Origin of the Difference in Reactivity between Ir Catalysts for the Borylation of C-H Bonds

Computational Design of Ligands for the Ir-Catalyzed C5-Borylation of Indoles through Tuning Dispersion Interactions

The indole moiety is ubiquitous in natural products and pharmaceuticals. C-H borylation of the benzenoid moiety of indoles is a challenging task, especially at the C5 position. We have combined computational and experimental studies to introduce multiple noncovalent interactions, especially dispersion, between the substrate and catalytic ligand to realize C5-borylation of indoles with high reactivity and selectivity. The successful computational predictions of new ligands should be suitable for ligand design in other transition-metal catalyzed reactions.

Repurposing a supramolecular iridium catalyst via secondary Zn⋯O[double bond, length as m-dash]C weak interactions between the ligand and substrate leads to ortho-selective C(sp2)-H borylation of benzamides with unusual kinetics

The iridium-catalyzed C-H borylation of benzamides typically leads to meta and para selectivities using state-of-the-art iridium-based N,N-chelating bipyridine ligands. However, reaching ortho selectivity patterns requires extensive trial-and-error screening via molecular design at the ligand first coordination sphere. Herein, we demonstrate that triazolylpyridines are excellent ligands for the selective iridium-catalyzed ortho C-H borylation of tertiary benzamides and, importantly, we demonstrate the almost negligible effect of the first coordination sphere in the selectivity, which is so far unprecedented in iridium C-H bond borylations. Remarkably, the activity is dramatically enhanced by exploiting a remote Zn⋯O[double bond, length as m-dash]C weak interaction between the substrate and a rationally designed molecular-recognition site in the catalyst. Kinetic studies and DFT calculations indicate that the iridium-catalyzed C-H activation step is not rate-determining, this being unique for remotely controlled C-H functionalizations. Consequently, a previously established supramolecular iridium catalyst designed for meta-borylation of pyridines is now compatible with the ortho-borylation of benzamides, a regioselectivity switch that is counter-intuitive regarding precedents in the literature. In addition, we highlight the role of the cyclohexene additive in avoiding the formation of undesired side-products as well as accelerating the HBpin release event that precedes the catalyst regeneration step, which is highly relevant for the design of powerful and selective iridium borylating catalysts.

A Hydrazone Ligand for Iridium-Catalyzed C-H Borylation: Enhanced Reactivity and Selectivity for Fluorinated Arenes

Ir-catalyzed C-H borylations of fluorinated and cyanated arenes with high meta-to-F/CN are described. Use of a dipyridyl hydrazone framework as the ancillary ligand and pinacolborane (HBpin) as the functionalizing reagent generates catalysts that are significantly more active and selective than 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine (dtbpy) for both electron-deficient and electron-rich substrates. Investigation of the ligand framework resulted in the observation of formal N-borylation of the hydrazone by HBpin, as evidenced by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Subsequent stoichiometric reactions of this adduct with an iridium precatalyst revealed the formation of an unusual IrI hydrazido. Isolation and use of this hydrazido reproduce the selectivity of in situ generated catalysts, suggesting that it leads to formation of the active species.

Noncovalent interaction with a spirobipyridine ligand enables efficient iridium-catalyzed C-H activation

Exploitation of noncovalent interactions for recognition of an organic substrate has received much attention for the design of metal catalysts in organic synthesis. The CH-π interaction is especially of interest for molecular recognition because both the C-H bonds and the π electrons are fundamental properties of organic molecules. However, because of their weak nature, these interactions have been less utilized for the control of organic reactions. We show here that the CH-π interaction can be used to kinetically accelerate catalytic C-H activation of arenes by directly recognizing the π-electrons of the arene substrates with a spirobipyridine ligand. Computation and a ligand kinetic isotope effect study provide evidence for the CH-π interaction between the ligand backbone and the arene substrate. The rational exploitation of weak noncovalent interactions between the ligand and the substrate will open new avenues for ligand design in catalysis.

Effect of α-Substitution on the Reactivity of C(sp3)-H Bonds in Pd0-Catalyzed C-H Arylation

We report mechanistic studies on the reactivity of different α-substituted C(sp3)-H bonds, -CHnR (R = H, Me, CO2Me, CONMe2, OMe, and Ph, as well as the cyclopropyl and isopropyl derivatives -CH(CH2)2 and -CHMe2) in the context of Pd0-catalyzed C(sp3)-H arylation. Primary kinetic isotope effects, kH/kD, were determined experimentally for R = H (3.2) and Me (3.5), and these, along with the determination of reaction orders and computational studies, indicate rate-limiting C-H activation for all substituents except when R = CO2Me. This last result was confirmed experimentally (kH/kD ∼ 1). A reactivity scale for C(sp3)-H activation was then determined: CH2CO2Me > CH(CH2)2 ≥ CH2CONMe2 > CH3 ≫ CH2Ph > CH2Me > CH2OMe ≫ CHMe2. C-H activation involves AMLA/CMD transition states featuring intramolecular O → H-C H-bonding assisted by C-H → Pd agostic bonding. The "AMLA coefficient", χ, is introduced to quantify the energies associated with these interactions via natural bond orbital 2nd order perturbation theory analysis. Higher barriers correlate with lower χ values, which in turn signal a greater agostic interaction in the transition state. We believe that this reactivity scale and the underlying factors that determine this will be of use for future studies in transition-metal-catalyzed C(sp3)-H activation proceeding via the AMLA/CMD mechanism.

Unravelling Enzymatic Features in a Supramolecular Iridium Catalyst by Computational Calculations

Non-biological catalysts following the governing principles of enzymes are attractive systems to disclose unprecedented reactivities. Most of those existing catalysts feature an adaptable molecular recognition site for substrate binding that are prone to undergo conformational selection pathways. Herein, we present a non-biological catalyst that is able to bind substrates via the induced fit model according to in-depth computational calculations. The system, which is constituted by an inflexible substrate-recognition site derived from a zinc-porphyrin in the second coordination sphere, features destabilization of ground states as well as stabilization of transition states for the relevant iridium-catalyzed C-H bond borylation of pyridine. In addition, this catalyst appears to be most suited to tightly bind the transition state rather than the substrate. Besides these features, which are reminiscent of the action modes of enzymes, new elementary catalytic steps (i. e. C-B bond formation and catalyst regeneration) have been disclosed owing to the unique distortions encountered in the different intermediates and transition states.

Chemodivergent Organolanthanide-Catalyzed C-H α-Mono-Borylation of Pyridines

Chemodivergent synthetic methodologies enable the efficient introduction of structural diversity into high-value organic products via simple chemical alterations. In this regard, C-H activation and functionalization of pyridinoid azines are important transformations in the synthesis of many natural products, pharmaceuticals, and functional materials. Reflecting on azinyl nitrogen lone-pair steric repulsion, its tendency to irreversibly coordinate metal ion catalysts, and the electron deficiency of pyridine, C-H functionalization at the important α-position remains challenging. Thus, developing earth-abundant catalysts for α-selective azine mono-functionalization is an attractive target for chemical synthesis. Here, the selective organolanthanide-catalyzed α-mono-borylation of a diverse series of 18 pyridines is reported using Cp*₂LuCH(TMS)₂ (Cp* = η⁵-C₅Me₅) (TMS = SiMe₃) and affording valuable precursors for subsequent functionalization. Experimental and theoretical mechanistic data reported here support the intermediacy of a C-H-activated η²-lanthanide-azine complex, followed by intermolecular α-mono-borylation via σ-bond metathesis. Notably, varying the lanthanide identity and substrate substituent electronic character promotes marked chemodivergence of the catalytic selectivity: smaller/more electrophilic lanthanide³⁺ ions and electron-rich substrates favor selective α-C-H functionalization, whereas larger/less electrophilic lanthanide³⁺ ions and electron-poor substrates favor selective B-N bond-forming 1,2-dearomatization. Such lanthanide series catalytic chemodivergence is, to our knowledge, unprecedented.

Insight and Activation Energy Surface of the Dehydrogenation of C2HxO Species in Ethanol Oxidation Reaction on Ir(100)

Dehydrogenation of an organic compound is the first and the most fundamental elementary reaction in many organic reactions. In ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) to form CO 2 , there are a total of 46 pathways in C 2 H x O (x=1-6) species leading to the removal of all six hydrogen atoms in five C-H bonds and one O-H bond. To investigate the degree of dehydrogenation in EOR under operando conditions, we performed density function theory (DFT) calculations to study 28 dehydrogenation steps of C 2 H x O on Ir(100). An activation energy surface was then constructed and compared with that of the C-C bond cleavages to understand the importance of the degree of dehydrogenation in EOR. The results show that there are likely 28 dehydrogenations in EOR under fuel cell temperatures and the last two hydrogens in C 2 H 2 O are less likely cleaved. On the other hand, deep dehydrogenation including 45 dehydrogenations can occur under ethanol steam reforming conditions.

Development of Cobalt Catalysts for the meta-Selective C(sp2)–H Borylation of Fluorinated Arenes

Cobalt precatalysts for the meta-selective borylation of fluorinated arenes are described. Initial screening and stoichiometric reactivity studies culminated in the preparation of a cobalt alkyl precatalyst supported by the sterically protected terpyridine (5,5″-Me₂^ArTpy = 4'-(4-N,N'-dimethylaminophenyl)-5,5″-dimethyl-2,2':6',2″-terpyridine). Under the optimized conditions, borylation with this precatalyst afforded up to 16 turnovers and near-exclusive meta regioselectivity with a range of substituted fluoroarenes in cyclopentyl methyl ether solvent at room temperature. Deuterium kinetic isotope effects of 2.9(2) at 23 °C support a turnover-limiting and selectivity-determining C(sp²)-H activation step, and stoichiometric C-H activation experiments provided insights into the identity of the C-H activating intermediate in catalysis. Analysis of the relevant Co-C and C-H bond thermodynamics support that the thermodynamics of C-H activation favor ortho-to-fluorine selectivity, providing additional, indirect support for kinetic control of C-H activation as the origin of meta selectivity.

Direct C-H borylation of vinylporphyrins via copper catalysis

A method of direct borylation of vinyl-substituted porphyrinoids (porphyrins and chlorins) has been developed based on the copper catalyzed vinylic C-H activation. Ni(II) complexes of meso- and β-vinylporphyrinoids have been...

Rhodium Indenyl NHC and Fluorenyl-Tethered NHC Half-Sandwich Complexes: Synthesis, Structures and Applications in the Catalytic C-H Borylation of Arenes and Alkanes

Indenyl (Ind) rhodium N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes [Rh(η5 -Ind)(NHC)(L)] were synthesised for 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene (SIPr) with L=C2 H4 (1), CO (2 a) and cyclooctene (COE; 3), for 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene (SIMes) with L=CO (2 b) and COE (4), and 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IMes) with L=CO (2 c) and COE (5). Reaction of SIPr with [Rh(Cp*)(C2 H4 )2 ] did not give the desired SIPr complex, thus demonstrating the "indenyl effect" in the synthesis of 1. Oxidative addition of HSi(OEt)3 to 3 proceeded under mild conditions to give the Rh silyl hydride complex [Rh(Ind){Si(OEt)3 }(H)(SIPr)] (6) with loss of COE. Tethered-fluorenyl NHC rhodium complexes [Rh{(η5 -C13 H8 )C2 H4 N(C)C2 Hx NR}(L)] (x=4, R=Dipp, L=C2 H4 : 11; L=COE: 12; L=CO: 13; R=Mes, L=COE: 14; L=CO: 15; x=2, R=Me, L=COE: 16; L=CO: 17) were synthesised in low yields (5-31 %) in comparison to good yields for the monodentate complexes (49-79 %). Compounds 3 and 1, which contain labile alkene ligands, were successful catalysts for the catalytic borylation of benzene with B2 pin2 (Bpin=pinacolboronate, 97 and 93 % PhBpin respectively with 5 mol % catalyst, 24 h, 80 °C), with SIPr giving a more active catalyst than SIMes or IMes. Fluorenyl-tethered NHC complexes were much less active as borylation catalysts, and the carbonyl complexes were inactive. The borylation of toluene, biphenyl, anisole and diphenyl ether proceeded to give meta substitutions as the major product, with smaller amounts of para substitution and almost no ortho product. The borylation of octane and decane with B2 pin2 at 120 and 140 °C, respectively, was monitored by 11 B NMR spectroscopy, which showed high conversions into octyl and decylBpin over 4-7 days, thus demonstrating catalysed sp3 C-H borylation with new piano stool rhodium indenyl complexes. Irradiation of the monodentate complexes with 400 or 420 nm light confirmed the ready dissociation of C2 H4 and COE ligands, whereas CO complexes were inert. Evidence for C-H bond activation in the alkyl groups of the NHC ligands was obtained.

Effect of Pincer Methylation on the Selectivity and Activity in (PNP)Cobalt-Catalyzed C(sp2)-H Borylation

Cobalt complexes supported by a tetramethylated PNP pincer ligand (Me₄ ^iPrPNP = 2,6-(ⁱPr₂PCMe₂)₂(C₅H₃N)) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Examples include cobalt(I)-choride, -methyl, -aryl and -benzofuranyl derivatives. The performance of these compounds was evaluated in the catalytic borylation of fluorinated arenes using B₂Pin₂ as the boron source. While P-C bond cleavage, a known deactivation pathway in [(PNP)Co]-catalyzed borylation was suppressed, the overall activity and selectivity of the borylation of fluoroarenes was reduced as compared to the previously reported [(PNP)Co] catalyst lacking isopropylene spacers. Stoichiometric reactions support an increased barrier for oxidative addition to cobalt(I), a result of the increased steric profile and decreased conformational flexibility of the pincer resulting from methylation distal to the active site. With a more activated substrate such as benzofuran, catalytic borylation with cobalt(I) precatalysts and HBPin was observed. Monitoring the progress of the reaction by NMR spectroscopy revealed the presence of cobalt(III) intermediates during the course of the borylation, supporting a cobalt(I)-(III) redox cycle.

Saturated Boronic Acids, Boronates, and Trifluoroborates: An Update on Their Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry

This review discusses recent advances in the chemistry of saturated boronic acids, boronates, and trifluoroborates. Applications of the title compounds in the design of boron-containing drugs are surveyed, with special emphasis on α-amino boronic derivatives. A general overview of saturated boronic compounds as modern tools to construct C(sp³ )-C and C(sp³ )-heteroatom bonds is given, including recent developments in the Suzuki-Miyaura and Chan-Lam cross-couplings, single-electron-transfer processes including metallo- and organocatalytic photoredox reactions, and transformations of boron "ate" complexes. Finally, an attempt to summarize the current state of the art in the synthesis of saturated boronic acids, boronates, and trifluoroborates is made, with a brief mention of the "classical" methods (transmetallation of organolithium/magnesium reagents with boron species, anti-Markovnikov hydroboration of alkenes, and the modification of alkenyl boron compounds) and a special focus on recent methodologies (boronation of alkyl (pseudo)halides, derivatives of carboxylic acids, alcohols, and primary amines, boronative C-H activation, novel approaches to alkene hydroboration, and 1,2-metallate-type rearrangements).

Late-Stage Functionalization of the Periphery of Oligophenylene Dendrimers with Various Arene Units via Fourfold C-H Borylation

Late-stage functionalization of the periphery of oligophenylene dendrimers was efficiently achieved via site-selective C-H activation of a preconstructed, readily accessible dendron. By fourfold iridium-catalyzed C-H borylation followed by Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling, various arene units were introduced into the end points of the 1,3,5-phenylene-based hydrocarbon dendron. Coupling of the modified dendrons with a core unit, such as 2,6-dibromobenzoic acid derivatives, afforded the periphery-functionalized dendrimers that also have an endohedral functionality at the core position.

Enzyme-like Supramolecular Iridium Catalysis Enabling C-H Bond Borylation of Pyridines with meta-Selectivity

The use of secondary interactions between substrates and catalysts is a promising strategy to discover selective transition metal catalysts for atom-economy C-H bond functionalization. The most powerful catalysts are found via trial-and-error screening due to the low association constants between the substrate and the catalyst in which small stereo-electronic modifications within them can lead to very different reactivities. To circumvent these limitations and to increase the level of reactivity prediction in these important reactions, we report herein a supramolecular catalyst harnessing Zn⋅⋅⋅N interactions that binds to pyridine-like substrates as tight as it can be found in some enzymes. The distance and spatial geometry between the active site and the substrate binding site is ideal to target unprecedented meta-selective iridium-catalyzed C-H bond borylations with enzymatic Michaelis-Menten kinetics, besides unique substrate selectivity and dormant reactivity patterns.

Recent Advances in Heterogeneous Ir Complex Catalysts for Aromatic C–H Borylation

Aromatic C–H borylation catalyzed by an Ir complex is among the most powerful methods for activating inert bonds. The products, i.e., arylboronic acids and their esters, are usable chemicals for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction, and significant effort has been directed toward the development of homogeneous catalysis chemistry. In this short review, we present a recent overview of current heterogeneous Ir-complex catalyst developments for aromatic C–H borylation. Not only have Ir complexes been immobilized on support surfaces with phosphine and bipyridine ligands, but Ir complexes incorporated within solid materials have also been developed as highly active and reusable heterogeneous Ir catalysts. Their catalytic activities and stabilities strongly depend on their surface structures, including linker length and ligand structure.

1 Introduction and Homogeneous Ir Catalysis

2 Heterogeneous Ir Complex Catalysts for C–H Borylation Reactions

3 Other Heterogeneous Metal Complex Catalysts for C–H Borylation Reactions

4 Summary and Outlook

Remarkably Efficient Iridium Catalysts for Directed C(sp2)-H and C(sp3)-H Borylation of Diverse Classes of Substrates

Here we describe the discovery of a new class of C-H borylation catalysts and their use for regioselective C-H borylation of aromatic, heteroaromatic, and aliphatic systems. The new catalysts have Ir-C(thienyl) or Ir-C(furyl) anionic ligands instead of the diamine-type neutral chelating ligands used in the standard C-H borylation conditions. It is reported that the employment of these newly discovered catalysts show excellent reactivity and ortho-selectivity for diverse classes of aromatic substrates with high isolated yields. Moreover, the catalysts proved to be efficient for a wide number of aliphatic substrates for selective C(sp³)-H bond borylations. Heterocyclic molecules are selectively borylated using the inherently elevated reactivity of the C-H bonds. A number of late-stage C-H functionalization have been described using the same catalysts. Furthermore, we show that one of the catalysts could be used even in open air for the C(sp²)-H and C(sp³)-H borylations enabling the method more general. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the active catalytic intermediate is the Ir(bis)boryl complex, and the attached ligand acts as bidentate ligand. Collectively, this study underlines the discovery of new class of C-H borylation catalysts that should find wide application in the context of C-H functionalization chemistry.

Progress in the medicinal chemistry of organoboron compounds

The review aims to draw attention to the latest advances in the organoboron chemistry and therapeutic use of organoboron compounds. The synthetic strategies towards boron-containing compounds with proven in vitro and/or in vivo biological activities, including derivatives of boronic acids, benzoxaboroles, benzoxaborines and benzodiazaborines, are summarized. Approaches to the synthesis of hybrid structures containing an organoboron moiety as one of the pharmacophores are considered, and the effect of this modification on the pharmacological activity of the initial molecules is analyzed. On the basis of analysis of the published data, the most promising areas of research in the field of organoboron compounds are identified, including the latest methods of synthesis, modification and design of effective therapeutic agents.

The bibliography includes 246 references.

C-H Activation: Toward Sustainability and Applications

Since the definition of the "12 Principles of Green Chemistry" more than 20 years ago, chemists have become increasingly mindful of the need to conserve natural resources and protect the environment through the judicious choice of synthetic routes and materials. The direct activation and functionalization of C-H bonds, bypassing intermediate functional group installation is, in abstracto, step and atom economic, but numerous factors still hinder the sustainability of large-scale applications. In this Outlook, we highlight the research areas seeking to overcome the sustainability challenges of C-H activation: the pursuit of abundant metal catalysts, the avoidance of static directing groups, the replacement of metal oxidants, and the introduction of bioderived solvents. We close by examining the progress made in the subfield of aryl C-H borylation from its origins, through highly efficient but precious Ir-based systems, to emerging 3d metal catalysts. The future growth of this field will depend on industrial uptake, and thus we urge researchers to strive toward sustainable C-H activation.

Iridium-Catalysed C-H Borylation of Heteroarenes: Balancing Steric and Electronic Regiocontrol

The iridium-catalysed borylation of aromatic C-H bonds has become the preferred method for the synthesis of aromatic organoboron compounds. The reaction is highly efficient, tolerant of a broad range of substituents and can be applied to both carbocyclic and heterocyclic substrates. The regioselectivity of C-H activation is dominated by steric considerations and there have been considerable efforts to develop more selective processes for less constrained substrates. However, most of these have focused on benzenoid-type substrates and in contrast, heteroarenes remain much desired but more challenging substrates with the position and/or nature of the heteroatom(s) significantly affecting reactivity and regioselectivity. This review will survey the borylation of heteroarenes, focusing on the influence of steric and electronic effects on regiochemical outcome and, by linking to current mechanistic understandings, will provide insights to what is currently possible and where further developments are required.

Building C(sp3 ) Molecular Complexity on 2,2'-Bipyridine and 1,10-Phenanthroline in Rhenium Tricarbonyl Complexes

The reactions of [Re(N-N)(CO)₃ (PMe₃ )]OTf (N-N=2,2'-bipyridine, bipy; 1,10-phenanthroline, phen) compounds with tBuLi and with LiHBEt₃ have been explored. Addition to the N-N chelate took place with different site-selectivity depending on both chelate and nucleophile. Thus, with tBuLi, an unprecedented addition to C5 of bipy, a regiochemistry not accessible for free bipy, was obtained, whereas coordinated phen underwent tBuLi addition to C2 and C4. Remarkably, when LiHBEt₃ reacted with [Re(bipy)(CO)₃ (PMe₃ )]OTf, hydride addition to the 4 and 6 positions of bipy triggered an intermolecular cyclodimerization of two dearomatized pyridyl rings. In contrast, hydride addition to the phen analog resulted in partial reduction of one pyridine ring. The resulting neutral Re^I products showed a varied reactivity with HOTf and with MeOTf to yield cationic complexes. These strategies rendered access to Re^I complexes containing bipy- and phen-derived chelates with several C(sp³ ) centers.

Ligand-Driven Advances in Iridium-Catalyzed sp3 C–H Borylation: 2,2′-Dipyridylarylmethane

The field of catalytic C–H borylation has grown considerably since its founding, providing a means for the preparation of synthetically versatile organoborane products. Although sp2 C–H borylation methods have found widespread and practical use in organic synthesis, the analogous sp3 C–H borylation reaction remains challenging and has seen limited application. Existing catalysts are often hindered by incomplete consumption of the diboron reagent, poor functional-group tolerance, harsh reaction conditions, and the need for excess or neat substrate. These challenges acutely affect the C–H borylation chemistry of unactivated hydrocarbon substrates, which has lagged in comparison to methods for the C–H borylation of activated compounds. Herein, we discuss recent advances in the sp3 C–H borylation of undirected substrates in the context of two particular challenges: (1) utilization of the diboron reagent and (2) the need for excess or neat substrate. Our recent work on the application of dipyridylarylmethane ligands in sp3 C–H borylation has allowed us to make contributions in this space and has presented an additional ligand scaffold to supplement traditional phenanthroline ligands.

Direct C-H Borylation of Arenes Catalyzed by Saturated Hydride-Boryl-Iridium-POP Complexes: Kinetic Analysis of the Elemental Steps

The saturated trihydride IrH₃ {κ³ -P,O,P-[xant(PiPr₂ )₂ ]} (1; xant(PiPr₂ )₂ =9,9-dimethyl-4,5-bis(diisopropylphosphino)xanthene) activates the B-H bond of two molecules of pinacolborane (HBpin) to give H₂ , the hydride-boryl derivatives IrH₂ (Bpin){κ³ -P,O,P-[xant(PiPr₂ )₂ ]} (2) and IrH(Bpin)₂ {κ³ -P,O,P-[xant(PiPr₂ )₂ ]} (3) in a sequential manner. Complex 3 activates a C-H bond of two molecules of benzene to form PhBpin and regenerates 2 and 1, also in a sequential manner. Thus, complexes 1, 2, and 3 define two cycles for the catalytic direct C-H borylation of arenes with HBpin, which have dihydride 2 as a common intermediate. C-H bond activation of the arenes is the rate-determining step of both cycles, as the C-H oxidative addition to 3 is faster than to 2. The results from a kinetic study of the reactions of 1 and 2 with HBpin support a cooperative function of the hydride ligands in the B-H bond activation. The addition of the boron atom of the borane to a hydride facilitates the coordination of the B-H bond through the formation of κ¹ - and κ² -dihydrideborate intermediates.

Methane Borylation Catalyzed by Ru, Rh, and Ir Complexes in Comparison with Cyclohexane Borylation: Theoretical Understanding and Prediction

Methane borylation catalyzed by Cp*M(Bpin)_n (M = Ru or Rh; HBpin = pinacolborane; n = 2 or 3) and (TMPhen)Ir(Bpin)₃ (TMPhen = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) was investigated by DFT in comparison with cyclohexane borylation. Because Ru-catalyzed borylation has not been theoretically investigated yet, its reaction mechanism was first elucidated; Cp*Ru(Bpin)₃ 1-Ru is an active species, and Cp*Ru(Bpin)₃(H)(CH₃) 4-Ru is a key intermediate. In 4-Ru, the Ru is understood to have an ambiguous oxidation state between +IV and +VI because it has a H··Bpin bonding interaction with a bond order of about 0.5. Methane borylation occurs through oxidative addition of methane C-H bond followed by reductive elimination of borylmethane in all of these catalysts. The catalytic activity for methane borylation increases following the order Cp*Ru(Bpin)₃ < (TMPhen)Ir(Bpin)₃ < Cp*Rh(Bpin)₂. Cyclohexane borylation occurs in the same mechanism except for the presence of isomerization of a key intermediate. Chemoselectivity of methane over cyclohexane increases following the order Ir < Ru < Rh. In all of these catalysts, the rate-determining step (RDS) of cyclohexane borylation needs a larger ΔG°^‡ than the RDS of methane borylation because the more bulky cyclohexyl group induces larger steric repulsion with the ligand than methyl. One reason for the worse chemoselectivity of the Ir catalyst is its less congested transition state of the reductive elimination of borylcyclohexane. Herein, use of a strongly electron-donating ligand consisting of pyridine and N-heterocyclic carbene with bulky substituents is computationally proposed as a good ligand for the Ir catalyst; actually, the Ir complex of this ligand is calculated to be more active and more chemoselective than Cp*Rh(Bpin)₂ for methane borylation.

Next-Generation Total Synthesis of Vancomycin

A next-generation total synthesis of vancomycin aglycon is detailed that was achieved in 17 steps (longest linear sequence, LLS) from the constituent amino acid subunits with kinetically controlled diastereoselective introduction of all three elements of atropisomerism. In addition to new syntheses of three of the seven amino acid subunits, highlights of the approach include a ligand-controlled atroposelective one-pot Miyaura borylation-Suzuki coupling sequence for introduction of the AB biaryl axis of chirality (>20:1 dr), an essentially instantaneous and scalable macrolactamization of the AB ring system nearly free of competitive epimerization (>30:1 dr), and two room-temperature atroposelective intramolecular SNAr cyclizations for sequential CD (8:1 dr) and DE ring closures (14:1 dr) that benefit from both preorganization by the preformed AB ring system and subtle substituent effects. Combined with a protecting group free two-step enzymatic glycosylation of vancomycin aglycon, this provides a 19-step total synthesis of vancomycin. The approach paves the way for large-scale synthetic preparation of pocket-modified vancomycin analogues that directly address the underlying mechanism of resistance to vancomycin.

Diverse functionalization of strong alkyl C-H bonds by undirected borylation

The selective functionalization of strong, typically inert carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds in organic molecules is changing synthetic chemistry. However, the undirected functionalization of primary C-H bonds without competing functionalization of secondary C-H bonds is rare. The borylation of alkyl C-H bonds has occurred previously with this selectivity, but slow rates required the substrate to be the solvent or in large excess. We report an iridium catalyst ligated by 2-methylphenanthroline with activity that enables, with the substrate as limiting reagent, undirected borylation of primary C-H bonds and, when primary C-H bonds are absent or blocked, borylation of strong secondary C-H bonds. Reactions at the resulting carbon-boron bond show how these borylations can lead to the installation of a wide range of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds at previously inaccessible positions of organic molecules.

Effect of Ligand Structure on the Electron Density and Activity of Iridium Catalysts for the Borylation of Alkanes

An in-depth study of iridium catalysts for the borylation of alkyl C-H bonds is reported. Although the borylation of aryl C-H bonds can be catalyzed by iridium complexes containing phen or bpy ligands at mild temperatures and with limiting arene, the borylation of alkyl C-H bonds remains underdeveloped. We prepared a library of phenanthrolines that contain varying substitution patterns. The corresponding phen-Ir trisboryl carbon monoxide complexes were synthesized to determine the electron-donating ability of these ligands, and the initial rates for the borylation of the C-H bonds in THF and diethoxyethane β to oxygen catalyzed by Ir complexes containing these ligands were measured. For some subsets of these ligands, the donor ability correlated positively with the rate of C-H borylation catalyzed by the complexes containing ligands within a given subset. However, across subsets, ligands possessing similar donor properties to one another form catalysts for the borylation of alkyl C-H bonds with widely varying activity. This phenomenon was investigated computationally, and it was discovered that the stabilizing interactions between the phenanthroline ligand and the boryl ligands attached to Ir in the transition state for C-H oxidative addition could account for the differences in the activity of the catalysts that possess similar electron densities at Ir. The effect of these interactions on the borylation of secondary alkyl C-H bonds is larger than it is on the borylation of primary alkyl C-H bonds.