Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐ Palladium(II) Complexes

The microwave‐assisted synthesis of two different types of N‐heterocyclic carbene‐palladium(II) complexes, (NHC)Pd(acac)Cl (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene; acac=acetylacetonate) and (NHC)PdCl₂(3‐chloropyridine), has been carried out. A drastic reduction in reaction times (20 to 88 times faster, depending on the complex) was observed when compared to the previously described, conventionally‐heated synthesis of these complexes. The protocol also allowed for the synthesis of (IPr)Pd(acac)Cl [IPr=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene] on a 5‐mmol scale in 30 min, with the reactants loaded in air.     

Ruthenium‐Indenylidene Complexes: Scope in Cross‐Metathesis Transformations

A comparative study examining the catalytic activity of a series of five indenylidene‐containing ruthenium complexes in olefin cross‐metathesis reactions is presented. Results reveal the greater efficiency of precatalyst 5 , highlighting the key role of the N,N′‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene (IPr) ligand for this transformation. The scope of this precatalyst was investigated and several microwave experiments were carried out allowing for catalyst loadings as low as 0.1 mol%. Overall, cross‐metathesis products were isolated in moderate to excellent yields with high stereoselectivity.     

Nickel‐Catalyzed Coupling of Fluoroarenes and Amines

The combination of bis(cyclooctadiene)nickel [Ni(COD)₂] and 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene hydrochloride (IPr⋅HCl) effectively catalyzes coupling of fluoroarenes with amines in the presence of sodium tert‐butoxide (t‐BuONa). Activated, unactivated and deactivated fluoroarenes as well as fluoropyridines can react with cyclic or acyclic aliphatic amines. The reactions tolerate various functional groups in the fluorides including PhC(O), C(O)NEt₂, CF₃, OMe and vinyl groups.

     

On the Trapping of Vinylgold Intermediates

An internal aryl‐substituted ortho‐alkynylphenol and a similar aniline with stoichiometric amounts of N,N′‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene‐gold tosylate [(IPr)AuOTs] and triethylamine gave the aurated heterocycles as stable intermediates of the corresponding gold(I)‐catalysed hydrooxylation and hydroamination reactions. X‐ray crystal structure analyses of both products could be obtained. A similar internal alkyl‐substituted ortho‐alkynylphenol gave only the cycloisomerised product, no aurated intermediate could be detected.     

Arylethyne Bromoboration–Negishi Coupling Route to E‐ or Z‐Aryl‐Substituted Trisubstituted Alkenes of ≥98% Isomeric Purity. New Horizon in the Highly Selective Synthesis of Trisubstituted Alkenes

The hitherto unprecedented palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of (Z)‐β‐bromo‐β‐arylethenylboranes can be made to proceed satisfactorily through (1) the use of highly catalytically active bis(tri‐tert‐butylphosphine)palladium or dichloro[N,N‐bis‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐yl](m‐chloropyridine)palladium and (2) conversion of the dibromoboryl group to the (pinacol)boryl group. Thus, a wide variety of carbon groups can be used to substitute bromine in ≥98% stereo‐ and regioselectivity, while suppressing the otherwise dominant β‐debromoboration. Together with the alkylethyne‐based protocols, the alkyne bromoboration–Negishi coupling tandem process has emerged as the most widely applicable and highly selective route to trisubstituted alkenes including those that are otherwise difficult to access.     

Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of β‐Keto‐ enamines: An Efficient Approach to Chiral γ‐Amino Alcohols

A highly efficient and enantioselective hydrogenation of unprotected β‐ketoenamines catalyzed with ruthenium(II) dichloro{(S)‐(−)‐2,2′‐bis[di(3,5‐xylyl)phosphino]‐1,1′‐binaphthyl}[(2S)‐(+)‐1,1‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐3‐methyl‐1,2‐butanediamine] {Ru[(S)‐xylbinap][(S)‐daipen]Cl₂} has been successfully developed. This methodology provides a straightforward access to free γ‐secondary amino alcohols, which are key building blocks for a variety of pharmaceuticals and natural products, with high yields (>99%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee) in all cases.     

A Novel Propargylation/Cycloisomerization Tandem Process Catalyzed by a Ruthenium(II)/Trifluoroacetic Acid System: One‐Pot Entry to Fully Substituted Furans from Readily Available Secondary Propargylic Alcohols and 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds

A simple and highly efficient method for the preparation of tetrasubstituted furans starting from readily accessible propargylic alcohols and commercially available 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds has been developed. The process, which proceeds in a one‐pot manner, involves the initial propargylation of the 1,3‐dicarbonyl compound promoted by trifluoroacetic acid, and subsequent cycloisomerization of the resulting γ‐ketoalkyne catalyzed by the 16‐electron allyl‐ruthenium(II ) complex [Ru(η³‐2‐C₃H₄Me)(CO)(dppf)][SbF₆].     

Application of a Recombinant Escherichia coli Whole‐Cell Catalyst Expressing Hydroxynitrile Lyase and Nitrilase Activities in Ionic Liquids for the Production of (S)‐Mandelic Acid and (S)‐Mandeloamide

The conversion of benzaldehyde and cyanide into mandelic acid and mandeloamide by a recombinant Escherichia coli strain which simultaneously expressed an (S)‐hydroxynitrile lyase (oxynitrilase) from cassava (Manihot esculenta) and an arylacetonitrilase from Pseudomonas fluorescens EBC191 was studied. Benzaldehyde exhibited a pronounced inhibitory effect on the nitrilase activity in concentrations ≥25 mM. Therefore, it was tested if two‐phase systems consisting of a buffered aqueous phase and the ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐1‐pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (BMpl NTf₂) or 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMim PF₆) could be used for the intended biotransformation. The distribution coefficients of the substrates, intermediates and products of the reaction were determined and it was found that BMpl NTf₂ and BMim PF₆ were highly efficient as substrate reservoirs for benzaldehyde. The recombinant E. coli strain was active in the presence of BMpl NTf₂ or BMim PF₆ phases and converted benzaldehyde and cyanide into mandelic acid and mandeloamide. The two‐phase systems allowed the conversion of benzaldehyde dissolved in the ionic liquids to a concentration of 700 mM with product yields (=sum of mandelic acid and mandeloamide) of 87–100%. The cells were slightly more effective in the presence of BMpl NTf₂ than in the presence of BMim PF₆. In both two‐phase systems benzaldehyde and cyanide were converted into (S)‐mandeloamide and (S)‐mandelic acid with enantiomeric excesses ≥94%. The recombinant E. coli cells formed, in the two‐phase systems with ionic liquids and increased substrate concentrations, higher relative amounts of mandeloamide than in a purely aqueous system with lower substrate concentrations.     

Gold‐Catalyzed Efficient Formation of α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones from Propargylic Acetates

An efficient gold‐catalyzed method for the preparation of α,β‐unsaturated ketones from propargylic acetates has been developed. Under mild reaction conditions, β‐monosubstituted enones were formed mostly with excellent E‐selectivity. β,β‐Disubstituted enones can be prepared from propargylic acetates derived from ketones. The high efficiency and mild nature of this reaction render it a viable alternative for the synthesis of α,β‐unsaturated ketones.     

Synthesis and Characterization of 1,5‐Dinitro‐2,6‐bis(trinitromethyl)‐3a,4a,7a,8a‐tetrahydro‐[1,4]dioxino[2,3‐d:5,6‐d′]diimidazole (DNTNDI)

The polynitro imidazole derivative 1,5‐dinitro‐2,6‐bis(trinitromethyl)‐3a,4a,7a,8a‐tetrahydro‐[1,4]dioxino[2,3‐d:5,6‐d′]diimidazole (DNTNDI) was synthesized through nitration of 2‐(dinitromethylene)‐1H‐imidazol‐4‐ol in HNO₃/Ac₂O followed by cyclization of the di‐enol. It was characterized by NMR, IR, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Compound DNTNDI crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1). The thermal decomposition was studied with thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) in a nitrogen atmosphere with a heating rate of 5 K min⁻¹. The TG/DTG analysis indicated that DNTNDI has 97.64 % mass loss between 127 °C and 173 °C by undergoing exothermic decomposition. The density of DNTNDI was determined as 1.906 g cm⁻³ at 293 K with an Ultrapycno 1000 Pycnometer. The denotation velocity and denotation pressure of DNTNDI were calculated as 9325 m s⁻¹ and 40 GPa by applying the LOTUSES (version 1.4) code, respectively. The oxygen balance of DNTNDI is 0 and its oxygen content amounts to 51.78 %, which is superior to that of new generation of chlorine‐free oxidizer ammonium dinitramide (ADN).     

Effect of ionic liquids on the structural,thermal, and in vitro degradation properties of poly(ε‐caprolactone) synthesized in the presence of Candida antarctica lipase B

The study provides detailed information on the differences in the structural, thermal and degradation properties of poly(ε‐caprolactone) synthesized in two different ionic liquids, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [bmim][PF₆] and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [bmim][NTf₂], regarding its further usage in the pharmaceutical field. The polymer structure confirms the presence of both linear polymer chains with end‐functional hydroxyl groups allowing covalent coupling of the therapeutic agents, and cyclic macromolecules, both affecting the degree of crystallinity of polymer. The highest macrocyclic content (64%) after 7 days of polymerization at 80 °C was observed for [bmim][NTf₂]. For [bmim][PF₆], the macrocyclic content value was not dependent on the reaction time and remained at a similar level (10–14% at 80 °C). The results of degradation test revealed that hydrolytic degradation of ester bonds is more pronounced for PCLs synthesized in [bmim][NTf₂], due to their lower degree of crystallinity compared with PCLs obtained in [bmim][PF₆]. A high purity, low polydispersity index of the obtained polymers and high yield of the process (ca., 90%) indicate that ionic liquids seem to be promising solvents for the synthesis of biomedical polymers. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43728.     

Enantioselective Additions of Aryltitanium Tris(isopropoxide) to Ketones: Structure of [(i‐PrO)2Ti{μ‐(S)‐BINOLate}(μ‐O‐i‐Pr)TiPh(O‐i‐Pr)2], Study of Mechanistic and Stereochemical Insights

Aryl addition reactions of ArTi(O‐i‐Pr)₃ to aromatic, heteroaromatic, or α,β‐unsaturated ketones are described, producing tertiary alcohols in good to excellent enantioselectivities of up to 97% ee. The structure of the dititanium complex [(i‐PrO)₂Ti{μ‐(S)‐BINOLate}(μ‐O‐i‐Pr)TiPh(O‐i‐Pr)₂] [(S)‐ 4 ] that simultaneously bears a chiral directing ligand and a nucleophile is reported. Complex (S)‐ 4 possesses a pocket structure and has been illustrated as the key active species for addition reactions of both aldehydes and ketones. Mechanistic and stereochemical insights concerning addition reactions of organometallic reagents to organic carbonyls are rationalized based on the pocket structure and pocket size of (S)‐ 4 .     

Highly Enantioselective Phase‐Transfer Catalytic α‐Alkylation of α‐tert‐Butoxycarbonyllactams: Construction of β‐Quaternary Chiral Pyrrolidine and Piperidine Systems

A new enantioselective α‐alkylation of α‐tert‐butoxycarbonyllactams for the construction of β‐quaternary chiral pyrrolidine and piperidine core systems is reported. α‐Alkylations of N‐methyl‐α‐tert‐butoxycarbonylbutyrolactam and N‐diphenylmethyl‐α‐tert‐butoxycarbonylvalerolactam under phase‐transfer catalytic conditions (solid potassium hydroxide, toluene, −40 °C) in the presence of (S,S)‐3,4,5‐trifluorophenyl‐3,3′,5,5′‐tetrahydro‐2,6‐bis(3,4,5‐trifluorophenyl)‐4,4′‐spirobi[4H‐dinaphth[2,1‐c:1′,2′‐e]azepinium] bromide [(S,S)‐NAS Br] (5 mol%) afforded the corresponding α‐alkyl‐α‐tert‐butoxycarbonyllactams in very high chemical (up to 99%) and optical yields (up to 98% ee). Our new catalytic systems provide attractive synthetic methods for pyrrolidine‐ and piperidine‐based alkaloids and chiral intermediates with β‐quaternary carbon centers.     

Chiral Bioinspired Non‐Heme Iron Complexes for Enantioselective Epoxidation of α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones

Chiral bioinspired iron complexes of N₄ ligands based on the ethylenediamine backbone display remarkable levels of enantioselectivity for the first time in the asymmetric epoxidation of α,β‐unsaturated ketones using hydrogen peroxide (up to 87% ee) or peracetic acid as oxidant, respectively. Notablely, isotopic labeling with H₂¹⁸O strongly demonstrated that there is a reversible water binding step prior to generation of the significant intermediate. Besides, the complex [L₂Fe(III)₂(μ‐O)(μ‐CH₃CO₂)]³⁺ usually derived from the decay of the LFe(IV)O species or thermodynamic sinks for a number of iron complexes was identified by HR‐MS. In addition, the possible mechanisms were proposed and LFe(V)O species may be the main active intermediate in the catalytic system.     

Metallkomplexe mit biologisch wichtigen Liganden. CXXIII. Darstellung von Isophthaloyl‐ und Terephthaloyl‐di‐[(β,γ,δ)‐amino‐α‐aminocarboxylat]‐verbrückten zweikernigen Ruthenium‐, Rhodium‐ und Iridium‐Halbsandwich‐Komplexen

The reaction of the Cu(II) bis N,O‐chelate‐complexes of L‐2,4‐diaminobutyric acid, L‐ornithine and L‐lysine {Cu[H₂N–CH(COO)(CH₂)_nNH₃]₂}²⁺(Cl^–)₂ (n = 2–4) with terephthaloyl dichloride or isophthaloyl dichloride gives the polymeric complexes {‐OC–C₆H₄–CO–NH–(CH₂)_n–CH(nh₂)(COO)Cu(OOC)(NH₂)CH–CH₂)_n–NH‐}_x 1 – 5 . From these the metal can be removed by precipitation of Cu(II) with H₂S. The liberated ω,ω′‐N,N′‐diterephthaloyl (or iso‐phthaloyl)‐diaminoacids 6 – 10 react with [Ru(cymene)Cl₂]₂, [Ru(C₆Me₆)Cl₂]₂, [Cp*RhCl₂]₂ or [Cp*IrCl₂]₂ to the ligand bridged bis‐amino acidate complexes [L_n(Cl)M–(OOC)(NH₂)CH–(CH₂)_nNH–CO]₂–C₆H₄ 11 – 14 .     

Ionic Liquid, 1‐n‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide,Resulted in the First Catalyst‐Free Aminohalogenation of Electron‐Deficient Alkenes

The 2‐Ns‐based aminohalogenation of α,β‐unsaturated ketones has been achieved in an ionic liquid, 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide {[bmim][N(SO₂CF₃)₂]}. [Bmim][N(SO₂CF₃)₂] was found to be superior not only to classical organic solvents but also to its counterpart, [bmim][BF₄], which was proven to be successful in the TsNCl₂‐based aminohalogenation but failed to give any product for this reaction. The present process takes the advantage of 2‐NsNCl₂ as the stable nitrogen/halogen source in a one‐pot operation without the use of any metal catalysts, it is convenient to perform without special protection of inert gases. Eight examples were examined with good to excellent stereoselectivity (1:5 to one isomer) and modest to good chemical yields (53–72 %).     

Reusable Gold(I) Catalysts with Unique Regioselectivity for Intermolecular Hydroamination of Alkynes

Two gold(I) phosphine complexes bearing the low‐coordinating bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imidate ligand, namely AuSPhosNTf₂ and AuPPh₃NTf₂, are active catalysts for the regioselective intermolecular hydroamination of both internal and terminal alkynes under mild reaction conditions. The catalysts show a regioselectivity based on electronic rather than steric factors, which allow the preferential synthesis of regioisomers opposite to those described previously. This subtle chemo‐ and regioselectivity depends on the catalyst, substrates and reaction conditions employed, and allows one to perform new tandem reactions. These gold(I) complexes operate under free‐solvent conditions, without exclusion of air, without addition of acidic promoters and can be quantitatively recovered and reused by simple precipitation in hexane.     

Intermolecular Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Alkyne Carboalkoxylation Reactions for the Multicomponent Assembly of β‐Alkoxy Ketones

A new gold(I)‐catalyzed multicomponent synthesis of β‐alkoxy ketones from aldehydes, alcohols, and alkynes is described. This atom economical synthesis was achieved through the use of the gold complex (SPhos)AuNTf₂ as a catalyst, and allows for the preparation of a diverse array of β‐alkoxy ketone products. Mechanistic studies illustrate that these reactions proceed via gold(I)‐catalyzed hydrolysis of the alkyne to an aryl ketone, which then undergoes an aldol reaction with an oxocarbenium ion generated in situ from the aldehyde and alcohol components.     

LiFePO4 cathode in N-methyl-N-propylpiperidinium and N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide

Ternary [Li⁺][MePrPip⁺][NTf₂⁻] and [Li⁺][MePrPyrr⁺][NTf₂⁻] room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) were obtained by dissolution of solid lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiNTf₂) in liquid N-methyl-N-propylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, respectively, and studied as electrolytes for the use in Li/LiFePO₄ or C(Li)/LiFePO₄ batteries. The cell worked properly in the presence of 10 wt% of vinylene carbonate (VC). Impedance-spectroscopy studies showed that the additive (VC) forms a protective coating on the anode. The LiFePO₄ cathode shows good efficiency (135 mAh g⁻¹) working together with [Li⁺][MePrPip⁺][NTf₂⁻] + VC and [Li⁺][MePrPyrr⁺][NTf₂⁻] + VC ionic liquid electrolytes. The flash point of ionic liquid electrolytes containing 10 wt% of VC is above 300 °C, which makes them practically non-flammable.     

Synthesis of Free NH 2‐(Aminomethyl)indoles through Copper‐Catalyzed Reaction of 3‐(ortho‐Trifluoroacetamidophenyl)‐1‐propargylic Alcohols with Amines and Palladium/Copper‐ Cocatalyzed Domino Three‐Component Sonogashira Cross‐Coupling/Cyclization/Substitution Reactions

Free NH 2‐(aminomethyl)indoles have been prepared via copper‐catalyzed cyclization of 3‐(ortho‐trifluoroacetamidophenyl)‐1‐propargylic alcohols in the presence of primary or secondary amines. The synthesis has been developed into a simple and very efficient domino three‐component Sonogashira cross‐coupling/cyclization/substitution process that, omitting the isolation of 3‐(ortho‐trifluoroacetamidophenyl)‐1‐propargylic alcohols, provides access to this class of compounds by treating 2‐iodotrifluoroacetanilides, propargylic alcohols, and primary or secondary amines with a copper/palladium catalyst system.