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Dong S, Zhu J. Predicting Activation of Small Molecules Including Dinitrogen via a Carbene with a σ 0π 2 Electronic Configuration. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:15931-15940. [PMID: 39121379 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c02272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2024]
Abstract
Although the main group species in the s and p blocks have begun to gain prominence in the field of dinitrogen (N2) activation in recent years, reports of carbene-mediated N2 activation remain particularly rare, especially for carbenes with a σ0π2 electronic configuration. Herein, we demonstrate examples of N2 activation initiated by a carbene with a σ0π2 electronic configuration and consequent N2 hydroboration reaction (with a reaction barrier as low as 19.9 kcal/mol) via density functional theory calculations. Meanwhile, the "push-pull" electronic effect upon introduction of a hydroborenium complex facilitates the generation of a thermodynamically and kinetically more stable product. In addition, such a σ0π2 carbene can also activate a series of H-X (X = H, CH3, or Bpin) bonds through an oxidative addition process with activation energies ranging from 6.0 to 18.0 kcal/mol. Our findings highlight the importance of σ0π2 carbenes in the field of small molecule activation, especially N2 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China
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2
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Dong S, Zhu J. Predicting Small Molecule Activations Including Dinitrogen Based on an Inorganic Benzene B 4N 2 Framework. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:15984-15992. [PMID: 39141783 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c02391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Although main group species have emerged in the field of dinitrogen activation in recent years, the reported examples are particularly rare in comparison with transition metal complexes due to their significant challenges. Herein, we demonstrate a [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of N2 (with an activation energy as low as 12.5 kcal mol-1) initiated by an inorganic benzene via density functional theory calculations. Such N2 activation is supported by the elongated nitrogen-nitrogen bond distance (dNN), decreased vibration frequency (νNN), and weakened Wiberg bond index (WBINN). Subsequently, the "push-pull" electronic effect, formed by introducing a Lewis acid, HB(C6F5)2, facilitates the generation of thermodynamically more stable products. In addition, this inorganic benzene could also be used to activate a series of small molecules, including carbon dioxide, acetylene, ethylene, and acetonitrile with reaction barriers ranging from 4.7 to 11.6 kcal mol-1. Our findings provide an alternative approach to N2 activation and functionalization, theoretically validating the feasibility of the dual Lewis acid strategy for dinitrogen activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China
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3
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Xing JF, Tan YZ, Zhu J. Probing σ-Aromaticity-Driven Ring Contraction of Metallabenzocyclobutadiene to Metallabenzocyclopropene. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:13903-13910. [PMID: 39014892 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c01118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Ring contraction of metallacyclobutadiene to metallacyclopropene is rare because of the increasing strain from a four-membered ring to a three-membered one. Here we demonstrate a new series of reactions of metallabenzocyclobutadiene to metallabenzocyclopropene via density functional theory calculations. The results suggest that these reactions are thermodynamically favorable ranging from -17.4 to -29.4 kcal mol-1, and a low reaction barrier (10.3 kcal mol-1) is achieved when the metal center is Ru and the ligands are one cyanide and one chloride. Further analysis suggests that a strengthened binding energy helps stabilize the transition state in the protonation process. The aromaticity during the reaction was investigated using the electron density of delocalized bonds (EDDB), isomerization stabilization energy, and isodesmic reactions. The EDDB shows that the π-conjugation is disrupted in the intermediate, and then σ-aromaticity is generated and dominant in the products. Our findings could be helpful for experimentalists in developing novel ring contraction reactions driven by aromaticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Feng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Zhi Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, People's Republic of China
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4
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Cai L, Xu B, Cheng J, Cong F, Riedel S, Wang X. N 2 cleavage by silylene and formation of H 2Si(μ-N) 2SiH 2. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3848. [PMID: 38719794 PMCID: PMC11078988 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48064-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Fixation and functionalisation of N2 by main-group elements has remained scarce. Herein, we report a fixation and cleavage of the N ≡ N triple bond achieved in a dinitrogen (N2) matrix by the reaction of hydrogen and laser-ablated silicon atoms. The four-membered heterocycle H2Si(μ-N)2SiH2, the H2SiNN(H2) and HNSiNH complexes are characterized by infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with quantum-chemical calculations. The synergistic interaction of the two SiH2 moieties with N2 results in the formation of final product H2Si(μ-N)2SiH2, and theoretical calculations reveal the donation of electron density of Si to π* antibonding orbitals and the removal of electron density from the π bonding orbitals of N2, leading to cleave the non-polar and strong NN triple bond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Cai
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bing Xu
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Juanjuan Cheng
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Fei Cong
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Sebastian Riedel
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie - Anorganische Chemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Fabeckstrasse 34-36, D-14195, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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5
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Zeng J, You F, Zhu J. Screening seven-electron boron-centered radicals for dinitrogen activation. J Comput Chem 2024; 45:648-654. [PMID: 38073508 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The activation of dinitrogen is significant as nitrogen-containing compounds play an important role in industries. However, the inert NN triple bond caused by its large HOMO-LUMO gap (10.8 eV) and high bond dissociation energy (945 kJ mol-1 ) renders its activation under mild conditions particularly challenging. Recent progress shows that a few main group species can mimic transition metal complexes to activate dinitrogen. Here, we demonstrate that a series of seven-electron (7e) boron-centered radical can be used to activate N2 via density functional theory calculations. It is found that boron-centered radicals containing amine ligand perform best on the thermodynamics of dinitrogen activation. In addition, when electron-donating groups are introduced at the boron atom, these radicals can be used to activate N2 with low reaction barriers. Further analysis suggests that the electron transfer from the boron atom to the π* orbitals of dinitrogen is essential for its activation. Our findings suggest great potential of 7e boron radicals in the field of dinitrogen activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zeng
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
- Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feiying You
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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6
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Beyazay T, Martin WF, Tüysüz H. Direct Synthesis of Formamide from CO 2 and H 2O with Nickel-Iron Nitride Heterostructures under Mild Hydrothermal Conditions. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:19768-19779. [PMID: 37642297 PMCID: PMC7615090 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Formamide can serve as a key building block for the synthesis of organic molecules relevant to premetabolic processes. Natural pathways for its synthesis from CO2 under early earth conditions are lacking. Here, we report the thermocatalytic conversion of CO2 and H2O to formate and formamide over Ni-Fe nitride heterostructures in the absence of synthetic H2 and N2 under mild hydrothermal conditions. While water molecules act as both a solvent and hydrogen source, metal nitrides serve as nitrogen sources to produce formamide in the temperature range of 25-100 °C under 5-50 bar. Longer reaction times promote the C-C bond coupling and formation of acetate and acetamide as additional products. Besides liquid products, methane and ethane are also produced as gas-phase products. Postreaction characterization of Ni-Fe nitride particles reveals structural alteration and provides insights into the potential reaction mechanism. The findings indicate that gaseous CO2 can serve as a carbon source for the formation of C-N bonds in formamide and acetamide over the Ni-Fe nitride heterostructure under simulated hydrothermal vent conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğçe Beyazay
- Max-Planck-Institut fur Kohlenforschung, 45470 Mulheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - William F. Martin
- Institute of Molecular Evolution, University of Dusseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Harun Tüysüz
- Max-Planck-Institut fur Kohlenforschung, 45470 Mulheim an der Ruhr, Germany
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7
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Kirkland JK, Johnson SK, Vogiatzis KD. Computational investigation of functionalized carbenes on dinitrogen activation. J Comput Chem 2023; 44:832-842. [PMID: 36480003 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the dinitrogen triple bond is a crucial step in the overall fixation of atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms for industrial and biological applications. Current synthetic catalysts incorporate metal ions to facilitate the activation and cleavage of dinitrogen. The high price of metal-based catalysts and the challenge of catalyst recovery during industrial catalytic processes has led to increasing interest in metal-free catalysts. One step toward metal-free catalysis is the use of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs). In this study, we have examined 18 functionalized carbenes as FLPs to elucidate the influence of steric and electronic effects on the activation of dinitrogen. To test the effects of functionalization on dinitrogen activation, we have performed density functional theory (DFT), multireference, non and extended transition state-natural orbital for chemical valence (ETS-NOCV) calculations. Our results suggest that functional groups which introduce strong electron-withdrawing effects and/or engage in extended π/π* systems lead to the lowering of the dissociation energy of the dinitrogen bond, which further contributes to greater nitrogen activation. We conjecture that these effects are due to enhanced back-bonding capability of the p orbital of the carbene carbon atoms to the adjacent nitrogen atoms (increasing Lewis basicity of the carbene carbon atom) and enhanced stability of dissociated products. Our concluding remarks include opportunities to extend this activation study to explore the entire catalytic cycle with promising functionalized carbenes for experimental evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin K Kirkland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sophia K Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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8
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Zeng J, Qiu R, Zhu J. Screening Carbon-Boron Frustrated Lewis Pairs for Small-Molecule Activation including N 2 , O 2 , CO, CO 2 , CS 2 , H 2 O and CH 4 : A Computational Study. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202201236. [PMID: 36647683 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202201236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Dinitrogen (N2 ) activation is particularly challenging under ambient conditions because of its large highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) gap (10.8 eV) and high bond dissociation energy (945 kJ mol-1 ) of the N≡N triple bond, attracting considerable attention from both experimental and theoretical chemists. However, most effort has focused on metallic systems. In contrast, nitrogen activation by frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) has been initiated recently via theoretical calculations. Here we perform density functional theory (DFT) calculations to screen a series of experimentally viable FLPs for small-molecule activation including N2 , O2 , CO, CO2 , CS2 , H2 O and CH4 . In addition, aromaticity is found to play an important role in most of these small-molecule activation. The particularly thermodynamic stabilities of the activation products and low reaction barriers could be a step forward for the development of FLP towards small-molecule activation including N2 , inviting experimental chemists' verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P. R. China.,Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Wuhan Institute of Technology, No. 206, Guanggu 1st road, 430205, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Rulin Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, P. R. China
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9
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Bennaamane S, Rialland B, Khrouz L, Fustier-Boutignon M, Bucher C, Clot E, Mézailles N. Ammonia Synthesis at Room Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure from N 2 : A Boron-Radical Approach. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202209102. [PMID: 36301016 PMCID: PMC10107438 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202209102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Ammonia, NH3 , is an essential molecule, being part of fertilizers. It is currently synthesized via the Haber-Bosch process, from the very stable dinitrogen molecule, N2 and dihydrogen, H2 . This process requires high temperatures and pressures, thereby generating ca 1.6 % of the global CO2 emissions. Alternative strategies are needed to realize the functionalization of N2 to NH3 under mild conditions. Here, we show that boron-centered radicals provide a means of activating N2 at room temperature and atmospheric pressure whilst allowing a radical process to occur, leading to the production of borylamines. Subsequent hydrolysis released NH4 + , the acidic form of NH3 . EPR spectroscopy supported the intermediacy of radicals in the process, corroborated by DFT calculations, which rationalized the mechanism of the N2 functionalization by R2 B radicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soukaina Bennaamane
- Laboratoire Hétérochimie Fondamentale et Appliquée, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Barbara Rialland
- Laboratoire Hétérochimie Fondamentale et Appliquée, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Lhoussain Khrouz
- Univ Lyon, ENS Lyon, CNRS, Universite Lyon 1, Laboratoire de Chimie, UMR 5182, 46 allée d'Italie, 69364, Lyon, France
| | - Marie Fustier-Boutignon
- Laboratoire Hétérochimie Fondamentale et Appliquée, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Christophe Bucher
- Univ Lyon, ENS Lyon, CNRS, Universite Lyon 1, Laboratoire de Chimie, UMR 5182, 46 allée d'Italie, 69364, Lyon, France
| | - Eric Clot
- ICGM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Mézailles
- Laboratoire Hétérochimie Fondamentale et Appliquée, Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
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10
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Dong S, Zhu J. Predicting Small Molecule Activation including Catalytic Hydrogenation of Dinitrogen Promoted by a Dual Lewis Acid. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202200991. [PMID: 36353939 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
For decades, N2 activation and functionalization have required the use of transition metal complexes. Thus, it is one of the most challenging projects to activate the abundant dinitrogen through metal-free systems under mild conditions. Here, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept study on the catalytic hydrogenation of dinitrogen (with activation energy as low as 15.3 kcal mol-1 ) initiated by a dual Lewis acid (DLA) via density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In addition, such a DLA could be also used to activate a series of small molecules including carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, N-ethylenemethylamine, and acetonitrile. It is found that aromaticity plays an important role in stabilizing intermediates and products. Our findings provide an alternative approach to N2 activation and functionalization, highlighting a great potential of DLA for small molecule activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM) Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM) Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
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11
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Lin YJ, Liu WC, Liu YH, Lee GH, Chien SY, Chiu CW. A linear Di-coordinate boron radical cation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7051. [PMCID: PMC9671878 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34900-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe pursuit of di-coordinate boron radical has been continued for more than a half century, and their stabilization and structural characterization remains a challenge. Here we report the isolation and structural characterization of a linear di-coordinate boron radical cation, achieved by stabilizing the two reactive atomic orbitals of the central boron atom by two orthogonal π-donating and π-accepting functionalities. The electron deficient radical cation undergoes facile one-electron reduction to borylene and binds Lewis base to give heteroleptic tri-coordinate boron radical cation. The co-existence of half-filled and empty p orbitals at boron also allows the CO-regulated electron transfer to be explored. As the introduction of CO promotes the electron transfer from a tri-coordinate neutral boron radical to a boron radical cation, the removal of CO under vacuum furnishes the reverse electron transfer from borylene to yield a solution consisting of two boron radicals.
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12
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Understanding reaction mechanisms of metal-free dinitrogen activation by methyleneboranes. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.107759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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13
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Dai C, Zhu J. Predicting dinitrogen activation by borenium and borinium cations. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:14651-14657. [PMID: 35670503 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp01233b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The activation of thermodynamically stable and kinetically inert dinitrogen (N2) has been a great challenge due to the significant strength of the triple bond. Recently, in an experimental study on N2 activation by boron species, a highly reactive two-coordinated borylene broke through the limitations of traditional strategies of N2 activation by metal species. Still, studies on metal-free N2 activation remain underdeveloped. Here, we systematically investigate a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) combining carbene and borenium (or borinium) cations to screen potential candidates for N2 activation via density functional theory calculations. As a result, we found that two FLPs (closed form FLP, borenium and open form FLP, borinium) are able to activate N2 in a thermodynamically and kinetically favorable manner, with a low energy barrier of 9.6 and 7.3 kcal mol-1, respectively. Furthermore, aromaticity was found to play an important role in the stabilization of the products, supported by nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS), anisotropy of the current-induced density (ACID) and electron density of delocalized bonds (EDDB) analysis. Our findings provide an alternative approach for metal-free N2 activation, highlighting the importance of FLP chemistry and aromaticity in N2 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenshu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China.
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14
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Zhou TP, Deng WH, Wu Y, Liao RZ. QM/MM Calculations Suggested Concerted O‒O Bond Cleavage and Substrate Oxidation by Nonheme Diiron Toluene/o‐xylene Monooxygenase. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200490. [DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Ping Zhou
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology School of chemistry and chemical engineering CHINA
| | - Wen-Hao Deng
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology School of chemistry and chemical engineering CHINA
| | - Yuzhou Wu
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology School of chemistry and chemical engineering CHINA
| | - Rong-Zhen Liao
- Huazhong University of Science and technology College of Chemistry and Chemical Engeneering Luoyulu 1037 430074 Wuhan CHINA
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