Oxygen capture by lithiated organozinc reagents containing aromatic 2-pyridylamide ligands

The sequential reaction of ZnMe2 with a 2-pyridylamine (HN(2-C5H4N)R, R = Ph: 1; 3,5-Xy (=3,5-xylyl): 2; 2,6-Xy: 3; Bz (=benzyl): 4; Me: 5), tBuLi and thereafter with oxygen affords various lithium zincate species, the solid-state structures of which reveal a diversity of oxo-capture modes. Amine 1 reacts to give both dimeric THF [Li(Me)OZn[N(2-C5H4N)Ph]2] (6), wherein oxygen has inserted into the Zn-C bond of a [MeZn[N(2-C5H4N)-Ph]2] ion, and the trigonal Li2Zn complex, bis(OtBu)-capped (THF x Li)2-[[(mu3-O)tBu]2Zn[N(2-C5H4N)Ph]2] (7). The structural analogue of 6 (8) results from the employment of 2, while the use of more sterically congested 3 yields a pseudo-cubane dimer [(THF x [Li(tBu)OZn(OtBu)Me]]2] (9) notable for the retention of labile Zn-C(Me). Amines 4 and 5 afford the oxo-encapsulation products [mu4-O)Zn4[(2-C5H4N)-NBz]6] (10b), and [tBu(mu3-O)-Li3(mu6-O)Zn3[(2-C5H4N)NMe]6] (11), respectively, with concomitant oxo-insertion into a Li-C interaction resulting in capping of the fac-isomeric (mu6-O)M3M'3 distorted octahedral core of the latter complex by a tert-butoxide group.     

On the kinetic and thermodynamic reactivity of lithium di(alkyl)amidozincate bases in directed ortho metalation

Sequential reaction of HTMP (= 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine) with nBuLi and Et2Zn affords unsolvated polymer chains of EtZn(micro-Et)(micro-TMP)Li 6. The scope of this reagent in directed ortho metalation (DoM) chemistry has been tested by its reaction with N,N-diisopropylnaphthamide in THF to give EtZn(micro-C10H6C(O)NiPr2-2)2Li.2THF 7. Data reveal that 6 has undergone reaction with 2 equiv of aromatic tertiary amide and imply that it exhibits dual alkyl/amido basicity. DFT calculations reveal that direct alkyl basicity is kinetically disfavored and instead point to a stepwise mechanism whereby 6 acts as an amido base, liberating HTMP during the first DoM event. Re-coordination of the amine at lithium then incurs the elimination of EtH. Reaction of the resulting alkyl(amido)(arylamido)zincate with a second equivalent of N,N-diisopropylnaphthamide eliminates HTMP and affords 7. Both DoM steps involve the exhibition of amido basicity and each reveals a low kinetic barrier to reaction. Understanding of this reaction sequence is tested by treating 6 with N,N-diisopropylbenzamide in THF. On the basis of theory and experiment, the presence of THF solvent (in place of stronger Lewis bases) combined with the use of a sterically less congested aromatic amide is expected to encourage threefold, stepwise reaction. Isolation and characterization of the resulting tripodal zincate Zn(micro-C6H4C(O)NiPr2-2)3Li.THF 8 bears this out and suggests a significant new level of control in zincate-induced DoM chemistry through the combination of experiment and DFT studies.     

Mechanism and ligand-transfer selectivity of 1,2-addition of organozincate complexes to aldehyde

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to investigate the origin of the reactivity and ligand-transfer selectivity of organozincates in the 1,2-addition to carbonyl compounds. Examination of the addition of Me(3)ZnLi to formaldehyde as compared with that of Me(2)Zn showed that the addition reaction is facilitated by the push-pull synergy of the Lewis acidic Li atom and the negatively charged Me(3)Zn moiety. This analysis then provided an answer to the mechanistic question about the experimentally established ligand-transfer selectivity in the 1,2-addition of heteroleptic organozincate Me(2)Zn(X)Li (X = H-, R(2)N-, and R(3)Si-). The addition of these heteroleptic zincate compounds results in selective transfer of H, R(2)N, and R(3)Si groups owing to the favorable orbital interaction between these groups and the carbonyl pi-system. The addition reaction of the zincate compounds conforms to the mechanistic framework of the conventional nucleophilic reaction, such as the addition reaction of MeLi dimer, and is different from the reaction of organocuprates, where oxidation/reduction of the copper atom is involved.     

Main group multiple C-H/N-H bond activation of a diamine and isolation of a molecular dilithium zincate hydride: experimental and DFT evidence for alkali metal-zinc synergistic effects

The surprising transformation of the saturated diamine (iPr)NHCH(2)CH(2)NH(iPr) to the unsaturated diazaethene [(iPr)NCH═CHN(iPr)](2-) via the synergic mixture nBuM, (tBu)(2)Zn and TMEDA (where M = Li, Na; TMEDA = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine) has been investigated by multinuclear NMR spectroscopic studies and DFT calculations. Several pertinent intermediary and related compounds (TMEDA)Li[(iPr)NCH(2)CH(2)NH(iPr)]Zn(tBu)(2) (3), (TMEDA)Li[(iPr)NCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)N(iPr)]Zn(tBu) (5), {(THF)Li[(iPr)NCH(2)CH(2)N(iPr)]Zn(tBu)}(2) (6), and {(TMEDA)Na[(iPr)NCH(2)CH(2)N(iPr)]Zn(tBu)}(2) (11), characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, are discussed in relation to their role in the formation of (TMEDA)M[(iPr)NCH═CHN(iPr)]Zn(tBu) (M = Li, 1; Na, 10). In addition, the dilithio zincate molecular hydride [(TMEDA)Li](2)[(iPr)NCH(2)CH(2)N(iPr)]Zn(tBu)H 7 has been synthesized from the reaction of (TMEDA)Li[(iPr)NCH(2)CH(2)NH(iPr)]Zn(tBu)(2)3 with nBuLi(TMEDA) and also characterized by both X-ray crystallographic and NMR spectroscopic studies. The retention of the Li-H bond of 7 in solution was confirmed by (7)Li-(1)H HSQC experiments. Also, the (7)Li NMR spectrum of 7 in C(6)D(6) solution allowed for the rare observation of a scalar (1)J(Li-H) coupling constant of 13.3 Hz. Possible mechanisms for the transformation from diamine to diazaethene, a process involving the formal breakage of four bonds, have been determined computationally using density functional theory. The dominant mechanism, starting from (TMEDA)Li[(iPr)NCH(2)CH(2)N(iPr)]Zn(tBu) (4), involves the formation of a hydride intermediate and leads directly to the observed diazaethene product. In addition the existence of 7 in equilibrium with 4 through the dynamic association and dissociation of a (TMEDA)LiH ligand, also provides a secondary mechanism for the formation of the diazaethene. The two reaction pathways (i.e., starting from 4 or 7) are quite distinct and provide excellent examples in which the two distinct metals in the system are able to interact synergically to catalyze this otherwise challenging transformation.     

Neutral zinc, lower-order zincate and higher-order zincate derivatives of pyrrole: synthesis and structural characterisation of zinc complexes with one, two, three or four pyrrolyl ligands

Towards a systematic development of the zinc chemistry of the important five-membered nitrogen heterocycle pyrrole, this work reports the synthesis and characterisation of five crystalline zinc-pyrrolyl complexes. Pyrrolyl in this context means where conversion of the N-H bond to an N-zinc bond has occurred. Two neutral complexes, [(t)BuZn(NC(4)H(4))(TMEDA)·HNC(4)H(4)] 1 and [Zn(NC(4)H(4))(2)(TMEDA)] 2, containing one and two pyrrolyl ligands, respectively, were synthesised by reacting di-t-butylzinc with different amounts of pyrrole in the presence of TMEDA (TMEDA is N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine). X-ray crystallographic studies established that both adopt mononuclear structures with the salient feature of the former the presence of an additional parent protonated pyrrole molecule which engages its anionic counterpart in N-H…πC-C interactions. Employing a similar synthetic approach but adding n-butylsodium to the reaction mixture in attempts to form ate derivatives delivered three distinct sodium zincate (anionic zinc) compounds in [{(THF)(2)·NaZn(THF)(NC(4)H(4))(3)}(∞)] 3, [{(TMEDA)·Na}(2)Zn(NC(4)H(4))(4)] 4, and [{(PMDETA)·Na}(2)Zn(NC(4)H(4))(4)] 5 (PMDETA is N,N,N',N',N'-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine). From their crystal structures, the 1?:?1, Na:Zn complex 3 can be classified as a lower-order zincate having three pyrrolyl ligands bound to zinc in a polymeric chain arrangement, while the 2?:?1, Na:Zn complexes 4 and 5 are molecular higher-order zincates having Zn centres fully saturated by four pyrrolyl ligands. Discussion of the structures of 1-5 focuses on the interplay of σ-bonding and π-bonding between the pyrrolyl ligands and the metal centres. Revealingly, the zinc-free sodiopyrrole complex [{(PMDETA)·Na(NC(4)H(4))}(2)] 6, made and characterised for comparison, shows that on its own sodium prefers the former type of bonding, but is forced to switch to the latter type when combined with the stronger Lewis acid zinc in the zincate compositions. Complexes 1-6 have also been characterised in solution by NMR spectroscopy.     

Structurally Defined Potassium‐Mediated Zincation of Pyridine and 4‐R‐Substituted Pyridines (R=Et,iPr, tBu,Ph, and Me2N) by Using Dialkyl–TMP–Zincate Bases

Two potassium–dialkyl–TMP–zincate bases [(pmdeta)K(μ‐Et)(μ‐tmp)Zn(Et)] ( 1 ) (PMDETA=N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidide), and [(pmdeta)K(μ‐nBu)(μ‐tmp)Zn(nBu)] ( 2 ), have been synthesized by a simple co‐complexation procedure. Treatment of 1 with a series of substituted 4‐R‐pyridines (R=Me₂N, H, Et, iPr, tBu, and Ph) gave 2‐zincated products of the general formula [{2‐Zn(Et)₂‐μ‐4‐R‐C₅H₃N}₂ ? 2{K(pmdeta)}] ( 3 – 8 , respectively) in isolated crystalline yields of 53, 16, 7, 23, 67, and 51 %, respectively; the treatment of 2 with 4‐tBu‐pyridine gave [{2‐Zn(nBu)₂‐μ‐4‐tBu‐C₅H₃N}₂ ? 2{K(pmdeta)}] ( 9 ) in an isolated crystalline yield of 58 %. Single‐crystal X‐ray crystallographic and NMR spectroscopic characterization of 3 – 9 revealed a novel structural motif consisting of a dianionic dihydroanthracene‐like tricyclic ring system with a central diazadicarbadizinca (ZnCN)₂ ring, face‐capped on either side by PMDETA‐wrapped K⁺ cations. All the new metalated pyridine complexes share this dimeric arrangement. As determined by NMR spectroscopic investigations of the reaction filtrates, those solutions producing 3 , 7 , 8 , and 9 appear to be essentially clean reactions, in contrast to those producing 4 , 5 , and 6 , which also contain laterally zincated coproducts. In all of these metalation reactions, the potassium–zincate base acts as an amido transfer agent with a subsequent ligand‐exchange mechanism (amido replacing alkyl) inhibited by the coordinative saturation, and thus, low Lewis acidity of the 4‐coordinate Zn centers in these dimeric molecules. Studies on analogous trialkyl–zincate reagents in the absence and presence of stoichiometric or substoichiometric amounts of TMP(H) established the importance of Zn? N bonds for efficient zincation.     

Alkali metal and zinc complexes of a bridging 2,5-diamino-1,4-benzoquinonediimine ligand

Two alkali metal complexes of a bridging 2,5-diamino-1,4-benzoquinonediimine ligand (dipp-dabqdiH(2)), [(thf)(2)Li(μ-dipp-dabqdi)Li(thf)(2)] (1) and [(dme)(1.5)Na(μ-dipp-dabqdi)Na(dme)(1.5)](n) (2, dme = 1,2-dimethoxyethane), have been synthesized by the reaction of dipp-dabqdiH(2) with Li(n)Bu or sodium metal. In addition, treatment of 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(2,6-diisopropylamino)benzene (dipp-tabH(4)) with potassium metal in dme afforded the complex [(dme)(2)K(μ-dipp-tabH(2))K(dme)(2)] (3). X-ray crystal diffraction analyses revealed that complexes 1 and 3 have dinuclear structures, while the sodium complex 2 aggregates to a one-dimensional polymer through bridging dme ligands. With increasing ion radius, the coordination number of the alkali metal (Li, Na, and K) increases from four to five to six, while the coordination geometry changes from distorted tetrahedral to square pyramidal and further to octahedral in 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The salt metathesis reactions of 1 and 2 with anhydrous ZnCl(2) yielded the ion-contacted zinc complexes [(thf)(3)Li(μ-Cl)ClZn(μ-dipp-dabqdi)ZnCl(μ-Cl)Li(thf)(3)] (4), [(dme)(2)Li(μ-Cl)ClZn(μ-dippdabqdi)ZnCl(μ-Cl)Li(dme)(2)] (5), and [(dme)(2)Na(μ-Cl)(2)Zn(μ-dipp-dabqdi)Zn(μ-Cl)(2)Na(dme)(2)] (6), respectively. The ligand exists as the dianionic form in compounds 1-6 upon double deprotonation, and a complete electronic delocalization (except for 3) of the quinonoid π-system is observed between the metal centers over the two N═C-C═C-N halves of the ligand. The electronic structures of the complexes were studied by density functional theory (DFT) computations.     

Sodium dialkyl-amidozincates: alkyl or amido bases? An experimental and theoretical case study

Alkali metal zincate reagents are attracting considerable attention at present in respect to their often special reactivity/selectivity in hydrogen-metal and halogen-metal interconversion reactions. Heteroleptic diorgano-amidozincates, typified by lithium di-tert-butyltetramethylpiperidinozincate, have proved to be especially useful reagents in such applications. In this paper the related sodium TMP-zincate, prepared as its TMEDA (N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine) adduct, [TMEDA.Na(mu-tBu)(mu-TMP)Zn(tBu)], 1, is introduced. This new zincate was synthesized from a 1:1:1 mixture of tBu2Zn, NaTMP, and TMEDA in hexane solution, as a colorless crystalline solid in an isolated yield of 58%. It has been characterized in solution by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic studies. An X-ray crystallographic study reveals that 1 adopts a five-membered (NaNZnCC) ring system featuring a TMP bridge and an unusual, asymmetrical tBu bridge involving a Na...Me agostic contact. Probing the basicity of 1, reaction with benzene affords the new hetero(tri)leptic zincate [TMEDA.Na(mu-Ph)(mu-TMP)Zn(tBu)], 2, which has also been crystallographically characterized. Thus, in this hydrogen-metal exchange reaction 1 functions as an alkyl base, with the elimination of butane, as opposed to an amido base. Also reported are DFT calculations using B3LYP functionals and the 6-311G** basis set on model zincate systems, which intimate that the preference of 1 for tBu ligand transfer over TMP ligand transfer in the reaction toward benzene is due to favorable thermodynamic factors.     

Encapsulation of hydride by molecular main group metal clusters: manipulating the source and coordination sphere of the interstitial ion

The sequential treatment of Lewis acids with N,N'-bidentate ligands and thereafter with ButLi has afforded a series of hydride-encapsulating alkali metal polyhedra. While the use of Me3Al in conjunction with Ph(2-C5H4N)NH gives Ph(2-C5H4N)NAlMe2 and this reacts with MeLi in thf to yield the simple 'ate complex Ph(2-C5H4N)NAlMe3Li.thf, the employment of an organolithium substrate capable of beta-hydride elimination redirects the reaction significantly. Whereas the use of ButLi has previously yielded a main group interstitial hydride in which H- exhibits micro6-coordination, it is shown here that variability in the coordination sphere of the encapsulated hydride may be induced by manipulation of the organic ligand. Reaction of (c-C6H11)(2-C5H4N)NH with Me3Al/ButLi yields [{(c-C6H11)(2-C5H4N)N}6HLi8]+[(But2AlMe2)2Li]-, which is best viewed as incorporating only linear di-coordination of the hydride ion. The guanidine 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidine (hppH) in conjunction with Me2Zn/ButLi yields the micro8-hydride [(hpp)6HLi8]+[But3Zn]-.0.5PhMe. Formation of the micro8-hydride [(hpp)6HLi8]+[ButBEt3]- is revealed by employment of the system Et3B/ButLi. A new and potentially versatile route to interstitial hydrides of this class is revealed by synthesis of the mixed borohydride-lithium hydride species [(hpp)6HLi8]+[Et3BH]- and [(hpp)6HLi8]+[(Et3B)2H]- through the direct combination of hppLi with Et3BHLi.     

Coordination chemistry of silanedithiolato ligands derived from cyclotrisilathiane: synthesis and structures of complexes of iron(II), cobalt(II), palladium(II), copper(I), and silver(I)

The coordination chemistry of chelating silanedithiolato ligands has been investigated on Fe(II), Co(II), Pd(II), Cu(I), and Ag(I). Treatment of M(OAc)(2) (M = Fe, Co, Pd) with cyclotrisilathiane (SSiMe(2))(3) in the presence of Lewis bases resulted in formation of Fe(S(2)SiMe(2))(PMDETA) (1), Fe(S(2)SiMe(2))(Me(3)TACN) (2), Co(S(2)SiMe(2))(PMDETA) (3), and Pd(S(2)SiMe(2))(PEt(3))(2) (4) (PMDETA = N,N,N',N',N' '-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine; Me(3)TACN = 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane). The analogous reactions of M(OAc) (M = Cu, Ag) in the presence of PEt(3) gave rise to the dinuclear complexes M(2)[(SSiMe(2))(2)S](PEt(3))(3) [M = Cu (5), Ag (6)]. Complexes were characterized in solution by (1)H, (31)P[(1)H], and (29)Si[(1)H] NMR and in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Mononuclear complexes 1-3 have a four-membered MS(2)Si ring, and these five-coordinate complexes adopt trigonal-bipyramidal (for the PMDETA adducts) or square-pyramidal (for the Me(3)TACN adduct) geometries. In dimer 6, the (SSiMe(2))(2)S(2)(-) silanedithiolato ligand bridges two metal centers, one of which is three-coordinate and the other four-coordinate. The chelating effect of silanedithiolato ligands leads to an increase in the stability of silylated thiolato complexes.     

Vinyl oxidative coupling as a synthetic route to catalytically active monovalent chromium

Reaction of the deprotonated form of cis-{(t-Bu)N(H)P[μ-N(t-Bu)](2)PN(H)(t-Bu)} with CrCl(3)(THF)(3) afforded the trivalent cis-{(t-Bu)NP[μ-N(t-Bu)](2)PN(t-Bu)}[Li (THF)])CrCl(2) (1). Subsequent reaction with 2 equiv of vinyl Grignard (CH(2)=CH)Mg Cl gave the butadiene derivative (cis-{(t-Bu)NP[μ-N(t-Bu)](2)PN(t-Bu)}[Li(THF)])Cr(cis-η(4)-butadiene) (3) formally containing the metal in its monovalent state. The presence of the monovalent state was thereafter confirmed by DFT calculations. The coordination of the butadiene unit appears to be rather robust since reaction with Me(3)P afforded cleavage of the dimeric ligand core but not its displacement. The reaction formed the new butadiene complex [(t-Bu)N-P-N(t-Bu)]Cr(cis-η(4)-butadiene)PMe(3) (4) containing a regular NPN monoanion. In agreement with the presence of monovalent chromium, complexes 3 and 4 act as single-component self-activating catalysts for selective ethylene trimerization and dimerization, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of calcium complexes containing eta 2-pyrazolato ligands

Treatment of calcium bromide with 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolatopotassium (2 equiv) in tetrahydrofuran afforded Ca(tBu2pz)2(THF)2 (69%). The reaction of this compound with pyridine (3 equiv), tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA, 1 equiv), N,N,N',N',N"-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA, 1 equiv), triglyme (1 equiv), and tetraglyme (1 equiv) yielded Ca(tBu2pz)2(py)3 (51%), Ca(tBu2pz)2(TMEDA) (74%), Ca(tBu2pz)2(PMDETA) (50%), Ca(tBu2pz)2(triglyme) (73%), and Ca(tBu2pz)2(tetraglyme) (57%), respectively. Treatment of the tetrahydrofuran adduct of Ca(Me2pz)2, generated in situ, with PMDETA (1 equiv), triglyme (1 equiv), and tetraglyme (1 equiv) afforded Ca(Me2pz)2(PMDETA) (65%), Ca(Me2pz)2(triglyme) (54%), and Ca(Me2pz)2(tetraglyme) (40%), respectively. The X-ray crystal structures of Ca(tBu2pz)2(py)3, Ca(tBu2pz)2(TMEDA), Ca(tBu2pz)2(PMDETA), Ca(tBu2pz)2(triglyme), and Ca(Me2pz)2(PMDETA) revealed six-, seven-, or eight-coordinate calcium centers with eta 2-pyrazolato ligands. Ca(tBu2pz)2(triglyme) sublimes at 160 degrees C (0.1 mmHg). The potential utility of these complexes as source compounds for chemical vapor deposition processes is discussed.     

Bimetallic fluorine-substituted anilido-aldimine zinc complexes for CO2/(cyclohexene oxide) copolymerization

Regioselective nucleophilic aromatic substitution of an o-fluorine occurs to afford fluorine-substituted o-phenylene-bridged bis(anilido-aldimine) compounds o-C6H4[(C6H2R2)N=CH-C6F4-(H)N(C6H3R'2)]2 when Li(H)N-C6H3R'2 (R' = iPr, Et, Me) is reacted with o-C6H4[(C6H2R2)N=CH-C6F5]2 (R = iPr, Et, Me) in a nonpolar solvent such as diethyl ether or toluene. Successive additions of Me2Zn and SO2 gas to the bis(anilido-aldimine) compounds afford quantitatively dinuclear mu-methylsulfinato zinc complexes o-C6H4[[(C6H2R2)N=CH-C6F4-N(C6H3R'2)-kappa2N,N]Zn(mu-OS(O)Me)]2 (R = iPr, R' = iPr, 3a; R = iPr, R' = Me, 3c; R = Et, R' = (i)Pr, 3d; R = Et, R' = Et, 3e; R = Et, R' = Me, 3f; R = Me, R' = iPr, 3g; R = Me, R' = Et, 3h; R = Me, R' = Me, 3i). The molecular structure of 3c was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Fluorine-substituted complexes 3a-i show significantly higher TOF (turnover frequencies) than the unfluorinated analogues for CO2/(cyclohexene oxide) copolymerization. The TOF is highly sensitive to the substituents R and R', and the highest TOF (2480 h(-1)) is obtained with 3g (R = Me, R' = iPr). Complex 3g is less sensitive to the residual protic impurities present in the monomers and shows activity at such a low catalyst concentration as [Zn]:[cyclohexene oxide] = 1:50,000, at which the unfluorinated analogue is completely inactive. By realizing the activity at such an extremely low [Zn]:[cyclohexene oxide] ratio, we achieve a high TON (turnover number) up to 10,100. High-molecular-weight polymers (M(n), 100,000-200,000) are obtained with a rather broad molecular-weight distribution (M(w)/M(n), 1.3-2.5). The obtained polymers are not perfectly alternating, and variable carbonate linkages (65-85%) are observed depending on the N-aryl ortho substituents R and R' and the polymerization conditions.     

Generation and suppression of 3-/4-functionalized benzynes using zinc ate base (TMP-Zn-ate): new approaches to multisubstituted benzenes

We present full details of our new methods for preparing functionalized benzynes with lithium di-alkyl(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidino)zincate (R2Zn(TMP)Li) through deprotonative zincation as a key reaction. In this system, by choosing appropriate ligands for the zincate, either regioselective zincation of functionalized haloaromatics or the generation of substituted benzynes can be controlled in good yields with excellent chemoselectivity, using the same substrate. Zincation with (t)Bu2Zn(TMP)Li followed by electrophilic trapping or zincation with Me2Zn(TMP)Li followed by nucleophilic or diene trapping is shown to be a powerful tool for the chemoselective preparation of 1,2,3-/1,2,4-trisubstituted benzene derivatives. These methods offer far greater generality than previous methods for the synthesis of multifunctionalized benzenes. Computational/theoretical studies of the reaction mechanism of this unique benzyne formation indicated that preferential coordination of the dialkylzinc moiety of zincate to halogen is the reason for the reduced activation energy of the elimination, that is, for the formation of the benzyne. The role of the ligands on Zn in accelerating/decelerating the elimination is also discussed.     

Formation of a bridging planar trimethylenemethane dianion from a neopentyl precursor via sequential beta-alkyl elimination and C-H activation

The reaction of neopentyllithium, Me3CCH2Li, with [(C5Me5)2Sm][(mu-Ph)2BPh2], 1, was investigated as a route to the unsolvated alkyl, [(C5Me5)2Sm(CH2CMe3)]x, and found to generate the first f element trimethylenemethane dianion complex, [(C5Me5)2Sm]2[mu-eta3:eta3-C(CH2)3], 2. Formation of the [C4H6]2- trimethylenemethane ligand from the [C5H11]1- neopentyl precursor can be explained by a combination of a beta-methyl elimination reaction to form isobutene and [(C5Me5)2SmMe]3, 3, with subsequent C-H activation reactions. This sequence has been modeled in several ways, including the synthesis of 2 from reactions of 3 with CH2=CMe2 and 3 with the 2-methylallyl complex, (C5Me5)2Sm[CH2C(Me)CH2], 4.     

Novel multidentate sulfur-nitrogen ligands with enhanced complexation properties

Di(tert-butyl)sulfur diimide and bis(trimethylsilyl)sulfur diimide were reacted with different metalated amines to form versatile novel multidentate ligand systems with side-arm donation. Their complexation properties in terms of ligand design, denticity and the cation size are discussed. We report herein the synthesis and structure elucidation of [(tBuN)(2)S{LiMe(2)N(C(6)H(4))S(NtBu)(2)}(2)] (1), [(Li{Me(2)N(C(6)H(4))S(NSiMe(3))(2)})(2)] (2), [(Li(thf){Me(2)N(C(6)H(4))S(NSiMe(3))(2)})(2)] (3), [(Li{2-PicS(NSiMe(3))(2)})(2)] (4), [(Li{Me(2)N(CH(2))(2)N(Me)S(NSiMe(3))(2)})(2)] (5), [(Na{Me(2)N(CH(2))(2)N(Me)S(NSiMe(3))(2)})(2)] (6) and [(K{Me(2)N(C(6)H(4))S(NSiMe(3))(2)})(2)] (7).     

Reduction of dinitrogen with an yttrium metallocene hydride precursor, [(C5Me5)2YH]2

Treatment of [(C(5)Me(5))(2)YH](2), 1, with KC(8) under N(2) in methylcyclohexane generates the unsolvated reduced dinitrogen complex, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 2, and extends the range of yttrium and lanthanide LnZ(2)Z'/M (Z = monoanion; M = alkali metal) dinitrogen reduction reactions to (Z')(-) = (H)(-). The hydride complex, 1, is unique in this reactivity compared to other alkane-soluble yttrium metallocenes, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)YX](x) {X = [N(SiMe(3))(2)](-), (Me)(-), (C(3)H(5))(-), and (C(5)Me(5))(-)} which did not generate 2 when treated with KC(8). [(C(5)Me(5))(2)LnH](x)/KC(8)/N(2) reactions with Ln = La and Lu did not give isolable dinitrogen complexes. Complex 2 and the unsolvated lutetium analogue, [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Lu](2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)), 3, were obtained using benzene as a solvent and [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Ln][(μ-Ph)(2)BPh(2)] as precursors with excess KC(8). Complex 2 functions as a reducing agent with PhSSPh to form [(C(5)Me(5))(2)Y(μ-SPh)](2), 4, in high yield.     

Lateral Metallation and Redistribution Reactions of Sodium Ferrates Containing Bulky 2,6-Diisopropyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)anilide Ligands

Alkali-metal ferrates containing amide groups have emerged as regioselective bases capable of promoting Fe−H exchanges of aromatic substrates. Advancing this area of heterobimetallic chemistry, a new series of sodium ferrates is introduced incorporating the bulky arylsilyl amido ligand N(SiMe₃)(Dipp) (Dipp=2,6-iPr₂-C₆H₃). Influenced by the large steric demands imposed by this amide, transamination of [NaFe(HMDS)₃] (HMDS=N(SiMe₃)₂) with an excess of HN(SiMe₃)(Dipp) led to the isolation of heteroleptic [Na(HMDS)₂Fe{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}]_∞ ( 1 ) resulting from the exchange of just one HMDS group. An alternative co-complexation approach, combining the homometallic metal amides [NaN(SiMe₃)Dipp] and [Fe{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}₂] induces lateral metallation of one Me arm from the SiMe₃ group in the iron amide furnishing tetrameric [NaFe{N(SiCH₂Me₂)Dipp}{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}]₄ ( 2 ). Reactivity studies support that this deprotonation is driven by the steric incompatibility of the single metal amides rather than the basic capability of the sodium reagent. Displaying synergistic reactivity, heteroleptic sodium ferrate 1 can selectively promote ferration of pentafluorobenzene using one of its HMDS arms to give heterotrileptic [Na{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}(HMDS)Fe(C₆F₅)]_∞ ( 4 ). Attempts to deprotonate less activated pyridine led to the isolation of NaHMDS and heteroleptic Fe(II) amide [(py)Fe{N(SiMe₃)Dipp}(HMDS)] ( 5 ), resulting from an alternative redistribution process which is favoured by the Lewis donor ability of this substrate.     

Aggregation of donor base stabilized 2-thienyllithium in a single crystal and in solution: distances from X-ray diffraction and the nuclear Overhauser effect

Various 2-thienyllithium derivatives were investigated in the solid state by X-ray diffraction and in solution by 2D NMR experiments. The determined structures of [(Et(2)O)Li(C(4)H(3)S)](4) (1), [(THF)(2)Li(C(4)H(3)S)](2) (2), [(DME)Li(C(4)H(3)S)](2) (3), [(TMEDA)Li(C(4)H(3)S)](2) (4), and [(PMDETA)Li(C(4)H(3)S)] (5) (DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane, TMEDA = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylene-1,2-diamine, and PMDETA = N,N,N',N",N"-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) were solved in nondonating toluene and provide firm ground for diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy as well as heteronuclear Overhauser enhancement NMR spectroscopy. The distance relation of nuclear Overhauser effects with a factor of r(-6) is employed to gain further insight into the aggregation degree of 1-5 in solution. Comparison of the slope provided by the linear region of the buildup curves and of the ∑r(-6) calculated distances from the crystal structures offers a handle to judge the structure retention versus conversion in solution. The structures of 3-5 are maintained in toluene solution. The data of 2, however, indicate a partial dissociation or a rapid exchange between the vertices of a tetrameric core and free THF molecules. Auxiliary exchange spectroscopy investigations showed that the signals of the nitrogen donor base containing compounds 4 and 5 exchange with the signals of nonlithiated thiophene. This is explained by exchange of the deuterium by a hydrogen atom via lithiation of toluene molecules.