First attempts at differential diastereoselection in catalytic reactions of N-chirally substituted dirhodium(ii) tetrakis[methyl 2-oxoimidazolidine-4(S)-carboxylates] with diazoacetates

Chiral attachments on 2-oxoimidazolidine-4(S)-carboxylate ligands for dirhodium(ii) can provide differential diastereoselection in catalytic reactions of diazo compounds. The synthesis of these heterocyclic ligands from the readily available amino acid asparagine is reported. Reactions with diazoacetates offering intramolecular carbon—hydrogen insertion provide evaluative data that demonstrate differential diastereoselection. Surprisingly, placement of a carbonyl group within the chiral attachment removes enantiocontrol from the catalyst, presumably because of intramolecular ylide formation.     

Synthesis,Characterization, Structural and Theoretical Analysis of a New Rare‐Earth Boride Carbide: Lu3BC3

Lu₃BC₃ is prepared by arc‐melting of the elements. The silver colored compound crystallizes in the space group Cmcm (Z = 4, a = 4.9788(3) Å, b = 5.0109(3) Å, c = 15.669(1) Å). The crystal structure contains discrete carbon atoms and CBC units in octahedra and bicapped cubes of metal atoms, respectively. The structural analysis is consistent with the group oxidation states (Lu³⁺)₃(C^4–)(CBC^5–). Extended Hückel and LAPW calculations have been performed. Although a semiconducting behavior could be anticipated, the valence band and the conduction band are touching according to LAPW calculations in agreement with the observed metallic conductivity of the compound.