Synthesis and structures of some new types of lithium beta-diketiminates

The tetracyclic dilithio-Si,Si'-oxo-bridged bis(N,N'-methylsilyl-beta-diketiminates) 2 and 3, having an outer LiNCCCNLiNCCCN macrocycle, were prepared from [Li{CH(SiMe(3))SiMe(OMe)(2)}](infinity) and 2 PhCN. They differ in that the substituent at the beta-C atom of each diketiminato ligand is either SiMe(3) (2) or H (3). Each of and has (i) a central Si-O-Si unit, (ii) an Si(Me) fragment N,N'-intramolecularly bridging each beta-diketiminate, and (iii) an Li(thf)(2) moiety N,N'-intermolecularly bridging the two beta-diketiminates (thf = tetrahydrofuran). Treatment of [Li{CH(SiMe(3))(SiMe(2)OMe)}](8) with 2Me(2)C(CN)(2) yielded the amorphous [Li{Si(Me)(2)((NCR)(2)CH)}](n) [R = C(Me)(2)CN] (4). From [Li{N(SiMe(3))C(Bu(t))C(H)SiMe(3)}](2) (A) and 1,3- or 1,4-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2), with no apparent synergy between the two CN groups, the product was the appropriate (mu-C(6)H(4))-bis(lithium beta-diketiminate) 6 or 7. Reaction of [Li{N(SiMe(3))C(Ph)=C(H)SiMe(3)}(tmeda)] and 1,3-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2) afforded 1,3-C(6)H(4)(X)X' (X =CC(Ph)N(SiMe3)Li(tmeda)N(SiMe3)CH; X' = CN(SiMe3)Li(tmeda)NC(Ph)=C(H)SiMe3)(9). Interaction of A and 2[1,2-C(6)H(4)(CN)(2)] gave the bis(lithio-isoindoline) derivative [C6H4C(=NH)N{Li(OEt2)}C=C(SiMe3)C(Bu(t))=N(SiMe3)]2 (5). The X-ray structures of 2, 3, 5 and 9 are presented, and reaction pathways for each reaction are suggested.     

Reactions of Li- and Yb-coordinated N,N'-bis(trimethylsilyl)-beta-diketiminates: one- and two-electron reductions, deprotonation, and C-N bond cleavage

The synthesis and characterisation of novel Li and Yb complexes is reported, in which the monoanionic beta-diketiminato ligand has been (i) reduced (SET or 2 [times] SET), (ii) deprotonated, or (iii) C-N bond-cleaved. Reduction of the lithium beta-diketiminate Li(L(R,R'))[L(R,R')= N(SiMe(3))C(R)CHC(R')N(SiMe(3))] with Li metal gave the dilithium derivative [Li(tmen)(mu-L(R,R'))Li(OEt(2))](R = R'= Ph; or, R = Ph, R[prime or minute]= Bu(t)). When excess of Li was used the dimeric trilithium [small beta]-diketiminate [Li(3)(L(R,R[prime or minute]))(tmen)](2)(, R = R'= C(6)H(4)Bu(t)-4 = Ar) was obtained. Similar reduction of [Yb(L(R,R'))(2)Cl] gave [Yb[(mu-L(R,R'))Li(thf)](2)](, R = R[prime or minute]= Ph; or, R = R'= C(6)H(4)Ph-4 = Dph). Use of the Yb-naphthalene complex instead of Li in the reaction with [Yb(L(Ph,Ph))(2)] led to the polynuclear Yb clusters [Yb(3)(L(Ph,Ph))(3)(thf)], [Yb(3)(L(Ph,Ph))(2)(dme)(2)], or [Yb(5)(L(Ph,Ph))(L(1))(L(2))(L(3))(thf)(4)] [L(1)= N(SiMe(3))C(Ph)CHC(Ph)N(SiMe(2)CH(2)), L(2)= NC(Ph)CHC(Ph)H, L(3)= N(SiMe(2)CH(2))] depending on the reaction conditions and stoichiometry. The structures of the crystalline complexes 4, 6x21/2(hexane), 5(C(6)D(6)), and have been determined by X-ray crystallography (and have been published).     

Novel synthesis of 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes by unusual palladium(0)-catalyzed cyclopropanation of allenenes

Novel stereoselective synthesis of 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes from allenenes is presented. Treatment of N-protected 4-alkyl-4-(N-allyl)amino allenes with allyl carbonate and a catalytic amount of Pd(2)(dba)(3).CHCl(3) in MeCN leads to stereoselective formation of the 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane framework in moderate to good yields. [reaction: see text]     

Palladium-catalyzed three-component assembling of allenes, organic halides, and arylboronic acids.

An efficient method for the construction of two carbon-carbon bonds in a regio- and stereoselective fashion via palladium-catalyzed assembling of allenes, organic halides, and arylboronic acids is described. Organic halides (RI = C(6)H(5)I, o-, m-, and p-CH(3)OC(6)H(4)I, p-C(2)H(5)OCOC(6)H(4)I, p-CH(3)COC(6)H(4)I, p-CH(3)C(6)H(4)I, p-CH(3)C(6)H(4)Br, p-CH(3)C(6)H(4)Cl, p-NO(2)C(6)H(4)I, p-NO(2)C(6)H(4)Br, p-NO(2)C(6)H(4)Cl, p-IC(6)H(4)Cl, 1-iodonaphthalene, 2-iodothiophene, 3-iodo-2-cyclopenten-1-one, 3-iodo-5,5-dimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, C(6)Eta(5)(Br)C=CH(2) and ICH(2)CO(2)C(2)H(5)), and arylboronic acids (ArB(OH)(2), Ar = C(6)H(5), p-CH(3)OC(6)H(4), m-NO(2)C(6)H(4), p-FC(6)H(4), 1-C(10)H(7), and o-, m-, and p-CHOC(6)H(4)) undergo Suzuki-type three-component assembling with 1,1-dimethylallene to give the corresponding allylic derivatives, (CH(3))(2)=CRCH(2)Ar, in DMF at 70 degrees C in the presence of CsF using Pd(dba)(2) as the catalyst. Higher yields of products were obtained for aryl iodides than for the corresponding aryl bromides and chlorides. This three-component assembling is highly regioselective, with the organic group on halides adding to the middle carbon and the aryl group on arylboronic acids to the unsubstituted terminal carbon of allenes. Monosubstituted allenes 1b-e (cyclopentylallene, cyclohexylallene, tert-butylallene, and n-butylallene) also undergo similar assembling reaction with organic halides and arylboronic acids to afford the corresponding products 7a-i with high regio- and stereoselectivity. Based on the known palladium chemistry, a mechanism is proposed to account for the catalytic reaction and the stereochemistry.     

Cobalt-catalyzed highly regio- and stereoselective intermolecular reductive coupling of alkynes with conjugated alkenes

In the presence of Co(PPh3)2I2, PPh3, water, and zinc powder, the reaction of alkynes (R1CCR2: R1 = Ph, R2 = Me (1a); R1 = Ph, R2 = Ph (1b); R1 = Et, R2 = Et (1c); R1 = Ph, R2 = (CH2)3OH (1d); R1 = CO2Et, R2 = Ph (1e); R1 = CO2Me, R2 = (CH2)4CH3 (1f); R1 = CO2Et, R2 = SiMe3 (1g)) with alkenes having an electron-withdrawing substituent (CH2=CHR: R = CO2Bu (2a), CN (2b), SO2Ph (2c) and CO2Me (2d)) proceeded smoothly in acetonitrile to give the corresponding reductive coupling products (R1HC=CR2CH2CH2R, 3a-j) in fair to excellent yields. This reductive coupling is highly regio- and stereoselective; only one isomer was observed for each reaction. The results of an isotope-labeling experiment using D2O (99%) to replace normal water for the reductive coupling of vinyl phenyl sulfone 2c with alkyne 1a revealed that the product is E-Ph(D)C=CMeCH2CH(D)SO2Ph deuterated at the olefinic proton and one of the protons of the alpha-methylene group in 84 and 96%, respectively. Possible mechanisms for this highly regio- and stereoselective ene-yne catalytic reaction are proposed.     

Palladium(0)-catalyzed stereoselective cyclization of allenenes: divergent synthesis of pyrrolidines and 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes from single allenenes

Two novel palladium(0)-catalyzed cyclizations of allenenes are described. Treatment of allenenes such as N-(1-alkyl-2,3-butadienyl)-N-allylsulfonamide with an aryl halide and K(2)CO(3) in the presence of a catalytic amount of Pd(PPh(3))(4) in dioxane affords 2,3-cis-pyrrolidines in a stereoselective manner. In sharp contrast, cyclization of the same allenenes using catalytic Pd(2)(dba)(3) x CHCl(3) in the presence of allyl methyl carbonate in CH(3)CN leads to stereoselective formation of a 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane framework in moderate yields.     

Synthesis and structures of a 3-sila-beta-diketiminatomagnesium bromide, ketenimide and triflate

The crystalline compounds [Mg(Br)(L)(thf)].0.5Et2O [L = {N(R)C(C6H3Me2-2,6)}2SiR, R = SiMe3] (1), [Mg(L){N=C=C(C(Me)=CH)2CH2}(D)2] [D = NCC6H3Me2-2,6 (2), thf (3)] and [{Mg(L)}2{mu-OSO(CF3)O-[mu}2] (4) were prepared from (a) Si(Br)(R){C(C6H3Me2-2,6)=NR}2 and Mg for (1), (b) [Mg(SiR3)2(thf)2] and 2,6-Me2C6H3CN (5 mol for (2), 3 mol for (3)), and (c) (2) + Me3SiOS(O)2CF3 for (4); a coproduct from (c) is believed to have been the trimethylsilyl ketenimide Me3SiN=C=C{C(Me)=CH}2CH2 (5).     

Unusual palladium-catalyzed silaboration of allenes using organic iodides as initiators: mechanism and application

A highly regio- and stereoselective method for the synthesis of various 2-silylallylboronates 7 from allenes 1 and 2-(dimethylphenylsilanyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl[1,3,2]dioxaborolane (5) catalyzed by palladium complexes and initiated by organic iodides is described. Treatment of monosubstituted aryl and alkylallenes RCH=C=CH(2) (1a-m) and 1,1-dimethylallene (1n) with borylsilane 5 in the presence of Pd(dba)(2) (5 mol %) and organic iodide 3a (10 mol %) afforded the corresponding silaboration products 7a-n in moderate to excellent yields. This catalytic silaboration is totally regioselective with the silyl group of 5adding to the central carbon and the boryl group to the unsubstituted terminal carbon of allene. Furthermore, the reactions show very high E stereoselectivity with the Z/E ratios lying in the range from 1/99 to 7/93. In the absence of an organic iodide, silaboration of 1 with 5 still proceeds, but gives products having completely different regiochemistry as that of 7. The silaboration chemistry can be applied to the synthesis of homoallylic alcohols. Treatment of allenes (1) with borylsilane 5 and aldehydes 14 in the presence of Pd(dba)(2) (5 mol %) and 3a (10 mol %) at 80 degrees C in ethyl acetate for 5 h afforded homoallylic alcohols 15a-p in one pot in good to excellent yields, with exceedingly high syn selectivity (>93%). Mechanistic pathways involving an unusual palladium-catalyzed three-component assembling reaction of dimethylphenylsilyl iodide, allene 1, and borylsilane 5 were proposed to account for these catalytic reactions.     

Iodide, azide, and cyanide complexes of (N,C), (N,N), and (N,O) metallacycles of tetra- and pentavalent uranium

In contrast to the neutral macrocycle [UN*(2)(N,C)] (1) [N* = N(SiMe(3))(3); N,C = CH(2)SiMe(2)N(SiMe(3))] which was quite inert toward I(2), the anionic bismetallacycle [NaUN*(N,C)(2)] (2) was readily transformed into the enlarged monometallacycle [UN*(N,N)I] (4) [N,N = (Me(3)Si)NSiMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)SiMe(2)N(SiMe(3))] resulting from C-C coupling of the two CH(2) groups, and [NaUN*(N,O)(2)] (3) [N,O = OC(═CH(2))SiMe(2)N(SiMe(3))], which is devoid of any U-C bond, was oxidized into the U(V) bismetallacycle [Na{UN*(N,O)(2)}(2)(μ-I)] (5). Sodium amalgam reduction of 4 gave the U(III) compound [UN*(N,N)] (6). Addition of MN(3) or MCN to the (N,C), (N,N), and (N,O) metallacycles 1, 4, and 5 led to the formation of the anionic azide or cyanide derivatives M[UN*(2)(N,C)(N(3))] [M = Na, 7a or Na(15-crown-5), 7b], M[UN*(2)(N,C)(CN)] [M = NEt(4), 8a or Na(15-crown-5), 8b or K(18-crown-6), 8c], M[UN*(N,N)(N(3))(2)] [M = Na, 9a or Na(THF)(4), 9b], [NEt(4)][UN*(N,N)(CN)(2)] (10), M[UN*(N,O)(2)(N(3))] [M = Na, 11a or Na(15-crown-5), 11b], M[UN*(N,O)(2)(CN)] [M = NEt(4), 12a or Na(15-crown-5), 12b]. In the presence of excess iodine in THF, the cyanide 12a was converted back into the iodide 5, while the azide 11a was transformed into the neutral U(V) complex [U(N{SiMe(3)}SiMe(2)C{CHI}O)(2)I(THF)] (13). The X-ray crystal structures of 4, 7b, 8a-c, 9b, 10, 12b, and 13 were determined.     

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.     

Scope and mechanism of the intermolecular addition of aromatic aldehydes to olefins catalyzed by Rh(I) olefin complexes

Rhodium (I) bis-olefin complexes Cp*Rh(VTMS)(2) and CpRh(VTMS)(2) (Cp* = C(5)Me(5), Cp = C(5)Me(4)CF(3), VTMS = vinyl trimethylsilane) were found to catalyze the addition of aromatic aldehydes to olefins to form ketones. Use of the more electron-deficient catalyst CpRh(VTMS)(2) results in faster reaction rates, better selectivity for linear ketone products from alpha-olefins, and broader reaction scope. NMR studies of the hydroacylation of vinyltrimethylsilane showed that the starting Rh(I) bis-olefin complexes and the corresponding Cp*/Rh(CH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(CO)(Ar) complexes were catalyst resting states, with an equilibrium established between them prior to turnover. Mechanistic studies suggested that CpRh(VTMS)(2) displayed a faster turnover frequency (relative to Cp*Rh(VTMS)(2)) because of an increase in the rate of reductive elimination, the turnover-limiting step, from the more electron-deficient metal center of CpRh(VTMS)(2). Reaction of Cp*/Rh(CH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(CO)(Ar) with PMe(3) yields acyl complexes Cp*/Rh[C(O)CH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3)](PMe(3))(Ar); measured first-order rates of reductive elimination of ketone from these Rh(III) complexes established that the Cp ligand accelerates this process relative to the Cp* ligand.     

Synthesis, structural characterization, reactivity, and thermal stability of [eta(5):sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(R)(NMe2)

Reaction of [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]TiCl(NMe2) (1) with 1 equiv of PhCH2K, MeMgBr, or Me3SiCH2Li gave corresponding organotitanium alkyl complexes [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(R)(NMe2) (R = CH2Ph (2), CH2SiMe3 (4), or Me (5)) in good yields. Treatment of 1 with 1 equiv of n-BuLi afforded the decomposition product {[eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti}2(mu-NMe)(mu:sigma-CH2NMe) (3). Complex 5 slowly decomposed to generate a mixed-valence dinuclear species {[eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti}2(mu-NMe2)(mu:sigma-CH2NMe) (6). Complex 1 reacted with 1 equiv of PhNCO or 2,6-Me2C6H3NC to afford the corresponding monoinsertion product [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(Cl)[eta(2)-OC(NMe2)NPh] (7) or [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(Cl)[eta(2)-C(NMe2)=N(2,6-Me2C6H3)] (8). Reaction of 4 or 5 with 1 equiv of R'NC gave the titanium eta(2)-iminoacyl complexes [eta:(5)sigma-Me2C(C5H4)(C2B10H10)]Ti(NMe2)[eta(2)-C(R)=N(R')] (R = CH2SiMe3, R' = 2,6-Me2C6H3 (9) or tBu (10); R = Me, R' = 2,6-Me2C6H3 (11) or tBu (12)). The results indicated that the unsaturated molecules inserted into the Ti-N bond only in the absence of the Ti-C(alkyl) bond and that the Ti-C(cage) bond remained intact. All complexes were fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. Molecular structures of 2, 3, 6-8, and 10-12 were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

Scope and limitation of organocuprates, and copper or nickel catalyst-modified Grignard reagents for installation of an alkyl group onto cis-4-cyclopentene-1,3-diol monoacetate

Alkylation of the title compound 1 was investigated with two types of reagents. One is a copper reagent derived from R(T)MgX (X = Cl, Br) and CuX (X = CN, I) and the other is R(T)MgX in the presence of a copper or a nickel catalyst. First, butylation was studied with BuCu(CN)(MgX), Bu(2)Cu(CN)(MgX)(2), BuMgX/CuCN (10 mol %), BuCu (derived from BuMgCl and CuI), and BuMgCl/CuI (10 mol %) in THF or Et(2)O. We found that trans 1,4-isomer 2a and/or trans 1,2-isomer 3a were produced exclusively with these reagents and that the stoichiometry of BuMgX/CuX and the choice of solvent were critical to attain high regioselectivity and efficient yield. Reaction with Bu(2)Cu(CN)(MgCl)(2) and BuMgCl/CuX (X = CN, I; 10 mol %) both in THF produced 2a with 93-94% regioselectivity in 87-92% yields. On the other hand, BuCu(CN)(MgX) in THF, Bu(2)Cu(CN)(MgX)(2) in Et(2)O, and BuMgX/CuCN (10 mol %) in Et(2)O furnished 3a in good yields with >90% selectively, irrespective of X of BuMgX. In the nickel-catalyzed butylation of 1 with BuMgCl, NiCl(2)(dppp) among NiCl(2)(tpp)(2), NiCl(2)(dppf), and NiCl(2)(dppp) furnished the best result to produce 2a. The CuCN-based protocol was then applied to other alkyl Grignard reagents, which include Me, Et, (CH(2))(3)Ph, c-C(6)H(11), (CH(2))(6)OMOM, (CH(2))(9)CH=CH(2), and CH(2)Ph as the alkyl group (R(T)). In addition, the Mitsunobu inversion of 2a and 3a afforded the corresponding cis isomers stereoselectively with AcOH as an acid at -78 degrees C in toluene for 2a and with 4-(NO(2))C(6)H(4)COOH in THF at r.t. for 3a. No racemization during the alkylation was confirmed by the reaction using (1R,3S)-1 (>99% ee) to produce (1S,4S)-2a and (1S,2S)-3a, respectively.     

Organolathanide-catalyzed regioselective intermolecular hydroamination of alkenes, alkynes, vinylarenes, di- and trivinylarenes, and methylenecyclopropanes. Scope and mechanistic comparison to intramolecular cyclohydroaminations

Organolanthanide complexes of the type Cp'(2)LnCH(SiMe(3))(2) (Cp' = eta(5)-Me(5)C(5); Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Lu) and Me(2)SiCp' '(2)LnCH(SiMe(3))(2) (Cp' ' = eta(5)-Me(4)C(5); Ln = Nd, Sm, Lu) serve as efficient precatalysts for the regioselective intermolecular hydroamination of alkynes R'Ctbd1;CMe (R' = SiMe(3), C(6)H(5), Me), alkenes RCH=CH(2) (R = SiMe(3), CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)), butadiene, vinylarenes ArCH=CH(2) (Ar = phenyl, 4-methylbenzene, naphthyl, 4-fluorobenzene, 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzene, 4-methoxybenzene, 4-(dimethylamino)benzene, 4-(methylthio)benzene), di- and trivinylarenes, and methylenecyclopropanes with primary amines R' 'NH(2) (R' ' = n-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, phenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-(dimethylamino)phenyl) to yield the corresponding amines and imines. For R = SiMe(3), R = CH(2)=CH lanthanide-mediated intermolecular hydroamination regioselectively generates the anti-Markovnikov addition products (Me(3)SiCH(2)CH(2)NHR' ', (E)-CH(3)CH=CHCH(2)NHR' '). However, for R = CH(3)CH(2)CH(2), the Markovnikov addition product is observed (CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)CHNHR' 'CH(3)). For internal alkynes, it appears that these regioselective transformations occur under significant stereoelectronic control, and for R' = SiMe(3), rearrangement of the product enamines occurs via tautomerization to imines, followed by a 1,3-trimethylsilyl group shift to stable N-SiMe(3)-bonded CH(2)=CMeN(SiMe(3))R' ' structures. For vinylarenes, intermolecular hydroamination with n-propylamine affords the anti-Markovnikov addition product beta-phenylethylamine. In addition, hydroamination of divinylarenes provides a concise synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinoline structures via coupled intermolecular hydroamination/subsequent intramolecular cyclohydroamination sequences. Intermolecular hydroamination of methylenecyclopropane proceeds via highly regioselective exo-methylene C=C insertion into Ln-N bonds, followed by regioselective cyclopropane ring opening to afford the corresponding imine. For the Me(2)SiCp' '(2)Nd-catalyzed reaction of Me(3)SiCtbd1;CMe and H(2)NCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH(3), DeltaH() = 17.2 (1.1) kcal mol(-)(1) and DeltaS() = -25.9 (9.7) eu, while the reaction kinetics are zero-order in [amine] and first-order in both [catalyst] and [alkyne]. For the same substrate pair, catalytic turnover frequencies under identical conditions decrease in the order Me(2)SiCp' '(2)NdCH(SiMe(3))(2) > Me(2)SiCp' '(2)SmCH(SiMe(3))(2) > Me(2)SiCp' '(2)LuCH(SiMe(3))(2) > Cp'(2)SmCH(SiMe(3))(2), in accord with documented steric requirements for the insertion of olefinic functionalities into lanthanide-alkyl and -heteroatom sigma-bonds. Kinetic and mechanistic evidence argues that the turnover-limiting step is intermolecular C=C/Ctbd1;C bond insertion into the Ln-N bond followed by rapid protonolysis of the resulting Ln-C bond.     

Reactivity at the beta-diketiminate ligand Nacnac- on titanium(IV) (Nacnac- = [Ar]NC(CH3)CHC(CH3)N[Ar], Ar = 2,6-[CH(CH3)2]2C6H3). Diimine-alkoxo and bis-anilido ligands stemming from the Nacnac- skeleton

The reaction of ketene OCCPh(2) with the four-coordinate titanium(IV) imide (L(1))Ti[double bond]NAr(OTf) (L(1)(-) = [Ar]NC(CH(3))CHC(CH(3))N[Ar], Ar = 2,6-[CH(CH(3))(2)](2)C(6)H(3)) affords the tripodal dimine-alkoxo complex (L(2))Ti[double bond]NAr(OTf) (L(2)(-) = [Ar]NC(CH(3))CHC(O)[double bond]CPh(2)C(CH(3))N[Ar]). Complex (L(2))Ti[double bond]NAr(OTf) forms from electrophilic attack of the beta-carbon of the ketene on the gamma-carbon of the Nacnac(-) NCC(gamma)CN ring. On the contrary, nucleophiles such as LiR (R(-) = Me, CH(2)(t)Bu, and CH(2)SiMe(3)) deprotonate cleanly in OEt(2) the methyl group of the beta-carbon on the former Nacnac(-) backbone to yield the etherate complex (L(3))Ti[double bond]NAr(OEt(2)), a complex that is now supported by a chelate bis-anilido ligand (L(3)(2)(-) = [Ar]NC(CH(3))CHC(CH(2))N[Ar]). In the absence of electrophiles or nucleophiles, the robust (L(1))Ti[double bond]NAr(OTf) template was found to form simple adducts with Lewis bases such as CN(t)Bu or NCCH(2)(2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)). Complexes (L(2))Ti[double bond]NAr(OTf), (L(3))Ti[double bond]NAr(OEt(2)), and the adducts (L(1))Ti[double bond]NAr(OTf)(XY) [XY = CN(t)Bu and NCCH(2)(2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2))] were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Dehydration reaction of hydroxyl substituted alkenes and alkynes on the Ru(2)S(2) complex

A variety of inter- and intramolecular dehydration was found in the reactions of [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)(mu-S(2))](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (1) with hydroxyl substituted alkenes and alkynes. Treatment of 1 with allyl alcohol gave a C(3)S(2) five-membered ring complex, [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-SCH(2)CH(2)CH(OCH(2)CH=CH(2))S]](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (2), via C-S bond formation after C-H bond activation and intermolecular dehydration. On the other hand, intramolecular dehydration was observed in the reaction of 1 with 3-buten-1-ol giving a C(4)S(2) six-membered ring complex, [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2) [mu-SCH(2)CH=CHCH(2)S]](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (3). Complex 1 reacts with 2-propyn-1-ol or 2-butyn-1-ol to give homocoupling products, [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-SCR=CHCH(OCH(2)C triple bond CR)S]](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (4: R = H, 5: R = CH(3)), via intermolecular dehydration. In the reaction with 2-propyn-1-ol, the intermediate complex having a hydroxyl group, [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-SCH=CHCH(OH)S]](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (6), was isolated, which further reacted with 2-propyn-1-ol and 2-butyn-1-ol to give 4 and a cross-coupling product, [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-SCH=CHCH(OCH(2)C triple bond CCH(3))S]](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (7), respectively. The reaction of 1 with diols, (HO)CHRC triple bond CCHR(OH), gave furyl complexes, [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-SSC=CROCR=CH]](CF(3)SO(3))(3) (8: R = H, 9: R = CH(3)) via intramolecular elimination of a H(2)O molecule and a H(+). Even though (HO)(H(3)C)(2)CC triple bond CC(CH(3))(2)(OH) does not have any propargylic C-H bond, it also reacts with 1 to give [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)](2)[mu-SCH(2)C(=CH(2))C(=C=C(CH(3))(2))]S](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (10). In addition, the reaction of 1 with (CH(3)O)(H(3)C)(2)CC triple bond CC(CH(3))(2)(OCH(3)) gives [[Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)][mu-S=C(C(CH(3))(2)OCH(3))C=CC(CH(3))CH(2)S][Ru(P(OCH(3))(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(3)]](CF(3)SO(3))(4) (11), in which one molecule of CH(3)OH is eliminated, and the S-S bond is cleaved.     

Highly regio- and chemoselective palladium-catalyzed propargylallylation of activated olefins: a novel route to 1,7-enyne derivatives

An efficient method for the synthesis of 1,7-enyne derivatives via phosphine-palladium-catalyzed three-component assembling of activated olefins, allylic chlorides, and allenylstannanes is described. Substituted arylethylidene malononitriles 1a-g (RCH=C(CN)(2): R = C(6)H(5) (1a), p-ClC(6)H(4) (1b), p-OMeC(6)H(4) (1c), p-NO(2)C(6)H(4) (1d), 1-naphthyl (1e), 2-furyl (1f), and 2-thienyl (1g)) undergo propargylallylation with allylic chlorides 2a-e (allyl chloride (2a), methallyl chloride (2b), 4-chloropent-2-ene (2c), cinnamyl chloride (2d), and 3-chlorocyclohexene (2e)) and n-tributylallenylstannane (n-Bu(3)SnCH=C=CH(2), 3a) in the presence of Pd(PPh(3))(4) in toluene to afford the corresponding 1,7-enyne derivatives 4a-m in good to excellent yields. The catalytic reaction is highly regioselective, with the propargyl group adding to the carbon where the R group is attached and the allyl group adding to the carbon connected to the CN groups of activated olefins 1a-g. The present catalytic reaction is successfully extended to substituted arylethylidene-1,3-indanediones 5a-j (RCH = (1,3-indanedione): R = C(6)H(5) (5a), p-ClC(6)H(4) (5b), p-BrC(6)H(4) (5c), p-OMeC(6)H(4) (5d), p-NO(2)C(6)H(4) (5e), p-CNC(6)H(4) (5f), p-biphenyl (5g), 1-naphthyl (5h), 2-thienyl (5i), and 2-benzo[b]furane-2-yl (5j)) and substituted 2,2-dimethyl-5-(arylethylidene)-1,3-dioxane-4,6-diones 7a,b (RCH = (1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione): R = p-NO(2)C(6)H(4) (7a), p-OMeC(6)H(4) (7b)). The three-component assembling of these substrates with allylic chlorides (2a,b,d,e) and n-tributylallenylstannane (n-Bu(3)SnCH=C=CH(2), 3a) proceeds smoothly to afford the corresponding 1,7-enyne derivatives 6a-m and 8a-d in good to excellent yields. The catalytic propargylallylation can be further applied to the activated dienes, C(6)H(5)CH=CH=CR(2) (R(2) = (CN)(2) (9a), 1,3-indanedione (9b), 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione (9c)), with allylic chlorides (2a,b,d) and allenylstannane 3a to give regio- and chemoselective 1,2-addition products 10a-h in good to excellent yields. A plausible mechanism based on an eta(1)-allenyl eta(3)-allyl palladium intermediate is proposed to account for the catalytic three-component reaction.     

The uranium-nitrogen bond in U IV complexes supported by the hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate ligand

Insertion of benzonitrile and acetonitrile into the U-C bond of [U(Tp(Me2))Cl(2)(CH(2)SiMe(3))](Tp(Me2)= HB(3,5-Me(2)pz)(3)) gives the ketimide complexes [U(Tp(Me2))Cl(2){NC(R)(CH(2)SiMe(3))}](R = Ph (1); Me (2)). The identity of complex was ascertained by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. In the solid state exhibits octahedral geometry with a short U-N bond length to the ketimide ligand. We also report herein the synthesis and the X-ray crystal structures of the uranium amide complexes [U(Tp(Me2))Cl(2)(NR(2))](R = Et (3); Ph (4)). A detailed comparison of the U-N bond lengths in these compounds with other known U-N (and Th-N) distances in amide and ketimide actinide(IV) complexes is performed, confirming the short character of the U-N bond length in 1.     

Coupling of CpCr(CO)3 and heterocyclic dithiadiazolyl radicals. synthetic, x-ray diffraction, dynamic NMR, EPR, CV, and DFT studies

The reaction of the 1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolyls (4-R-C(6)H(4)CN(2)S(2))(2) (R = Me, 2a; Cl, 2b; OMe, 2c; and CF3, 2d) and (3-NC-5-tBu-C(6)H(3)CN(2)S(2))(2) (2e) with [CpCr(CO)(3)](2) (Cp = eta(5)-C(5)H(5)) (1) at ambient temperature respectively yielded the complexes CpCr(CO)(2)(eta(2)-S(2)N(2)CC(6)H(4)R) (R = 4-Me, 3a; 4-Cl, 3b; 4-OMe, 3c; and 4-CF(3), 3d) and CpCr(CO)(2)(eta(2)-S(2)N(2)CC(6)H(3)-3-(CN)-5-(tBu)) (3e) in 35-72% yields. The complexes 3c and 3d were also synthesized via a salt metathesis method from the reaction of NaCpCr(CO)(3) (1B) and the 1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolium chlorides 4-R-C(60H(4)CN(2)S(2)Cl (R = OMe, 8c; CF(3), 8d) with much lower yields of 6 and 20%, respectively. The complexes were characterized spectroscopically and also by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Cyclic voltammetry experiments were conducted on 3a-e, EPR spectra were obtained of one-electron-reduced forms of 3a-e, and variable temperature 1H NMR studies were carried out on complex 3d. Hybrid DFT calculations were performed on the model system [CpCr(CO)(2)S(2)N(2)CH] and comparisons are made with the reported CpCr(CO)(2)(pi-allyl) complexes.     

Syntheses, structures, and surface aromaticity of the new carbaalane [(AlH)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)R)(6)] (R = Ph, CH(2)SiMe(3)) and a stepwise functionalization of the inner and outer sphere of the cluster

The reaction of the acetylene RC triple bond CH (R = Ph, CH(2)SiMe(3)) with an excess of AlH(3).NMe(3) in boiling toluene leads to the carbaalane [(AlH)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)R)(6)] (R = Ph 1, CH(2)SiMe(3) 2) in good yield. Treatment of 2 with BCl(3) under varying conditions gives the chlorinated products [(AlCl)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(6)] 3 and [(AlCl)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)CH(2)SiMe(2)Cl)(6)] 4, respectively. The latter clearly demonstrates that the cluster can be stepwise functionalized within the inner and outer sphere. The X-ray single-crystal structures of 1, 2, and 4 have been determined. All compounds have in common that the central core consists of a cluster having eight aluminum and six carbon atoms. The bonding properties in this cluster are described as a new manifestation of three-dimensional surface aromaticity. Each Al(4)C fragment of the cube is formed by four bonds with three electron pairs, thus leading to a strong delocalization of the electrons. A phenomenological modeling using a three-dimensional Hückel scheme with fitted parameters to reproduce the energies from ab initio calculations revealed that the orbital scheme localized at one Al(4)C fragment possesses an orbital sextet with a large HOMO-LUMO gap. This is in line with the criteria of aromaticity. The idea of aromaticity was sustained also by qualitative valence bond reasons enumerating the different resonance structures by means of graph theoretical methods.