Mechanism of silver(I)-catalyzed Mukaiyama aldol reaction: active species in solution in AgPF 6 -( S )-BINAP versus AgOAc-( S )-BINAP systems

Two Synthetic Approaches to Coinage Metal(I) Mesocates: Electrochemical versus Chemical Synthesis

We report two different approaches to isolate neutral and cationic mesocate-type metallosupramolecular architectures derived from coinage monovalent ions. For this purpose, we use a thiocarbohydrazone ligand, H₂L (1), conveniently tuned with bulky phosphine groups to stabilize the M^I ions and prevent ligand crossing to achieve the selective formation of mesocates. The neutral complexes [Cu₂(HL)₂] (2), [Ag₂(HL)₂] (3), and [Au₂(HL)₂] (4) were prepared by an electrochemical method, while the cationic complexes [Cu₂(H₂L)₂](PF₆)₂ (5), [Cu₂(H₂L)₂](BF₄)₂ (6), [Ag₂(H₂L)₂](PF₆)₂ (7), [Ag₄(HL)₂](NO₃)₂ (8), and [Au₂(H₂L)₂]Cl₂ (9) were obtained by using a metal salt as the precursor. All of the complexes are neutral or cationic dinuclear mesocates, except the silver nitrate derivative, which exhibits a tetranuclear cluster mesocate architecture. The crystal structures of the neutral and cationic copper(I), silver(I), and gold(I) complexes allow us to analyze the influence of synthetic methodology or the counterion role on both the micro- and macrostructures of the mesocates.

Catalytic enantioselective aldol reactions

Recent developments in catalytic asymmetric aldol reactions have been summarized.

A detailed NMR- and DFT-based study of the Sakurai-Hosomi-Yamamoto asymmetric allylation reaction

A Lewis acid complex between benzaldehyde and the silver catalyst was detected by (31)P NMR and shown to be the direct precursor to allylation within the Sakurai-Hosomi-Yamamoto reaction. Structural and thermochemical hybrid-DFT calculations indicated that benzaldehyde predominantly formed an η(1)-σ-complex with the catalyst; however, two other competing conformers involving different coordination modes were found, including an activated μ(2)-bound complex. The differences in (31)P NMR shifts upon complexation were calculated by the gauge-independent atomic orbital (GIAO-DFT) method for each conformer. The minimum energy conformer was found to correlate well with chemical shift trends observed experimentally, and an analysis of Mullikan charge populations revealed that the carbonyl carbon of the highest-energy conformer was the most electron-deficient. Furthermore, one minor and three major silicon intermediates were detected by (29)Si NMR and, with the aid of (1)H-(29)Si HSQC, were assigned by comparison with parent compounds and GIAO-DFT calculations. Finally, a tentative mechanism was proposed based on these findings.

Chiral silver amides as effective catalysts for enantioselective [3+2] cycloaddition reactions

Asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of α-aminoester Schiff bases with substituted olefins is one of the most efficient methods for the preparation of chiral pyrrolidine derivatives in optically pure form. In spite of its potential utility, applicable substrates for this method have been limited to Schiff bases that bear relatively acidic α-hydrogen atoms. Here we report a chiral silver amide complex for asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition reactions. A silver complex prepared from silver bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (AgHMDS) and (R)-DTBM-SEGPHOS worked well in asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition reactions of α-aminoester Schiff bases with several olefins to afford the corresponding pyrrolidine derivatives in high yields with remarkable exo- and enantioselectivities. Furthermore, α-aminophosphonate Schiff bases, which have less acidic α-hydrogen atoms, also reacted with olefins with high exo- and enantioselectivities. The stereoselectivities of the [3+2] cycloadditions with maleate and fumarate suggested that the reaction proceeded by means of a concerted mechanism. An NMR spectroscopic study indicated that complexation of AgHMDS with the bisphosphine ligand was not complete, and that free AgHMDS, which did not show any significant catalytic activity, existed in the catalyst solution. This means that significant ligand acceleration occurred in the current reaction system.

AgAsF6/Sm(OTf)3 promoted reversal of enantioselectivity for the asymmetric Friedel-Crafts alkylations of indoles with beta,gamma-unsaturated alpha-ketoesters

The first example of central metal controlled reversal of enantioselectivity in asymmetric Friedel-Crafts alkylation of indoles and beta,gamma-unsaturated alpha-ketoesters has been developed. Using the same chiral starting material derived N,N'-dioxides 1a and 1b as ligands, various indole esters 4 were obtained in good to excellent yields and enantioselectivities. The reaction also featured mild reaction conditions and remarkably low catalyst loading (down to 0.01 mol %).

Ag-catalyzed diastereo- and enantioselective vinylogous Mannich reactions of alpha-ketoimine esters. Development of a method and investigation of its mechanism

An efficient diastereo- and enantioselective Ag-catalyzed method for additions of a commercially available siloxyfuran to alpha-ketoimine esters is disclosed. Catalytic transformations require an inexpensive metal salt (AgOAc) and an air stable chiral ligand that is prepared in three steps from commercially available materials in 42% overall yield. Aryl- as well as heterocyclic substituted ketoimines can be used effectively in the Ag-catalyzed process. Additionally, two examples regarding reactions of alkyl-substituted ketoimines are presented. An electronically modified N-aryl group is introduced that is responsible for high reaction efficiency (>98% conversion, 72-95% yields after purification) as well as diastereo- (up to >98:2 dr) and enantioselectivity (up to 97:3 er or 94% ee). The new N-aryl unit is crucial for conversion of the asymmetric vinylogous Mannich (AVM) products to the unprotected amines in high yields. Spectroscopic and X-ray data are among the physical evidence provided that shed light on the identity of the Ag-based chiral catalysts and some of the mechanistic subtleties of this class of enantioselective C-C bond forming processes.

Silver-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylation: Allyltrimethoxysilane as a Remarkable Reagent

Recently, there have been some reports on the use of allyltrimethoxysilane for enantioselective allylation with various metal fluorides or a combination of chiral complex and fluoride anion. These reactions can be applied not only to aldehydes but also to ketones and imines. In this Focus Review we discuss the development of asymmetric allylation with allyltrimethoxysilane catalyzed by chiral silver complexes.

Mechanism of Metal Chloride-Promoted Mukaiyama Aldol Reactions

Ab initio calculations (MP2/6-311+G**//B3LYP/6-31G*) were employed to investigate the mechanism of metal chloride-promoted Mukaiyama aldol reaction between trihydrosilyl enol ether and formaldehyde. The metal chlorides considered include TiCl4, BCl3, AlCl3, and GaCl3. In contrast to the concerted pathway of the uncatalyzed aldol reaction, the Lewis acid-promoted reactions favor a stepwise mechanism. Three possible stepwise pathways were located. The lowest energy pathway corresponds to a simultaneous C-C bond formation and a chlorine atom shift in the first (rate-determining) step. This process is calculated to have a low activation barrier of 12 kJ mol-1 for the TiCl4-promoted reaction. The alternative [2+2] cycloaddition and direct carbon-carbon bond formation pathways are energetically competitive. BCl3, AlCl3, and GaCl3 are predicted to be efficient catalysts for the silicon-directed aldol reaction as they strongly activate the formaldehyde electrophile. Formation of a stable pretransition state intermolecular pi-pi complex between enol silane and the activated formaldehyde (CH2=O...MCln) is a key driving force for the facile metal chloride-promoted reactions.

Enantioselective O- and N-Nitroso Aldol Synthesis of Tin Enolates. Isolation of Three BINAP−Silver Complexes and Their Role in Regio- and Enantioselectivity

The selective generation of three different silver-BINAP catalysts has been achieved via the proper combination of metal/ligand ratio and/or choice of silver salt. Indeed, the X-ray crystallographic study has been used to gain insight into the structure of the catalyst. After the evaluation of each species, 1:1 (AgX.(R)-BINAP) complex was found to be the real active species in the O-selective nitroso aldol reaction. On the other hand, a systematic survey of solvent has shown that the optimal 2:1 (AgX.(R)-BINAP) complex is the effective catalyst in the N-selective pathway. Thus, a new method of generation of the silver-BINAP catalyst and the synthetic transformations provide not only new insights into the developing area of catalytic enantioselective nitroso aldol synthesis but also clear guidance for the design of an effective catalyst.

BINAP/AgOTf/KF/18-crown-6 as new bifunctional catalysts for asymmetric Sakurai-Hosomi allylation and Mukaiyama aldol reaction

A catalytic amount of KF.18-crown-6 complex is effective as a soluble fluoride source to activate an asymmetric Sakurai-Hosomi allylation with BINAP and silver(I) triflate catalyst. The allylation of a variety of aromatic, alpha,beta-unsaturated and aliphatic aldehydes with allylic trimethoxysilane resulted in high yields and remarkable enantioselectivities. In addition, the asymmetric Mukaiyama-type aldol reaction is achieved by using trimethoxysilyl enol ethers in the presence of the same catalysts. High anti selectivity is obtained from E-silyl enol ether, while Z-silyl enol ether gives syn selectivity.