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Dong S, Zhu J. Predicting Activation of Small Molecules Including Dinitrogen via a Carbene with a σ 0π 2 Electronic Configuration. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:15931-15940. [PMID: 39121379 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c02272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2024]
Abstract
Although the main group species in the s and p blocks have begun to gain prominence in the field of dinitrogen (N2) activation in recent years, reports of carbene-mediated N2 activation remain particularly rare, especially for carbenes with a σ0π2 electronic configuration. Herein, we demonstrate examples of N2 activation initiated by a carbene with a σ0π2 electronic configuration and consequent N2 hydroboration reaction (with a reaction barrier as low as 19.9 kcal/mol) via density functional theory calculations. Meanwhile, the "push-pull" electronic effect upon introduction of a hydroborenium complex facilitates the generation of a thermodynamically and kinetically more stable product. In addition, such a σ0π2 carbene can also activate a series of H-X (X = H, CH3, or Bpin) bonds through an oxidative addition process with activation energies ranging from 6.0 to 18.0 kcal/mol. Our findings highlight the importance of σ0π2 carbenes in the field of small molecule activation, especially N2 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China
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2
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Dong S, Zhu J. Predicting Small Molecule Activations Including Dinitrogen Based on an Inorganic Benzene B 4N 2 Framework. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:15984-15992. [PMID: 39141783 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c02391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Although main group species have emerged in the field of dinitrogen activation in recent years, the reported examples are particularly rare in comparison with transition metal complexes due to their significant challenges. Herein, we demonstrate a [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of N2 (with an activation energy as low as 12.5 kcal mol-1) initiated by an inorganic benzene via density functional theory calculations. Such N2 activation is supported by the elongated nitrogen-nitrogen bond distance (dNN), decreased vibration frequency (νNN), and weakened Wiberg bond index (WBINN). Subsequently, the "push-pull" electronic effect, formed by introducing a Lewis acid, HB(C6F5)2, facilitates the generation of thermodynamically more stable products. In addition, this inorganic benzene could also be used to activate a series of small molecules, including carbon dioxide, acetylene, ethylene, and acetonitrile with reaction barriers ranging from 4.7 to 11.6 kcal mol-1. Our findings provide an alternative approach to N2 activation and functionalization, theoretically validating the feasibility of the dual Lewis acid strategy for dinitrogen activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China
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3
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Xing JF, Tan YZ, Zhu J. Probing σ-Aromaticity-Driven Ring Contraction of Metallabenzocyclobutadiene to Metallabenzocyclopropene. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:13903-13910. [PMID: 39014892 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c01118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Ring contraction of metallacyclobutadiene to metallacyclopropene is rare because of the increasing strain from a four-membered ring to a three-membered one. Here we demonstrate a new series of reactions of metallabenzocyclobutadiene to metallabenzocyclopropene via density functional theory calculations. The results suggest that these reactions are thermodynamically favorable ranging from -17.4 to -29.4 kcal mol-1, and a low reaction barrier (10.3 kcal mol-1) is achieved when the metal center is Ru and the ligands are one cyanide and one chloride. Further analysis suggests that a strengthened binding energy helps stabilize the transition state in the protonation process. The aromaticity during the reaction was investigated using the electron density of delocalized bonds (EDDB), isomerization stabilization energy, and isodesmic reactions. The EDDB shows that the π-conjugation is disrupted in the intermediate, and then σ-aromaticity is generated and dominant in the products. Our findings could be helpful for experimentalists in developing novel ring contraction reactions driven by aromaticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Feng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Zhi Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, People's Republic of China
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4
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Huang ZQ, Su X, Yu XY, Ban T, Gao X, Chang CR. Theoretical Perspective on the Design of Surface Frustrated Lewis Pairs for Small-Molecule Activation. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:5436-5444. [PMID: 38743952 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c00836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The excellent reactivity of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLP) to activate small molecules has gained increasing attention in recent decades. Though the development of surface FLP (SFLP) is prompting the application of FLP in the chemical industry, the design of SFLP with superior activity, high density, and excellent stability for small-molecule activation is still challenging. Herein, we review the progress of designing SFLP by surface engineering, screening natural SFLP, and the dynamic formation of SFLP from theoretical perspectives. We highlight the breakthrough in fine-tuning the activity, density, and stability of the designed SFLP studied by using computational methods. We also discuss future challenges and directions in designing SFLP with outstanding capabilities for small-molecule activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Qing Huang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Xue Su
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Xi-Yang Yu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Tao Ban
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
- Key Laboratory of Coal Cleaning Conversion and Chemical Engineering Process, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830017, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Chun-Ran Chang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Low Metamorphic Coal Clean Utilization, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yulin University, Yulin, Shaanxi 719000, China
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5
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Cai L, Xu B, Cheng J, Cong F, Riedel S, Wang X. N 2 cleavage by silylene and formation of H 2Si(μ-N) 2SiH 2. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3848. [PMID: 38719794 PMCID: PMC11078988 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48064-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Fixation and functionalisation of N2 by main-group elements has remained scarce. Herein, we report a fixation and cleavage of the N ≡ N triple bond achieved in a dinitrogen (N2) matrix by the reaction of hydrogen and laser-ablated silicon atoms. The four-membered heterocycle H2Si(μ-N)2SiH2, the H2SiNN(H2) and HNSiNH complexes are characterized by infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with quantum-chemical calculations. The synergistic interaction of the two SiH2 moieties with N2 results in the formation of final product H2Si(μ-N)2SiH2, and theoretical calculations reveal the donation of electron density of Si to π* antibonding orbitals and the removal of electron density from the π bonding orbitals of N2, leading to cleave the non-polar and strong NN triple bond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Cai
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bing Xu
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Juanjuan Cheng
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Fei Cong
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Sebastian Riedel
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie - Anorganische Chemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstrasse 34-36, D-14195, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Sen S, Bag A, Pal S. Mechanistic Inquisition on the Reduction of C 17Si(NH 2) 2 to NH 3: A DFT Study. Chemphyschem 2024; 25:e202300723. [PMID: 38353668 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202300723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Activation of molecular nitrogen by silicon-substituted cyclo[18]carbon and its ability to produce the C17Si-(NH2)2 derivative, as the precursor of NH3, has been recently reported. This specific acquisition has piqued an interest to investigate the possibility of NH3 formation with further addition of H2 molecules in the gaseous reaction media. The current investigations reported in this article show that two moles of molecular H2 generate two molecules of NH3 and a C17Si-H2 byproduct from its precursor. The catalyst gets restored by an in situ reaction between some unreacted C17Si-N2 and the byproduct in the media. This reaction also produces the next C17Si-(NH)2 adduct, which restarts the catalytic cycle for NH3 production again.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobitri Sen
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, 741246, West-Bengal, India
| | - Arijit Bag
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Simhat, Haringhata, Nadia, 741249, West Bengal, India
| | - Sourav Pal
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, 741246, West-Bengal, India
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, 741246, West-Bengal, India
- Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, 131029, India
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7
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Zeng J, You F, Zhu J. Screening seven-electron boron-centered radicals for dinitrogen activation. J Comput Chem 2024; 45:648-654. [PMID: 38073508 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The activation of dinitrogen is significant as nitrogen-containing compounds play an important role in industries. However, the inert NN triple bond caused by its large HOMO-LUMO gap (10.8 eV) and high bond dissociation energy (945 kJ mol-1 ) renders its activation under mild conditions particularly challenging. Recent progress shows that a few main group species can mimic transition metal complexes to activate dinitrogen. Here, we demonstrate that a series of seven-electron (7e) boron-centered radical can be used to activate N2 via density functional theory calculations. It is found that boron-centered radicals containing amine ligand perform best on the thermodynamics of dinitrogen activation. In addition, when electron-donating groups are introduced at the boron atom, these radicals can be used to activate N2 with low reaction barriers. Further analysis suggests that the electron transfer from the boron atom to the π* orbitals of dinitrogen is essential for its activation. Our findings suggest great potential of 7e boron radicals in the field of dinitrogen activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zeng
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
- Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feiying You
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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8
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Specklin D, Boegli MC, Coffinet A, Escomel L, Vendier L, Grellier M, Simonneau A. An orbitally adapted push-pull template for N 2 activation and reduction to diazene-diide. Chem Sci 2023; 14:14262-14270. [PMID: 38098710 PMCID: PMC10718075 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04390h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A Lewis superacidic bis(borane) C6F4{B(C6F5)2}2 was reacted with tungsten N2-complexes [W(N2)2(R2PCH2CH2PR2)2] (R = Ph or Et), affording zwitterionic boryldiazenido W(ii) complexes trans-[W(L)(R2PCH2CH2PR2)2(N2{B(C6F5)2(C6F4B(C6F5)3})] (L = ø, N2 or THF). These compounds feature only one N-B linkage of the covalent type, as a result of intramolecular boron-to-boron C6F5 transfer. Complex trans-[W(THF)(Et2PCH2CH2PEt2)2(N2{B(C6F5)2C6F4B(C6F5)3})] (5) was shown to split H2, leading to a seven-coordinate complex [W(H)2(Et2PCH2CH2PEt2)2(N2{B(C6F5)2}2C6F4)] (7). Interestingly, hydride storage at the metal triggers backward C6F5 transfer. This reverts the bis(boron) moiety to its bis(borane) state, now doubly binding the distal N, with structural parameters and DFT computations pointing to dative N→B bonding. By comparison with an N2 complex [W(H)2(Et2PCH2CH2PEt2)2(N2{B(C6F5)3}] (10) differing only in the Lewis acid (LA), namely B(C6F5)3, coordinated to the distal N, we demonstrate that two-fold LA coordination imparts strong N2 activation up to the diazene-diide (N22-) state. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a neutral LA coordination that induces reduction of N2.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Specklin
- LCC-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS 205 route de Narbonne BP44099 F-31077 Toulouse Cedex 4 France
| | - Marie-Christine Boegli
- LCC-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS 205 route de Narbonne BP44099 F-31077 Toulouse Cedex 4 France
| | - Anaïs Coffinet
- LCC-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS 205 route de Narbonne BP44099 F-31077 Toulouse Cedex 4 France
| | - Léon Escomel
- LCC-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS 205 route de Narbonne BP44099 F-31077 Toulouse Cedex 4 France
| | - Laure Vendier
- LCC-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS 205 route de Narbonne BP44099 F-31077 Toulouse Cedex 4 France
| | - Mary Grellier
- LCC-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS 205 route de Narbonne BP44099 F-31077 Toulouse Cedex 4 France
| | - Antoine Simonneau
- LCC-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS 205 route de Narbonne BP44099 F-31077 Toulouse Cedex 4 France
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9
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Zhu Q, Chen S, Chen D, Lin L, Xiao K, Zhao L, Solà M, Zhu J. The application of aromaticity and antiaromaticity to reaction mechanisms. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 3:926-938. [PMID: 38933008 PMCID: PMC11197727 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aromaticity, in general, can promote a given reaction by stabilizing a transition state or a product via a mobility of π electrons in a cyclic structure. Similarly, such a promotion could be also achieved by destabilizing an antiaromatic reactant. However, both aromaticity and transition states cannot be directly measured in experiment. Thus, computational chemistry has been becoming a key tool to understand the aromaticity-driven reaction mechanisms. In this review, we will analyze the relationship between aromaticity and reaction mechanism to highlight the importance of density functional theory calculations and present it according to an approach via either aromatizing a transition state/product or destabilizing a reactant by antiaromaticity. Specifically, we will start with a particularly challenging example of dinitrogen activation followed by other small-molecule activation, C-F bond activation, rearrangement, as well as metathesis reactions. In addition, antiaromaticity-promoted dihydrogen activation, CO2 capture, and oxygen reduction reactions will be also briefly discussed. Finally, caution must be cast as the magnitude of the aromaticity in the transition states is not particularly high in most cases. Thus, a proof of an adequate electron delocalization rather than a complete ring current is recommended to support the relatively weak aromaticity in these transition states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics & Information Displays (KLOEID) and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), SICAM, Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shuwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Dandan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Lu Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Kui Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Miquel Solà
- Institute of Computational Chemistry and Catalysis and Department of Chemistry, University of Girona, C/ M. Aurèlia Capmany, 69, 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
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10
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Chen S, Zhu J. Probing Near-infrared Absorbance of E and Z Diazene Isomers via Antiaromaticity. J Org Chem 2023; 88:12183-12193. [PMID: 37579502 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
The photoswitching behaviors of heteroaryl azos and azobenzenes have attracted considerable interest due to their applications from material science to pharmacology. However, the use of UV light limits their application, especially in biomedicine and photopharmacology. In this work, using several aromaticity descriptors, including anisotropy of the induced current density analysis and nucleus-independent chemical shifts, we systematically investigate the relationship between anti-aromaticity and the absorption of a series of heterocyclic azos. We have demonstrated that the antiaromatic heterocycles substituted with diazenes enable the significant red shifts of the n → π* and π → π* transition bands of E and Z isomers via density functional theory calculations. Moreover, introducing substituents into heterocycles could further tune the absorption. Finally, the λmax of the first transition bands of the E (ca. 1026 nm) and Z isomers (ca. 1167 nm) of azos is achieved in the near-infrared region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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11
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Guo R, Hu C, Li Q, Liu LL, Tung CH, Kong L. BN Analogue of Butadiyne: A Platform for Dinitrogen Release and Reduction. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:18767-18772. [PMID: 37582249 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c07469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Exploration of the metallomimetic chemistry of main group elements is of the utmost importance from the perspective of both fundamental research and potential applications. Here, we report the synthesis, bonding analysis, and reactivities of an isolable diiminoborane, Mes*B≡N─N≡BMes* (Mes* = 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl) (1), a BN analogue of butadiyne. This species is characterized by a conjugated B≡N─N≡B moiety, a structural feature that enables the controlled release of N2 when it is exposed to organic nitriles. Furthermore, the N2 unit in 1 could be reduced to an ammonium salt via cleavage of the BN triple bond. Our work shows a rare example of an unsaturated BN system, serving as a platform for both the release and reduction of N2. This discovery opens new pathways and holds substantial influence on the future design of functional main group N2 species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Chaopeng Hu
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, College of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Qianli Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China
| | - Liu Leo Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, College of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chen-Ho Tung
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Lingbing Kong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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12
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Ghara M, Mondal H, Pal R, Chattaraj PK. Frustrated Lewis Pairs: Bonding, Reactivity, and Applications. J Phys Chem A 2023. [PMID: 37216335 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.3c02141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The outstanding capability of Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP) catalysts to activate small molecules has gained significant attention in recent times. Reactivity of FLP is further extended toward the hydrogenation of various unsaturated species. Over the past decade, this unique catalysis concept has been successfully expanded to heterogeneous catalysis as well. The present review article gives a brief survey on several studies on this field. A thorough discussion on quantum chemical studies concerning the activation of H2 is provided. The role of aromaticity and boron-ligand cooperation on the reactivity of FLP is discussed in the Review. How FLP can activate other small molecules by cooperative action of its Lewis centers is also discussed. Further, the discussion is shifted to the hydrogenation of various unsaturated species and the mechanism regarding this process. It also discusses the latest theoretical advancements in the application of FLP in heterogeneous catalysis across various domains, such as two-dimensional materials, functionalized surfaces, and metal oxides. A deeper understanding of the catalytic process may assist in devising new heterogeneous FLP catalysts through experimental design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manas Ghara
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Himangshu Mondal
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Ranita Pal
- Advanced Technology Development Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
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13
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Zeng J, Qiu R, Zhu J. Screening Carbon-Boron Frustrated Lewis Pairs for Small-Molecule Activation including N 2 , O 2 , CO, CO 2 , CS 2 , H 2 O and CH 4 : A Computational Study. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202201236. [PMID: 36647683 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202201236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Dinitrogen (N2 ) activation is particularly challenging under ambient conditions because of its large highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) gap (10.8 eV) and high bond dissociation energy (945 kJ mol-1 ) of the N≡N triple bond, attracting considerable attention from both experimental and theoretical chemists. However, most effort has focused on metallic systems. In contrast, nitrogen activation by frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) has been initiated recently via theoretical calculations. Here we perform density functional theory (DFT) calculations to screen a series of experimentally viable FLPs for small-molecule activation including N2 , O2 , CO, CO2 , CS2 , H2 O and CH4 . In addition, aromaticity is found to play an important role in most of these small-molecule activation. The particularly thermodynamic stabilities of the activation products and low reaction barriers could be a step forward for the development of FLP towards small-molecule activation including N2 , inviting experimental chemists' verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P. R. China.,Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Wuhan Institute of Technology, No. 206, Guanggu 1st road, 430205, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Rulin Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P. R. China
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14
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Huang S, Yan X. Rational Design to Activate Tetrafluoromethane by Two-Coordinate Borinium. Inorg Chem 2023; 62:3518-3524. [PMID: 36795939 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c03900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The activation of tetrafluoromethane (CF4) is quite challenging. The current methods have a high decomposition rate but are expensive, and therefore, their widespread use is limited. Here, inspired by the successful C-F activation within saturated fluorocarbons, we have designed a rational approach based on two-coordinate borinium for activating CF4 using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our calculations predict that this approach is both thermodynamically and kinetically favorable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Light Conversion Materials and Biophotonics, Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Yan
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Light Conversion Materials and Biophotonics, Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, P. R. China
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15
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Xu F, Zhu J. Probing a General Strategy to Break the C-C Bond of Benzene by a Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Aluminyl Anion. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202203216. [PMID: 36349746 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The oxidative addition of C-C bonds in aromatic hydrocarbons by low valent main group species has attracted considerable attention from both theoretical and experimental chemists due to the big challenge in breaking their aromaticity. Herein, a general strategy to break the C-C bonds in benzene by cyclic (alkyl)(amino)aluminyl anion is demonstrated via density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results suggest that the activation of the C-C bond of benzene by this anion is both kinetically and thermodynamically unfavorable whereas introducing electron-withdrawing groups makes such C-C bond activation becomes favorable both kinetically and thermodynamically. Such a sharp change on the kinetics and thermodynamics could be rationalized by the frontier molecular orbital theory by decreasing the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals of the mono- and disubstituted benzenes. Aromaticity is found to stabilize the transition state for the ring open step. All these findings can help develop the chemistry of small-molecule activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhou Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
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16
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Dong S, Zhu J. Predicting Small Molecule Activation including Catalytic Hydrogenation of Dinitrogen Promoted by a Dual Lewis Acid. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202200991. [PMID: 36353939 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
For decades, N2 activation and functionalization have required the use of transition metal complexes. Thus, it is one of the most challenging projects to activate the abundant dinitrogen through metal-free systems under mild conditions. Here, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept study on the catalytic hydrogenation of dinitrogen (with activation energy as low as 15.3 kcal mol-1 ) initiated by a dual Lewis acid (DLA) via density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In addition, such a DLA could be also used to activate a series of small molecules including carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, N-ethylenemethylamine, and acetonitrile. It is found that aromaticity plays an important role in stabilizing intermediates and products. Our findings provide an alternative approach to N2 activation and functionalization, highlighting a great potential of DLA for small molecule activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM) Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM) Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
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17
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Sen S, Bag A, Pal S. Activation and Conversion of Molecular Nitrogen to the Precursor of Ammonia on Silicon Substituted Cyclo[18]Carbon: a DFT Design. Chemphyschem 2023; 24:e202200627. [PMID: 36129796 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202200627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent synthesis of sp-hybridized cyclo[18]carbon allotrope has attracted immense curiosity. Since then, a generous amount of theoretical studies concerning aromaticity, adsorption, and spectra of the molecule have been performed. However, very few stuides have been carried out concerning its reactivities and catalytic behaviour. In this article, a DFT-based inquisition has been reported regarding the reactivity of Si substituted cyclo[18]carbon molecule towards molecular N2 . Results show that the Si substituted derivative is effective in producing adducts with molecular nitrogen. Charge calculations and IRC trapping methods indicate that only the Si center of C17 Si and its (HOMO-1) level participate in N2 addition. The N-adduct so formed, is then found to spontaneously react with molecular H2 . The addition of two H2 molecules to the activated nitrogen molecule to give respective amine derivatives have also been studied. The successful generation of the precursor of NH3 by C17 Si lays a clear emphasis on its potentiality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobitri Sen
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, West-Bengal, India
| | - Arijit Bag
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal, Simhat, Haringhata, Nadia, West Bengal, 741249, India
| | - Sourav Pal
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, 741246, West-Bengal, India.,Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, 131029, India
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18
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Wang M, You FY, Gao M, Chen ZY, Chu LY, Hu LR, Zhu J, Ma JB. Direct Conversion of N 2 and O 2 to Nitric Oxide at Room Temperature Initiated by Double Aromaticity in the Y 2BO + Cation. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:10697-10704. [PMID: 36367460 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c02925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The conversion of dinitrogen to more useful and reactive molecules has been the focus of intense research by chemists. In contrast to reductive N2 fixation, direct oxidation of N2 by O2 to nitric oxide under mild conditions via a thermochemical process is extremely challenging. Herein, we report the first example of N2 and O2 activation and coupling under thermochemical conditions through the remarkable ability of Y2BO+ to react with one N2 and two O2 molecules. Detailed mechanistic studies using mass spectrometry and quantum chemical calculations revealed that the N2 activation by Y2BO+ is facilitated by the double aromatic character of the Y2BON2+ intermediate. Subsequent oxidation with O2 releases NO in a dearomatization process driven by the formation of stronger Y-O bonds over the Y-N bonds. Our findings represent the first example of N2 and O2 activation and coupling under thermochemical conditions at room temperature, providing a novel strategy for small-molecule activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei-Ying You
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Gao
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Ying Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan-Ye Chu
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, People's Republic of China
| | - Lian-Rui Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Molecule Intelligent Syntheses, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Bi Ma
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 102488, People's Republic of China
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19
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Understanding reaction mechanisms of metal-free dinitrogen activation by methyleneboranes. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.107759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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20
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Dai C, Zhu J. Predicting dinitrogen activation by borenium and borinium cations. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:14651-14657. [PMID: 35670503 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp01233b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The activation of thermodynamically stable and kinetically inert dinitrogen (N2) has been a great challenge due to the significant strength of the triple bond. Recently, in an experimental study on N2 activation by boron species, a highly reactive two-coordinated borylene broke through the limitations of traditional strategies of N2 activation by metal species. Still, studies on metal-free N2 activation remain underdeveloped. Here, we systematically investigate a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) combining carbene and borenium (or borinium) cations to screen potential candidates for N2 activation via density functional theory calculations. As a result, we found that two FLPs (closed form FLP, borenium and open form FLP, borinium) are able to activate N2 in a thermodynamically and kinetically favorable manner, with a low energy barrier of 9.6 and 7.3 kcal mol-1, respectively. Furthermore, aromaticity was found to play an important role in the stabilization of the products, supported by nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS), anisotropy of the current-induced density (ACID) and electron density of delocalized bonds (EDDB) analysis. Our findings provide an alternative approach for metal-free N2 activation, highlighting the importance of FLP chemistry and aromaticity in N2 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenshu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China.
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21
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Dai C, Huang Y, Zhu J. Predicting Dinitrogen Activation by Carborane-Based Frustrated Lewis Pairs. Organometallics 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.organomet.2c00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chenshu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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22
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Mondal H, Patra SG, Chattaraj PK. Small molecule activation and dehydrogenation of an amine–borane system using frustrated Lewis pairs. Struct Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11224-022-01934-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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23
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Liu TT, Zhai DD, Guan BT, Shi ZJ. Nitrogen fixation and transformation with main group elements. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:3846-3861. [PMID: 35481498 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00041e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Nitrogen fixation is essential for the maintenance of life and development of society, however, the large bond dissociation energy and nonpolarity of the triple bond constitute a considerable challenge. The transition metals, by virtue of their combination of empty and occupied d orbitals, are prevalent in the nitrogen fixation studies and are continuing to receive a significant focus. The main group metals have always been considered incapable in dinitrogen activation owing to the absence of energetically and symmetrically accessible orbitals. The past decades have witnessed significant breakthroughs in the dinitrogen activation with the main group elements and compounds via either matrix isolation, theoretical calculations or synthetic chemistry. The successful reactions of the low-valent species of the main group elements with inert dinitrogen have been reported via the π back-donation from either the d orbitals (Ca, Sr, Ba) or p orbitals (Be, B, C…). Herein, the significant achievements have been briefly summarized, along with predicting the future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Tong Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Rd, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Dan-Dan Zhai
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Rd, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Bing-Tao Guan
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Rd, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Zhang-Jie Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Rd, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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24
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You F, Zeng J, Rouf AM, Dong S, Zhu J. Theoretical Study on Reaction Mechanisms of Dinitrogen Activation and Coupling by Carbene-Stabilized Borylenes in Comparison with Intramolecular C-H Bond Activation. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200232. [PMID: 35452168 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Dinitrogen (N 2 ) activation is particularly challenging due to the significantly strong N≡N bond, let alone the catenation of two N 2 molecules. Recent experimental study shows that cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC)-stabilized borylenes are able to tackle N 2 activation and coupling below room temperature. Here we carry out density functional theory calculations to explore the corresponding reaction mechanisms. The results indicate that the reaction barrier for the dinitrogen activation by the first borylene is slightly higher than that by the second borylene. In addition, replacing the CAAC moiety of the borylenes with cyclic diaminocarbenes (CDACs) could make such dinitrogen activation and coupling more favorable thermodynamically. The reaction mechanisms of the intramolecular C-H bond activation of borylene have also been discussed, which is found to be favorable both thermodynamically and kinetically in comparison with N 2 activation. Thus, adequate attention should be paid to the design of borylenes aiming at N 2 activation. In addition, our calculations suggest that the CDAC moiety of the borylene could lead to a different product in terms of intramolecular C-H bond activation. All these findings could be useful for the development of dinitrogen activation as well as C-H bond activation by main group species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jie Zeng
- Xiamen University, Chemistry, CHINA
| | | | | | - Jun Zhu
- Xiamen University, Department of Chemistry, No. 422, South Siming Road, 361005, Xiamen, CHINA
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25
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Fantuzzi F, Moral R, Dewhurst RD, Braunschweig H, Phukan AK. Probing the Potential of Hitherto Unexplored Base‐Stabilized Borylenes in Dinitrogen Binding. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202104123. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.202104123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Fantuzzi
- School of Physical Sciences Ingram Building University of Kent Park Wood Rd Canterbury CT2 7NH UK
- Institute for Inorganic Chemistry Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
- Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with Boron Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Rubi Moral
- Department of Chemical Sciences Tezpur University Napaam 784028 Assam India
| | - Rian D. Dewhurst
- Institute for Inorganic Chemistry Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
- Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with Boron Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Holger Braunschweig
- Institute for Inorganic Chemistry Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
- Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with Boron Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Ashwini K. Phukan
- Department of Chemical Sciences Tezpur University Napaam 784028 Assam India
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26
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Devi K, Gorantla SMNVT, Mondal KC. EDA-NOCV analysis of carbene-borylene bonded dinitrogen complexes for deeper bonding insight: A fair comparison with a metal-dinitrogen system. J Comput Chem 2022; 43:757-777. [PMID: 35289411 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.26832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Binding of dinitrogen (N2 ) to a transition metal center (M) and followed by its activation under milder conditions is no longer impossible; rather, it is routinely studied in laboratories by transition metal complexes. In contrast, binding of N2 by main group elements has been a challenge for decades, until very recently, an exotic cAAC-borylene (cAAC = cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene) species showed similar binding affinity to kinetically inert and non-polar dinitrogen (N2 ) gas under ambient conditions. Since then, N2 binding by short lived borylene species has made a captivating news in different journals for its unusual features and future prospects. Herein, we carried out different types of DFT calculations, including EDA-NOCV analysis of the relevant cAAC-boron-dinitrogen complexes and their precursors, to shed light on the deeper insight of the bonding secret (EDA-NOCV = energy decomposition analysis coupled with natural orbital for chemical valence). The hidden bonding aspects have been uncovered and are presented in details. Additionally, similar calculations have been carried out in comparison with a selected stable dinitrogen bridged-diiron(I) complex. Singlet cAAC ligand is known to be an exotic stable species which, combined with the BAr group, produces an intermediate singlet electron-deficient (cAAC)(BAr) species possessing a high lying HOMO suitable for overlapping with the high lying π*-orbital of N2 via effective π-backdonation. The BN2 interaction energy has been compared with that of the FeN2 bond. Our thorough bonding analysis might answer the unasked questions of experimental chemists about how boron compounds could mimic the transition metal of dinitrogen binding and activation, uncovering hidden bonding aspects. Importantly, Pauling repulsion energy also plays a crucial role and decides the binding efficiency in terms of intrinsic interaction energy between the boron-center and the N2 ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Devi
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
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27
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Zeng J, Dong S, Dai C, Zhu J. Predicting Dinitrogen Activation by Five-Electron Boron-Centered Radicals. Inorg Chem 2022; 61:2234-2241. [PMID: 35044758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.1c03546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Due to the high bond dissociation energy (945 kJ mol-1) and the large highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) gap (10.8 eV), dinitrogen activation under mild conditions is extremely challenging. On the other hand, the conventional Haber-Bosch ammonia synthesis under harsh conditions consumes more than 1% of the world's annual energy supply. Thus, it is important and urgent to develop an alternative approach for dinitrogen activation under mild conditions. In comparison with transition metals, main group compounds are less explored for nitrogen activation. Here, we carry out density functional theory calculation to screen boron radicals for dinitrogen activation. As a result, the experimentally available seven-electron boron-centered radicals are found to be inactive to N2 activation, whereas some five-electron boron-centered radicals become favorable for dinitrogen activation, inviting experimental chemists' examination. The principal interacting spin-orbital analyses suggest that a five-electron boron-centered radical can mimic a transition metal on a synergic interaction with dinitrogen in the transition states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Shicheng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Chenshu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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28
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Li R, Yang X, Ping H. A radical mechanism for C–H bond cross-coupling and N 2 activation catalysed by β-diketiminate iron complexes. Catal Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2cy00564f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Density functional theory calculations and electronic structure analyses reveal a radical mechanism with spin-crossovers for C–H bond cross-coupling and N2 activation catalysed by β-diketiminate iron complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xinzheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Hongming Ping
- Department of Computer Science, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, 315100, China
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29
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Lin L, Zhu J. Antiaromaticity-Promoted Radical Anion stability in α-vinyl Heterocyclics. Org Chem Front 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1qo01944a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
As an electron-rich species, radical anions have a wide range of applications in organic synthesis. In addition, aromaticity is an essential concept in chemistry that has attracted considerable attention from...
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30
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Golpayegani F, Mirjafary Z, Aliabad JM, Saeidian H. Harnessing aromaticity to obtain new powerful organic superbases based on phosphaallene ylide scaffold: A density functional theory study. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2021.113469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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31
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Lin L, Zhu J. Antiaromaticity-Promoted Radical Stability in α-Methyl Heterocyclics. J Org Chem 2021; 86:15558-15567. [PMID: 34632764 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c02050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aromaticity is a fundamental and important concept in chemistry, and usually, the enhancement of aromaticity brings additional thermodynamic stability to a compound. Moreover, since radicals can act as intermediates in chemical reactions, they have attracted considerable attention from both experimental and theoretical chemists for a long time. However, it remains unclear whether there is a relationship between the thermodynamic stability of cyclic planar radicals and their aromaticity. In this work, using various aromaticity indices including anisotropy of the induced current density analysis and nucleus-independent chemical shifts against the radical stabilization energy, we systematically investigated the relationship between aromaticity and the thermodynamic stability of α-methyl heterocyclics. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the stronger the antiaromaticity of the original form heterocyclics, the higher the thermodynamic stability of the corresponding radicals, which is in sharp contrast to the general knowledge that aromaticity brings compounds' thermodynamic stabilities. The principal interacting spin orbital analysis shows that the stronger the π-bond formed between the heterocyclics and the α-methyl carbon, the more spin density the radicals tend to be distributed on the heterocyclics. Thus, the strong π-bonding is one of the factors for improving the thermodynamic stability of radicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China
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Li Y, Zhu J. Achieving a Favorable Activation of the C–F Bond over the C–H Bond in Five- and Six-Membered Ring Complexes by a Coordination and Aromaticity Dually Driven Strategy. Organometallics 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.organomet.1c00438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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Wu J, Lin L, Zhu J. Probing the origin of ambiphilic reactivity in osmapentalyne complexes: Interplay of ring strain, aromaticity, and phosphonium substituent. J Organomet Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2021.121866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Zhu Q, Qiu R, Dong S, Zeng G, Zhu J. Predicting Dinitrogen Coupling with a Series of Small Molecules Catalyzed by a Pincer Complex. Chem Asian J 2021; 16:2063-2067. [PMID: 34101364 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202100427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to consumption of more than 2% of the world's annual energy supply by Haber-Bosch process and the strongest triple bond (N≡N) in nature, directly coupling N2 with small molecules is particularly important and challenging, let alone in a catalytic fashion. Here we first demonstrate that a NNN-type pincer phosphorus complex could act as a catalyst to couple dinitrogen with a series of small molecules including carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, N-ethylidenemethylamine, and acetonitrile in the presence of diborane(4) under a mild condition by theoretical calculations. N2 fixation proceeds via a stepwise mechanism involving initial N2 activation by diborane(4), followed by intramolecular isomerization to a key intermediate (zwitterion). Such a zwitterion can be used to couple a series of small molecules with activation barriers of 23.5-25.2 kcal mol-1 . All these findings could be particularly useful for main group chemistry aimed at N2 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChem), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Rulin Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChem), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Shicheng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChem), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Guixiang Zeng
- Kuang Yaming Honors School, Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChem), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
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Sharma G, Newman PD, Platts JA. A review of quantum chemical studies of Frustrated Lewis Pairs. J Mol Graph Model 2021; 105:107846. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2021.107846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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36
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López-Estrada O, Selenius E, Zuniga-Gutierrez B, Malola S, Häkkinen H. Cubic aromaticity in ligand-stabilized doped Au superatoms. J Chem Phys 2021; 154:204303. [PMID: 34241155 DOI: 10.1063/5.0050127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The magnetic response of valence electrons in doped gold-based M@Au8L8 q superatoms (M = Pd, Pt, Ag, Au, Cd, Hg, Ir, and Rh; L = PPh3; and q = 0, +1, +2) is studied by calculating the gauge including magnetically induced currents (GIMIC) in the framework of the auxiliary density functional theory. The studied systems include 24 different combinations of the dopant, total cluster charge, and cluster structure (cubic-like or oblate). The magnetically induced currents (both diatropic and paratropic) are shown to be sensitive to the atomic structure of clusters, the number of superatomic electrons, and the chemical nature of the dopant metal. Among the cubic-like structures, the strongest aromaticity is observed in Pd- and Pt-doped M@Au8L8 0 clusters. Interestingly, Pd- and Pt-doping increases the aromaticity as compared to a similar all-gold eight-electron system Au9L8 +1. With the recent implementation of the GIMIC in the deMon2k code, we investigated the aromaticity in the cubic and butterfly-like M@Au8 core structures, doped with a single M atom from periods 5 and 6 of groups IX-XII. Surprisingly, the doping with Pd and Pt in the cubic structure increases the aromaticity compared to the pure Au case not only near the central atom but encompassing the whole metallic core, following the aromatic trend Pd > Pt > Au. These doped (Pd, Pt)@Au8 nanoclusters show a closed shell 1S21P6 superatom electronic structure corresponding to the cubic aromaticity rule 6n + 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar López-Estrada
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Elli Selenius
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Bernardo Zuniga-Gutierrez
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de Guadalajara, CUCEI, Blvd. Marcelino García Barragán 1421, C. P. 44430 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Sami Malola
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Hannu Häkkinen
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
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Dong S, Zhu J. Predicting Dinitrogen Activation via Transition-Metal-Involved [4+2] Cycloaddition Reaction. Chem Asian J 2021; 16:1626-1633. [PMID: 33939877 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202100394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
As the strongest triple bond in nature, the N≡N triple bond activation has always been a challenging project in chemistry. On the other hand, since the award of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1950, the Diels-Alder reaction has served as a powerful and widely applied tool in the synthesis of natural products and new materials. However, the application of the Diels-Alder reaction to dinitrogen activation remains less developed. Here we first demonstrate that a transition-metal-involved [4+2] Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction could be used to activate dinitrogen without an additional reductant by density functional theory calculations. Further study reveals that such a dinitrogen activation by 1-metalla-1,3-dienes screened out from a series of transition metal complexes (38 species) according to the effects of metal center, ligand, and substituents can become favorable both thermodynamically (with an exergonicity of 28.2 kcal mol-1 ) and kinetically (with an activation energy as low as 13.8 kcal mol-1 ). Our findings highlight an important application of the Diels-Alder reaction in dinitrogen activation, inviting experimental chemists' verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P. R. China
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38
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Rouf AM, Huang Y, Dong S, Zhu J. Systematic Design of a Frustrated Lewis Pair Containing Methyleneborane and Carbene for Dinitrogen Activation. Inorg Chem 2021; 60:5598-5606. [PMID: 33789042 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c03520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Activation of atmospherically abundant dinitrogen (N2) by metal-free species under mild reaction conditions has been one of the most challenging areas in chemistry for decades. Very recent but limited progress in N2 activation by boron species, including two-coordinated borylene and methyleneborane and three-coordinated borole and borane, has been made toward metal-free N2 activation. Here, we systematically probe an experimentally viable frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) containing two moieties (methyleneborane and carbene) for N2 activation via density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which has proven to be an efficient approach for N2 activation in a thermodynamically and kinetically favorable manner. Aromaticity is found to play a crucial role in stabilization of the product. This study could be a valuable alternative for the development of metal-free N2 activation chemistry, highlighting great potential of FLP for N2 activation and functionalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvi Muhammad Rouf
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Shicheng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
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Zhu H, Aarons J, Peng Q. High spin polarized Fe2 cluster combined with vicinal nonmetallic sites for catalytic ammonia synthesis from a theoretical perspective. Inorg Chem Front 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1qi01083b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Compared to other Fen (n > 2) clusters, Fe2 cluster catalysts combined with vicinal nonmetallic sites are expected to be an ideal catalyst for ammonia synthesis with a lower N–H formation (0.47 eV) and N–N dissociation (0.50 eV) energy barrier at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongdan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry and Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jolyon Aarons
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qian Peng
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry and Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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Wang P, Douair I, Zhao Y, Wang S, Zhu J, Maron L, Zhu C. Facile Dinitrogen and Dioxygen Cleavage by a Uranium(III) Complex: Cooperativity Between the Non‐Innocent Ligand and the Uranium Center. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202012198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Penglong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Iskander Douair
- LPCNO, CNRS & INSA Université Paul Sabatier 135 Avenue de Rangueil 31077 Toulouse France
| | - Yue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Shuao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection School for Radiological and interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM) College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 China
| | - Laurent Maron
- LPCNO, CNRS & INSA Université Paul Sabatier 135 Avenue de Rangueil 31077 Toulouse France
| | - Congqing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
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43
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Wang P, Douair I, Zhao Y, Wang S, Zhu J, Maron L, Zhu C. Facile Dinitrogen and Dioxygen Cleavage by a Uranium(III) Complex: Cooperativity Between the Non‐Innocent Ligand and the Uranium Center. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 60:473-479. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202012198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Penglong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Iskander Douair
- LPCNO, CNRS & INSA Université Paul Sabatier 135 Avenue de Rangueil 31077 Toulouse France
| | - Yue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Shuao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection School for Radiological and interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM) College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen 361005 China
| | - Laurent Maron
- LPCNO, CNRS & INSA Université Paul Sabatier 135 Avenue de Rangueil 31077 Toulouse France
| | - Congqing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvi Muhammad Rouf
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Chenshu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Shicheng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
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Zhuang D, Li Y, Zhu J. Antiaromaticity-Promoted Activation of Dihydrogen with Borole Fused Cyclooctatetraene Frustrated Lewis Pairs: A Density Functional Theory Study. Organometallics 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.organomet.0c00263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Danling Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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Lv ZJ, Wei J, Zhang WX, Chen P, Deng D, Shi ZJ, Xi Z. Direct transformation of dinitrogen: synthesis of N-containing organic compounds via N−C bond formation. Natl Sci Rev 2020; 7:1564-1583. [PMID: 34691489 PMCID: PMC8288816 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwaa142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
N-containing organic compounds are of vital importance to lives. Practical synthesis of valuable N-containing organic compounds directly from dinitrogen (N2), not through ammonia (NH3), is a holy-grail in chemistry and chemical industry. An essential step for this transformation is the functionalization of the activated N2 units/ligands to generate N−C bonds. Pioneering works of transition metal-mediated direct conversion of N2 into organic compounds via N−C bond formation at metal-dinitrogen [N2-M] complexes have generated diversified coordination modes and laid the foundation of understanding for the N−C bond formation mechanism. This review summarizes those major achievements and is organized by the coordination modes of the [N2-M] complexes (end-on, side-on, end-on-side-on, etc.) that are involved in the N−C bond formation steps, and each part is arranged in terms of reaction types (N-alkylation, N-acylation, cycloaddition, insertion, etc.) between [N2-M] complexes and carbon-based substrates. Additionally, earlier works on one-pot synthesis of organic compounds from N2 via ill-defined intermediates are also briefed. Although almost all of the syntheses of N-containing organic compounds via direct transformation of N2 so far in the literature are realized in homogeneous stoichiometric thermochemical reaction systems and are discussed here in detail, the sporadically reported syntheses involving photochemical, electrochemical, heterogeneous thermo-catalytic reactions, if any, are also mentioned. This review aims to provide readers with an in-depth understanding of the state-of-the-art and perspectives of future research particularly in direct catalytic and efficient conversion of N2 into N-containing organic compounds under mild conditions, and to stimulate more research efforts to tackle this long-standing and grand scientific challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Jie Lv
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Junnian Wei
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Dehui Deng
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Zhang-Jie Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhenfeng Xi
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Abstract
Ammonia is a critically important industrial chemical and is largely responsible for sustaining the growing global population. To provide ammonia to underdeveloped regions and/or regions far from industrial production hubs, modular systems have been targeted and often involve unconventional production methodologies. These novel approaches for ammonia production can tap renewable resources at smaller scales located at the point of use, while decreasing the CO2 footprint. Plasma-assisted catalysis and electrochemical ammonia synthesis have promise owing to their atmospheric pressure and low-temperature operation conditions and the ability to construct units at scales desired for modularization. Fundamental and applied studies are underway to assess these processes, although many unknowns remain. In this review, we discuss recent developments and opportunities for unconventional ammonia synthesis with a focus on plasma-stimulated systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M. Barboun
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA;,
| | - Jason C. Hicks
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA;,
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Mboyi CD, Poater A, Poater J, Duhayon C, Chauvin R. Cyclopropenylidenephosphoranes: Rearrangement to Azetidinylidene-Methylphosphoniums. J Org Chem 2020; 85:7452-7458. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.0c00847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clève Dionel Mboyi
- LCC−CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 205 Route de Narbonne, Cedex 4 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Albert Poater
- Institut de Quı́mica Computacional i Catàlisi and Departament de Quı́mica, Universitat de Girona, c/Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 69, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Jordi Poater
- ICREA, Pg. Lluı́s Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain; & Departament de Quı́mica Inorgànica i Orgànica & IQTCUB, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carine Duhayon
- LCC−CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 205 Route de Narbonne, Cedex 4 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Remi Chauvin
- LCC−CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 205 Route de Narbonne, Cedex 4 31077 Toulouse, France
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Zhu Q, Chen S, Xu F, Zhu J. Reaction Mechanisms on [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Azides with Metal Carbyne Complexes: Significant Effects of Aromaticity, Substituent, and Metal Center. Inorg Chem 2020; 59:7318-7324. [PMID: 32338878 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c00754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Density functional theory calculations were used to investigate the reaction mechanisms on [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of azides with metal carbyne complexes. Our results reveal that the formation of a 1,4-metallatriazole regioisomer is a kinetically favorable process in comparison with the formation of 1,5-metallatriazole. Aromaticity plays an important role in stabilizing the products in these reactions. Further analyses show that the electron-donating ligand on metal centers or the electron-withdrawing group on the azide could accelerate the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. All of these findings could be useful for experimental chemists to develop "click reactions" in organometallic chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Shuwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Fangzhou Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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Rouf AM, Dai C, Xu F, Zhu J. Dinitrogen Activation by Tricoordinated Boron Species: A Systematic Design. ADVANCED THEORY AND SIMULATIONS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adts.201900205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alvi Muhammad Rouf
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Department of ChemistryCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringXiamen University Xiamen 361005 P. R. China
| | - Chenshu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Department of ChemistryCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringXiamen University Xiamen 361005 P. R. China
| | - Fangzhou Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Department of ChemistryCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringXiamen University Xiamen 361005 P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Department of ChemistryCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringXiamen University Xiamen 361005 P. R. China
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