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A series of unprecedently air-stable (tricyanoboryl)plumbate anions was obtained by the reaction of the boron-centered nucleophile B(CN)\(_{3}\)\(^{2-}\) with triorganyllead halides. Salts of the anions [R\(_{3}\)PbB(CN)\(_{3}\)]\(^{-}\) (R=Ph, Et) were isolated and found to be stable in air at room temperature. In the case of Me\(_{3}\)PbHal (Hal=Cl, Br), a mixture of the anions [Me\(_{4-n}\)Pb{B(CN)\(_{3}\)}\(_{n}\)]\(^{n-}\) (n=1, 2) was obtained. The [Et\(_{3}\)PbB(CN)\(_{3}\)]− ion undergoes stepwise dismutation in aqueous solution to yield the plumbate anions [Et4\(_{4-n}\)Pb{B(CN)\(_{3}\)}\(_{n}\)]\(^{n-}\) (n=1–4) and PbEt\(_{4}\) as by-product. The reaction rate increases with decreasing pH value of the aqueous solution or by bubbling O\(_{2}\) through the reaction mixture. Adjustment of the conditions allowed the selective formation and isolation of salts of all anions of the series [Et\(_{4-n}\)Pb{B(CN)\(_{3}\)}\(_{n}\)]\(^{n-}\) (n=2–4) including the homoleptic tetraanion [Pb{B(CN)\(_{3}\)}\(_{4}\)]\(^{4-}\).
Designing highly efficient purely organic phosphors at room temperature remains a challenge because of fast non-radiative processes and slow intersystem crossing (ISC) rates. The majority of them emit only single component phosphorescence. Herein, we have prepared 3 isomers (o, m, p-bromophenyl)-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)boranes. Among the 3 isomers (o-, m- and p-BrTAB) synthesized, the ortho-one is the only one which shows dual phosphorescence, with a short lifetime of 0.8 ms and a long lifetime of 234 ms in the crystalline state at room temperature. Based on theoretical calculations and crystal structure analysis of o-BrTAB, the short lifetime component is ascribed to the T\(^M_1\) state of the monomer which emits the higher energy phosphorescence. The long-lived, lower energy phosphorescence emission is attributed to the T\(^A_1\) state of an aggregate, with multiple intermolecular interactions existing in crystalline o-BrTAB inhibiting nonradiative decay and stabilizing the triplet states efficiently.
Boric acid (BA) has been used as a transparent glass matrix for optical materials for over 100 years. However, recently, apparent room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) from BA (crystalline and powder states) was reported (Zheng et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021, 60, 9500) when irradiated at 280 nm under ambient conditions. We suspected that RTP from their BA sample was induced by an unidentified impurity. Our experimental results show that pure BA synthesized from B(OMe)\(_{3}\) does not luminesce in the solid state when irradiated at 250–400 nm, while commercial BA indeed (faintly) luminesces. Our theoretical calculations show that neither individual BA molecules nor aggregates would absorb light at >175 nm, and we observe no absorption of solid pure BA experimentally at >200 nm. Therefore, it is not possible for pure BA to be excited at >250 nm even in the solid state. Thus, pure BA does not display RTP, whereas trace impurities can induce RTP.
Defunctionalization of readily available feedstocks to provide alkenes for the synthesis of multifunctional molecules represents an extremely useful process in organic synthesis. Herein, we describe a transition metal-free, simple and efficient strategy to access alkyl 1,2-bis(boronate esters) via regio- and diastereoselective diboration of secondary and tertiary alkyl halides (Br, Cl, I), tosylates, and alcohols. Control experiments demonstrated that the key to this high reactivity and selectivity is the addition of a combination of potassium iodide and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA). The practicality and industrial potential of this transformation are demonstrated by its operational simplicity, wide functional group tolerance, and the late-stage modification of complex molecules. From a drug discovery perspective, this synthetic method offers control of the position of diversification and diastereoselectivity in complex ring scaffolds, which would be especially useful in a lead optimization program.
The development of ligands capable of effectively stabilizing highly reactive main‐group species has led to the experimental realization of a variety of systems with fascinating properties. In this work, we computationally investigate the electronic, structural, energetic, and bonding features of proximity‐enforced group 13–15 homodimers stabilized by a rigid expanded pincer ligand based on the 1,8‐naphthyridine (napy) core. We show that the redox‐active naphthyridine diimine (NDI) ligand enables a wide variety of structural motifs and element‐element interaction modes, the latter ranging from isolated, element‐centered lone pairs (e.g., E = Si, Ge) to cases where through‐space π bonds (E = Pb), element‐element multiple bonds (E = P, As) and biradical ground states (E = N) are observed. Our results hint at the feasibility of NDI‐E2 species as viable synthetic targets, highlighting the versatility and potential applications of napy‐based ligands in main‐group chemistry.
A study on the reactivity of N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and the cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene cAAC\(^{Me}\) with selected germanium(IV) and tin(IV) chlorides and organyl chlorides is presented. The reactions of the NHCs Me\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\), iPr\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\) and Dipp2Im with the methyl chlorides ECl\(_{2}\)Me\(_{2}\) afforded the adducts NHC ⋅ ECl\(_{2}\)Me\(_{2}\) (E=Ge (1), Sn (2)), NHC=Me\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\) (a), iPr\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\) (b), Dipp\(_{2}\)Im (c)). The reaction of Me2Im\(^{Me}\) with GeCl\(_{4}\) led to isolation of Me\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\) ⋅ GeCl\(_{4}\) (3), the reaction of iPr\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\) with SnCl\(_{4}\) in THF afforded the THF adduct iPr\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\) ⋅ SnCl\(_{4}\) ⋅ THF (4). Dipp\(_{2}\)Im ⋅ GeCl\(_{2}\)Me\(_{2}\) (1 c) isomerized into the backbone coordinated imidazolium salt [aDipp\(_{2}\)Im ⋅ GeClMe\(_{2}\)][Cl] (5) upon thermal treatment. The reactions of cAAC\(^{Me}\) with (i) ECl\(_{2}\)R\(_{2}\) (E=Ge, Sn) gave the adducts cAAC\(^{Me}\) ⋅ ECl\(_{2}\)R\(_{2}\) (R=Me: E=Ge (6); Sn (7); Ph: E=Ge (8)), with (ii) GeClMe\(_{3}\) and GeCl\(_{4}\) the salts [cAAC\(^{Me}\) ⋅ GeMe\(_{3}\)][Cl] (9) and [cAACMeCl][GeCl\(_{3}\)] (10), and (iii) with SnCl\(_{4}\) the salt [cAACMeCl][SnCl\(_{3}\)] (11) and the adduct cAAC\(^{Me}\) ⋅ SnCl\(_{4}\) (12). Reduction of 2 a with KC\(_{8}\) afforded the NHC‐stabilized stannylene Me\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\) ⋅ SnMe\(_{2}\) 13, reduction of 7 with either KC8 or 1,4‐bis‐(trimethylsilyl)‐1,4‐dihydropyrazin in the presence of SnCl\(_{2}\)Me\(_{2}\) yielded cAAC\(^{Me}\) ⋅ SnMe\(_{2}\) ⋅ SnMe\(_{2}\)Cl\(_{2}\) (14).
A series of five new homoleptic, linear nickel d\(^{9}\)‐complexes of the type [Ni\(^{I}\)(NHC)\(_{2}\)]\(^{+}\) is reported. Starting from the literature known Ni(0) complexes [Ni(Mes\(_{2}\)Im)\(_{2}\)] 1, [Ni(Mes\(_{2}\)Im\(^{H2}\))2] 2, [Ni(Dipp\(_{2}\)Im)\(_{2}\)] 3, [Ni(Dipp\(_{2}\)Im\(^{H2}\))\(_{2}\)] 4 and [Ni(cAAC\(^{Me}\))\(_{2}\)] 5 (Mes\(_{2}\)Im=1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)‐imidazolin‐2‐ylidene, Mes\(_{2}\)Im\(^{H2}\)=1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)‐imidazolidin‐2‐ylidene, Dipp\(_{2}\)Im=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐imidazolin‐2‐ylidene, Dipp\(_{2}\)Im\(^{H2}\)=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐imidazolidin‐2‐ylidene, cAAC\(^{Me}\)=1‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3,3,5,5‐tetramethylpyrrolidin‐2‐yliden), their oxidized Ni(I) analogues [Ni\(^{I}\)(Mes\(_{2}\)Im)\(_{2}\)][BPh\(_{4}\)] 1\(^{+}\), [Ni\(^{I}\)(Mes\(_{2}\)Im\(^{H2}\))\(_{2}\)][BPh\(_{4}\)] 2\(^{+}\), [Ni\(^{I}\)(Dipp\(_{2}\)Im)\(_{2}\)][BPh\(_{4}\)] 3\(^{+}\), [Ni\(^{I}\)(Dipp\(_{2}\)Im\(^{H2}\))\(_{2}\)][BPh\(_{4}\)] 4\(^{+}\) and [Ni\(^{I}\)(cAAC\(^{Me}\))\(_{2}\)][BPh\(_{4}\)] 5\(^{+}\) were synthesized by one‐electron oxidation with ferrocenium tetraphenyl‐borate. The complexes 1\(^{+}\)–5\(^{+}\) were fully characterized including X‐ray structure analysis. The complex cations reveal linear geometries in the solid state and NMR spectra with extremely broad, paramagnetically shifted resonances. DFT calculations predicted an orbitally degenerate ground state leading to large magnetic anisotropy, which was verified by EPR measurements in solution and on solid samples. The magnetic anisotropy of the complexes is highly dependent from the steric protection of the metal atom, which results in a noticeable decrease of the g‐tensor anisotropy for the N‐Mes substituted complexes 1\(^{+}\) and 2\(^{+}\) in solution due to the formation of T‐shaped THF adducts.
Photo‐initiated intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) processes play a pivotal role in the excited state reaction dynamics in donor‐bridge‐acceptor systems. The efficacy of such a process can be improved by modifying the extent of π‐conjugation, relative orientation/twists of the donor/acceptor entities and polarity of the environment. Herein, 4‐dimethylamino‐4′‐cyanodiphenylacetylene (DACN‐DPA), a typical donor‐π‐bridge‐acceptor system, was chosen to unravel the role of various internal coordinates that govern the extent of photo‐initiated ICT dynamics. Transient absorption (TA) spectra of DACN‐DPA in n‐hexane exhibit a lifetime of >2 ns indicating the formation of a triplet state while, in acetonitrile, a short time‐constant of ∼2 ps indicates the formation of charge transferred species. Ultrafast Raman loss spectroscopy (URLS) measurements show distinct temporal and spectral dynamics of Raman bands associated with C≡C and C=C stretching vibrations. The appearance of a new band at ∼1492 cm\(^{−1}\) in acetonitrile clearly indicates structural modification during the ultrafast ICT process. Furthermore, these observations are supported by TD‐DFT computations.
A cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene (CAAC)‐stabilized dicoordinate aminoborylene is synthesized by the twofold reduction of a [(CAAC)BCl\(_{2}\)(TMP)] (TMP=2,6‐tetramethylpiperidyl) precursor. NMR‐spectroscopic, X‐ray crystallographic and computational analyses confirm the cumulenic nature of the central C=B=N moiety. Irradiation of [(CAAC)B(TMP)] (2) resulted in an intramolecular C−C bond activation, leading to a doubly‐fused C\(_{10}\)BN heterocycle, while the reaction with acetonitrile resulted in an aryl migration from the CAAC to the acetonitrile nitrogen atom, concomitant with tautomerization of the latter to a boron‐bound allylamino ligand. One‐electron oxidation of 2 with CuX (X=Cl, Br) afforded the corresponding amino(halo)boryl radicals, which were characterized by EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Placing 2 under an atmosphere of CO afforded the tricoordinate (CAAC,CO)‐stabilized aminoborylene. Finally, the twofold oxidation of 2 with chalcogens led, in the case of N\(_{2}\)O and sulfur, to the splitting of the B−C\(_{CAAC}\) bond and formation of the 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,2,4‐dichalcogenadiboretanes and CAAC‐chalcogen adducts, whereas with selenium a monomeric boraselenone was isolated, which showed some degree of B−Se multiple bonding.
The 2‐aryl‐3,4,5,6‐tetraphenyl‐1,2‐azaborinines 1‐EMe\(_{3}\) and 2‐EMe\(_{3}\) (E=Si, Sn; aryl=Ph (1), Mes (=2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl, 2)) were synthesized by ring‐expansion of borole precursors with N\(_{3}\)EMe\(_{3}\)‐derived nitrenes. Desilylative hydrolysis of 1‐ and 2‐SiMe\(_{3}\) yielded the corresponding N‐protonated azaborinines, which were deprotonated with nBuLi or MN(SiMe\(_{3}\))\(_{2}\) (M=Na, K) to the corresponding group 1 salts, 1‐M and 2‐M. While the lithium salts crystallized as monomeric Lewis base adducts, the potassium salts formed coordination polymers or oligomers via intramolecular K⋅⋅⋅aryl π interactions. The reaction of 1‐M or 2‐M with CO\(_{2}\) yielded N‐carboxylate salts, which were derivatized by salt metathesis to methyl and silyl esters. Salt metathesis of 1‐M or 2‐M with methyl triflate, [Cp*BeCl] (Cp*=C\(_{5}\)Me\(_{5}\)), BBr\(_{2}\)Ar (Ar=Ph, Mes, 2‐thienyl), ECl\(_{3}\) (E=B, Al, Ga) and PX\(_{3}\) (X=Cl, Br) afforded the respective group 2, 13 and 15 1,2‐azaborinin‐2‐yl complexes. Salt metathesis of 1‐K with BBr\(_{3}\) resulted not only in N‐borylation but also Ph‐Br exchange between the endocyclic and exocyclic boron atoms. Solution \(^{11}\)B NMR data suggest that the 1,2‐azaborinin‐2‐yl ligand is similarly electron‐withdrawing to a bromide. In the solid state the endocyclic bond length alternation and the twisting of the C\(_{4}\)BN ring increase with the sterics of the substituents at the boron and nitrogen atoms, respectively. Regression analyses revealed that the downfield shift of the endocyclic \(^{11}\)B NMR resonances is linearly correlated to both the degree of twisting of the C\(_{4}\)BN ring and the tilt angle of the N‐substituent. Calculations indicate that the 1,2‐azaborinin‐1‐yl ligand has no sizeable π‐donor ability and that the aromaticity of the ring can be subtly tuned by the electronics of the N‐substituent.
Among the parent borirane, benzoborirene and ortho‐dicarbadodecaborane‐fused borirane, the latter possesses the highest ring strain and the highest Lewis acidity according to our density functional theory (DFT) studies. The synthesis of this class of compounds is thus considerably challenging. The existing examples require either a strong π‐donating group or an extra ligand for B‐coordination, which nevertheless suppresses or completely turns off the Lewis acidity. The title compound, which possesses both features, not only allows the 1,2‐insertion of P=O, C=O or C≡N to proceed under milder conditions, but also enables the heretofore unknown dearomative 1,4‐insertion of Ar−(C=O)− into a B−C bond. The fusion of strained molecular systems to an o‐carborane cage shows great promise for boosting both the ring strain and acidity.
Activation of Ge−H and Sn−H Bonds with N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes and a Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbene
(2023)
A study of the reactivity of several N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and the cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene 1‐(2,6‐di‐iso‐propylphenyl)‐3,3,5,5‐tetramethyl‐pyrrolidin‐2‐ylidene (cAAC\(^{Me}\)) with the group 14 hydrides GeH2Mes2 and SnH2Me2 (Me=CH\(_{3}\), Mes=1,3,5‐(CH\(_{3}\))\(_{3}\)C\(_{6}\)H\(_{2}\)) is presented. The reaction of GeH\(_{2}\)Mes\(_{2}\) with cAAC\(^{Me}\) led to the insertion of cAAC\(^{Me}\) into one Ge−H bond to give cAAC\(^{Me}\)H−GeHMes\(_{2}\) (1). If 1,3,4,5‐tetramethyl‐imidazolin‐2‐ylidene (Me\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\)) was used as the carbene, NHC‐mediated dehydrogenative coupling occurred, which led to the NHC‐stabilized germylene Me\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\)⋅GeMes\(_{2}\) (2). The reaction of SnH\(_{2}\)Me\(_{2}\) with cAAC\(^{Me}\) also afforded the insertion product cAAC\(^{Me}\)H−SnHMe\(_{2}\) (3), and reaction of two equivalents Me\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\) with SnH\(_{2}\)Me\(_{2}\) gave the NHC‐stabilized stannylene Me\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\)⋅SnMe\(_{2}\) (4). If the sterically more demanding NHCs Me\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\), 1,3‐di‐isopropyl‐4,5‐dimethyl‐imidazolin‐2‐ylidene (iPr\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\)) and 1,3‐bis‐(2,6‐di‐isopropylphenyl)‐imidazolin‐2‐ylidene (Dipp\(_{2}\)Im) were employed, selective formation of cyclic oligomers (SnMe\(_{2}\))\(_{n}\) (5; n=5–8) in high yield was observed. These cyclic oligomers were also obtained from the controlled decomposition of cAAC\(^{Me}\)H−SnHMe\(_{2}\) (3).
A modular synthesis of both difurooxa‐ and difuroazadiborepins from a common precursor is demonstrated. Starting from 2,2′‐bifuran, after protection of the positions 5 and 5’ with bulky silyl groups, formation of the novel polycycles proceeds through opening of the furan rings to a dialkyne and subsequent re‐cyclization in the borylation step. The resulting bifuran‐fused diborepins show pronounced stability, highly planar tricyclic structures, and intense blue light emission. Deprotection and transformation into dibrominated building blocks that can be incorporated into π‐extended materials can be performed in one step. Detailed DFT calculations provide information about the aromaticity of the constituent rings of this polycycle.
We report a transition metal‐free, regio‐ and stereo‐selective, phosphine‐catalyzed method for the trans hydroboration of 1,3‐diynes with pinacolborane that affords (E)‐1‐boryl‐1,3‐enynes. The reaction proceeds with excellent selectivity for boron addition to the external carbon of the 1,3‐diyne framework as unambiguously established by NMR and X‐ray crystallographic studies. The reaction displays a broad substrate scope including unsymmetrical diynes to generate products in high yield (up to 95 %). Experimental and theoretical studies suggest that phosphine attack on the alkyne is a key process in the catalytic cycle.
The synthesis and characterization of laterally extended azabora[5]‐, ‐[6]‐ and ‐[7]helicenes, assembled from N‐heteroaromatic and dibenzo[g,p]chrysene building blocks is described. Formally, the π‐conjugated systems of the pristine azaborole helicenes were enlarged with a phenanthrene unit leading to compounds with large Stokes shifts, significantly enhanced luminescence quantum yields (Φ) and dissymmetry factors (g\(_{lum}\)). The beneficial effect on optical properties was also observed for helical elongation. The combined contributions of lateral and helical extensions resulted in a compound showing green emission with Φ of 0.31 and |g\(_{lum}\)| of 2.2×10\(^{−3}\), highest within the series of π‐extended azaborahelicenes and superior to emission intensity and chiroptical response of its non‐extended congener. This study shows that helical and lateral extensions of π‐conjugated systems are viable strategies to improve features of azaborole helicenes. In addition, single crystal X‐ray analysis of configurationally stable [6]‐ and ‐[7]helicenes was used to provide insight into their packing arrangements.
A series of bis‐(4’‐pyridylethynyl)arenes (arene=benzene, tetrafluorobenzene, and anthracene) were synthesized and their bis‐N‐methylpyridinium compounds were investigated as a class of π‐extended methyl viologens. Their structures were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, and their photophysical and electrochemical properties (cyclic voltammetry), as well as their interactions with DNA/RNA were investigated. The dications showed bathochromic shifts in emission compared to the neutral compounds. The neutral compounds showed very small Stokes shifts, which are a little larger for the dications. All of the compounds showed very short fluorescence lifetimes (<4 ns). The neutral compound with an anthracene core has a quantum yield of almost unity. With stronger acceptors, the analogous bis‐N‐methylpyridinium compound showed a larger two‐photon absorption cross‐section than its neutral precursor. All of the dicationic compounds interact with DNA/RNA; while the compounds with benzene and tetrafluorobenzene cores bind in the grooves, the one with an anthracene core intercalates as a consequence of its large, condensed aromatic linker moiety, and it aggregates within the polynucleotide when in excess over DNA/RNA. Moreover, all cationic compounds showed highly specific CD spectra upon binding to ds‐DNA/RNA, attributed to the rare case of forcing the planar, achiral molecule into a chiral rotamer, and negligible toxicity toward human cell lines at ≤10 μM concentrations. The anthracene‐analogue exhibited intracellular accumulation within lysosomes, preventing its interaction with cellular DNA/RNA. However, cytotoxicity was evident at 1 μM concentration upon exposure to light, due to singlet oxygen generation within cells. These multi‐faceted features, in combination with its two‐photon absorption properties, suggest it to be a promising lead compound for development of novel light‐activated theranostic agents.
Amber Light Control of Peptide Secondary Structure by a Perfluoroaromatic Azobenzene Photoswitch
(2023)
The incorporation of photoswitches into the molecular structure of peptides and proteins enables their dynamic photocontrol in complex biological systems. Here, a perfluorinated azobenzene derivative triggered by amber light was site‐specifically conjugated to cysteines in a helical peptide by perfluoroarylation chemistry. In response to the photoisomerization (trans→cis) of the conjugated azobenzene with amber light, the secondary structure of the peptide was modulated from a disorganized into an amphiphilic helical structure.
Carbene‐stabilized diborynes of the form LBBL (L=N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) or cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene (CAAC)) induce rapid, high yielding, intermolecular ortho‐C−H borylation at N‐heterocycles at room temperature. A simple pyridyldiborene is formed when an NHC‐stabilized diboryne is combined with pyridine, while a CAAC‐stabilized diboryne leads to activation of two pyridine molecules to give a tricyclic alkylideneborane, which can be forced to undergo a further H‐shift resulting in a zwitterionic, doubly benzo‐fused 1,3,2,5‐diazadiborinine by heating. Use of the extended N‐heteroaromatic quinoline leads to a borylmethyleneborane under mild conditions via an unprecedented boron‐carbon exchange process.
In this contribution, we illustrate uranium complexes bearing a pendant borate (i.e. 1 and 2) or a pendant borane (i.e. 3 and 4) moiety via reaction of the highly strained uranacycle I with various 3‐coordinate boranes. Complexes 3 and 4 represent the first examples of uranium complexes with a pendant borane Lewis acid. Moreover, complex 3 was capable of activation of CO, delivering a new CO activation mode, and an abnormal CO 1,2‐insertion pathway into a U−N bond. The importance of the pendant borane moiety was confirmed by the controlled experiments.
A cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene‐stabilized 1,4‐diborabenzene (DBB) ligand enables the isolation of 18‐electron two‐legged parent piano‐stool Fe\(^{0}\) and Ru\(^{0}\) complexes, [(η\(^{6}\)‐DBB)M(CO)\(_{2}\)], the ruthenium complex being the first of its kind to be structurally characterized. [(η\(^{6}\)‐DBB)Fe(CO)\(_{2}\)] reacts with E\(_{4}\) (E=P, As) to yield mixed DBB‐cyclo‐E\(_{4}\) sandwich complexes with planar E\(_{4}\)\(^{2-}\) ligands. Computational analyses confirm the strong electron‐donating capacity of the DBB ligand and show that the E\(_{4}\) ligand is bound by four equivalent Fe−P σ bonds.
Fluoride abstraction from different types of transition metal fluoride complexes [L\(_n\)MF] (M=Ti, Ni, Cu) by the Lewis acid tris(pentafluoroethyl)difluorophosphorane (C\(_2\)F\(_5\))\(_3\)PF\(_2\) to yield cationic transition metal complexes with the tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate counterion (FAP anion, [(C\(_2\)F\(_5\))\(_3\)PF\(_3\)]\(^-\)) is reported. (C\(_2\)F\(_5\))\(_3\)PF\(_2\) reacted with trans-[Ni(iPr\(_2\)Im)\(_2\)(Ar\(^F\))F] (iPr2Im=1,3-diisopropylimidazolin-2-ylidene; Ar\(^F\)=C\(_6\)F\(_5\), 1 a; 4-CF\(_3\)-C\(_6\)F\(_4\), 1 b; 4-C\(_6\)F\(_5\)-C\(_6\)F\(_4\), 1 c) through fluoride transfer to form the complex salts trans-[Ni(iPr\(_2\)Im)\(_2\)(solv)(Ar\(^F\))]FAP (2 a-c[solv]; solv=Et\(_2\)O, CH\(_2\)Cl\(_2\), THF) depending on the reaction medium. In the presence of stronger Lewis bases such as carbenes or PPh\(_3\), solvent coordination was suppressed and the complexes trans-[Ni(iPr\(_2\)Im)\(_2\)(PPh\(_3\))(C\(_6\)F\(_5\))]FAP (trans-2 a[PPh\(_3\)]) and cis-[Ni(iPr\(_2\)Im)\(_2\)(Dipp\(_2\)Im)(C\(_6\)F\(_5\))]FAP (cis-2 a[Dipp\(_2\)Im]) (Dipp\(_2\)Im=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene) were isolated. Fluoride abstraction from [(Dipp\(_2\)Im)CuF] (3) in CH\(_2\)Cl\(_2\) or 1,2-difluorobenzene led to the isolation of [{(Dipp\(_2\)Im)Cu}\(_2\)]\(^2\)\(^+\)2 FAP\(^-\) (4). Subsequent reaction of 4 with PPh\(_3\) and different carbenes resulted in the complexes [(Dipp\(_2\)Im)Cu(LB)]FAP (5 a–e, LB=Lewis base). In the presence of C6Me6, fluoride transfer afforded [(Dipp\(_2\)Im)Cu(C\(_6\)Me\(_6\))]FAP (5 f), which serves as a source of [(Dipp\(_2\)Im)Cu)]\(^+\). Fluoride abstraction of [Cp\(_2\)TiF\(_2\)] (7) resulted in the formation of dinuclear [FCp\(_2\)Ti(μ-F)TiCp\(_2\)F]FAP (8) (Cp=η\(^5\)-C\(_5\)H\(_5\)) with one terminal fluoride ligand at each titanium atom and an additional bridging fluoride ligand.
Novel dyes were prepared by simple “click CuAAC” attachment of a triarylborane–alkyne to the azide side chain of an amino acid yielding triarylborane dye 1 which was conjugated with pyrene (dye 2) forming a triarylborane–pyrene FRET pair. In contrast to previous cationic triarylboranes, the novel neutral dyes interact only with proteins, while their affinity to DNA/RNA is completely abolished. Both the reference triarylborane amino acid and triarylborane–pyrene conjugate bind to BSA and the hDPP III enzyme with high affinities, exhibiting a strong (up to 100-fold) fluorescence increase, whereby the triarylborane–pyrene conjugate additionally retained FRET upon binding to the protein. Furthermore, the triarylborane dyes, upon binding to the hDPP III enzyme, did not impair its enzymatic activity under a wide range of experimental conditions, thus being the first non-covalent fluorimetric markers for hDPP III, also applicable during enzymatic reactions with hDPP III substrates.
Phosphines are important ligands in homogenous catalysis and have been crucial for many advances, such as in cross-coupling, hydrofunctionalization, or hydrogenation reactions. Herein we report the synthesis and application of a novel class of phosphines bearing ylide substituents. These phosphines are easily accessible via different synthetic routes from commercially available starting materials. Owing to the extra donation from the ylide group to the phosphorus center the ligands are unusually electron-rich and can thus function as strong electron donors. The donor capacity surpasses that of commonly used phosphines and carbenes and can easily be tuned by changing the substitution pattern at the ylidic carbon atom. The huge potential of ylide-functionalized phosphines in catalysis is demonstrated by their use in gold catalysis. Excellent performance at low catalyst loadings under mild reaction conditions is thus seen in different types of transformations.
TUCAN is a canonical serialization format that is independent of domain-specific concepts of structure and bonding. The atomic number is the only chemical feature that is used to derive the TUCAN format. Other than that, the format is solely based on the molecular topology. Validation is reported on a manually curated test set of molecules as well as a library of non-chemical graphs. The serialization procedure generates a canonical “tuple-style” output which is bidirectional, allowing the TUCAN string to serve as both identifier and descriptor. Use of the Python NetworkX graph library facilitated a compact and easily extensible implementation.
The 1‐methyl‐3‐(tricyanoborane)imidazolin‐2‐ylidenate anion (2) was obtained in high yield by deprotonation of the B(CN)3‐methylimidazole adduct 1. Regarding charge and stereo‐electronic properties, anion 2 closes the gap between well‐known neutral NHCs and the ditopic dianionic NHC, the 1,3‐bis(tricyanoborane)imidazolin‐2‐ylidenate dianion (IIb). The influence of the number of N‐bonded tricyanoborane moieties on the σ‐donating and π‐accepting properties of NHCs was assessed by quantum chemical calculations and verified by experimental data on 2, IIb, and 1,3‐dimethylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene (IMe, IIa). Therefore NHC 2, which acts as a ditopic ligand via the carbene center and the cyano groups, was reacted with alkyl iodides, selenium, and [Ni(CO)\(_{4}\)] yielding alkylated imidazoles 3 and 4, the anionic selenium adduct 5, and the anionic nickel tricarbonyl complex 8, respectively. The results of this study prove that charge, number of coordination sites, buried volume (%V\(_{bur}\)) and σ‐donor and π‐acceptor abilities of NHCs can be effectively fine‐tuned via the number of tricyanoborane substituents.
Three novel tetracationic bis‐triarylboranes with 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) linkers, and their neutral precursors, showed significant red‐shifted absorption and emission compared to their thiophene‐containing analogues, with one of the EDOT‐derivatives emitting in the NIR region. Only the EDOT‐linked trixylylborane tetracation was stable in aqueous solution, indicating that direct attachment of a thiophene or even 3‐methylthiophene to the boron atom is insufficient to provide hydrolytic stability in aqueous solution. Further comparative analysis of the EDOT‐linked trixylylborane tetracation and its bis‐thiophene analogue revealed efficient photo‐induced singlet oxygen production, with the consequent biological implications. Thus, both analogues bind strongly to ds‐DNA and BSA, very efficiently enter living human cells, accumulate in several different cytoplasmic organelles with no toxic effect but, under intense visible light irradiation, they exhibit almost instantaneous and very strong cytotoxic effects, presumably attributed to singlet oxygen production. Thus, both compounds are intriguing theranostic agents, whose intracellular and probably intra‐tissue location can be monitored by strong fluorescence, allowing switching on of the strong bioactivity by well‐focused visible light.
A series of methylene-bridged bis(triarylboranes) has been synthesized via two complementary routes using metal-free catalytic Si/B exchange condensation under mild conditions. The title compounds comprise two borane moieties that show effective internal π-conjugation involving the respective boron centers and the adjacent hetaryl groups. Conjugation between both borane units, however, is disrupted by the aliphatic linker. Cyclic voltammetry revealed minimal electronic communication between the boron centers, as evidenced by two closely spaced reduction processes. The UV-vis spectra showed bathochromic shifted absorption bands compared to related monoboranes, which is attributed to the methylene bridge. A further red-shift results upon introduction of methyl or SiMe\(_3\) groups at the terminal thiophene rings.
A General Synthetic Route to NHC‐Phosphinidenes: NHC‐mediated Dehydrogenation of Primary Phosphines
(2021)
The dehydrocoupling of primary phosphines with N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) to yield NHC-phosphinidenes is reported. The reaction of two equivalents of the NHCs Me\(_2\)Im (1,3-dimethylimidazolin-2-ylidene), Me\(_4\)Im (1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazolin-2-ylidene), iPr\(_2\)Im (1,3-di-iso-propylimidazolin-2-ylidene) and Mes\(_2\)Im (2,4,6-trimethylphenylimidazolin-2-ylidene) with PhPH\(_2\) and MesPH\(_2\) led to the NHC stabilized phosphinidenes (NHC)PAr: (iPr\(_2\)Im)PPh (1), (Mes\(_2\)Im)PPh (2), (Me\(_4\)Im)PPh (3), (Mes\(_2\)Im)PMes (4), (Me\(_2\)Im)PMes (5), (Me\(_4\)Im)PMes (6) and (iPr\(_2\)Im)PMes (7). The reaction of tBuPH\(_2\) with two equivalents of the NHCs afforded the corresponding NHC stabilized parent phosphinidenes (NHC)PH: (iPr\(_2\)Im)PH (8), (Mes\(_2\)Im)PH (9) and (Me\(_4\)Im)PH (10). Reaction of 1 with oxygen and sulfur led to isolation of iPr\(_2\)Im-P(O)\(_2\)Ph (11) and iPr\(_2\)Im-P(S)\(_2\)Ph (12), whereas the reaction with elemental selenium and tellurium gave (NHC)PPh cleavage with formation of (iPr\(_2\)Im)Se (13), iPr\(_2\)ImTe (14) and different cyclo-oligophosphines. Furthermore, the complexes [{(iPr\(_2\)Im)PPh}W(CO)\(_5\)] (15), [Co(CO)\(_2\)(NO){(iPr\(_2\)Im)PPh}] (16) and [(η\(^5\)-C\(_5\)Me\(_2\))Co(η\(^2\)-C\(_2\)H\(_4\)){(iPr\(_2\)Im)PPh}] (17) have been prepared starting from 1 and a suitable transition metal complex precursor. The complexes 16 and 17 decompose in solution upon heating to ca. 80 °C to yield the NHC complexes [Co(iPr\(_2\)Im)(CO)\(_2\)(NO)] and [(η\(^5\)-C\(_5\)Me\(_5\))Co(iPr\(_2\)Im)(η\(^2\)-C\(_2\)H\(_4\))] with formation of cyclo-oligophosphines. The reaction of 1 with [Ni(COD)\(_2\)] afforded the diphosphene complex [Ni(iPr\(_2\)Im)\(_2\)(trans-PhP=PPh)] 18.
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global concern in human and veterinary medicine, with an ever-increasing void in the arsenal of clinicians. Novel classes of compounds including carbon monoxoide-releasing molecules (CORMs), for example the light-activated metal complex [Mn(CO)\(_3\)(tpa-\(\kappa^{3}N\))]Br, could be used as alternatives/to supplement traditional antibacterials. Avian pathogenic \(Escherichia\) \(coli\) (APEC) represent a large reservoir of antibiotic resistance and can cause serious clinical disease in poultry, with potential as zoonotic pathogens, due to shared serotypes and virulence factors with human pathogenic \(E.\) \(coli\). The \(in\) \(vitro\) activity of [Mn(CO)\(_3\)(tpa-\(\kappa^{3}N\))]Br against multidrug-resistant APECs was assessed via broth microtitre dilution assays and synergy testing with colistin performed using checkerboard and time-kill assays. \(In\) \(vivo\) antibacterial activity of [Mn(CO)\(_3\)(tpa-\(\kappa^{3}N\))]Br alone and in combination with colistin was determined using the \(Galleria\) \(mellonella\) wax moth larvae model. Animals were monitored for life/death, melanisation and bacterial numbers enumerated from larval haemolymph. \(In\) \(vitro\) testing produced relatively high [Mn(CO)\(_3\)(tpa-\(\kappa^{3}N\))]Br minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 1024 mg/L. However, its activity was significantly increased with the addition of colistin, bringing MICs down to \(\geq\)32 mg/L. This synergy was confirmed in time-kill assays. \(In\) \(vivo\) assays showed that the combination of [Mn(CO)\(_3\)(tpa-\(\kappa^{3}N\))]Br with colistin produced superior bacterial killing and significantly increased larval survival. In both \(in\) \(vitro\) and \(in\) \(vivo\) assays light activation was not required for antibacterial activity. This data supports further evaluation of [Mn(CO)\(_3\)(tpa-\(\kappa^{3}N\))]Br as a potential agent for treatment of systemic infections in humans and animals, when used with permeabilising agents such as colistin.
The diorgano(bismuth)alcoholate [Bi((C\(_{6}\)H\(_{4}\)CH\(_{2}\))\(_{2}\)S)OPh] (1-OPh) has been synthesized and fully characterized. Stoichiometric reactions, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and (TD-)DFT calculations suggest its susceptibility to homolytic and heterolytic Bi−O bond cleavage under given reaction conditions. Using the dehydrocoupling of silanes with either TEMPO or phenol as model reactions, the catalytic competency of 1-OPh has been investigated (TEMPO=(tetramethyl-piperidin-1-yl)-oxyl). Different reaction pathways can deliberately be addressed by applying photochemical or thermal reaction conditions and by choosing radical or closed-shell substrates (TEMPO vs. phenol). Applied analytical techniques include NMR, UV/Vis, and EPR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and (TD)-DFT calculations.
A systematic study on Lewis-acid/base adducts of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and the cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene cAAC\(^{Me}\) (1-(2,6-di-iso-propylphenyl)-3,3,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrrolidin-2-ylidene) with antimony(III) chlorides of the general formula SbCl\(_{2}\)R (R=Cl, Ph, Mes) is presented. The reaction of the NHCs Me\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\) (1,3,4,5-tetra-methyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene), iPr\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\) (1,3-di-isopropyl-4,5-dimethyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene), Mes\(_{2}\)Im, Dipp\(_{2}\)Im (R\(_{2}\)Im=1,3-di-organyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene; Mes=2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, Dipp=2,6-di-isopropylphenyl) and cAAC\(^{Me}\) with antimony(III) compounds SbCl\(_{2}\)R (R=Cl (1), Ph (2) and Mes (3)) yields the adducts NHC ⋅ SbCl\(_{2}\)R (R=Cl (4), Ph (5) and Mes (6); NHC=Me\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\) (a), iPr\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\) (b), Dipp\(_{2}\)Im (c) and Mes\(_{2}\)Im (d)) and cAAC\(^{Me}\) ⋅ SbCl\(_{2}\)R (R=Cl (4 e) and Ph (5 e)). Thermal treatment of (Dipp\(_{2}\)Im) ⋅ SbCl\(_{2}\)Ar (Ar=Ph (5 c) and Mes (6 c)) in benzene leads to isomerization to the backbone coordinated \(^{a}\)NHC-adduct \(^{a}\)Dipp\(_{2}\)Im ⋅ SbCl\(_{2}\)Ar (Ar=Mes (7) and Ph (8)) (\(^{"a"}\) denotes “abnormal” coordination mode of the NHC) in high yields. One of the chloride substituents at antimony of 7 can be abstracted by GaCl3 or Ag[BF\(_{4}\)] to obtain the imidazolium salts [\(^{a}\)Dipp\(_{2}\)Im ⋅ SbClMes][BF\(_{4}\)] (9) and [\(^{a}\)Dipp\(_{2}\)Im ⋅ SbClMes][GaCl\(_{4}\)] (10).
The reactions of carbodiimides with the iron arylborylene complex [Fe=BDur(CO)\(_{3}\)(PMe\(_{3}\))] (Dur=2,3,5,6-Me\(_{4}\)C\(_{6}\)H) and the iron bis(borylene) complex [Fe{=BDur}{=BN(SiMe\(_{3}\))\(_{2}\)}(CO)\(_{3}\)] yield a wide variety of temperature-dependent products, including known FeBNC and novel FeBNB metallacycles, complexes of N-heterocyclic boracarbene and spiro-boracarbene ligands and a unique 1,3,2,4-diazadiborolyl pianostool complex, characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The product distributions can be rationalized by considering sequences of cycloaddition, metathesis, insertion, and C−H activation pathways mainly governed by sterics.
The synthesis and characterization of Lewis acid/base adducts between tris(pentafluoroethyl)difluorophosphorane PF\(_{2}\)(C\(_{2}\)F\(_{5}\))\(_{3}\) and selected N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) R\(_{2}\)Im (1,3-di-organyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene) and phosphines are reported. For NHCs with small alkyl substituents at nitrogen (R=Me, nPr, iPr) the adducts NHC ⋅ PF\(_{2}\)(C\(_{2}\)F\(_{5}\))\(_{3}\) (2 a–h) were isolated. The reaction with the sterically more demanding NHCs Dipp\(_{2}\)Im (1,3-bis-(2,6-di-iso-propylphenyl)-imidazolin-2-ylidene) (1 i) and tBu\(_{2}\)Im (1,3-di-tert-butyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene) (1 j) afforded the aNHC adducts 3 i and 3 j (a denotes “abnormal” NHC coordination via a backbone carbon atom). The use of tBuMeIm (1-tert-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolin-2-ylidene) (1 m) led to partial decomposition of the NHC and formation of the salt [tBuMeIm−H][MeIm ⋅ PF\(_{2}\)(C\(_{2}\)F\(_{5}\))\(_{3}\)] (4 m). The phosphorane PF\(_{2}\)(C\(_{2}\)F\(_{5}\))\(_{3}\) forms adducts with PMe\(_{3}\) but does not react with PPh\(_{3}\) or PCy\(_{3}\). The mer-cis isomer of literature-known Me\(_{3}\)P ⋅ PF\(_{2}\)(C\(_{2}\)F\(_{5}\))\(_{3}\) (5 a) was structurally characterized. Mixtures of the phosphorane PF\(_{2}\)(C\(_{2}\)F\(_{5}\))\(_{3}\) and the sterically encumbered NHCs tBu\(_{2}\)Im, Dipp\(_{2}\)Im, and Dipp\(_{2}\)Im\(^{H2}\) (1,3-bis-(2,6-di-iso-propylphenyl)-imidazolidin-2-ylidene) (1 k) showed properties of FLPs (Frustrated Lewis Pairs) as these mixtures were able to open the ring of THF (tetrahydrofuran) to yield NHC−(CH\(_{2}\))\(_{4}\)O−PF\(_{2}\)(C\(_{2}\)F\(_{5}\))\(_{3}\) 6 i–k. Furthermore, the deprotonation of the weak C−H acids CH\(_{3}\)CN, acetone, and ethyl acetate was achieved, which led to the formation of the corresponding imidazolium salts and the phosphates [PF\(_{2}\)(C\(_{2}\)F\(_{5}\))\(_{3}\)(CH\(_{2}\)CN)]\(^{-}\) (7), [PF\(_{2}\)(C\(_{2}\)F\(_{5}\))\(_{3}\)(OC(=CH\(_{2}\))CH\(_{3}\))]\(^{-}\) (8) and [PF\(_{2}\)(C\(_{2}\)F\(_{5}\))\(_{3}\)(CH\(_{2}\)CO\(_{2}\)Et)]\(^{-}\) (9).
We investigate NCl\(_{3}\) and the NCl\(_{2}\) radical by photoelectron-photoion coincidence spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation. The mass selected threshold photoelectron spectrum (ms-TPES) of NCl\(_{3}\) is broad and unstructured due to the large geometry change. An ionization energy of 9.7±0.1 eV is estimated from the spectrum and supported by computations. NCl2 is generated by photolysis at 213 nm from NCl\(_{3}\) and its ms-TPES shows an extended vibrational progression with a 90 meV spacing that is assigned to the symmetric N−Cl stretching mode in the cation. An adiabatic ionization energy of 9.94 ± 0.02 eV is determined.
A practical and direct method was developed for the production of versatile alkyl boronate esters via transition metal-free borylation of primary and secondary alkyl sulfones. The key to the success of the strategy is the use of bis(neopentyl glycolato) diboron (B\(_{2}\)neop\(_{2}\)), with a stoichiometric amount of base as a promoter. The practicality and industrial potential of this protocol are highlighted by its wide functional group tolerance, the late-stage modification of complex compounds, no need for further transesterification, and operational simplicity. Radical clock, radical trap experiments, and EPR studies were conducted which show that the borylation process involves radical intermediates.
A number of novel alkynyl-functionalized diarylbis(dimethylamino)diboranes(4) are prepared by salt metathesis, and the appended alkynyl groups are subjected to hydroboration. Their reactions with monohydroboranes lead to discrete boryl-appended diborane(4) species, while dihydroboranes induce their catenation to oligomeric species, the first known examples of well-characterized macromolecular species with B−B bonds. The oligomeric species were found to comprise up to ten repeat units and are soluble in common organic solvents. Some of the oligomeric species have good air stability and all were characterized by NMR and vibrational spectroscopy and size-exclusion chromatography techniques.
The parent borylene (CAAC)(Me\(_{3}\)P)BH, 1 (CAAC=cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene), acts both as a Lewis base and one-electron reducing agent towards group 13 trichlorides (ECl\(_{3}\), E=B, Al, Ga, In), yielding the adducts 1-ECl\(_{3}\) and increasing proportions of the radical cation [1]\(^{•+}\) for the heavier group 13 analogues. With boron trihalides (BX\(_{3}\), X=F, Cl, Br, I) 1 undergoes sequential adduct formation and halide abstraction reactions to yield borylboronium cations and shows an increasing tendency towards redox processes for the heavier halides. Calculations confirm that 1 acts as a strong Lewis base towards EX3 and show a marked increase in the B−E bond dissociation energies down both group 13 and the halide group.
A case study on the effect of the employment of two different NHC ligands in complexes [Ni(NHC)\(_{2}\)] (NHC=\(^{i}\)Pr\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\) 1\(^{Me}\), Mes\(_{2}\)Im 2) and their behavior towards alkynes is reported. The reaction of a mixture of [Ni\(_{2}\)(\(^{i}\)Pr\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\))\(_{4}\)(μ-(η\(^{2}\) : η\(^{2}\))-COD)] B/ [Ni(\(^{i}\)Pr\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\))\(_{2}\)(η\(^{4}\)-COD)] B’ or [Ni(Mes\(_{2}\)Im)\(_{2}\)] 2, respectively, with alkynes afforded complexes [Ni(NHC)\(_{2}\)(η\(^{2}\)-alkyne)] (NHC=\(^{i}\)Pr\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\): alkyne=MeC≡CMe 3, H\(_{7}\)C\(_{3}\)C≡CC\(_{3}\)H\(_{7}\) 4, PhC≡CPh 5, MeOOCC≡CCOOMe 6, Me\(_{3}\)SiC≡CSiMe\(_{3}\) 7, PhC≡CMe 8, HC≡CC\(_{3}\)H\(_{7}\) 9, HC≡CPh 10, HC≡C(p-Tol) 11, HC≡C(4-\(^{t}\)Bu-C\(_{6}\)H\(_{4}\)) 12, HC≡CCOOMe 13; NHC=Mes\(_{2}\)Im: alkyne=MeC≡CMe 14, MeOOCC≡CCOOMe 15, PhC≡CMe 16, HC≡C(4-\(^{t}\)Bu-C\(_{6}\)H\(_{4}\)) 17, HC≡CCOOMe 18). Unusual rearrangement products 11 a and 12 a were identified for the complexes of the terminal alkynes HC≡C(p-Tol) and HC≡C(4-\(^{t}\)Bu-C\(_{6}\)H\(_{4}\)), 11 and 12, which were formed by addition of a C−H bond of one of the NHC N-\(^{i}\)Pr methyl groups to the C≡C triple bond of the coordinated alkyne. Complex 2 catalyzes the cyclotrimerization of 2-butyne, 4-octyne, diphenylacetylene, dimethyl acetylendicarboxylate, 1-pentyne, phenylacetylene and methyl propiolate at ambient conditions, whereas 1\(^{Me}\) is not a good catalyst. The reaction of 2 with 2-butyne was monitored in some detail, which led to a mechanistic proposal for the cyclotrimerization at [Ni(NHC)\(_{2}\)]. DFT calculations reveal that the differences between 1\(^{Me}\) and 2 for alkyne cyclotrimerization lie in the energy profile of the initiation steps, which is very shallow for 2, and each step is associated with only a moderate energy change. The higher stability of 3 compared to 14 is attributed to a better electron transfer from the NHC to the metal to the alkyne ligand for the N-alkyl substituted NHC, to enhanced Ni-alkyne backbonding due to a smaller C\(_{NHC}\)−Ni−C\(_{NHC}\) bite angle, and to less steric repulsion of the smaller NHC \(^{i}\)Pr\(_{2}\)Im\(^{Me}\).
A 1,8-naphthyridine diphosphine (NDP) reacts with boron-containing Lewis acids to generate complexes featuring a number of different naphthyridine bonding modes. When exposed to diborane B\(_{2}\)Br\(_{4}\), NDP underwent self-deprotonation to afford [NDP-B\(_{2}\)Br\(_{3}\)]Br, an unsymmetrical diborane comprised of four fused rings. The reaction of two equivalents of monoborane BBr\(_{3}\) and NDP in a non-polar solvent provided the simple phosphine-borane adduct [NDP(BBr\(_{3}\))\(_{2}\)], which then underwent intramolecular halide abstraction to furnish the salt [NDP-BBr\(_{2}\)][BBr\(_{4}\)], featuring a different coordination mode from that of [NDP-B\(_{2}\)Br\(_{3}\)]Br. Direct deprotonation of NDP by KHMDS or PhCH2K generates mono- and dipotassium reagents, respectively. The monopotassium reagent reacts with one or half an equivalent of B\(_{2}\)(NMe\(_{2}\))\(_{2}\)Cl\(_{2}\) to afford NDP-based diboranes with three or four amino substituents.
Aminotroponiminate (ATI) ligands are a versatile class of redox-active and potentially cooperative ligands with a rich coordination chemistry that have consequently found a wide range of applications in synthesis and catalysis. While backbone substitution of these ligands has been investigated in some detail, the impact of electron-withdrawing groups on the coordination chemistry and reactivity of ATIs has been little investigated. We report here Li, Na, and K salts of an ATI ligand with a nitro-substituent in the backbone. It is demonstrated that the NO2 group actively contributes to the coordination chemistry of these complexes, effectively competing with the N,N-binding pocket as a coordination site. This results in an unprecedented E/Z isomerisation of an ATI imino group and culminates in the isolation of the first “naked” (i. e., without directional bonding to a metal atom) ATI anion. Reactions of sodium ATIs with silver(I) and tritylium salts gave the first N,N-coordinated silver ATI complexes and unprecedented backbone substitution reactions. Analytical techniques applied in this work include multinuclear (VT-)NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and DFT calculations.
The synthesis, photophysical, and electrochemical properties of selectively mono-, bis- and tris-dimethylamino- and trimethylammonium-substituted bis-triarylborane bithiophene chromophores are presented along with the water solubility and singlet oxygen sensitizing efficiency of the cationic compounds Cat\(^{1+}\), Cat\(^{2+}\), Cat(i)\(^{2+}\), and Cat\(^{3+}\). Comparison with the mono-triarylboranes reveals the large influence of the bridging unit on the properties of the bis-triarylboranes, especially those of the cationic compounds. Based on these preliminary investigations, the interactions of Cat\(^{1+}\), Cat\(^{2+}\), Cat(i)\(^{2+}\), and Cat\(^{3+}\) with DNA, RNA, and DNApore were investigated in buffered solutions. The same compounds were investigated for their ability to enter and localize within organelles of human lung carcinoma (A549) and normal lung (WI38) cells showing that not only the number of charges but also their distribution over the chromophore influences interactions and staining properties.
Fluorinated groups are essential for drug design, agrochemicals, and materials science. The bis(trifluoromethyl)amino group is an example of a stable group that has a high potential. While the number of molecules containing perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroalkoxy, and other fluorinated groups is steadily increasing, examples with the N(CF\(_{3}\))\(_{2}\) group are rare. One reason is that transfer reagents are scarce and metal-based storable reagents are unknown. Herein, a set of Cu\(^{I}\) and Ag\(^{I}\) bis(trifluoromethyl)amido complexes stabilized by N- and P-donor ligands with unprecedented stability are presented. The complexes are stable solids that can even be manipulated in air for a short time. They are bis(trifluoromethyl)amination reagents as shown by nucleophilic substitution and Sandmeyer reactions. In addition to a series of benzylbis(trifluoromethyl)amines, 2-bis(trifluoromethyl)amino acetate was obtained, which, upon hydrolysis, gives the fluorinated amino acid N,N-bis(trifluoromethyl)glycine.
Boroles are attracting broad interest for their myriad and diverse applications, including in synthesis, small molecule activation and functional materials. Their properties and reactivity are closely linked to the cyclic conjugated diene system, which has been shown to participate in cycloaddition reactions, such as the Diels-Alder reaction with alkynes. The reaction steps leading to boranorbornadienes, borepins and tricyclic boracyclohexenes from the thermal reaction of boroles with alkynes are seemingly well understood as judged from the literature. Herein, we question the long-established mechanistic picture of pericyclic rearrangements by demonstrating that seven-membered borepins (i. e., heptaphenylborepin and two derivatives substituted with a thienyl and chloride substituent on boron) exist in a dynamic equilibrium with the corresponding bicyclic boranorbornadienes, the direct Diels-Alder products, but are not isolable products from the reactions. Heating gradually converts the isomeric mixtures into fluorescent tricyclic boracyclohexenes, the most stable isomers in the series. Results from mechanistic DFT calculations reveal that the tricyclic compounds derive from the boranorbornadienes and not the borepins, which were previously believed to be intermediates in purely pericyclic processes.
The development of complexes featuring low-valent, multiply bonded metal centers is an exciting field with several potential applications. In this work, we describe the design principles and extensive computational investigation of new organometallic platforms featuring the elusive manganese-manganese bond stabilized by experimentally realized N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). By using DFT computations benchmarked against multireference calculations, as well as MO- and VB-based bonding analyses, we could disentangle the various electronic and structural effects contributing to the thermodynamic and kinetic stability, as well as the experimental feasibility, of the systems. In particular, we explored the nature of the metal-carbene interaction and the role of the ancillary η\(^{6}\) coordination to the generation of Mn\(_{2}\) systems featuring ultrashort metal-metal bonds, closed-shell singlet multiplicities, and positive adiabatic singlet-triplet gaps. Our analysis identifies two distinct classes of viable synthetic targets, whose electrostructural properties are thoroughly investigated.
Cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene-stabilized (cyano)hydroboryl anions were synthesized by deprotonation of (cyano)dihydroborane precursors. While they display boron-centered nucleophilic reactivity towards organohalides, generating fully unsymmetrically substituted cyano(hydro)organoboranes, they show cyano-nitrogen-centered nucleophilic reactivity towards haloboranes, resulting in the formation of hitherto unknown linear 2-aza-1,4-diborabutatrienes.
Bis(1-(4-tolyl)-carboran-2-yl)-(4-tolyl)-borane [(1-(4-MeC\(_{6}\)H\(_{4}\))-closo-1,2-C\(_{2}\)B\(_{10}\)H\(_{10}\)-2-)\(_{2}\)(4-MeC\(_{6}\)H\(_{4}\))B] (1), a new bis(o-carboranyl)-(R)-borane was synthesised by lithiation of the o-carboranyl precursor and subsequent salt metathesis reaction with (4-tolyl)BBr\(_{2}\). Cyclic voltammetry experiments on 1 show multiple distinct reduction events with a one-electron first reduction. In a selective reduction experiment the corresponding paramagnetic radical anion 1\(^{.−}\) was isolated and characterized. Single-crystal structure analyses allow an in-depth comparison of 1, 1\(^{.−}\), their calculated geometries, and the S\(_{1}\) excited state of 1. Photophysical studies of 1 show a charge transfer (CT) emission with low quantum yield in solution but a strong increase in the solid state. TD-DFT calculations were used to identify transition-relevant orbitals.
A series of highly substituted 1,2-azaborinines, including a phenylene-bridged bis-1,2-azaborinine, was synthesized from the reaction of 1,2-azaborete rhodium complexes with variously substituted alkynes. 1-Rhoda-3,2-azaborole complexes, which are accessible by phosphine addition to the corresponding 1,2-azaborete complexes, were also found to be suitable precursors for the synthesis of 1,2-azaborinines and readily reacted with alkynyl-substituted 1,2-azaborinines to generate new regioisomers of bi-1,2-azaborinines, which feature directly connected aromatic rings. Their molecular structures, which can be viewed as boron-nitrogen isosteres of biphenyls, show nearly perpendicular 1,2-azaborinine rings. The new method using rhodacycles instead of 1,2-azaborete complexes as precursors is shown to be more effective, allowing the synthesis of a wider range of 1,2-azaborinines.
A novel and convenient methodology for the one-pot synthesis of sterically congested triarylboranes by using bench-stable aryltrifluoroborates as the boron source is reported. This procedure gives systematic access to symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted triarylboranes of the types BAr\(_{2}\)Ar’ and BArAr'Ar’’, respectively. Three unsymmetrically substituted triarylboranes as well as their iridium-catalyzed C−H borylation products are reported. These borylated triarylboranes contain one to three positions that can subsequently be orthogonally functionalized in follow-up reactions, such as Suzuki-Miyaura cross-couplings or Sonogashira couplings.
Detection of metals in different environments with high selectivity and specificity is one of the prerequisites of the fight against environmental pollution with these elements. Pyrenes are well suited for the fluorescence sensing in different media. The applied sensing principle typically relies on the formation of intra- and intermolecular excimers, which is however limiting the sensitivity range due to masking of e. g. quenching effects by the excimer emission. Herein we report a highly selective, structurally rigid chemical sensor based on the monomer fluorescence of pyrene moieties bearing triazole groups. This sensor can quantitatively detect Cu\(^{2+}\), Pb\(^{2+}\) and Hg\(^{2+}\) in organic solvents over a broad concentrations range, even in the presence of ubiquitous ions such as Na\(^{+}\), K\(^{+}\), Ca\(^{2+}\) and Mg\(^{2+}\). The strongly emissive sensor's fluorescence with a long lifetime of 165 ns is quenched by a 1 : 1 complex formation upon addition of metal ions in acetonitrile. Upon addition of a tenfold excess of the metal ion to the sensor, agglomerates with a diameter of about 3 nm are formed. Due to complex interactions in the system, conventional linear correlations are not observed for all concentrations. Therefore, a critical comparison between the conventional Job plot interpretation, the method of Benesi-Hildebrand, and a non-linear fit is presented. The reported system enables the specific and robust sensing of medically and environmentally relevant ions in the health-relevant nM range and could be used e. g. for the monitoring of the respective ions in waste streams.