Recent Advances in Enantioselective Pd-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution: From Design to Applications

This Review compiles the evolution, mechanistic understanding, and more recent advances in enantioselective Pd-catalyzed allylic substitution and decarboxylative and oxidative allylic substitutions. For each reaction, the catalytic data, as well as examples of their application to the synthesis of more complex molecules, are collected. Sections in which we discuss key mechanistic aspects for high selectivity and a comparison with other metals (with advantages and disadvantages) are also included. For Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution, the catalytic data are grouped according to the type of nucleophile employed. Because of the prominent position of the use of stabilized carbon nucleophiles and heteronucleophiles, many chiral ligands have been developed. To better compare the results, they are presented grouped by ligand types. Pd-catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative reactions are mainly promoted by PHOX or Trost ligands, which justifies organizing this section in chronological order. For asymmetric oxidative allylic substitution the results are grouped according to the type of nucleophile used.

A protic ionic liquid as an atom economical solution for palladium catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation

A recyclable palladium catalyst for asymmetric allylic alkylation that generates its own ionic liquid solvent.

DFT Study of the Reaction Mechanisms of Carbon Dioxide and its Isoelectronic Molecules CS2 and OCS Dissolved in Pyrrolidinium and Imidazolium Acetate Ionic Liquids

The reaction mechanisms of CO2 and its isoelectronic molecules OCS and CS2 dissolved in N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium acetate and in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate were investigated by DFT calculations in "gas phase". The analysis of predicted multistep pathways allowed calculating energies of reaction and energy barriers of the processes. The major role played by the acetate anion in the degradation of the solutes CS2 and OCS as well as in the capture of OCS and CO2 by the imidazolium ring is highlighted. In both ionic liquids, this anion governs the conversion of CS2 into OCS and of OCS into CO2 through interatomic S-O exchanges between the anion and the solutes with formation of thioacetate anions. In imidazolium acetate, the selective capture of CS2 and OCS by the imidazolium ring competes with the S-O exchanges. From the calculated values of the energy barriers a basicity scale of the anions is proposed. The (13)C NMR chemical shifts of the predicted adducts were calculated and agree well with the experimental observations. It is argued that the scenario issued from the calculated pathways is shown qualitatively to be independent from the functionals and basis set used, constitute a valuable tool in the understanding of chemical reactions taking place in liquid phase.

Ionic liquids in catalysis: molecular and nanometric metal systems

The catalyst immobilization in a liquid phase represents an attractive means to preserve high activities and selectivities, also permitting an easy recycling. To attain this goal, organic products should be extracted in a simple way from the catalytic phase leading to metal-free target compounds; for this reason, ionic liquids exhibiting high affinity for metallic species and low affinity for low polar compounds, turn into a promising medium, in particular for the synthesis of fine chemicals. In the present Accounts, we illustrate this approach through our research involving both molecular organometallic compounds and metallic nanoparticles dispersed in an ionic liquid phase.

Charge-tagged ligands: useful tools for immobilising complexes and detecting reaction species during catalysis

A critical overview is presented on the use of charged tagged ligands (CTLs) as immobilising agents in organometallic catalysis and as probes for studying mechanisms through electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) based on the most recent literature.

In recent years, charge-tagged ligands (CTLs) have become valuable tools in organometallic catalysis. Insertion of an ionic side chain into the molecular skeleton of a known ligand has become a useful protocol for anchoring ligands, and consequently catalysts, in polar and ionic liquid phases. In addition, the insertion of a cationic moiety into a ligand is a powerful tool that can be used to detect reaction intermediates in organometallic catalysis through electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) experiments. The insertion of an ionic tag ensures the charge in the intermediates independently of the ESI-MS. For this reason, these ligands have been used as ionic probes in mechanistic studies for several catalytic reactions. Here, we summarise selected examples on the use of CTLs as immobilising agents in organometallic catalysis and as probes for studying mechanisms through ESI-MS.

Catalyst life in imidazolium-based ionic liquids for palladium-catalysed asymmetric allylic alkylation

Highlighting the reactivity of palladium species in catalytic asymmetric allylic alkylation using imidazolium-based ionic liquids.