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Kulsha AV, Ivashkevich OA, Lyakhov DA, Michels D. Strong Bases Design: Key Techniques and Stability Issues. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8716. [PMID: 39201404 PMCID: PMC11354936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168716] [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: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Theoretical design of molecular superbases has been attracting researchers for more than twenty years. General approaches were developed to make the bases potentially stronger, but less attention was paid to the stability of the predicted structures. Hence, only a small fraction of the theoretical research has led to positive experimental results. Possible stability issues of extremely strong bases are extensively studied in this work using quantum chemical calculations on a high level of theory. Several step-by-step design examples are discussed in detail, and general recommendations are given to avoid the most common stability problems. New potentially stable structures are theoretically studied to demonstrate the future prospects of molecular superbases design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey V. Kulsha
- Chemical Department, Belarusian State University, 14 Leningradskaya Str., 220006 Minsk, Belarus;
| | - Oleg A. Ivashkevich
- Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems, Belarusian State University, 14 Leningradskaya Str., 220006 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Dmitry A. Lyakhov
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering Division, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; (D.A.L.); (D.M.)
| | - Dominik Michels
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering Division, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; (D.A.L.); (D.M.)
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2
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Raczyńska ED, Gal JF, Maria PC. Strong Bases and beyond: The Prominent Contribution of Neutral Push-Pull Organic Molecules towards Superbases in the Gas Phase. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5591. [PMID: 38891779 PMCID: PMC11172071 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In this review, the principles of gas-phase proton basicity measurements and theoretical calculations are recalled as a reminder of how the basicity PA/GB scale, based on Brønsted-Lowry theory, was constructed in the gas-phase (PA-proton affinity and/or GB-gas-phase basicity in the enthalpy and Gibbs energy scale, respectively). The origins of exceptionally strong gas-phase basicity of some organic nitrogen bases containing N-sp3 (amines), N-sp2 (imines, amidines, guanidines, polyguanides, phosphazenes), and N-sp (nitriles) are rationalized. In particular, the role of push-pull nitrogen bases in the development of the gas-phase basicity in the superbasicity region is emphasized. Some reasons for the difficulties in measurements for poly-functional nitrogen bases are highlighted. Various structural phenomena being in relation with gas-phase acid-base equilibria that should be considered in quantum-chemical calculations of PA/GB parameters are discussed. The preparation methods for strong organic push-pull bases containing a N-sp2 site of protonation are briefly reviewed. Finally, recent trends in research on neutral organic superbases, leaning toward catalytic and other remarkable applications, are underlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Daniela Raczyńska
- Department of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), ul. Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jean-François Gal
- Institut de Chimie de Nice, UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice, France;
| | - Pierre-Charles Maria
- Institut de Chimie de Nice, UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice, France;
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Kulsha AV, Ragoyja EG, Ivashkevich OA. Strong Bases Design: Predicted Limits of Basicity. J Phys Chem A 2022; 126:3642-3652. [PMID: 35657384 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.2c00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Brønsted superbases have wide applications in organic chemistry due to their ability to activate C-H bonds. The strongest neutral bases to date are substituted aminophosphazenes developed in the late 1980s by Reinhard Schwesinger. Since then, much effort has been expended to create even stronger neutral bases. In this article, the reasons for the instability of very basic compounds are investigated by means of high-level quantum-chemical calculations. Theoretical basicity limits are suggested for solutions as well as for the gas phase. A record-breaking superbase most likely to be synthesizable and stable at ambient conditions is proposed. Hexamethylphosphoramide is considered a reliable ionizing solvent for superbases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey V Kulsha
- Chemical Department, Belarusian State University, 4 Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030 Minsk, Republic of Belarus
| | - Ekaterina G Ragoyja
- Chemical Department, Belarusian State University, 4 Nezavisimosti Avenue, 220030 Minsk, Republic of Belarus
| | - Oleg A Ivashkevich
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Condensed Systems, Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the Belarusian State University, 14 Leningradskaya Street, 220006 Minsk, Republic of Belarus
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Vermersch F, Yazdani S, Junor GP, Grotjahn DB, Jazzar R, Bertrand G. Stable Singlet Carbenes as Organic Superbases. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202111588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- François Vermersch
- UCSD-CNRS Joint Research Laboratory (IRL 3555) Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093-0358 USA
| | - Sima Yazdani
- UCSD-CNRS Joint Research Laboratory (IRL 3555) Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093-0358 USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Drive San Diego CA 92182-1030 USA
| | - Glen P. Junor
- UCSD-CNRS Joint Research Laboratory (IRL 3555) Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093-0358 USA
| | - Douglas B. Grotjahn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Drive San Diego CA 92182-1030 USA
| | - Rodolphe Jazzar
- UCSD-CNRS Joint Research Laboratory (IRL 3555) Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093-0358 USA
| | - Guy Bertrand
- UCSD-CNRS Joint Research Laboratory (IRL 3555) Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093-0358 USA
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Vermersch F, Yazdani S, Junor GP, Grotjahn DB, Jazzar R, Bertrand G. Stable Singlet Carbenes as Organic Superbases. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:27253-27257. [PMID: 34729888 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202111588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A simple experimental procedure for scaling carbene Brønsted basicity is described. The results highlight the strong basicity of pyrazol-4-ylidenes, a type of mesoionic carbene, also named cyclic-bentallenes (CBA). They are more basic (pKaH >42.7 in acetonitrile) than the popular proazaphosphatrane Verkade bases, and even the Schwesinger phosphazene superbase P4 (t Bu). The basicity of these compounds can readily be tuned, and they are accessible in multigram quantities. These results open new avenues for carbon centered superbases.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Vermersch
- UCSD-CNRS Joint Research Laboratory (IRL 3555), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0358, USA
| | - Sima Yazdani
- UCSD-CNRS Joint Research Laboratory (IRL 3555), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0358, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1030, USA
| | - Glen P Junor
- UCSD-CNRS Joint Research Laboratory (IRL 3555), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0358, USA
| | - Douglas B Grotjahn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-1030, USA
| | - Rodolphe Jazzar
- UCSD-CNRS Joint Research Laboratory (IRL 3555), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0358, USA
| | - Guy Bertrand
- UCSD-CNRS Joint Research Laboratory (IRL 3555), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0358, USA
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Vazdar K, Margetić D, Kovačević B, Sundermeyer J, Leito I, Jahn U. Design of Novel Uncharged Organic Superbases: Merging Basicity and Functionality. Acc Chem Res 2021; 54:3108-3123. [PMID: 34308625 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
ConspectusOne of the constant challenges of synthetic chemistry is the molecular design and synthesis of nonionic, metal-free superbases as chemically stable neutral organic compounds of moderate molecular weight, intrinsically high thermodynamic basicity, adaptable kinetic basicity, and weak or tunable nucleophilicity at their nitrogen, phosphorus, or carbon basicity centers. Such superbases can catalyze numerous reactions, ranging from C-C bond formation to cycloadditions and polymerization, to name just a few. Additional benefits of organic superbases, as opposed to their inorganic counterparts, are their solubility in organic reaction media, mild reaction conditions, and higher selectivity. Approaching such superbasic compounds remains a continuous challenge. However, recent advances in synthetic methodology and theoretical understanding have resulted in new design principles and synthetic strategies toward superbases. Our computational contributions have demonstrated that the gas-phase basicity region of 350 kcal mol-1 and even beyond is easily reachable by organosuperbases. However, despite record-high basicities, the physical limitations of many of these compounds become quickly evident. The typically large molecular weight of these molecules and their sensitivity to ordinary reaction conditions prevent them from being practical, even though their preparation is often not too difficult. Thus, obviously structural limitations with respect to molecular weight and structural complexity must be imposed on the design of new synthetically useful organic superbases, but strategies for increasing their basicity remain important.The contemporary design of novel organic superbases is illustrated by phosphazenyl phosphanes displaying gas-phase basicities (GB) above 300 kcal mol-1 but having molecular weights well below 1000 g·mol-1. This approach is based on a reconsideration of phosphorus(III) compounds, which goes along with increasing their stability in solution. Another example is the preparation of carbodiphosphoranes incorporating pyrrolidine, tetramethylguanidine, or hexamethylphosphazene as a substituent. With gas-phase proton affinities of up to 300 kcal mol-1, they are among the top nonionic carbon bases on the basicity scale. Remarkably, the high basicity of these compounds is achieved at molecular weights of around 600 g·mol-1. Another approach to achieving high basicity through the cooperative effect of multiple intramolecular hydrogen bonding, which increases the stabilization of conjugate acids, has recently been confirmed.This Account focuses on our efforts to produce superbasic molecules that embody many desirable traits, but other groups' approaches will also be discussed. We reveal the crucial structural features of superbases and place them on known basicity scales. We discuss the emerging potential and current limits of their application and give a general outlook into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Vazdar
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i. Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Jörg Sundermeyer
- Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Ivo Leito
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ullrich Jahn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i. Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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Weitkamp RF, Neumann B, Stammler H, Hoge B. Phosphorus-Containing Superbases: Recent Progress in the Chemistry of Electron-Abundant Phosphines and Phosphazenes. Chemistry 2021; 27:10807-10825. [PMID: 34032319 PMCID: PMC8362139 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202101065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The renaissance of Brønsted superbases is primarily based on their pronounced capacity for a large variety of chemical transformations under mild reaction conditions. Four major set screws are available for the selective tuning of the basicity: the nature of the basic center (N, P, …), the degree of electron donation by substituents to the central atom, the possibility of charge delocalization, and the energy gain by hydrogen bonding. Within the past decades, a plethora of neutral electron-rich phosphine and phosphazene bases have appeared in the literature. Their outstanding properties and advantages over inorganic or charged bases have now made them indispensable as auxiliary bases in deprotonation processes. Herein, an update of the chemistry of basic phosphines and phosphazenes is given. In addition, due to widespread interest, their use in catalysis or as ligands in coordination chemistry is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin F. Weitkamp
- Centrum für Molekulare MaterialienFakultät für ChemieUniversität BielefeldUniversitätsstraße 2533615BielefeldGermany
| | - Beate Neumann
- Centrum für Molekulare MaterialienFakultät für ChemieUniversität BielefeldUniversitätsstraße 2533615BielefeldGermany
| | - Hans‐Georg Stammler
- Centrum für Molekulare MaterialienFakultät für ChemieUniversität BielefeldUniversitätsstraße 2533615BielefeldGermany
| | - Berthold Hoge
- Centrum für Molekulare MaterialienFakultät für ChemieUniversität BielefeldUniversitätsstraße 2533615BielefeldGermany
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Valadbeigi Y. Acidity enhancement of sulfonic acid derivatives by hydrogen bond networks. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2020.113054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Valadbeigi Y. Effects of intramolecular hydrogen bond and electron delocalization on the basicity of proton sponges and superbases with benzene, pyridine, pyrazine and pyrimidine scaffolds. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2020.112947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Saeidian H, Ramezannejad M, Taheri S, Mirjafary Z. Toward tailoring of robust organobases based on extended π-systems: A density functional theory study of the carbonyl basicity. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2019.112700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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