Theoretical Investigation of the Mechanism of Rh(III)-catalyzed Annulation of 2-Biphenylboronic Acid with Activated Alkene

The mechanism is investigated for Cp^tBuRh(OH)₂-catalyzed annulation of 2-biphenylboronic acid with three activated alkenes using M06-2X functional. The reaction comprises transmetalation via two steps and following C-H activation producing reactive Rh-biphenyl complex with two Rh—C σ bonds. After the coordination/insertion of alkenes, respective fused or bridged cyclic products are yielded depending on different alkenes accompanied by the release of Cp^tBuRh. The promotion of Cp^tBuRh(OH)₂ lies in the barrier decrease of transmetalation and C-H activation ready for coordination/insertion ensuring the smooth progress of common rate-limiting reductive elimination. The stereoselective transfer and ring rotation are specific for benzoquinone and cyclopropenone. The role of Rh(III) catalyst and release of Rh(I) is supported by Multiwfn analysis on frontier molecular orbital(FMO) of specific transiton states(TSs) and Mayer bond order(MBO) value of vital bonding, breaking.