A neutral trianionic pincer [NCN]CrIV–Me complex as a highly active ethylene polymerization precatalyst

CO2 Cleavage Reaction Driven by Alkylidyne Complexes of Group 6 Metals and Uranium: A Density Functional Theory Study on Energetics, Reaction Mechanism, and Structural/Bonding Properties

Designing novel catalysts is essential for the efficient conversion of metal alkylidyne into metal oxo ketene complexes in the presence of CO₂, which to some extent resolves the environmental concerns of the ever-increasing carbon emission. In this regard, a series of metal alkylidyne complexes, [b-ONO]M≡CCH₃(THF)₂ ([b-ONO] = {(C₆H₄[C(CF₃)₂O])₂N}^3-; M = Cr, Mo, W, and U), have been comprehensively studied by relativistic density functional theory calculations. The calculated thermodynamics and kinetics unravel that the tungsten complex is capable of catalyzing the CO₂ cleavage reaction, agreeing with the experimental findings for its analogue. Interestingly, the uranium complex shows superior catalytic performance because of the associated considerably lower energy barrier and larger reaction rate constant. The M≡C moiety in the complexes turns out to be the active site for the [2 + 2] cyclic addition. In contrast, complexes of Cr and Mo could not offer good catalytic performance. Along the reaction coordinate, the M-C (M = Cr, Mo, W, and U) bond regularly transforms from triple to double to single bonds; concomitantly, the newly formed M-O in the product is identified to have a triple-bond character. The catalytic reactions have been extensively explained and addressed by geometric/electronic structures and bonding analyses.

Synthesis of meta-Terphenyl-2,2''-diols by Anodic C-C Cross-Coupling Reactions

The anodic C-C cross-coupling reaction is a versatile synthetic approach to symmetric and non-symmetric biphenols and arylated phenols. We herein present a metal-free electrosynthetic method that provides access to symmetric and non-symmetric meta-terphenyl-2,2''-diols in good yields and high selectivity. Symmetric derivatives can be obtained by direct electrolysis in an undivided cell. The synthesis of non-symmetric meta-terphenyl-2,2''-diols required two electrochemical steps. The reactions are easy to conduct and scalable. The method also features a broad substrate scope, and a large variety of functional groups are tolerated. The target molecules may serve as [OCO](3-) pincer ligands.

Trianionic pincer and pincer-type metal complexes and catalysts

This review provides a comprehensive examination of the synthesis, characterization, properties, and catalytic applications of trianionic pincer metal complexes.