Oxidative Addition Promoted C–C Bond Cleavage in Rh-Mediated Cyclopropenone Activation: A DFT Study

Phosphine-Catalyzed Ring-Opening Regioselective Addition of Cyclopropenones with Amides

A series of amides, including α-bromo hydroxamates, N-alkoxyamides, and N-aryloxyamides, were subjected to phosphine-catalyzed ring-opening O-selective addition with cyclopropenones, producing various special α,β-unsaturated esters containing oxime ether motif, in moderate to excellent yields, with high regioselectivity, and exclusive O-selectivity. The methodology is highly atom-economical, with simple operation procedures, and compatible with a wide substrate scope (more than 44 examples).

Theoretical investigations of 2-vinylpyridine stereoselective polymerization catalyzed by cationic yttrium complexes with different ancillary ligands

The polymerization mechanism of 2-vinylpyridine catalyzed by cationic yttrium complexes with diverse ancillary ligands, specifically [L1Y(CH2SiMe3)(THF)]+ [L1 = (2,6-Et2C6H3)NC(Me)CHC(Me)N(2,6-Et2C6H3)] (Y-1), [L2Y(CH2SiMe3)(THF)]+ [L2 = (2,6-Cl2C6H3)NC(Me)CHC(Me)N(2,6-Cl2C6H3)] (Y-2), and [L3Y(CH2SiMe3)(THF)]+ [L3 = (2,6-C6H5)NC(Me)CHC(Me)N(2,6-iPr2C6H3)] (Y-3), was studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Having achieved an agreement between theory and experiment, it is found that isotactic selectivity induced by Y-1 or Y-2 results from a combination of smaller deformation of the catalyst and stronger electronic effects. Conversely, the Y-3 complex exhibits comparable energy barriers for proceeding via either isotactic or syndiotactic pathways, aligning with the production of atactic polymers as seen experimentally. To examine the steric effects on the kinetic and thermodynamic properties, a computational model of an analogue complex [L4Y(CH2SiMe3)(THF)]+ [L4 = (2,6-Cl2C6H3)NC(Me)CHC(Me)N(iPr2C6H3)] (Y-4), featuring increased steric hindrance, was analyzed. Distortion-interaction and topographic steric map analyses further affirmed that steric hindrance significantly influences stereoselectivity. A direct relationship was identified between the energy barriers of isotactic insertion transition states and the bulkiness of ancillary ligands; greater distortion energy of the catalyst correlates with higher barriers for isotactic polymerization. These findings enhance the mechanistic comprehension of 2-vinylpyridine polymerization and are expected to contribute valuable insights for the improvement of catalytic polymerization systems of 2-vinylpyridine.

Mechanism and Stereoselectivity Control of Terminal Alkyne Dimerization Activated by a Zr/Co Heterobimetallic Complex: A DFT Study

Heterobimetallic complexes have recently garnered considerable attention in organic synthesis owing to their high activity and selectivity, which surpass those of monometallic complexes. In this study, the detailed mechanisms of terminal alkyne dimerization activated by the heterobimetallic Zr/Co complex, as well as the different stereoselectivities of Me3SiC≡CH and PhC≡CH dimerization, were investigated and elucidated by using density functional theory calculations. After excluding the three-molecule reaction and outer-sphere mechanisms, the inner-sphere mechanism was determined as the most optimal process. The inner-sphere mechanism involves four processes: THF dissociation and coordination of the first alkyne; ligand migration and C-H activation; N2 dissociation and insertion of the second alkyne; and reductive elimination. The stereoselectivity between the E-/Z- and gem-isomers is determined by the C-C coupling mode of the two alkynes and that of the E- and Z-isomers is determined by the sequence of the C-C coupling and hydrogen migration in the reductive elimination process. Me3SiC≡CH dimerization yields only an E-isomer owing to the large differences in the distortion and interaction energies, whereas PhC≡CH dimerization produces an E-, Z-, and gem-isomers owing to the reduced interaction energy differences.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed Double C-H Functionalization of Indoles with Cyclopropenones via Sequential C-H/C-C/C-H Bond Activation

An unprecedented Rh(III)-catalyzed double C-H functionalization of indoles with cyclopropenones via sequential C-H/C-C/C-H bond activation has been developed. This procedure represents the first example for assembling of cyclopenta[b]indoles utilizing cyclopropenones as 3C synthons. This powerful approach shows excellent chemo- and regioselectivity, wide functional group tolerance, and good reaction yields.

Density Functional Theory Analysis of the Copolymerization of Cyclopropenone with Ethylene Using a Palladium Catalyst

Density functional theory has been used to elucidate the mechanism of Pd copolymerization of cyclopropenone with ethylene. The results reveal that introducing ethylene and cyclopropenone to Pd catalyst is thermodynamically feasible and generates the α,β-unsaturated ketone unit (UnitA). Cis-mode insertion and Path A_1a are the most favorable reaction routes for ethylene and cyclopropenone, respectively. Moreover, cyclopropenone decomposition can generate CO in situ without a catalyst or with a Pd catalyst. The Pd-catalyzed decomposition of cyclopropenone exhibits a lower reaction barrier (22.7 kcal/mol) than its direct decomposition. Our study demonstrates that incorporating CO into the Pd catalyst can generate the isolated ketone unit (UnitB). CO is formed first; thereafter, UnitB is generated. Therefore, the total energy barrier of UnitB generation, accounting for the CO barrier, is 22.7 kcal/mol, which is slightly lower than that of UnitA generation (24.0 kcal/mol). Additionally, the possibility of copolymerizing ethylene, cyclopropenone, and allyl acetate (AAc) has been investigated. The free energy and global reactivity index analyses indicate that the cyclopropenone introduction reaction is more favorable than the AAc insertion, which is consistent with the experimental results. Investigating the copolymerization mechanism will help to develop of a functionalization strategy for polyethylene polymers.

Phosphine-catalyzed activation of cyclopropenones: a versatile C3 synthon for (3+2) annulations with unsaturated electrophiles

We herein report a phosphine-catalyzed (3 + 2) annulation of cyclopropenones with a wide variety of electrophilic π systems, including aldehydes, ketoesters, imines, isocyanates, and carbodiimides, offering products of butenolides, butyrolactams, maleimides, and iminomaleimides, respectively, in high yields with broad substrate scope. An α-ketenyl phosphorous ylide is validated as the key intermediate, which undergoes preferential catalytic cyclization with aldehydes rather than stoichiometric Wittig olefinations. This phosphine-catalyzed activation of cyclopropenones thus supplies a versatile C3 synthon for formal cycloadditon reactions.

Computational Study on the Co-Mediated Intramolecular Pauson–Khand Reaction of Fluorinated and Chiral N-Tethered 1,7-Enynes

The Co₂(CO)₈-mediated intramolecular Pauson–Khand reaction is an elegant approach to obtain cyclopentenone derivatives containing asymmetric centers. In this work, we employed density functional theory calculations at the M11/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory to investigate the mechanism and reactivity for the Pauson–Khand reaction of fluorinated and asymmetric N-tethered 1,7-enynes. The rate-determining step was found to be the intramolecular alkene insertion into the carbon–cobalt bond. The stereoselectivity of the alkene insertion step was rationalized by the different transition states showing the coordination of the alkene through the Re- and Si-face. The effects of different fluorine groups and steric effects on both the alkenyl and alkynyl moieties were also theoretically investigated.

How Strain-Release Determines Chemoselectivity: A Mechanistic Study of Rhodium-Catalyzed Bicyclo[1.1.0]butane Activation

Bicyclo[1.1.0]butane (BCB) derivatives are versatile coupling partners, and various reaction modes for their activation and transformation have been proposed. In this work, three BCB-activation modes in Rh-catalyzed BCB transformations that construct diastereoselective α-quaternary β-lactones were investigated by density functional theory calculations. Our results show that, compared with C1-C3 insertion and C-C3 oxidative addition, C2-C3 oxidative addition is more favorable. The whole catalytic cycle involves five main steps: C-H activation, oxidative addition, β-C elimination/reductive elimination, Rh walking, and aldehyde insertion/protonation. Independent gradient model, intrinsic reaction coordinate, distortion-interaction energy, and Laplacian electron-density analyses were carried out to investigate the mode of BCB activation. Our calculation also showed that aldehyde-insertion is the diastereoselectivity determining step, which is controlled by the steric effect between the ligand, methyl group, and aldehyde.

Computational insights into the inverse electron-demand Diels-Alder reaction of norbornenes with 1,2,4,5-tetrazines: norbornene substituents' effects on the reaction rate

The study of the reaction rates and mechanism of click chemistry reactions still remains an interesting challenge in organic chemistry. In this regard, the inverse electron demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) reaction represents a promising metal-free alternative with enhanced reaction rates compared to other reactions of the click chemistry toolbox. Among the different types of dienophiles used in the IEDDA reactions, norbornenes have been widely used given their high stability and fast reaction rates. The inverse electron-demand Diels Alder reaction of 3,6-dipyridin-2-yl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine with a series of norbornene derivatives was studied with quantum mechanical calculations at the M06-2X/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory. The theoretical predictions were confirmed with the experimental data and analyzed with the use of the distortion/interaction model. The obtained results will help in obtaining a better understanding of the factors that affect the relative cycloaddition rates of norbornenes with tetrazines, which are crucial for selectively tuning their efficacy.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed spiroannulation of ketimines with cyclopropenones via sequential C-H/C-C bond activation

An unprecedented Rh(III)-catalyzed [3+3]-spiroannulation of ketimines with cyclopropenones to access spiro[4,5]dienones has been developed. Sequential C-H/C-C bond activation and subsequent nucleophilic addition are disclosed in this process. This procedure represents the first example of the construction of spirolactams utilising cyclopropenones as 3C synthons. The remarkable advantages of this protocol are excellent chemo- and regio-selectivity, wide functional group tolerance, high reaction yields, and tolerance towards H₂O.

Mechanistic differences between aryl iodide electrophiles and pronucleophiles in Pd-catalyzed coupling with cyclopropenes: a DFT study

Computational studies were carried out to investigate the mechanisms of Pd-catalyzed ring-opening reactions of cyclopropenes with pronucleophiles (H-Nu) and aryl iodide electrophiles, respectively.

The regioselectivity of the sulfonylation of tetrazoles: a theoretical view

DFT calculations were performed to reveal the regioselectivity for the sulfonylation of tetrazoles.

Three-Component Couplings among Heteroarenes, Difluorocyclopropenes, and Water via C-H Activation

Three-component couplings have been realized for efficiently constructing various nitrogen-containing skeletons via C-H activation, where difluorocyclopropenes have been first identified as coupling partners. Many substrates including sp² and sp³ C-H substrates were well tolerated, furnishing the corresponding products in good yields. Furthermore, a catalyst-dependent reaction was also developed, enabling divergent construction of two different frameworks. The application value of these reactions was demonstrated in gram-scale experiments with as little as 1 mol % catalyst.

Stereoselective rhodium-catalyzed 2-C-H 1,3-dienylation of indoles: dual functions of the directing group

A rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular highly stereoselective 1,3-dienylation at the 2-position of indoles with non-terminal allenyl carbonates has been developed by using 2-pyrimidinyl or pyridinyl as the directing group. The reaction tolerates many functional groups affording the products in decent yields under mild conditions. In addition to C-H bond activation, the directing group also played a vital role in the determination of Z-stereoselectivity for the C-H functionalization reaction with 4-aryl-2,3-allenyl carbonates, which is confirmed by the E-selectivity observed with 4-alkyl-2,3-allenyl carbonates. DFT calculations have been conducted to reveal that π-π stacking involving the directing 2-pyrimidinyl or pyridinyl group is the origin of the observed stereoselectivity. Various synthetic transformations have also been demonstrated.

Oxymetalation or oxidative cyclization? mechanism of Pd-catalyzed annulation of enynones

Enynones are powerful synthons for constructing furan derivatives in the presence of transition metal catalysts. Unlike the conventional intramolecular nucleophilic attack with the activation of coinage metals, we propose that enynones undergo an oxidative cyclization process with a Pd(0) species. The full catalytic cycle involves oxidative cyclization, isocyanide insertion, and reductive elimination, which was supported by DFT calculations. Geometric and electronic analyses confirmed the oxidative cyclization process, which proceeds via a Pd(ii) intermediate.

Divergent Construction of Diverse Scaffolds through Catalyst-Controlled C-H Activation Cascades of Quinazolinones and Cyclopropenones

A transition-metal-catalyzed C-H activation cascade strategy to rapidly construct diverse quinazolinone derivatives in a one-pot manner is reported. The catalysts play an important role in the different transformations. Additionally, the procedure is scalable, proceeds with high efficiency and good chemo-/regio-selectivity, and tolerates a range of functional groups.

Oxidation of Pd(II) with disilane in a palladium-catalyzed disilylation of aryl halides: a theoretical view

Density functional theory (DFT) calculation has been used to reveal the mechanism of the Pd-catalyzed disilylation reaction of aryl halides. The DFT calculations indicate that the reaction starts with the oxidative addition of the C-I bond to the Pd(0) catalyst. Concerted metalation-deprotonation (CMD) can then generate a five-membered palladacycle. Insertion of Pd(ii) into the Si-Si bond in disilane followed by two sequential steps of reductive eliminations yields the disilylation product and regenerates the Pd(0) catalyst. According to the NPA charge analysis along the reaction coordinates, the formal oxidative addition of the Si-Si bond to palladium could be considered as the insertion of palladium into the Si-Si bond. However, the conventional oxidative addition of the C-I bond to palladium is exactly an oxidation process with the electron transfer from the palladium atom to the C-I bond. Therefore, electron rich Pd(0) is beneficial for the oxidation process, and Pd(ii) prone to acquire electrons is beneficial for the insertion process.

Rh(iii)-Catalyzed acylation of heteroarenes with cyclobutenones via C-H/C-C bond activation

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed C-H acylation of heteroarenes has been realized using cyclobutenones as an acylating reagent. This coupling proceeded via integration of C-H activation of heteroarenes and C-C cleavage of cyclobutenones. The reaction features excellent regio/chemoselectivity leading to versatile chalcones with exclusive E-selectivity.

Divergent C-H activation synthesis of chalcones, quinolones and indoles

We here report a condition-controlled divergent synthesis strategy of chalcones, quinolones and indoles, which was achieved via a C-H activation reaction of N-nitrosoanilines and cyclopropenones. Variations of Ag salts are observed to be crucial for divergently constructing the three distinct chemical scaffolds. A Rh(i)- and Rh(iii)-cocatalyzed decarbonylation/C-H activation/[3+2] annulation cascade reaction was developed for the synthesis of indoles. These methodologies are characterized by mild reaction conditions, high functional group tolerance, and amenability to gram-scale synthesis, providing a reference for future derivation of new chemical scaffolds by C-H activation.

Is Cu(iii) a necessary intermediate in Cu-mediated coupling reactions? A mechanistic point of view

The different pathways have been summarized to disclose the key intermediate in copper-mediated coupling reactions.

Synthesis of 4-ethenyl quinazolines via rhodium(iii)-catalyzed [5 + 1] annulation reaction of N-arylamidines with cyclopropenones

An unprecedented synthesis of 4-ethenyl quinazolines/2-benzoyl quinazolines via Rh(iii)-catalyzed C–H annulation reaction was reported.

With metal or not? a computationally predicted rule for a dirhodium catalyst in [3+3] cycloadditions of triazole with thiirane

Three possible pathways were explored to determine the inherent role of dirhodium in triazole transformation/functionalization.