A General Concept for the Electronic and Steric Modification of 1-Metallacyclobuta-2,3-dienes: A Case Study of Group 4 Metallocene Complexes

The synthesis of group 4 metal 1-metallacyclobuta-2,3-dienes as organometallic analogues of elusive 1,2-cyclobutadiene has so far been limited to SiMe3 substituted examples. We present the synthesis of two Ph substituted dilithiated ligand precursors for the preparation of four new 1-metallacyclobuta-2,3-dienes [rac-(ebthi)M] (M=Ti, Zr; ebthi=1,2-ethylene-1,10-bis(η5-tetrahydroindenyl)). The organolithium compounds [Li2(RC3Ph)] (1 b: R=Ph, 1 c: R=SiMe3) as well as the metallacycles of the general formula [rac-(ebthi)M(R1C3R2)] (2 b: M=Ti, R1=R2=Ph, 2 c: M=Ti, R1=Ph, R2=SiMe3; 3 b: M=Zr, R1=R2=Ph; 3 c: M=Zr, R1=Ph, R2=SiMe3) were fully characterised. Single crystal X-ray diffraction and quantum chemical bond analysis of the Ti and Zr complexes reveal ligand influence on the biradicaloid character of the titanocene complexes. X-band EPR spectroscopy of structurally similar Ti complexes [rac-(ebthi)Ti(Me3SiC3SiMe3)] (2 a), 2 b, and 2 c was carried out to evaluate the accessibility of an EPR active triplet state. Cyclic voltammetry shows that introduction of Ph groups renders the complexes easier to reduce. 13C CPMAS NMR analysis provides insights into the cause of the low field shift of the resonances of metal-bonded carbon atoms and provides evidence of the absence of the β-C-Ti interaction.

Alkyl amines and ethers as traceless hydride donors in [1,5]-hydride transfer cascade reactions

The use of alkyl amines and ethers as traceless hydride donors in [1,5]-hydride transfer cascade reactions represents a promising strategy that greatly enriches redox-neutral hydride transfer chemistry. This review summarizes the remarkable progress made in this field, and focuses on (1) alkyl amines as traceless hydride donors in cascade [1,5]-hydride transfer/elimination reactions and (2) alkyl ethers as traceless hydride donors in [1,5]-hydride transfer cascade reactions. The reaction mechanisms, features, scope, limitations, and synthetic applications are included, where appropriate. Importantly, its powerful ability in allene synthesis and the combination with [Re]-vinylidene and carbocation chemistries render this strategy attractive enough to inspire chemists to develop colorful reactions for building molecular complexity.

Recent advances in the metal-catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of chiral allenes

Recent advances in the metal-catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of chiral allenes are summarized. This review is categorized based on the starting material, including alkynes, racemic allenes, and conjugated dienes.

Zinc Iodide Catalyzed Synthesis of Trisubstituted Allenes from Terminal Alkynes and Ketones

A straightforward, user-friendly, efficient protocol for the one pot, ZnI₂-catalyzed allenylation of terminal alkynes with pyrrolidine and ketones, toward trisubstituted allenes, is described. Trisubstituted allenes can be obtained under either conventional heating or microwave irradiation conditions, which significantly reduces the reaction time. A sustainable, widely available, and low-cost metal salt catalyst is employed, and the reactions are carried out under solvent-free conditions. Among others, synthetically valuable allenes bearing functionalities such as amide, hydroxyl, or phthalimide can be efficiently prepared. Mechanistic experiments, including kinetic isotope effect measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, suggest a rate-determining [1,5]-hydride transfer during the transformation of the intermediate propargylamine to the final allene.

Synthesis of Propargylamines via Michael Addition Using Methyl Vinyl Ketone Derivatives, 1-Alkynes, and Secondary Amines Catalyzed by Copper (I) Halides

Propargylamines are synthesized from methyl vinyl ketone derivatives, 1-alkynes, and secondary amines catalyzed by Cu salts involving the Michael addition of amine followed by an unusual C-C bond cleavage and addition of metal acetylides formed in situ to iminium ions. In this approach, the di-, tri-, and tetrasubstituted propargylamines are synthesized in 46-98% yields.

Zn-Catalyzed Multicomponent KA2 Coupling: One-Pot Assembly of Propargylamines Bearing Tetrasubstituted Carbon Centers

Tetrasubstituted propargylamines comprise a unique class of highly useful compounds, which can be accessed through the multicomponent coupling between ketones, amines, and alkynes (KA² coupling), an underexplored transformation. Herein, the development of a novel, highly efficient, and user-friendly catalytic system for the KA² coupling, based on the environmentally benign, inexpensive, and readily available zinc acetate, is described. This system is employed in the multicomponent assembly of unprecedented, tetrasubstituted propargylamines derived from structurally diverse, challenging, and even biorelevant substrates. Notable features of this protocol include the demonstration of the enhancing effect that neat conditions can have on catalytic activity, as well as the expedient functionalization of hindered, prochiral cyclohexanones, linear ketones, and interesting molecular scaffolds such as norcamphor and nornicotine.

Green synthesis of Au nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of Stachys lavandulifolia and their catalytic performance for alkyne/aldehyde/amine A3 coupling reactions

High reaction rate and easy availability make green synthesis of metal nanoparticles noticeable. In the present study, gold nanoparticles with wide applications in different fields were synthesized by an ecofriendly method at room temperature using Stachys lavandulifolia extract as the reducing agent. Properties of the synthesized gold nanoparticles (GNP) were identified by different analytical techniques including: UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy verified presence of Au NPs in the solution while functional groups of its extract and synthesized Au NPs were determined by FT-IR. Its crystalline analysis with a fcc plane was verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) determined elements in the sample. Surface morphology, diverse shapes and sizes of the Au NPs were shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Beginning and end destruction temperatures of the Au/S. lavandulifolia NPs were determined by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The Au nanoparticles were capped with extracts, preventing them from oxidation and agglomeration and were used as an efficient heterogeneous nanocatalyst for a three-component reaction of amines, aldehydes, and alkynes (A3 coupling). A diverse range of propargylamines were obtained in good yields. Furthermore, the separation and recycling of Au/S. lavandulifolia NPs was very simple, effective, and economical.

Anchorage of Au3+ into Modified Isoreticular Metal-Organic Framework-3 as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Synthesis of Propargylamines

Postsynthetic modification of metal-organic framework is a general and practical approach to access MOF-based catalysts bearing multiple active sites. The isoreticular metal-organic framework-3 (IRMOF-3) was modified with lactic acid through condensation reaction of the carboxyl group of lactic acid and amino group present in IRMOF-3 frameworks. Au3+ was subsequently anchored onto the metal-organic framework IRMOF-3 using postsynthetic modification. The synthezized IRMOF-3-LA-Au (LA = lactic acid) was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption-desorption, infrared spectroscopy, liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, H2-temperature programmed reduction, transmission electro microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. IRMOF-3-LA-Au acted as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of propargylamines by three-component coupling reaction of aldehyde, alkyne, and amine. Moreover, the catalyst is applicable to various substituted substrates, including aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, alkyl- and aryl-substituted terminal alkynes, and alicyclic amines. In addition, the catalyst can be easily separated from the mixture and can be reused for four consecutive cycles.

Au3+/Au⁰ Supported on Chromium(III) Terephthalate Metal Organic Framework (MIL-101) as an Efficient Heterogeneous Catalystfor Three-Component Coupling Synthesis of Propargylamines

Post-synthesis modification is a useful method for the functionalization of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). A novel catalyst Au@MIL-101-ED-SA (ED = ethylenediamine, SA = salicylaldehyde), containing coexisting Au³⁺ ions and Au⁰ nanoparticles, was prepared successfully by post-synthesis modification with ethylenediamine, salicylaldehyde and gold. Gold nanoparticles supported on MIL-101 (Au@MIL-101) were prepared successfully by the impregnation method. Au@MIL-101-ED-SA and Au@MIL-101 were characterized by N₂ adsorption–desorption, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Au@MIL-101-ED-SA and Au@MIL-101 were applied as environmentally friendly catalysts in the three-component coupling reaction of aldehydes, amines, and alkynes for the preparation of diverse propargylamines. Au@MIL-101-ED-SA contained a fraction of cationic gold (Au³⁺/Au⁰ = 0.9) and showed higher catalytic activity than Au@MIL-101, which was prepared by the impregnation method. Furthermore, the reactions were performed under heterogeneous conditions and the novel catalyst was successfully recycled for four consecutive runs.

Copper nanoparticles supported on starch micro particles as a degradable heterogeneous catalyst for three-component coupling synthesis of propargylamines

Starch supported Cu NPs as a degradable heterogeneous catalyst for A3 coupling reaction.

Copper(ii) carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-CuII) as an efficient catalyst for aldehyde–alkyne–amine coupling under solvent-free conditions

A novel heterogeneous Cu(ii) carboxymethylcellulose catalyst was prepared and successfully employed in the A3 coupling without using any co-catalyst, other additives, bases under solvent-free conditions.

Synthesis of chiral 2,3-disubstituted 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives

Racemic 2,3-diaryl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) derivatives are synthesized from the readily accessible piperazines in 50-64% yield by cyclization using ethylene bromide, triethylamine, and KI at 80 °C. The enantiomerically enriched 2,3-diphenylpiperazine and the 2,3-bis(1-naphthyl)piperazine derivatives are prepared by a resolution method using commercially available optically active acids, yielding the corresponding DABCO derivatives in 51-64% yield with up to 99% ee. This mild cyclization can also be applied to enantiopure camphanyldiamine derivatives, and the products are obtained in 72-86% yields.