One-pot reductive amination of carbonyl compounds and nitro compounds via Ir-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation

The formation of C-N bond is a vital synthetic tool for establishing molecular diversity, which is highly sought after in a wide range of biologically active natural products and drugs. Herein, we present a new strategy for the synthesis of secondary amines via iridium-catalyzed one-pot reductive amination of carbonyl compounds with nitro compounds. This method is demonstrated for a variety of carbonyl compounds, including miscellaneous aldehydes and ketones, which are compatible with this catalytic system, and deliver the desired products in good yields under mild conditions. In this protocol, the reduction of nitro compounds occurs in situ first, followed by reductive amination to form amine products, providing a new one-pot procedure for amine synthesis.

General Construction of Amine via Reduction of N=X (X = C, O, H) Bonds Mediated by Supported Nickel Boride Nanoclusters

Amines play an important role in synthesizing drugs, pesticides, dyes, etc. Herein, we report on an efficient catalyst for the general construction of amine mediated by nickel boride nanoclusters supported by a TS-1 molecular sieve. Efficient production of amines was achieved via catalytic hydrogenation of N=X (X = C, O, H) bonds. In addition, the catalyst maintains excellent performance upon recycling. Compared with the previous reports, the high activity, simple preparation and reusability of the Ni-B catalyst in this work make it promising for industrial application in the production of amines.

Characterization of selected organometallic compounds by electrospray ionization- and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry using different types of instruments: Possibilities and limitations

RATIONALE

Organometallic compounds are becoming increasingly important in their industrial application as catalysts. Mass spectrometry is an essential tool for the structural confirmation of such organometallics. Because the analysis of this class of molecules can be challenging, the ionization behavior and structural confirmation of selected transition metal catalysts are described in this work.

METHODS

The transition metal catalysts investigated were analyzed using classical vacuum MALDI reflectron TOF-MS as well as intermediate pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI QTOF-MS). Obtained mass spectra were compared with electrospray ionization MS (ESI-MS) already established for organometallic compounds, utilizing a QTOF mass spectrometer here. In addition, various sample preparations, including two selected MALDI matrices (trans-2-[3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methyl-2-propenylidene]malononitrile and 2,2':5',2″-terthiophene) with different solvent combinations for MALDI-MS measurements, were investigated in detail with respect to their correct isotope distribution of the molecular ions observed.

RESULTS

All investigated organometallic compounds were successfully identified by vacuum and intermediate pressure MALDI-MS. Accurate masses of ions related to molecular ion species (e.g., [M-Cl]⁺ , [M]⁺ , and [M + Na]⁺ ) could be determined by MALDI QTOF-MS measurements with a mass error of less than ±5 ppm for all compounds. Both investigated MALDI matrices performed equally on both instruments. The impact of the analyte/matrix solvent mixtures turned out to be crucial for a successful analysis of the investigated compounds. In contrast, ESI QTOF-MS yielded masses of ions related to molecular ion species in favorable cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of MALDI-MS for the structural confirmation of organometallic compounds is still not widely used. Nevertheless, this work showed that this analytical technique does have some benefits. The analysis of neutral catalysts proves to be quite useful, concluding that this technique provides a complement and/or an alternative to ESI-MS.

Intermolecular diastereoselective annulation of azaarenes into fused N-heterocycles by Ru(II) reductive catalysis

Derivatization of azaarenes can create molecules of biological importance, but reductive functionalization of weakly reactive azaarenes remains a challenge. Here the authors show a dearomative, diastereoselective annulation of azaarenes, via ruthenium(II) reductive catalysis, proceeding with excellent selectivity, mild conditions, and broad substrate and functional group compatibility. Mechanistic studies reveal that the products are formed via hydride transfer-initiated β-aminomethylation and α-arylation of the pyridyl core in the azaarenes, and that paraformaldehyde serves as both the C1-building block and reductant precursor, and the use of Mg(OMe)2 base plays a critical role in determining the reaction chemo-selectivity by lowering the hydrogen transfer rate. The present work opens a door to further develop valuable reductive functionalization of unsaturated systems by taking profit of formaldehyde-endowed two functions.

Iron-catalysed quinoline synthesis via acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling

An iron-catalysed atom-economical and straightforward methodology for the synthesis of quinolines from α-2-aminoaryl alcohols and secondary alcohols is presented.

Disarming the alkoxide trap to access a practical FeCl3 system for borrowing-hydrogen N-alkylation

Disarming the alkoxide trap using an in situ reduction strategy to access a practical FeCl3 and N-heterocyclic carbene system for borrowing-hydrogen N-alkylation.

Redox Activity of Iron Diazine-Diimine Carbonyl and Dinitrogen Complexes: A Comparative Study of the Influence of the Heterocyclic Ring

A detailed investigation of the electronic structure of diazinediimine iron complexes and their comparison with the pyridine analogues reveals subtle but important differences, imparted by the supporting heterocycle. In the case of LFe(CO)₂ complexes (L = pyrazine- and pyrimidinediimine), the characterization of three available redox states confirmed that whereas the nature of the electron-transfer processes is similar, the differences in π-acidity of the supporting heterocycle significantly affect the redox potentials. The reduction of LFe(CO)₂ can yield either a ligand-centered radical (for L = pyrimidine) or a C-C-bonded dimer (for L = pyrazine), supported by a dearomatized core. In the latter case, the C-C bond can be reversibly cleaved oxidatively. Compared to the carbonyl analogues, employing weak-field N₂ ligands triggers changes in electronic structure for the neutral and reduced LFe(N₂) complexes (L = pyrimidinediimine). En route to the synthesis of the nitrogen complexes, the square-planar LFeCl (L = pyrimidinediimine) was isolated. The monoradical character of the supporting chelate triggers the asymmetric distribution of electron density around the heterocycle.

pH-Mediated Selective Synthesis of N-Allylic Alkylation or N-Alkylation Amines with Allylic Alcohols via an Iridium Catalyst in Water

Amination of allylic alcohols is an effective approach in the facile synthesis of N-allylic alkylation or N-alkylation amines. Recently, a series of catalysts were devised to push forward this transformation. However, current synthetic methods are typically limited to achieve either N-allylic alkylation or N-alkylation products via a certain catalyst. In this article, a pH-mediated selective synthesis of N-allylic alkylation or N-alkylation amines with allylic alcohols via an iridium catalyst with water as the environmental benign solvent is revealed, enabling the miscellaneous synthesis of N-allylic alkylation and N-alkylation products in outstanding yields. Furthermore, a gram-scale experiment with low catalyst loading offers the potential to access a distinct entry for the synthesis of the antifungal drug naftifine.

Reductive electrophilic C-H alkylation of quinolines by a reusable iridium nanocatalyst

The incorporation of a coupling step into the reduction of unsaturated systems offers a desirable way for diverse synthesis of functional molecules, but it remains to date a challenge due to the difficulty in controlling the chemoselectivity. Herein, by developing a new heterogeneous iridium catalyst composed of Ir-species (Ir^δ+) and N-doped SiO₂/TiO₂ support (Ir/N-SiO₂/TiO₂), we describe its application in reductive electrophilic mono and dialkylations of quinolines with various 2- or 4-functionalized aryl carbonyls or benzyl alcohols by utilizing renewable formic acid as the reductant. This catalytic transformation offers a practical platform for direct access to a vast range of alkyl THQs, proceeding with excellent step and atom-efficiency, good substrate scope and functional group tolerance, a reusable catalyst and abundantly available feedstocks, and generation of water and carbon dioxide as by-products. The work opens a door to further develop more useful organic transformations under heterogeneous reductive catalysis.

By developing a heterogeneous iridium catalyst composed of a N-doped SiO₂/TiO₂ support and Ir-species (Ir/N-SiO₂/TiO₂), its application in reductive electrophilic alkylation of quinolines with various aryl carbonyls or benzyl alcohols is presented.

A Proton-Responsive Pyridyl(benzamide)-Functionalized NHC Ligand on Ir Complex for Alkylation of Ketones and Secondary Alcohols

A Cp*Ir(III) complex (1) of a newly designed ligand L¹ featuring a proton-responsive pyridyl(benzamide) appended on N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) has been synthesized. The molecular structure of 1 reveals a dearomatized form of the ligand. The protonation of 1 with HBF₄ in tetrahydrofuran gives the corresponding aromatized complex [Cp*Ir(L¹ H)Cl]BF₄ (2). Both compounds are characterized spectroscopically and by X-ray crystallography. The protonation of 1 with acid is examined by ¹ H NMR and UV-vis spectra. The proton-responsive character of 1 is exploited for catalyzing α-alkylation of ketones and β-alkylation of secondary alcohols using primary alcohols as alkylating agents through hydrogen-borrowing methodology. Compound 1 is an effective catalyst for these reactions and exhibits a superior activity in comparison to a structurally similar iridium complex [Cp*Ir(L² )Cl]PF₆ (3) lacking a proton-responsive pendant amide moiety. The catalytic alkylation is characterized by a wide substrate scope, low catalyst and base loadings, and a short reaction time. The catalytic efficacy of 1 is also demonstrated for the syntheses of quinoline and lactone derivatives via acceptorless dehydrogenation, and selective alkylation of two steroids, pregnenolone and testosterone. Detailed mechanistic investigations and DFT calculations substantiate the role of the proton-responsive ligand in the hydrogen-borrowing process.

Iron-Catalyzed Direct Julia-Type Olefination of Alcohols

Herein, we report an iron-catalyzed, convenient, and expedient strategy for the synthesis of styrene and naphthalene derivatives with the liberation of dihydrogen. The use of a catalyst derived from an earth-abundant metal provides a sustainable strategy to olefins. This method exhibits wide substrate scope (primary and secondary alcohols) functional group tolerance (amino, nitro, halo, alkoxy, thiomethoxy, and S- and N-heterocyclic compounds) that can be scaled up. The unprecedented synthesis of 1-methyl naphthalenes proceeds via tandem methenylation/double dehydrogenation. Mechanistic study shows that the cleavage of the C-H bond of alcohol is the rate-determining step.

Chromium-Catalyzed Alkylation of Amines by Alcohols

The alkylation of amines by alcohols is a broadly applicable, sustainable, and selective method for the synthesis of alkyl amines, which are important bulk and fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. We show that Cr complexes can catalyze this C-N bond formation reaction. We synthesized and isolated 35 examples of alkylated amines, including 13 previously undisclosed products, and the use of amino alcohols as alkylating agents was demonstrated. The catalyst tolerates numerous functional groups, including hydrogenation-sensitive examples. Compared to many other alcohol-based amine alkylation methods, where a stoichiometric amount of base is required, our Cr-based catalyst system gives yields higher than 90 % for various alkyl amines with a catalytic amount of base. Our study indicates that Cr complexes can catalyze borrowing hydrogen or hydrogen autotransfer reactions and could thus be an alternative to Fe, Co, and Mn, or noble metals in (de)hydrogenation catalysis.

Recent Progress with Pincer Transition Metal Catalysts for Sustainability

Our planet urgently needs sustainable solutions to alleviate the anthropogenic global warming and climate change. Homogeneous catalysis has the potential to play a fundamental role in this process, providing novel, efficient, and at the same time eco-friendly routes for both chemicals and energy production. In particular, pincer-type ligation shows promising properties in terms of long-term stability and selectivity, as well as allowing for mild reaction conditions and low catalyst loading. Indeed, pincer complexes have been applied to a plethora of sustainable chemical processes, such as hydrogen release, CO2 capture and conversion, N2 fixation, and biomass valorization for the synthesis of high-value chemicals and fuels. In this work, we show the main advances of the last five years in the use of pincer transition metal complexes in key catalytic processes aiming for a more sustainable chemical and energy production.

Strategies and mechanisms of metal–ligand cooperativity in first-row transition metal complex catalysts

The use of metal–ligand cooperation (MLC) by transition metal bifunctional catalysts has emerged at the forefront of homogeneous catalysis science.

Five-Coordinate Low-Spin {FeNO}7 PNP Pincer Complexes

The synthesis and characterization of air-stable cationic mono nitrosonium Fe(I) PNP pincer complexes of the type [Fe(PNP)(NO)Cl]⁺ are described. These complexes are obtained via direct nitroslyation of [Fe(PNP)Cl₂] with nitric oxide at ambient pressure. On the basis of magnetic and EPR measurements as well as DFT calculations, these compounds were found to adopt a low-spin d⁷ configuration and feature a nearly linear bound NO ligand suggesting Fe^INO⁺ rather than Fe^IINO^• character. X-ray structures of all nitrosonium Fe(I) PNP complexes are presented. Preliminary investigations reveal that [Fe(PNP^NH- iPr)(NO)(Cl)]⁺ efficiently catalyzes the conversion of primary alcohols and aromatic and benzylic amines to yield mono N-alkylated amines in good isolated yields.

Nanolayered cobalt-molybdenum sulphides (Co-Mo-S) catalyse borrowing hydrogen C-S bond formation reactions of thiols or H2S with alcohols

Nanolayered cobalt-molybdenum sulphide (Co-Mo-S) materials have been established as excellent catalysts for C-S bond construction. These catalysts allow for the preparation of a broad range of thioethers in good to excellent yields from structurally diverse thiols and readily available primary as well as secondary alcohols. Chemoselectivity in the presence of sensitive groups such as double bonds, nitriles, carboxylic esters and halogens has been demonstrated. It is also shown that the reaction takes place through a hydrogen-autotransfer (borrowing hydrogen) mechanism that involves Co-Mo-S-mediated dehydrogenation and hydrogenation reactions. A novel catalytic protocol based on the thioetherification of alcohols with hydrogen sulphide (H2S) to furnish symmetrical thioethers has also been developed using these earth-abundant metal-based sulphide catalysts.

Recent advances in homogeneous borrowing hydrogen catalysis using earth-abundant first row transition metals

The review highlights the recent advances (2013-present) in the use of earth-abundant first row transition metals in homogeneous borrowing hydrogen catalysis. The utility of catalysts based on Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu to promote a diverse array of important C-C and C-N bond forming reactions is described, including discussion on reaction mechanisms, scope and limitations, and future challenges in this burgeoning area of sustainable catalysis.

Manganese-catalyzed direct C–C coupling of α-C–H bonds of amides and esters with alcohols via hydrogen autotransfer

Mn-catalyzed C-alkylation of amides and tert-butyl acetate using alcohols as alkylating agents is reported. This approach exhibits a broad substrate scope providing the C(α)-alkylated amides in good yields via hydrogen auto-transfer strategy.

Cp*Co(iii)-catalyzed N-alkylation of amines with secondary alcohols

We report here the first high-valent cobalt(iii)-catalyzed direct alkylation of aromatic amines with secondary alcohols.

Nickel(ii)-catalyzed direct olefination of benzyl alcohols with sulfones with the liberation of H2

A nickel(ii)-catalyzed direct olefination of benzyl alcohols with sulfones to access various terminal and internal olefins with the liberation of hydrogen gas is reported. The present protocol has been used for E-selective synthesis of DMU-212, and Resveratrol.

PNN′ & P2NN′ ligands via reductive amination with phosphine aldehydes: synthesis and base-metal coordination chemistry

Phosphorus-donor “arms” are readily added to amines in order to enable sturdy base metal coordination.