Synthesis and Simple Immobilization of Palladium(II) Acyclic Diaminocarbene Complexes on Polystyrene Support as Efficient Catalysts for Sonogashira and Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling

Conformation-Associated C···dz2-PtII Tetrel Bonding: The Case of Cyclometallated Platinum(II) Complex with 4-Cyanopyridyl Urea Ligand

The nucleophilic addition of 3-(4-cyanopyridin-2-yl)-1,1-dimethylurea (1) to cis-[Pt(CNXyl)2Cl2] (2) gave a new cyclometallated compound 3. It was characterized by NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 195Pt) and high-resolution mass spectrometry, as well as crystallized to obtain two crystalline forms (3 and 3·2MeCN), whose structures were determined by X-ray diffraction. In the crystalline structure of 3, two conformers (3A and 3B) were identified, while the structure 3·2MeCN had only one conformer 3A. The conformers differed by orientation of the N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl moiety relative to the metallacycle plane. In both crystals 3 and 3·2MeCN, the molecules of the Pt(II) complex are associated into supramolecular dimers, either {3A}2 or {3B}2, via stacking interactions between the planes of two metal centers, which are additionally supported by hydrogen bonding. The theoretical consideration, utilizing a number of computational approaches, demonstrates that the C···dz2(Pt) interaction makes a significant contribution in the total stacking forces in the geometrically optimized dimer [3A]2 and reveals the dz2(Pt)→π*(PyCN) charge transfer (CT). The presence of such CT process allowed for marking the C···Pt contact as a new example of a rare studied phenomenon, namely, tetrel bonding, in which the metal site acts as a Lewis base (an acceptor of noncovalent interaction).

Palladium(II) and Platinum(II) Deprotonated Diaminocarbene Complexes Based on N-(2-Pyridyl)ureas with Oxadiazole Periphery

Metal mediated coupling of isocyanides with substituted N-(pyridine-2-yl) ureas was first used to incorporate privileged biological motifs into platinum metal complexes. We synthesized two palladium(II) and two platinum(II) cyclometallated species with oxadiazole cores. The compounds were isolated in good yields (61–73%) and characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry and 1H, 13C, and 195Pt NMR spectroscopies. The structures of three complexes were additionally elucidated by X-ray diffraction analysis. These complexes indeed showed cytotoxic activity. The species bearing the 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety exhibit more potency than the ones with the 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring. Particularly, the cytotoxic effect of both 1,3,4-oxadiazole-based complexes towards T98G cells significantly exceeds the common antitumor metal-drug cisplatin.

Coupling of Thiazole-2-Amines with Isocyanide Ligands in bis-(Isocyanide) Platinum Complex: A New Type of Reactivity

The treatment of cis-[PtCl2(XylNC)2] with thiazol-2-amines in a 2:1 ratio leads to a regioisomeric mixture of two binuclear complexes. These regioisomers are products of kinetic and thermodynamic control capable of regioisomerization. When the same reaction is carried out with a 5-fold excess of thiazol-2-amine, the nucleophile is able to react with the in situ-formed binuclear platinum(II) complexes, yielding a new type of bis-carbene platinum species. All new isolated compounds were characterized by 1H, 13C{1H}, and 195Pt{1H} NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution ESI-MS, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

A sustainable pseudo-homogeneous catalyst from renewable biomass: design, development and catalytic applications

Pseudo-homogeneity, sustainability and functional growth in a sustainable raw material derived catalyst.

Acid catalysis through N-protonation in undistorted carboxamides: improvement of amide proton sponge acylating ability

Acid catalysis of weakly distorted or undistorted carboxamides in acyl-migration reactions proceeding through N-protonation is the process with low probability in contrast to O-protonation. This circumstance made the experimental study...

Electron belt-to-σ-hole switch of noncovalently bound iodine(i) atoms in dithiocarbamate metal complexes

The nature of metals in the isostructural series of dithiocarbamate complexes affects the electron belt-to-σ-hole switch of noncovalently bound iodine(i) leading to either semicoordination, or halogen bonding.

Mechanistic Study of Pd/NHC-Catalyzed Sonogashira Reaction: Discovery of NHC-Ethynyl Coupling Process

The product of a revealed transformation-NHC-ethynyl coupling-was observed as a catalyst transformation pathway in the Sonogashira cross-coupling, catalyzed by Pd/NHC complexes. The 2-ethynylated azolium salt was isolated in individual form and fully characterized, including X-ray analysis. A number of possible intermediates of this transformation with common formulae (NHC)_n Pd(C₂ Ph) (n=1,2) were observed and subjected to collision-induced dissociation (CID) and infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) experiments to elucidate their structure. Measured bond dissociation energies (BDEs) and IRMPD spectra were in an excellent agreement with quantum calculations for coupling product π-complexes with Pd⁰ . Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the observed multiple CID fragmentation pathways. An unconventional methodology to study catalyst evolution suggests the reported transformation to be considered in the development of new catalytic systems for alkyne functionalization reactions.

How Strong is Hydrogen Bonding to Amide Nitrogen?

The protonation of the carboxamide nitrogen atom is an essential part of in vivo and in vitro processes (cis-trans isomerization, amides hydrolysis etc). This phenomenon is well studied in geometrically strongly distorted amides, although there is little data concerning the protonation of undistorted amides. In the latter case, the participation of amide nitrogen in hydrogen bonding (which can be regarded as the incipient state of a proton transfer process) is less well-studied. Thus, it would be a worthy goal to investigate the enthalpy of this interaction. We prepared and investigated a set of peri-substituted naphthalenes containing the protonated dimethylamino group next to the amide nitrogen atom ("amide proton sponges"), which could serve as models for the study of an intramolecular hydrogen bond with the amide nitrogen atom. X-Ray analysis, NMR spectra, basicity values as well as quantum chemical calculations revealed the existence of a hydrogen bond with the amide nitrogen, that should be attributed to the borderline between moderate and weak intramolecular hydrogen bonds (2-7 kcal ⋅ mol^-1 ).

Tethering (Arene)Ru(II) Acylpyrazolones Decorated with Long Aliphatic Chains to Polystyrene Surfaces Provides Potent Antibacterial Plastics

The acylpyrazolone proligands HQ^R (HQ^R in general, in detail: HQ^Cy = 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-carbonylcyclohexyl-5-pyrazolone, 4-C(O)-phenyl, HQ^Ph = 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl-5-pyrazolone, HQ^C17 = 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-stearoyl-5-pyrazolone, HQ^C17,Ph = 1-phenyl-3-stearyl-4-benzoyl-5-pyrazolone) were synthesized and reacted with (arene)Ru(II) acceptors affording complexes [(arene)Ru(Q^R)Cl] (arene = cymene (cym) or hexamethylbenzene (hmb)). The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analysis-Differntial Thermal Analysis (TGA-DTA), IR spectroscopy, ESI-MS and ¹H, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Complexes [(arene)Ru(Q^R)Cl] where Q^R = Q^C17 and Q^C17,Ph, due to the long aliphatic chain in the ligand, afford nanometric dispersions in methanol via self-assembly into micellar aggregates of dimensions 50-200 nm. The antibacterial activity of the complexes was established against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, those containing the ligands with a long aliphatic chain being the most effective. The complexes were immobilized on polystyrene by a simple procedure, and the resulting composite materials showed to be very effective against E. coli and S. aureus.

A Pd NP-confined novel covalent organic polymer for catalytic applications

A novel unsymmetrical covalent organic polymer was synthesized via nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine with p-amino phenol.

Stable and Persistent Acyclic Diaminocarbenes with Cycloalkyl Substituents and Their Transformation to β-Lactams by Uncatalysed Carbonylation with CO

Four new acyclic diaminocarbenes (ADACs), viz. [(cyclo-C_n H_2n-1 )₂ N]₂ C (n=5-7) and iPr₂ N-C-N(cyclo-C₆ H₁₁ )₂ , were synthesised by reacting the corresponding formamidinium hexafluorophosphates with NaN(SiMe₃ )₂ . Their nucleophilicities and electrophilicities were respectively judged from the ¹ J_CH values determined for the N₂ CH unit of the corresponding formamidinium cations and from the ⁷⁷ Se NMR chemical shifts of the selenourea derivatives obtained from the reaction of elemental selenium with the corresponding ADACs. An ambiphilic profile essentially identical to that of the "Alder carbene" (iPr₂ N)₂ C was found in each case. Similar to the latter carbene, the new ADACs undergo a well-defined thermal decomposition by β-fragmentation, affording an alkene and a formamidine. The stabilities of [(cyclo-C_n H_2n-1 )₂ N]₂ C depend strongly on the value of n, following the order 6>5>7, with the latter congener being too unstable for isolation. [(cyclo-C₆ H₁₁ )₂ N]₂ C shows no thermal decomposition at room temperature in solution and is thus significantly more stable than (iPr₂ N)₂ C. The stability of iPr₂ N-C-N(cyclo-C₆ H₁₁ )₂ is intermediate between that of (iPr₂ N)₂ C and [(cyclo-C₆ H₁₁ )₂ N]₂ C, its β-fragmentation selectively affording propene and iPrN=CH-N(cyclo-C₆ H₁₁ )₂ . [(cyclo-C_n H_2n-1 )₂ N]₂ C (n=5-7) react readily with CO under mild conditions, selectively affording trisubstituted spirocyclic β-lactam derivatives with an antimicrobial activity spectrum similar to that of penicillin G.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of 1-substituted-1H-benzimidazolium salts: Non-competitive inhibition of human carbonic anhydrase I and II

A series of 1-substituted-1H-benzimidazolium p-toluenesulfonate salts were synthesized in good yields by the reaction of 1-substituted benzimidazole derivatives and p-toluenesulfonic acid under microwave irradiation. Two iodide salts were synthesized by the anion exchange reaction of the corresponding p-toluenesulfonate salt and NaI. All compounds were characterized by ¹ H NMR, ¹³ C NMR, IR, LC-MS spectroscopic methods, and elemental analyses. The crystal structure of 1-methoxyethyl-1H-benzimidazolium p-toluenesulfonate 2d showed that cation and anion are interconnected by N-H···O and C-H···O hydrogen bonds. All compounds were examined as inhibitor of human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) I and II, and all of them inhibited hCA I and hCA II. Kinetic investigation results revealed that these compounds inhibit hCA I and hCA II in a non-competitive manner. The iodide salts had higher inhibitory activity than their corresponding p-toluenesulfonate salts.

Aminonitrones as highly reactive bifunctional synthons. An expedient one-pot route to 5-amino-1,2,4-triazoles and 5-amino-1,2,4-oxadiazoles – potential antimicrobials targeting multi-drug resistant bacteria

A four-component one-pot reaction proceeds very rapidly under mild conditions and gives the heterocyclic systems in good yields.

Tetrachloromethane as halogen bond donor toward metal-bound halides

Two annulated triazapentadiene systems, viz. 1,3,5,7,9-pentaazanona-1,3,6,8-tetraenate chloride complexes of PtII, form CCl4 solvates, containing the Cl3C–Cl···Cl–Pt halogen bonds. These halogen bonds are firstly reported type of Cl3C–Cl···Cl–M contacts. In the X-ray structures of two solvates different non-covalent interactions were detected and studied by DFT calculations and topological analysis of the electron density distribution within the framework of QTAIM method at the M06/DZP-DKH level of theory. Estimated energies of these supramolecular contacts vary from 0.6 to 2.4 kcal/mol.

Greener Biogenic Approach for the Synthesis of Palladium Nanoparticles Using Papaya Peel: An Eco-Friendly Catalyst for C-C Coupling Reaction

The development of a green and sustainable synthetic methodology still remains a challenge across the globe. Encouraging the prevailing challenge, herein, we have synthesized Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) in a green and environmentally viable route, using the extract of waste papaya peel without the assistance of any reducing agents, high-temperature calcination, and reduction procedures. The biomolecules present in the waste papaya peel extract reduced Pd(II) to nanosize Pd(0) in a one-pot green and sustainable process. As a catalyst, the new Pd NPs offer a simple and efficient methodology in direct Suzuki-Miyaura and Sonogashira coupling with excellent yields under mild reaction conditions.

Ligation-Enhanced π-Hole···π Interactions Involving Isocyanides: Effect of π-Hole···π Noncovalent Bonding on Conformational Stabilization of Acyclic Diaminocarbene Ligands

The reaction of cis-[PdCl₂(CNXyl)₂] (Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) with the aminoazoles [1 H-imidazol-2-amine (1), 4 H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine (2), 1 H-tetrazol-5-amine (3), 1 H-benzimidazol-2-amine (4), 1-alkyl-1 H-benzimidazol-2-amines, where alkyl = Me (5), Et (6)] in a 2:1 ratio in the presence of a base in CHCl₃ at RT proceeds regioselectively and leads to the binuclear diaminocarbene complexes [(ClPdCNXyl)₂{μ-C(N-azolyl)N(Xyl)C═NXyl}] (7-12; 73-91%). Compounds 7-12 were characterized by C, H, N elemental analyses, high-resolution ESI⁺-MS, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1D (¹H, ¹³C) and 2D (¹H,¹H-COSY, ¹H,¹H-NOESY, ¹H,¹³C-HSQC, ¹H,¹³C-HMBC) NMR spectroscopies, and X-ray diffraction (XRDn). Inspection of the XRDn data and results of the Hirshfeld surface analysis suggest the presence in all six structures of intramolecular π-hole_isocyanide···π_arene interactions between the electrophilic C atom of the isocyanide moiety and the neighboring arene ring. These interactions also result in distortion of the Pd-C≡N-Xyl fragment from the linearity. Results of density functional theory calculations [M06/MWB28 (Pd) and 6-31G* (other atoms) level of theory] for model structures of 7-9 followed by the topological analysis of the electron density distribution within the framework of Bader's theory (QTAIM method) reveal the presence of these weak interactions also in a CHCl₃ solution, and their calculated strength is 1.9-2.2 kcal/mol. The natural bond orbital analysis of 7-9 revealed that π(C-C)Xyl → π*(C-N)isocyanide charge transfer (CT) takes place along with the intramolecular π-hole_isocyanide···π_arene interactions. The observed π(C-C)_Xyl → π*(C-N)_isocyanide CT is due to ligation of the isocyanide to the metal center, whereas in the cases of the uncomplexed p-CNC₆H₄NC and CNXyl species, the effects of CT are negligible. Available CCDC data were processed from the perspective of isocyanide-involving π-hole···π interactions, disclosed the role of metal coordination in the π-hole donor ability of isocyanides, and verified the π-hole_isocyanide···π_arene interaction effect on the stabilization of the in-conformation in metal-bound acyclic diaminocarbenes.

Polystyrene-Supported Acyclic Diaminocarbene Palladium Complexes in Sonogashira Cross-Coupling: Stability vs. Catalytic Activity

Two types of immobilized on the amino-functionalized polystyrene-supported acyclic diaminocarbene palladium complexes (ADC-PdII) are investigated under Sonogashira cross-coupling conditions. Depending on substituents in the diaminocarbene fragment immobilized ADC-PdII, systems are found to have different catalytic activity and stability regarding Pd-leaching. PdII-diaminocarbenes possessing protons at both nitrogen atoms smoothly decompose into Pd0-containing species providing a catalytic “cocktail system” with high activity and ability to reuse within nine runs. Polymer-supported palladium (II) complex bearing NBn–Ccarbene–NH-moiety exhibits greater stability while noticeably lower activity under Sonogashira cross-coupling. Four molecular ADC-PdII complexes are also synthesized and investigated with the aim of confirming proposed base-promoted pathway of ADC-PdII conversion through carbodiimide into an active Pd0 forms.

One-Pot Tandem Hiyama Alkynylation/Cyclizations by Palladium(II) Acyclic Diaminocarbene (ADC) Complexes Yielding Biologically Relevant Benzofuran Scaffolds

A series of palladium acyclic diaminocarbene (ADC) complexes of the type cis-[(R¹NH)(R²)methylidene]PdCl₂(CNR¹) [R¹ = 2,4,6-(CH₃)₃C₆H₂: R² = NC₅H₁₀ (2); NC₄H₈ (3); NC₄H₈O (4)] were used not only to perform the C_sp² -C_sp Hiyama coupling between aryl iodide and triethoxysilylalkynes but also to subsequently carry out the one-pot tandem Hiyama alkynylation/cyclization reaction between 2-iodophenol and triethoxysilylalkynes, giving a convenient time-efficient access to the biologically relevant benzofuran compounds. The palladium ADC complexes (2-4) were conveniently synthesized by the nucleophilic addition of secondary amines, namely, piperidine, pyrrolidine, and morpholine on the cis-{(2,4,6-(CH₃)₃C₆H₂)NC}₂PdCl₂ in moderate yields (ca. 61-66%).

Intra-/Intermolecular Bifurcated Chalcogen Bonding in Crystal Structure of Thiazole/Thiadiazole Derived Binuclear (Diaminocarbene)PdII Complexes

The coupling of cis-[PdCl2(CNXyl)2] (Xyl = 2,6-Me2C6H3) with 4-phenylthiazol-2-amine in molar ratio 2:3 at RT in CH2Cl2 leads to binuclear (diaminocarbene)PdII complex 3c. The complex was characterized by HRESI+-MS, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and its structure was elucidated by single-crystal XRD. Inspection of the XRD data for 3c and for three relevant earlier obtained thiazole/thiadiazole derived binuclear diaminocarbene complexes (3a EYOVIZ; 3b: EYOWAS; 3d: EYOVOF) suggests that the structures of all these species exhibit intra-/intermolecular bifurcated chalcogen bonding (BCB). The obtained data indicate the presence of intramolecular S•••Cl chalcogen bonds in all of the structures, whereas varying of substituent in the 4th and 5th positions of the thiazaheterocyclic fragment leads to changes of the intermolecular chalcogen bonding type, viz. S•••π in 3a,b, S•••S in 3c, and S•••O in 3d. At the same time, the change of heterocyclic system (from 1,3-thiazole to 1,3,4-thiadiazole) does not affect the pattern of non-covalent interactions. Presence of such intermolecular chalcogen bonding leads to the formation of one-dimensional (1D) polymeric chains (for 3a,b), dimeric associates (for 3c), or the fixation of an acetone molecule in the hollow between two diaminocarbene complexes (for 3d) in the solid state. The Hirshfeld surface analysis for the studied X-ray structures estimated the contributions of intermolecular chalcogen bonds in crystal packing of 3a–d: S•••π (3a: 2.4%; 3b: 2.4%), S•••S (3c: less 1%), S•••O (3d: less 1%). The additionally performed DFT calculations, followed by the topological analysis of the electron density distribution within the framework of Bader’s theory (AIM method), confirm the presence of intra-/intermolecular BCB S•••Cl/S•••S in dimer of 3c taken as a model system (solid state geometry). The AIM analysis demonstrates the presence of appropriate bond critical points for these interactions and defines their strength from 0.9 to 2.8 kcal/mol indicating their attractive nature.

Electrophilic-Nucleophilic Dualism of Nickel(II) toward Ni···I Noncovalent Interactions: Semicoordination of Iodine Centers via Electron Belt and Halogen Bonding via σ-Hole

The nitrosoguanidinate complex [Ni{NH═C(NMe₂)NN(O)}₂] (1) was cocrystallized with I₂ and sym-trifluorotriiodobenzene (FIB) to give associates 1·2I₂ and 1·2FIB. Structures of these solid species were studied by XRD followed by topological analysis of the electron density distribution within the framework of Bader's approach (QTAIM) at the M06/DZP-DKH level of theory and Hirshfeld surface analysis. Our results along with inspection of XRD (CCDC) data, accompanied by the theoretical calculations, allowed the identification of three types of Ni···I contacts. The Ni···I semicoordination of the electrophilic nickel(II) center with electron belt of I₂ was observed in 1·2I₂, the metal-involving halogen bonding between the nucleophilic nickel(II)-d_z² center and σ-hole of iodine center was recognized and confirmed theoretically in the structure of [FeNi(CN)₄(IPz)(H₂O)]_n (IPz = 4-N-coordinated 2-I-pyrazine), whereas the arrangement of FIB in 1·2FIB provides a boundary case between the semicoordination and the halogen Ni···I bondings. In 1·2I₂ and 1·2FIB, noncovalent interactions were studied by variable temperature XRD detecting the expansion of noncovalent contacts with preservation of covalent bond lengths upon the temperature increase from 100 to 300 K. The nature and energies of all identified types of the Ni···I noncovalent interactions in the obtained (1·2I₂ and 1·2FIB) and in the previously reported ([FeNi(CN)₄(IPz)(H₂O)]_n, [NiL₂](I₃)₂·2I₂ (L = o-phenylene-bis(dimethylphosphine), [NiL]I₂ (L = 1,4,8,11-tetra-azacyclotetradecane), Ni(en)₂]_n[AgI₂]_2n (en = ethylenediamine), and [NiL](ClO₄) (L = 4-iodo-2-((2-(2-(2-pyridyl)ethylsulfanyl)ethylimino)methyl)-phenolate)) structures were studied theoretically. The estimated strengths of these Ni···I noncovalent contacts vary from 1.6 to 4.1 kcal/mol and, as expected, become weaker on heating. This work is the first emphasizing electrophilic-nucleophilic dualism of any metal center toward noncovalent interactions.