Tethered Alkylidenes for REMP from Carbon Disulfide Cleavage

Reactions between tungsten alkylidyne [tBuOCO]W≡CtBu(THF)2 1 and sulfur containing small molecules are reported. Complex 1 reacts with CS2 to produce intermediate η2 bound CS2 complex [O2C(tBuC═)W(η2-(S,C)-CS2)(THF)] 8. Heating complex 8 provides a mixture of a monomeric tungsten sulfido complex 9 and a dimeric complex 10 in a 4:1 ratio, respectively. Heating the mixture does not perturb the ratio. Addition of excess THF in a solution of 9 and 10 (4:1) converts 10 to 9 (>96%) with concomitant loss of (CS)x. Both 9 and 10 can be selectively crystallized from the mixture. An alternative synthesis of exclusively monomeric 9 involves the reaction between 1 and PhNCS. Demonstrating ring expansion metathesis polymerization (REMP), tethered tungsten alkylidene 8 polymerizes norbornene to produce cis-selective syndiotactic cyclic polynorbornene (c-poly(NBE)).

Computation-guided scaffold exploration of 2E,6E-1,10-trans/cis-eunicellanes

Eunicellane diterpenoids are a unique family of natural products containing a foundational 6/10-bicyclic framework and can be divided into two main classes, cis and trans, based on the configurations of their ring fusion at C1 and C10. Previous studies on two bacterial diterpene synthases, Bnd4 and AlbS, revealed that these enzymes form cis- and trans-eunicellane skeletons, respectively. Although the structures of these diterpenes only differed in their configuration at a single position, C1, they displayed distinct chemical and thermal reactivities. Here, we used a combination of quantum chemical calculations and chemical transformations to probe their intrinsic properties, which result in protonation-initiated cyclization, Cope rearrangement, and atropisomerism. Finally, we exploited the reactivity of the trans-eunicellane skeleton to generate a series of 6/6/6 gersemiane-type diterpenes via electrophilic cyclization.

Dicyanorhodanine-Pyrrole Conjugates for Visible Light-Driven Quantitative Photoswitching in Solution and the Solid State

Small molecule photoswitches capable of toggling between two distinct molecular states in response to light are versatile tools to monitor biological processes, control photochemistry, and design smart materials. In this work, six novel dicyanorhodanine-based pyrrole-containing photoswitches are reported. The molecular design avails both the Z and E isomers from synthesis, where each can be isolated using chromatographic techniques. Inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) interactions available to the E and Z isomers, respectively, uniquely impart thermal stability to each isomer over long time periods. Photoisomerization could be assessed by solution NMR and UV-vis spectroscopic techniques along with complementary ground- and excited-state computational studies, which show good agreement. Quantitative E → Z isomerization occurs upon 523 nm irradiation of the parent compound (where R = H) in solution, whereas Z → E isomerization using 404 nm irradiation offers a photostationary state (PSS) ratio of 84/16 (E/Z). Extending the π-conjugation of the pyrrole unit (where R = p-C6H4-OMe) pushes the maximum absorption to the yellow-orange region of the visible spectrum and allows bidirectional quantitative isomerization with 404 and 595 nm excitation. Comparator molecules have been prepared to report how the presence or absence of H-bonding affects the photoswitching behavior. Finally, studies of the photoswitches in neat films and photoinactive polymer matrices reveal distinctive structural and optical properties of the Z and E isomers and ultimately afford reversible photoswitching to spectrally unique PSSs using visible light sources including the Sun.

Catalytic Enantioselective [4+2] Cycloadditions of Salicylaldehyde Acetals with Enol Ethers

A readily accessible conjugate-base-stabilized carboxylic acid (CBSCA) catalyst facilitates highly enantioselective [4+2] cycloaddition reactions of salicylaldehyde-derived acetals and cyclic enol ethers, resulting in the formation of polycyclic chromanes with oxygenation in the 2- and 4-positions. Stereochemically more complex products can be obtained from racemic enol ethers. Spirocyclic products are also accessible.

Alicyclic-Amine-Derived Imine-BF3 Complexes: Easy-to-Make Building Blocks for the Synthesis of Valuable α-Functionalized Azacycles

A new strategy to access α-functionalized alicyclic amines via their corresponding imine-BF3 complexes is reported. Isolable imine-BF3 complexes, readily prepared via dehydrohalogenation of N-bromoamines in a base-promoted/18-crown-6 catalyzed process followed by addition of boron trifluoride etherate, undergo reactions with a wide range of organometallic nucleophiles to afford α-functionalized azacycles. Organozinc and organomagnesium nucleophiles add at ambient temperatures, obviating the need for cryogenic conditions. In situ preparation of imine-BF3 complexes provides access to α-functionalized morpholines and piperazines directly from their parent amines in a single operation. α-Functionalized morpholines can be elaborated further, for instance by installing a second substituent in the α'-position.

Ring Expansion Alkyne Metathesis Polymerization

The synthesis, characterization, and preliminary activity of an unprecedented tethered alkylidyne tungsten complex for ring expansion alkyne metathesis polymerization (REAMP) are reported. The tethered alkylidyne 7 is generated rapidly by combining alkylidyne W(CtBu)(CH2tBu)(O-2,6-i-Pr2C6H3)2 (6) with 1 equiv of an yne-ol proligand (5). Characterized by NMR studies and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy, complex 7 is a dimer. Each metal center contains a tungsten-carbon triple bond tethered to the metal center via an alkoxide ligand. The polymerization of the strained cycloalkyne 3,8-didodecyloxy-5,6-dihydro-11,12-didehydrodibenzo[a,e]-[8]annulene, 8, to generate cyclic polymers was demonstrated. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and intrinsic viscosity (η) measurements confirm the polymer's cyclic topology.

Synthetic Factors Determining the Curvature and Nuclearity of the Giant Mn70 and Mn84 Clusters with a Torus Structure of ∼4 nm Diameter

New members of the Mn₇₀ and Mn₈₄ torus-like cluster family have been prepared from a hybrid comproportionation-alcoholysis reaction of [Mn₁₂O₁₂(O₂CR)₁₆(H₂O)₄] in alcohol in the presence of R'CO₂H with NⁿBuMnO₄ or Mn^II salts as initiators. Reactions using MeCO₂H in ⁿPrOH or ⁿBuOH gave [Mn₇₀O₆₀(O₂CMe)₇₀(OⁿPr)₂₀(ⁿPrOH)_18.5(H₂O)_21.5] (3) and [Mn₇₀O₆₀(O₂CMe)₇₀(OH)₃(OⁿBu)₁₇(ⁿBuOH)_7.5(H₂O)_32.5] (4), respectively, whereas EtCO₂H in ⁿPrOH gave [Mn₈₄O₇₂(O₂CEt)₈₄(OⁿPr)₂₄(ⁿPrOH)₁₆(H₂O)₃₂] (5). They consist of alternating near-linear [Mn₃(μ₃-O)₄]⁺ and distorted-cubane [Mn₄(μ₃-O)₂(μ₃-OR)₂]⁶⁺ units bridged by syn,syn-μ-RCO₂^- and μ₃-O^2- groups and overall are [Mn₁₄]₅ and [Mn₁₄]₆ oligomers, the repeating unit containing two Mn₃ and two Mn₄ units. 3/4/5 possess external diameters (including organic ligands) of 4.0/4.1/4.6 nm, respectively, and crystallize as supramolecular nanotubes but with different packing arrangements. Considering all Mn₇₀/Mn₈₄ tori now available, we conclude that the Mn₇₀ vs Mn₈₄ nuclearity is determined by the relative bulk of the carboxylates vs the alkoxides, their increasing bulk favoring Mn₈₄ and Mn₇₀, respectively, with carboxylates larger than acetate giving Mn₈₄. Alternating current (ac) magnetic susceptibility studies revealed frequency-dependent χ″_M signals below ∼2.4 K, indicating 3-5 to be new members of the giant [Mn₁₄]_n torus family of giant single-molecule magnets (SMMs), in which Mn₈₄ and Mn₇₀ are the largest homometallic Mn/O clusters and SMMs to date.

Mechanism of a Dually Catalyzed Enantioselective Oxa-Pictet-Spengler Reaction and the Development of a Stereodivergent Variant

Enantioselective oxa-Pictet-Spengler reactions of tryptophol with aldehydes proceed under weakly acidic conditions utilizing a combination of two catalysts, an indoline HCl salt and a bisthiourea compound. Mechanistic investigations revealed the roles of both catalysts and confirmed the involvement of oxocarbenium ion intermediates, ruling out alternative scenarios. A stereochemical model was derived from density functional theory calculations, which provided the basis for the development of a highly enantioselective stereodivergent variant with racemic tryptophol derivatives.

iClick synthesis of network metallopolymers

Described is an approach to preparing the first iClick network metallopolymers with porous properties. Treating digoldazido complex 2-AuN3 with trigoldacetylide 3-AuPPh3 or 3-AuPEt3, trialkyne 3-H, tetragoldacetylide 4-AuPPh3, or tetraalkyne 4-H in CH₂Cl₂ affords five iClick network metallopolymers 5-AuPPh3, 5-AuPEt3, 5-H, 6-AuPPh3, and 6-H. Confirmation of the iClick network metallopolymers comes from FTIR, ¹³C solid-state cross-coupling magic angle spinning (CPMAS) NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and nitrogen and CO₂ sorption analysis. Employing model complexes 7-AuPPh3, 7-AuPEt3, 7-H, 8-AuPPh3, and 8-H provides structural insights due to the insolubility of iClick network metallopolymers.

Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of an Fe36 Dimethylarsinate Cluster: The Largest "Ferric Wheel"

The synthesis and characterization of a high-nuclearity Fe^III/O/arsinate cluster is reported within the salt [Fe₃₆O₁₂(OH)₆(O₂AsMe₂)₆₃(O₂CH)₃(H₂O)₆](NO₃)₁₂ (1). The compound was prepared from the reaction of Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O, dimethylarsinic acid (Me₂AsO₂H), and triethylamine in a 1:2:4 molar ratio in acetonitrile. The Fe₃₆ cation of 1 is an unprecedented structural type consisting of nine Fe₄ butterfly units of two types, three {Fe^III₄(μ₃-O)₂} units A, and six {Fe^III₄(μ₃-O)(μ₃-OH)} units B, linked by multiple bridging Me₂AsO₂^- groups into an Fe₃₆ triangular wheel/loop with C₃ crystallographic and D₃ virtual symmetry that looks like a guitar plectrum. The unusual structure has been rationalized on the basis of the different curvatures of units A and B, the presence of intra-Fe₃₆ hydrogen bonding, and the tendency of Me₂AsO₂^- groups to favor μ₃-bridging modes. The cations stack into supramolecular nanotubes parallel to the crystallographic c axis and contain badly disordered solvent and NO₃^- anions. The cation of 1 is the highest-nuclearity "ferric wheel" to date and also the highest-nuclearity Fe/O cluster of any structural type with a single contiguous Fe/O core. Variable-temperature direct-current magnetic susceptibility data and alternating-current in-phase magnetic susceptibility data indicate that the cation of 1 possesses an S = 0 ground state and dominant antiferromagnetic interactions. The Fe₂ pairwise J_i,j couplings were estimated by the combined use of a magnetostructural correlation for high-nuclearity Fe^III/oxo clusters and density functional theory calculations using broken-symmetry methods and the Green's function approach. The three methods gave satisfyingly similar J_i,j values and allowed the identification of spin-frustration effects and the resulting relative spin-vector alignments and thus rationalization of the S = 0 ground state of the cation.

Isolation of an Elusive Phosphametallacyclobutadiene and Its Role in Reversible Carbon−Carbon Bond Cleavage

The reactivity of phosphaalkynes, the isolobal and isoelectronic congeners to alkynes, with metal alkylidyne complexes is explored in this work. Treating the tungsten alkylidyne [^t BuOCO]W≡C^t Bu(THF)₂ (1) with phosphaalkyne (10) results in the formation of [O₂ C(^t BuC=)W{η² -(P,C)-P≡C-Ad}(THF)] (13-^t Bu_THF ) and [O₂ C(AdC=)W{η² -(P,C)-P≡C-^t Bu}(THF)] (13-Ad_THF ); derived from the formal reductive migratory insertion of the alkylidyne moiety into a W-C_arene bond. Analogous to alkyne metathesis, a stable phosphametallacyclobutadiene complex [^t BuOCO]W[κ² -C(^t Bu)PC(Ad)] (14) forms upon loss of THF from the coordination sphere of either 13-^t Bu_THF or 13-Ad_THF . Remarkably, the C-C bonds reversibly form/cleave with the addition or removal of THF from the coordination sphere of the formal tungsten(VI) metal center, permitting unprecedented control over the transformation of a tetraanionic pincer to a trianionic pincer and back. Computational analysis offers thermodynamic and electronic reasoning for the reversible equilibrium between 13-^t Bu/Ad_THF and 14.

Magnetic Properties of High-Nuclearity Fex-oxo (x = 7, 22, 24) Clusters Analyzed by a Multipronged Experimental, Computational, and Magnetostructural Correlation Approach

The synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of three related iron(III)-oxo clusters are reported, [Fe₇O₃(O₂CPh)₉(mda)₃(H₂O)] (1), [Fe₂₂O₁₄(OH)₃(O₂CMe)₂₁(mda)₆](ClO₄)₂ (2), and [Fe₂₄O₁₅(OH)₄(OEt)(O₂CMe)₂₁(mda)₇](ClO₄)₂ (3), where mdaH₂ is N-methyldiethanolamine. 1 was prepared from the reaction of [Fe₃O(O₂CPh)₆(H₂O)₃](NO₃) with mdaH₂ in a 1:2 ratio in MeCN, whereas 2 and 3 were prepared from the reaction of FeCl₃/NaO₂CMe/mdaH₂ in a 2:∼13:2 ratio and FeCl₃/NaO₂CMe/mdaH₂/pyridine in a 2:∼13:2:25 ratio, respectively, both in EtOH. The core of 1 consists of a central octahedral Fe^III ion held within a nonplanar Fe₆ loop by three μ₃-O^2- and three μ₂-RO^- arms from the three mda^2- chelates. The cores of the cations of 2 and 3 consist of an A:B:A three-layer topology, in which a central Fe₆ (2) or Fe₈ (3) layer B is sandwiched between two Fe₈ layers A. The A layers structurally resemble 1 with the additional Fe added at the center to retain virtual C₃ symmetry. The central Fe₆ layer B of 2 consists of a {Fe₄(μ₄-O)₂(μ₃-OH)₂}⁶⁺ cubane with an Fe on either side attached to cubane O^2- ions, whereas that of 3 has the same cubane but with an {Fe₃(μ₃-O)(μ-OH)} unit attached on one side and a single Fe on the other. Variable-temperature dc and ac magnetic susceptibility studies revealed dominant antiferromagnetic coupling in all complexes leading to ground-state spins of S = ⁵/₂ for 1 and S = 0 for 2 and 3. All Fe₂ pairwise exchange parameters (J_ij) for 1-3 were estimated by two independent methods: density functional theory (DFT) calculations using broken symmetry methods and a magnetostructural correlation previously developed for high-nuclearity Fe^III/O complexes. The two approaches gave satisfyingly similar J_ij values, and the latter allowed rationalization of the experimental ground states by identification of the spin frustration effects operative and the resultant relative spin vector alignments at each Fe^III ion.

MnII/III and CeIII/IV Units Supported on an Octahedral Molecular Nanoparticle of CeO2

The preparation of three new heterometallic clusters [Ce₆Mn₁₂O₁₇(O₂CPh)₂₆] (1), [Ce₁₀Mn₁₄O₂₄(O₂CPh)₃₂] (2), and [Ce₂₃Mn₂₀O₄₈(OH)₂(tbb)₄₆(H₂O)₄](NO₃)₂ (3; tbb^- = 4-^tBu-benzoate) is reported. They all possess unprecedented structures with a common feature being the presence of an octahedral Ce^IV-oxo core: a Ce₆ in 1, two edge-fused Ce₆ giving a Ce₁₀ bioctahedron in 2, or a larger Ce₁₉ octahedron in 3. Complex 1 is the first Ce₆ cluster with a central μ₆-O^2-. 2 and the cation of 3 are molecular nanoparticles of CeO₂ (ceria) because they possess the fluorite structure of bulk ceria and are thus ultrasmall ceria nanoparticles in molecular form. The {Ce₁₉O₃₂} octahedral subunit of the cation of 3 had been predicted from density functional theory studies to be one of the stable fragments of the CeO₂ lattice, but has never been previously synthesized in molecular chemistry. Around the Ce/O core of 1-3 is an incomplete monolayer of Mn_n ions disposed as four Mn₃, two Mn₇, and four Mn₅ units, respectively. This represents a clear structural similarity with composite (phase-separated) CeO₂/MnO_x mixtures where at high Ce:Mn ratios the Mn atoms segregate on the surface of CeO₂ phases. Variable-temperature dc and ac magnetic susceptibility studies have revealed S = 2, S = ¹/₂, and S = ³/₂ ground states for 1-3, respectively. Fitting of the 5.0-300 K dc data for 1 to a two-J model for an asymmetrical V-shaped Mn₃ unit with no interaction between the end Mn^III ions gave an excellent fit with the following values: J₁ = 5.2(3) cm^-1, J₂ = -7.4(3) cm^-1, and g = 1.96(2).

Tuning StackPhim Ligands: Applications in Enantioselective Borylation and Alkynylation

Here we present a new stack ligand with a modified imidazoline backbone prepared from cyclohexanediamine. This new stack ligand­, Cy-StackPhim, has been found to complement the parent StackPhim ligand in an enantioselective borylation reaction. Additionally, a correlation between the nature of substituents on the imidazoline ring and the substituents on the electrophile is also discussed.

1,2,4-Trifunctionalized Cyclohexane Synthesis via a Diastereoselective Reductive Cope Rearrangement and Functional Group Interconversion Strategy

Polyfunctionalized cyclohexanes are privileged scaffolds in drug discovery. Reported herein is a method for synthesizing 1,2,4-trifunctionalized cyclohexanes via diastereoselective reductive Cope rearrangement. The scaffolds obtained can be derivatized by orthogonal functional group interconversion to cyclohexanes bearing a 1-amide, 2-branched arylallyl, and variable 4-functional group.

Phosphorus-based ligand effects on the structure and radical scavenging ability of molecular nanoparticles of CeO2

Two new Ce^IV/O^2- clusters, (pyH)₈[Ce₁₀O₄(OH)₄(O₃PPh)₁₂(NO₃)₁₂] (1) and [Ce₆O₄(OH)₄(O₂PPh₂)₄(O₂C^tBu)₈] (2), have been prepared that contain P-based ligands for the first time. They were obtained from the reaction of (NH₄)₂[Ce(NO₃)₆], PhPO₃H₂ or Ph₂PO₂H, and ^tBuCO₂H in a 2 : 1 : 2 molar ratio in pyridine/MeOH (10 : 1 mL). Both compounds contain a {Ce₆O₄(OH)₄} face-capped octahedral core, with 1 containing an additional four Ce^IV on the outside to give a supertetrahedral Ce₁₀ topology; the {Ce₆O₈} unit is the smallest recognizable fragment of the fluorite structure of CeO₂. The HO˙ radical scavenging activities of 1 and 2 were measured by UV/vis spectral monitoring of methylene blue oxidation by HO˙ radicals in the presence and absence of the Ce/O clusters, and the results compared with those for larger Ce₂₄ and Ce₃₈ molecular nanoparticles of CeO₂ prepared in previous work. 1 and 2 are both very poor HO˙ radical scavengers compared with Ce₂₄ and Ce₃₈, a result that is consistent with reports in the literature that PO₄^3- ions inhibit the radical scavenging ability of traditional CeO₂ nanoparticles and putatively assigned to PO₄^3- binding to the surface.

Double Tethered Metallacyclobutane Catalyst for Cyclic Polymer Synthesis

This work outlines an approach to creating a catalyst for cyclic polymer synthesis using readily available materials in only one or two steps. Combining commercially available molybdenum-alkylidene 1 with two equivalents of ene-ol proligand 2 rapidly produces, in quantitative yield (1H NMR spectroscopy), the double tethered metallacyclobutane complex 3. Characterized by variable temperature NMR studies and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) experiments, complex 3 exhibits fluxional behavior in solution. Determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, the solid-state structure of complex 3 reveals metrical parameters indicating that the metallacyclobutane is not predicted to undergo rapid retro-cycloaddition. However, complex 3 is a precatalyst for the polymerization of norbornene to produce cyclic polynorbornene. An NMR spectrum of a test polymerization indicates that only a small fraction of the precatalyst is activated upon exposure to monomer. Quantifying the active catalyst is possible by measuring vinyl resonances that appear in the 1H NMR spectrum. The vinyl resonances are attributable to the release of one of the tethers upon norbornene addition. Confirmation of the polymer cyclic topology comes from gel permeation chromatography (GPC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and intrinsic viscosity (η) measurements. The double tethered metallacyclobutane complex is a novel design for catalytic cyclic polymer synthesis. The synthetic approach suggests that catalyst tuning is possible by a choice of the commercial alkylidene and alteration of the ene-ol proligand.

Diol-Ritter Reaction: Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of Protected Vicinal Aminoalcohols and Mechanistic Aspects of Diol Monoester Disproportionation

The well-known epoxide-Ritter reaction generally affords oxazolines with poor to average regioselectivity. Herein, a mechanism-based study of the less known diol-Ritter reaction has provided a highly regioselective procedure for the synthesis of 1-vic-amido-2-esters from either terminal epoxides or 1,2-diols via Lewis acid-catalyzed monoesterification. When treated with a stoichiometric Lewis acid catalyst (BF₃), these diol monoesters form dioxonium cation intermediates that are ring-opened with nitrile nucleophiles to form nitrilium intermediates, which undergo rapid and irreversible hydration to give the desired amidoesters. Diester byproduct formation is irreversible and appears to occur through disproportionation of diol monoester. With chiral epoxide starting materials, the formation of amidoester occurs with retention of configuration and no apparent erosion of optical purity as determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses and chiral chromatography, respectively. The direct access to chiral vic-amidoesters is especially practical with regard to the synthesis of antibacterial oxazolidinone analogues of the Zyvox antimicrobial family.

SPAAC iClick: progress towards a bioorthogonal reaction in-corporating metal ions

Combining strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) and inorganic click (iClick) reactivity provides access to metal 1,2,3-triazolates. Experimental and computational insights demonstrate that iClick reactivity of the tested metal azides (LM-N₃, M = Au, W, Re, Ru and Pt) depends on the accessibility of the azide functionality rather than electronic effects imparted by the metal. SPAAC iClick reactivity with cyclooctyne is observed when the azide functionality is sterically unencumbered, e.g. [Au(N₃)(PPh₃)] (Au-N3), [W(η³-allyl)(N₃)(bpy)(CO)₂] (W-N3), and [Re(N₃)(bpy)(CO)₃] [bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine] (Re-N3). Increased steric bulk and/or preequilibria with high activation barriers prevent SPAAC iClick reactivity for the complexes [Ru(N₃)(Tp)(PPh₃)₂] [Tp = tris(pyrazolyl)borate] (Ru-N3), [Pt(N₃)(CH₃)(PⁱPr₃)₂] [ⁱPr = isopropyl] (Pt(II)-N3), and [Pt(N₃)(CH₃)₃]₄ ((PtN3)4). Based on these computational insights, the SPAAC iClick reactivity of [Pt(N₃)(CH₃)₃(P(CH₃)₃)₂] (Pt(IV)-N3) was successfully predicted.

α,α'-C-H Bond Difunctionalization of Unprotected Alicyclic Amines

A simple one-pot procedure enables the sequential, regioselective, and diastereoselective introduction of the same or two different substituents to the α- and α'-positions of unprotected azacycles. Aryl, alkyl, and alkenyl substituents are introduced via their corresponding organolithium compounds. The scope of this transformation includes pyrrolidines, piperidines, azepanes, and piperazines.