Trifluoroethylation and Pentafluoropropylation of C(sp3)-H Bonds

Polyfluorinated substituents often enhance effectiveness, improve the stability within metabolic processes, and boost the lipophilicity of biologically active compounds. However, methods for their introduction into aliphatic carbon chains remain very limited. A potentially general route to integrate the fluorinated scaffolds into organic molecules involves insertion of fluorine-containing carbenes into C(sp3)-H bonds. The electron-withdrawing characteristics of perfluoroalkyl groups enhances the reactivity of these carbenes which should enable the functionalization of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds. Curiously, it appears that use of perfluoroalkyl-containing carbenes in alkane C-H functionalization is exceedingly rare. This concept describes photolysis, enzymatic catalysis, and transition metal catalysis as three primary approaches to C(sp3)-H functionalization by trifluoromethylcarbene and its homologues.

Structural diversity of copper(I)-ethylene complexes with 2,4-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrimidine directed by anions

The 3 : 1 reaction of [Cu(C2H4)n]ClO4 with 2,4-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrimidine (bpprd) in Me2CO under C2H4 afforded yellow prism crystals of the dinuclear Cu(I)-C2H4 complex [Cu2(bpprd)(η2-C2H4)2(ClO4)2] (1). The 3 : 1 reaction of [Cu(C2H4)n]NO3 with bpprd in Me2CO under C2H4 afforded yellow plate crystals of the tetranuclear Cu(I)-C2H4 complex [Cu4(bpprd)2(η2-C2H4)4(μ-NO3)2](NO3)2 (2). The 10 : 1 reaction of [Cu(C2H4)n]BF4 with bpprd in Me2CO under C2H4 afforded yellow plate crystals of the dinuclear Cu(I)-C2H4 complex [Cu2(bpprd)(η2-C2H4)2(BF4)]BF4 (3). The 3 : 1 reaction of [Cu(C2H4)n]BF4 with bpprd in Me2CO under C2H4 afforded red prism crystals of the polymeric Cu(I)-C2H4 complex {[Cu6(bpprd)4(η2-C2H4)2(μ-η2:η2-C2H4)(μ-BF4)2](BF4)4}n (4). The X-ray crystal structures of complexes 1-4 have been determined. The structural diversity of Cu(I)-C2H4 complexes bridged by bpprd with different anions was demonstrated. The 1D Cu(I)-bpprd/C2H4 coordination polymer 4 bridged by unusual μ-η2:η2-C2H4 and the μ-BF4- anion is of particular significance. Complex 1 exhibited relatively well-resolved 1H NMR signals of bpprd and C2H4 (δ = 4.97 ppm) in (CD3)2CO at 23 °C.

Bonding and 13 C-NMR properties of coinage metal tris(ethylene) and tris(norbornene) complexes: Evaluation of the role of relativistic effects from DFT calculations

The π-complexes of cationic coinage metal ions (Cu(I), Ag(I), Au(I)) provide useful experimental support for understanding fundamental characteristics of bonding and ¹³ C-NMR patterns of the group 11 triad. Here, we account for the role of relativistic effects on olefin-coinage metal ion interaction for cationic, homoleptic tris-ethylene, and tris-norbornene complexes, [M(η² -C₂ H₄ )₃ ]⁺ and [M(η² -C₇ H₁₀ )₃ ]⁺ (M = Cu, Ag, Au), as representative case of studies. The M-(CC) bond strength in the cationic, tris-ethylene complexes is affected sizably for Au and to a lesser extent for Ag and Cu (48.6%, 16.7%, and 4.3%, respectively), owing to the influence on the different stabilizing terms accounting for the interaction energy in the formation of coinage metal cation-π complexes. The bonding elements provided by olefin → M σ-donation and olefin ← M π-backbonding are consequently affected, leading to a lesser covalent interaction going down in the triad if the relativistic effects are ignored. Analysis of the ¹³ C-NMR tensors provides further understanding of the observed experimental values, where the degree of backbonding charge donation to π₂ *-olefin orbital is the main influence on the observed high-field shifts in comparison to the free olefin. This donation is larger for ethylene complexes and lower for norbornene counterparts. However, the bonding energy in the later complexes is slightly stabilized given by the enhancement in the electrostatic character of the interaction. Thus, the theoretical evaluation of metal-alkene bonds, and other metal-bonding situations, benefits from the incorporation of relativistic effects even in lighter counterparts, which have an increasing role going down in the group.

“Sandwich” Diimine‐Copper Catalysts for C−H Functionalization by Carbene Insertion

We report here "sandwich" diimine-copper(I) catalysts for C(sp³ )-H bond functionalization. Reactions of alkanes and ethers with trimethylsilyldiazomethane, ethyl diazoacetate, and trifluoromethyl-diazomethane have been demonstrated. We also report C(sp³ )-H bond methylation, benzylation, and diphenylmethylation by diazomethane, aryldiazomethanes, and diphenyldiazomethane. These reactions are rare examples of base-metal catalyzed, intermolecular C(sp³ )-H functionalizations by employing unactivated diazo compounds. Electrophilicity and unique steric environment of "sandwich"-copper catalysts are likely reasons for their catalytic efficiency.

Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Transformations of Metal-Organic-Framework-Supported, Site-Isolated Trigonal-Planar Cu(I) Complexes with Labile Ligands

Transition-metal complexes bearing labile ligands can be difficult to isolate and study in solution because of unwanted dinucleation or ligand substitution reactions. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide a unique matrix that allows site isolation and stabilization of well-defined transition-metal complexes that may be of importance as moieties for gas adsorption or catalysis. Herein we report the development of an in situ anion metathesis strategy that facilitates the postsynthetic modification of Cu(I) complexes appended to a porous, crystalline MOF. By exchange of coordinated chloride for weakly coordinating anions in the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) or ethylene, a series of labile MOF-appended Cu(I) complexes featuring CO or ethylene ligands are prepared and structurally characterized using X-ray crystallography. These complexes have an uncommon trigonal planar geometry because of the absence of coordinating solvents. The porous host framework allows small and moderately sized molecules to access the isolated Cu(I) sites and displace the "place-holder" CO ligand, mirroring the ligand-exchange processes involved in Cu-centered catalysis.

Ethylene-Bridged Hexadentate Bis(amidines) and Bis(amidinates) with Variable Binding Sites

Hexadentate bis(amidines) form versatile networks of hydrogen bonds both in solid state and solution, as revealed by X-ray crystallography, IR, and NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, the corresponding bis(amidinates) produce blue and green emissions in THF solution. Tethered tetradentate bis(amidines) have emerged in coordination chemistry, enantioselective catalysis, as building blocks for polyfunctional heterocycles, and in photoluminescent materials. The next generation of flexible bis(amidine)/bis(amidinate) platforms with up to six N-donor sites has now been established.

Monoanionic, Bis(pyrazolyl)methylborate [(Ph3B)CH(3,5-(CH3)2Pz)2)]- as a Supporting Ligand for Copper(I)-ethylene, cis-2-Butene, and Carbonyl Complexes

The monoanionic bidentate ligand [(Ph₃B)CH(3,5-(CH₃)₂Pz)₂)]^- has been prepared from lithium bis(pyrazolyl)methanide and triphenylborane. This useful new ligand is closely related to the well-established bis(pyrazolyl)borate and bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands but has key differences to both analogues as well. The ethylene, cis-2-butene, and carbon monoxide adducts [(Ph₃B)CH(3,5-(CH₃)₂Pz)₂]Cu(L) (where L = C₂H₄, cis-CH₃HC═CHCH₃, and CO) have been prepared from [(Ph₃B)CH(3,5-(CH₃)₂Pz)₂)]Li(THF), copper(I) triflate, and the corresponding coligand. These complexes have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. In all cases the bis(pyrazolyl) moiety is bound in κ²N fashion with the BPh₃ group rotated to sit over the metal center, sometimes coordinating to the metal via phenyl carbons as in [(Ph₃B)CH(3,5-(CH₃)₂Pz)₂)]Li(THF) and [(Ph₃B)CH(3,5-(CH₃)₂Pz)₂]Cu(CO) or simply hovering above the metal site as in [(Ph₃B)CH(3,5-(CH₃)₂Pz)₂)]Cu(C₂H₄) and [(Ph₃B)CH(3,5-(CH₃)₂Pz)₂)]Cu(cis-CH₃HC═CHCH₃). The ¹³C and ¹H resonances of the ethylene carbon and protons of [(Ph₃B)CH(3,5-(CH₃)₂Pz)₂)]Cu(C₂H₄) appear at δ 81.0 and 3.71 ppm in CD₂Cl₂, respectively. The characteristic CO frequency for [(Ph₃B)CH(3,5-(CH₃)₂Pz)₂]Cu(CO) has been observed at υ̅ 2092 cm^-1 by infrared spectroscopy and is lower than that of free CO suggesting moderate M → CO π-back-donation. A detailed analysis of these complexes has been presented herein.

Synthesis of Aminobenzoic Acid Derivatives via Chemoselective Carbene Insertion into the -NH Bond Catalyzed by Cu(I) Complex

Phosphine ligand stabilized air-stable Cu(I) complexes have been successfully used to functionalize the aromatic aminobenzoic acids in a chemoselective manner without implementing protection and deprotection strategy under mild reaction conditions. This chemoselective carbene insertion into -NH bond over -COOH and -OH bonds leads to the wide range of carboxy and hydroxy functionalized α-amino esters (27 examples). All of the isolated new products have been fully characterized using standard analytical methods.

Fluorinated triazapentadienyl ligand supported ethyl zinc(ii) complexes: reaction with dioxygen and catalytic applications in the Tishchenko reaction

Ethyl zinc complexes [N{(C3F7)C(Dipp)N}2]ZnEt, [N{(C3F7)C(Cy)N}2]ZnEt, [N{(CF3)C(2,4,6-Br3C6H2)N}2]ZnEt and [N{(C3F7)C(2,6-Cl2C6H3)N}2]ZnEt have been synthesized from the corresponding 1,3,5-triazapentadiene and diethyl zinc. X-ray data show that [N{(C3F7)C(Dipp)N}2]ZnEt has a distorted trigonal planar geometry at the zinc center. The triazapentadienyl ligand binds to zinc in a κ(2)-mode. The zinc-ethyl bonds of [N{(C3F7)C(Dipp)N}2]ZnEt, [N{(C3F7)C(Cy)N}2]ZnEt, [N{(CF3)C(2,4,6-Br3C6H2)N}2]ZnEt and [N{(C3F7)C(2,6-Cl2C6H3)N}2]ZnEt readily undergo oxygen insertion upon exposure to dry air to produce the corresponding zinc-ethoxy or zinc-ethylperoxy compounds. The ethoxy zinc adducts {[N{(CF3)C(2,4,6-Br3C6H2)N}2]ZnOEt}2 and {[N{(C3F7)C(2,6-Cl2C6H3)N}2]ZnOEt}2 as well as the ethylperoxy zinc adduct {[N{(C3F7)C(Cy)N}2]ZnOOEt}2 have been isolated and fully characterized by several methods including X-ray crystallography. They feature dinuclear structures with four-coordinate zinc sites and bridging-ethoxy or -ethylperoxy groups. The ethyl zinc complexes catalyze the Tishchenko reaction of benzaldehyde under solventless conditions affording benzyl benzoate. The reaction of ethyl zinc complexes with dioxygen and their catalytic behaviour in the Tishchenko reaction are affected by the electronic and steric factors of the triazapentadienyl ligand. {[N{(C3F7)C(Cy)N}2]ZnOOEt}2 is an excellent reagent for the epoxidation of trans-chalcone.

Catalyst design based on agostic interactions: synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of bis(pyrazolyl)borate copper complexes

The first example of designed catalysts based on the agostic-like weak interaction acts as a “switch” which will be turned “on” and “off” during the catalytic process.

Crystal structure of [1-(2,6-diiso-propyl-phen-yl)-2,4-bis-(di-methyl-amino)-5-tri-methyl-silyl-1,3,5-tri-aza-penta-dienyl-κ(2) N (1),N (5)](tri-phenyl-phosphane-κP)copper(I)

The title complex, [Cu(C21H38N5Si)(C18H15P)], was obtained from the one-pot reaction between (Dipp)N(Li)SiMe3 (Dipp = 2,6-diiso-propyl-phen-yl), Me2NCN, CuCl and PPh3. The Cu(I) atom has a distorted trigonal-planar coordination sphere. The tri-aza-penta-dienyl ligand acts as a κ(2)-donor. The N-Cu-N bond angle is 95.88 (14)°. In the tri-aza-penta-dienyl fragment, the C-N bond lengths are in the range 1.328 (5)-1.349 (5) Å, which indicates delocalization of the π-electrons in the NCNCN system.

Synthesis and characterization of silver(I) adducts supported solely by 1,3,5-triazapentadienyl ligands or by triazapentadienyl and other N-donors

Halogenated 1,3,5-triazapentadienyl ligands [N{(C(3)F(7))C(C(6)F(5))N}(2)](-), [N{(CF(3))C(C(6)F(5))N}(2)](-) and [N{(C(3)F(7))C(2,6-Cl(2)C(6)H(3))N}(2)](-), alone or in combination with other N-donors like CH(3)CN, CH(3)(CH(2))(2)CN, and N(C(2)H(5))(3), have been used in the stabilization of thermally stable, two-, three- or four-coordinate silver(i) adducts. X-Ray crystallographic analyses of {[N{(C(3)F(7))C(C(6)F(5))N}(2)]Ag}(n), {[N{(C(3)F(7))C(C(6)F(5))N}(2)]Ag(NCCH(3))}(n), {[N{(C(3)F(7))C(2,6-Cl(2)C(6)H(3))N}(2)]Ag(NCCH(3))}(n), {[N{(CF(3))C(C(6)F(5))N}(2)]Ag(NCCH(3))(2)}(n) and {[N{(C(3)F(7))C(C(6)F(5))N}(2)]Ag(NCC(3)H(7))}(n) revealed the presence of bridging 1,3,5-triazapentadienyl ligands bonded to silver through terminal nitrogen atoms. These adducts are polymeric in the solid state. [N{(C(3)F(7))C(2,6-Cl(2)C(6)H(3))N}(2)]AgN(C(2)H(5))(3) is monomeric and features a 1,3,5-triazapentadienyl ligand bonded to Ag(I) in a κ(1)-fashion via only one of the terminal nitrogen atoms. The solid state structure of [N{(C(3)F(7))C(C(6)F(5))N}(2)]H has also been reported and it forms polymeric chains via inter-molecular N-H···N hydrogen-bonding.