Mono- and binuclear cyclometallated palladium(ii) complexes containing bridging (N,O-) and terminal (N-) imidate ligands: Air stable, thermally robust and recyclable catalysts for cross-coupling processes

Revealing the Hidden Complexity and Reactivity of Palladacyclic Precatalysts: The P(o-tolyl)3 Ligand Enables a Cocktail of Active Species Utilizing the Pd(II)/Pd(IV) and Pd(0)/Pd(II) Pathways for Efficient Catalysis

The ligand, P(o-tolyl)3, is ubiquitous in applied synthetic chemistry and catalysis, particularly in Pd-catalyzed processes, which typically include Pd(OAc)2 (most commonly used as Pd3(OAc)6) as a precatalyst. The Herrmann-Beller palladacycle [Pd(C^P)(μ2-OAc)]2 (where C^P = monocyclopalladated P(o-tolyl)3) is easily formed from reaction of Pd(OAc)2 with P(o-tolyl)3. The mechanisms by which this precatalyst system operates are inherently complex, with studies previously implicating Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) as reservoirs for active Pd(0) species in arylative cross-coupling reactions. In this study, we reveal the fascinating, complex, and nontrivial behavior of the palladacyclic group. First, in the presence of hydroxide base, [Pd(C^P)(μ2-OAc)]2 is readily converted into an activated form, [Pd(C^P)(μ2-OH)]2, which serves as a conduit for activation to catalytically relevant species. Second, palladacyclization imparts unique stability for catalytic species under reaction conditions, bringing into play a Pd(II)/Pd(IV) cross-coupling mechanism. For a benchmark Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling (SMCC) reaction, there is a shift from a mononuclear Pd catalytic pathway to a PdNP-controlled catalytic pathway during the reaction. The activation pathway of [Pd(C^P)(μ2-OH)]2 has been studied using an arylphosphine-stabilized boronic acid and low-temperature NMR spectroscopic analysis, which sheds light on the preactivation step, with water and/or acid being critical for the formation of active Pd(0) and Pd(II) species. In situ reaction monitoring has demonstrated that there is a sensitivity to the structure of the arylboron species in the presence of pinacol. This work, taken together, highlights the mechanistic complexity accompanying the use of palladacyclic precatalyst systems. It builds on recent findings involving related Pd(OAc)2/PPh3 precatalyst systems which readily form higher order Pdn clusters and PdNPs under cross-coupling reaction conditions. Thus, generally, one needs to be cautious with the assumption that Pd(OAc)2/tertiary phosphine mixtures cleanly deliver mononuclear "Pd(0)Ln" species and that any assessment of individual phosphine ligands may need to be taken on a case-by-case basis.

Mono and Dinuclear Palladium Pincer Complexes of NNSe Ligand as a Catalyst for Decarboxylative Direct C-H Heteroarylation of (Hetero)arenes

This report describes the synthesis of a new NNSe pincer ligand and its mono- and dinuclear palladium(II) pincer complexes. In the absence of a base, a dinuclear palladium pincer complex (C1) was isolated, while in the presence of Et3 N base a mononuclear palladium pincer complex (C2) was obtained. The new ligand and complexes were characterized using techniques like 1 H, 13 C{1 H} nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Visible), and cyclic voltammetry. Both the complexes showed pincer coordination mode with a distorted square planar geometry. The complex C1 has two pincer ligands attached through a Pd-Pd bond in a dinuclear pincer fashion. The air and moisture-insensitive, thermally robust palladium pincer complexes were used as the catalyst for decarboxylative direct C-H heteroarylation of (hetero)arenes. Among the complexes, dinuclear pincer complex C1 showed better catalytic activity. A variety of (hetero)arenes were successfully activated (43-87 % yield) using only 2.5 mol % of catalyst loading under mild reaction conditions. The PPh3 and Hg poisoning experiments suggested a homogeneous nature of catalysis. A plausible reaction pathway was proposed for the dinuclear palladium pincer complex catalyzed decarboxylative C-H bond activation reaction of (hetero)arenes.

Enhancing Substrate-Metal Catalyst Affinity via Hydrogen Bonding: Pd(II)-Catalyzed β-C(sp3)-H Bromination of Free Carboxylic Acids

The achievement of sufficient substrate-metal catalyst affinity is a fundamental challenge for the development of synthetically useful C-H activation reactions of weakly coordinating native substrates. While hydrogen bonding has been harnessed to bias site selectivity in existing C(sp²)-H activation reactions, the potential for designing catalysts with hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) to enhance catalyst-substrate affinity and, thereby, facilitate otherwise unreactive C(sp³)-H activation remains to be demonstrated. Herein, we report the discovery of a ligand scaffold containing a remote amide motif that can form a favorable meta-macrocyclic hydrogen bonding interaction with the aliphatic acid substrate. The utility of this ligand scaffold is demonstrated through the development of an unprecedented C(sp³)-H bromination of α-tertiary and α-quaternary free carboxylic acids, which proceeds in exceedingly high mono-selectivity. The geometric relationship between the NHAc hydrogen bond donor and the coordinating quinoline ligand is crucial for forming the meta-macrocyclophane-like hydrogen bonding interaction, which provides a guideline for the future design of catalysts employing secondary interactions.

Rapid plugged flow synthesis of nucleoside analogues via Suzuki-Miyaura coupling and heck Alkenylation of 5-Iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (or cytidine)

Nucleosides modification via conventional cross-coupling has been performed using different catalytic systems and found to take place via long reaction times. However, since the pandemic, nucleoside-based antivirals and vaccines have received widespread attention and the requirement for rapid modification and synthesis of these moieties has become a major objective for researchers. To address this challenge, we describe the development of a rapid flow-based cross-coupling synthesis protocol for a variety of C5-pyrimidine substituted nucleosides. The protocol allows for facile access to multiple nucleoside analogues in very good yields in a few minutes compared to conventional batch chemistry. To highlight the utility of our approach, the synthesis of an anti-HSV drug, BVDU was also achieved in an efficient manner using our new protocol.

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Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41981-023-00265-1.

Water-Soluble Pd-Imidate Complexes as Versatile Catalysts for the Modification of Unprotected Halonucleosides

Modification of unprotected nucleosides has been attracting continuous interest, since these building blocks themselves and their phosphate-upgraded corresponding nucleotides have shown a plethora of uses in fields like biochemistry or pharmacy. Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, conducted in water or its mixtures with polar organic solvents, have frequently been the researchers' choice for the functionalization of the purine/pyrimidine base of the unprotected nucleosides. In this scenario, the availability of hydrophilic ligands and its water-soluble palladium complexes has markedly set the pace of the advances. The approach of our group to the synthesis of such complexes, Pd-imidates specifically, has faced critical stages, namely the jump to synthesize water soluble complexes from our experience working in conventional solvents, the preparation of phosphine free complexes and the overall goal of getting catalytic systems able to work close to room temperature. The continuous feedback with Kapdi's group, experienced in the chemistry of nucleosides, has produced over the last decade the interesting results in both fields presented here.

Partially charged platinum on aminated and carboxylated SBA-15 as a catalyst for alkene hydrosilylation

In this paper, we report the successful preparation of a novel bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst Pt δ+/SBA-APTE-SA with a partial positively charged Pt δ+ electronic structure via post-synthesis modification of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTE), succinic anhydride (SA) and platinum precursors. The resulting catalyst showed superior catalytic performance for the hydrosilylation of 1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane (MDHM) with allyloxy polyethylene glycol (APEG) compared to a heterogeneous platinum catalyst. In addition, our catalyst was suitable for the hydrosilylation of other alkenes. Furthermore, the catalyst displayed sufficient stability after being reused five times without noticeable inactivation. In terms of cycle number and atomic utilization efficiency, it has potential applications as a green hydrosilylation method for industry.

Characterization of heterogeneous aryl–Pd(ii)–oxo clusters as active species for C–H arylation

The surface oxidation of Pd nanoparticles with [Ph₂I]BF₄ resulted in the generation of Pd(ii)–aryl–oxo clusters, which led to C–H arylation in high yields and regioselectivity.

The critical role played by water in controlling Pd catalyst speciation in arylcyanation reactions

Different ‘L_nPd(0)’ species play a role in arylcyanation processes, depending on H₂O content.

Palladacycle-Catalyzed Triple Suzuki Coupling Strategy for the Synthesis of Anthracene-Based OLED Emitters

The development of the site-selective Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of dibromoanthracene as an efficient strategy toward organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) is disclosed in this article. An unprecedented step-economic palladacycle-promoted triple Suzuki coupling protocol allowed the synthesis of three new OLED emitters and could prove to be a useful general strategy for researchers working in this field. Characterization of the synthesized molecules by UV-vis spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry followed by density functional theory studies of the different properties strongly confirms the derivatives possess more significant hole mobility character than electron transfer capability.

Sonogashira coupling in 3D-printed NMR cuvettes: synthesis and properties of arylnaphthylalkynes

A set of push–pull substituted arylnaphthylalkynes has been synthesized under inert gas conditions in 3D-printed cuvettes out of NMR-transparent polyamide and their optical properties were investigated.

Catalytic C-H bond functionalisation chemistry: the case for quasi-heterogeneous catalysis

This feature article examines the potential of heterogeneous Pd species to mediate catalytic C-H bond functionalisation processes employing suitable substrates (e.g. aromatic/heteroaromatic compounds). A focus is placed on the reactivity of supported and non-supported Pd nanoparticle (PdNPs) catalysts, in addition to the re-appropriation of well-established heterogeneous Pd catalysts such as Pd/C. Where possible, reasonable comparisons are made between PdNPs and traditional 'homogeneous' Pd precatalyst sources (which form PdNPs). The involvement of higher order Pd species in traditional cross-coupling processes, such as Mizoroki-Heck, Sonogashira and Suzuki-Miyaura reactions, allows the exemplification of potential future topics for study in the area of catalytic C-H bond functionalisation processes.

Which one is faster? A kinetic investigation of Pd and Ni catalyzed Negishi-type oxidative coupling reactions

The difference between Pd and Ni has been investigated based on the Negishi-type oxidative coupling reactions in which reductive elimination was proved to be the rate determining step.

Anti-cancer palladium complexes: a focus on PdX2L2, palladacycles and related complexes

Much success has been achieved with platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents, i.e. through interactions with DNA. The long-term application of Pt complexes is thwarted by issues, leading scientists to examine other metals such as palladium which could exhibit complementary modes of action (given emphasis wherever known). Over the last 10 years several research groups have focused on the application of an eclectic array of palladium complexes (of the type PdX2L2, palladacycles and related structures) as potential anti-cancer agents. This review therefore provides readers with an up to date account of the advances that have taken place over the past several decades.

A trinuclear palladium(II) complex containing N,S-coordinating 2-(benzylsulfanyl)anilinide and 1,3-benzothiazole-2-thiolate ligands with a central square-planar PdN4 motif

The reaction of dichlorido(cod)palladium(II) (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) with 2-(benzylsulfanyl)aniline followed by heating in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) produces the linear trinuclear Pd3 complex bis(μ2-1,3-benzothiazole-2-thiolato)bis[μ2-2-(benzylsulfanyl)anilinido]dichloridotripalladium(II) N,N-dimethylformamide disolvate, [Pd3(C7H4NS2)2(C13H12NS)2Cl2]·2C3H7NO. The molecule has -1 symmetry and a Pd...Pd separation of 3.2012 (4) Å. The outer Pd(II) atoms have a square-planar geometry formed by an N,S-chelating 2-(benzylsulfanyl)anilinide ligand, a chloride ligand and the thiolate S atom of a bridging 1,3-benzothiazole-2-thiolate ligand, while the central Pd(II) core shows an all N-coordinated square-planar geometry. The geometry is perfectly planar within the PdN4 core and the N-Pd-N bond angles differ significantly [84.72 (15)° for the N atoms of ligands coordinated to the same outer Pd atom and 95.28 (15)° for the N atoms of ligands coordinated to different outer Pd atoms]. This trinuclear Pd3 complex is the first example of one in which 1,3-benzothiazole-2-thiolate ligands are only N-coordinated to one Pd centre. The 1,3-benzothiazole-2-thiolate ligands were formed in situ from 2-(benzylsulfanyl)aniline.

Mechanistic examination of AuIII-mediated 1,5-enyne cycloisomerization by AuBr2(N-imidate)(NHC)/AgX precatalysts – is the active catalyst AuIII or AuI?

The role of Au^I and Au^III species in 1,5-enyne cycloisomerization reactions has been examined in this paper.

[Pd(C∧N)(X)(PPh3)] palladacycles react with 2,4,6-trifluorophenyl boronic acid to give stable transmetallation products of the type [Pd(C∧N)(2,4,6-F3C6H2)(PPh3)]

Evidence for a direct transmetallation between a palladacycle (containing acetate and imidate pseudohalides) with 2,4,6-trifluorophenyl boronic acid is presented in this paper.

Structure and properties of metal complexes of a pyridine based oxazolidinone synthesized by atmospheric CO2 fixation

Copper, platinum and palladium complexes of an oxazolidinone ligand show potential in catalysis or cytotoxicity, depending on the metal incorporated.

New water soluble Pd-imidate complexes as highly efficient catalysts for the synthesis of C5-arylated pyrimidine nucleosides

Recyclable water-soluble Pd complexes were revealed as excellent catalysts for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of challenging substrates like the antiviral nucleoside analogue 5-iodo-20-deoxyuridine.

Anti-Markovnikov hydroalkylation of allylic amine derivatives via a palladium-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling reaction

Palladium-catalyzed hydroalkylation of allylic amine derivatives by alkylzinc reagents is reported. This reductive cross-coupling reaction yields anti-Markovnikov products using a variety of allylic amine protecting groups. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that a reversible β-hydride elimination/hydride insertion process furnishes the primary Pd-alkyl intermediate, which then undergoes transmetalation followed by reductive elimination to form a new sp(3)-sp(3) carbon-carbon bond.

On the mechanism of palladium-catalyzed aromatic C-H oxidation

The mechanism of Pd-catalyzed aromatic C-H oxidation chemistry continues to be vigorously discussed. Historically, Pd(II)/Pd(IV) catalysis cycles have been proposed. Herein, we present a detailed study of Pd(OAc)(2)-catalyzed aromatic C-H chlorination and propose dinuclear Pd(III) complexes as intermediates. We have identified a succinate-bridged dinuclear Pd(II) complex, which self-assembles during catalysis, as the catalyst resting state. In situ monitoring of catalysis has revealed that chlorination proceeds with turnover-limiting oxidation of a dinuclear resting state, and that acetate ions, liberated during the formation of the catalyst resting state, catalyze the bimetallic oxidation. Informed by reaction kinetics analysis, relevant dinuclear Pd(III) complexes have been prepared and observed to undergo selective C-Cl reductive elimination. Based on the combination of kinetic data obtained during catalysis and explicit structural information of relevant intermediates, we propose a Pd(II)(2)/Pd(III)(2) catalysis cycle for Pd(OAc)(2)-catalyzed aromatic C-H chlorination.