Enantioselective imine hydrogenation with iridium-catalysts: Reactions, mechanisms and stereocontrol

P-Stereogenic Phosphorus Ligands in Asymmetric Catalysis

Chiral phosphorus ligands play a crucial role in asymmetric catalysis for the efficient synthesis of useful optically active compounds. They are largely categorized into two classes: backbone chirality ligands and P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands. Most of the reported ligands belong to the former class. Privileged ones such as BINAP and DuPhos are frequently employed in a wide range of catalytic asymmetric transformations. In contrast, the latter class of P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands has remained a small family for many years mainly because of their synthetic difficulty. The late 1990s saw the emergence of novel P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands with their superior enantioinduction ability in Rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation reactions. Since then, numerous P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands have been synthesized and used in catalytic asymmetric reactions. This Review summarizes P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands reported thus far, including their stereochemical and electronic properties that afford high to excellent enantioselectivities. Examples of reactions that use this class of ligands are described together with their applications in the construction of key intermediates for the synthesis of optically active natural products and therapeutic agents. The literature covered dates back to 1968 up until December 2023, centering on studies published in the late 1990s and later years.

Ligand-Controlled Regioinduction in a PHOX-Ni Aryne Complex

Phosphinooxazoline (PHOX) ligands have been used to control the regio- and enantioselectivity in a wide variety of metal-catalyzed reactions. Despite their widespread use, PHOX ligands have never been studied in metal-aryne complexes. Herein we report the first example of a PHOX-Ni aryne complex. As demonstrated in other systems, the differentiated P versus N donors and different steric environments of the unsymmetric ligand are able to induce regiocontrol. A 81:19 mixture of o-methoxy substituted aryne complexes is observed. Single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis, UV/vis spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry are used to gain further insight into the molecular and electronic structure of these complexes. Lastly, a methylation/deuteration sequence shows retention of the PHOX ligand-induced regiocontrol in the difunctionalized products and that the regiospecificity of these difunctionalizations is due to the trans influence of the P donor.

Orthogonal, modular anion-cation and cation-anion self-assembly using pre-programmed anion binding sites

Subcomponent self-assembly relies on cation coordination whereas the roles of anions often only emerge during the assembly process. When sites for anions are instead pre-programmed, they have the potential to be used as orthogonal elements to build up structure in a predictable and modular way. We explore this idea by combining cation (M⁺) and anion (X^-) binding sites together and show the orthogonal and modular build up of structure in a multi-ion assembly. Cation binding is based on a ligand (L) made by subcomponent metal-imine chemistry (M⁺ = Cu⁺, Au⁺) while the site for anion binding (X^- = BF₄ ^-, ClO₄ ^-) derives from the inner cavity of cyanostar (CS) macrocycles. The two sites are connected by imine condensation between a pyridyl-aldehyde and an aniline-modified cyanostar. The target assembly [LM-CS-X-CS-ML],⁺ generates two terminal metal complexation sites (LM and ML) with one central anion-bridging site (X) defined by cyanostar dimerization. We showcase modular assembly by isolating intermediates when the primary structure-directing ions are paired with weakly coordinating counter ions. Cation-directed (Cu⁺) or anion-bridged (BF₄ ^-) intermediates can be isolated along either cation-anion or anion-cation pathways. Different products can also be prepared in a modular way using Au⁺ and ClO₄ ^-. This is also the first use of gold(i) in subcomponent self-assembly. Pre-programmed cation and anion binding sites combine with judicious selection of spectator ions to provide modular noncovalent syntheses of multi-component architectures.

IrI(η4-diene) precatalyst activation by strong bases: formation of an anionic IrIII tetrahydride

The reaction between [IrCl(COD)]₂ and dppe in a 1 : 2 ratio was investigated in detail under three different conditions. [IrCl(COD)(dppe)], 1, is formed at room temperature in the absence of base. In the presence of a strong base at room temperature, hydride complexes that retain the carbocyclic ligand in the coordination sphere are generated. In isopropanol, 1 is converted into [IrH(1,2,5,6-η²:η²-COD)(dppe)] (2) on addition of KO^tBu, with k₁₂ = (1.11 ± 0.02) × 10^-4 s^-1, followed by reversible isomerisation to [IrH(1-κ-4,5,6-η³-C₈H₁₂)(dppe)] (3) with k₂₃ = (3.4 ± 0.2) × 10^-4 s^-1 and k₃₂ = (1.1 ± 0.3) × 10^-5 s^-1 to yield an equilibrium 5 : 95 mixture of 2 and 3. However, when no hydride source is present in the strong base (KO^tBu in benzene or toluene), the COD ligand in 1 is deprotonated, followed by β-H elimination of an Ir^I-C₈H₁₁ intermediate, which leads to complex [IrH(1-κ-4,5,6-η³-C₈H₁₀)(dppe)] (4) selectively. This is followed by its reversible isomerisation to 5, which features a different relative orientation of the same ligands (k₄₅ = (3.92 ± 0.11) × 10^-4 s^-1; k_5-4 = (1.39 ± 0.12) × 10^-4 s^-1 in C₆D₆), to yield an equilibrated 32 : 68 mixture of 4 and 5. DFT calculations assisted in the full rationalization of the selectivity and mechanism of the reactions, yielding thermodynamic (equilibrium) and kinetic (isomerization barriers) parameters in excellent agreement with the experimental values. Finally, in the presence of KO^tBu and isopropanol at 80 °C, 1 is transformed selectively to K[IrH₄(dppe)] (6), a salt of an anionic tetrahydride complex of Ir^III. This product is also selectively generated from 2, 3, 4 and 5 and H₂ at room temperature, but only when a strong base is present. These results provide an insight into the catalytic action of [IrCl(COD)(LL)] complexes in the hydrogenation of polar substrates in the presence of a base.

A Plausible Mechanism for the Iridium-Catalyzed Hydrogenation of a Bulky N-Aryl Imine in the (S)-Metolachlor Process

The hydrogenation of N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-1-methoxypropan-2-imine is the largest-scale asymmetric catalytic process for the industrial production of agrochemical (S)-metolachlor. The challenging hydrogenation across the sterically crowded carbon–nitrogen double bond was achieved using a mixture of [IrCl(COD)]₂, (R,S_Fc)-Xyliphos, NBu₄I and acetic acid. Acetic acid was critical in achieving excellent productivity and activity. Despite its industrial significance, a mechanism that explains how the sterically hindered bond in the imine is reduced has yet to be proposed. We propose a plausible proton-first, outer-sphere mechanism based on density functional theory calculations that is consistent with the experimentally observed activity and the enantioselectivity of the industrial process. Key findings include transition states involving acetate-assisted dihydrogen splitting, and a hydride transfer from a five-coordinate iridium trihydride directed by a C-H∙∙∙Ir interaction. This article was submitted to a Special Issue in honor of Professor Henri Kagan.

BIAN-Aluminium-Catalysed Imine Hydrogenation

Hydrogenations have been dominated by transition metal catalysis, while the use of more abundant and inexpensive main group metal catalysts has remained a great challenge. Here, a bimetallic Li/Al dihydride was successfully applied to catalytic hydrogenations of imines. The catalyst [(DippBIAN)Al(μ-H)2Li(OEt2)2] was easily prepared from the 2e-reduced BIAN derivative and LiAlH4.

Recent Advances in the Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Amines via Transition Metal-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation

Chiral amines are key structural motifs present in a wide variety of natural products, drugs, and other biologically active compounds. During the past decade, significant advances have been made with respect to the enantioselective synthesis of chiral amines, many of them based on catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation (AH). The present review covers the use of AH in the synthesis of chiral amines bearing a stereogenic center either in the α, β, or γ position with respect to the nitrogen atom, reported from 2010 to 2020. Therefore, we provide an overview of the recent advances in the AH of imines, enamides, enamines, allyl amines, and N-heteroaromatic compounds.

Chiral Tridentate Ligands in Transition Metal-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation

Asymmetric hydrogenation (AH) of double bonds has been one of the most effective methods for the preparation of chiral molecules and for the synthesis of important chiral building blocks. In the past 60 years, noble metals with bidentate ligands have shown marvelous reactivity and enantioselectivity in asymmetric hydrogenation of a series of prochiral substrates. In recent years, developing chiral tridentate ligands has played an increasingly important role in AH. With modular frameworks and a variety of functionalities on the side arms, chiral tridentate ligand complexes enable both reactivities and stereoselectivities. Although great achievements have been made for noble metal catalysts with chiral tridentate ligands since the 1990s, the design of chiral tridentate ligands for earth abundant metal catalysts has still been in high demand. This review summarizes the development of chiral tridentate ligands for homogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation. The philosophy of ligand design and the reaction mechanisms are highlighted and discussed as well.

Recent Development in the Synthesis and Catalytic Application of Iridacycles

Cyclometallated complexes are well-known and have found many applications. This article provides a short review on the progress made in the synthesis and application to catalysis of cyclometallated half-sandwich Cp*Ir(III) complexes (Cp*: pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) since 2017. Covered in the review are iridacycles featuring conventional C,N chelates and less common metallocene and carbene-derived C,N and C,C ligands. This is followed by an overview of the studies of their applications in catalysis ranging from asymmetric hydrogenation, transfer hydrogenation, hydrosilylation to dehydrogenation.

Cascade Hydrogenation-Cyclization of Levulinic Acid into γ-Valerolactone Catalyzed by Half-Sandwich Iridium Complexes: A Mechanistic Insight from Density Functional Theory

DFT calculations have been performed to illuminate the mechanism of cascade hydrogenation-cyclization of levulinic acid (LA) into γ-valerolactone (GVL) catalyzed by half-sandwich iridium complexes. It is shown that the favorable mechanism involves a heterolytic hydrogen cleavage for Ir-OH species to form a monohydride iridium species, concerted reduction of the C═O unit of LA, hydrogen migration and dehydration to produce the iridium alkoxo complex, and cyclization of the iridium alkoxo complex to generate GVL. The presence of water and counterions are proposed to be important for the hydrogenation where the former works as a hydrogen donor and the latter acts as a hydrogen shuttle. Intriguingly, the cyclization process exploits a metal- and counterion-assisted concerted dehydration-cyclization mechanism different from the known ones that feature the intramolecular esterification of 4-hydroxyvaleric acid. The effectiveness of the half-sandwich iridium complex with the double-methoxy group on the bipyridine ligand-catalyzed system is attributed to the stronger electron-donating methoxy group, which is beneficial to increase the electron density at the Ir center and hence promote the Ir-H bond cleavage. In addition, the calculated free energy barrier for the cascade hydrogenation-cyclization catalyzed by the iridium complex with a dipyridylamine ligand is comparable with that promoted by the iridium complex with the double-methoxy group on the bipyridine ligand (24.8 vs 26.8 kcal/mol). The present work rationalizes the experimental findings and provides in-depth insights into the catalysis of the half-sandwich iridium complexes.

Tackling N-Alkyl Imines with 3d Metal Catalysis: Highly Enantioselective Iron-Catalyzed Synthesis of α-Chiral Amines

A readily activated iron alkyl precatalyst effectively catalyzes the highly enantioselective hydroboration of N-alkyl imines. Employing a chiral bis(oxazolinylmethylidene)isoindoline pincer ligand, the asymmetric reduction of various acyclic N-alkyl imines provided the corresponding α-chiral amines in excellent yields and with up to >99 % ee. The applicability of this base metal catalytic system was further demonstrated with the synthesis of the pharmaceuticals Fendiline and Tecalcet.

Homogeneous cobalt-catalyzed reductive amination for synthesis of functionalized primary amines

The development of earth abundant 3d metal-based catalysts continues to be an important goal of chemical research. In particular, the design of base metal complexes for reductive amination to produce primary amines remains as challenging. Here, we report the combination of cobalt and linear-triphos (bis(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)phenylphosphine) as the molecularly-defined non-noble metal catalyst for the synthesis of linear and branched benzylic, heterocyclic and aliphatic primary amines from carbonyl compounds, gaseous ammonia and hydrogen in good to excellent yields. Noteworthy, this cobalt catalyst exhibits high selectivity and as a result the -NH₂ moiety is introduced in functionalized and structurally diverse molecules. An inner-sphere mechanism on the basis of the mono-cationic [triphos-CoH]⁺ complex as active catalyst is proposed and supported with density functional theory computation on the doublet state potential free energy surface and H₂ metathesis is found as the rate-determining step.

Transition-Metal-Free Hydrogen Autotransfer: Diastereoselective N-Alkylation of Amines with Racemic Alcohols

A practical method for the synthesis of α-chiral amines by alkylation of amines with alcohols in the absence of any transition-metal catalysts has been developed. Under the co-catalysis of a ketone and NaOH, racemic secondary alcohols reacted with Ellman's chiral tert-butanesulfinamide by a hydrogen autotransfer process to afford chiral amines with high diastereoselectivities (up to >99:1). Broad substrate scope and up to a 10 gram scale production of chiral amines were demonstrated. The method was applied to the synthesis of chiral deuterium-labelled amines with high deuterium incorporation and optical purity, including examples of chiral deuterated drugs. The configuration of amine products is found to be determined solely by the configuration of the chiral tert-butanesulfinamide regardless of that of alcohols, and this is corroborated by DFT calculations. Further mechanistic studies showed that the reaction is initiated by the ketone catalyst and involves a transition state similar to that proposed for the Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV) reduction, and importantly, it is the interaction of the sodium cation of the base with both the nitrogen and oxygen atoms of the sulfinamide moiety that makes feasible, and determines the diastereoselectivity of, the reaction.

Hydrogenation of nitriles and imines for hydrogen storage

This review focuses on the selective catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles to primary amines both homogeneously and heterogeneously with transition metal-based catalysts in the view of nitriles as hydrogen carriers. Nitriles can be reduced with two equivalents of H2 to primary amines, thus having a great potential to serve as liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) for hydrogen storage. Imines are intermediates in the hydrogenation of nitriles to amines, thus they can also serve as potential LOHCs, however with a lower hydrogen storage capacity (HSC).

Direct Asymmetric Hydrogenation of N-Methyl and N-Alkyl Imines with an Ir(III)H Catalyst

A novel cationic [IrH(THF)(P,N)(imine)] [BAr_F] catalyst containing a P-stereogenic MaxPHOX ligand is described for the direct asymmetric hydrogenation of N-methyl and N-alkyl imines. This is the first catalytic system to attain high enantioselectivity (up to 94% ee) in this type of transformation. The labile tetrahydrofuran ligand allows for effective activation and reactivity, even at low temperatures. Density functional theory calculations allowed the rationalization of the stereochemical course of the reaction.

Practical synthesis of enantiopure benzylamines by catalytic hydrogenation or transfer hydrogenation reactions in isopropanol using a Ru-pybox catalyst

A Ru/Ph-pybox catalyst provides a very high enantioselectivity in the hydrogenation and transfer hydrogenation of N-aryl imines.

Ir/BiphPHOX-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of 3-substituted 2,5-dihydropyrroles and 2,5-dihydrothiophene 1,1-dioxides

An efficient asymmetric hydrogenation of 3-substituted 2,5-dihydropyrroles and 2,5-dihydrothiophene 1,1-dioxides was developed using an Ir catalyst with an axially flexible chiral phosphine-oxazoline ligand.

Ru-Catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of substituted dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepines in water

A phosphine free, additive free catalytic ATH protocol of dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine compounds using an (R,R)-Ru-Ts-DPEN complex was developed for the first time using HCOOH–HCOONa as a green hydrogen source.