Heavier group 2 element-catalysed hydroamination of isocyanates

Synthesis of unsymmetrical urea derivatives via Cu-catalysed reaction of acylazide and secondary amine

The synthesis of unsymmetrical urea generally requires toxic reagent, solvent and harsh reaction condition. Herein, we introduce Cu-catalyzed greener and safer unsymmetrical urea derivatives synthesis in ethyl acetate. This method minimized utilization of toxic reagent. A variety of indole, amines, and azides with bis-indole successfully employed leading to high yields and gram scale synthesis of isolated urea.

Main group bimetallic partnerships for cooperative catalysis

Over the past decade s-block metal catalysis has undergone a transformation from being an esoteric curiosity to a well-established and consolidated field towards sustainable synthesis. Earth-abundant metals such as Ca, Mg, and Al have shown eye-opening catalytic performances in key catalytic processes such as hydrosilylation, hydroamination or alkene polymerization. In parallel to these studies, s-block mixed-metal reagents have also been attracting widespread interest from scientists. These bimetallic reagents effect many cornerstone organic transformations, often providing enhanced reactivities and better chemo- and regioselectivities than conventional monometallic reagents. Despite a significant number of synthetic advances to date, most efforts have focused primarily on stoichiometric transformations. Merging these two exciting areas of research, this Perspective Article provides an overview on the emerging concept of s/p-block cooperative catalysis. Showcasing recent contributions from several research groups across the world, the untapped potential that these systems can offer in catalytic transformations is discussed with special emphasis placed on how synergistic effects can operate and the special roles played by each metal in these transformations. Advancing the understanding of the ground rules of s-block cooperative catalysis, the application of these bimetalic systems in a critical selection of catalytic transformations encompassing hydroamination, cyclisation, hydroboration to C-C bond forming processes are presented as well as their uses in important polymerization reactions.

Hydrosilane-Assisted Synthesis of Urea Derivatives from CO2 and Amines

A methodology employing CO₂, amines, and phenylsilane was discussed to access aryl- or alkyl-substituted urea derivatives. This procedure was characterized by adopting hydrosilane to promote the formation of ureas directly, without the need to prepare silylamines in advance. Control reactions suggested that FeCl₃ was a favorable additive for the generation of ureas, and this 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene-catalyzed reaction might proceed through nucleophilic addition, silicon migration, and the subsequent formal substitution of silylcarbamate.

Calcium mediated efficient synthesis of N-arylamidines from organic nitriles and amines

Amidines are a preeminent group of organic compounds having wide applications in various industries. Here, we have developed a simple one-step reaction protocol for the facile synthesis of N-arylamidines catalysed by calcium bis(hexamethyldisilazide) [Ca{N(SiMe3)2}2(THF)2]. The amidine synthesis was readily achieved from organic nitriles and amines which provided a broad substrate scope ranging from electron-withdrawing to electron-donating substitutions as well as heterocyclic substitution. The reaction was carried out in a solvent-free medium under ambient conditions. The nucleophilic addition of aromatic amines to aryl nitriles led to good to excellent yields of the corresponding amidines. The reactivity of the amidines was further examined and the respective urea derivatives were achieved in excellent yields. The plausible mechanism involves the generation of an active calcium amido pre-catalyst that helps in the activation of nitriles in the reaction course.

Synthesis of Functionalized Isoindolinones via Calcium Catalyzed Generation and Trapping of N-Acyliminium Ions

Herein we report our full investigation into the calcium catalyzed generation and trapping of N-acyliminium ions from readily available 3-hydroxyisoindolinones. We have successfully employed a range of traditional nucleophiles including carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur containing reactive partners. The reaction is tolerant to a wide range of functionalities and provides high value scaffolds in good to excellent yields.

Hydroamination of isocyanates and isothiocyanates by alkaline earth metal initiators supported by a bulky iminopyrrolyl ligand

Synthesis of heteroleptic and homoleptic alkaline earth metal complexes supported by bulky bis-iminopyrrolyl ligands are reported. The catalytic hydroamination of isocyanates and isothiocyanates with aryl amines using calcium complex is presented.

Backbone Reactivity of Lithium β-Diketiminate (NacNac) Complexes with CO2 , tBuNCO and iPrNCO

Though alkali metal NacNac (β-diketiminate) complexes have been utilised in synthesis as NacNac-transfer agents, studies of them in their own right with small molecules are exceptionally rare. Here, the lithium compound of the common 2,6-diisopropylphenyl-β-methyldiketiminate [NacNac(Dipp, Me)] ligand is investigated with carbon dioxide and isocyanates. In all four cases reaction occurs at the backbone γ-C atom of the NacNac ligand, which redistributes electronically into a diimine. Insertion of CO₂ gives an eight-atom carboxylate (Li₂ O₄ C₂ ) ring at the γ-C site in a dimer. Insertion of tBuNCO gives a secondary amide at the γ-C site in a monomer with TMEDA chelating lithium. Double insertion of tBuNCO and (adventitious) oxygen gives a dimer with a (LiO)₂ central core involving the latter source. Insertion of less bulky (iPrNCO) gives a dimer with dimerisation through the C=O bonds of the emergent secondary amide function.

Calcium-catalyzed reactions of element-H bonds

Investigation on organocalcium catalysis is just unfolding during the past decade. Beside conventional Ca salts with strong electron-withdrawing counter anions that may serve as Lewis acid catalysts, many Ca complexes have also been designed recently and found to be good catalysts in activation of element-H (EH) bonds like transition metal catalysts. These findings are interesting and may attract the interest of the chemists. Due to the great abundance, non-toxicity, and biocompatible features of Ca element, Ca-catalyzed reactions can be of great significance from the viewpoint of industry. This short review summarizes the recent advances on Ca-catalyzed reactions of EH bonds. We hope that it may provide a useful guide for interested readers from both the academy and industry.

Hydroamination of carbodiimides, isocyanates, and isothiocyanates by a bis(phosphinoselenoic amide) supported titanium(iv) complex

The hydroamination of heterocumulenes such as carbodiimides, isocyanates, and isothiocyanates by a bis(phosphinoselenoic amide) supported titanium(iv) complex as a precatalyst is reported here. The titanium(iv) complex [{Ph₂P(Se)NCH₂CH₂NPPh₂(Se)}Ti(NMe₂)₂] (1) was synthesised by the reaction of tetrakis-(dimethylamido)titanium(iv) [Ti(NMe₂)₄] with [{Ph₂P(Se)NHCH₂CH₂NHPPh₂(Se)}] in toluene at ambient temperature. Titanium complex 1 proved to be a competent pre-catalyst for the addition of an amine N-H bond to carbodiimides, isocyanates, and isothiocyanates. The reaction scope was expanded to reactions of aliphatic and aromatic amines with phenylisocyanates and phenylisothiocyanates in toluene solvents proceeding rapidly at room temperature with 5 mol% catalyst loadings to yield the corresponding urea and thio-urea derivatives up to 99%. However, ambient temperature was needed for hydroamination of 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. The amine addition reactions with isocyanates showed first order kinetics with respect to catalyst 1 as well as substrates. The most plausible mechanism for the hydroamination reaction was established by isolating 1,1-dimethylphenyl urea as a side product.

Alkaline earths as main group reagents in molecular catalysis

The past decade has witnessed some remarkable advances in our appreciation of the structural and reaction chemistry of the heavier alkaline earth (Ae = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) elements. Derived from complexes of these metals in their immutable +2 oxidation state, a broad and widely applicable catalytic chemistry has also emerged, driven by considerations of cost and inherent low toxicity. The considerable adjustments incurred to ionic radius and resultant cation charge density also provide reactivity with significant mechanistic and kinetic variability as group 2 is descended. In an attempt to place these advances in the broader context of contemporary main group element chemistry, this review focusses on the developing state of the art in both multiple bond heterofunctionalisation and cross coupling catalysis. We review specific advances in alkene and alkyne hydroamination and hydrophosphination catalysis and related extensions of this reactivity that allow the synthesis of a wide variety of acyclic and heterocyclic small molecules. The use of heavier alkaline earth hydride derivatives as pre-catalysts and intermediates in multiple bond hydrogenation, hydrosilylation and hydroboration is also described along with the emergence of these and related reagents in a variety of dehydrocoupling processes that allow that facile catalytic construction of Si-C, Si-N and B-N bonds.

An unexpected reaction to methodology: an unprecedented approach to transamidation

An unprecedented approach for the synthesis of disubstituted ureas from a cross coupling method using monosubstituted ureas, isocyanates and sodium hydride.

Imidazol-2-ylidene-N′-phenylureate ligands in alkali and alkaline earth metal coordination spheres – heterocubane core to polymeric structural motif formation

Synthetic and structural details of imidazol-2-ylidene-N′-phenylureate ligand supported two potassium complexes with a hetero-cubane K₄O₄ core and a polymeric structure, along with a mixed metal Ca–K complex are presented.

Early main group metal catalysis: how important is the metal?

Organocalcium compounds have been reported as efficient catalysts for various alkene transformations. In contrast to transition metal catalysis, the alkenes are not activated by metal-alkene orbital interactions. Instead it is proposed that alkene activation proceeds through an electrostatic interaction with a Lewis acidic Ca(2+) . The role of the metal was evaluated by a study using the metal-free catalysts: [Ph2 N(-) ][Me4 N(+) ] and [Ph3 C(-) ][Me4 N(+) ]. These "naked" amides and carbanions can act as catalysts in the conversion of activated double bonds (CO and CN) in the hydroamination of ArNCO and RNCNR (R=alkyl) by Ph2 NH. For the intramolecular hydroamination of unactivated CC bonds in H2 CCHCH2 CPh2 CH2 NH2 the presence of a metal cation is crucial. A new type of hybrid catalyst consisting of a strong organic Schwesinger base and a simple metal salt can act as catalyst for the intramolecular alkene hydroamination. The influence of the cation in catalysis is further evaluated by a DFT study.

Developing catalytic applications of cooperative bimetallics: competitive hydroamination/trimerization reactions of isocyanates catalysed by sodium magnesiates

Mixed-metal reagents [NaMg(CH2SiMe3)3] (1) and [(THF)NaMg(NPh2)3(THF)] [3-(THF)(2)] can act as precatalysts to selectively promote the hydroamination/trimerization of isocyanates (RNCO) depending on the steric bulk of the R substituent.

Heteroleptic alkyl and amide iminoanilide alkaline earth and divalent rare earth complexes for the catalysis of hydrophosphination and (cyclo)hydroamination reactions

[{N^N}M(X)(thf)n] alkyl (X=CH(SiMe3)2) and amide (X=N(SiMe3)2) complexes of alkaline earths (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) and divalent rare earths (Yb(II) and Eu(II) ) bearing an iminoanilide ligand ({N^N}(-)) are presented. Remarkably, these complexes proved to be kinetically stable in solution. X-ray diffraction studies allowed us to establish size-structure trends. Except for one case of oxidation with [{N^N}Yb(II){N(SiMe3)2}(thf)], all these complexes are stable under the catalytic conditions and constitute effective precatalysts for the cyclohydroamination of terminal aminoalkenes and the intermolecular hydroamination and intermolecular hydrophosphination of activated alkenes. Metals with equal sizes across alkaline earth and rare earth families display almost identical apparent catalytic activity and selectivity. Hydrocarbyl complexes are much better catalyst precursors than their amido analogues. In the case of cyclohydroamination, the apparent activity decreases with metal size: Ca>Sr>Ba, and the kinetic rate law agrees with R(CHA) =k[precatalyst](1)[aminoalkene](1). The intermolecular hydroamination and hydrophosphination of styrene are anti-Markovnikov regiospecific. In both cases, the apparent activity increases with the ionic radius (Ca<Sr<Ba) but the rate laws are different, and obey R(HA) =k[styrene](1)[amine](1)[precatalyst](1) and R(HP) =k[styrene](1)[HPPh2 ](0)[precatalyst](1), respectively. Mechanisms compatible with the rate laws and kinetic isotopic effects are proposed. [{N^N}Ba{N(SiMe3)2}(thf)2] (3) and [{N^N}Ba{CH(SiMe3)2}(thf)2] (10) are the first efficient Ba-based precatalysts for intermolecular hydroamination and hydrophosphination, and display activity values that are above those reported so far. The potential of the precatalysts for C-N and C-P bond formation is detailed and a rare cyclohydroamination-intermolecular hydroamination "domino" sequence is presented.

Zirconium complexes incorporated with asymmetrical tridentate pincer type mono- and di-anionic pyrrolyl ligands: mechanism and reactivity as catalytic precursors

The reactions of Zr(NR(2))(4) (1, R = Me; 2, R = Et) with an asymmetrical tridentate pincer type pyrrole ligand precursor [C(4)H(2)NH(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))] and treatment of the derivatives with either PhNCS or PhNCO have been carried out and characterized. Reacting Zr(NR(2))(4) (1, R = Me; 2, R = Et) with [C(4)H(2)NH(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))] generates Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))](NR(2))(2) (3, R = Me; 4, R = Et) in high yield along with the elimination of 2 equiv of dimethylamine or diethylamine, respectively. Interestingly, while changing the solvent from Et(2)O to CH(2)Cl(2), the complex Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))][C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))]Cl (5) is produced by undergoing C-Cl bond cleavage. Furthermore, reaction of either 3 or 4 with 1 or 2 equiv of PhNCS or PhNCO yields Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))](NMe(2))[PhNC(NMe(2))S] (6), Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)N(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))](NEt(2))[PhNC(NEt(2))O] (7) and Zr[C(4)H(2)N(2-CH(2)NH(t)Bu)(5-CH(2)NMe(2))][PhNC(NEt(2))O](3) (8), respectively. All the aforementioned complexes were characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectrometry and the molecular structures of 5, 6, and 8 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. Complexes 4, 5, and 7 initiated the ethylene polymerization in the presence of MAO as the co-catalyst.