Structural, stereochemical, and electronic features of arene-metal complexes

Bioinspired Functionalization of Carbonyl Compounds Enabled by Metal Chelated Bifunctional Ligands

In Nature, enzymatic reactions proceed through exceptionally ordered transition states giving rise to extraordinary levels of stereoselection. In those reactions, the active site of the enzyme plays crucial roles - through one position, it holds the substrate in the proximity to the reaction epicentre that facilitates both the reactivity and stereoselectivity of the chemical process. Inspired by this natural phenomenon, synthetic chemists have designed bifunctional ligands that not only coordinate to a metal centre but also preassociate with an organic substrate, for example aldehyde and ketone, and exerts stereodirecting influence to accelerate the attack of the incoming reacting partner from a particular enantiotopic face. The chief goal of the current review is to give an overview of the recently developed approaches enabled by privileged bio-inspired bifunctional ligands that not only bind to the metal catalyst but also activates carbonyl substrates via organocatalysis, thereby easing in the new bond forming step. As carbonyl α-functionalizations are dominated by enamine and enolate chemistry, the current review primarily focusses on enamine- and enolate-metal catalysis by bifunctional ligands. Thus, developments based on traditional cooperative catalysis occurring through two directly coupled but independent catalytic cycles of an organocatalyst and a metal catalyst are not covered.

Photodissociation Spectroscopy and Photofragment Imaging to Probe Fe+(Benzene)1,2 Dissociation Energies

Tunable laser photodissociation spectroscopy measurements and photofragment imaging experiments are employed to investigate the dissociation energy of the Fe⁺(benzene) ion-molecule complex. Additional spectroscopy measurements determine the dissociation energy of Fe⁺(benzene)₂. The dissociation energies for Fe⁺(benzene) determined from the threshold for the appearance of the Fe⁺ fragment (48.4 ± 0.2 kcal/mol) and photofragment imaging (≤49.3 ± 3.2 kcal/mol) agree nicely with each other and with the value determined previously by collision-induced dissociation (49.5 ± 2.9 kcal/mol), but they are lower than the values produced by computational chemistry at the density functional theory level using different functionals recommended for transition-metal chemistry. The threshold measurement for Fe⁺(benzene)₂ (43.0 ± 0.2 kcal/mol) likewise agrees with the value (44.7 ± 3.8 kcal/mol) from previous collision-induced dissociation measurements.

Impact of the coordination of multiple Lewis acid functions on the electronic structure and vn configuration of a metal center

The covalent bond classification (CBC) method represents a molecule as ML_lX_xZ_z by evaluating the total number of L, X and Z functions interacting with M. The CBC method is a simplistic approach that is based on the notion that the bonding of a ligating atom (or group of atoms) can be expressed in terms of the number of electrons it contributes to a 2-electron bond. In many cases, the bonding in a molecule of interest can be described in terms of a 2-center 2-electron bonding model and the ML_lX_xZ_z classification can be derived straightforwardly by considering each ligand independently. However, the bonding within a molecule cannot always be described satisfactorily by using a 2-center 2-electron model and, in such situations, the ML_lX_xZ_z classification requires a more detailed consideration than one in which each ligand is treated in an independent manner. The purpose of this article is to provide examples of how the ML_lX_xZ_z classification is obtained in the presence of multicenter bonding interactions. Specific emphasis is given to the treatment of multiple π-acceptor ligands and the impact on the vⁿ configuration, i.e. the number of formally nonbonding electrons on an element of interest.

A Uranium(II) Arene Complex That Acts as a Uranium(I) Synthon

Two-electron reduction of the amidate-supported U(III) mono(arene) complex U(TDA)₃ (2) with KC₈ yields the anionic bis(arene) complex [K[2.2.2]cryptand][U(TDA)₂] (3) (TDA = N-(2,6-di-isopropylphenyl)pivalamido). EPR spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and calculations using DFT as well as multireference CASSCF methods all provide strong evidence that the electronic structure of 3 is best represented as a 5f⁴ U(II) metal center bound to a monoreduced arene ligand. Reactivity studies show 3 reacts as a U(I) synthon by behaving as a two-electron reductant toward I₂ to form the dinuclear U(III)-U(III) triiodide species [K[2.2.2]cryptand][(UI(TDA)₂)₂(μ-I)] (6) and as a three-electron reductant toward cycloheptatriene (CHT) to form the U(IV) complex [K[2.2.2]cryptand][U(η⁷-C₇H₇)(TDA)₂(THF)] (7). The reaction of 3 with cyclooctatetraene (COT) generates a mixture of the U(III) anion [K[2.2.2]cryptand][U(TDA)₄] (1-crypt) and U(COT)₂, while the addition of COT to complex 2 instead yields the dinuclear U(IV)-U(IV) inverse sandwich complex [U(TDA)₃]₂(μ-η⁸:η³-C₈H₈) (8). Two-electron reduction of the homoleptic Th(IV) amidate complex Th(TDA)₄ (4) with KC₈ gives the mono(arene) complex [K[2.2.2]cryptand][Th(TDA)₃(THF)] (5). The C-C bond lengths and torsion angles in the bound arene of 5 suggest a direduced arene bound to a Th(IV) metal center; this conclusion is supported by DFT calculations.

Arene-Osmium(II) Complexes in Homogeneous Catalysis

Although the application of arene-osmium(II) complexes in homogeneous catalysis has been much less studied than that of their ruthenium analogues, different works have shown that, in some instances, a comparable or even superior effectiveness can be achieved with this particular class of compounds. This review article focuses on the catalytic applications of arene-osmium(II) complexes. Among others, transfer hydrogenation, hydrogenation, oxidation, and nitrile hydration reactions, as well as different C-C bond forming processes, are comprehensively discussed.

Transition-metal-like bonding behaviors of a boron atom in a boron-cluster boronyl complex [(η7-B7)-B-BO]. Chem Sci 2021;12:8157-8164. [PMID: 34194706 PMCID: PMC8208299 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc00534k]

Boron displays many unusual structural and bonding properties due to its electron deficiency. Here we show that a boron atom in a boron monoxide cluster (B₉O⁻) exhibits transition-metal-like properties. Temperature-dependent photoelectron spectroscopy provided evidence of the existence of two isomers for B₉O⁻: the main isomer has an adiabatic detachment energy (ADE) of 4.19 eV and a higher energy isomer with an ADE of 3.59 eV. The global minimum of B₉O⁻ is found surprisingly to be an umbrella-like structure (C_6v, ¹A₁) and its simulated spectrum agrees well with that of the main isomer observed. A low-lying isomer (C_s, ¹A′) consisting of a BO unit bonded to a disk-like B₈ cluster agrees well with the 3.59 eV ADE species. The unexpected umbrella-like global minimum of B₉O⁻ can be viewed as a central boron atom coordinated by a η⁷-B₇ ligand on one side and a BO ligand on the other side, [(η⁷-B₇)-B-BO]⁻. The central B atom is found to share its valence electrons with the B₇ unit to fulfill double aromaticity, similar to that in half-sandwich [(η⁷-B₇)-Zn-CO]⁻ or [(η⁷-B₇)-Fe(CO)₃]⁻ transition-metal complexes. The ability of boron to form a half-sandwich complex with an aromatic ligand, a prototypical property of transition metals, brings out new metallomimetic properties of boron.

The global minimum of the B₉O⁻ cluster is found to have an umbrella-like structure, where the central B atom exhibits transition-metal-like bonding properties, coordinated by a η⁷-B₇ ligand on one side and a BO ligand on the other.

π-Hole···dz2[PtII] Interactions with Electron-Deficient Arenes Enhance the Phosphorescence of PtII-Based Luminophores

Two phosphorescent Pt^II-based cyclometalated complexes were co-crystallized with perfluorinated arenes to give 1:1 co-crystals. The X-ray study revealed that each of the complexes is embraced by arenes^F to give infinite reverse sandwich structures. In four out of six structures, a d_z² orbital of Pt^II is directed to the arenes^F ring via π-hole···d_z²[Pt^II] interactions, whereas in the other two structures, the filled d_z² orbital is directed toward the arene C atoms. Computed molecular electrostatic potential surfaces of the arenes^F and the complexes, noncovalent interaction indexes for the co-crystals, and natural bond orbital calculations indicate that π-hole···d_z²[Pt^II] contacts (and, generally, the stacking) are of electrostatic origin. The solid-state photophysical study revealed up to 3.5-fold luminescence quantum yield and 15-fold lifetime enhancements in the co-crystals. This increase is associated with the strength of the π-hole···d_z²[Pt^II] contact that is dependent on the π-acidity of the arene^F and its spatial characteristics.

π-Coordinating Chiral Primary Amine/Palladium Synergistic Catalysis for Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation

We report an arene-containing chiral primary amine as a dual aminocatalyst and ligand: the π-coordinating aminocatalyst/palladium synergistic catalysis for asymmetric allylic alkylation of α-branched β-ketocarbonyls. The use of arene-containing chiral primary amine catalyst led to not only enhanced reaction rate but also reversed chiral induction compared with its sterically bulky derivative. Both enantiomers of the allylic adducts bearing acyclic all-carbon quaternary stereocenters could be obtained from the same configured chiral aminocatalysts with high efficiency and excellent regio-, stereo-, and enantioselectivity. Mechanistic studies revealed a distinctive Pd-arene π-coordination mode for effective catalysis. The π-coordinating chiral primary amine catalyst could be successfully applied in the asymmetric allylation reactions of vinylethylene carbonates, vinyl epoxides, or simple allylic alcohols.

N-heterocyclic silylene stabilized monocordinated copper(i)–arene cationic complexes and their application in click chemistry

Herein, we report N-heterocyclic silylene and N-heterocyclic carbene supported monocoordinated cationic Cu(i) complexes with unsymmetrical arenes (toluene and m-xylene], their reactivity and catalytic application in CuAAC reactions.

[La(η x -B x )La]- (x = 7-9): a new class of inverse sandwich complexes

Despite the importance of bulk lanthanide borides, nanoclusters of lanthanide and boron have rarely been investigated. Here we show that lanthanide-boron binary clusters, La₂B _x ^-, can form a new class of inverse-sandwich complexes, [Ln(η ^x -B _x )Ln]^- (x = 7-9). Joint experimental and theoretical studies reveal that the monocyclic B _x rings in the inverse sandwiches display similar bonding, consisting of three delocalized σ and three delocalized π bonds. Such monocyclic boron rings do not exist for bare boron clusters, but they are stabilized by the sandwiching lanthanide atoms. An electron counting rule is proposed to predict the sizes of the B _x ring that can form stable inverse sandwiches. A unique (d-p)δ bond is found to play important roles in the stability of all three inverse-sandwich complexes.

An anionic η2-naphthalene complex of titanium supported by a tripodal [O3C] ligand and its reactions with dinitrogen, anthracene and THF

An η²-naphthalene titanium complex supported by a tripodal ligand reacts with N₂ to produce a strongly activated N₂ complex.

Competitive/co-operative interactions in acid base sandwich: role of cation vs. substituents

The cation-π interaction can be envisaged as a lewis acid base interaction, and it is in line with Pearson's acid base concept. The critical examination of interactions between the π-acids (alkali metal cations - Li⁺, Na⁺ and alkaline earth metal cations Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺) on one face and tripodal Cr(CO)₃ moiety on the other π face of substituted arenes demonstrates the role of cation and substitutents in manipulating the interactions between them. The interaction of the two π acids on both faces of arene is not expectedly additive, rather it shows either depreciation of interaction energy revealing the competition of acids toward the base or enhancement of interaction energy denoting a cooperative effect. Among the metal cations under study, Mg²⁺ shows a cooperative gesture. Although the substituents play a meek role, they unfailingly exert their electronic effects and are amply documented by excellent correlation of various parameters with the Hammett constant σ_m. The elusive switching of λ_max from the UV to IR region on binding Mg²⁺ with substituted arene-Cr(CO)₃ complex is a characteristic clue that TDDFT can help design the ionic sensors for Mg²⁺ cations.

Gigging Benzene

Go Aggies! Go Chemikers! The word "gig" applies to a multipronged metal tool for hunting frogs and fish. It constitutes part of a rallying cry, "gig 'em" that inspires Texas A&M Aggies to victory in athletic and academic competitions. This Highlight examines recent victories in the C....._ C cleavage of benzene made possible by a four-pronged iridium gig that yields a "spring-loaded" norbornadiene-like structure with significant ring strain.

Ligand Design for Site-Selective Metal Coordination: Synthesis of Transition-Metal Complexes with η6 -Coordination of the Central Ring of Anthracene

A polycyclic aromatic ligand for site-selective metal coordination was designed by using DFT calculations. The computational prediction was confirmed by experiments: 2,3,6,7-tetramethoxy-9,10-dimethylanthracene initially reacts with [(C₅ H₅ )Ru(MeCN)₃ ]BF₄ to give the kinetic product with a [(C₅ H₅ )Ru]⁺ fragment coordinated at the terminal ring, which is then transformed into the thermodynamic product with coordination through the central ring. These isomeric complexes have markedly different UV/Vis spectra, which was explained by analysis of the frontier orbitals. At the same time, the calculations suggest that electrostatic interactions are mainly responsible for the site selectivity of the coordination.

Effects of valence, geometry and electronic correlations on transport in transition metal benzene sandwich molecules

We study the impact of the valence and the geometry on the electronic structure and transport properties of different transition metal-benzene sandwich molecules bridging the tips of a Cu nanocontact. Our density-functional calculations show that the electronic transport properties of the molecules depend strongly on the molecular geometry which can be controlled by the nanocontact tips. Depending on the valence of the transition metal center certain molecules can be tuned in and out of half-metallic behaviour facilitating potential spintronics applications. We also discuss our results in the framework of an Anderson impurity model, indicating cases where the inclusion of local correlations alters the ground state qualitatively. For Co and V centered molecules we find indications of an orbital Kondo effect.

Electronic and transport properties of [V(Bz)2]n@SWCNT and [V(Bz)2]n@DWCNT nanocables

Novel nanocables with [V(Bz)₂]_n inside SWCNT and DWCNT.

Synthesis and reactions of a zirconium naphthalene complex bearing a tetraanionic C-capped triaryloxide ligand

A zirconium naphthalene complex containing a C-capped triaryloxide ligand, which can act as a Zr(ii) synthon, was synthesized and fully characterized.