using P(1-Ad)2(n)Bu, the most efficient ligand known for the formylation of aryl halides, led to two pivotal results: (1) The corresponding carbonylpalladium(0) complex [Pd(n)(CO)(m)L(n)] and the respective hydrobromide complex [Pd(Br)(H)L2] are resting states of the active catalyst, and they are not directly involved in the catalytic cycle. These complexes maintain the concentration of most active [PdL] species at a low level throughout the reaction, making oxidative addition the rate-determining step, and provide high catalyst longevity. (2) The product-forming step proceeds via base-mediated hydrogenolysis of the corresponding acyl complex, e.g., [Pd(Br)(p-CF3C6H4CO){P(1-Ad)2(n)Bu}]2 (8), under mild conditions (25-50 degrees C, 5 bar). Stoichiometric studies using the less efficient Pd/P(t)Bu3 catalyst resulted in the isolation and characterization of the first stable three-coordinated neutral acylpalladium complex, [Pd(Br)(p-CF3C6H4CO)(P(t)Bu3)] (10). Hydrogenolysis of 10 needed significantly more drastic conditions compared to that of dimeric 8. In the presence of amine base, complex 10 gave a catalytically inactive diamino acyl complex, which explains the low activity of the Pd/P(t)Bu3 catalyst formylation of aryl bromides.     

Exploiting noninnocent (E,E)-dibenzylideneacetone (dba) effects in palladium(0)-mediated cross-coupling reactions: modulation of the electronic properties of dba affects catalyst activity and stability in ligand and ligand-free reaction systems

The reactivity of palladium(0) complexes, [Pd(0) (2)(dba-n,n'-Z)(3)] (n,n'-Z=4,4'-F; 4,4'-CF(3); 4,4'-H; 4,4'-MeO) and [Pd(0)(dba-n,n'-Z)(2)] (n,n'-Z=4,4'-CF(3); 4,4'-H; 3,3',5,5'-OMe), used as precursor catalysts with suitable donor ligands (e.g. phosphines, N-heterocyclic carbenes), has been correlated in several palladium(0)-mediated cross-coupling processes. Increasing the electron density on the aryl moiety of the dba-n,n'-Z ligand increases the overall catalytic activity in the majority of these processes. This effect primarily derives from destabilization of the L(n)Pd(0)-eta(2)-dba interaction (in dpi-pi* synergic bonding, n=1 or 2), which ultimately increases the global concentration of catalytically active L(n)Pd(0) available for reaction with aryl halide in the first committed step in the general catalytic cycle(s) (oxidative addition). Decreasing electron density on the aryl moiety of the dba-n,n'-Z ligand stabilizes the Pd(0)-eta(2)-dba interaction, reducing catalytic activity. The specific type of dba-n,n'-Z ligand appears to also play a stabilizing role in the catalytic cycle, preventing Pd agglomeration, and increasing catalyst longevity. A subtle balance therefore exists between the L(n)Pd(0) concentration (and the associated catalytic activity) and catalyst longevity. Changing the type of dba-n,n'-Z ligand controls the concentration of L(n)Pd(0) and the rate of the oxidative addition step, and not other intimate steps within the catalytic cycle(s), for example, transmetallation (or carbopalladation) and reductive elimination. The role of dba-n,n'-Z ligands in Heck arylation is more convoluted and dependent on the alkene substrate employed, although trends have emerged. Changes in the structure of dba-n,n'-Z had a minimal affect on Buchwald-Hartwig aryl amination processes. A secondary Michael reaction of dba-n,n'-Z with amine and/or base effectively lessens its interference in the catalytic cycle.     

Kinetic studies of Heck coupling reactions using palladacycle catalysts: experimental and kinetic modeling of the role of dimer species.

Experimental kinetic studies of the coupling of p-bromobenzaldehyde (1) with butyl acrylate (2) using the dimeric palladacycles complex (4) with chelating nitrogen ligands were carried out together with kinetic modeling using a reaction rate expression based on the mechanism shown in Scheme 2. The oxidative addition product of 1 was found to be the resting state within the catalytic cycle. The formation of dimeric Pd species external to the catalytic cycle helped to rationalize a non-first-order rate dependence on catalyst concentration. Theoretical modeling showed how the relative concentrations of the different intermediate species within the catalystic cycle can influence the observed rate dependence on Pd concentration. It was shown how conventional kinetic studies may give reaction orders in substrates which differ from those which would be observed under practical synthetic conditions. Comparison between phosphine- and nonphosphine-based palladacycles suggests that they follow the same reaction mechanism. The role of water in accelerating the initial formation of the active catalyst species is noted.     

Palladium-Catalyzed Synthesis of 1,3-Dienes from Allenes and Organic Halides

A wide range of aryl and vinylic halides react with 1,1-dimethylallene (2a) and potassium carbonate in the presence of Pd(dba)(2) (dba = dibenzylideneacetone) in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) at temperature 100-120 degrees C to give the corresponding dienes CH(2)C(CH(3))CRCH(2) (3a-o), where R is aryl or vinylic, in good to excellent yields. Higher yields of diene products were obtained for aryl bromides than for the corresponding aryl iodides and chlorides. Under similar reaction conditions, tetramethylallene (2b), 1-methyl-1-phenylallene (2c), 1-methyl-3-phenylallene (2d), and 1-cyclohexylallene (2e) also react with aryl and vinylic halides to give diene products (3p-w). For 2d, both E and Z isomers 3t and 3u of the diene product were observed. For 2e, two regioisomers 3vand 3w were isolated with 3w likely from alkene isomerization of 3v. Various palladium systems were tested for the catalytic activity of diene formation. In addition to Pd(dba)(2)/PPh(3), Pd(OAc)(2)/PPh(3), PdCl(2)(PPh(3))(2), and PdCl(2)(dppe) are also very effective as catalysts for the reaction of 2a with p-bromoacetophenone (1a) to give 3a. Studies on the effect of solvents and bases show that DMA and K(2)CO(3) are the solvent and base that give the highest yield of diene 3a. Possible mechanisms for this catalytic diene formation are proposed.     

Efficient synthesis of alpha-aryl esters by room-temperature palladium-catalyzed coupling of aryl halides with ester enolates

A catalytic amount of Pd(dba)(2) ligated by either carbene precursor N,N'-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazolium (1) or P(t-Bu)(3) mediated the coupling of aryl halides and ester enolates to produce alpha-aryl esters in high yields at room temperature. The reaction was highly tolerant of functionalities and substitution patterns on the aryl halide. Improved protocols for the selective monoarylation of tert-butyl acetate and the efficient arylation of alpha,alpha-disubstituted esters were developed with LiNCy(2) as base and P(t-Bu)(3) as ligand. In addition, tert-butyl esters, such as those of Naproxen and Flurbiprofen, were prepared from tert-butyl propionate and aryl bromides in high yields in the presence of Pd(dba)(2) and the hindered, saturated heterocyclic carbene ligand precursor.     

Catalytic activity of η-(olefin)palladium(0) complexes with iminophosphine ligands in the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction. Role of the olefin in the catalyst stabilization

The catalytic activity of η²-(olefin)palladium(0)(iminophosphine) complexes in the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling is strongly dependent on the reaction conditions and on the nature of the ligands. The reaction is at the best carried out in aromatic solvents in the presence of K₂CO₃ at 90-110 °C. Higher reaction rates are obtained when the R substituent on the N-imino group is an aromatic group of low steric hindrance and the olefin is a moderate π-accepting ligand such as dimethyl fumarate. At temperatures lower than 90 °C, a self-catalyzed process leading to catalyst deactivation becomes predominant. Preliminary mechanistic investigations indicate that the oxidative addition of the aryl bromide to a Pd(0) species is the rate determining step in the catalytic cycle and that the olefin plays a key role in catalyst stabilization. Systems in situ prepared by mixing Pd(OAc)₂ or Pd(dba)₂ with 1 equiv of iminophosphine appear substantially less active than the preformed catalysts.     

Pd-catalyzed intermolecular amidation of aryl halides: the discovery that xantphos can be trans-chelating in a palladium complex

A general method for the intermolecular coupling of aryl halides and amides using a Xantphos/Pd catalyst is described. This system displays good functional group compatibility, and the desired C-N bond forming process proceeds in good to excellent yields with 1-4 mol % of the Pd catalyst. Additionally, the arylation of sulfonamides, oxazolidinones, and ureas is reported. The efficiency of these transformations was found to be highly dependent on reaction concentrations and catalyst loadings. A Pd complex resulting from oxidative addition of 4-bromobenzonitrile, (Xantphos)Pd(4-cyanophenyl)(Br) (II), was prepared in one step from Xantphos, Pd(2)(dba)(3), and the aryl bromide. Complex II proved to be an active catalyst for the coupling between 4-bromobenzonitrile and benzamide. X-ray crystallographic analysis of II revealed a rare trans-chelating bisphosphine-Pd(II) structure with a large bite angle of 150.7 degrees.     

Palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative arylation of potassium cyanoacetate: synthesis of α-diaryl nitriles from aryl halides

A palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative coupling of potassium cyanoacetate with aryl bromides and chlorides is described. The reaction conditions feature the absence of additional strong inorganic bases and provide ester functional group tolerance. With Pd(dba)(2) and XPhos ligand as the catalyst system, α-diaryl nitriles can be obtained in good yields.     

Highly selective palladium-catalyzed Heck reactions of aryl bromides with cycloalkenes

[reaction: see text] The influence of palladium catalysts and reaction conditions on the selectivity of Heck reactions of aryl bromides with cyclohexene and cyclopentene has been investigated. It is shown that the addition of DMSO as a cosolvent leads to improved selectivities of nonconjugated aryl olefins. On the other hand, high selectivities for conjugated arylcyclopentenes have been obtained with the catalytic system DMA/Na2CO3/Pd2(dba)3 x dba/PCy3.     

Efficient route to 1,3-Di-N-imidazolylbenzene. A comparison of monodentate vs bidentate carbenes in Pd-catalyzed cross coupling

A new bis(carbene) ligand architecture has been developed and was evaluated in the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of various aryl halides with phenylboronic acid. Several new bis(carbene) ligands were tested in different carbene:Pd ratios. Pd(OAc)(2) and Pd(2)(dba)(3) were compared for efficiency as a Pd source. It was found that the Pd(OAc)(2)/bis(carbene) system formed a catalyst for the activation of chlorobenzene. [reaction: see text]     

Efficient synthesis of N-aryl-aza-crown ethers via palladium-catalyzed amination

N-Aryl-aza-crown ethers were efficiently prepared by reaction of an aza-crown ether with an aryl bromide via a palladium-catalyzed amination. The combination of Pd(2)(dba)(3) and a biphenyl-based electron-rich bulky monophosphine is effective for catalyzing the coupling of 1-aza-15-crown-5 with both electron-deficient and electron-rich aryl bromides under mild conditions. N-Aryl-aza-crown ethers were produced in 75-91% yields. N-Aryl-aza-crown ethers with o-aryl substituents can also be synthesized using this catalyst system, albeit in lower yields ( approximately 40%).     

Synthesis of α-carbolines via Pd-catalyzed amidation and Vilsmeier-Haack reaction of 3-acetyl-2-chloroindoles

A new class of α-carboline derivatives has been synthesized by Pd(2)(dba)(3)/BINAP catalyzed amidation of 3-acetyl-2-chloroindoles followed by a Vilsmeier-Haack reaction and is reported.     

Eta2-dba complexes of Pd(0): the substituent effect in Suzuki-Miyaura coupling

The influence of aryl substituents in dibenzylidene acetone (dba) ligands, for Pd(0) complexes, has been evaluated for Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions. Electron-withdrawing substituents such as NO(2) or CF(3) deactivate the catalyst species whereas strongly donating substituents such as OMe increase catalytic activity over that of unsubstituted dba ligands. [reaction: see text]     

Palladium-catalyzed alpha-arylation of esters

A new and simple one-pot procedure for the palladium-catalyzed intermolecular alpha-arylation of esters is described. A number of esters can be functionalized with a wide range of aryl bromides using Pd(OAc)(2) or Pd(2)(dba)(3) and bulky electron-rich o-biphenyl phosphines 1-3. Under the reaction conditions, using LiHMDS as base, alpha-arylation proceeds at room temperature or at 80 degrees C with very good yields and high selectivities for monoarylation. Important nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug derivatives such as (+/-)-naproxen tert-butyl ester and (+/-)-flurbiprofen tert-butyl ester can be prepared in 79% and 86% yield, respectively. The catalyst system based on the di-tert-butylphosphine (2) is also active for the alpha-arylation of esters using aryl chlorides. Furthermore, using (3) the alpha-arylation of trisubstituted ester enolates can be accomplished to provide compounds that have quaternary centers.