Directed ortho-C–H Silylation Coupled with trans-Selective Hydrogenation of Arylalkynes Catalyzed by Ruthenium Complexes of a Xanthene-Based Si,O,Si-Chelate Ligand, “Xantsil”

X-type silyl ligands for transition-metal catalysis

Given the critical importance of novel ligand development for transition-metal (TM) catalysis, as well as the resurgence of the field of organosilicon chemistry and silyl ligands, to summarize the topic of X-type silyl ligands for TM catalysis is highly attractive and timely. This review particularly emphasizes the unique σ-donating characteristics and trans-effects of silyl ligands, highlighting their crucial roles in enhancing the reactivity and selectivity of various catalytic reactions, including small molecule activation, Kumada cross-coupling, hydrofunctionalization, C-H functionalization, and dehydrogenative Si-O coupling reactions. Additionally, future developments in this field are also provided, which would inspire new insights and applications in catalytic synthetic chemistry.

Chiral PSiSi-Ligand Enabled Iridium-Catalyzed Atroposelective Intermolecular C-H Silylation

Catalytic enantioselective intermolecular C-H silylation offers an efficient approach for the rapid construction of chiral organosilicon compounds, but remains a significant challenge. Herein, a new type of chiral silyl ligand is developed, which enables the first iridium-catalyzed atroposelective intermolecular C-H silylation reaction of 2-arylisoquinolines. This protocol features mild reaction conditions, high atom economy, and remarkable yield with excellent stereoselectivity (up to 99 % yield, 99 % ee), delivering enantioenriched axially chiral silane platform molecules with facile convertibility. Key to the success of this unprecedented transformation relies on a novel chiral PSiSi-ligand, which facilitates the intermolecular C-H silylation process with perfect chem-, regio- and stereo-control via a multi-coordinated silyl iridium complex.

Iridium and rhodium complexes bearing a silyl-bipyridine pincer ligand: synthesis, structures and catalytic activity for C-H borylation of arenes

Unsaturated 16-electron iridium and rhodium complexes bearing a silyl-bipyridine-based SiNN-pincer ligand (Bpy^SiNN) were synthesised and characterised by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. The iridium-Bpy^SiNN complex facilitated the catalytic C(sp²)-H borylation of arenes to give arylboronate esters in high yields (≥93%) under mild conditions (∼40 °C).

Catalysis using transition metal complexes featuring main group metal and metalloid compounds as supporting ligands

Recent development in catalytic application of transition metal complexes having an M-E bond (E = main group metal or metalloid element), which is stabilized by a multidentate ligand, is summarized. Main group metal and metalloid supporting ligands furnish unusual electronic and steric environments and molecular functions to transition metals, which are not easily available with standard organic supporting ligands such as phosphines and amines. These characteristics often realize remarkable catalytic activity, unique product selectivity, and new molecular transformations. This perspective demonstrates the promising utility of main group metal and metalloid compounds as a new class of supporting ligands for transition metal catalysts in synthetic chemistry.

Synthesis of Mono- and Bis-Pyrazoles Bearing Flexible p-Tolyl Ether and Rigid Xanthene Backbones, and Their Potential as Ligands in the Pd-Catalysed Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reaction

The present work describes the synthesis of mono- and bis-pyrazole compounds bearing flexible p-tolyl ether and rigid 4,5-dibromo-2,7-di-tert-butyl-9,9-dimethyl-9H-xanthene backbones as pyrazolyl analogues of DPEphos and Xantphos ligands, respectively. The synthesis of new pyrazolyl analogues was accomplished following an Ullmann coupling protocol, and the resulting products were isolated in overall good yields. In addition, a hybrid imidazolyl–pyrazolyl analogue bearing a xanthene backbone was synthesized using the same protocol, whereas a hybrid selanyl–pyrazolyl analogue with a xanthene backbone was synthesized in a good yield employing a second C–H activation step. The symmetrical bis-pyrazolyl and the hybrid imidazolyl–pyrazolyl analogues were found to be the most active among the new ligands evaluated in the Pd-catalysed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of aryl halides with aryl boronic acids. A simple catalytic system based on Pd(OAc)2/2a was developed, which efficiently catalyses the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction of aryl halides and aryl boronic acids and provides moderate to excellent yields of the corresponding cross-coupling products.

Multidentate silyl ligands in transition metal chemistry

This review presents and discusses the use of multidentate silanide ligands in transition metal chemistry depending on their ligand architecture.

Disilametallacyclic chemistry for efficient catalysis

Disilametallacyclic species of late transition metals behave as key intermediates for efficient catalytic reactions proceeding through new mechanisms.