Oxidative C-H functionalization: a novel strategy for the acetoxylation/alkoxylation of arenes tethered to 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines

1-Aryl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolines undergo smooth acetoxylation/alkoxylation in the presence of 5 mol % Pd(OAc)₂ and a stoichiometric amount of PhI(OAc)₂ by means of C-H activation to produce the corresponding acetoxy- and alkoxy-1-aryl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline derivatives respectively in good yields with high regioselectivity. It is a first example on oxidative functionalization of arenes tethered to dihydroisoquinoline moiety via the C-H activation.     

The turnover rate for the catalytic combustion of methane over palladium is not sensitive to the structure of the catalyst

The kinetics for the catalytic combustion of methane on Pd in its metal and oxide forms was measured on a foil and on large single crystals exposing initially the (111), (100), and (110) planes. The rates, reaction orders, and activation energies were not dependent on the structure of the active phase. Turnover rates were strictly proportional to the total surface area. The kinetic data were in agreement with the ones for supported catalysts. The values reported can be used as benchmark kinetic values for this reaction since purity and effect of support could be controlled.     

Silver-mediated oxidative C-H/C-H functionalization: a strategy to construct polysubstituted furans

A novel silver-mediated highly selective oxidative C-H/C-H functionalization of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with terminal alkynes for the creation of polysubstituted furans and pyrroles in one step has been demonstrated. Promoted by the crucial silver species, perfect selectivity and good to excellent yields could be achieved. This protocol represents an extremely simple and atom-economic way to construct polysubstituted furans and pyrroles from basic starting materials under mild conditions.     

Mild aerobic oxidative palladium (II) catalyzed C-H bond functionalization: regioselective and switchable C-H alkenylation and annulation of pyrroles

A palladium catalyzed C-H bond functionalization system that operates under ambient and aerobic conditions can be used to alkenylate pyrroles with control of regioselectivty. A steric and electronic control strategy can be used to influence positional control in the C-H bond functionalization process that results in either the C2 or C3 alkenylated products. Air, molecular oxygen, or tBuOOBz can be used as reoxidant in this mild process, and the reaction works on a range of substrates. Finally a catalytic aerobic annulation strategy is described that can be controlled to produce cyclization at either the C2 or C3 positions, thus forming diverse pyrrole products.     

C-H bond arylations and benzylations on oxazol(in)es with a palladium catalyst of a secondary phosphine oxide

An air-stable, well-defined palladium complex derived from secondary phosphine oxide (SPO) (1-Ad)(2)P(O)H enabled efficient C-H bond functionalizations with ample scope, which set the stage for direct arylations and benzylations of (benz)oxazoles, as well as unprecedented palladium-catalyzed C-H bond arylations on nonaromatic oxazolines.     

Carboxylation of arene C-H bonds with CO2: a DFT-based approach to catalyst design

A prototypical catalytic cycle for the direct carboxylation of unactivated arene C-H bonds with CO(2) based on ruthenium(II) pincer complexes as catalysts is proposed and investigated by density functional theory (DFT) methods. The energetic span model is used to predict the turnover frequency (TOF) of various potential catalysts, evaluating their efficiency for this reaction. In addition to modifications of the catalyst structure, we also investigated the effect of the substrate, the solvent, and the influence of a base on the thermodynamics and kinetics of the reaction. Turnover frequencies in the range of 10(5)-10(7) h(-1) are predicted for the best systems. Alternative reaction pathways that might prevent the reaction are also investigated. In all cases, either the respective intermediates are found to be unstable or activation barriers are found to be very high, thereby indicating that these alternative pathways will not interfere with the proposed catalytic cycle. As a result, several ruthenium pincer complexes are suggested as very promising candidates for experimental investigation as catalysts for the carboxylation of arene C-H bonds with CO(2).     

Application of a catalytic palladium biaryl synthesis reaction, via C-H functionalization, to the total synthesis of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids

The total synthesis of the Amaryllidaceae alkaloids dehydroanhydrolycorine, hippadine, pratosine, anhydrolycorine, assoanine, anhydrolycorin-7-one and oxoassoanine was achieved from the appropriate N-benzylisatin precursors using an intramolecular, palladium catalyzed, dehydrohalogenation, biaryl synthesis reaction to establish the carbon skeleton of the natural products. In order to avoid the formation of regioisomers in the cyclization reactions it was found necessary to incorporate the halogen on the benzyl group. Borane reduction of the 7H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-de]phenanthridine-4,5-dione derivatives gave 7H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-de]- and 4,5-dihydro-7H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-de]-phenanthridines (dehydroanhydrolycorine, dehydroassoanine, anhydrolycorine and assoanine). The former were readily reduced to the latter with NaCNBH₃ to give anhydrolycorine and assoanine. These compounds were then oxidized to anhydrolycorin-7-one and oxoassoanine whilst the same mixtures of borane reduction products could be oxidized to give hippadine and pratosine.     

Hydrogenation of alkynes with a palladium anchored polystyrene catalyst

Treating chloromethylated polystyrene beads with anthranilic acid and then palladium chloride gives a material capable of catalyzing the cis-hydrogenation of alkynes. Hydrogenation of phenylacetylene (10mmol) with 0.017 g-atom (based on Pd) of catalyst at room temperature and 30 psig for 7.3 h resulted in 82 % styrene and 14% ethylbenzene. Methylphenylacetylene was converted to cis-1-phenylpropene (60%) and n-propylbenzene (17 %). Several other alkynes were also converted to cis alkenes. The catalyst is less selective than the Lindlar catalyst, but is air stable and stores well.     

Catalytic C-H bond functionalization with palladiumII: aerobic oxidative annulations of indoles

A palladium-catalyzed aerobic oxidative annulation of indoles is described. We have demonstrated that a variety of factors influence these cyclizations, and in particular the electronic nature of the pyridine ligand is crucial. It is also remarkable that these oxidative cyclizations can proceed in good yield despite background oxidative decomposition pathways, testament to the facile nature with which molecular oxygen can serve as the direct oxidant for Pd(0). We have also shown that the mechanism most likely involves initial indole palladation (formal C-H bond activation) followed by migratory insertion and beta-hydrogen elimination.     

Cyclohexane and benzene amination by catalytic nitrene insertion into C-H bonds with the copper-homoscorpionate catalyst TpBr3CuNCMe

The complex TpBr3Cu(NCMe) catalyzes, at room temperature, the insertion of a nitrene group from PhINTs into the carbon-hydrogen bond of cyclohexane and benzene, as well as into the primary C-H bonds of the methyl groups of toluene and mesitylene, in moderate to high yield.     

Copolymerization of carbon monoxide and norbornadiene with a palladium catalyst

Carbon monoxide (CO) and norbornadiene (NBD) with Pd(CH₃CN)₄(BF₄)₂ were copolymerized under various conditions at 50°C. Elemental analysis, infrared spectra, UV, Raman, and NMR spectra showed that the copolymers contained both ketone and unsaturated ring structures. Bidentate nitrogen ligands and phosphorus ligands proved to be more effective at stabilizing catalytic activity than monodentate arsenic ligands or phosphorus ligands. Methanol, protic acid, and an oxidant served as the coinitiator and chain transfer agent, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the copolymer to be partially crystalline. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the TG curve for the NBD/CO copolymer has two stages with two maxima peaks at 251 and 470°C. This phenomenon was probably due to increased instability of the copolymers as CO content is increased. Hydrogenation of norbornadiene/CO copolymer with LiAlH₄ and Pd/C in THF yields a hydroxyl-containing polymer and norbornene/CO copolymer, respectively. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 1157–1166, 1997     

Novel Ca-doped CePO4 supported ruthenium catalyst with superior catalytic performance for aerobic oxidation of alcohols

Ca-doped cerium phosphate (CeCaPO(4)) has been newly developed and successfully used as catalyst support with superior ion-exchanged property and oxygen activation ability. Ru(3+) exchanged CeCaPO(4) is identified as an efficient catalyst for aerobic oxidation of alcohols with the highest TOF (～408 h(-1)) reported so far on supported Ru catalysts.     

Sequential asymmetric homoallenylation of primary amines with a palladium catalyst

Optically active bis(homoallenyl)amines bearing two chiral axes with the same sense of axial chirality were prepared by a one-pot, palladium-catalyzed sequential homoallenylation of primary amines with 2,3-allenyl phosphates.     

C-H bond functionalizations with palladium(II): intramolecular oxidative annulations of arenes

Oxidative annulations for the synthesis of carbocycles were developed using a catalytic palladium(II) system. Indoles with pendant olefin tethers were oxidatively cyclized to form annulated products. Electron-rich aromatic systems were also investigated, culminating in the synthesis of benzofurans and dihydrobenzofurans by a similar protocol. These reactions were demonstrated to proceed by an initial C-H bond functionalization event, followed by olefin insertion and β-hydride elimination.     

Polysiloxane microspheres functionalized with imidazole groups as a palladium catalyst support

Polysiloxane microspheres containing a large number of silanol groups were obtained by an emulsion process of modified polyhydromethylsiloxane. N‐substituted imidazole groups were grafted on these microspheres by the silylation of their silanol groups with N‐[γ‐(dimethylchlorosilyl)propyl]imidazole hydrochloride. The progress of the reaction was monitored using ²⁹Si and ¹³C magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR and its impact on microsphere morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The usefulness of the imidazole‐functionalized microspheres as a support for a metal catalyst was demonstrated by their reaction with PdCl₂(PhCN)₂. In this way a new heterogenized catalyst, Pd(II) complex with imidazole ligands supported on polysiloxane microspheres, was generated. This catalyst, MPd , was characterized using ¹³C and ²⁹Si MAS NMR, X‐ray photoelectron, Fourier transform infrared and far‐infrared spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction, SEM–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering. The catalyst appears in two structures, as Pd(II) complex and Pd(0) nanoclusters. Its catalytic activity was tested using a model reaction, the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde, and compared with that of an analogous complex operating in a homogeneous system. MPd showed a high activity in the promotion of hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde. The activity in the substrate conversion was stable at least in five cycles of this reaction. The main product was hydrocinnamaldehyde which could be obtained with a yield above 70%. A mechanism of the reaction is proposed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ligand-modulated palladium oxidation catalysis: mechanistic insights into aerobic alcohol oxidation with the Pd(OAc)(2)/pyridine catalyst system

Pd(OAc)(2):pyridine (1:4) is an efficient catalyst system for the oxidation of alcohols with molecular oxygen. A mechanistic study of this reaction reveals that pyridine promotes the aerobic oxidation of palladium(0) but inhibits the oxidation of alcohol by palladium(II). Kinetic results reveal that turnover-limiting substrate oxidation consists of (i) formation of a palladium(II)-alkoxide, (ii) pyridine dissociation, and (iii) beta-hydride elimination. These results provide a framework for the design and/or screening of more effective aerobic oxidation catalysts.     

Copolymerization of carbon monoxide and 4-vinylcyclohexene with a palladium catalyst

In this work, carbon monoxide (CO) and 4-vinylcyclohexene (VCH) with [Pd(CH₃CN)₄](BF₄)₂ were copolymerized under various conditions at 60°C. Elemental analysis and infrared, UV, and NMR spectra indicated that copolymers containing a ketone and a cyclic structure of cyclohexyl and norbornane groups are produced. Bidentate nitrogen ligands proved to be more effective at stabilizing catalytic activity than monodentate phosphorus or nitrogen ligands. Also, the bulk substituent on the bidentate ligand led to inactive catalysts. Methanol served as the coinitiator and chain transfer agent. Increasing the concentration of 4-vinylcyclohexene caused the copolymer's CO content to be enhanced. TGA revealed that the copolymer's mass loss starts at 120°C and the maximum peak of decomposition occurs at 450°C. Moreover, X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated the copolymer to be partially crystalline. Furthermore, reduction of 4-vinylcyclohexene/CO copolymer with LiAlH₄ in THF yields a hydroxyl-containing polymer. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35 : 2759–2768, 1997     

Highly dispersed palladium(II) in a defective metal-organic framework: application to C-H activation and functionalization

High reversibility during crystallization leads to relatively defect-free crystals through repair of nonperiodic inclusions, including those derived from impurities. Microporous coordination polymers (MCPs) can achieve a high level of crystallinity through a related mechanism whereby coordination defects are repaired, leading to single crystals. In this work, we discovered and exploited the fact that this process is far from perfect for MCPs and that a minority ligand that is coordinatively identical to but distinct in shape from the majority linker can be inserted into the framework, resulting in defects. The reaction of Zn(II) with 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H(2)BDC) in the presence of small amounts of 1,3,5-tris(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene (H(3)BTB) leads to a new crystalline material, MOF-5(O(h)), that is nearly identical to MOF-5 but has an octahedral morphology and a number of defect sites that are uniquely functionalized with dangling carboxylates. The reaction with Pd(OAc)(2) impregnates the metal ions, creating a heterogeneous catalyst with ultrahigh surface area. The Pd(II)-catalyzed phenylation of naphthalene within Pd-impregnated MOF-5(O(h)) demonstrates the potential utility of an MCP framework for modulating the reactivity and selectivity of such transformations. Furthermore, this novel synthetic approach can be applied to different MCPs and will provide scaffolds functionalized with catalytically active metal species.     

Transition-metal-free: a highly efficient catalytic aerobic alcohol oxidation process

A highly efficient catalytic system without transition metals has been developed for aerobic alcohol oxidations. Under the optimal reaction conditions, various alcohol substrates were converted into their corresponding carbonyl compounds by air with TEMPO/Br2/NaNO2 as catalyst, especially the oxidation of benzylic alcohols to benzaldehydes in high yields.