Alkali-Metal-Mediated Synergistic Effects in Polar Main Group Organometallic Chemistry

C-H and C-F coordination of arenes in neutral alkaline earth metal complexes

A series of neutral magnesium and calcium complexes bearing an extremely bulky diamido ligand have been synthesised and crystallographically characterised. A number of these complexes feature rare group 2 metalaromatic interactions, such as the η6-coordination of benzene and 'agostic-like' C-H coordination, the latter previously unseen in neutral Mg and Ca complexes.

Practical and Modular Construction of C(sp3)-Rich Alkyl Boron Compounds

Alkyl boronic acids and esters play an important role in the synthesis of C(sp³)-rich medicines, agrochemicals, and material chemistry. This work describes a new type of transition-metal-free mediated transformation to enable the construction of C(sp³)-rich and sterically hindered alkyl boron reagents in a practical and modular manner. The broad generality and functional group tolerance of this method is extensively examined through a variety of substrates, including synthesis and late-stage functionalization of scaffolds relevant to medicinal chemistry. The strategic significance of this approach, with alkyl boronic acids as linchpins, is demonstrated through various downstream functionalizations of the alkyl boron compounds. This two-step concurrent cross-coupling approach, resembling formal and flexible alkyl-alkyl couplings, provides a general entry to synthetically challenging high Fsp³-containing drug-like scaffolds.

Aminopotassiation by Mixed Potassium/Lithium Amides: A Synthetic Path to Difficult to Access Phenethylamine Derivates

Insights gained from a comparison of aminometalation reactions with lithium amides, potassium amides and mixed lithium/potassium amides are presented. A combination of structural characterization, DFT calculations and electrophile reactions of aminometalated intermediates has shown the advantages of using a mixed metal strategy. While potassium amides fail to add, the lithium amides are uncontrollable and eliminated, yet the mixed K/Li amides deliver the best of both systems. Aminopotassiation proceeds to form the alkylpotassium species which has enhanced stability over its lithium counterpart allowing for its isolation and thereby its further characterization.

Salicylaldimines: Formation via Ring Contraction and Synthesis of Mono- and Heterobimetallic Alkali Metal Heterocubanes

The formation of salicylaldimine derivatives via ring contraction as byproducts in 2-aminotropone syntheses has been investigated. Salicylaldiminate (SAI) complexes of the alkali metals Li-K have been synthesized and transformed into heterobimetallic complexes. Important findings include an unusual double heterocubane structure of the homometallic sodium SAI, an unprecedented ligand-induced E/Z isomerization of the aldimine functional group in the homometallic potassium SAI, and the first example of a structurally authenticated mixed-metal SAI based on s-block central atoms. Rapid equilibria have been shown to play a crucial role in the solution phase chemistry of mixed-metal SAIs. Analytical techniques applied in this work include (heteronuclear) NMR spectroscopy, VT- and DOSY NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and DFT calculations.

Regioselective Bromine/Magnesium Exchange for the Selective Functionalization of Polyhalogenated Arenes and Heterocycles

Using the bimetallic combination sBu₂Mg⋅2 LiOR (R=2‐ethylhexyl) in toluene enables efficient and regioselective Br/Mg exchanges with various dibromo‐arenes and ‐heteroarenes under mild reaction conditions and provides bromo‐substituted magnesium reagents. Assessing the role of Lewis donor additives in these reactions revealed that N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDTA) finely tunes the regioselectivity of the Br/Mg exchange on dibromo‐pyridines and quinolines. Combining spectroscopic with X‐ray crystallographic studies, light has been shed on the mixed Li/Mg constitution of the organometallic intermediates accomplishing these transformations. These systems reacted effectively with a broad range of electrophiles, including allyl bromides, ketones, aldehydes, and Weinreb amides in good yields.

Main group bimetallic partnerships for cooperative catalysis

Over the past decade s-block metal catalysis has undergone a transformation from being an esoteric curiosity to a well-established and consolidated field towards sustainable synthesis. Earth-abundant metals such as Ca, Mg, and Al have shown eye-opening catalytic performances in key catalytic processes such as hydrosilylation, hydroamination or alkene polymerization. In parallel to these studies, s-block mixed-metal reagents have also been attracting widespread interest from scientists. These bimetallic reagents effect many cornerstone organic transformations, often providing enhanced reactivities and better chemo- and regioselectivities than conventional monometallic reagents. Despite a significant number of synthetic advances to date, most efforts have focused primarily on stoichiometric transformations. Merging these two exciting areas of research, this Perspective Article provides an overview on the emerging concept of s/p-block cooperative catalysis. Showcasing recent contributions from several research groups across the world, the untapped potential that these systems can offer in catalytic transformations is discussed with special emphasis placed on how synergistic effects can operate and the special roles played by each metal in these transformations. Advancing the understanding of the ground rules of s-block cooperative catalysis, the application of these bimetalic systems in a critical selection of catalytic transformations encompassing hydroamination, cyclisation, hydroboration to C-C bond forming processes are presented as well as their uses in important polymerization reactions.

Ditopic bis(N,N',N'-substituted 1,2-ethanediamine) ligands: synthesis and coordination chemistry

The synthesis of two different types of bis(N,N',N'-substituted 1,2-ethanediamine)s, bridged either through the secondary (type 1) or tertiary (type 2) amine groups is reported. Selected protio-ligands have been applied in subsequent metallation reactions using aluminium, magnesium, tin, and zinc sources allowing to isolate five mononuclear and eight dinuclear complexes. All complexes have been fully characterized and their solid-state structures have been studied by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Nine of the 13 complexes carry reactive alkyl, amide or hydride groups, which indicates their potential as catalysts or supports for (transition) metals.

Bimetallic cooperation across the periodic table

Organometallic chemistry and its applications in homogeneous catalysis have been dominated by mononuclear transition-metal complexes. The catalytic performance and physico-chemical properties of these mononuclear complexes can be rationally tuned by ligand modification, which has also led to the discovery of new reactions. There is a growing body of evidence implicating the participation of two metals in catalytic processes originally believed to follow monometallic mechanisms. Moreover, the deliberate preparation of bimetallic structures has proven popular because these preorganized structures have many tunable features, such as metal-metal bond order and polarity. These structures can exhibit metal-metal complementarity and allow for multisite activation - reactivity unattainable with truly mononuclear species. This Perspective summarizes the features that are exclusive to bimetallic systems and their roles in substrate activation.

Insight into the Bonding and Aggregation of Alkyllithiums by Experimental Charge Density Studies and Energy Decomposition Analyses

In this Article, the organolithiums [((-)-sparteine)Li^tBu] (1), [(ABCO)Li^tBu]₂ (2), and [(ABCO)₂(LiⁱPr)₄] (3) are investigated by means of experimental and theoretical charge density determination to elucidate the nature of the Li-C and Li-N bonds. Furthermore, the valence shell charge concentrations (VSCCs) in the nonbonding region of the deprotonated C_α-atom will provide some insight on the localization of the carbanionic lone pair. Analysis of the electron density (ρ(r_BCP)), Laplacian (∇²ρ(r_BCP)), and the energy decomposition (EDA) confirmed that the Li-C/N bond exhibits astonishingly similar characteristics, to reveal an increasingly polar contact with decreasing aggregate size. This explains former observations on the incorporation of halide salts in organolithium reagents. Furthermore, it could be shown that the bonding properties of the ⁱPr group are similar to those of the ^tBu substituent. The accuracy of fit to all previously determined properties in organolithiums is remarkable.

Regioselective functionalization of aryl azoles as powerful tool for the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant targets

Aryl azole scaffolds are present in a wide range of pharmaceutically relevant molecules. Their ortho-selective metalation at the aryl ring is challenging, due to the competitive metalation of the more acidic heterocycle. Seeking a practical access to a key Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) intermediate currently in development, we investigated the metalation of 1-aryl-1H-1,2,3-triazoles and other related heterocycles with sterically hindered metal-amide bases. We report here a room temperature and highly regioselective ortho-magnesiation of several aryl azoles using a tailored magnesium amide, TMPMgBu (TMP = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) in hydrocarbon solvents followed by an efficient Pd-catalyzed arylation. This scalable and selective reaction allows variation of the initial substitution pattern of the aryl ring, the nature of the azole moiety, as well as the nature of the electrophile. This versatile method can be applied to the synthesis of bioactive azole derivatives and complements existing metal-mediated ortho-functionalizations.

Aryl azoles are common scaffolds in pharmaceutically relevant molecules. Here, the authors report the mild and highly regioselective ortho magnesiation of aryl azoles using a tailored magnesium amide base in hydrocarbon solvents followed by an efficient Pd-catalyzed arylation.

Boosting Low-Valent Aluminum(I) Reactivity with a Potassium Reagent

The reagent RK [R=CH(SiMe3 )2 or N(SiMe3 )2 ] was expected to react with the low-valent (DIPP BDI)Al (DIPP BDI=HC[C(Me)N(DIPP)]2 , DIPP=2,6-iPr-phenyl) to give [(DIPP BDI)AlR]- K+ . However, deprotonation of the Me group in the ligand backbone was observed and [H2 C=C(N-DIPP)-C(H)=C(Me)-N-DIPP]Al- K+ (1) crystallized as a bright-yellow product (73 %). Like most anionic AlI complexes, 1 forms a dimer in which formally negatively charged Al centers are bridged by K+ ions, showing strong K+ ⋅⋅⋅DIPP interactions. The rather short Al-K bonds [3.499(1)-3.588(1) Å] indicate tight bonding of the dimer. According to DOSY NMR analysis, 1 is dimeric in C6 H6 and monomeric in THF, but slowly reacts with both solvents. In reaction with C6 H6 , two C-H bond activations are observed and a product with a para-phenylene moiety was exclusively isolated. DFT calculations confirm that the Al center in 1 is more reactive than that in (DIPP BDI)Al. Calculations show that both AlI and K+ work in concert and determines the reactivity of 1.

A Predictive Model Towards Site-Selective Metalations of Functionalized Heterocycles, Arenes, Olefins, and Alkanes using TMPZnCl⋅LiCl

The development of a predictive model towards site-selective deprotometalation reactions using TMPZnCl⋅LiCl is reported (TMP=2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl). The pKa values of functionalized N-, S-, and O-heterocycles, arenes, alkenes, or alkanes were calculated and compared to the experimental deprotonation sites. Large overlap (>80 %) between the calculated and empirical deprotonation sites was observed, showing that thermodynamic factors strongly govern the metalation regioselectivity. In the case of olefins, calculated frozen state energies of the deprotonated substrates allowed a more accurate prediction. Additionally, various new N-heterocycles were analyzed and the metalation regioselectivities rationalized using the predictive model.

Catalytic C-H to C-M (M = Al, Mg) bond transformations with heterometallic complexes

C-H functionalisation is one of the cornerstones of modern catalysis and remains a topic of contemporary interest due its high efficiency and atom-economy. Among these reactions, C-H borylation, that is the transformation of C-H to C-B bonds, has experienced a fast development because of the wide utility of organoboron reagents as synthetic intermediates. The mechanistic background is now well-understood and the role of transition metal boryl or σ-borane intermediates in this transformation is well documented. This mini-review focuses on efforts made by our group, and others, to establish palladium- and calcium-catalysed methods for C-H metalation employing heavier main group elements (M = Al, Mg). These are new catalytic reactions first accomplished in our group that we have termed C-H alumination and magnesiation respectively. Unusual heterometallic complexes have been identified as key on-cycle intermediates and their unique reactivity is discussed in the context of new catalytic pathways for C-H functionalisation. Hence, this mini-review summarises the recent progress in the area of C-H metalation reactions as well as the new opportunities that may arise from this concept.

Trianionic binucleating bis(trityl)/aryloxide ligands and their lithium, magnesium, and zinc complexes

A series of lithium complexes with trianionic bis(trityl)/aryloxide ligands were prepared by triple deprotonation of phenols with two ortho-diarylmethyl substituents. Transmetalation with one of the lithium complexes via salt metathesis resulted in the synthesis of corresponding Mg and Zn complexes, which showed distinct coordination stoichiometry and structures. The metal complexes were characterized by multi-nuclear NMR, UV–vis, and infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, the redox property of a trilithium compound was investigated by electrochemical methods. X-ray crystallography revealed that the new bis(trityl)/aryloxide ligands could simultaneously bind to two nearby metal centers both in chelating κ2-O,C fashion, making themselves rare examples of tridentate binucleating alkyl/aryloxo scaffolds.

Boosting Conjugate Addition to Nitroolefins Using Lithium Tetraorganozincates: Synthetic Strategies and Structural Insights

We report the first transition metal catalyst- and ligand-free conjugate addition of lithium tetraorganozincates (R₄ ZnLi₂ ) to nitroolefins. Displaying enhanced nucleophilicity combined with unique chemoselectivity and functional group tolerance, homoleptic aliphatic and aromatic R₄ ZnLi₂ provide access to valuable nitroalkanes in up to 98 % yield under mild conditions (0 °C) and short reaction time (30 min). This is particularly remarkable when employing β-nitroacrylates and β-nitroenones, where despite the presence of other electrophilic groups, selective 1,4 addition to the C=C is preferred. Structural and spectroscopic studies confirmed the formation of tetraorganozincate species in solution, the nature of which has been a long debated issue, and allowed to unveil the key role played by donor additives on the aggregation and structure of these reagents. Thus, while chelating N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) and (R,R)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (TMCDA) favour the formation of contacted-ion pair zincates, macrocyclic Lewis donor 12-crown-4 triggers an immediate disproportionation process of Et₄ ZnLi₂ into equimolar amounts of solvent-separated Et₃ ZnLi and EtLi.

Stereo-controlled anti-hydromagnesiation of aryl alkynes by magnesium hydrides

A concise protocol for anti-hydromagnesiation of aryl alkynes was established using 1 : 1 molar combination of sodium hydride (NaH) and magnesium iodide (MgI₂) without the aid of any transition metal catalysts. The resulting alkenylmagnesium intermediates could be trapped with a series of electrophiles, thus providing facile accesses to stereochemically well-defined functionalized alkenes. Mechanistic studies by experimental and theoretical approaches imply that polar hydride addition from magnesium hydride (MgH₂) is responsible for the process.

Anti-hydromagnesiation of aryl alkynes was facilitated solely by magnesium hydride. The resulting alkenylmagnesium intermediates were functionalized with various electrophiles to afford stereochemically defined tri-substituted alkenes.

A regioselectively 1,1',3,3'-tetrazincated ferrocene complex displaying core and peripheral reactivity

Regioselective 1,1',3,3'-tetrazincation [C-H to C-Zn(tBu)] of ferrocene has been achieved by reaction of a fourfold excess of di-t-butylzinc (tBu₂Zn) with sodium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide (NaTMP) in hexane solution manifested in the trimetallic iron-sodium-zinc complex [Na₄(TMP)₄Zn₄(tBu)₄{(C₅H₃)₂Fe}], 1. X-ray crystallographic studies supported by DFT modelling reveal the structure to be an open inverse crown in which two [Na(TMP)Zn(tBu)Na(TMP)Zn(tBu)]²⁺ cationic units surround a {(C₅H₃)₂Fe}^4- tetraanion. Detailed C₆D₆ NMR studies have assigned the plethora of ¹H and ¹³C chemical shifts of this complex. It exists in a major form in which capping and bridging TMP groups interchange, as well as a minor form that appears to be an intermediate in this complicated exchange phenomenon. Investigation of 1 has uncovered two distinct reactivities. Two of its peripheral t-butyl carbanions formally deprotonate toluene at the lateral methyl group to generate benzyl ligands that replace these carbanions in [Na₄(TMP)₄Zn₄(tBu)₂(CH₂Ph)₂{(C₅H₃)₂Fe}], 2, which retains its tetrazincated ferrocenyl core. Benzyl-Na π-arene interactions are a notable feature of 2. In contrast, reaction with pyridine affords the crystalline product {[Na·4py][Zn(py*)₂(tBu)·py]}_∞, 3, where py is neutral pyridine (C₅H₅N) and py* is the anion (4-C₅H₄N), a rare example of pyridine deprotonated/metallated at the 4-position. This ferrocene-free complex appears to be a product of core reactivity in that the core-positioned ferrocenyl anions of 1, in company with TMP anions, have formally deprotonated the heterocycle.

The Role of Organoferrates in Iron-Catalyzed Cross-Couplings

Recent groundbreaking studies on organoferrates have demonstrated that coordinatively unsaturated three-coordinate-σ-alkylferrates are active catalysts in Fe-catalyzed cross-couplings with Grignard reagents and that pronounced solvent and counterion effects dictate metalate speciation and catalyst activity. Thanks to modern spectroscopic methods, sensitive catalyst intermediates could be analyzed.

Recent Advances of the Halogen-Zinc Exchange Reaction

For the preparation of zinc organometallics bearing highly sensitive functional groups such as ketones, aldehydes or nitro groups, especially mild halogen-zinc exchange reagents have proven to be of great potential. In this Minireview, the latest research in the area of the halogen-zinc exchange reaction is reported, with a special focus lying on novel dialkylzinc reagents complexed with lithium alkoxides. Additionally, the preparation and application of organofluorine zinc reagents and transition-metal-catalyzed halogen-zinc exchange reactions are reviewed.

The structure-defining incorporation of chloride in methyllithium dimers

Two polymeric solid-state structures of pmdta-stabilized methyllithium with co-existing tetrameric and dimeric units were obtained, linked by the structure-giving “contaminant” LiCl, incorporated only in dimeric entities.

Complexation behaviour of LiCl and LiPF6– model studies in the solid-state and in solution using a bidentate picolyl-based ligand

Using a new bulky bidentate ligand and combining various structure elucidation methods, coordination modes of [ligand·LiX] (X = Cl, PF₆) complexes both in solid-state and in solution have been revealed.

Structure, Reactivity, and Synthetic Applications of Sodium Diisopropylamide

The 60-year history of sodium diisopropylamide (NaDA) is described herein. We review various preparations, solvent-dependent stabilities, and solution structures. Synthetic applications of NaDA reported to date are framed by a mechanism-driven approach, emphasizing selectivities when appropriate. We conclude with examples beyond metalation in which NaDA plays a central role and a few thoughts on where future applications could be focused.

Selective mono- and dimetallation of a group 3 sandwich complex

The scandium Cp/COT hybrid sandwich compound [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Sc(η⁸-C₈H₈)] is resistant to metallation via conventional alkyllithium and lithium amide bases. In this work, clean, selective, stoichiometric and high-yielding mono- and dimetallation is accomplished using tandem trans-metal-trapping (TMT) involving LiTMP and iBu₂AlTMP with deprotonation occurring selectively at the Cp and Cp/COT rings respectively, providing the first examples of selective metallation of a sandwich complex featuring a group 3 element.

Stepwise Reduction at Magnesium and Beryllium: Cooperative Effects of Carbenes with Redox Non-Innocent α-Diimines

In the past two decades, the organometallic chemistry of the alkaline earth elements has experienced a renaissance due in part to developments in ligand stabilization strategies. In order to expand the scope of redox chemistry known for magnesium and beryllium, we have synthesized a set of reduced magnesium and beryllium complexes and compared their resulting structural and electronic properties. The carbene-coordinated alkaline earth-halides, (^Et2CAAC)MgBr₂ (1), (SIPr)MgBr₂ (2), (^Et2CAAC)BeCl₂ (3), and (SIPr)BeCl₂ (4) [^Et2CAAC = diethyl cyclic(alkyl)(amino) carbene; SIPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazole-2-ylidene] were combined with an α-diimine [2,2-bipyridine (bpy) or bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1,4-diazabutadiene (^DippDAB)] and the appropriate stoichiometric amount of potassium graphite to form singly- and doubly-reduced compounds (^Et2CAAC)MgBr(^DippDAB) (5), (^Et2CAAC)MgBr(bpy) (6), (^Et2CAAC)Mg(^DippDAB) (7), (^Et2CAAC)Be(bpy) (8), and (SIPr)Be(bpy) (9). The doubly-reduced compounds 7-9 exhibit substantial π-bonding interactions across the diimine core, metal center, and π-acidic carbene. Each complex was fully characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR, X-ray crystallography, ¹H, ¹³C, and ⁹Be NMR, or EPR where applicable. We use these compounds to highlight the differences in the organometallic chemistry of the lightest alkaline earth metals, magnesium and beryllium, in an otherwise identical chemical environment.

Lithium-Aluminate-Catalyzed Hydrophosphination Applications

Synthesized, isolated, and characterized by X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopic studies, lithium phosphidoaluminate iBu₃AlPPh₂Li(THF)₃ has been tested as a catalyst for hydrophosphination of alkynes, alkenes, and carbodiimides. Based on the collective evidence of stoichiometric reactions, NMR monitoring studies, kinetic analysis, and DFT calculations, a mechanism involving deprotonation, alkyne insertion, and protonolysis is proposed for the [iBu₃AlHLi]₂ aluminate catalyzed hydrophosphination of alkynes with diphenylphosphine. This study enhances further the development of transition‐metal‐free, atom‐economical homogeneous catalysis using common sustainable main‐group metals.

s-Block cooperative catalysis: alkali metal magnesiate-catalysed cyclisation of alkynols

Through mixed metal cooperativity, alkali metal magnesiates efficiently catalyse the cyclisation of alkynols.

Mixed s-block metal organometallic reagents have been successfully utilised in the catalytic intramolecular hydroalkoxylation of alkynols. This success has been attributed to the unique manner in which these reagents can overcome the challenges of the reaction: namely OH activation and coordination to and then addition across a C Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> C bond. In order to optimise the reaction conditions and to garner vital catalytic system requirements, a series of alkali metal magnesiates were enlisted for the catalytic intramolecular hydroalkoxylation of 4-pentynol. In a prelude to the main investigation, the homometallic magnesium dialkyl reagent MgR₂ (where R = CH₂SiMe₃) was utilised. This reagent was unsuccessful in cyclising the alcohol into 2-methylenetetrahydrofuran 2a or 5-methyl-2,3-dihydrofuran 2b, even in the presence of multidentate Lewis donor molecules such as N,N,N′,N′′,N′′-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA). Alkali metal magnesiates M^IMgR₃ (when M^I = Li, Na or K) performed the cyclisation unsatisfactorily both in the absence/presence of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) or PMDETA. When higher-order magnesiates (i.e., M^I₂MgR₄) were employed, in general a marked increase in yield was observed for M^I = Na or K; however, the reactions were still sluggish with long reaction times (22–36 h). A major improvement in the catalytic activity of the magnesiates was observed when the crown ether molecule 15-crown-5 was combined with sodium magnesiate Na₂MgR₄(TMEDA)₂ furnishing yields of 87% with 2a : 2b ratios of 95 : 5 after 5 h. Similar high yields of 88% with 2a : 2b ratios of 90 : 10 after 3 h were obtained combining 18-crown-6 with potassium magnesiate K₂MgR₄(PMDETA)₂. Having optimised these systems, substrate scope was examined to probe the range and robustness of 18-crown-6/K₂MgR₄(PMDETA)₂ as a catalyst. A wide series of alkynols, including terminal and internal alkynes which contain a variety of potentially reactive functional groups, were cyclised. In comparison to previously reported monometallic systems, bimetallic 18-crown-6/K₂MgR₄(PMDETA)₂ displays enhanced reactivity towards internal alkynol-cyclisation. Kinetic studies revealed an inhibition effect of substrate on the catalysts via adduct formation and requiring dissociation prior to the rate limiting cyclisation step.

Lithium: From Bipolar to Batteries

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