Highly Active Titanocene Catalysts for Epoxide Hydrosilylation: Synthesis, Theory, Kinetics, EPR Spectroscopy

Dehydrocoupling of Ammonia/Amine Boranes and Related Transformations Catalysed by Group 4 Metal Complexes

Ammonia borane and amine boranes are main group analogues of alkanes, which are characterised by their large gravimetric hydrogen content. This hydrogen can be released in dehydrocoupling and dehydropolymerisation reactions to obtain B-N oligomers and polymers that are of importance as precursors for functional B-N materials. Furthermore, amine boranes are potent reagents for application in transfer hydrogenation reactions, representing a versatile, easy-to-handle alternative to the use of gaseous hydrogen for the reduction of organic compounds. Compared to late transition metals, complexes of readily available and comparatively inexpensive electropositive group 4 metals have been used to a much lesser extent. This review summarises the developments in the field of dehydrocoupling of amine boranes and transfer hydrogenation with these reagents, catalysed by complexes of group 4 metals. We analyse the background for these developments using examples and reaction mechanisms and provide an outlook for future developments in this field of research.

Methoxide-Enabled Zirconium-Catalyzed Migratory Alkene Hydrosilylation

A zirconocene dichloride-catalyzed alkene hydrosilylation is reported that can be applied to non-activated and conjugated terminal and internal alkenes. It involves a catalytic Zr-walk process and leads to a selective conversion to the linear product. Lithium methoxide serves as mild catalyst activating agent, which significantly increases the applicability and operational simplicity in comparison to earlier zirconium(II)-based protocols. Supported by additional experiments and calculations, a mechanism via zirconium(IV) intermediates is proposed. Due to the benign nature and ready-availability of the zirconium catalyst, the reaction is an attractive alternative to established alkene hydrosilylation methods.

Choosing between Ti(II) and Ti(III): selective reduction of titanocene dichloride by elemental lanthanides

The reduction of titanocene dichloride Cp2TiCl2 with lanthanide metals has led to the discovery of a surprising lanthanide effect: while with most lanthanides, a divalent [Cp2Ti] equivalent was obtained, the use of samarium or ytterbium only led to the reduction to trivalent [Cp2TiCl]-type complexes, including the structurally characterized heterobimetallic complex [Cp2Ti(μ-Cl)2SmCl2(THF)3]. These results were corroborated by reactivity studies (alkyne coupling and radical reactions), EPR spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry, providing new insights into the reduction chemistry of lanthanide metals.

Attenuating Nucleophilicity of Titanocene Hydrides Beyond Steric Effects en Route to Fatty Alcohols

Here, we introduce a new class of titanocene catalysts for epoxide hydrosilylation that frustrates their hydridicity and thereby emphasizes their electron transfer reactivity. This unique attenuation of hydridicity is accomplished by introducing Lewis acidic silicon centers to the cyclopentadienyl ligands for an intramolecular coordination of the titanium-bound hydride. The superiority of our rationally designed catalysts over classic titanocenes with alkyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands is demonstrated in the dramatically improved regioselectivity of the hydrosilylation of monosubstituted epoxides to primary alcohols.

Stereoconvergent Approach to the Enantioselective Construction of α-Quaternary Alcohols by Radical Epoxide Allylation

We describe a highly stereoconvergent radical epoxide allylation towards diastereomerically and enantiomerically enriched α-quaternary alcohols in two steps from olefins. Our approach combines the stereospecifity and enantioselectivity of the Shi epoxidation with the unprecedented Ti(III)-promoted intramolecular radical group transfer allylation of epoxides. A directional isomerization step via configurationally labile radical intermediates enables the selective preparation of all-carbon quaternary stereocenters in a unique fashion.

Bioinspired Divergent Synthesis of Aspersteroids A and B

Aspersteroids A and B are novel ergostane-type 18,22-cyclosterols with immunosuppressive and antimicrobial activities. Herein, we report the first synthesis of these two natural products, which was accomplished in 15 and 14 steps, respectively, from commercially available ergosterol by means of a bioinspired divergent approach. Key features of this synthesis include an unprecedented radical relay cyclization that was initiated by iron(II)-mediated decomposition of an alkyl hydroperoxide to construct the E ring cyclopentane motif; a titanium(III)-mediated diastereoselective radical reduction of an epoxide to install the challenging C22 stereocenter; and highly regioselective, divergent late-stage oxidations to access the highly oxidized core framework.

A Flexible Synthesis of Polypropionates via Diastereodivergent Reductive Ring-Opening of Trisubstituted Secondary Glycidols

Polypropionates, characterized by their alternating sequence of stereocenters bearing methyl- and hydroxy-groups, are structurally diverse natural products of utmost importance.[1] Herein, we introduce a novel concept approach towards polypropionate synthesis featuring a diastereodivergent reductive epoxide-opening as a key step. Readily available and stereochemically uniform trisubstituted sec-glycidols serve as branching points for the highly selective synthesis of all isomers of polypropionate building blocks with three or more consecutive stereocenters. Stereodiversification is accomplished by an unprecedented mechanism-control over the stereochemically complementary modification of the epoxide's tertiary C-atom with excellent control of regio- and stereoselectivity. Since our method is not only suited for the preparation of specific targets but also for compound libraries, it will have a great impact on polypropionate synthesis.

Ti(III)-Catalyzed Anti-Markovnikov Reduction of Epoxides with Borohydride

We have developed a Ti catalyst that carries out the anti-Markovnikov reduction of a wide range of epoxides; [BH4]- is used as both the electron and the hydrogen atom source. It requires only mild conditions and accommodates a broad range of epoxide substrates. The Ti catalyst is readily available and is environmentally friendly.

Coupling Titanium and Chromium Catalysis in a Reaction Network for the Reprogramming of [BH4 ]- as Electron Transfer and Hydrogen Atom Transfer Reagent for Radical Chemistry

We describe a unique catalytic system with an efficient coupling of Ti- and Cr-catalysis in a reaction network that allows the use of [BH4 ]- as stoichiometric hydrogen atom and electron donor in catalytic radical chemistry. The key feature is a relay hydrogen atom transfer from [BH4 ]- to Cr generating the active catalysts under mild conditions. This enables epoxide reductions, regiodivergent epoxide opening and radical cyclizations that are not possible with cooperative catalysis with radicals or by epoxide reductions via Meinwald rearrangement and ensuing carbonyl reduction. No typical SN 2-type reactivity of [BH4 ]- salts is observed.

Photochemical Benzylation of White Phosphorus

Organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) have wide application in organic synthesis, material sciences, and drug discovery. Generally, the vast majority of phosphorus atoms in OPCs are derived from white phosphorus (P4). However, the large-scale preparation of OPCs mainly proceeds through the multistep and environmentally toxic chlorine route from P4. Herein, we report the direct benzylation of P4 promoted by visible light. The cheap and readily available benzyl bromide was used as a benzylation reagent, and tetrabenzylphosphonium bromide was directly synthesized from P4. In addition, the metallaphotoredox catalysis strategy was applied to functionalize P4 for the first time, which significantly improved the application range of the substituted benzyl bromide.

Formal Anti-Markovnikov Addition of Water to Olefins by Titanocene-Catalyzed Epoxide Hydrosilylation: From Stoichiometric to Sustainable Catalytic Reactions

Here, the evolution of the titanocene-catalyzed hydrosilylation of epoxides that yields the corresponding anti-Markovnikov alcohols is summarized. The study focuses on aspects of sustainability, efficient catalyst activation, and stereoselectivity. The latest variant of the reaction employs polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS), a waste product of the Müller-Rochow process as terminal reductant, features an efficient catalyst activation with benzylMgBr and the use of the bench stable Cp₂TiCl₂ as precatalyst. The combination of olefin epoxidation and epoxide hydrosilylation provides a uniquely efficient approach to the formal anti-Markovnikov addition of H₂O to olefins.

Titanocene(III)-Catalyzed Precision Deuteration of Epoxides

We describe a titanocene(III)-catalyzed deuterosilylation of epoxides that provides β-deuterated anti-Markovnikov alcohols with excellent D-incorporation, in high yield, and often excellent diastereoselectivity after desilylation. The key to the success of the reaction is a novel activation method of Cp2 TiCl2 and (tBuC5 H4 )2 TiCl2 with BnMgBr and PhSiD3 to provide [(RC5 H4 )2 Ti(III)D] without isotope scrambling. It was developed after discovering an off-cycle scrambling with the previously described method. Our precision deuteration can be applied to the synthesis of drug precursors and highlights the power of combining radical chemistry with organometallic catalysis.

Epoxide Electroreduction

Selective hydrogenation of epoxides would be a direct and powerful approach for alcohol synthesis, but it has proven to be elusive. Here, electrochemically epoxide hydrogenation using electrons and protons as reductants is reported. A wide range of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols can be achieved through selective Markovnikov or anti-Markovnikov ring opening in the absence of transition metals. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the regioselectivity is controlled by the thermodynamic stabilities of the in situ generated benzyl radicals for aryl-substituted epoxides and the kinetic tendency for Markovnikov selective ring opening for alkyl-substituted epoxides.

Resolution of chemical shift anisotropy in 19F ENDOR spectroscopy at 263 GHz/9.4 T

Pulsed ¹⁹F ENDOR spectroscopy provides a selective method for measuring angstrom to nanometer distances in structural biology. Here, the performance of ¹⁹F ENDOR at fields of 3.4 T and 9.4 T is compared using model compounds containing one to three ¹⁹F atoms. CF₃ groups are included in two compounds, for which the possible occurrence of uniaxial rotation might affect the distance distribution. At 9.4 T, pronounced asymmetric features are observed in many of the presented ¹⁹F ENDOR spectra. Data analysis by spectral simulations shows that these features arise from the chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) of the ¹⁹F nuclei. This asymmetry is also observed at 3.4 T, albeit to a much smaller extent, confirming the physical origin of the effect. The CSA parameters are well consistent with DFT predicted values and can be extracted from simulation of the experimental data in favourable cases, thereby providing additional information about the geometrical and electronic structure of the spin system. The feasibility of resolving the CSA at 9.4 T provides important information for the interpretation of line broadening in ENDOR spectra also at lower fields, which is relevant for developing methods to extract distance distributions from ¹⁹F ENDOR spectra.

Titanocene-Catalyzed [2+2] Cycloaddition of Bisenones and Comparison with Photoredox Catalysis and Established Methods

Cp2 Ti(TFA) is a broadly applicable catalyst for the [2+2] cycloaddition of bisenones by inner-sphere electron transfer. The attractiveness of this mechanism is shown by comparison with outer-sphere ET methods. DFT calculations show that the reaction proceeds through a unique unfavorable 5-exo (the rate-determining step) and a favorable 4-exo cyclization.

Synthesis of α-Alkylated Ketones via Selective Epoxide Opening/Alkylation Reactions with Primary Alcohols

A new method for converting terminal epoxides and primary alcohols into α-alkylated ketones under borrowing hydrogen conditions is reported. The procedure involves a one-pot epoxide ring opening and alkylation via primary alcohols in the presence of an N-heterocyclic carbene iridium(I) catalyst, under aerobic conditions, with water as the side product.

Design Platform for Sustainable Catalysis with Radicals: Electrochemical Activation of Cp2 TiCl2 for Catalysis Unveiled

The combination of synthesis, rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements, and computational investigations with the aid of DFT methods shows how a thiourea, a squaramide, and a bissulfonamide as additives affect the Eq Cr equilibrium of Cp2 TiCl2 . We have, for the first time, provided quantitative data for the Eq Cr equilibrium and have determined the stoichiometry of adduct formation of [Cp2 Ti(III)Cl2 ]- , [Cp2 Ti(III)Cl] and [Cp2 Ti(IV)Cl2 ] and the additives. By studying the structures of the complexes formed by DFT methods, we have established the Gibbs energies and enthalpies of complex formation as well as the adduct structures. The results not only demonstrate the correctness of our use of the Eq Cr equilibrium as predictor for sustainable catalysis. They are also a design platform for the development of novel additives in particular for enantioselective catalysis.

Oxidation Under Reductive Conditions: From Benzylic Ethers to Acetals with Perfect Atom-Economy by Titanocene(III) Catalysis

Described here is a titanocene-catalyzed reaction for the synthesis of acetals and hemiaminals from benzylic ethers and benzylic amines, respectively, with pendant epoxides. The reaction proceeds by catalysis in single-electron steps. The oxidative addition comprises an epoxide opening. An H-atom transfer, to generate a benzylic radical, serves as a radical translocation step, and an organometallic oxygen rebound as a reductive elimination. The reaction mechanism was studied by high-level dispersion corrected hybrid functional DFT with implicit solvation. The low-energy conformational space was searched by the efficient CREST program. The stereoselectivity was deduced from the lowest lying benzylic radical structures and their conformations are controlled by hyperconjugative interactions and steric interactions between the titanocene catalyst and the aryl groups of the substrate. An interesting mechanistic aspect is that the oxidation of the benzylic center occurs under reducing conditions.

Four Mechanistic Mysteries: The Benefits of Writing a Critical Review

While writing a comprehensive review on the reactions of epoxides with titanium(III) reagents, we encountered a series of mechanistic puzzles. Using clues from the literature, many of which were not available at the time that the mysteries emerged, it was possible to demystify a number of these conundrums. We discuss four examples, which we believe will significantly change the way in which titanium(III) chemistry is practiced. Our experience underscores the importance of comprehensive and critical reviews in chemistry and the truism that the authors are prime beneficiaries of the review process.

Titanocenes as Photoredox Catalysts Using Green-Light Irradiation

Irradiation of Cp2 TiCl2 with green light leads to electronically excited [Cp2 TiCl2 ]*. This complex constitutes an efficient photoredox catalyst for the reduction of epoxides and for 5-exo cyclizations of suitably unsaturated epoxides. To the best of our knowledge, our system is the first example of a molecular titanium photoredox catalyst.

Condition Screening for Sustainable Catalysis in Single-Electron Steps by Cyclic Voltammetry: Additives and Solvents

Cyclic voltammetry-based screening method for Cp₂ TiX-catalyzed reactions is extended to the screening of solvents other than tetrahydrofuran for bulk electrolysis of the catalyst and radical arylation. It was found that CH₃ CN can be used as a solvent for both processes without additives. Furthermore, in tetrahydrofuran, squaramide L2 is more efficient than the previously reported supramolecular halide binder, Schreiner's thiourea L1. The results extend the usefulness of the proposed time and resource-efficient screening method for designing catalysis reactions in single-electron steps.

Anti-Markovnikov alcohols via epoxide hydrogenation through cooperative catalysis

The opening of epoxides typically requires electrophilic activation, and subsequent nucleophilic (SN2) attack on the less substituted carbon leads to alcohols with Markovnikov regioselectivity. We describe a cooperative catalysis approach to anti-Markovnikov alcohols by combining titanocene-catalyzed epoxide opening with chromium-catalyzed hydrogen activation and radical reduction. The titanocene enforces the anti-Markovnikov regioselectivity by forming the more highly substituted radical. The chromium catalyst sequentially transfers a hydrogen atom, proton, and electron from molecular hydrogen, avoiding a hydride transfer to the undesired site and resulting in 100% atom economy. Each step of the interconnected catalytic cycles was confirmed separately.

Understanding titanium-catalysed radical-radical reactions: a DFT study unravels the complex kinetics of ketone-nitrile couplings

The computational investigation of a titanium-catalysed reductive radical-radical coupling is reported. The results match the conclusions from an earlier experimental study and enable a further interpretation of the previously observed complex reaction kinetics. Furthermore, the interplay between neutral and cationic reaction pathways in titanium(iii)-catalysed reactions is investigated for the first time. The results show that hydrochloride additives and reaction byproducts play an important role in the respective equilibria. A full reaction profile is assembled and the computed activation barrier is found to be in reasonable agreement with the experiment. The conclusions are of fundamental importance to the field of low-valent titanium catalysis and the understanding of related catalytic radical-radical coupling reactions.

Mechanism-Based Condition Screening for Sustainable Catalysis in Single-Electron Steps by Cyclic Voltammetry

A cyclic-voltammetry-based screening method for Cp₂ TiX-catalyzed reactions is introduced. Our mechanism-based approach enables the study of the influence of various additives on the electrochemically generated active catalyst Cp₂ TiX, which is in equilibrium with catalytically inactive [Cp₂ TiX₂ ]^- . Thioureas and ureas are most efficient in the generation of Cp₂ TiX in THF. Knowing the precise position of the equilibrium between Cp₂ TiX and [Cp₂ TiX₂ ]^- allowed us to identify reaction conditions for the bulk electrolysis of Cp₂ TiX₂ complexes and for Cp₂ TiX-catayzed radical arylations without having to carry out the reactions. Our time- and resource-efficient approach is of general interest for the design of catalytic reactions that proceed in single-electron steps.

Cp2 TiX Complexes for Sustainable Catalysis in Single-Electron Steps

We present a combined electrochemical, kinetic, and synthetic study with a novel and easily accessible class of titanocene catalysts for catalysis in single-electron steps. The tailoring of the electronic properties of our Cp₂ TiX-catalysts that are prepared in situ from readily available Cp₂ TiX₂ is achieved by varying the anionic ligand X. Of the complexes investigated, Cp₂ TiOMs proved to be either equal or substantially superior to the best catalysts developed earlier. The kinetic and thermodynamic properties pertinent to catalysis have been determined. They allow a mechanistic understanding of the subtle interplay of properties required for an efficient oxidative addition and reduction. Therefore, our study highlights that efficient catalysts do not require the elaborate covalent modification of the cyclopentadienyl ligands.

Orbital control over the metal vs. ligand reduction in a series of neutral and cationic bis(cyclopentadienyl) Ti(iv) complexes

LUMO of a complex reveals the extent of the electronic influence of ligand substituents on the reduction centre of the complex.

Piers’ borane-mediated hydrosilylation of epoxides and cyclic ethers

This work represents the first diarylborane-catalyzed hydrosilylation of epoxides and cyclic ethers.

SN 2 Reactions at Tertiary Carbon Centers in Epoxides

Described herein is a novel concept for S_N 2 reactions at tertiary carbon centers in epoxides without activation of the leaving group. Quantum chemical calculations show why S_N 2 reactions at tertiary carbon centers are proceeding in these systems. The reaction allows flexible synthesis of 1,3-diol building blocks for natural product synthesis with excellent control of the relative and absolute configurations.