LiAlH4 : From Stoichiometric Reduction to Imine Hydrogenation Catalysis

Highly efficient selective hydrogenation of adiponitrile to hexamethylene diamine over barium and melamine formaldehyde resin-modified nickel-cobalt-based zeolitic imidazolate framework-derived catalyst

In the present study, the catalyst modified with alkaline oxide can enhance the selectivity to primary amines. However, the addition of alkaline oxide inevitably reduces catalytic activity. In this study, NiCo-NC@BaO-MFC catalyst derived from zeolitic imidazolate framework-67, Ba(CH3COO)2, and melamine formaldehyde (MF) resin was prepared and used for the hydrogenation of adiponitrile (ADN) to hexamethylene diamine (HDMA). The carbon layer obtained from the MF resin effectively prevents the interaction between barium (Ba) and the active center, thus improving target product selectivity without decreasing catalytic activity. The results of the density functional theory (DFT) calculation and characterization indicated that the effect of synergy between nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) bimetals induces an electron density growth on the Ni surface, bringing the d-band center toward the Fermi surface. Meanwhile, the high electron density of the active center compensates for the electron-deficient state of the carbon atom in -CN, thus improving the catalytic activity. Furthermore, it was found that the introduction of Ba promotes the formation of nucleophilic hydrogen anions, which facilitates the hydrogenation of 6-aminohexylimine (AHIM) to HDMA and inhibits the intramolecular condensation of AHIM, hence improving the selectivity to HDMA. The NiCo-NC@BaO-MFC catalyst gives 98.6 % ADN conversion and 97.2 % selectivity to HDMA in an alkali-free system.

Hexacoordinated tin complexes catalyse imine hydrogenation with H2

Frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) hydrogenation catalysts predominantly use alkyl- and aryl-substituted Lewis acids (LA) that offer a limited number of combinations of substituents, limiting our ability to tune their properties and, ultimately, their reactivity. Nevertheless, main-group complexes have numerous ligands available for such purposes, which could enable us to broaden the range of FLP catalysis. Supporting this hypothesis, we demonstrate here that hexacoordinated tin complexes with Schiff base ligands catalyse imine hydrogenation via activation of H2(g). As shown by hydrogen-deuterium scrambling, [Sn(tBu2Salen)(OTf)2] activated H2(g) at 25 °C and 10 bar of H2. After tuning the ligands, we found that [Sn(Salen)Cl2] was the most efficient imine hydrogenation catalyst despite having the lowest activity in H2(g) activation. Moreover, various imines were hydrogenated in yields up to 98% thereby opening up opportunities for developing novel FLP hydrogenation catalysts based on hexacoordinated LA of main-group elements.

Synthesis and reactivity of alkali metal aluminates bearing bis(organoamido)phosphane ligand

In this study, we report a group of alkali metal aluminates bearing bis(organoamido)phosphane ligand. The starting complex {[PhP(NtBu)2]AlMe2}Li·OEt2 (1) was prepared by stepwise deprotonation of the parent PhP(NHtBu)2 by nBuLi and AlMe3. Further derivatization of aluminate 1 was performed by the virtual substitution of lithium -{[PhP(NtBu)2]AlMe2}K (2), methyl substituents - {[PhP(NtBu)2]AlH2}Li·THF (3), modification of steric bulk and induction effects on the phosphorus atom - {[tBuP(N-2,6-iPr2C6H3)2]AlMe2}Li·(OEt2)2 (4), and phosphorus atom oxidation state {[Ph(Y)P(NtBu)2]AlMe2}Li (Y = O (5), S (6), Se (7), Te (8)). The structure causing non-covalent interactions in 1-4 were evaluated with the help of theoretical calculations and topological analysis ranging from π-electron system-metal to agostic interactions of various types. The further reactions of 1 with various nucleophiles were found to be a versatile tool for the preparation of iminophosphonamides via the formation of P-E bond (E = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, P, and C) and followed by P(III) → P(V) tautomeric shift.

Alkali Metal Dihydropyridines in Transfer Hydrogenation Catalysis of Imines: Amide Basicity versus Hydride Surrogacy

Catalytic reduction of a representative set of imines, both aldimines and ketimines, to amines has been studied using transfer hydrogenation from 1,4-dicyclohexadiene. Unusually, this has been achieved using s-block pre-catalysts, namely 1-metallo-2-tert-butyl-1,2-dihydropyridines, 2-tBuC5 H5 NM, M(tBuDHP), where M=Li-Cs. Reactions have been monitored in C6 D6 and tetrahydrofuran-d8 (THF-d8 ). A definite trend is observed in catalyst efficiency with the heavier alkali metal tBuDHPs outperforming the lighter congeners. In general, Cs(tBuDHP) is the optimal pre-catalyst with, in the best cases, reactions producing quantitative yields of amines in minutes at room temperature using 5 mol % catalyst. Supporting the experimental study, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations have also been carried out which reveal that Cs has a pathway with a significantly lower rate determining step than the Li congener. In the postulated initiation pathways DHP can act as either a base or as a surrogate hydride.

Designing New Magnesium Pincer Complexes for Catalytic Hydrogenation of Imines and N-Heteroarenes: H2 and N-H Activation by Metal-Ligand Cooperation as Key Steps

Utilization of main-group metals as alternatives to transition metals in homogeneous catalysis has become a hot research area in recent years. However, their application in catalytic hydrogenation is less common due to the difficulty in heterolytic cleavage of the H-H bond. Employing aromatization/de-aromatization metal-ligand cooperation (MLC) highly enhances the H₂ activation process, offering an efficient approach for the hydrogenation of unsaturated molecules catalyzed by main-group metals. Herein, we report a series of new magnesium pincer complexes prepared using PNNH-type pincer ligands. The complexes were characterized by NMR and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Reversible activation of H₂ and N-H bonds by MLC employing these pincer complexes was developed. Using the new magnesium complexes, homogeneously catalyzed hydrogenation of aldimines and ketimines was achieved, affording secondary amines in excellent yields. Control experiments and DFT studies reveal that a pathway involving MLC is favorable for the hydrogenation reactions. Moreover, the efficient catalysis was extended to the selective hydrogenation of quinolines and other N-heteroarenes, presenting the first example of hydrogenation of N-heteroarenes homogeneously catalyzed by early main-group metal complexes. This study provides a new strategy for hydrogenation of C═N bonds catalyzed by magnesium compounds and enriches the research of main-group metal catalysis.

Synthesis and Structural Comparisons of NHC-Alanes

N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are widely used in organometallic chemistry. Here, we examine the role of NHCs in the stabilisation of aluminium hydrides, AlH3, also known as alanes. This includes an assessment of the various synthetic strategies, comparisons of structural parameters and theoretical insight. Based on percent buried volume (%Vbur) parameters, we report the largest and smallest NHC alanes to date, with noted differences in their observed stability in both the solution and solid state.

Hydrocarbon Soluble Alkali-Metal-Aluminium Hydride Surrog[ATES]

A series of group 1 hydrocarbon-soluble donor free aluminates [AM(^t BuDHP)(TMP)Al(ⁱ Bu)₂ ] (AM=Li, Na, K, Rb) have been synthesised by combining an alkali metal dihydropyridyl unit [(2-^t BuC₅ H₅ N)AM)] containing a surrogate hydride (sp³ C-H) with [(ⁱ Bu)₂ Al(TMP)]. These aluminates have been characterised by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. While the lithium aluminate forms a monomer, the heavier alkali metal aluminates exist as polymeric chains propagated by non-covalent interactions between the alkali metal cations and the alkyldihydropyridyl units. Solvates [(THF)Li(^t BuDHP)(TMP)Al(ⁱ Bu)₂ ] and [(TMEDA)Na(^t BuDHP)(TMP)Al(ⁱ Bu)₂ ] have also been crystallographically characterised. Theoretical calculations show how the dispersion forces tend to increase on moving from Li to Rb, as opposed to the electrostatic forces of stabilization, which are orders of magnitude more significant. Having unique structural features, these bimetallic compounds can be considered as starting points for exploring unique reactivity trends as alkali-metal-aluminium hydride surrog[ATES].

Controlling Al- Interactions in Group 1 Metal Aluminyls ( = Li, Na, and K). Facile Conversion of Dimers to Monomeric and Separated Ion Pairs

The aluminyl compounds [M{Al(NON^Dipp)}]₂ (NON^Dipp = [O(SiMe₂NDipp)₂]^2-, Dipp = 2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃), which exist as contacted dimeric pairs in both the solution and solid states, have been converted to monomeric ion pairs and separated ion pairs for each of the group 1 metals, M = Li, Na, and K. The monomeric ion pairs contain discrete, highly polarized Al-M bonds between the aluminum and the group 1 metal and have been isolated with monodentate (THF, M = Li and Na) or bidentate (TMEDA, M = Li, Na, and K) ligands at M. The separated ion pairs comprise group 1 cations that are encapsulated by polydentate ligands, rendering the aluminyl anion, [Al(NON^Dipp)]^- "naked". For M = Li, this structure type was isolated as the [Li(TMEDA)₂]⁺ salt directly from a solution of the corresponding contacted dimeric pair in neat TMEDA, while the polydentate [2.2.2]cryptand ligand was used to generate the separated ion pairs for the heavier group 1 metals M = Na and K. This work shows that starting from the corresponding contacted dimeric pairs, the extent of the Al-M interaction in these aluminyl systems can be readily controlled with appropriate chelating reagents.

Molecular Main Group Metal Hydrides

This review serves to document advances in the synthesis, versatile bonding, and reactivity of molecular main group metal hydrides within Groups 1, 2, and 12-16. Particular attention will be given to the emerging use of said hydrides in the rapidly expanding field of Main Group element-mediated catalysis. While this review is comprehensive in nature, focus will be given to research appearing in the open literature since 2001.

Cationic Heterobimetallic Mg(Zn)/Al(Ga) Combinations for Cooperative C-F Bond Cleavage

Low-valent (Me BDI)Al and (Me BDI)Ga and highly Lewis acidic cations in [(tBu BDI)M+ ⋅C6 H6 ][(B(C6 F5 )4 - ] (M=Mg or Zn, Me BDI=HC[C(Me)N-DIPP]2 , tBu BDI=HC[C(tBu)N-DIPP]2 , DIPP=2,6-diisopropylphenyl) react to heterobimetallic cations [(tBu BDI)Mg-Al(Me BDI)+ ], [(tBu BDI)Mg-Ga(Me BDI)+ ] and [(tBu BDI)Zn-Ga(Me BDI)+ ]. These cations feature long Mg-Al (or Ga) bonds while the Zn-Ga bond is short. The [(tBu BDI)Zn-Al(Me BDI)+ ] cation was not formed. Combined AIM and charge calculations suggest that the metal-metal bonds to Zn are considerably more covalent, whereas those to Mg should be described as weak AlI (or GaI )→Mg2+ donor bonds. Failure to isolate the Zn-Al combination originates from cleavage of the C-F bond in the solvent fluorobenzene to give (tBu BDI)ZnPh and (Me BDI)AlF+ which is extremely Lewis acidic and was not observed, but (Me BDI)Al(F)-(μ-F)-(F)Al(Me BDI)+ was verified by X-ray diffraction. DFT calculations show that the remarkably facile C-F bond cleavage follows a dearomatization/rearomatization route.

Mechanism of Potassium tert-Butoxide-Catalyzed Ketones Hydrogenation in the Solution Phase

The mechanism of ketones homogeneous hydrogenation with t-BuOK in tert-butanol is currently portrayed as the one proceeding via a six-membered [2 + 2 + 2] cyclic transition state involving the H₂ molecule, the base, and a ketone. However, the concerted nature of the reaction is inconsistent with a number of experimental observations. Here we reanalyze available experimental data and revise the mechanism of this paradigmatic reaction based on the static and dynamic density functional theory (DFT) calculations in solution phase. In contrast to the gas-phase profile where the overall reaction occurs in two elementary steps, there are three consecutive steps in solution: cleavage of the H-H bond in basic tert-butanol to afford potassium hydride, addition of potassium hydride across the C═O bond of a ketone through the rate-determining transition state, and rapid product formation through K/H exchange. Potassium hydride is therefore an important intermediate of the catalytic process. The free energy profile for the prophetic ester homogeneous hydrogenation with t-BuOK in tert-butanol is also computed herein. The reaction seems to be kinetically possible, but slightly harsher conditions need to be applied, consistent with rate-determining nature of the potassium hydride addition.

Cationic Aluminium Complexes as Catalysts for Imine Hydrogenation

Strongly Lewis acidic cationic aluminium complexes, stabilized by β–diketiminate (BDI) ligands and free of Lewis bases, have been prepared as their B(C₆F₅)₄⁻ salts and were investigated for catalytic activity in imine hydrogenation. The backbone (R1) and N (R2) substituents on the ^R1,R2BDI ligand (^R1,R2BDI=HC[C(R1)N(R2)]₂) influence sterics and Lewis acidity. Ligand bulk increases along the row ^Me,DIPPBDI<^Me,DIPePBDI≈^tBu,DIPPBDI<^tBu,DIPePBDI; DIPP=2,6‐C(H)Me₂‐phenyl, DIPeP=2,6‐C(H)Et₂‐phenyl. The Gutmann‐Beckett test showed acceptor numbers of: (^tBu,DIPPBDI)AlMe⁺ 85.6, (^tBu,DIPePBDI)AlMe⁺ 85.9, (^Me,DIPPBDI)AlMe⁺ 89.7, (^Me,DIPePBDI)AlMe⁺ 90.8, (^Me,DIPPBDI)AlH⁺ 95.3. Steric and electronic factors need to be balanced for catalytic activity in imine hydrogenation. Open, highly Lewis acidic, cations strongly coordinate imine rendering it inactive as a Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP). The bulkiest cations do not coordinate imine but its combination is also not an active catalyst. The cation (^tBu,DIPPBDI)AlMe⁺ shows the best catalytic activity for various imines and is also an active catalyst for the Tishchenko reaction of benzaldehyde to benzylbenzoate. DFT calculations on the mechanism of imine hydrogenation catalysed by cationic Al complexes reveal two interconnected catalytic cycles operating in concert. Hydrogen is activated either by FLP reactivity of an Al⋅⋅⋅imine couple or, after formation of significant quantities of amine, by reaction with an Al⋅⋅⋅amine couple. The latter autocatalytic Al⋅⋅⋅amine cycle is energetically favoured.

Alkali-Metal Mediation: Diversity of Applications in Main-Group Organometallic Chemistry

Organolithium compounds have been at the forefront of synthetic chemistry for over a century, as they mediate the synthesis of myriads of compounds that are utilised worldwide in academic and industrial settings. For that reason, lithium has always been the most important alkali metal in organometallic chemistry. Today, that importance is being seriously challenged by sodium and potassium, as the alkali-metal mediation of organic reactions in general has started branching off in several new directions. Recent examples covering main-group homogeneous catalysis, stoichiometric organic synthesis, low-valent main-group metal chemistry, polymerization, and green chemistry are showcased in this Review. Since alkali-metal compounds are often not the end products of these applications, their roles are rarely given top billing. Thus, this Review has been written to alert the community to this rising unifying phenomenon of "alkali-metal mediation".

Aluminum-Hydride-Catalyzed Hydroboration of Carbon Dioxide

This study describes the first use of a bis(phosphoranyl)methanido aluminum hydride, [ClC(PPh₂NMes)₂AlH₂] (2, Mes = Me₃C₆H₂), for the catalytic hydroboration of CO₂. Complex 2 was synthesized by the reaction of a lithium carbenoid [Li(Cl)C(PPh₂NMes)₂] with 2 equiv of AlH₃·NEtMe₂ in toluene at -78 °C. 2 (10 mol %) was able to catalyze the reduction of CO₂ with HBpin in C₆D₆ at 110 °C for 2 days to afford a mixture of methoxyborane [MeOBpin] (3a; yield: 78%, TOF: 0.16 h^-1) and bis(boryl)oxide [pinBOBpin] (3b). When more potent [BH₃·SMe₂] was used instead of HBpin, the catalytic reaction was extremely pure, resulting in the formation of trimethyl borate [B(OMe)₃] (3e) [catalytic loading: 1 mol % (10 mol %); reaction time: 60 min (5 min); yield: 97.6% (>99%); TOF: 292.8 h^-1 (356.4 h^-1)] and B₂O₃ (3f). Mechanistic studies show that the Al-H bond in complex 2 activated CO₂ to form [ClC(PPh₂NMes)₂Al(H){OC(O)H}] (4), which was subsequently reacted with BH₃·SMe₂ to form 3e and 3f, along with the regeneration of complex 2. Complex 2 also shows good catalytic activity toward the hydroboration of carbonyl, nitrile, and alkyne derivatives.

Main Group Metal-Mediated Transformations of Imines

Main-group-metal-mediated transformations of imines have earned a valued place in the synthetic chemist's toolbox. Their versatility allows the simple preparation of various nitrogen containing compounds. This review will outline the early discoveries including metallation, addition/cyclisation and metathesis pathways, followed by the modern-day use of imines in synthetic methodology. Recent advances in imine C-F activation protocols are discussed, alongside revisiting "classic" imine reactivity from a sustainable perspective. Developments in catalytic methods for hydroelementation of imines have been reviewed, highlighting the importance of s-block metals in the catalytic arena. Whilst stoichiometric transformations in alternative reaction media such as deep eutectic solvents or water have been summarised. The incorporation of imines into flow chemistry has received recent attention and is summarised within.

Insights into LiAlH4 Catalyzed Imine Hydrogenation

Commercial LiAlH4 can be used in catalytic quantities in the hydrogenation of imines to amines with H2 . Combined experimental and theoretical investigations give deeper insight in the mechanism and identifies the most likely catalytic cycle. Activity is lost when Li in LiAlH4 is exchanged for Na or K. Exchanging Al for B or Ga also led to dramatically reduced activities. This indicates a heterobimetallic mechanism in which cooperation between Li and Al is crucial. Potential intermediates on the catalytic pathway have been isolated from reactions of MAlH4 (M=Li, Na, K) and different imines. Depending on the imine, double, triple or quadruple imine insertion has been observed. Prolonged reaction of LiAlH4 with PhC(H)=NtBu led to a side-reaction and gave the double insertion product LiAlH2 [N]2 ([N]=N(tBu)CH2 Ph) which at higher temperature reacts further by ortho-metallation of the Ph ring. A DFT study led to a number of conclusions. The most likely catalyst for hydrogenation of PhC(H)=NtBu with LiAlH4 is LiAlH2 [N]2 . Insertion of a third imine via a heterobimetallic transition state has a barrier of +23.2 kcal mol-1 (ΔH). The rate-determining step is hydrogenolysis of LiAlH[N]3 with H2 with a barrier of +29.2 kcal mol-1 . In agreement with experiment, replacing Li for Na (or K) and Al for B (or Ga) led to higher calculated barriers. Also, the AlH4 - anion showed very high barriers. Calculations support the experimentally observed effects of the imine substituents at C and N: the lowest barriers are calculated for imines with aryl-substituents at C and alkyl-substituents at N.

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.

Combined KH/alkaline-earth metal amide catalysts for hydrogenation of alkenes

Breaking saline KH: The combined KH/alkaline-earth metal amide catalysts display much better catalytic activity than their components in the hydrogenation of alkenes, suggesting the degradation and activation of saline KH with the metal amides.

Organoaluminum cations for carbonyl activation

In search of stable, yet reactive aluminum Lewis acids, we have isolated an organoaluminum cation, [(Me2NC6H4)2Al(C4H8O)2]+, coordinated with two labile tetrahydrofuran ligands. Its catalytic performance in aldehyde dimerization reveals turn-over frequencies reaching up to 6000 h-1, exceeding that of the reported main group catalysts. The cation is further demonstrated to catalyze hydroelementation of ketones. Mechanistic investigations reveal that aldehyde dimerization and ketone hydrosilylation occur through carbonyl activation.

Flexible Coordination of N,P-Donor Ligands in Aluminum Dimethyl and Dihydride Complexes

Aluminum hydrides, once a simple class of stoichiometric reductants, are now emerging as powerful catalysts for organic transformations such as the hydroboration or hydrogenation of unsaturated bonds. The coordination chemistry of aluminum hydrides supported by P donors is relatively underexplored. Here, we report aluminum dihydride and dimethyl complexes supported by amidophosphine ligands and study their coordination behavior in solution and in the solid state. All complexes exist as κ²-N,P complexes in the solid state. However, we find that for amidophosphine ligands bearing bulky aminophosphine donors, aluminum dihydride and dimethyl complexes undergo a “ligand-slip” rearrangement in solution to generate κ²-N,N complexes. Thus, importantly for catalytic activity, we find that the coordination behavior of the P donor can be modulated by controlling its steric bulk. We show that the reported aluminum hydrides catalyze the hydroboration of alkynes by HBPin and that the variable coordination mode exhibited by the amidophosphine ligand modulates the catalytic activity.

Mixed N,P-donor-stabilized aluminum dimethyl and dihydride complexes were synthesized. Variation of the ligand’s phosphine donor group enables control over the coordination mode at aluminum.

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.

NHI- and NHC-Supported Al(III) Hydrides for Amine–Borane Dehydrocoupling Catalysis

The catalytic dehydrocoupling of amine–boranes has recently received a great deal of attention due to its potential in hydrogen storage applications. The use of aluminum catalysts for this transformation would provide an additional cost-effective and sustainable approach towards the hydrogen economy. Herein, we report the use of both N-heterocyclic imine (NHI)- and carbene (NHC)-supported Al(III) hydrides and their role in the catalytic dehydrocoupling of Me2NHBH3. Differences in the σ-donating ability of the ligand class resulted in a more stable catalyst for NHI-Al(III) hydrides, whereas a deactivation pathway was found in the case of NHC-Al(III) hydrides.

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.

Hydrogenation of nitriles and imines for hydrogen storage

This review focuses on the selective catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles to primary amines both homogeneously and heterogeneously with transition metal-based catalysts in the view of nitriles as hydrogen carriers. Nitriles can be reduced with two equivalents of H2 to primary amines, thus having a great potential to serve as liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) for hydrogen storage. Imines are intermediates in the hydrogenation of nitriles to amines, thus they can also serve as potential LOHCs, however with a lower hydrogen storage capacity (HSC).

FLP catalysis: main group hydrogenations of organic unsaturated substrates

This article is focused on recent developments in main group mediated hydrogenation chemistry and catalysis using "frustrated Lewis pairs" (FLPs). The broading range of substrates and catalyst systems is reviewed and the advances in catalytic reductions and the development of stereoselective, asymmetric reductions made since 2012 is considered.

Comparing Neutral (Monometallic) and Anionic (Bimetallic) Aluminum Complexes in Hydroboration Catalysis: Influences of Lithium Cooperation and Ligand Set

Bimetallic lithium aluminates and neutral aluminum counterparts are compared as catalysts in hydroboration reactions with aldehydes, ketones, imines and alkynes. Possessing Li–Al cooperativity, ate catalysts are found to be generally superior. Catalytic activity is also influenced by the ligand set, alkyl and/or amido. Devoid of an Al−H bond, iBu₂Al(TMP) operates as a masked hydride reducing benzophenone through a β‐Η transfer process. This catalyst library therefore provides an entry point into the future design of Al catalysts targeting substrate specific transformations.