Ruthenium(II) Picolyl-NHC Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity in Amine N-alkylation and Transfer Hydrogenation Reactions

Introducing Novel Redox-Active Bis(phenolate) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Proligands: Investigation of Their Coordination to Fe(II)/Fe(III) and Their Catalytic Activity in Transfer Hydrogenation of Carbonyl Compounds

A simple and efficient procedure for synthesizing novel pincer-type tridentate N-heterocyclic carbene bisphenolate ligands is reported. The synthesis of pincer proligands with N,N'-disubstituted imidazoline core, 5 and 6, was carried out via triethylorthoformate-promoted cyclization of either N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)cyclohexanediamine, 3, or N,N'-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexanediamine, 4, in the presence of concentrated hydrochloric acid. Cyclic voltammograms of the ligands revealed ligand-centered redox activity, indicating the noninnocent nature of the ligands. The voltammograms of the ligands exhibit two successive one-electron oxidations and two consecutive one-electron reductions. In contrast to previous reports, the redox-active ligands in this study exhibit one-electron oxidation and reduction processes. All products were thoroughly characterized by using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The base-promoted deprotonation of the proligands and subsequent reaction with iron(II) and iron(III) chlorides yielded compounds 7 and 8. These compounds are binuclear and tetranuclear iron(III) complexes that do not contain carbene functional groups. Complexes 7 and 8 were characterized by using elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. At low catalyst loadings, both 7 and 8 exhibited high catalytic activity in the transfer hydrogenation of selected aldehydes and ketones.

Diastereoselective Synthesis of Sulfoxide-Functionalized N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ruthenium Complexes: An Experimental and Computational Study

The synthesis of sulfoxide-functionalized NHC ligand precursors were carried out by direct and mild oxidation from corresponding thioether precursors with high selectivity. Using these salts, a series of cationic [Ru(II)(η6-p-cymene)(NHC-SO)Cl]+ complexes were obtained in excellent yields by the classical Ag2O transmetallation route. NMR analyses suggested a chelate structure for the metal complexes, and X-ray diffractometry studies of complexes 4 b, 4 c, 4dBArF and 4 e unambiguously confirmed the preference for the bidentate (κ2-C,S) coordination mode of the NHC-SO ligands. Interestingly, only one diastereomer, in the form of an enantiomeric pair, was observed both in 1H NMR and in the solid state for the complexes. DFT calculations showed a possible intrinsic energy difference between the two pairs of diastereomer. The calculated energy barriers suggested that inversion of the sulfoxide is only plausible from the higher energy diastereomer together with bulky substituents. Inverting the configuration at the Ru center instead shows a lower and accessible activation barrier to provide the most stable diastereomer through thermodynamic control, consistent with the observation of a single species by 1H NMR as a pair of enantiomers. All these complexes catalyse the β-alkylation of secondary alcohols. Complex 4dPF6 bearing an NHC-functionalised S-Ad group has been further studied with different primary and secondary alcohols as substrates, showing high reactivity and high to moderate β-ol-selectivities.

Switching the hydrogenation selectivity of urea derivatives via subtly tuning the amount and type of additive in the catalyst system

Catalytic hydrogenation of urea derivatives is considered to be one of the most feasible methods for indirect reduction functionalization of CO2 and synthesis of valuable chemicals and fuels. Among value-added products, methylamines, formamides and methanol are highly attractive as important industrial raw materials. Herein, we report the highly selective catalytic hydrogenation of urea derivatives to N-monomethylamines for the first time. More importantly, two- and six-electron reduction products can be switched on/off by subtly tuning 0.5 mol% KOtBu (2% to 1.5%): when the molar ratio of KOtBu/(PPh3)3RuCl2 exceeds 2.0, it is favorable for the formation of two-electron reduction products (N-formamides), while when it is below 2.0, the two-electron reduction products are further hydrogenated to six-electron reduction products (N-monomethylamines and methanol). Furthermore, changing the type of additive can also regulate this interesting selectivity. Control experiments showed that this selectivity is achieved by regulating the acid-base environment of the reaction to control the fate of the common hemiaminal intermediate. A feasible mechanism is proposed based on mechanistic experiments and characterization. This method has the advantages of being simple, universal and highly efficient, and opens up a new synthesis strategy for the utilization of renewable carbon sources.

N-Alkylation and N-Methylation of Amines with Alcohols Catalyzed by Nitrile-Substituted NHC-Ir(III) and NHC-Ru(II) Complexes

A series of nitrile-modified N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of Ir(III) (2a-e) and Ru(II) (3a-d) have been prepared by transmetallation of [IrCp*Cl₂]₂ and [RuCl₂(p-cymene)]₂ forming an in situ NHC-Ag complex. The structures of all complexes were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies. And the structures were clearly elucidated by performing X-ray diffraction studies on 2b, 3a, and 3c single crystals. The complexes of NHC-Ir(III) (2a-e) and NHC-Ru(II) (3a-d) were investigated in the N-alkylation reaction of aniline derivatives with benzyl alcohols to form N-benzyl amines and in the N-methylation reaction of aniline derivatives with methanol. Both reactions were performed in solvent-free media. The Ir(III) complexes (2a-e) were found to perform essentially better than similar Ru(II) complexes (3a-d) in the N-alkylation and N-methylation reactions. Among the Ir(III) complexes (2a-e), the best results were obtained with 2b. The catalytic mechanisms of both reactions were revealed by ¹H NMR study. Formation of Ir-hydride species was observed for both reactions. This new report provides useful information to evaluate the activity of complexes and the differences in sensitivity between the NHCs.

Ruthenium Complexes Bearing α-Diimine Ligands and Their Catalytic Applications in N-Alkylation of Amines, α-Alkylation of Ketones, and β-Alkylation of Secondary Alcohols

New Ru(II) complexes encompassing α-diimine ligands were synthesized by reacting ruthenium precursors with α-diimine hydrazones. The new ligands and Ru(II) complexes were analyzed by analytical and various spectroscopic methods. The molecular structures of L₁ and complexes 1, 3, and 4 were determined by single-crystal XRD studies. The results reveal a distorted octahedral geometry around the Ru(II) ion for all complexes. Moreover, the new ruthenium complexes show efficient catalytic activity toward the C-N and C-C coupling reaction involving alcohols. Particularly, complex 3 demonstrates effective conversion in N-alkylation of aromatic amines, α-alkylation of ketones, and β-alkylation of alcohols.

A binuclear Cu(II) complex as an efficient photocatalyst for N-alkylation of aromatic amines

Visible-light driven photoreactions using transition metal complexes as catalysts are currently a research hotspot in developing environmentally friendly sustainable processes. To develop a potential copper-based photocatalyst, a binuclear Cu(II) complex has been synthesized using a Mannich base ligand viz. 2,4-dichloro-6-((4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)phenol (H₂L). The photocatalyst has been characterized using ESI-MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Under the irradiation of visible light, the catalyst can catalyze hydrogen auto-transfer in N-alkylated amine formation and benzyl alcohol oxidation reactions with excellent conversion. A plausible mechanistic pathway for catalytic reactions has been explored through ESI-MS spectrometric, UV-Vis spectroscopic and computational studies.

Bidentate Donor-Functionalized N-Heterocyclic Carbenes: Valuable Ligands for Ruthenium-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation

Ruthenium complexes are by far the most studied compounds that catalyze hydrogen transfer reactions. In this review, we describe the use in this field of ruthenium complexes bearing bidentate donor-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligands. The review specifically covers the application in transfer hydrogenations of (κ²-C_NHC,Y)-ruthenacyclic compounds where the Y donor atom is a N, P, O, or S atom, and where the N-heterocyclic carbene ligand is a classical imidazol-2-ylidene, a benzimidazol-2-ylidene, a mesoionic 1,2,3-triazolylidene, or an imidazol-4-ylidene ligand. Tridentate donor-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene complexes thus fall outside the scope of the review. Applications in (asymmetric) transfer hydrogenation of ketones, aldehydes, imines, alkenes, and nitrobenzene are discussed.

Phenalenyl Radical: Smallest Polycyclic Odd Alternant Hydrocarbon Present in the Graphene Sheet

Phenalenyl, a zigzag-edged odd alternant hydrocarbon unit can be found in the graphene nanosheet. Hückel molecular orbital calculations indicate the presence of a nonbonding molecular orbital (NBMO), which originates from the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) arising from 13 carbon atoms of the phenalenyl molecule. Three redox states (cationic, neutral radical, and anionic) of the phenalenyl-based molecules were attributed to the presence of this NBMO. The cationic state can undergo two consecutive reductions to result in neutral radical and anionic states, stepwise, respectively. The phenalenyl-based radicals were found as crucial building blocks and attracted the attention of various research fields such as organic synthesis, material science, computation, and device physics. From 2012 onward, a strategy was devised using the cationic state of phenalenyl-based molecules and in situ generated phenalenyl radicals, which created a new domain of catalysis. The in situ generated phenalenyl radicals were utilized for the single electron transfer (SET) process resulting in redox catalysis. This emerging range of applications rejuvenates the more than six decades-old phenalenyl chemistry. This review captures such developments ranging from fundamental understanding to multidirectional applications of phenalenyl-based radicals.

N-Alkylation of organonitrogen compounds catalyzed by methylene-linked bis-NHC half-sandwich ruthenium complexes

An efficient ruthenium-catalyzed N-alkylation of amines, amides and sulfonamides has been developed employing novel pentamethylcyclopentadienylruthenium(II) complexes bearing the methylene linked bis(NHC) ligand bis(3-methylimidazol-2-ylidene)methane. The acetonitrile complex 2 has proven particularly effective with a broad range of substrates with low catalyst loading (0.1-2.5 mol%) and high functional group tolerance under mild conditions. A total of 52 N-alkylated organonitrogen compounds including biologically relevant scaffolds were synthesized from (hetero)aromatic and aliphatic amines, amides and sulfonamides using alcohols or diols as alkylating agents in up to 99% isolated yield, even on gram-scale reactions. In the case of sulfonamides, it is the first example of N-alkylation employing a transition-metal complex bearing NHC ligands.

One pot tandem dual CC and CO bond reductions in the β-alkylation of secondary alcohols with primary alcohols by ruthenium complexes of amido and picolyl functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes

Two different classes of ruthenium complexes, namely, [1-mesityl-3-(2,6-Me₂-phenylacetamido)-imidazol-2-ylidene]Ru(p-cymene)Cl (1c) and {[1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-3-(2,6-Me₂-phenyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene]Ru(p-cymene)Cl}Cl (2c), successfully catalyzed the one-pot tandem alcohol-alcohol coupling reactions of a variety of secondary and primary alcohols, in moderate to good yields of ca. 63-89%. The mechanistic investigation performed on two representative catalytic substrates, 1-phenylethanol and benzyl alcohol using the neutral ruthenium (1c) complex showed that the catalysis proceeded via a partially reduced CC hydrogenated carbonyl species, [PhCOCH₂CH₂Ph] (3'), to the fully reduced CO and CC hydrogenated secondary alcohol, [PhCH(OH)CH₂CH₂Ph] (3). Furthermore, the time dependent study showed that the major product of the catalysis modulated between (3') and (3) during the catalysis run performed over an extended period of 120 hours. Finally, the practical utility of the alcohol-alcohol coupling reaction was demonstrated by preparing five different flavan derivatives (13-17) related to various bioactive flavonoid natural products, in a one-pot tandem fashion.

Ruthenium(II) complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene-phosphine ligands for the N-alkylation of amines with alcohols

Metal hydride complexes are key intermediates for N-alkylation of amines with alcohols by the borrowing hydrogen/hydrogen autotransfer (BH/HA) strategy. Reactivity tuning of metal hydride complexes could adjust the dehydrogenation of alcohols and the hydrogenation of imines. Herein we report ruthenium(ii) complexes with hetero-bidentate N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-phosphine ligands, which realize smart pathway selection in the N-alkylated reaction via reactivity tuning of [Ru-H] species by hetero-bidentate ligands. In particular, complex 6cb with a phenyl wingtip group and BArF- counter anion, is shown to be one of the most efficient pre-catalysts for this transformation (temperature is as low as 70 °C, neat conditions and catalyst loading is as low as 0.25 mol%). A large variety of (hetero)aromatic amines and primary alcohols were efficiently converted into mono-N-alkylated amines in good to excellent isolated yields. Notably, aliphatic amines, challenging methanol and diamines could also be transformed into the desired products. Detailed control experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide insights to understand the mechanism and the smart pathway selection via [Ru-H] species in this process.

Sustainability in Ru- and Pd-based catalytic systems using N-heterocyclic carbenes as ligands

This review is a critical presentation of catalysts based on palladium and ruthenium bearing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands that have enabled a more sustainable approach to catalysis and to catalyst uses.

Synthesis, characterization, catalytic and biological application of half-sandwich ruthenium complexes bearing hemilabile (κ2-C,S)-thioether-functionalised NHC ligands

A series of cationic Ru(ii)(η⁶-p-cymene) complexes with thioether-functionalised N-heterocyclic carbene ligands have been prepared and fully characterized. Steric and electronic influence of the R thioether substituent on the coordination of the sulfur atom was investigated. The molecular structure of three of them has been determined by means of X-ray diffractrometry and confirmed the bidentate (κ²-C,S) coordination mode of the ligand. Interestingly, only a single diastereomer, as an enantiomeric couple, was observed in the solid state for complexes 1c, 1i and 1j. DFT calculations established a low energy inversion barrier between the two diastereomers through a sulfur pyramidal inversion pathway with R donating group while a dissociative/associative mechanism is more likely with R substituents that contain electron withdrawing group, thus suggesting that the only species observed by the ¹H-NMR correspond to an average resonance position of a fluxional mixtures of isomers. All these complexes were found to catalyse the oxydant-free double dehydrogenation of primary amine into nitrile. Ru complex bearing NHC-functionalised S-tBu group was further investigated in a wide range of amines and was found more selective for alkyl amine substrates than for benzylamine derivatives. Finally, preliminary results of the biological effects on various human cancer cells of four selected Ru complexes are reported.

Organochalcogen ligands in catalysis of oxidation of alcohols and transfer hydrogenation

Organochalcogen compounds have been used as the building blocks for the development of a variety of catalysts that have been studied comprehensively during the last two decades for several chemical transformations. Transfer hydrogenation (reduction of carbonyl compounds to alcohols) and oxidation of alcohols (conversion of alcohols to their respective ketones and aldehydes) are also among such chemical transformations. Some compilations are available in the literature on the development of catalysts, based on organochalcogen ligands, and their applications in Heck reaction, Suzuki reaction, and other related aspects. Some review articles have also been published on different aspects of oxidation of alcohols and transfer hydrogenation. However, no such article is available in the literature on the syntheses and use of organochalcogen ligated catalysts for these two reactions. In this perspective, a survey of developments pertaining to the synthetic aspects of such organochalcogen (S/Se/Te) based catalysts for the two reactions has been made. In addition to covering the syntheses of chalcogen ligands, their metal complexes and nanoparticles (NPs), emphasis has also been placed on the efficient conversion of different substrates during catalytic reactions, diversity in catalytic potential and mechanistic aspects of catalysis. It also includes the analysis of comparison (in terms of efficiency) between this unique class of catalysts and efficient catalysts without a chalcogen donor. The future scope of this area has also been highlighted.

Coordination Booster-Catalyst Assembly: Remote Osmium Outperforming Ruthenium in Boosting Catalytic Activity

Presented herein is a set of bimetallic and trimetallic "coordination booster-catalyst" assemblies in which the coordination complexes [Ru^II (terpy)₂ ] and [Os^II (terpy)₂ ] acted as boosters for enhancement of the catalytic activity of [Ru^II (NHC)(para-cymene)]-based catalytic site. The boosters accelerated the oxidative loss of para-cymene from the catalytic site to generate the active catalyst during the oxidation of alkenes and alkynes into corresponding aldehydes, ketones and diketones. It was found that the boosting efficiency of the [Os^II (terpy)₂ ] units was considerably higher than its congener [Ru^II (terpy)₂ ] unit in these assemblies. Mechanistic studies were conducted to understand this unique improvement.

A Microwave-Assisted SmI2-Catalyzed Direct N-Alkylation of Anilines with Alcohols

A new protocol for the alkylation of aromatic amines has been described using alcohols in the presence of SmI₂ as a catalyst with the generation of water as the sole byproduct. The reaction proceeds under MW conditions and selectively generates monoalkylated amines. This protocol features a broad substrate scope and good functional-group tolerance with moderate to high yields.

Tandem transfer hydrogenation–epoxidation of ketone substrates catalysed by alkene-tethered Ru(ii)–NHC complexes

Eight novel alkene-tethered Ru(ii)–NHC complexes were employed as catalysts in tandem transfer hydrogenation–epoxidation reactions using phenacyl bromide derivatives as substrates.

Room temperature N-heterocyclic carbene manganese catalyzed selective N-alkylation of anilines with alcohols

The first example of room temperature homogeneous non-noble metal catalyzed selective N-alkylation of anilines with alcohols using bis-NHC manganese.

Effect of Ancillary Ligand in Cyclometalated Ru(II)-NHC-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation of Unsaturated Compounds

In an effort to develop efficient Ru(II)-NHC-based catalyst considering their stereoelectronic effect for hydride-transfer reaction, we found that the ancillary NHC ligand can play a significant role in its catalytic performance. This effect is demonstrated by comparing the activity of two different types of orthometalated precatalysts of general formula [( p-cymene)(NHC)Ru^II(X)] (NHC = an imidazolylidene-based ImNHC, compound 2a-c, or a mesoionic triazolylidene-based tzNHC, compound 4) in transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl substrates. The electron-rich precatalyst, 2c, containing p-OMe-substituted NHC ligand performed significantly better than both unsubstituted complex 2a and p-CF₃ substituted electron-poor complex 2b in ketone reduction. Whereas bulky mesoionic triazolylidene ligand containing complex 4 was found to be superior catalyst for aldehyde reduction and the precatalyst 2a is more suitable for the selective transfer hydrogenation of a wide range of aromatic aldimines to amines. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic study on the effect of stereoelectronic tuning of ancillary orthometalated NHC ligand in Ru(II)-catalyzed transfer hydrogenations of various types of unsaturated compounds with broad substrate scope.