[2,2'-Bipyridin]-6(1 H)-one, a Truly Cooperating Ligand in the Palladium-Mediated C-H Activation Step: Experimental Evidence in the Direct C-3 Arylation of Pyridine.

The ligand [2,2'-bipyridin]-6(1 H)-one (bipy-6-OH) has a strong accelerating effect on the Pd-catalyzed direct arylation of pyridine or arenes. The isolation of relevant intermediates and the study of their decomposition unequivocally show that the deprotonated coordinated ligand acts as a base and assists the cleavage of the C-H bond. Mechanistic work indicates that the direct arylation of pyridine with this ligand occurs through a Pd(0)/Pd(II) cycle. Because of this dual ligand-intramolecular base role, there is no need for an available coordination site on the metal for an external base, a difficulty encountered when chelating ligands are used in coupling reactions that involve a C-H cleavage step.

Formal Gold-to-Gold Transmetalation of an Alkynyl Group Mediated by Palladium: A Bisalkynyl Gold Complex as a Ligand to Palladium.

The reaction of [Au(C≡C-n-Bu)]n with [Pd(η(3) -allyl)Cl(PPh3 )] results in a ligand and alkynyl rearrangement, and leads to the heterometallic complex [Pd(η(3) -allyl){Au(C≡C-n-Bu)2 }]2 (3) with an unprecedented bridging bisalkynyl-gold ligand coordinated to palladium. This is a formal gold-to-gold transmetalation that occurs through reversible alkynyl transmetalations between gold and palladium.

Detection and reactivity of a palladium alkoxycarbene.

A characterful carbene: The high electrophilicity of a genuine palladium alkoxycarbene, obtained by transmetalation, is evident in its reactivity. Nucleophilic attack on two electrophilic centers (red) is observed. Alkyl abstraction and addition to the carbene carbon by different nucleophiles occur. This palladium(II) alkoxycarbene also undergoes comproportionation with palladium(0) to give an unprecedented palladium(I) dimeric carbene (see scheme).

Versatility and adaptative behaviour of the P

The hemilabile P^N ligand MeDalphos enables access to a wide range of stable gold(i) π-complexes with unbiased alkenes and alkynes, as well as electron-rich alkenes and for the first time electron-poor ones. All complexes have been characterized by multi-nuclear NMR spectroscopy and whenever possible, by X-ray diffraction analyses. They all adopt a rare tricoordinate environment around gold(i), with chelation of the P^N ligand and side-on coordination of the alkene, including the electron-rich one, 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrane. The strength of the N → Au coordination varies significantly in the series. It is the way the P^N ligand accommodates the electronic demand at gold, depending on the alkene. Comparatively, when the chelating P^P ligand (ortho-carboranyl)(PPh2)2 is used, gold(i) π-complexes are only isolable with unbiased alkenes. The bonding situation within the gold(i) P^N π-complexes has been thoroughly analyzed by DFT calculations supplemented by Charge Decomposition Analyses (CDA), Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) and Atoms-in-Molecules (AIM) analyses. Noticeable variations in the donation/back-donation ratio, C[double bond, length as m-dash]C weakening, alkene to gold charge transfer and magnitude of the N → Au coordination were observed. Detailed examination of the descriptors for the Au/alkene interaction and the N → Au coordination actually revealed intimate correlation between the two, with linear response of the MeDalphos ligand to the alkene electronics. The P^N ligand displays non-innocent and adaptative character. The isolated P^N gold(i) π-complexes are reactive and catalytically relevant, as substantiated by the chemo and regio-selective alkylation of indoles.

π Complexes of P

Tricoordinate gold(i) π-complexes containing P-based chelating ligands (P^P and P^N) were prepared. The structure of the gold(i) styrene complexes has been analysed in detail based on NMR and XRD data. The P^N complex is a competent catalyst for indole alkylation. The reaction proceeds with complete C3 and Markovnikov selectivity.