Hexakis(PCP‐Platinum and ‐Ruthenium) Complexes by the Transcyclometalation Reaction and Their Use in Catalysis

Hexakis(PCP‐pincer) complexes [C₆{PtBr(PCP)}₆] ( 5d ) and [C₆{RuCl(PCP)(PPh₃)}₆] ( 5e ) were synthesized via the transcyclometalation (TCM) procedure. Mixing the hexakis(PCHP‐arene) ligand 7 with six equivalents of [PtBr(NCN)] ( 1a ) or [RuCl(NCN)(PPh₃)] ( 1b ), respectively, resulted in the selective metalation of all PCP‐ligand sites and the concomitant formation of six equivalents of the NCHN‐arene ligand. This procedure was found to be superior over existing metalation procedures. In addition, hexakisruthenium complex 5e was applied as homogeneous catalyst in the hydrogen transfer reactions of cyclohexanone, acetophenone and benzophenone to the corresponding alcohols. In these reactions, the activity per ruthenium center of 5e was found to be of the same order of magnitude as that of the mononuclear analogue [RuCl(PCP)(PPh₃)] 3b , indicating that all ruthenium centers act as independent catalytic sites.     

Ruthenium Catalyzed Selective Regio‐and‐Mono‐Allylation of Cyclic 1,3‐Diketones Using Allyl Alcohols as Substrates

The new ruthenium‐sulfonate catalyst Ru(Cp*)(η³‐C₃H₅) (p‐CH₃C₆H₄SO₃)₂, (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl), rapidly and regioselectively mono‐allylates dimedone to the branched products using substituted allyl alcohols as substrates, without acid, base or other additives, under relatively mild conditions. We consider the ruthenium sulfonate to be a “green” alternative in that it uses allyl alcohols as substrate, (rather than carbonates, acetates, etc.) and therefore does not waste the leaving group. The catalyst induces rapid double allylation of various 1,3‐diketones in high yield using allylic alcohol.     

(η6‐Arene)ruthenium(N‐heterocyclic carbene) Complexes for the Chelation‐Assisted Arylation and Deuteration of Arylpyridines: Catalytic Studies and Mechanistic Insights

A series of (η⁶‐arene)ruthenium complexes have been tested in the arylation of arylpyridines. One (η⁶‐p‐cymene)ruthenium(N‐heterocyclic carbene) complex (labelled as 1 in the text) was found to be the most effective, being capable of arylating a wide set of substantially different arylpyridines. Complex 1 is also able to promote the regioselective deuteration of a series of arylated N‐heterocycles, via a nitrogen‐directed mechanism. Two of the deuterated amines were used to measure the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) in the arylation process. The detection of an inverse KIE, together with the observation that the C H activation process does not require the addition of a base, suggest that the rate‐limiting step in the arylation process may be different to that of previously reported studies.     

Ruthenium‐Catalyzed O‐Allylation of Phenols from Allylic Chlorides via Cationic [Cp*(η3‐allyl)(MeCN)RuX][PF6] Complexes

The [Cp*(MeCN)₃Ru(II)][PF₆] complex is an efficient catalyst precursor for the O‐allylation of phenols with allylic chlorides in the presence of K₂CO₃ under mild conditions. This ruthenium precursor affords branched allyl aryl ethers according to a regioselective reaction, which contrasts with the uncatalyzed nucleophilic substitution from the same substrates. Stable (η³‐allyl)Ru(IV) cationic complexes resulting from the reaction of [Cp*(MeCN)₃Ru][PF₆] with allylic halides were identified as intermediate catalytic species. An X‐ray structure determination of the complex [Cp*(MeCHCHCH₂)(MeCN)RuBr][PF₆] disclosed an (endo‐trans‐MeCHCHCH₂) allylic ligand. The structural information obtained from the study of Cp*(allyl)Ru(IV) complexes indicated that electronic effects at the coordinated allylic ligand likely account for the better regioselectivity obtained from cinnamyl chloride as compared to aliphatic allylic chlorides.     

Convenient General Asymmetric Synthesis of Roche Ester Derivatives through Catalytic Asymmetric Hydrogenation: Steric and Electronic Effects of Ligands

An efficient and concise asymmetric hydrogenation of acrylate esters promoted by the cationic ruthenium monohydride complex [Ru(H)(η⁶‐cot)SYNPHOS]⁺BF₄⁻ is reported. A full investigation of the effects of catalyst precursors, solvents, temperature, hydrogen pressure, substrates as well as steric and electronic properties of ligands was carried out. The corresponding valuable Roche ester derivatives were obtained in good to excellent isolated yields and high enantioselectivities under mild conditions. The robustness and practicability of this highly enantioselective hydrogenation was demonstrated by the synthesis of the 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylpropanoic acid tert‐butyl ester on a multigram scale, resulting in excellent yield and ee up to 94%.     

Mechanistic in situ High‐Pressure NMR Studies of Benzene Hydrogenation by Supramolecular Cluster Catalysis with [(η6‐C6H6)(η6‐C6Me6)2Ru3(μ3‐O)(μ2‐OH)(μ2‐H)2][BF4]

In situ high‐pressure NMR spectroscopy of the hydrogenation of benzene to give cyclohexane, catalysed by the cluster cation [(η⁶‐C₆H₆) (η⁶‐C₆Me₆)₂Ru₃(μ₃‐O)(μ₂‐OH)(μ₂‐H)₂]⁺ 2 , supports a mechanism involving a supramolecular host‐guest complex of the substrate molecule in the hydrophobic pocket of the intact cluster molecule.     

Arene–RuII Complexes of Curcumin Exert Antitumor Activity via Proteasome Inhibition and Apoptosis Induction

Organometallic ruthenium(II) complexes of general formula [(η⁶‐arene)Ru(curcuminato)Cl], with arene being p‐iPrC₆H₄Me ( 1 ), C₆H₆ ( 2 ), and C₆Me₆ ( 3 ), were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their antitumor effects. Specifically, we explored their ability to regulate the proteasome, a validated pharmacological target in cancer treatment. Ruthenium complexes inhibited isolated proteasomes to various extents, with the biological activity of these complexes depending on the nature of the bound arene; in particular, [(η⁶‐arene)Ru(curcuminato)Cl] 2 suppressed proteasomal activities more potently than 1 , 3 , or free curcumin. Each complex also inhibited proteasomes in cultured colon cancer cells and consequently triggered apoptosis, with the [(η⁶‐benzene)Ru(curcuminato)Cl] complex 2 being the most active. The influence on the oxidative status of HCT116 cells and the DNA binding ability of the [(η⁶‐arene)Ru(curcuminato)Cl] complexes were studied. Complex 2 showed the highest antioxidant capacity; moreover, complexes 1 and 2 were shown to bind isolated DNA with higher affinity (up to threefold) than free curcumin. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the complexation of curcumin with ruthenium(II) is a promising starting point for the development of curcumin‐based anticancer drugs.     

(Cyclopentadienyl)ruthenium‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Enantioselective Decarboxylative Allylic Etherification of Allyl Aryl and Alkyl Carbonates

(Cyclopentadienyl)tris(acetonitrile)ruthenium hexafluorophosphate {[CpRu(NCMe)₃][PF₆]} or (cyclopentadienyl)(η⁶‐naphthalene)ruthenium hexafluorophosphate {[CpRu(η⁶‐naphthalene)][PF₆]} in combination with a pyridine oxazoline ligand efficiently catalyze the decarboxylative allylic rearrangement of allyl aryl carbonates. Good levels of regio‐ and enantioselectivity are obtained. Starting from enantioenriched secondary carbonates, the reaction is stereospecific and the corresponding allylic ethers are obtained with net retention of configuration. An intermolecular version of this transformation was also developed using allyl alkyl carbonates as substrates. Conditions were found to obtain the corresponding products with similar selectivity as in the intramolecular process. Through the use of a hemi‐labile hexacoordinated phosphate counterion, a zwitterionic air‐ and moisture‐stable chiral ruthenium complex was synthesized and used in the enantioselective etherification reactions. This highly lipophilic metal complex can be recovered and efficiently reused in subsequent catalysis runs.     

Ethylene/1‐octadecene copolymerization using [η5:η1‐C5Me4‐4‐R1‐6‐R‐C6H2O]TiCl2 catalysts

Copolymerization of ethylene with 1‐octadecene was studied using [η⁵:η¹‐C₅Me₄‐4‐R₁‐6‐R‐C₆H₂O]TiCl₂ [R₁ = ^tBu (1), H (2, 3, 4); R = ^tBu (1, 2), Me (3), Ph (4)] as catalysts in the presence of Al(i‐Bu)₃ and [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄]. The effect of the concentration of comonomer in the feed and Al/Ti molar ratio on the catalytic activity and molecular weight of the resultant copolymer were investigated. The substituents on the phenyl ring of the ligand affect considerably both the catalytic activity and comonomer incorporation. The 1 /Al(i‐Bu)₃/[Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] catalyst system exhibits the highest catalytic activity and produces copolymers with the highest molecular weight, while the 2 /Al(i‐Bu)₃/[Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] catalyst system gives copolymers with the highest comonomer incorporation under similar conditions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Fe(PyTACN)‐Catalyzed cis‐Dihydroxylation of Olefins with Hydrogen Peroxide

A family of iron complexes with general formula [Fe(II)(^R,Y,XPyTACN)(CF₃SO₃)₂], where ^R,Y,XPyTACN=1‐[2′‐(4‐Y‐6‐X‐pyridyl)methyl]‐4,7‐dialkyl‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane, X and Y refer to the groups at positions 4 and 6 of the pyridine, respectively, and R refers to the alkyl substitution at N‐4 and N‐7 of the triazacyclononane ring, are shown to be catalysts for efficient and selective alkene oxidation (epoxidation and cis‐dihydroxylation) employing hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. Complex [Fe(II)(^Me,Me,HPyTACN)(CF₃SO₃)₂] ( 7 ), was identified as the most efficient and selective cis‐dihydroxylation catalyst among the family. The high activity of 7 allows the oxidation of alkenes to proceed rapidly (30 min) at room temperature and under conditions where the olefin is not used in large amounts but instead is the limiting reagent. In the presence of 3 mol% of 7 , 2 equiv. of H₂O₂ as oxidant and 15 equiv. of water, in acetonitrile solution, alkenes are cis‐dihydroxylated reaching yields that might be interesting for synthetic purposes. Competition experiments show that 7 exhibits preferential selectivity towards the oxidation of cis olefins over the trans analogues, and also affords better yields and high [syn‐diol]/[epoxide] ratios when cis olefins are oxidized. For aliphatic substrates, reaction yields attained with the present system compare favourably with state of the art Fe‐catalyzed cis‐dihydroxylation systems, and it can be regarded as an attractive complement to the iron and manganese systems described recently and which show optimum activity against electron‐deficient and aromatic olefins.     

Highly Active and Enantioselective Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric 1,4‐Addition of Arylboronic Acid to α,β‐ Unsaturated Ketone by using Electron‐Poor MeO‐F12‐BIPHEP

The asymmetric 1,4‐addition of phenylboronic acid to cyclohexenone were performed by using a low amount of rhodium/(R)‐(6,6′‐dimethoxybiphenyl‐2,2′‐diyl)bis[bis(3,4,5‐trifluorophenyl)phosphine] (MeO‐F₁₂‐BIPHEP) catalyst. Because the catalyst shows thermal resistance at 100 °C, up to 0.00025 mol% Rh catalyst showed good catalytic activity. The highest turnover frequency (TOF) and turnover number (TON) observed were 53,000 h⁻¹ and 320,000, respectively. The enantioselectivities of the products were maintained at a high level of 98% ee in these reactions. The Eyring plots gave the following kinetic parameters (ΔΔH^≠=−4.0±0.1 kcal mol⁻¹ and ΔΔS^≠=−1.3±0.3 cal mol⁻¹ K⁻¹), indicating that the entropy contribution is relatively small. Both the result and consideration of the transition state in the insertion step at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) [LANL2DZ for rhodium] levels indicated that the less σ‐donating electron‐poor (R)‐MeO‐F₁₂‐BIPHEP could be creating a rigid chiral environment around the rhodium catalyst even at high temperature.     

On the Sense of the Enantioselection in Hydrogen Transfer Reactions from 2‐Propanol to Ketones

An explanation for the reversal in the sense of the enantioselectivity observed in hydrogen transfer reactions from 2‐propanol to ketones catalyzed by the ruthenium or osmium amino acidates [(η⁶‐p‐MeC₆H₄‐i‐Pr)M(Aa)Cl] and [(η⁶‐p‐MeC₆H₄‐i‐Pr)M(Aa)]₃[BF₄]₃ [Aa=piperidine‐2‐carboxylate (pip), N‐methyl‐L ‐phenylalaninate (MePhe)] is given; the molecular structures of [(η⁶‐p‐MeC₆H₄‐i‐Pr)Os(Pip)Cl] ( 1 ), [(η⁶‐p‐MeC₆H₄‐i‐Pr)Os(Pip)]₃[BF₄]₃ ( 2 ), [(η⁶‐p‐MeC₆H₄‐i‐Pr)M(MePhe)Cl] [M=Ru ( 3 ), Os ( 4 )] are also reported.     

ansa‐Ruthenium(II) Complexes of R2NSO2DPEN‐(CH2)n(η6‐Aryl) Conjugate Ligands for Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Aryl Ketones

New 3^rd generation designer ansa‐ruthenium(II) complexes featuring N,C‐alkylene‐tethered N,N‐dialkylsulfamoyl‐DPEN/η⁶‐arene ligands, exhibited good catalytic performance in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of various classes of (het)aryl ketones in formic acid/triethylamine mixture. In particular, benzo‐fused cyclic ketones furnished 98 to >99.9% ee using a low catalyst loading.

     

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].     

Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Tandem Alkoxylation/Lactonization of γ‐Hydroxy‐α,β‐Acetylenic Esters

The formation of 4‐alkoxy‐2(5H)‐furanones was achieved via tandem alkoxylation/lactonization of γ‐hydroxy‐α,β‐acetylenic esters catalyzed by 2 mol% of [2,6‐bis(diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidine]gold bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imidate [Au(IPr)(NTf₂)]. The economic and simple procedure was applied to a series of various secondary propargylic alcohols allowing for yields of desired product of up to 95%. In addition, tertiary propargylic alcohols bearing mostly cyclic substituents were converted into the corresponding spiro derivatives. Both primary and secondary alcohols reacted with propargylic alcohols at moderate temperatures (65–80 °C) in either neat reactions or using 1,2‐dichloroethane as a reaction medium allowing for yields of 23–95%. In contrast to [Au(IPr)(NTf₂)], reactions with cationic complexes such as [2,6‐bis(diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidine](acetonitrile)gold tetrafluoroborate [Au(IPr)(CH₃CN)][BF₄] or (μ‐hydroxy)bis{[2,6‐bis(diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidine]gold} tetrafluoroborate or bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imidate – [{Au(IPr)}₂(μ‐OH)][X] (X=BF₄, NTf₂) – mostly stop after the alkoxylation. Analysis of the intermediate proved the exclusive formation of the E‐isomer which allows for the subsequent lactonization.     

Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed 1,4‐Addition of Arylboronic Acids to β‐Arylenones for Enantioselective Synthesis of 4‐Aryl‐4H‐chromenes

The enantioselective 1,4‐addition of arylboronic acids to β‐arylenones to give β‐diaryl ketones was carried out at 0–25 °C in the presence of a dicationic palladium(II) catalyst, [Pd(S,S‐chiraphos)(PhCN)₂](SbF₆)₂. Addition of a silver salt such as silver tetrafluoroborate [AgBF₄] or silver hexafluoroantimonate [AgSbF₆] (5–10 mol %) was effective to achieve high enantioselectivities at low temperatures (92–99 % ee) and to reduce the catalyst loading to 0.05 mol %. The protocol provided a simple access to 4‐aryl‐4H‐chromenes. Optically active chromenes were synthesized with up to 99 % ee via dehydration of the 1,4‐adducts between arylboronic acids and β‐(2‐hydroxyaryl)‐α,β‐unsaturated ketones.     

Viscosity/molecular‐weight relationship for γ‐(2,3‐dihydroxypropoxy)propyl‐terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane)s

A series of γ‐(2,3‐dihydroxypropoxy)propyl‐terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (DHT‐PDMS) samples with different molecular weights were prepared through the acid‐catalyzed equilibrium copolymerization of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and 1,3‐bis[γ‐(2,3‐dihydroxypropoxy)propyl]tetramethyldisiloxane. The intrinsic viscosity in toluene ([η]_toluene) and the number‐average molecular weight (M_n) were determined with an Ubbelohde viscometer and ¹H‐NMR spectra, respectively. In this way, the relationship between [η]_toluene and M_n was established. For 2.0 × 10⁴ < M_n < 4.0 × 10⁴, [η]_{toluene,25°C} was 1.874M_n ^0.323. The solution behavior of DHT‐PDMS was also investigated. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1759–1762, 2004     

Synthesis of star‐shaped poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) by samarium‐based tetrafunctional initiator and its dilute‐solution properties

An in situ–generated tetrafunctional samarium enolate from the reduction of 1,1,1,1‐tetra(2‐bromoisobutyryloxymethyl)methane with divalent samarium complexes [Sm(PPh₂)₂ and SmI₂] in tetrahydrofuran has proven to initiate the ring‐opening polymerization of ?‐caprolactone (CL) giving star‐shaped aliphatic polyesters. The polymerization proceeded with quantitative conversions at room temperature in 2 h and exhibited good controllability of the molecular weight of polymer. The resulting four‐armed poly(?‐caprolactone) (PCL) was fractionated, and the dilute‐solution properties of the fractions were studied in tetrahydrofuran and toluene at 30°C. The Mark–Houwink relations for these solvents were [η] = 2.73 × 10^?2M_w^0.74 and [η] = 1.97 × 10^?2M_w^0.75, respectively. In addition, the unperturbed dimensions of the star‐shaped PCL systems were also evaluated, and a significant solvent effect was observed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 175–182, 2006     

Atom Economic Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Bulky β‐Oxo Esters

Ruthenium complexes with the formulae Ru(CO)₂(PR₃)₂(O₂CPh)₂ [ 6a – h ; R=n‐Bu, p‐MeO‐C₆H₄, p‐Me‐C₆H₄, Ph, p‐Cl‐C₆H₄, m‐Cl‐C₆H₄, p‐CF₃‐C₆H₄, m,m′‐(CF₃)₂C₆H₃] were prepared by treatment of triruthenium dodecacarbonyl [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] with the respective phosphine and benzoic acid or by the conversion of Ru(CO)₃(PR₃)₂ ( 8e – h ) with benzoic acid. During the preparation of 8 , ruthenium hydride complexes of type Ru(CO)(PR₃)₃(H)₂ ( 9g , h ) could be isolated as side products. The molecular structures of the newly synthesized complexes in the solid state are discussed. Compounds 6a – h were found to be highly effective catalysts in the addition of carboxylic acids to propargylic alcohols to give valuable β‐oxo esters. The catalyst screening revealed a considerably influence of the phosphine′s electronic nature on the resulting activities. The best performances were obtained with complexes 6g and 6h , featuring electron‐withdrawing phosphine ligands. Additionally, catalyst 6g is very active in the conversion of sterically demanding substrates, leading to a broad substrate scope. The catalytic preparation of simple as well as challenging substrates succeeds with catalyst 6g in yields that often exceed those of established literature systems. Furthermore, the reactions can be carried out with catalyst loadings down to 0.1 mol% and reaction temperatures down to 50 °C.

     

Monolith‐ and Silica‐Supported Carboxylate‐Based Grubbs–Herrmann‐Type Metathesis Catalysts

The synthesis of silica‐ and monolith‐supported Grubbs–Herrmann‐type catalysts is described. Two polymerizable, carboxylate‐containing ligands, exo, exo‐7‐oxanorborn‐2‐ene‐5,6‐dicarboxylic anhydride and 7‐oxanorborn‐2‐ene‐5‐carboxylic acid were surface‐immobilized onto silica‐ and ring‐opening metathesis (ROMP‐) derived monolithic supports using “grafting‐from” techniques. The “1^st generation Grubbs catalyst”, RuCl₂(CHPh)(PCy₃)₂, was used for these purposes. In addition, a poly(norborn‐2‐ene‐b‐exo, exo‐norborn‐2‐ene‐5,6‐dicarboxylic anhydride)‐coated silica 60 was prepared. The polymer supported anhydride and carboxylate groups were converted into the corresponding mono‐ and disilver salts, respectively, and reacted with the Grubbs–Herrmann catalyst RuCl₂(CHPh)(IMesH₂)(PCy₃) [IMesH₂=1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)‐4,5‐dihydroimidazol‐2‐ylidene]. Heterogenization was accomplished by exchange of one chlorine ligand with the polymeric, immobilized silver carboxylates to yield monolith‐supported catalysts 4, 5 , and 6 as well as silica‐supported systems 7, 8 and 9 . The actual composition of these heterogenized catalysts was proven by the synthesis of a homogeneous analogue, RuCl[7‐oxanorbornan‐2‐(COOAg)‐3‐COO](CHPh)(IMesH₂)(PCy₃) ( 3 ). All homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts were used in ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) of diethyl diallylmalonate, 1,7‐octadiene, diallyldiphenylsilane, methyl trans‐3‐pentenoate, diallyl ether, N,N‐diallyltrifluoracetamide and t‐butyl N,N‐diallylcarbamate allowing turnover numbers (TON's) close to 1000. In a flow‐through set‐up, an auxiliary effect of pendant silver carboxylates was observed with catalyst 5 , where the silver moiety functions as a (reversible) phosphine scavenger that both accelerates initiation and stabilizes the catalyst by preventing phosphine elution. Detailed catalytic studies were carried out with the monolith‐supported systems 4 and 6 in order to investigate the effects of temperature and chain‐transfer agents (CTA's) such as cis‐1,4‐diacetoxybut‐2‐ene. In all RCM experiments Ru‐leaching was low, resulting in a Ru‐content of the RCM products ≤3.5 μg/g (3.5 ppm).