Synthesis of the sterically encumbering terphenyl silyl and alkyl amines (R=Me and SiMe3), their lithium derivatives , and the tertiary amine

A Convenient One-Pot Synthesis of a Sterically Demanding Aniline from Aryllithium Using Trimethylsilyl Azide, Conversion to β-Diketimines and Synthesis of a β-Diketiminate Magnesium Hydride Complex

This work reports the one-pot synthesis of sterically demanding aniline derivatives from aryllithium species utilising trimethylsilyl azide to introduce amine functionalities and conversions to new examples of a common N,N'-chelating ligand system. The reaction of TripLi (Trip = 2,4,6-iPr3-C6H2) with trimethylsilyl azide afforded the silyltriazene TripN2N(SiMe3)2 in situ, which readily reacts with methanol under dinitrogen elimination to the aniline TripNH2 in good yield. The reaction pathways and by-products of the system have been studied. The extension of this reaction to a much more sterically demanding terphenyl system suggested that TerLi (Ter = 2,6-Trip2-C6H3) slowly reacted with trimethylsilyl azide to form a silyl(terphenyl)triazenide lithium complex in situ, predominantly underwent nitrogen loss to TerN(SiMe3)Li in parallel, which afforded TerN(SiMe3)H after workup, and can be deprotected under acidic conditions to form the aniline TerNH2. TripNH2 was furthermore converted to the sterically demanding β-diketimines RTripnacnacH (=HC{RCN(Trip)}2H), with R = Me, Et and iPr, in one-pot procedures from the corresponding 1,3-diketones. The bulkiest proligand was employed to synthesise the magnesium hydride complex [{(iPrTripnacnac)MgH}2], which shows a distorted dimeric structure caused by the substituents of the sterically demanding ligand moieties.

Heteroatom-Based Diradical(oid)s

Heteroatom-centered diradical(oid)s have been in the focus of molecular main group chemistry for nearly 30 years. During this time, the diradical concept has evolved and the focus has shifted to the rational design of diradical(oid)s for specific applications. This review article begins with some important theoretical considerations of the diradical and tetraradical concept. Based on these theoretical considerations, the design of diradical(oid)s in terms of ligand choice, steric, symmetry, electronic situation, element choice, and reactivity is highlighted with examples. In particular, heteroatom-centered diradical reactions are discussed and compared with closed-shell reactions such as pericyclic additions. The comparison between closed-shell reactivity, which proceeds in a concerted manner, and open-shell reactivity, which proceeds in a stepwise fashion, along with considerations of diradical(oid) design, provides a rational understanding of this interesting and unusual class of compounds. The application of diradical(oid)s, for example in small molecule activation or as molecular switches, is also highlighted. The final part of this review begins with application-related details of the spectroscopy of diradical(oid)s, followed by an update of the heteroatom-centered diradical(oid)s and tetraradical(oid)s published in the last 10 years since 2013.

[E(μ-NBbp)]2 (E = P, As) – group 15 biradicals synthesized from acyclic precursors

Starting from an acyclic precursor R–N(ECl₂)₂, the preparation of biradicals of the type [E(μ-NBbp)]₂ (E = P, As) was achieved.

Three-Component Synthesis of a Library of m-Terphenyl Derivatives with Embedded β-Aminoester Moieties

The three-component reaction between alkyl- or arylamines, β-ketoesters and chalcones in refluxing ethanol containing a catalytic amount of Ce(IV) ammonium nitrate allowed the construction of a large library of highly substituted dihydro- m-terphenyl derivatives containing β-alkylamino- or β-arylamino ester moieties. This process generates three new bonds and one ring and proceeds in high atom economy, having two molecules of water as the only side product. Another domino process, in which the original MCR was telescoped with a subsequent aza Michael/retro-aza Michael sequence, allowed the one-pot preparation of a library of compounds with a N-unsubstituted β-aminoester fragment. Finally, to extend the structural diversity of these libraries, we also examined the aromatization of the central ring of our compounds in the presence of dichlorodicyanoquinone. This reaction sequence did not affect the integrity of a stereogenic center belonging to the amino component.

Zero-valent isocyanides of nickel, palladium and platinum as transition metal σ-type Lewis bases

Transition metal complexes that contain metal-to-ligand retrodative σ-bonds have become the subject of increasing studies over the last decade. Lewis acidic "Z-type ligands" can modulate the electronic structure of their resultant complexes in a manner distinct from 2e^- donor ligands, and can also engage in cooperative reactivity with a Lewis basic transition metal. In this Feature article, we summarize our work with transition metal isocyanide complexes of group 10 metals that have exploited metal-based σ-type Lewis basicity. While the complexes Ni(CNAr^Mes2)₃, Pd(CNAr^Dipp2)₂ and Pt(CNAr^Dipp2)₂ were initially targeted as analogues to unstable, low-coordinate metal carbonyls, it soon became apparent that these zero-valent metal centers bore appreciable Lewis basic qualities due largely to the enhanced σ-donor/π-acid ratio of isocyanides compared to CO. Detailed spectroscopic and structural studies of metal-only Lewis pairs (MOLPs) formed from these complexes have furthered our understanding of the electronic structure perturbations effected by Z-type ligand binding. In addition, the platinum (boryl)iminomethane (BIM) complex Pt(κ²-N,B-^Cy₂BIM)(CNAr^Dipp2) has illuminated a general ligand design strategy that can engender significant reverse-dative interactions with buttressed Lewis acids, and also has expanded the known scope of cooperative reactivity that can be realized at a transition metal-borane linkage.

Group 15 biradicals: synthesis and reactivity of cyclobutane-1,3-diyl and cyclopentane-1,3-diyl analogues

Synthesis, structure and reactivity of cyclobutane-1,3-diyl and cyclopentane-1,3-diyl analogues are discussed along with their application as molecular switches or reagents to activate or trap small molecules with single or multiple bonds.

Synthesis of divalent ytterbium terphenylamide and catalytic application for regioselective hydrosilylation of alkenes

Divalent ytterbium terphenylamide exhibited high regioselectivity and activity in the hydrosilylation of alkenes with low catalyst loadings.

Extremely bulky amide ligands in main group chemistry

The development of extremely sterically demanding, monodentate amide ligands facilitates the isolation of main group species with new and highly reactive coordination modes. An outstanding feature of these ligands is the ability to tune their steric demands. Reactivity investigations highlight the potential for small molecule activation chemistry and catalysis for these compounds.

N-H and N=C bond formation via germanium(III) diradicaloid intermediates and C-S bond cleavage in reactions of the digermyne Ar'GeGeAr' (Ar' = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-Pr(i)2)2) with azides

Reactions of the digermyne Ar'GeGeAr' (Ar' = C(6)H(3)-2,6(C(6)H(3)-2,6-Pr(i)(2))(2)) (1) with four different azides R'N(3) (R = Me(3)Sn, (n)Bu(3)Sn, PhSCH(2), or 1-adamantanyl) are described. Treatment of 1 with Me(3)SnN(3) or (n)Bu(3)SnN(3) afforded the low-valent germanium (II) parent amido derivative, Ar'Ge(mu(2)-NH(2))(2)GeAr' (3) or the high-valent germanium (IV) parent imido derivative, Ar'((n)Bu(3)Sn)Ge(mu(2)-NH)(2)Ge(Sn(n)Bu(3))Ar' (4), respectively. Addition of AdN(3) (Ad =1-admantanyl) yielded a monoimide bridged species Ar'Ge(mu(2)-NAd)GeAr' (5). The structure of 5 differs from that of the diradicaloid Ar'Ge(mu(2)-NSiMe(3))(2)GeAr' (2), which was previously obtained from the analogous reaction of 1 with Me(3)SiN(3). The reaction of 1 with PhSCH(2)N(3) afforded the germanium ketimide Ar'Ge(SPh)(2)(N=CH(2)) (6) containing the imino -N=CH(2) functional group. These reactions demonstrate a remarkable product dependence on the azide substituent. All compounds were spectroscopically and structurally characterized. Both 3 and 4 feature a four-membered Ge(2)N(2) core. The structure of 5 is stabilized by CH-pi interactions while 6 features a rare example of a pi-pi interaction between an aromatic ring and a non-aromatic double bond (N=C). The mechanism of formation of 3-6 are discussed. It is proposed that 3 and 4 are obtained via diradical imido intermediates followed by H-abstraction from solvents, whereas 6 was formed by the activation of azide group in concert with C-S bond cleavage.

Boron−Pnictogen Multiple Bonds: Donor-Stabilized PB and AsB Bonds and a Hindered Iminoborane with a B−N Triple Bond

Reaction of the hindered phosphino- and arsinoboranes, Ar*Pn(H)-B(Br)Tmp (Ar* = -C6H3-2,6-(C6H2-2,4,6-iPr3)2; Tmp = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidino; Pn = P and As, 1 and 3, respectively) with 4-dimethylaminopyridine, DMAP, afforded the boranylidenephosphane and arsane, Ar*Pn=B(DMAP)Tmp (Pn = P and As, 2 and 4) as deep red-purple solids. The analogous aminoboranes Ar'N(H)-B(X)Tmp (Ar' = -C6H3-2,6-(C6H2-2,4,6-Me3)2; X = Cl and Br; 5 and 6) did not display any reactivity with DMAP, but in the presence of the amide base, Na[N(SiMe3)2], the clean formation of the uncomplexed iminoborane Ar'NBTmp (7) was observed. Attempts to generate an Sb=B bond were unsuccessful, as the required stibinoborane precursor, Ar*Sb(H)-B(Br)Tmp, could not be prepared; in place of clean Sb-B bond formation, the reduced product Ar*Sb=SbAr* was obtained. All compounds were characterized spectroscopically, and the X-ray crystal structures of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 were determined.

Quasi-Isomeric Gallium Amides and Imides GaNR2 and RGaNR (R = Organic Group): Reactions of the Digallene, Ar‘GaGaAr‘ (Ar‘ = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-Pri2)2) with Unsaturated Nitrogen Compounds

Reactions of the "digallene" Ar'GaGaAr'(1) (Ar' = C(6)H(3)-2,6-(C(6)H(3)-2,6-Pr(i)(2))(2)), which dissociates to green :GaAr' monomers in solution, with unsaturated N-N-bonded molecules are described. Treatment of solutions of :GaAr' with the bulky azide N(3)Ar(#) (Ar(#) = C(6)H(3)-2,6-(C(6)H(2)-2,6-Me(2)-4-Bu(t))(2)), afforded the red imide Ar'GaNAr(#) (2). Addition of the azobenzenes, ArylNNAryl (Aryl = C(6)H(4)-4-Me (p-tolyl), mesityl, and C(6)H(3)-2,6-Et(2)) yielded the 1,2-Ga(2)N(2) ring compound Ar'GaN(p-tolyl)N(p-tolyl)GaA' (3) or the products MesN=NC(6)H(2)-2,4-Me(2)-6-Ga(Me)Ar' (4) and 2,6-Et(2)C(6)H(3)N=NC(6)H(3)-2-Et-6-Ga(Et)Ar' (5). Reaction of GaAr' with N(2)CPh(2) yielded the 1,3-Ga(2)N(2) ring compound Ar'Ga(mu:eta(1)-N(2)CPh(2))(2)GaAr' (6), which is quasi-isomeric to 3. Calculations on simple model isomers showed that the Ga(I) amide GaNR(2) (R = Me) is much more stable than the isomeric Ga(III) imide RGaNR. This led to the synthesis of the first stable monomeric Ga(I) amide, GaN(SiMe(3))Ar' ' (8) (Ar' ' = C(6)H(3)-2,6-(C(6)H(2)-2,4,6-Me(3))(2) from the reaction of LiN(SiMe(3))Ar' ' (7) and "GaI". Compound 8 is also the first one-coordinate gallium species to be characterized in the solid state. The reaction of 8 with N(3)Ar' ' afforded the amido-imide derivative Ar' 'NGaN(SiMe(3))Ar' ' (9), a gallium nitrogen analogue of an allyl anion. All compounds were spectroscopically and structurally characterized. In addition, DFT calculations were performed on model compounds of the amide, imide, and cyclic 1,2- and 1,3-species to better understand their bonding. The pairs of compounds 2 and 8 as well as 3 and 6 are rare examples of quasi-isomeric heavier main group element compounds.