Reactions of Pd and Pt Complexes with Molecular Oxygen

Intramolecular Csp3-H Activation at a Platinum(IV) Center Resulting from O2 Activation: The Role of a Proton-Responsive Ligand and Trans Influence

Aerobic oxidation of a dimethylplatinum(II) complex featuring 1,1-di(2-pyridyl)ethanol as a supporting ligand leads to the formation of two unexpected PtIV complexes (in ∼1:1 ratio), neither of which results from direct oxidation typical for PtII centers supported by popular κ2-(N,N) ligands. While one product features an isomerized PtIV center stabilized by the κ3-(N,N,O) ligand coordination mode, surprisingly, the other product results from intramolecular activation of the ligand methyl fragment. Mechanistic studies, reactivity of model complexes, and DFT calculations reveal that the critical proton-responsive nature of the ligand allows formation of intermediates that result in a concerted metalation deprotonation (CMD)-like C-H activation at PtIV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first mechanistic delineation of Csp3-H activation at PtIV, despite being known for other high-valent platinum group metal centers.

Palladium Catalysis: Dependence of the Efficiency of C-N Bond Formation on Carboxylate Ligand and Metal Carboxylate or Carboxylic Acid Additive

The Pd-catalyzed inter- and intramolecular reactions of nitrogen compounds are often carried out with palladium carboxylates, sometimes in the presence of carboxylic acids or alkali metal carboxylates. This Mini-Review highlights the dependence of the reaction efficiency on the nature of the ligand and the carboxylate additives. The proposed reaction mechanisms are presented with, as far as possible, personal comments.

Aerobic Asymmetric Allylic C-H Alkylation by Synergistic Chiral Primary Amine-Palladium-Hydroquinone Catalysis

A synergistic chiral primary amine/palladium /p-hydroquinone catalysis was developed to facilitate oxidative asymmetric allylic C-H alkylation under aerobic conditions. The ternary synergistic catalysis enables a facile allylic C-H activation and alkylation with oxygen so that stoichiometric utilization of benzoquinone can be avoided. The identified optimal catalytic system allows for terminal addition to allyl arenes with α-branched β-ketocarbonyls to afford allylic adducts bearing all-carbon quaternary centers with high regio- and enantioselectivity. This work provides new insights for further studies on the aerobically oxidative C-H alkylation reaction.

First principles of hydrazine electrooxidation at oxide-free and oxide-based palladium electrodes in complex media

In this study, fundamental aspects that have impact on the electroanalytical detection of hydrazine in phosphate, acetate and yeast fermentation medium in an analytically significant concentration range by several types of palladium (Pd)-modified electrodes, namely, Pd-ink, Pd-sputtered films and palladium nanoparticles (Pd-NPs) were systematically studied. The efficiency of hydrazine electrooxidation is not affected by the composition of multicomponent medium (i), presence of oxygen (ii), morphology or electroactive area (iii), but more likely depends on the purity degree of the electrode surface from residual palladium oxides (iv). In addition, using advanced methods of nanoanalytics and quantum chemistry, the crucial role of hydrazine surface adsorption (v) on oxide-free and oxide-based Pd-electrodes is highlighted. The obtained knowledge will provide future development strategies of electrodes based on nanoparticles of noble metals for tuned and efficient hydrazine electrooxidation in complex fermentation media.

Mechanistic Studies for Pd(II)(O2) Reduction Generating Pd(0) and H2O: Formation of Pd(OH)2 as a Key Intermediate

Molecular oxygen (O₂) remains to be an ideal yet underutilized feedstock for the oxidative transformation of organic substrates and renewable energy systems such as fuel cells. Palladium (Pd) has shown particular promise in enabling these applications. The present study describes a Pd-mediated O₂ reduction to water via C-H activation of 9,10-dihydroanthracene (DHA) by a Pd(II) η²-peroxo complex 1O₂. The reaction yields stoichiometric anthracene and Pd(0) product 1 and is notable in two respects. First, plots of concentrations of the reaction participants over time have distinctly sigmoidal shapes, indicating that conversion accelerates over time and implying autocatalysis. Second, the reaction proceeds via a genuine monometallic Pd(II) dihydroxide 1(OH)₂ directly observed to grow and decay as an intermediate. Confirming its role as an intermediate, the dihydroxide 1(OH)₂ was found to mediate C-H oxidation of DHA on par in activity with the peroxo compound 1O₂. Mechanistic studies with density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggested that both 1O₂ and 1(OH)₂ react with DHA by hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and that autocatalysis in the 1O₂ reaction results from oxidative addition of the initial Pd(II) complex 1O₂ to the Pd(0) product 1. This reaction forms a transient bis(μ-oxo) Pd(II) dimer 1O₂1 that is more active in the HAT oxidation of DHA than the initial 1O₂.

Supramolecular organometallic chemistry: the platinum(IV) paradigm

Supramolecular chemistry and the chemistry of alkyl derivatives of the transition metals are both topics of considerable current interest, but the combination of the two fields is still underdeveloped. The challenges are, in large part, experimental in nature. For example, the self-assembly of molecules in supramolecular chemistry often relies on intermolecular hydrogen bonding, but most alkyl-transition metal bonds are cleaved by the protic groups used in hydrogen bond formation. Alkyl-platinum(IV) bonds are inert to protonolysis or attack by other electrophiles under mild conditions, and this has allowed an extensive supramolecular chemistry of organoplatinum(IV) complexes to be developed, as outlined in this perspective review. Highlights include a zeolitic structure, a polyrotaxane, a double helix, a nanotube structure and an example of spontaneous resolution to form a chiral sheet structure.

Dioxygen Activation and Pyrrole α-Cleavage with Calix[4]pyrrolato Aluminates: Enzyme Model by Structural Constraint

The present work describes the reaction of triplet dioxygen with the porphyrinogenic calix[4]pyrrolato aluminates to alkylperoxido aluminates in high selectivity. Multiconfigurational quantum chemical computations disclose the mechanism for this spin‐forbidden process. Despite a negligible spin–orbit coupling constant, the intersystem crossing (ISC) is facilitated by singlet and triplet state degeneracy and spin–vibronic coupling. The formed peroxides are stable toward external substrates but undergo an unprecedented oxidative pyrrole α‐cleavage by ligand aromatization/dearomatization‐initiated O−O σ‐bond scission. A detailed comparison of the calix[4]pyrrolato aluminates with dioxygen‐related enzymology provides insights into the ISC of metal‐ or cofactor‐free enzymes. It substantiates the importance of structural constraint and element–ligand cooperativity for the functions of aerobic life.

Secondary phosphine oxide-triggered selective oxygenation of a benzyl ligand on palladium

The oxygenation of a benzyl ligand in [PdBnCl(cod)] was dramatically accelerated by using secondary phosphine oxides (SPOs), selectively affording either BnOOH or BnOH, depending on the concentration of O2. The SPOs coordinate to palladium in the form of phosphinous acids, operating as Brønsted acids to facilitate further reaction with O2.

Understanding the Role of Solvents and Spin-Orbit Coupling in an Oxygen-Assisted SN 2-Type Oxidative Transmetalation Reaction

The aerial oxidation of Pd^II to Pd^IV has emerged as an integral component of sustainable catalytic C-H functionalization processes. However, a proper understanding of the factors that control the viability of this oxidative process remains elusive. An investigation of the intricate mechanism of the transmetalation reaction of the aerial oxidative transformation of [(Me₃ tacn)Pd^II Me₂ ] (Me₃ tacn=N,N',N''-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) to [(Me₃ tacn)Pd^IV Me₃ ]⁺ has been conducted by using DFT, along with multireference methods, such as second-order n-electron valence-state perturbation theory (NEVPT2) with complete active space self-consistent field theory (CASSCF). The present endeavor predicts that the thermodynamics and kinetics of the oxygen activation step are primarily dictated by the polarity of the solvents, which determine the amount of charge transfer to the oxygen molecule from the Pd^II center. Additionally, it is observed that the presence of a protic solvent has a significant effect on the spin-orbit coupling term at the minimum energy crossing point of the triplet and singlet surfaces. Moreover, it is shown that the intermetal ligand-transfer phenomenon is an important instance of an oxygen-assisted S_N 2 reaction.

Models for Cooperative Catalysis: Oxidative Addition Reactions of Dimethylplatinum(II) Complexes with Ligands Having Both NH and OH Functionality

The role of NH and OH groups in the oxidative addition reactions of the complexes [PtMe₂(κ²-N,N'-L)], L = 2-C₅H₄NCH₂NH-x-C₆H₄OH [3, x = 2, L = L1; 4, x = 3, L = L2; 5, x = 4, L = L3], has been investigated. Complex 3 is the most reactive. It reacts with CH₂Cl₂ to give a mixture of isomers of [PtMe₂(CH₂Cl)(κ³-N,N',O-(L1-H)], 6, and decomposes in acetone to give [PtMe₃(κ³-N,N',O-(L1-H)], 7, both of which contain the fac tridentate deprotonated ligand. Complex 3 reacts with MeI to give complex 7, whereas 4 and 5 react to give [PtIMe₃(κ²-N,N'-L2))], 8, or [PtIMe₃(κ²-N,N'-L3)], 9, respectively. Each complex 3, 4, or 5 reacts with either dioxygen or hydrogen peroxide to give the corresponding complex [Pt(OH)₂Me₂(κ²-N,N'-L)], 10, L = L1; 11, L = L2; 12, L = L3. The ligand L3 in complexes 9 and 12 is easily oxidized to the corresponding imine ligand 2-C₅H₄NCH=N-4-C₆H₄OH, L4, in forming the complexes [PtIMe₃(κ²-N,N'-L4)], 13, and [Pt(OH)₂Me₂(κ²-N,N'-L4)], 14, respectively. The NH and OH groups play a significant role in supramolecular polymer or sheet structures of the complexes, formed through intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and these structures indicate how either intramolecular or intermolecular hydrogen bonding may assist some oxidative addition reactions.

A Bridging Peroxide Complex of Platinum(IV)

The photolysis of the allylplatinum(IV) complex [PtBr(C₃H₅)(4-MeC₆H₄)₂(bipy)], 1, bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine, in air yielded [{PtBr(4-MeC₆H₄)₂(bipy)}₂(μ-O₂)], 2, the first diplatinum(IV) complex containing a single bridging peroxide ligand. The PtO-OPt bond distance in 2 is 1.481(3) Å. Complex 2 is thought to be formed by homolysis of the allyl-platinum bond of 1, followed by reaction of the platinum(III) intermediate [PtBr(4-MeC₆H₄)₂(bipy)] with oxygen.

A DFT-based mechanistic proposal for the light-driven insertion of dioxygen into Pt(ii)-C bonds

The photocatalyzed insertion of dioxygen into the Pt(ii)-methyl bond in terpyridine platinum complexes has been shown to proceed efficiently, but its mechanism remains a challenge. In particular, there are serious counter-intuitive differences in the reactivity of structurally similar complexes. M06 calculations in solvent with a valence double-ζ basis set supplemented by polarization and diffusion shells (benchmarked against ωB97x-D calculations with a larger basis set) are able to provide a satisfactory mechanistic answer. The proposed mechanism starts with the absorption of a photon by the metal complex, which then evolves into a triplet state that reacts with the triplet dioxygen fragment. A variety of possible reaction paths have been identified, some leading to the methylperoxo product and others reverting to the reactants, and the validity of some of these paths has been confirmed by additional experiments. The balance between the barriers towards productive and unproductive paths reproduces the diverging experimental behavior of similar complexes and provides a general mechanistic picture for these processes.

Recent advances in well-defined, late transition metal complexes that make and/or break C-N, C-O and C-S bonds

Chemical transformations that result in either the formation or cleavage of carbon-heteroatom bonds are among the most important processes in the chemical sciences. Herein, we present a review on the reactivity of well-defined, late-transition metal complexes that result in the making and breaking of C-N, C-O and C-S bonds via fundamental organometallic reactions, i.e. oxidative addition, reductive elimination, insertion and elimination reactions. When appropriate, emphasis is placed on structural and spectroscopic characterization techniques, as well as mechanistic data.

Pd-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation Reactions: Strategies To Increase Catalyst Lifetimes

The palladium complex [(neocuproine)Pd(μ-OAc)]₂[OTf]₂ (1, neocuproine = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) is an effective catalyst precursor for the selective oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols, vicinal diols, polyols, and carbohydrates. Both air and benzoquinone can be used as terminal oxidants, but aerobic oxidations are accompanied by oxidative degradation of the neocuproine ligand, thus necessitating high Pd loadings. Several strategies to improve aerobic catalyst lifetimes were devised, guided by mechanistic studies of catalyst deactivation. These studies implicate a radical autoxidation mechanism initiated by H atom abstraction from the neocuproine ligand. Ligand modifications designed to retard H atom abstractions as well as the addition of sacrificial H atom donors increase catalyst lifetimes and lead to higher turnover numbers (TON) under aerobic conditions. Additional investigations revealed that the addition of benzylic hydroperoxides or styrene leads to significant increases in TON as well. Mechanistic studies suggest that benzylic hydroperoxides function as H atom donors and that styrene is effective at intercepting Pd hydrides. These strategies enabled the selective aerobic oxidation of polyols on preparative scales using as little as 0.25 mol % of Pd, a major improvement over previous work.

Mechanistic Basis for Efficient, Site-Selective, Aerobic Catalytic Turnover in Pd-Catalyzed C-H Imidoylation of Heterocycle-Containing Molecules

A recently reported Pd-catalyzed method for oxidative imidoylation of C-H bonds exhibits unique features that have important implications for Pd-catalyzed aerobic oxidation catalysis: (1) The reaction tolerates heterocycles that commonly poison Pd catalysts. (2) The site selectivity of C-H activation is controlled by an N-methoxyamide group rather than a suitably positioned heterocycle. (3) A Pd0 source, Pd2(dba)3 (dba = dibenzylideneacetone), is superior to Pd(OAc)2 as a precatalyst, and other PdII sources are ineffective. (4) The reaction performs better with air, rather than pure O2. The present study elucidates the origin of these features. Kinetic, mechanistic, and in situ spectroscopic studies establish that PdII-mediated C-H activation is the turnover-limiting step. The tBuNC substrate is shown to coordinate more strongly to PdII than pyridine, thereby contributing to the lack of heterocycle catalyst poisoning. A well-defined PdII-peroxo complex is a competent intermediate that promotes substrate coordination via proton-coupled ligand exchange. The effectiveness of this substrate coordination step correlates with the basicity of the anionic ligands coordinated to PdII, and Pd0 catalyst precursors are most effective because they selectively afford the PdII-peroxo in situ. Finally, elevated O2 pressures are shown to contribute to background oxidation of the isonitrile, thereby explaining the improved performance of reactions conducted with air rather than 1 atm O2. These collective results explain the unique features of the aerobic C-H imidoylation of N-methoxybenzamides and have important implications for other Pd-catalyzed aerobic C-H oxidation reactions.

Ligand-Promoted Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation Reactions

Palladium-catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions have been the focus of industrial application and extensive research efforts for nearly 60 years. A significant transition occurred in this field approximately 20 years ago, with the introduction of catalysts supported by ancillary ligands. The ligands play crucial roles in the reactions, including promotion of direct oxidation of palladium(0) by O₂, bypassing the typical requirement for Cu salts or related redox cocatalysts to facilitate oxidation of the reduced Pd catalyst; facilitation of key bond-breaking and bond-forming steps during substrate oxidation; and modulation of chemo-, regio-, or stereoselectivity of a reaction. The use of ligands has contributed to significant expansion of the scope of accessible aerobic oxidation reactions. Increased understanding of the role of ancillary ligands should promote the development of new synthetic transformations, enable improved control over the reaction selectivity, and improve catalyst activity and stability. This review surveys the different ligands that have been used to support palladium-catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions and, where possible, describes mechanistic insights into the role played by the ancillary ligand.

Bismuthanes as Hemilabile Donors in an O2 -Activating Palladium(0) Complex

A xanthene-based bismuthane/phosphane chelating ligand has been accessed that has enabled the synthesis of a palladium(0) bismuthane complex. The bismuthane donor proved to be hemilabile as it switched to a dangling position upon addition of O₂ that gave a palladium(II) peroxide complex. Unlike the corresponding 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene (Xantphos) palladium peroxide, the bismuth analogue could be employed for catalytic phosphane oxidation and oxidative phenol coupling.

Detection of Palladium(I) in Aerobic Oxidation Catalysis

Palladium(II)-catalyzed oxidation reactions exhibit broad utility in organic synthesis; however, they often feature high catalyst loading and low turnover numbers relative to non-oxidative cross-coupling reactions. Insights into the fate of the Pd catalyst during turnover could help to address this limitation. Herein, we report the identification and characterization of a dimeric PdI species in two prototypical Pd-catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions: allylic C-H acetoxylation of terminal alkenes and intramolecular aza-Wacker cyclization. Both reactions employ 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one (DAF) as an ancillary ligand. The dimeric PdI complex, [PdI (μ-DAF)(OAc)]2 , which features two bridging DAF ligands and two terminal acetate ligands, has been characterized by several spectroscopic methods, as well as single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The origin of this PdI complex and its implications for catalytic reactivity are discussed.

Direct C–H heteroarylation by an acenaphthyl-based α-diimine palladium complex: improvement of the reaction efficiency for bi(hetero)aryls under aerobic conditions

A bulky ancenaphthyl skeleton-based α-diimine palladium complex has been developed, which exhibited high reactivity for direct heteroarylation of heteroaryl bromides under aerobic conditions with a broad substrate scope.