Aminophosphines: their chemistry and role as ligands and synthons

An efficient alternative to DBU in the oxathiaphospholane (OTP) method for the solid phase synthesis of P-stereodefined phosphorothioate analogs

This study presents a modified (extended) 1,3,2-oxathiaphospholane (OTP) method for the synthesis of P-stereodefined phosphorothioate analogs in the presence of previously unused organic bases. TBD (5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene) and Verkade's proazaphosphatrane (2,8,9-trimethyl-2,5,8,9-tetraaza-1-phosphabicyclo[3.3.3]undecane) are herein used for the first time as efficient organic bases compared to DBU, which is commonly used in the OTP approach.

Tf2O-Mediated P(O)-N Bond Formation of Either P(O)-OH or P(O)-H Reagents with Multitype Amines

We have developed a Tf2O-mediated approach for the direct amination of either P(O)-OH or P(O)-H reagents with a variety of aliphatic or aromatic amines. Without the requirement of precious metals and toxic reagents, this protocol provides an alternative route to various phosphinamides and phosphoramides. The reaction proceeds under simple and mild conditions and can be effectively scaled up with similar efficiency.

DFT-Enabled Development of Hemilabile (P∧N) Ligands for Gold(I/III) RedOx Catalysis: Application to the Thiotosylation of Aryl Iodides

Ligand-enabled oxidative addition of Csp2-X bonds to Au(I) centers has recently appeared as a valuable strategy for the development of catalytic RedOx processes. Several cross-coupling reactions that were previously considered difficult to achieve were reported lately, thus expanding the synthetic potential of gold(I) complexes beyond the traditional nucleophilic functionalization of π-systems. MeDalPhos has played an important role in this development and, despite several studies on alternative structures, remains, so far, the only general ligand for such process. We report herein the discovery and DFT-enabled structural optimization of a new family of hemilabile (P∧N) ligands that can promote the oxidative addition of aryl iodides to gold(I). These flexible ligands, which possess a common 2-methylamino heteroaromatic N-donor motif, are structurally and electronically tunable, beyond being easily accessible and affordable. The corresponding Au(I) complexes were shown to outperform the reactivity of (MeDalPhos)Au(I) in a series of alkoxy- and amidoarylations of alkenes. Their synthetic potential and comparatively higher reactivity were further highlighted in the thiotosylation of aryl iodides, a challenging unreported C-S cross-coupling reaction that could not be achieved under classical Pd(0/II) catalysis and that allows for general and divergent access to aryl sulfur derivatives.

Pd(II)- and Pt(II)-Assisted P-C Activation/Cyclization Reactions with a Luminescent α-Aminophosphine

There is unceasing interest toward transformations of phosphine derivatives, which are facilitated by transition metals. We report a facile Pd(II)- and Pt(II)-assisted P-C bond cleavage in a luminescent 2-phenylbenzothiazole-based α-methylaminophosphine (PCN, 1). Specifically, reactions between 1 and [M(COD)Cl2] (M = Pd, Pt; COD = cycloocta-1,5-diene) in different solvents (methylene chloride, acetonitrile, pyridine, toluene) resulted in the formation of PPh2-, captured either as a bridging ligand in binuclear complexes with a {M2(PPh2)2} moiety or as an adduct to COD in [Pt2(PPh2COD)2Cl2]. The heterocyclic part transforms to annulated c-CN+ species with a 1,2-dihydroquinazoline cycle formed. In the presence of pyridine as a base, annulated form c-CN+ destabilizes and undergoes reverse cyclization transforming to deprotonated CN form. Quantum-chemical density functional theory (DFT) calculations predict that a crucial step in the reactions involves proton transfer from the N atom of the amino group of PCN to a neighboring molecule. A combination of high photophysical sensitivity of c-CN+ toward its immediate environment and rich structural capabilities in assembling (c-CN)22+ pairs in different crystal packings in a family of phases with the general formula (c-CN)2[M2(PPh2)2Cl4] allows one to fine-tune the luminescence properties of the latter. The results were rationalized as a variation of π-π intercationic spacings, which tunes the degree of excited-state charge transfer between c-CN+ cations. As a result, compounds with relatively short interplanar π-π-separation between the cations show a stronger charge-transfer-mediated bathochromic shift.

Metal-Free N-H Bond Activation by Phospha-Wittig Reagents

N-containing molecules are mostly derived from ammonia (NH3 ). Ammonia activation has been demonstrated for single transition metal centers as well as for low-valent main group species. Phosphinidenes, mono-valent phosphorus species, can be stabilized by phosphines, giving so-called phosphanylidenephosphoranes of the type RP(PR'3 ). We demonstrate the facile, metal-free NH3 activation using ArP(PMe3 ), affording for the first time isolable secondary aminophosphines ArP(H)NH2 . DFT studies reveal that two molecules of NH3 act in concert to facilitate an NH3 for PMe3 exchange. Furthermore, H2 NR and HNR2 activation is demonstrated.

Copper(I)-Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of P-Chiral Aminophosphinites

Herein, a copper(I)-catalyzed reaction of diarylphosphines and O-benzoyl hydroxylamines is developed. In the cases of symmetrical diarylphosphines, a series of aminophosphinites is prepared in high yields. In the cases of unsymmetrical diarylphosphines, an array of P-chiral aminophosphinites is synthesized in high yields with high enantioselectivity by using a copper(I)-(R,R_P )-Ph-FOXAP complex as a chiral catalyst. Based on several control experiments and ³¹ P NMR studies, a two-electron redox mechanism involving the dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation of unsymmetrical diarylphosphines is proposed for the copper(I)-catalyzed asymmetric reaction. Finally, one representative P-chiral phosphoric amide generated through the oxidation with H₂ O₂ is transformed to a chiral diarylphosphinate in high yield with retained enantioselectivity, which allows further transformations towards various P-chiral tertiary phosphines.

The bis(Biphenyl)phosphorus Fragment in Trivalent and Tetravalent P-Environments

Diaryl substituted phosphorus (III) compounds are commonly used motifs in synthesis. Although the basic synthetic routes to these molecules starting from PCl3 are well reported, sterically hindered aryl substituents can be difficult to introduce, especially if the P atom is in ortho position to another group. This work explores the chemistry of the bis(biphenyl)phosphorus(III) fragment. As third substituents, H, M, Cl, NR2, two group 14 element substituents and also Li were introduced in high-yielding processes offering a wide chemical variety of the bis(biphenyl) phosphine motif. In addition, also a tetravalent phosphine borane adduct was isolated. All structures were thoroughly investigated by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopic analysis. Furthermore, the reaction conditions are discussed in connection with the structures and four crystal structures of the aminophosphine, phosphine, phosphine borane and phosphide are provided. The latter crystallized as a dimer with a unique planar P2Li2 ring, which is stabilized by the non-covalent C⋯Li interaction arising from the biphenyl motif and represents a rare example of a donor-free planar P2Li2 ring.

Dichloro(η6-p-cymene)(P,P-diphenyl-N-propyl-phosphinous amide-κP)ruthenium(II)

The title compound, i.e., [RuCl2(η6-p-cymene)(PPh2NHnPr)] (2), was obtained in a 71% yield by reacting a toluene solution of the chlorophosphine complex [RuCl2(η6-p-cymene)(PPh2Cl)] (1) with two equivalents of n-propylamine at room temperature. The aminophosphine complex 2 was characterized by elemental analysis, multinuclear NMR (31P{1H}, 1H and 13C{1H}) and IR spectroscopy. In addition, its catalytic behavior in the hydration of benzonitrile was briefly explored.

Study and modular synthesis of unsymmetrical bis(phosphino)pyrrole ligands

We report the facile and modular synthesis of unsymmetrical 1,2-bis(phosphino)pyrrole ligands and their coordination chemistry. These ligands offer a promising alternative to their 1,2-bis(phosphino)benzene congeners, retaining a similar steric profile with attenuated electron donation. Proof-of-principle application of a bis(phosphino)pyrrole ligand in a nickel-catalyzed C-N cross-coupling reaction under mild conditions is demonstrated.

Silver-promoted cascade radical cyclization of γ,δ-unsaturated oxime esters with P(O)H compounds: synthesis of phosphorylated pyrrolines

We report the first silver-promoted imino-phosphorylation of γ,δ-unsaturated oxime esters with P(O)H compounds to synthesize various phosphorylated pyrrolines.

Phosphaisonitrile umpolung – synthesis and reactivity of chloro aminophosphino carbynes

The synthesis of the first P-halo-aminophosphinocarbyne complex is described in addition to exploration of its ligand-based reactivity towards nucleophilic substitution and P-halide abstraction processes as a possible route to cationic aminophosphaisonitrile derivatives.

Synthesis and characterisation of fluorescent aminophosphines and their coordination to gold(i)

Three novel fluorescent aminophosphine ligands have been synthesised that incorporate napthyl (L1), pyrenyl (L2) and anthraquinone (L3) chromophores into their structures. The ligands react with [AuCl(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) to give neutral complexes of the form [AuCl(L1-3)]. Solid state, X-ray crystallographic data was obtained for the anthraquinone derivative, [AuCl(L3)], and showed a distorted linear coordination geometry at Au(i). The packing structure also revealed a number of intermolecular π-π interactions that involve the anthraquinone and phenyl units of the aminophosphine ligand. 31P NMR spectroscopic data revealed δP values of +42.2 (L1), +42.1 (L2) and +26.1 (L3) ppm, which shifted downfield upon coordination to Au(i) to +64.6, +64.7, and +55.8 ppm, respectively. Supporting TD-DFT studies were able to reproduce the structure and 31P NMR chemical shifts of [AuCl(L3)] as well as rationalise the HOMO-LUMO compositions. Photophysical studies showed that the appended fluorophore dominates the absorption and emission properties for the ligands and complexes, with the anthraquinone derivatives showing visible emission at ca. 570 nm which was attributed to the intramolecular charge transfer character of the phosphinoaminoanthraquinone fragment.

Disentangling Ligand Effects on Metathesis Catalyst Activity: Experimental and Computational Studies of Ruthenium-Aminophosphine Complexes

Second-generation ruthenium olefin metathesis catalysts bearing aminophosphine ligands were investigated with systematic variation of the ligand structure. The rates of phosphine dissociation ( k₁; initiation rate) and relative phosphine reassociation ( k_-1) were determined for two series of catalysts bearing cyclohexyl(morpholino)phosphine and cyclohexyl(piperidino)phosphine ligands. In both cases, incorporating P-N bonds into the architecture of the dissociating phosphine accelerates catalyst initiation relative to the parent [Ru]-PCy₃ complex; however, this effect is muted for the tris(amino)phosphine-ligated complexes, which exhibit higher ligand binding constants in comparison to those with phosphines containing one or two cyclohexyl substituents. These results, along with X-ray crystallographic data and DFT calculations, were used to understand the influence of ligand structure on catalyst activity. Especially noteworthy is the application of phosphines containing incongruent substituents (PR₁R'₂); detailed analyses of factors affecting ligand dissociation, including steric effects, inductive effects, and ligand conformation, are presented. Computational studies of the reaction coordinate for ligand dissociation reveal that ligand conformational changes contribute to the rapid dissociation for the fastest-initiating catalyst of these series, which bears a cyclohexyl-bis(morpholino)phosphine ligand. Furthermore, the effect of amine incorporation was examined in the context of ring-opening metathesis polymerization, and reaction rates were found to correlate well with catalyst initiation rates. The combined experimental and computational studies presented in this report reveal important considerations for designing efficient ruthenium olefin metathesis catalysts.

Synthesis of platinum, palladium and rhodium complexes of α-aminophosphine ligands

α-Aminophosphine-type ligands are of interest as building blocks of transition metal complexes. This review focuses on the utilization of α-aminophosphines as monodentate and bidentate ligands in platinum, palladium and rhodium complexes. Besides the linear derivatives, the applications of cyclic α-aminophosphines as ligands are also summarized. Various aspects, such as synthesis, structure and applications, as well as the catalytic activity of these complexes are discussed.

Functional Short-Bite Ligands: Synthesis, Coordination Chemistry, and Applications of N-Functionalized Bis(diaryl/dialkylphosphino)amine-type Ligands

The aim of this review is to highlight how the diversity generated by N-substitution in the well-known short-bite ligand bis(diphenylphosphino)amine (DPPA) allows a fine-tuning of the ligand properties and offers a considerable scope for tailoring the properties and applications of their corresponding metal complexes. The various N-substituents include nitrogen-, oxygen-, phosphorus-, sulfur-, halogen-, and silicon-based functionalities and directly N-bound metals. Multiple DPPA-type ligands linked through an organic spacer and N-functionalized DRPA-type ligands, in which the PPh2 substituents are replaced by PR2 (R = alkyl, benzyl) groups, are also discussed. Owing to the considerable diversity of N-functionalized DPPA-type ligands available, the applications of their mono- and polynuclear metal complexes are very diverse and range from homogeneous catalysis with well-defined or in situ generated (pre)catalysts to heterogeneous catalysis and materials science. In particular, sustained interest for DPPA-type ligands has been motivated, at least in part, by their ability to promote selective ethylene tri- or tetramerization in combination with chromium. Ligands and metal complexes where the N-substituent is a pure hydrocarbon group (as opposed to N-functionalization) are outside the scope of this review. However, when possible, a comparison between the catalytic performances of N-functionalized systems with those of their N-substituted analogs will be provided.

[d]-Carbon-carbon double bond engineering in diazaphosphepines: a pathway to modulate the chemical and electronic structures of heteropines

We have designed and synthesized the first examples of 7-membered diazaphosphepines using phosphorus-amine (P-N) chemistry. Different from previous functional protocols of heteropines, the installation of π-conjugated substituents having diverse chemistries at the [d]-C[double bond, length as m-dash]C double bond position of heteropine core allows us to effectively control the chemical and electronic structures in both the ground and excited states of these diazaphosphepines. This functionalization has led to a diverse set of crystal structures, which has in turn provided access to rich photophysical and redox properties. Of particular interest is the evidence for planar π-conjugated backbone in our non-aromatic heteropine and twisted intramolecular charge transfer, which have never been reported for heteropines. The introduction of electron-accepting substituents at [d]-position of diazaphosphepines results in heteropines that are more electron deficient than any heteropine reported to-date. As proof of concept, we have fabricated organic solar cells with heteropines as non-fullerene acceptors.

A very peculiar family of N-heterocyclic phosphines: unusual structures and the unique reactivity of 1,3,2-diazaphospholenes

This Perspective gives an account of the peculiar electronic and molecular structures of N-heterocyclic phosphines featuring either a single 1,3,2-diazaphospholene (DAP) ring with an exocyclic P-substituent X or two DAP rings linked by a P-P bond (bis-diazaphospholenyls), respectively, and their impact on the chemical properties of these molecules. The bonding situation in simple DAPs is epitomized by strong hyperconjugation between endocyclic π-type electrons and the exocyclic P-X bond. This interaction may induce a perceptible ionic polarization of the P-X bond which can persist even in the limit of a vanishing electronegativity gradient between P and X, and becomes visible in unusual geometric distortions of molecular structures and a unique chemical behaviour. Structural distortions are particularly evident in bond lengthening effects in P-halogen and P-phosphino derivatives R2P-DAP (with R2P ≠ DAP) which span the whole range from covalent molecules to contact ion pairs with a close relation to frustrated Lewis-pairs. The most significant impact on the chemical properties is found for P-phosphino- and P-hydrogen derivatives where reactions at substantially accelerated rates or totally new reaction modes can be observed, and new stoichiometric and first catalytic processes exploiting these features are currently emerging. The recently discovered bis-diazaphospholenyls differ from the simple derivatives as their central bond remains unpolarised as a consequence of the symmetric molecular structure. The occurrence of low-energy P-P bond homolysis that was nonetheless observed in one case is according to the results of thermochemical studies of P-P bond fission reactions attributable to the effects of steric congestion and induces chemical reactivity that can be considered complementary to that of the simple R2P-DAPs. Some concluding remarks will pay attention to a facet of DAP reactivity that has so far been widely neglected but is currently receiving increasing attention, namely well-defined ring-opening processes.

Intramolecular C-H oxidative addition to iridium(I) triggered by trimethyl phosphite in N,N'-diphosphanesilanediamine complexes

The reaction of [Ir(SiNP)(cod)][PF6] ([1][PF6]) and of IrCl(SiNP)(cod) (5) (SiNP = SiMe2{N(4-C6H4CH3)PPh2}2) with trimethyl phosphite affords the iridium(iii) derivatives of the formula [IrHClx(SiNP-H){P(OMe)3}2-x]((1-x)+) (x = 0, 3(+); x = 1, 6) containing the κ(3)C,P,P'-coordinated SiNP-H ligand (SiNP-H = Si(CH2)(CH3){N(4-C6H4CH3)PPh2}2). The thermally unstable pentacoordinated cation [Ir(SiNP){P(OMe)3}(cod)](+) (2(+)) has been detected as an intermediate of the reaction and has been fully characterised in solution. Also, the mechanism of the C-H oxidative addition has been elucidated by DFT calculations showing that the square planar iridium(i) complexes of the formula [IrClx(SiNP){P(OMe)3}2-x]((1-x)+) (x = 0, 4(+); x = 1, 7) should be firstly obtained from 2(+) and finally should undergo the C-H oxidative addition to iridium(i) via a concerted intramolecular mechanism. The influence of the counterion of 2(+) on the outcome of the C-H oxidative addition reaction has also been investigated.