Facile Synthesis of Trialkoxymolybdenum(VI) Alkylidyne Complexes for Alkyne Metathesis

Synthesis and characterization of bi(metallacycloprop-1-ene) complexes

In all previously reported metallacycloprop-1-ene or η²-vinyl complexes, the metal center bears only one vinyl moiety. We have now successfully synthesized and structurally characterized the first complexes bearing two η²-vinyl moieties or spiro bi(metallacycloprop-1-ene) complexes from reactions of alkynes with rhenium phosphine complexes. Computational studies indicate that the metallacycloprop-1-ene rings are aromatic and the complexes represent a rare σ-type spirometalla-aromatic system.

Organometallic Chemistry of Transition Metal Alkylidyne Complexes Centered at Metathesis Reactions

Transition metals form a variety of alkylidyne complexes with either a d⁰ metal center (high-valent) or a non-d⁰ metal center (low-valent). One of the most interesting properties of alkylidyne complexes is that they can undergo or mediate metathesis reactions. The most well-studied metathesis reactions are alkyne metathesis involving high-valent alkylidynes. High-valent alkylidynes can also undergo metathesis reactions with heterotriple bonded species such as N≡CR, P≡CR, and N≡NR⁺. Metathesis reactions involving low-valent alkylidynes are less known. Highly efficient alkyne metathesis catalysts have been developed based on Mo(VI) and W(VI) alkylidynes. Catalytic cross-metathesis of nitriles with alkynes has also been achieved with M(VI) (M = W, Mo) alkylidyne or nitrido complexes. The metathesis activity of alkylidyne complexes is sensitively dependent on metals, supporting ligands and substituents of alkylidynes. Beyond metathesis, metal alkylidynes can also promote other reactions including alkyne polymerization. The remaining shortcomings and opportunities in the field are assessed.

Inhibition of Alkali Metal Reduction of 1-Adamantanol by London Dispersion Effects

A series of alkali metal 1-adamantoxide (OAd¹ ) complexes of formula [M(OAd¹ )(HOAd¹ )₂ ], where M=Li, Na or K, were synthesised by reduction of 1-adamantanol with excess of the alkali metal. The syntheses indicated that only one out of every three HOAd¹ molecules was reduced. An X-ray diffraction study of the sodium derivative shows that the complex features two unreduced HOAd¹ donors as well as the reduced alkoxide (OAd¹ ), with the Ad¹ fragments clustered together on the same side of the NaO₃ plane, contrary to steric considerations. This is the first example of an alkali metal reduction of an alcohol that is inhibited from completion due to the formation of the [M(OAd¹ )(HOAd¹ )₂ ] complexes, stabilized by London dispersion effects. NMR spectroscopic studies revealed similar structures for the lithium and potassium derivatives. Computational analyses indicate that decisive London dispersion effects in the molecular structure are a consequence of the many C-H⋅⋅⋅H-C interactions between the OAd¹ groups.

Bioinspired Nucleophilic Attack on a Tungsten-Bound Acetylene: Formation of Cationic Carbyne and Alkenyl Complexes

Inspired by the proposed inner-sphere mechanism of the tungstoenzyme acetylene hydratase, we have designed tungsten acetylene complexes and investigated their reactivity. Here, we report the first intermolecular nucleophilic attack on a tungsten-bound acetylene (C₂H₂) in bioinspired complexes employing 6-methylpyridine-2-thiolate ligands. By using PMe₃ as a nucleophile, we isolated cationic carbyne and alkenyl complexes.

We report the first intermolecular nucleophilic attack on a tungsten-bound C₂H₂ in two bioinspired complexes differing only by the oxidation state of the metal center and one ligand. By using PMe₃ as a nucleophile, we isolated cationic carbyne and alkenyl complexes.

Poly(aryleneethynylene)s: Properties, Applications and Synthesis Through Alkyne Metathesis

Functional polymeric materials have seen their way into every facet of materials chemistry and engineering. In this review article, we focus on a promising class of polymers, poly(aryleneethynylene)s, by covering several of the numerous applications found thus far for these materials. Additionally, we survey the current synthetic strategies used to create these polymers, with a focus on the emerging technique of alkyne metathesis. An overview is presented of the most recent catalytic systems that support alkyne metathesis as well as the more useful alkyne metathesis reaction capable of synthesizing poly(aryleneethynylene)s.

Trianionic pincer and pincer-type metal complexes and catalysts

This review provides a comprehensive examination of the synthesis, characterization, properties, and catalytic applications of trianionic pincer metal complexes.

Trithio-chloro molybdate [MoClS3]-: a versatile precursor for molybdenum trisulfido complexes

The reaction of trithiomolybdate [PPh 4] 2[MoOS 3] ( 1) with 2 equiv of trimethylchlorosilane generated trithio-chloro molybdate [PPh 4][MoClS 3] ( 2) in high yield, by way of a siloxy complex [PPh 4][Mo(OSiMe 3)S 3] ( 3). This intriguing reaction provided us with a convenient entry into a series of mononuclear molybdenum trisulfido complexes, [PPh 4][MoS 3X] ( 4, X = Cp*; 6a, X = S (t) Bu; 6b, X = SPh; 6c, X = SMes (Mes = mesityl); 6d, X = STip (Tip = 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl); 6e, X = SDmp (Dmp = 2,6-dimesitylphenyl); 7, X = NPh 2; 8a, X = O (t) Bu; 8b, X = OPh; 8c, X = OC(CH 2) (t) Bu; 8d, X = OC(CH 2)Ph), which were obtained by the reactions of 2 with the corresponding potassium salts. In a similar manner, a citrate complex [PPh 4][MoS 3(Me 3cit)] ( 9, Me 3cit = OC(CH 2CO 2Me) 2(CO 2Me)) was synthesized, which may model the molybdenum site of the nitrogenase FeMo-cofactor. The molecular structures of 2, 6c, 7, 8a, 8b, 8c, and 9 were determined by X-ray crystallography.

Highly active molybdenum-alkylidyne catalysts for alkyne metathesis: synthesis from the nitrides by metathesis with alkynes

Terminal nitrido complexes NMo(OC(CF3)2Me)3 (4), NMo(OC(CF3)2Me)3(NCMe) (4-NCMe), and NMo(OC(CF3)3)3(NCMe) (5-NCMe) react irreversibly with 3-hexyne at elevated temperature in hydrocarbon solution to form the corresponding propylidyne complexes EtCMo(OC(CF3)2Me)3 (3) and EtCMo(OC(CF3)3)3 (6), long known as exceptionally active catalysts for alkyne metathesis. The propylidyne complexes are isolated as the more readily crystallized 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) adducts for convenience; 3-DME is isolated in 61% yield on a multigram scale.

Diphenylamido Precursors to Bisalkoxide Molybdenum Olefin Metathesis Catalysts

We have found that Mo(NAr)(CHR')(NPh(2))(2) (R' = t-Bu or CMe(2)Ph) and Mo(NAr')(CHCMe(2)Ph)(NPh(2))(2) (Ar = 2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3); Ar' = 2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3)) can be prepared through addition of two equivalents of LiNPh(2) to Mo(NR″)(CHR')(OTf)(2)(dme) species (R″ = Ar or Ar' dme = 1,2-dimethoxyethane), although yields are low. A high yield route consists of addition of LiNPh(2) to bishexafluro-t-butoxide species. An X-ray structure of Mo(NAr)(CHCMe(2)Ph)(NPh(2))(2) reveals that the two diphenylamido groups are oriented in a manner that allows an 18 electron count to be achieved. The diphenylamido complexes react readily with t-BuOH and (CF(3))(2)MeCOH, but not readily with the sterically demanding biphenol H(2)[Biphen] (Biphen(2-) = 3,3'-Di-t-butyl-5,5',6,6'-tetramethyl-1,1'-Biphenyl-2,2'-diolate). The diphenylamido complexes do react with various 3,3'-disubstituted binaphthols to yield binaphtholate catalysts that can be prepared in situ and employed for a simple asymmetric ring-closing metathesis reaction. In several cases conversions and enantioselectivities were comparable to reactions in which isolated catalysts were employed.

A Mo(VI) Alkylidyne Complex with Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Ligands: Homogeneous Analogue of a Silica-Supported Alkyne Metathesis Catalyst

A highly active alkyne metathesis catalyst is realized by replacing the amide ligands of a molybdenum(VI) trisamide alkylidyne complex with silanol groups from incompletely condensed POSS (polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane) ligands. This catalyst serves as an effective homogeneous mimic of an amorphous silica-supported catalyst. Reactivities of various catalytic mixtures are reported along with an X-ray structure of the aniline-coordinated amidodisiloxymolybdenum(VI) alkylidyne complex.

Metathesis reactions in total synthesis

With the exception of palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings, no other group of reactions has had such a profound impact on the formation of carbon-carbon bonds and the art of total synthesis in the last quarter of a century than the metathesis reactions of olefins, enynes, and alkynes. Herein, we highlight a number of selected examples of total syntheses in which such processes played a crucial role and which imparted to these endeavors certain elements of novelty, elegance, and efficiency. Judging from their short but impressive history, the influence of these reactions in chemical synthesis is destined to increase.

Shape-Persistent Macrocycles: Structures and Synthetic Approaches from Arylene and Ethynylene Building Blocks

Shape-persistent arylene ethynylene macrocycles have attracted much attention in supramolecular chemistry and materials science because of their unique structures and novel properties. In this Review we describe recent examples of macrocycle synthesis by cross-coupling (Sonogashira: aryl acetylene macrocycle or Glaser: aryl diacetylene macrocycle) and dynamic covalent chemistry. The primary disadvantage of the coupling methods is the kinetically determined product distribution, since a significant portion of oligomers grow beyond the length of the cyclic targets ("overshooting"). Better results have been obtained recently by a dynamic covalent approach involving reversible metathesis reactions that afford macrocycles in one step. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that macrocycle formation is thermodynamically controlled by this route. Remaining synthetic challenges include the efficient preparation of site-specifically functionalized structures and larger, more complex two- and three-dimensional molecules.