Stereoselective Synthesis of All Possible Phosferrox Ligand Diastereoisomers Displaying Three Elements of Chirality: Stereochemical Optimization for Asymmetric Catalysis

Redox-Active Triazole-Derived Mesoionic Imines with Ferrocenyl Substituents and their Metal Complexes: Directed Hydrogen-Bonding, Unusual C-H Activation and Ion-Pair Formation

We present herein the synthesis, characterization and complexation of ferrocenyl-substituted MIIs (mesoionic imines) and their metal complexes. In the free MIIs, strong hydrogen bonding interactions are observed between the imine-N and the C-H bonds of the ferrocenyl substituents both in the solid state and in solution. The influence of this hydrogen bonding is so strong that complexation of the MIIs with [IrCp*Cl2]2 yields unique six-membered iridacycles via C-H-activation of the corresponding C-H-site at the Fc-substituent and not the Ph-substituent. This result is in contrast to previous reports in which always a preferential C-H activation at the phenyl substituent is observed in competitive reactions in the presence of ferrocenyl substituents. The corresponding Ir complexes formed after in-situ halide exchange reaction exist in either [Ir-I] contact or as [Ir]+I- solvent separated ion-pairs depending on the solvent polarity. The iodide coordinated and solvent separated ion-pairs display drastically different physical properties. The TEP (Tolman-electronic-parameter) of these ligands was determined and lines up with previously reported MII-ligands. The redox properties were investigated by a combination of electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical methods. We show here how non-covalent interactions can have a drastic influence on the physical and chemical properties of these new class of compounds.

Enhancing the Efficacy of Chiral Ligands and Catalysts: Siloxane-Substituted Oxazoline Ferrocenes as Next-Generation Candidates

Since the discovery of classical chiral oxazoline ferrocene ligands in 1995, they have become pivotal in transition metal-catalyzed asymmetric transformations. Over the past decade, a notable evolution has been observed with the emergence of siloxane-substituted oxazoline ferrocenes, demonstrating significant potential as chiral ligands and catalysts. These compounds have consistently delivered exceptional results in diverse and mechanistically distinct transformations, surpassing the capabilities of classical oxazoline ferrocene ligands. This review meticulously delineates the research progress on siloxane-substituted oxazoline ferrocene compounds. It encompasses the synthesis of crucial precursors and desired products, highlights their achievements in asymmetric catalysis reactions, and delves into the exploration of the derivatization of these compounds, emphasizing the introduction of ionophilic groups and their impact on the recovery of transition metal catalysts. In addition to presenting the current state of knowledge, this review propels future research directions by identifying potential topics for further investigation concerning the siloxane-tagged derivatives. These derivatives are poised to be promising candidates for the next generation of highly efficient ligands and catalysts.

Concise Six-Step Asymmetric Approach to Ramelteon from an Acetophenone Derivative Using Ir, Rh, Cu, and Ni Catalysis

A concise six-step asymmetric synthesis of nearly enantiomerically pure ramelteon was developed from a monocyclic precursor with a 17% overall yield and a 97% ee in the asymmetric step. The synthetically challenging tricyclic 1,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2H-indeno[5,4-b]furan core of ramelteon was assembled by using Ir-catalyzed O-vinylation and Rh-catalyzed vinyl ether annulation through directed C–H bond activation, while the chirality was introduced with enantioselective reduction of an α,β-unsaturated nitrile moiety under hydrosilylation conditions using a Cu^II/Walphos type catalyst. The presented methodology represents the shortest synthetic approach to ramelteon.

Configuration Sampling With Five-Membered Atropisomeric P,N-Ligands

Here we report a strategy for the systematic variation of atropisomeric C₁ -symmetric P,N ligands to incrementally change the position of the groups within the chiral pocket without modifying their steric parameters. More specifically, the effects of systematic modification of the nitrogen heterocycle in atropisomeric C₁ -symmetric stack ligands have been investigated in this study. The versatility and applicability of this approach has been demonstrated in mechanistically distinct catalytic enantioselective transformations, resulting in the identification of a P,N-ligand for a highly enantioselective synthesis of organoboranes.

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.

Nickel-Catalyzed Migratory Hydrocyanation of Internal Alkenes: Unexpected Diastereomeric-Ligand-Controlled Regiodivergence

A regiodivergent nickel-catalyzed hydrocyanation of a broad range of internal alkenes involving a chain-walking process is reported. When appropriate diastereomeric biaryl diphosphite ligands are applied, the same starting materials can be converted to either linear or branched nitriles with good yields and high regioselectivities. DFT calculations suggested that the catalyst architecture determines the regioselectivity by modulating electronic and steric interactions. In addition, moderate enantioselectivities were observed when branched nitriles were produced.

Recent developments in asymmetric Heck type cyclization reactions for constructions of complex molecules

Intramolecular carbometallation-initiated asymmetric transformations are a general and powerful approach for the construction of carbo- and heterocyclic systems with one and more stereocenters. In addition, the newly developed multiple cascade reactions are an attractive strategy for increasing the molecular complexity in one step. In recent years, great progress has been made in this area with the use of various palladium and nickel complexes with P- and N-donor chiral ligands. This review highlights recent developments in intramolecular asymmetric Heck reactions, reductive Heck reactions and various types of cascade transformations (intramolecular Heck/Heck, Heck/nucleophilic trapping, Heck/Tsuji-Trost, Heck/Suzuki-Miyaura, Heck/Sonogashira, and Heck/carbonylation) in the synthesis of complex molecules over the past 5 years. A number of examples from before 2016 are included as background information. Particular attention is paid to the use of inexpensive nickel complexes as highly efficient catalysts for a number of asymmetric reactions considered here. A perspective on current challenges and potential future developments in the field of asymmetric Heck type cyclizations is also provided.

Recent developments in the synthesis and applications of chiral ferrocene ligands and organocatalysts in asymmetric catalysis

This review highlights recent advances in the synthesis and application of ferrocene-containing chiral ligands and organocatalysts in asymmetric catalysis.