Synthesis and Characterization of Scandium Silyl Complexes of the Type Cp*2ScSiHRR‘. σ-Bond Metathesis Reactions and Catalytic Dehydrogenative Silation of Hydrocarbons

Copper-catalyzed photoinduced carbonylation of C1-C3 gaseous alkanes

The catalytic conversion of carbon monoxide (CO) provides an enormous opportunity to construct carbonyl-containing molecules. Among them, the direct carbonylation of C-H bonds on gaseous hydrocarbon feedstocks provides a straightforward approach to access industrially important short-chain carboxylic acid derivatives. Here, we report a general and mild direct carbonylation of methane, ethane, and propane under blue LED irradiation at ambient temperature, enabling the direct formation of short-chain carboxylic acid derivatives. Notably, the direct carbonylation of ethane offers the potential for a more cost-efficient route to produce MMA. The combination of copper reduction and chlorine radical released via a ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) process facilitates the activation of gaseous hydrocarbon in a mild and atom-economical mode.

Trimethylaluminum Activates Zeolite-Confined Lanthanum Borohydrides to Enhance Catalytic C-H Borylation

AlMe3-treatment of the borylation precatalyst La(BH4)2(THF)2.5-Ph3Si-HY30 affords La(BH4)2(AlMe3)-Ph3Si-HY30, which is the superior lanthanum-based precatalyst for benzene borylation with pinacolborane (HBpin), giving higher turnovers (>285) and improved yields (up to 42%) of phenylpinacolborane (PhBpin). Solid-state NMR spectroscopy, X-ray adsorption spectroscopy, and theoretical studies characterized the precatalytic sites in La(BH4)2(AlMe3)-Ph3Si-HY30 as κ2-O,O-{≡SiO(=Al)≡SiO}La(BH4)2(AlMe3), revealing that AlMe3 had displaced the THF ligands. In contrast to the expected high reactivity of THF-free organolanthanum, the turnover frequency (TOF) for PhBpin formation catalyzed by La(BH4)2(AlMe3)-Ph3Si-HY30 (2.7 h-1) is slightly lower than that of untreated La(BH4)2(THF)2.5-Ph3Si-HY30 (3.6 h-1), implying that AlMe3 is a stronger inhibitor than THF for lanthanum. On the other hand, AlMe3-treatment of inactive La(BH4)2(THF)2.2-SiO2 generates an active benzene borylation catalyst. AlMe3 also desorbs surface-O-BxHy species and quenches residual Brønsted acid sites (BAS) and silanols. Alumination of the BAS inhibits HBpin degradation, while alumination of silanols creates sites for that reaction. The 8-fold inhibition of the BAS-catalyzed HBpin decomposition rate by AlMe3 treatment gives a kinetic advantage to the lanthanum-catalyzed C-H borylation, leading to increased yields and turnovers. Knowledge of the competing roles of sites in La(BH4)2(AlMe3)-Ph3Si-HY30 and the catalytic rate law law enables identification of favorable conditions of low [HBpin] to maximize turnovers or PhBpin yield. Sterics affect the selectivity in borylation of substituted arenes and heteroarenes, which can proceed without the precoordination of a donor. These steric effects, as well as the AlMe3 treatment having an opposite effect on the activity of lanthanum in HY vs SiO2, point to confinement-activated sites.

Strategies and Mechanisms of First-Row Transition Metal-Regulated Radical C-H Functionalization

Radical C-H functionalization represents a useful means of streamlining synthetic routes by avoiding substrate preactivation and allowing access to target molecules in fewer steps. The first-row transition metals (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) are Earth-abundant and can be employed to regulate radical C-H functionalization. The use of such metals is desirable because of the diverse interaction modes between first-row transition metal complexes and radical species including radical addition to the metal center, radical addition to the ligand of metal complexes, radical substitution of the metal complexes, single-electron transfer between radicals and metal complexes, hydrogen atom transfer between radicals and metal complexes, and noncovalent interaction between the radicals and metal complexes. Such interactions could improve the reactivity, diversity, and selectivity of radical transformations to allow for more challenging radical C-H functionalization reactions. This review examines the achievements in this promising area over the past decade, with a focus on the state-of-the-art while also discussing existing limitations and the enormous potential of high-value radical C-H functionalization regulated by these metals. The aim is to provide the reader with a detailed account of the strategies and mechanisms associated with such functionalization.

Tris-Silanide f-Block Complexes: Insights into Paramagnetic Influence on NMR Chemical Shifts

The paramagnetism of f-block ions has been exploited in chiral shift reagents and magnetic resonance imaging, but these applications tend to focus on 1H NMR shifts as paramagnetic broadening makes less sensitive nuclei more difficult to study. Here we report a solution and solid-state (ss) 29Si NMR study of an isostructural series of locally D 3h -symmetric early f-block metal(III) tris-hypersilanide complexes, [M{Si(SiMe3)3}3(THF)2] (1-M; M = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, U); 1-M were also characterized by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, EPR, ATR-IR, and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopies, SQUID magnetometry, and elemental analysis. Only one SiMe3 signal was observed in the 29Si ssNMR spectra of 1-M, while two SiMe3 signals were seen in solution 29Si NMR spectra of 1-La and 1-Ce. This is attributed to dynamic averaging of the SiMe3 groups in 1-M in the solid state due to free rotation of the M-Si bonds and dissociation of THF from 1-M in solution to give the locally C 3v -symmetric complexes [M{Si(SiMe3)3}3(THF) n ] (n = 0 or 1), which show restricted rotation of M-Si bonds on the NMR time scale. Density functional theory and complete active space self-consistent field spin-orbit calculations were performed on 1-M and desolvated solution species to model paramagnetic NMR shifts. We find excellent agreement of experimental 29Si NMR data for diamagnetic 1-La, suggesting n = 1 in solution and reasonable agreement of calculated paramagnetic shifts of SiMe3 groups for 1-M (M = Pr and Nd); the NMR shifts for metal-bound 29Si nuclei could only be reproduced for diamagnetic 1-La, showing the current limitations of pNMR calculations for larger nuclei.

The Development and Mechanistic Study of an Iron-Catalyzed Intramolecular Nitroso Ene Reaction of Nitroarenes

An intramolecular iron-catalyzed nitroso ene reaction was developed to afford six- or seven-membered N-heterocycles from nitroarenes using an earth abundant iron catalyst and phenylsilane as the terminal reductant. The reaction can be triggered using as little as 3 mol % of iron(II) acetate and 3 mol % of 4,7-dimethoxyphenanthroline as the ligand. The scope of the reaction is broad tolerating a range of electron-releasing or electron-withdrawing substituents on the nitroarene, and the ortho-substituent can be modified to diastereoselectively construct benzoxazines, dihydrobenzothiazines, tetrahydroquinolines, tetrahydroquinoxalines, or tetrahydrobenzooxazepines. Mechanistic investigations indicated that the reaction proceeds via a nitrosoarene intermediate, and kinetic analysis of the reaction revealed a first-order rate dependence in catalyst-, nitroarene-, and silane concentration, and an inverse kinetic order in acetate was observed. The difference in rates between PhSiH3 and PhSiD3 was found to be 1.50 ± 0.09, and investigation of the temperature dependence of the reaction rate revealed that the activation parameters to be ΔH‡ = 13.5 kcal•mol-1 and ΔS‡ = -39.1 cal•mol-1•K-1. These data were interpreted to indicate that the turnover-limiting step to be hydride transfer from iron to the coordinated nitroarene, which occurs through an ordered transition state with little Fe-H bond breaking.

Electronic structure comparisons of isostructural early d- and f-block metal(iii) bis(cyclopentadienyl) silanide complexes

We report the synthesis of the U(iii) bis(cyclopentadienyl) hypersilanide complex [U(Cp'')2{Si(SiMe3)3}] (Cp'' = {C5H3(SiMe3)2-1,3}), together with isostructural lanthanide and group 4 M(iii) homologues, in order to meaningfully compare metal-silicon bonding between early d- and f-block metals. All complexes were characterised by a combination of NMR, EPR, UV-vis-NIR and ATR-IR spectroscopies, single crystal X-ray diffraction, SQUID magnetometry, elemental analysis and ab initio calculations. We find that for the [M(Cp'')2{Si(SiMe3)3}] (M = Ti, Zr, La, Ce, Nd, U) series the unique anisotropy axis is conserved tangential to ; this is governed by the hypersilanide ligand for the d-block complexes to give easy plane anisotropy, whereas the easy axis is fixed by the two Cp'' ligands in f-block congeners. This divergence is attributed to hypersilanide acting as a strong σ-donor and weak π-acceptor with the d-block metals, whilst f-block metals show predominantly electrostatic bonding with weaker π-components. We make qualitative comparisons on the strength of covalency to derive the ordering Zr > Ti ≫ U > Nd ≈ Ce ≈ La in these complexes, using a combination of analytical techniques. The greater covalency of 5f3 U(iii) vs. 4f3 Nd(iii) is found by comparison of their EPR and electronic absorption spectra and magnetic measurements, with calculations indicating that uranium 5f orbitals have weak π-bonding interactions with both the silanide and Cp'' ligands, in addition to weak δ-antibonding with Cp''.

Molecular Ln(III)-H-E(II) Linkages (Ln=Y, Lu; E=Ge, Sn, Pb)

Following the alkane-elimination route, the reaction between tetravalent aryl tintrihydride Ar*SnH3 and trivalent rare-earth-metallocene alkyls [Cp*2 Ln(CH{SiMe3 }2 )] gave complexes [Cp*2 Ln(μ-H)2 SnAr*] implementing a low-valent tin hydride (Ln=Y, Lu; Ar*=2,6-Trip2 C6 H3 , Trip=2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl). The homologous complexes of germanium and lead, [Cp*2 Ln(μ-H)2 EAr*] (E = Ge, Pb), were accessed via addition of low-valent [(Ar*EH)2 ] to the rare-earth-metal hydrides [(Cp*2 LnH)2 ]. The lead compounds [Cp*2 Ln(μ-H)2 PbAr*] exhibit H/D exchange in reactions with deuterated solvents or dihydrogen.

Synthesis of Benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinoline and Indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline Derivatives via Copper-Catalyzed Silylation/Methylation of 2-Arylindoles and 2-Arylbenzimidazoles

A one-pot method for the synthesis of silylsubstituted/methylsubstituted indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones and benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-6(5H)-ones via copper(II)-initiated silylation/methylation of 2-arylindoles and 2-arylbenzimidazoles was developed. In this procedure, the C-Si bond and C-C bond were constructed by radical addition and cyclization. A series of 2-arylindole and 2-arylbenzimidazole derivatives were facilely transformed to indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolines in 39-83% yields.

Supported Lanthanum Borohydride Catalyzes CH Borylation Inside Zeolite Micropores

The zeolite‐supported lanthanide La(BH₄)_x‐HY₃₀ catalyzes C−H borylation of benzene with pinacolborane (HBpin), providing a complementary approach to precious, late transition metal‐catalyzed borylations. The reactive catalytic species are generated from La grafted at the Brønsted acid sites (BAS) in micropores of the zeolite, whereas silanoate‐ and aluminoate‐grafted sites are inactive under the reaction conditions. During typical catalytic borylations, conversion to phenyl pinacolborane (PhBpin) is zero‐order in HBpin concentration. A turnover number (TON) of 167 is accessed by capping external silanols, selectively grafting at BAS sites, and adding HBpin slowly to the reaction.

Inorganometallics (Transition Metal-Metalloid Complexes) and Catalysis

While the formation and breaking of transition metal (TM)-carbon bonds plays a pivotal role in the catalysis of organic compounds, the reactivity of inorganometallic species, that is, those involving the transition metal (TM)-metalloid (E) bond, is of key importance in most conversions of metalloid derivatives catalyzed by TM complexes. This Review presents the background of inorganometallic catalysis and its development over the last 15 years. The results of mechanistic studies presented in the Review are related to the occurrence of TM-E and TM-H compounds as reactive intermediates in the catalytic transformations of selected metalloids (E = B, Si, Ge, Sn, As, Sb, or Te). The Review illustrates the significance of inorganometallics in catalysis of the following processes: addition of metalloid-hydrogen and metalloid-metalloid bonds to unsaturated compounds; activation and functionalization of C-H bonds and C-X bonds with hydrometalloids and bismetalloids; activation and functionalization of C-H bonds with vinylmetalloids, metalloid halides, and sulfonates; and dehydrocoupling of hydrometalloids. This first Review on inorganometallic catalysis sums up the developments in the catalytic methods for the synthesis of organometalloid compounds and their applications in advanced organic synthesis as a part of tandem reactions.

Recent progress in rare-earth metal-catalyzed sp2 and sp3 C–H functionalization to construct C–C and C–heteroelement bonds

The review presents rare-earth metal-catalyzed C(sp2/sp3)–H functionalization accessing C–C/C–heteroatom bonds and olefin (co)polymerization, highlighting substrate scope, mechanistic realization, and origin of site-, enantio-/diastereo-selectivity.

The continuum of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) activation mechanisms and terminology

As a rapidly growing field across all areas of chemistry, C-H activation/functionalisation is being used to access a wide range of important molecular targets. Of particular interest is the development of a sustainable methodology for alkane functionalisation as a means for reducing hydrocarbon emissions. This Perspective aims to give an outline to the community with respect to commonly used terminology in C-H activation, as well as the mechanisms that are currently understood to operate for (cyclo)alkane activation/functionalisation.

Homogeneous catalytic C(sp3)-H functionalization of gaseous alkanes

The conversion of light alkanes into bulk chemicals is becoming an important challenge as it effectively avoids the use of prefunctionalized alkylating reagents. The implementation of such processes is, however, hampered by their gaseous nature and low solubility, as well as the low reactivity of the C-H bonds. Efforts have been made to enable both polar and radical processes to activate these inert compounds. In addition, these methodologies also benefit significantly from the development of a suitable reactor technology that intensifies gas-liquid mass transfer. In this review, we critically highlight these developments, both from a conceptual and a practical point of view. The recent expansion of these mechanistically-different methods have enabled the use of various gaseous alkanes for the development of different bond-forming reactions, including C-C, C-B, C-N, C-Si and C-S bonds.

Hydrosilane σ-Adduct Intermediates in an Adaptive Zinc-Catalyzed Cross-dehydrocoupling of Si-H and O-H Bonds

Three-coordinate Ph BOXMe 2 ZnR (Ph BOXMe 2 =phenyl-(4,4-dimethyl-oxazolinato; R=Me: 2 a, Et: 2 b) catalyzes the dehydrocoupling of primary or secondary silanes and alcohols to give silyl ethers and hydrogen, with high turnover numbers (TON; up to 107 ) under solvent-free conditions. Primary and secondary silanes react with small, medium, and large alcohols to give various degrees of substitution, from mono- to tri-alkoxylation, whereas tri-substituted silanes do not react with MeOH under these conditions. The effect of coordinative unsaturation on the behavior of the Zn catalyst is revealed through a dramatic variation of both rate law and experimental rate constants, which depend on the concentrations of both the alcohol and hydrosilane reactants. That is, the catalyst adapts its mechanism to access the most facile and efficient conversion. In particular, either alcohol or hydrosilane binds to the open coordination site on the Ph BOXMe 2 ZnOR catalyst to form a Ph BOXMe 2 ZnOR(HOR) complex under one set of conditions or an unprecedented σ-adduct Ph BOXMe 2 ZnOR(H-SiR'3 ) under other conditions. Saturation kinetics provide evidence for the latter species, in support of the hypothesis that σ-bond metathesis reactions involving four-centered electrocyclic 2σ-2σ transition states are preceded by σ-adducts.

Yttrium germole dianion complexes with Y-Ge bonds

The reactions of dipotassium 3,4-dimethyl-2,5-bis(trimethylsilyl)-germole dianion K2[1] with YCl3 and Cp*YCl2 (Cp* = cyclopentadienyl) in THF at room temperature afforded the dianion salt [(K-cryptand-222)2][1-YCl3] (K2[2]) and the dimeric complex [1-Y-Cp*]2 (3), respectively. While the polymeric complex {[(1)2-Y-K(toluene)]2}n (4) was obtained from the reaction of K2[1] and half molar equivalent of YCl3(THF)3.5 in toluene at 80 °C. The germole dianions in complexes 3 and 4 feature η5/η1 coordination interactions with the yttrium atoms. They represent the first examples of rare earth (RE) complexes containing RE-Ge bonds other than the RE-GeR3 structural type.

Reversible C(sp3)-Si Oxidative Addition of Unsupported Organosilanes: Effects of Silicon Substituents on Kinetics and Thermodynamics

The intermolecular oxidative addition of unactivated C(sp³)-Si bonds is reported for a family of organosilanes at a cationic pincer-supported iridium complex. To our knowledge, no examples of oxidative addition to give analogous unsupported (alkyl)metal silyl complexes have been previously reported. The generality of this transformation is excellent, with successful examples demonstrated for tetraorganosilanes, mono- and poly alkoxysilanes, and two siloxysilanes. Oxidative addition is found to be completely reversible, with the product of reductive elimination being subject to trapping by triethylsilane. The successful isolation of these metal silyl complexes has allowed for an in-depth kinetic analysis of C(sp³)-Si reductive elimination, a process with strong implications in both catalytic C-H silylation and olefin hydrosilylation. The apparent order of reactivity is SiMe₃ > SiMe₂(CF₃) > SiMe₂OSiMe₃ > SiMe₂OSiMe₂OSiMe₃ > SiMe₂(OMe) > SiMe₂(OEt) > SiMe(OMe)₂. A DFT analysis of the oxidative addition products shows that the thermodynamic stability of the (alkyl)metal silyl complexes span a range of ca. 10 kcal·mol^-1, which relate closely with the experimentally determined rates of C(sp³)-Si reductive elimination and trapping, though a clear kinetic distinction exists between methoxy- and siloxysilyl complexes.

KF-Promoted copper-catalyzed highly efficient and selective oxidation of methane and other alkanes with a dramatic additive effect

Selective oxidation of methane is traditionally challenging. Now using KF could dramatic improve the efficiency of copper catalyzed methane oxidation with K₂S₂O₈ as oxidant. The role of KF is conjectured to promote [SO₄˙]⁻ to escape the solvent cage.

f-Element silicon and heavy tetrel chemistry

The last three decades have seen a significant increase in the number of reports of f-element carbon chemistry, whilst the f-element chemistry of silicon, germanium, tin, and lead remain underdeveloped in comparison. Here, in this perspective we review complexes that contain chemical bonds between f-elements and silicon or the heavier tetrels since the birth of this field in 1985 to present day, with the intention of inspiring researchers to contribute to its development and explore the opportunities that it presents. For the purposes of this perspective, f-elements include lanthanides, actinides and group 3 metals. We focus on complexes that have been structurally authenticated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and horizon-scan for future opportunities and targets in the area.

Rare-Earth Catalyzed C-H Bond Alumination of Terminal Alkynes

Organoaluminum reagents' application in catalytic C-H bond functionalization is limited by competitive side reactions, such as carboalumination and hydroalumination. Herein, rare-earth tetramethylaluminate complexes are shown to catalyze the exclusive C-H bond metalation of terminal alkynes with the commodity reagents trimethyl-, triethyl-, and triisobutylaluminum. Kinetic experiments probing alkyl-group exchange between rare-earth aluminates and trialkylaluminum, C-H bond metalation of alkynes, and catalytic conversions reveal distinct pathways of catalytic aluminations with triethylaluminum versus trimethylaluminum. Most significantly, kinetic data point to reversible formation of a unique [Ln](AlR₄ )₂ ⋅AlR₃ adduct, followed by turnover-limiting alkyne metalation. That is, C-H bond activation occurs from a more associated organometallic species, rather than the expected coordinatively unsaturated species. These mechanistic conclusions allude to a new general strategy for catalytic C-H bond alumination that make use of highly electrophilic metal catalysts.

Selective functionalization of methane, ethane, and higher alkanes by cerium photocatalysis

With the recent soaring production of natural gas, the use of methane and other light hydrocarbon feedstocks as starting materials in synthetic transformations is becoming increasingly economically attractive, although it remains chemically challenging. We report the development of photocatalytic C–H amination, alkylation, and arylation of methane, ethane, and higher alkanes under visible light irradiation at ambient temperature. High catalytic efficiency (turnover numbers up to 2900 for methane and 9700 for ethane) and selectivity were achieved using abundant, inexpensive cerium salts as photocatalysts. Ligand-to-metal charge transfer excitation generated alkoxy radicals from simple alcohols that in turn acted as hydrogen atom transfer catalysts. The mixed-phase gas/liquid reaction was adapted to continuous flow, enabling the efficient use of gaseous feedstocks in scalable photocatalytic transformations.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Regioselective Silylation of Alkyl C-H Bonds for the Synthesis of 1,4-Diols

A rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular silylation of alkyl C-H bonds has been developed that occurs with unusual selectivity for the C-H bonds located δ to the oxygen atom of an alcohol-derived silyl ether over typically more reactive C-H bonds more proximal to the same oxygen atom. (Hydrido)silyl ethers, generated in situ by dehydrogenative coupling of tertiary alcohols with diethylsilane, undergo regioselective silylation at a primary C-H bond δ to the hydroxyl group in the presence of [(Xantphos)Rh(Cl)] as catalyst. Oxidation of the resulting 6-membered oxasilolanes generates 1,4-diols. This silylation and oxidation sequence provides an efficient method to synthesize 1,4-diols by a hydroxyl-directed, aliphatic C-H bond functionalization reaction and is distinct from the synthesis of 1,3-diols from alcohols catalyzed by iridium. Mechanistic studies show that the rhodium-catalyzed silylation of alkyl C-H bonds occurs with a resting state and relative rates for elementary steps that are significantly different from those for the rhodium-catalyzed silylation of aryl C-H bonds. The resting state of the catalyst is a (Xantphos)Rh(I)(SiR3)(norbornene) complex, and an analogue was synthesized and characterized crystallographically. The rate-limiting step of the process is oxidative addition of the δ C-H bond to Rh. Computational studies elucidated the origin of high selectivity for silylation of the δ C-H bond when Xantphos-ligated rhodium is the catalyst. A high barrier for reductive elimination from the six-membered metalacyclic, secondary alkyl intermediate formed by cleavage of the γ C-H bond and low barrier for reductive elimination from the seven-membered metalacyclic, primary alkyl intermediate formed by cleavage of the δ C-H accounts for the selective functionalization of the δ C-H bond.

Scandium alkyl and hydride complexes supported by a pentadentate diborate ligand: reactions with CO2 and N2O

Alkyl and hydrido scandium complexes of the dianionic pentadentate ligand B2Pz4Py are reported.

Homogeneous Functionalization of Methane

One of the remaining "grand challenges" in chemistry is the development of a next generation, less expensive, cleaner process that can allow the vast reserves of methane from natural gas to augment or replace oil as the source of fuels and chemicals. Homogeneous (gas/liquid) systems that convert methane to functionalized products with emphasis on reports after 1995 are reviewed. Gas/solid, bioinorganic, biological, and reaction systems that do not specifically involve methane functionalization are excluded. The various reports are grouped under the main element involved in the direct reactions with methane. Central to the review is classification of the various reports into 12 categories based on both practical considerations and the mechanisms of the elementary reactions with methane. Practical considerations are based on whether or not the system reported can directly or indirectly utilize O₂ as the only net coreactant based only on thermodynamic potentials. Mechanistic classifications are based on whether the elementary reactions with methane proceed by chain or nonchain reactions and with stoichiometric reagents or catalytic species. The nonchain reactions are further classified as CH activation (CHA) or CH oxidation (CHO). The bases for these various classifications are defined. In particular, CHA reactions are defined as elementary reactions with methane that result in a discrete methyl intermediate where the formal oxidation state (FOS) on the carbon remains unchanged at -IV relative to that in methane. In contrast, CHO reactions are defined as elementary reactions with methane where the carbon atom of the product is oxidized and has a FOS less negative than -IV. This review reveals that the bulk of the work in the field is relatively evenly distributed across most of the various areas classified. However, a few areas are only marginally examined, or not examined at all. This review also shows that, while significant scientific progress has been made, greater advances, particularly in developing systems that can utilize O₂, will be required to develop a practical process that can replace the current energy and capital intensive natural gas conversion process. We believe that this classification scheme will provide the reader with a rapid way to identify systems of interest while providing a deeper appreciation and understanding, both practical and fundamental, of the extensive literature on methane functionalization. The hope is that this could accelerate progress toward meeting this "grand challenge."

Site-Selective Silylation of Aliphatic C-H Bonds Mediated by [1,5]-Hydrogen Transfer: Synthesis of α-Sila Benzamides

The first example of site-selective silylation of C(sp³)-H bonds mediated by a [1,5]-hydrogen transfer is reported. This reaction occurs selectively at the α-position of benzamides with a combination of tert-butylmagnesium chloride and a catalytic amount of 4,4'-di-tert-butylbipyridine (dtbpy) ligand and provides a facile route for the creation of biologically interesting α-sila benzamides. Late-stage functionalization of the incorporated silyl moieties facilitates the synthesis of N-formyl, cis-enamine, β-hydroxyl, amino, and pyrrole-containing derivatives.

Regio- and Stereoselective Dehydrogenative Silylation and Hydrosilylation of Vinylarenes Catalyzed by Ruthenium Alkylidenes

Development of regio- and stereoselective dehydrogenative silylation and hydrosilylation of vinylarenes with alkoxysilanes, catalyzed by ruthenium alkylidenes, is described. Varying L- and X-type ligands on ruthenium alkylidenes permits selective access to either (E)-vinylsilanes or β-alkylsilanes with high regio- and stereocontrol. cis,cis-1,5-Cyclooctadiene was identified as the most effective sacrificial hydrogen acceptor for the dehydrogenative silylation of vinylarenes, which allows use of a nearly equimolar ratio of alkenes and silanes.

Significant Cooperativity Between Ruthenium and Silicon in Catalytic Transformations of an Isocyanide

Complexes [PhBP3]RuH(η(3)-H2SiRR') (RR' = Me,Ph, 1a; RR' = Ph2, 1b; RR' = Et2, 1c) react with XylNC to form carbene complexes [PhBP3]Ru(H)═[C(H)(N(Xyl)(η(2)-H-SiRR'))] (2a-c; previously reported for 2a,b). Reactions of 1a-c with XylNC were further investigated to assess how metal complexes with multiple M-H-Si bonds can mediate transformations of unsaturated substrates. Complex 2a eliminates an N-methylsilacycloindoline product (3a) that results from hydrosilylation, hydrogenation, and benzylic C-H activation of XylNC. Turnover was achieved in a pseudocatalytic manner by careful control of the reaction conditions. Complex 1c mediates a catalytic isocyanide reductive coupling to furnish an alkene product (4) in a transformation that has precedent only in stoichiometric processes. The formations of 3a and 4 were investigated with deuterium labeling experiments, KIE and other kinetic studies, and by examining the reactivity of XylNC with an η(3)-H2SiMeMes complex (1d) to form a C-H activated complex (6). Complex 6 serves as a model for an intermediate in the formation of 3a, and NMR investigations at -30 °C reveal that 6 forms via a carbene complex (1d) that isomerizes to aminomethyl complex 7d. These investigations reveal that the formations of 3a and 4 involve multiple 4-, 5-, and 6-coordinate silicon species with 0, 1, 2, or 3 Ru-H-Si bonds. These mechanisms demonstrate exceptionally intricate roles for silicon in transition-metal-catalyzed reactions with a silane reagent.

Catalytic borylation of methane

Despite steady progress in catalytic methods for the borylation of hydrocarbons, methane has not yet been subject to this transformation. Here we report the iridium-catalyzed borylation of methane using bis(pinacolborane) in cyclohexane solvent. Initially, trace amounts of borylated products were detected with phenanthroline-coordinated Ir complexes. A combination of experimental high-pressure and high-throughput screening, and computational mechanism discovery techniques helped to rationalize the foundation of the catalysis and identify improved phosphine-coordinated catalytic complexes. Optimized conditions of 150°C and 3500-kilopascal pressure led to yields as high as ~52%, turnover numbers of 100, and improved chemoselectivity for monoborylated versus diborylated methane.

The unusual hydridicity of a cobalt bound Si–H moiety

A paramagnetic cobalt–SiH intermediate possessing the Co–(η¹-H–Si) moiety shows unusual Si–H bond activation studied by ENDOR, XRD and DFT.