Solid-State Isolation of Cyclic Alkyl(Amino) Carbene (cAAC)-Supported Structurally Diverse Alkali Metal-Phosphinidenides

Cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene (cAAC)-supported, structurally diverse alkali metal-phosphinidenides 2 – 5 of general formula ((cAAC)P-M)_n(THF)_x [ 2 : M=K, n=2, x=4; 3 : M=K, n=6, x=2; 4 : M=K, n=4, x=4; 5 : M=Na, n=3, x=1] have been synthesized by the reduction of cAAC-stabilized chloro-phosphinidene cAAC=P-Cl ( 1 ) utilizing metallic K or KC₈ and Na-naphthalenide as reducing agents. Complexes 2 – 5 have been structurally characterized in solid state by NMR studies and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The proposed mechanism for the electron transfer process has been well-supported by cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The solid state oligomerization process has been observed to be largely dependent on the ionic radii of alkali metal ions, steric bulk of cAAC ligands and solvation/de-solvation/recombination of the dimeric unit [(cAAC)P-M(THF)_x]₂.     

Boranes Paving the Way to Anionic Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbenes (Ani-cAACs)

First examples of anionic cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (Ani-cAACs) that contain borane substituents have been synthesized. The nature of the borane substituents allows a modulation of the σ-donor or π-acceptor abilities compared to their neutral analogues. A B(CN)₃-substituted Ani-cAAC has been generated and used in situ. The corresponding C₂F₅BF₂-Ani-cAAC 6 was obtained in high yield on a multigram scale. First reactions of these novel ligands with elemental selenium and chloro(triphenylphosphine)gold(I) led to the anionic selenium adducts 7 and 8 and the Ani-cAAC gold complex 9 . The properties of these compounds and data derived from theoretical calculations provide an insight into the electronic and steric properties of these novel anionic cAACs. Especially the ease of synthesis and the combination of properties such as negative charge, large buried volume, and good σ-donor and π-acceptor ability renders Ani-cAACs unique and promising new building blocks.     

The Influence of C(sp3)H–Selenium Interactions on the 77Se NMR Quantification of the π-Accepting Properties of Carbenes

Selenium NMR has become a standard tool for scaling the π-accepting character of carbenes. Herein, we highlight that non-classical hydrogen bonding (NCHB), likely resulting from hyperconjugation, can play a significant role in the carbene–selenium ⁷⁷Se NMR chemical shift, thus triggering a non-linear behavior of the Se-Scale.     

Isolation of Homo-/Mixed-Valence Ag12, Ag29, and Ag8 Clusters Stabilized by Cyclic Alkyl(amino) Carbene-Anchored Monoanionic Phosphorus Ligand

Silver clusters are attractive candidates for their promising optical properties, and biomedical activities. Herein, we report on the first syntheses and isolation of three homo-/mixed-valence silver nanoclusters (NCs) with Ag₁₂Cl₃, Ag₂₉, and Ag₈ cores [((cAAC)P)₆Ag₁₂Cl₃](OTf)₃ ( 1 ), [((cAAC)P)₆Ag₂₉] ( 2 ), and [((cAAC)P)₄Ag₈] ( 3 ) having three-/twofold symmetry, employing cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene (cAAC)-supported phosphinidenide (cAACP⁻) as the π-accepting stabilizing ligand. The average diameters of Ag NCs 1 , and 2 are approximately 1.6 to 2 nm. The redox non-innocent mono-atomic phosphorus anions (P⁻) anchored with cAAC ligands are generated in situ by the reaction of AgOTf with a boryl-phosphaalkene (cAAC)P−B(NⁱPr₂)₂ through cleavage of the P−B bond with the help of a triflate anion (OTf⁻) as a weak nucleophile. Equivalent number of the (cAAC)P⁻ anions generated in situ are oxidized to produce the corresponding bis-phosphinidene (cAAC)₂P₂ leading to the generation of Ag⁰ ions in solution for the formation of the unprecedented mixed-valence Ag NC 2 . Complex 3 is achieved by treating potassium phosphinidenide cAACPK with AgNTf₂. The ligand field and the steric hindrance of the (cAAC)P units play crucial roles in stabilizing complexes 1 – 3 , further providing a three- ( 1 , 2 )/two- ( 3 ) fold stand. The Ag₁₂Cl₃ NC ( 1 ) with a tricationic core [Ag^I₁₂Cl₃] was found to be diamagnetic, and fluorescent, emitting green light at 563 nm when excited at 400 nm. In contrast, the neutral Ag₂₉ ( 2 ) and Ag₈ ( 3 ) clusters were found to be paramagnetic, and NMR silent showing characteristic EPR signals for Ag⁰ at room temperature.     

A Stable Neutral Radical in the Coordination Sphere of Aluminum

The neutral radical (Me₂‐cAAC)₂AlCl₂ ( 2 ) is stabilized by cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (cAACs). Complex 2 was synthesized by reduction of the Me₂‐cAAC:→AlCl₃ ( 1 ) adduct with KC₈ in the presence of another equivalent of Me₂‐cAAC. The crystal structure of 2 shows that the Al−C bond lengths of the two carbenes bound to the Al center are considerably different, which is likely the result of intermolecular interactions. Quantum‐chemical calculations from the gas phase give an equilibrium structure with identical Al−C bond lengths. Compound 2 exhibits monoradical character, which was confirmed by EPR measurements. A bonding analysis indicates that the unpaired electron resides mainly at the carbene carbon atoms. Compound 2 is an example for an unusual neutral Al radical.     

Generation of Dicoordinate Boron(I) Units by Fragmentation of a Tetra‐Boron(I) Molecular Square

Reduction of carbene‐borane adduct [(cAAC)BBr₂(CN)] (cAAC=1‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3,3,5,5‐tetramethylpyrrolidin‐2‐ylidene) cleanly yielded the tetra(cyanoborylene) species [(cAAC)B(CN)]₄ presenting a 12‐membered (BCN)₄ ring. The analysis of the Kohn–Sham molecular orbitals showed significant borylene character of the B^I atoms. [(cAAC)B(CN)]₄ was found to reduce two equivalents of AgCN per boron center to yield [(cAAC)B(CN)₃] and fragmented into two‐coordinate boron(I) units upon reaction with IMeMe (1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) to yield the corresponding tricoordinate mixed cAAC‐NHC cyanoborylene. The analogous cAAC‐phosphine cyanoborylene was obtained by reduction of [(cAAC)BBr₂(CN)] in the presence of excess phosphine.     

The first palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling of unactivated secondary alkyl bromides

A palladium-carbene catalyzed Sonogashira coupling of unactivated alkyl bromides with alkyl substituted alkynes is reported. For the first time, unactivated secondary alkyl halides were successfully employed in Sonogashira reactions.     

Synthesis of monodentate bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) complexes of iridium: Mixed complexes of abnormal NHCs, normal NHCs, and triazole NHCs

A stepwise synthesis of mixed monodentate bis-NHC complexes of Ir(I), employing Ag(I)NHC complexes as transfer agents, yields complexes with two monodentate NHCs having different steric and electronic characteristics. The crystal structure of the mixed complex (5) with both a triazole-derived NHC ligand and an imidazole-derived NHC ligand is reported and both the NHC ring geometry and the M-NHC bond lengths are similar to related complexes. The complexes maintain their integrity over time and do not disproportionate, consistent with the NHC ligands not being labile.     

Dinuclear gold(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes: Synthesis,characterization, and catalytic application for hydrohydrazidation of terminal alkynes

Dinuclear gold(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes were developed for the hydrohydrazidation of terminal alkynes. The gold(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes 2a-2b were synthesized in good yields from silver complexes synthesized in situ, which in turn were obtained from the corresponding imidazolium salts with Ag₂O in dichloromethane as a solvent. The new air-stable gold(I)-NHC complexes, 2a - 2b, were characterized using NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, infrared, and mass spectroscopy studies. The gold(I) complex 2a was characterized using X-ray crystallography. Bis-N-heterocyclic carbene–based gold(I) complexes 2a - 2b exhibited excellent catalytic activities for hydrohydrazidation of terminal alkynes yielding acylhydrazone derivatives. The working catalytic system can be used in gram-scale synthesis. In addition, the catalytic reaction mechanism of the hydrohydrazidation of terminal alkynes by gold(I)-NHC complex was studied in detail using density functional theory.     

Silanylidene and Germanylidene Anions: Valence‐Isoelectronic Species to the Well‐Studied Phosphinidene

The reduction of TipMCl₃ (Tip=2,4,6‐triisopropylphenyl) (M=Si, Ge) with KC₈ in the presence of cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene (cAAC) afforded the acyclic silanylidene and germanylidene anions in the form of potassium salt [K(cAAC)MTip]₂ (M=Si ( 1 ); Ge ( 2 )). The silanylidene and germanylidene anions are valence‐isoelectronic to the well‐studied phosphinidene and are a new class of acyclic anions of Group 14. Compounds 1 and 2 were isolated and well characterized by NMR and single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis. Furthermore, the structure and bonding of compounds 1 and 2 was investigated by computational methods.     

[(NHC)CrCl(μ-Cl)(THF)]_2 and(NHC)_2CrCl_2(NHC=1,3-Diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazole-2-ylidene):Syntheses,Structures,and Polymerization Activities

The preparation of divalent chromium N-heterocyclic carbene(NHC,1,3-diisopropyl4,5-dimethylimidazole-2-ylidene) compounds is reported.The reaction of 1:1 molar ratio of NHC with CrCl2 led to an isolation of [(NHC)CrCl(μ-Cl)(THF)]2(1),while that of 2:1 ratio resulted in the formation of(NHC)2CrCl2(2).1 can be considered as an intermediate in the formation of 2 and further converted into 2 by the addition of another equiv.of NHC.The reaction of 2 with CpNa afforded an ion pair compound [(NHC)2CrCp]+[Cp]-(3),indicating a strong coordination ability of NHC supplanting one of the ionic Cr-Cp bonding.In combination of methylalumoxane(MAO) as cocatalyst 1 and 2 both are active for catalyzing ethylene polymerization.     

Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbenes (CAACs): Recent Developments

Discovered in 2005, cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (CAACs) are among the most nucleophilic (σ donating) and also electrophilic (π‐accepting) stable carbenes known to date. These properties allow them to activate a variety of small molecules and enthalpically strong bonds, to stabilize highly reactive main‐group and transition‐metal diamagnetic and paramagnetic species, and to bind strongly to metal centers, which gives rise to very robust catalysts. The most important results published up to the end of 2013 are briefly summarized, while the majority of this Review focuses on findings reported within the last three years.     

Cyclopropanation of poly(isoprene) using NHC-Cu(I) catalysts: Introducing carboxylates

The incorporation of functional groups into unsaturated polyolefine-polymers often represent a challenging task. Based on the known cyclopropanation of double bonds with diazoesters in the presence of metal-catalysts of low molecular weight compounds, we in this article develop an approach to decorate the polymer backbone of poly(diene)s with ester as well as carboxylic groups via cyclopropanation. Therefore, predominantly cis-1,4-poly(isoprene)s are converted with ethyl or tert-butyl diazoacetate using copper(I) N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysts, while focusing on the technically relevant cyclohexane as solvent. The application of commercially available NHC-Cu(I) catalysts results in modification degrees of 4–5%, while an increased solvent polarity, like dichloromethane, results in up to 17% modification. The resulting esters were further converted to the corresponding free carboxylic groups by deprotection using trifluoroacetic acid. Thus, an introduction of functional groups along the polymer backbone with a wide variety of application, like ionic interaction or hydrogen bonding motifs, was successfully demonstrated. Its potential for upscaling makes this approach feasible for an application in large-scale production processes, such as for manufacturing of modified synthetic rubbers.     

Synthesis and Structure of Bis(2-Amino-5-Cyanopyridinium) Diaquadichlorocopper(II) Dichloride

The reaction of CuCl₂ with 2-amino-5-cyanopyridine and HCl in 1-propanol gave bis(2-amino-5-cyanopyridinium) diaquadichlorocopper(II) dichloride (1). Crystal data for 1 are: monoclinic, space group: P2₁/c, a = 8.461(3) Å, b=14.665(5) Å, c=7.883(3) Å, g =96.105(4)°, V=972.6(6) Å 3 , Z=2, D_calc =1.645 Mg/m³, w =1.691 mm^?1, F(OOO)=486, MoK _f( u =0.71073 Å), R1=0.0431 for [∣I∣ S 2 σ (I)] and R1=0.0680 for all 1944 unique reflections and 130 parameters. The structure exists as square planar Cu(H₂O)₂Cl₂ units with long semi-coordinate bonds to the cyano nitrogens of the 2-amino-5-cyanopyridinium ions. Hydrogen bonding from the water molecules and N―H hydrogens to the chloride irons stablises the lattice.     

Construction of polymeric Cu(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complex utilizing terpyridine-Fe(II) as linkers: formation of an efficient and recyclable catalyst

A metal-coordination-driven self-assembly using the predesigned building block has been developed. Herein, the catalytic active NHC–Cu(I) units were introduced into the terpyridine metal coordination polymers. The self-assembled architecture, as a heterogeneous catalyst, was successfully used to catalyze the A³-coupling reaction of aldehyde, alkyne, and amine and Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of azide and alkyne in high yields.     

Reactivity of a Dihydrodiborene with CO: Coordination,Insertion, Cleavage,and Spontaneous Formation of a Cyclic Alkyne

Under a CO atmosphere, the dihydrodiborene [(cAAC)HB=BH(cAAC)] underwent coordination of CO concomitant with reversible hydrogen migration from boron to the carbene carbon atom, as well as reversible CO insertion into the B=B bond. Heating the CO adduct resulted in two unusual cAAC ring‐expansion products, one presenting a B=C bond to a six‐membered 1,2‐azaborinane‐3‐ylidene, the other an unprecedented nine‐membered cyclic alkyne resulting from reductive cleavage of CO and spontaneous formation of a C≡C bond.     

A New Class of Neutral Boron‐Based Diradicals Spanned by a Two‐Carbon‐Atom Bridge

A new structural class of boron‐based diradicals is prepared by Lewis base addition to and reduction of singly cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC) stabilised diborylalkenes. The diradicals feature a perpendicular olefinic bridge preventing delocalization between the B(CAAC) π systems, making the coupling between the spin centres very weak. DFT calculations indicate that the compounds are ground‐state (open‐shell) singlets, with triplet states negligibly higher in energy, thus making the triplet states easily populated thermally.     

Halogen in materials design: Revealing the nature of hydrogen bonding and other non-covalent interactions in the polymorphic transformations of methylammonium lead tribromide perovskite

Methylammonium lead tribromide (CH₃NH₃PbBr₃) perovskite as a photovoltaic material has attracted a great deal of recent interest. Factors that are important in their application in optoelectronic devices include their fractional contribution of the composition of the materials as well as their microscopic arrangement that is responsible for the formation of well-defined macroscopic structures. CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ assumes different polymorphs (orthorhombic, tetragonal and cubic) depending on the evolution temperature of the bulk material. An understanding of the structure of these compounds will assist in rationalizing how halogen-centered non-covalent interactions play an important role in the rational design of these materials. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed on polymorphs of CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ to demonstrate that the H atoms on C of the methyl group in CH₃NH₃⁺ entrapped within a PbBr₆^4? perovskite cage are not electronically innocent, as is often contended. We show here that these H atoms are involved in attractive interactions with the surrounding bromides of corner-sharing PbBr₆^4? octahedra of the CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ cage to form Br?H(C) hydrogen bonding interactions. This is analogous to the way the H atoms on N of the NH₃⁺ group in CH₃NH₃⁺ form Br?H(N) hydrogen bonding interactions to stabilize the structure of CH₃NH₃PbBr₃. Both these hydrogen bonding interactions are shown to persist regardless of the nature of the three polymorphic forms of CH₃NH₃PbBr₃. These, together with the Br?C(N) carbon bonding, the Br?N(C) pnictogen bonding, and the Br?Br lump-hole type intermolecular non-covalent interactions identified for the first time in this study, are shown to be collectively responsible for the eventual emergence of the orthorhombic geometry of the CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ system. These conclusions are arrived at from a systematic analysis of the results obtained from combined DFT, Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM), and Reduced Density Gradient Non-Covalent Interaction (RDG-NCI) calculations carried out on the three temperature-dependent polymorphic geometries of CH₃NH₃PbBr₃.     

C4 Cumulene and the Corresponding Air‐Stable Radical Cation and Dication

A neutral C₄ cumulene 1 that includes a cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene (cAAC), its air‐stable radical cation 1 ^.+, and dication 1 ²⁺ have been synthesized. The redox property of 1 ^.+ was studied by cyclic voltammetry. EPR and theoretical calculations show that the unpaired electron in 1 ^.+ is mainly delocalized over the central C₄ backbone. The commercially available CBr₄ is utilized as a source of dicarbon in the cumulene synthesis.