A new binuclear NiII complex with tetrafluorophthalate and 2,2′-bipyridine ligands: synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties

A new NiII compound, [Ni2(tfpa)2(bipy)2(H2O)4] (1) with tetrafluorophthalate (tfpa2−) and 2,2′-bipyridine (abbreviated as bipy) ligands, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the tfpa2− anions act as bis-monodentate linkers connecting NiII centers to form the dinuclear structure of 1. The dimeric units are stabilized by intramolecular π–π stacking and are further connected into a layer through O–HLO hydrogen bonding. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data in the 10–200 K temperature range indicate weak ferromagnetic coupling between the two NiII ions.

3d Transition Metals for C-H Activation

C-H activation has surfaced as an increasingly powerful tool for molecular sciences, with notable applications to material sciences, crop protection, drug discovery, and pharmaceutical industries, among others. Despite major advances, the vast majority of these C-H functionalizations required precious 4d or 5d transition metal catalysts. Given the cost-effective and sustainable nature of earth-abundant first row transition metals, the development of less toxic, inexpensive 3d metal catalysts for C-H activation has gained considerable recent momentum as a significantly more environmentally-benign and economically-attractive alternative. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview on first row transition metal catalysts for C-H activation until summer 2018.

Influence of different metal ions on the assembly, structures, and properties of two complexes based on the semi-rigid bis(pyridyl)-bis(amide) ligand and 4,4′-oxybis(benzoic acid)

Two transitional metal complexes, [Zn(oba)(3-bpcd)] n (1) and [Cd(oba)(3-bpcd)0.5] n (2) [H2oba= 4,4′-oxybis(benzoic acid), 3-bpcd=N,N′-bis(pyridin-3-yl)cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxamide], have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectra, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 possesses a three-fold interpenetrating network based on layers with a 4-connected sql topology. Complex 2 is a layered framework constructed by the oba anions and 3-bpcd ligands, which represents a binodal (3,4)-connected {62.10}{6} topology. The adjacent layers of complex 2 are further linked by hydrogen bonding interactions to build a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. The differences of metal ions in coordination modes show a significant effect on the final structures of the Zn(II)/Cd(II) complexes. The photocatalytic activities and the fluorescence sensing properties of complexes 1 and 2 were investigated.

Co(III)-catalyzed C-H activation/formal SN-type reactions: selective and efficient cyanation, halogenation, and allylation

The first cobalt-catalyzed cyanation, halogenation, and allylation via C-H activation have been realized. These formal SN-type reactions generate valuable (hetero)aryl/alkenyl nitriles, iodides, and bromides as well as allylated indoles using a bench-stable Co(III) catalyst. High regio- and mono-selectivity were achieved for these reactions. Additionally, allylation proceeded efficiently with a turnover number of 2200 at room temperature, which is unprecedented for this Co(III) catalyst. Alkenyl substrates and amides have been successfully utilized in Cp*Co(III)-catalyzed C-H activation for the first time.

Cobalt mediated C–H bond functionalization: emerging tools for organic synthesis

This review provides a perspective on C–H bond functionalization mediated by cobalt complexes used in either stoichiometric or catalytic amounts, without the contribution of any other transition metal, for organic synthesis applications.