Monodentate Phosphinoamine Nickel Complex Supported on a Metal-Organic Framework for High-Performance Ethylene Dimerization.

Ethylene dimerization is an efficient industrial chemical process to produce 1-butene, with demanding selectivity and activity requirements on new catalytic systems. Herein, a series of monodentate phosphinoamine-nickel complexes immobilized on UiO-66 are described for ethylene dimerization. These catalysts display extensive molecular tunability of the ligand similar to organometallic catalysis, while maintaining the high stability attributed to the metal-organic framework (MOF) scaffold. The highly flexible postsynthetic modification method enables this study to prepare MOFs functionalized with five different substituted phosphines and 3 N-containing ligands and identify the optimal catalyst UiO-66-L5-NiCl2 with isopropyl substituted nickel mono-phosphinoamine complex. This catalyst shows a remarkable activity and selectivity with a TOF of 29 000 (molethyl/molNi/h) and 99% selectivity for 1-butene under ethylene pressure of 15 bar. The catalyst is also applicable for continuous production in the packed column micro-reactor with a TON of 72 000 (molethyl/molNi). The mechanistic insight for the ethylene oligomerization has been examined by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The calculated energy profiles for homogeneous complexes and truncated MOF models reveal varying rate-determining step as ß-hydrogen elimination and migratory insertion, respectively. The activation barrier of UiO-66-L5-NiCl2 is lower than other systems, possibly due to the restriction effect caused by clusters and ligands. A comprehensive analysis of the structural parameters of catalysts shows that the cone angle as steric descriptor and butene desorption energy as thermodynamic descriptor can be applied to estimate the reactivity turnover frequency (TOF) with the optimum for UiO-66-L5-NiCl2. This work represents the systematic optimization of ligand effect through combination of experimental and theoretical data and presents a proof-of-concept for ethylene dimerization catalyst through simple heterogenization of organometallic catalyst on MOF.

N-Alkylation through the Borrowing Hydrogen Pathway Catalyzed by the Metal-Organic Framework-Supported Iridium-Monophosphine Complex.

Further development in the area of medicinal chemistry requires facile and atom-economical C-N bond formation from readily accessible precursors using recyclable and reusable catalysts with low process toxicity. In this work, direct N-alkylation of amines with alcohols is performed with a series of Ir-phosphine-functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF) heterogeneous catalysts. The grafted monophosphine-Ir complexes were studied comprehensively to illustrate the ligand-dependent reactivity. The afforded MOF catalysts exhibited high reactivity and selectivity toward N-alkylamine product formation, especially UiO-66-PPh2-Ir, which showed 90% conversion after recycling with no catalyst residue remaining in the product after the reaction. Furthermore, analyses of the active catalyst, mechanistic studies, control experiments, and H2 adsorption tests are consistent with the conclusion that immobilization of the iridium complex on the MOF support enables the formation of the iridium-monophosphine complex and enhances its stability during the reaction. To illustrate the potential of the catalyst for application in medicinal chemistry, two pharmaceutical precursors were synthesized with up to 99% conversion and selectivity.

Bridging Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysis: Phosphine-Functionalized Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Phosphine-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (P-MOFs) as an emerging class of coordination polymers, have provided novel opportunities for the development of heterogeneous catalysts. Yet, compared with the ubiquitous phosphine systems in homogeneous catalysis, heterogenization of phosphines in MOFs is still at its early stage. In this Minireview, we summarize the synthetic strategies, characterization and catalytic reactions based on the P-MOFs reported in literature. In particular, various catalytic reactions are discussed in detail in terms of phosphine ligand structure-function relationship, including the potential obstacles for future development. Finally, we discuss the possible solutions, including new types of reactions and techniques as the perspectives for the development of P-MOF catalysts, highlighting the opportunities and challenges.

Solubilizing Metal-Organic Frameworks for an In Situ IR-SEC Study of a CO2 Reduction Catalyst.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are typically assembled by bridging metal centers with organic linkers for various applications, including providing robust support for heterogeneous catalysts for CO2 reduction. In this study, we have demonstrated the solubilization of a MOF tethered to a CO2-reducing electrocatalyst and studied its fundamental electrochemistry in THF solvent using infrared spectroelectrochemistry (IR-SEC). The fundamental electrochemical properties of this immobilized catalyst were compared to that of its homogeneous counterpart. This approach provides a foundation for future experimental studies to bridge the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous electrocatalysis.

Site-Isolated Azobenzene-Containing Metal-Organic Framework for Cyclopalladated Catalyzed Suzuki-Miyuara Coupling in Flow.

Sites isolation of active metals centers, systematically studied in homogeneous systems, has been an alternative to develop low metal consuming, highly active next generation catalysts in heterogeneous condition. Because of the high porosity and facile synthetic procedures, MOF-based catalysts are excellent candidates for heterogenization of well-defined homogeneous catalysts. Herein, we report the direct Pd coordination on the azobenzene linker within a MOF catalyst through a postsynthetic modification method for a Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction. The immobilized cyclopalladated complexes in MOFs were analyzed by a series of characterization techniques including XPS, PXRD, and deuterium NMR (2H NMR) spectroscopy. The heterogeneous nature of the catalyst as well as its stability were demonstrated though "hot filtration" and recycling experiments. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the MOF packed column promoted the reaction between phenyl boronic acid and bromobenzene under microflow conditions with a 85% yield continuously for 12 h. This work sheds light on the potential of site-isolated MOF catalysts in efficient, recyclable and continuous flow systems for industrial application.

In Situ Solution-State Characterization of MOF-Immobilized Transition-Metal Complexes by Infrared Spectroscopy.

Transition-metal catalysts immobilized on the surface of Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are being utilized for an ever-increasing number of reactions ranging from couplings to olefin oligomerization. While these reactions are usually performed in solution, unlike their homogeneous counterparts, the insolubility of the MOF systems makes it difficult to obtain detailed mechanistic information by in situ spectroscopic analysis in solution. In this report, we present a synthetic method to solubilize these systems by grafting oligomers on the surface of the MOF particles, making it possible to characterize these species by transmission infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The fundamental photochemistry of these catalysts was also studied and compared to that of their homogeneous counterparts. This work establishes a proof of principle for in-solution monitoring of heterogeneous catalysts.

Recyclable and Reusable Heteroleptic Nickel Catalyst Immobilized on Metal-Organic Framework for Suzuki-Miyaura Coupling.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide highly versatile platforms to stabilize molecular catalysts that are not readily accessible under homogeneous conditions, thus enabling access to a new set of catalytic materials. Herein, we describe a recyclable and highly active nickel catalyst immobilized on MOF for Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction, which operates under mild conditions. This mixed ligand catalyst forms from the combination of 1 equiv of MOF-immobilized ligand, 1 equiv of nickel source, and 1 equiv of PPh3. The nature of the catalyst was verified through a series of analytical tests and catalysis experiments. The immobilized catalyst was reusable for at least up to 7 cycles without decrease in the yield of the coupled product. We also verified that this reaction does not work under homogeneous conditions and that the reaction is truly heterogeneous through "hot filtration" experiments. We identified that the reaction is first order in arylborane concentration and negative order in arylbromide concentration through the effect of substrate concentrations on the initial rate. This informed us to conduct the catalysis under slow addition of the arylbromide and reduce the catalyst loading to 1% from 3%, without detriment to the yield or rate of the reaction. The catalyst gave good to excellent isolated yields with a range of functionalities, including heterocycles on aryl bromide with widely varying electronic properties.

Exposed Equatorial Positions of Metal Centers via Sequential Ligand Elimination and Installation in MOFs.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide highly designable platforms to construct complex coordination architectures for targeted applications. Herein, we demonstrate that trans-coordinated metal centers with exposed equatorial positions can be placed in a MOF matrix. A Zr-based MOF, namely, PCN-160, was initially synthesized as a scaffold structure. Postsynthetic linker labilization was subsequently implemented to partially remove the original dicarboxylate linkers and incorporate pyridinecarboxylates. A pair of neighboring pyridyl groups was arranged at proper proximity within the framework to form trans-binding sites that accommodate different metal cations including Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Pd2+. Furthermore, the trans-coordinated Ni2+ sites in porous frameworks can be readily accessed by substrates along the equatorial plane, facilitating the catalysis as manifested by the superior activity in ethylene dimerization over that observed for a cis-chelated catalyst.

Origins of Regioselectivity in Iridium Catalyzed Allylic Substitution.

Detailed studies on the origin of the regioselectivity for formation of branched products over linear products have been conducted with complexes containing the achiral triphenylphosphite ligand. The combination of iridium and P(OPh)3 was the first catalytic system shown to give high regioselectivity for the branched product with iridium and among the most selective for forming branched products among any combination of metal and ligand. We have shown the active catalyst to be generated from [Ir(COD)Cl]2 and P(OPh)3 by cyclometalation of the phenyl group on the ligand and have shown such species to be the resting state of the catalyst. A series of allyliridium complexes ligated by the resulting P,C ligand have been generated and shown to be competent intermediates in the catalytic system. We have assessed the potential impact of charge, metal-iridium bond length, and stability of terminal vs internal alkenes generated by attack at the branched and terminal positions of the allyl ligand, respectively. These factors do not distinguish the regioselectivity for attack on allyliridium complexes from that for attack on allylpalladium complexes. Instead, detailed computational studies suggest that a series of weak, attractive, noncovalent interactions, including interactions of H-bond acceptors with a vinyl C-H bond of the alkene ligand, favor formation of the branched product with the iridium catalyst. This conclusion underscores the importance of considering attractive interactions, as well as repulsive steric interactions, when seeking to rationalize selectivities.

Origins of enantioselectivity during allylic substitution reactions catalyzed by metallacyclic iridium complexes.

In depth mechanistic studies of iridium catalyzed regioselective and enantioselective allylic substitution reactions are presented. A series of cyclometalated allyliridium complexes that are kinetically and chemically competent to be intermediates in the allylic substitution reactions was prepared and characterized by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopies and single-crystal X-ray difraction. The rates of epimerization of the less thermodynamically stable diastereomeric allyliridium complexes to the thermodynamically more stable allyliridium stereoisomers were measured. The rates of nucleophilic attack by aniline and by N-methylaniline on the isolated allyliridium complexes were also measured. Attack on the thermodynamically less stable allyliridium complex was found to be orders of magnitude faster than attack on the thermodynamically more stable complex, yet the major enantiomer of the catalytic reaction is formed from the more stable diastereomer. Comparison of the rates of nucleophilic attack to the rates of epimerization of the diastereomeric allyliridium complexes containing a weakly coordinating counterion showed that nucleophilic attack on the less stable allyliridium species is much faster than conversion of the less stable isomer to the more stable isomer. These observations imply that Curtin-Hammett conditions are not met during iridium catalyzed allylic substitution reactions by η(3)-η(1)-η(3) interconversion. Rather, these data imply that when these conditions exist for this reaction, they are created by reversible oxidative addition, and the high selectivity of this oxidative addition step to form the more stable diastereomeric allyl complex leads to the high enantioselectivity. The stereochemical outcome of the individual steps of allylic substitution was assessed by reactions of deuterium-labeled substrates. The allylic substitution was shown to occur by oxidative addition with inversion of configuration, followed by an outer sphere nucleophilic attack that leads to a second inversion of configuration. This result contrasts the changes in configuration that occur during reactions of molybdenum complexes studied with these substrates previously. In short, these studies show that the factors that control the enantioselectivity of iridium-catalyzed allylic substitution are distinct from those that control enantioselectivity during allylic substitution catalyzed by palladium or molybdenum complexes and lead to the unique combination of high regioselectivity, enantioselectivity, and scope of reactive nucleophile.

Rhodium phosphine-π-arene intermediates in the hydroamination of alkenes.

A detailed mechanistic study of the intramolecular hydroamination of alkenes with amines catalyzed by rhodium complexes of a biaryldialkylphosphine is reported. The active catalyst is shown to contain the phosphine ligand bound in a κ(1), η(6) form in which the arene is π-bound to rhodium. Addition of deuterated amine to an internal olefin showed that the reaction occurs by trans addition of the N-H bond across the C═C bond, and this stereochemistry implies that the reaction occurs by nucleophilic attack of the amine on a coordinated alkene. Indeed, the cationic rhodium fragment binds the alkene over the secondary amine, and the olefin complex was shown to be the catalyst resting state. The reaction was zero-order in substrate, when the concentration of olefin was high, and a primary isotope effect was observed. The primary isotope effect, in combination with the observation of the alkene complex as the resting state, implies that nucleophilic attack of the amine on the alkene is reversible and is followed by turnover-limiting protonation. This mechanism constitutes an unusual pathway for rhodium-catalyzed additions to alkenes and is more closely related to the mechanism for palladium-catalyzed addition of amide N-H bonds to alkenes.

The allyl intermediate in regioselective and enantioselective iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions.

The isolation and structural characterization of metallacyclic allyl (2a) and crotyl (2b) iridium complexes are reported. Complexes 2a and 2b are rare examples of iriduim allyl complexes that undergo nucleophilic attack at terminal position, rather than the central position, of the allyl unit. Structures of 2a and 2b were obtained by X-ray diffraction. Nucleophilic attack was observed at the carbon that is bound to iridium trans to phosphorus through a longer Ir-C bond. However, the effect of the trans phosphine ligand on the Ir-C bond lengths was smaller than the effect of the substituent on the allyl group in 2b. The competence of complexes 2a and 2b to be intermediates in the catalytic asymmetric allylic substitutions was evaluated by studying their reactivity toward stabilized carbon and heteroatom nucleophiles and comparing the rates and selectivities to those of the catalytic reactions. The stereoselectivity and regioselectivity of stoichiometric reactions of 2b were similar to those of reactions catalyzed by the previously reported iridium catalysts, supporting their intermediacy in the catalytic reactions. On the basis of the structural data, a model is proposed for the origin of stereoselectivity in iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions.