Mechanistic investigation of zwitterionic MOF-catalyzed enyne annulation using UNLPF-14-MnIII as catalyst

π-π stacking assisted regioselectivity regulation in palladium-catalyzed cyclization reactions: a theoretical study

The regulation of regioselectivity is an objective often pursued by organic chemists, and the comprehension of its mechanisms is crucial for devising efficient synthetic pathways. In this report, we conducted theoretical calculations to explore the regioselectivity regulatory mechanisms of two palladium-catalyzed cyclization reactions. In these cyclization reactions, manipulating the structural differences in the reaction substrates leads to the formation of distinct products. A detailed reaction mechanism and reactivity profile for this reaction were revealed. Furthermore, a π-π stacking assisted regioselectivity regulatory mechanism was proven by distortion-interaction energy analysis and noncovalent interaction calculations. The calculated results presented herein provide a theoretical guide for further experimental investigations of regioselectivity regulation.

Mechanistic insights into facilitating reductive elimination from Ni(II) species

Reductive elimination is a key step in Ni-catalysed cross-couplings, which is often considered to result in new covalent bonds. Due to the weak oxidizing ability of Ni(II) species, reductive eliminations from Ni(II) centers are challenging. A thorough mechanistic understanding of this process could inspire the rational design of Ni-catalysed coupling reactions. In this article, we give an overview of recent advances in the mechanistic study of reductive elimination from Ni(II) species achieved by our group. Three possible models for reductive elimination from Ni(II) species were investigated and discussed, including direct reductive elimination, electron density-controlled reductive elimination, and oxidation-induced reductive elimination. Notably, the direct reductive elimination from Ni(II) species often requires a high activation energy in some cases. In contrast, the electron density-controlled and oxidation-induced reductive elimination pathways can significantly enhance the driving force for reductive elimination, accelerating the formation of new covalent bonds. The intricate reaction mechanisms for each of these pathways are thoroughly discussed and systematically summarized in this paper. These computational studies showcase the characteristics of three models for reductive elimination from Ni(II) species, and we hope that it will spur the development of mechanistic studies of cross-coupling reactions.

Distinctive Mechanistic Scenarios and Substituent Effects of Gold(I) versus Copper(I) Catalysis for Hydroacylation of Terminal Alkynes with Glyoxal Derivatives

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been conducted to study the mechanisms, substituent effects, and the role of bases in Au- and Cu-catalyzed hydroacylation of terminal alkyne with glyoxal derivatives. The two reactions, despite being catalyzed by the same group of transition metals, follow distinctive reaction mechanisms. Through the detailed DFT calculations, insights into the mechanisms are obtained, and the substituent effects and the role of the bases are understood.

What is the difference between mono- and biphosphine ligands? Revealing the chemoselectivity in Pd-catalysed carbenation of bromonaphthalene

Ligand-controlled chemoselectivity is an important topic in organometallic chemistry.