Transmetalation of boronic acids and their derivatives: mechanistic elucidation and relevance to catalysis

The Suzuki-Miyaura reaction (the cross-coupling reaction of boronic acids with organic halides catalysed by Pd complexes) has been recognised as a useful synthetic organic reaction that forms a C(sp²)-C(sp²) bond. The catalytic cycle of the reaction involves the transmetalation of aryl- and alkenylboronic acids with Pd(II) complexes. It migrates the aryl and alkenyl groups of boronic acid to Pd and produces a Pd-C bond. Many studies have investigated the mechanism of transmetalation. They elucidated the mechanism of the organometallic reaction and its role as a fundamental step in catalytic reactions. This perspective reviews studies on the transmetalation of aryl- and alkenylboronic acids with Pd(II) complexes. Emphasis was laid on the structures and chemical properties of the intermediate Pd complexes and the effects of OH^- on the pathways of the catalytic Suzuki-Miyaura reaction. The reactions of arylboronic acids with Rh(I)-OH complexes were investigated, which are relevant to the mechanism of Rh-catalysed addition of aryl boronic acids to enones and aldehydes. Recent studies on the transmetalation of boronic acids with other late transition metals such as Fe(II), Co(I), Pt(II), Au(III), and Au(I) are presented with the related catalytic reactions and their utilisation in the synthesis of aromatic molecules and π-conjugated materials.

A phosphomide based PNP ligand, 2,6-{Ph2PC(O)}2(C5H3N), showing PP, PNP and PNO coordination modes

Coordination chemistry of a versatile phosphomide ligand, 2,6-{Ph₂PC(O)}₂(C₅H₃N), is described.

Pd-catalyzed ligand-free Suzuki reaction of β-substituted allylic halides with arylboronic acids in water

The combination of Pd(TFA)₂ and KOH could efficiently catalyze the reaction of β-substituted allylic halides with arylboronic acids in water.

Colourimetric and fluorescent probes for the optical detection of palladium ions

In recent years, the development of optical probes to analyse trace palladium ions (Pd(2+)) has attracted great attention because of the residual palladium released by catalytic converters or from various Pd-catalysed reactions. These residual palladium ions may cause potential health hazards. This review provides a brief introduction to the new methods used to determine trace amounts of Pd(2+), which then mainly focuses on the different reporting systems and unique mechanisms of the colourimetric and fluorescent probes used to detect Pd(2+), including Pd(2+) complex formation or Pd-catalysed reactions.