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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. [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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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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3
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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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4
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King AJ, Abbenseth J, Goicoechea JM. Reactivity of a Strictly T-Shaped Phosphine Ligated by an Acridane Derived NNN Pincer Ligand. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202300818. [PMID: 37042718 PMCID: PMC10947599 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202300818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The steric tuning of a tridentate acridane-derived NNN pincer ligand allows for the isolation of a strictly T-shaped phosphine that exhibits ambiphilic reactivity. Well-defined phosphorus-centered reactivity towards nucleophiles and electrophiles is reported, contrasting with prior reports on this class of compounds. Reactions towards oxidants are also described. The latter result in the two-electron oxidation of the phosphorus atom from +III to +V and are accompanied by a strong geometric distortion of the NNN pincer ligand. By contrast, cooperative activation of E-H (HCl, HBcat, HOMe) bonds proceeds with retention of the phosphorus redox state. When using H2 O as a substrate, the reaction results in the full disassembly of H2 O to its constituent atoms, highlighting the potential of this platform for small molecule activation reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J. King
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory12 Mansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Josh Abbenseth
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory12 Mansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
- Institut für ChemieHumboldt-Universität zu BerlinBrook-Taylor-Straße 212489BerlinGermany
| | - Jose M. Goicoechea
- Department of ChemistryIndiana University800 E. Kirkland Ave.Bloomington, In47401USA
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5
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Yang D, Zhang S, Zeng G, Chen ZX. Metal-free catalytic hydroboration of imine with pinacolborane using a pincer-type phosphorus compound: mechanistic insight and improvement of the reaction. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023. [PMID: 37378853 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp01709e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
A mechanistic study of the catalytic hydroboration of imine using a pincer-type phosphorus compound 1NP was performed through the combination of DFT and DLPNO-CCSD(T) calculations. The reaction proceeds through a phosphorus-ligand cooperative catalytic cycle, where the phosphorus center and triamide ligand work in a synergistic manner. First, the pinB-H bond activation by 1NP occurs through the cooperative functions of the phosphorus center and the triamide ligand, leading to a phosphorus-hydride intermediate 2NP. This is the rate-determining step, with the Gibbs energy barrier and Gibbs reaction energy of 25.3 and -17.0 kcal mol-1, respectively. Subsequently, the hydroboration of phenylmethanimine takes place through a concerted transition state through the cooperative function of the phosphorus center and the triamide ligand. It leads to the final hydroborated product 4 with the regeneration of 1NP. Our computational results reveal that the experimentally isolated intermediate 3NP is a resting state of the reaction. It is formed through the B-N bond activation of 4 by 1NP, rather than via the insertion of the CN double bond of phenylmethanimine into the P-H bond of 2NP. However, this side reaction can be suppressed by utilizing a planar phosphorus compound AcrDipp-1NP as the catalyst, which features steric-demanding substituents on the chelated N atom of the ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deshuai Yang
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China.
- Kuang Yaming Honors School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shuoqi Zhang
- Kuang Yaming Honors School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guixiang Zeng
- Kuang Yaming Honors School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhao-Xu Chen
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China.
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6
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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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7
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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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8
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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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9
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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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10
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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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11
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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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12
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Karnamkkott HS, Gorantla SMNVT, Devi K, Tiwari G, Mondal KC. Bonding and stability of dinitrogen-bonded donor base-stabilized Si(0)/Ge(0) species [(cAAC Me-Si/Ge) 2(N 2)]: EDA-NOCV analysis. RSC Adv 2022; 12:4081-4093. [PMID: 35425464 PMCID: PMC8981037 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra07714g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, dinitrogen (N2) binding and its activation have been achieved by non-metal compounds like intermediate cAAC-borylene as (cAAC)2(B-Dur)2(N2) [cAAC = cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene; Dur = aryl group, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenyl; B-Dur = borylene]. It has attracted a lot of scientific attention from different research areas because of its future prospects as a potent species towards the metal free reduction of N2 into ammonia (NH3) under mild conditions. Two (cAAC)(B-Dur) units, each of which possesses six valence electrons around the B-centre, are shown to accept σ-donations from the N2 ligand (B ← N2). Two B-Dur further provide π-backdonations (B → N2) to a central N2 ligand to strengthen the B–N2–B bond, providing maximum stability to the compound (cAAC)2(B-Dur)2(N2) since the summation of each pair wise interaction accounted for the total stabilization energy of the molecule. (cAAC)(B-Dur) unit is isolobal to cAAC–E (E = Si, Ge) fragment. Herein, we report on the stability and bonding of cAAC–E bonded N2-complex (cAAC–E)2(N2) (1–2; Si, Ge) by NBO, QTAIM and EDA-NOCV analyses (EDA-NOCV = energy decomposition analysis coupled with natural orbital for chemical valence; QTAIM = quantum theory of atoms in molecule). Our calculation suggested that syntheses of elusive (cAAC–E)2(N2) (1–2; Si, Ge) species may be possible with cAAC ligands having bulky substitutions adjacent to the CcAAC atom by preventing the homo-dimerization of two (cAAC)(E) units which can lead to the formation of (cAAC–E)2. The formation of E
Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019
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E bond is thermodynamically more favourable (E = Si, Ge) over binding energy of N2 inbetween two cAAC–E units. Dinitrogen (N2) binding and its activation have been achieved by non-metal compounds like intermediate cAACborylene with the general formula of (cAAC)2(B-Dur)2(N2) [cAAC = cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene; Dur = aryl group, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenyl; B-Dur = aryl-borylene].![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsha S Karnamkkott
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras Chennai 600036 India
| | | | - Kavita Devi
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras Chennai 600036 India
| | - Geetika Tiwari
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras Chennai 600036 India
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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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14
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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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