Stabilization of Luminescent Mononuclear Three-Coordinate CuI Complexes by Two Distinct Cavity-Shaped Diphosphanes Obtained from a Single α-Cyclodextrin Precursor.

Slightly different reaction conditions afforded two distinct cavity-shaped cis-chelating diphosphanes from the same starting materials, namely diphenyl(2-phosphanylphenyl)phosphane and an α-cyclodextrin-derived dimesylate. Thanks to their metal-confining properties, the two diphosphanes form only mononuclear [CuX(PP)] complexes (X=Cl, Br, or I) with the tricoordinated metal ion located just above the center of the cavity. The two series of CuI complexes display markedly different luminescence properties that are both influenced by the electronic properties of the ligand and the unique steric environment provided by the cyclodextrin (CD) cavity. The excited state lifetimes of all complexes are significantly longer than those of the cavity-free analogues suggesting peculiar electronic effects that affect radiative deactivation constants. The overall picture stemming from absorption and emission data suggests close-lying charge-transfer (MLCT, XLCT) and triplet ligand-centered (LC) excited states.

Ferrocenyl Dinuclear Gold(I) Complexes. Study of their Structural Features and the Influence of Bridging and Phosphane Ligands in a Catalytic Cyclization Reaction.

The combination of the ferrocene moiety with gold(I) catalysis remains a relatively unexplored field. In this article, we delve into the synthesis, characterization, and potential catalytic activity of four complexes utilizing both monodentate and bidentate ferrocenyl diphenylphosphane ligands (ppf and dppf), coordinated with two gold(I) metal centers, linked by either chloride or pentafluorophenylthiolate bridging ligands. This leads to the formation of cationic "self-activated" precatalysts capable of initiating the catalytic cycle without the need for external additives. The catalytic activity of these complexes was assessed through a model reaction in gold(I) catalysis, specifically the cyclization of a N-propargylbenzamide to produce an oxazole. In addition, we studied and compared the influence exerted by both the phosphane and the bridging ligand on the performance of these catalysts.

Sheltering Mono-P-Ligated Metal Complexes in Porous Polystyrene Monolith: Effect of Aryl Pendant Stabilizers on Catalytic Durability.

Metal centers that can generate coordinatively unsaturated metals in accessible and stable states have been developed using synthetic polymers with sophisticated ligand and scaffold designs, which required synthetic efforts. Herein, we report a simple and direct strategy for producing polymer-supported phosphine-metal complexes, which stabilizes mono-P-ligated metals by modulating the electronic properties of the aryl pendant groups in the polymer platform. A three-fold vinylated PPh3 was copolymerized with a styrene derivative and a cross-linker to produce a porous polystyrene-phosphine hybrid monolith. Based on the Hammett substituent constants, the electronic properties of styrene derivatives were modulated and incorporated into the polystyrene backbone to stabilize the mono-P-ligated Pd complex via Pd-arene interactions. Through NMR, TEM, and comparative catalytic studies, the polystyrene-phosphine hybrid, which induces selective mono-P-ligation and moderate Pd-arene interactions, demonstrated high catalytic durability for the cross-coupling of chloroarenes under continuous-flow conditions.

ACTIVE-BAPO - A Versatile Transfer Agent for Photoactive Bis(acyl)phosphane Oxide Units.

A N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) ester substituted bis(acyl)phosphane oxide (ACTIVE-BAPO) was prepared by phospha-Michael addition and used for an easy one-step BAPO ligation with substrates containing primary amino groups, such as amino acids, proteins, and poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers. Thereby, a range of new molecular and polymeric photoinitators was obtained. Real-time photo-rheology experiments demonstrated the outstanding efficiency of the PAMAM BAPOs as photoinitiators for free radical polymerization. Remarkably, it is found that PAMAM BAPOs also act as crosslinking agents to convert monofunctional methacrylate monomers into thermosetting networks without any further additives. Depending on the number of the attached BAPOs, thermosets with a different degree of crosslinking and swelling capability in water were obtained.

Computer-Driven Development of Ylide Functionalized Phosphines for Palladium-Catalyzed Hiyama Couplings.

Palladium-catalyzed couplings of silicon enolates with aryl electrophiles are of great synthetic utility, but often limited to expensive bromide substrates. A comparative experimental study confirmed that none of the established ligand systems allows to couple inexpensive aryl chlorides with α-trimethylsilyl alkylnitriles. In contrast, ylide functionalized phosphines (YPhos) led to encouraging results. A statistical model was developed that correlates the reaction yields with ligand features. It was employed to predict catalyst structures with superior performance. With this cheminformatics approach, YPhos ligands were tailored specifically to the demands of Hiyama couplings. The newly synthesized ligands displayed record-setting activities, enabling the elusive coupling of aryl chlorides with α-trimethylsilyl alkyl nitriles. The preparative utility of the catalyst system was demonstrated by the synthesis of pharmaceutically meaningful α-aryl alkylnitriles, α-arylcarbonyls and biaryls.

Solid-State Investigation, Storage, and Separation of Pyrophoric PH3 and P2 H4 with α-Mg Formate.

Phosphane, PH3 -a highly pyrophoric and toxic gas-is frequently contaminated with H2 and P2 H4 , which makes its handling even more dangerous. The inexpensive metal-organic framework (MOF) magnesium formate, α-[Mg(O2 CH)2 ], can adsorb up to 10 wt % of PH3 . The PH3 -loaded MOF, PH3 @α-[Mg(O2 CH)2 ], is a non-pyrophoric, recoverable material that even allows brief handling in air, thereby minimizing the hazards associated with the handling and transport of phosphane. α-[Mg(O2 CH)2 ] further plays a critical role in purifying PH3 from H2 and P2 H4 : at 25 °C, H2 passes through the MOF channels without adsorption, whereas PH3 adsorbs readily and only slowly desorbs under a flow of inert gas (complete desorption time≈6 h). Diphosphane, P2 H4 , is strongly adsorbed and trapped within the MOF for at least 4 months. P2 H4 @α-[Mg(O2 CH)2 ] itself is not pyrophoric and is air- and light-stable at room temperature.

Dispersion Energy-Stabilized Boron and Phosphorus Lewis Pairs.

An isostructural series of boron/phosphorus Lewis pairs was systematically investigated. The association constants of the Lewis pairs were determined at variable temperatures, enabling the extraction of thermodynamic parameters. The stabilization of the Lewis adduct increased with increasing size of the dispersion energy donor groups, although the donor and acceptor properties of the Lewis pairs remained largely unchanged. This data was utilized to challenge state-of-the-art quantum chemical methods, which finally led to an enhanced workflow for the determination of thermochemical properties of weakly bound Lewis pairs within an accuracy of 0.6 to 1.0 kcal mol-1 for computed association free energies.

Synthesis of Intramolecular P/Al-Based Frustrated Lewis Pairs via Aluminum-Tin-Exchange and their Reactivity toward CO2.

Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) composed of acidic alane and basic phosphane functions, separated by a xanthene linker, can be prepared through the corresponding Me3 Sn derivative and methyl aluminum compounds with elimination of Me4 Sn. This way MeClAl-, Cl2 Al- and (C6 F5 )2 Al- moieties could be introduced and the resulting FLPs are stabilized by a further equivalent of the alane precursors. In contact with the FLPs CO2 is bound via the C atom at the phosphane functions and the two O atoms at the Al centers. The residues at the latter determine the binding strength. Hence, in case of MeClAl CO2 capture occurs at higher pressure and under ambient conditions CO2 is released again, while for Cl2 Al and (C6 F5 )2 Al CO2 binding becomes irreversible. The results of DFT calculations rationalize these findings by the high thermodynamic stabilization in case of more electronegative residues, which concomitantly lead to higher barriers, and in case of (C6 F5 )2 Al further stabilization is achieved through a low reorganization energy.

New glycoconjugation strategies for Ruthenium(II) arene complexes via phosphane ligands and assessment of their antiproliferative activity.

Glycoconjugation is a powerful tool to improve the anticancer activity of metal complexes. Herein, we modified commercial arylphosphanes with carbohydrate-derived fragments for the preparation of novel glycoconjugated ruthenium(II) p-cymene complexes. Specifically, d-galactal and d-allal-derived vinyl epoxides (VEß and VEα) were coupled with (2-hydroxyphenyl)diphenylphosphane, affording the 2,3-unsaturated glycophosphanes 1ß and 1α. Ligand exchange with [Ru(C2O4)(η6-p-cymene)(H2O)] gave the glycoconjugated complexes Ru1ß and Ru1α which were subsequently dihydroxylated with OsO4/N-methylmorpholine N-oxide to Ru2ß and Ru2α containing O-benzyl d-mannose and d-gulose units respectively. Besides, aminoethyl tetra-O-acetyl-ß-d-glucopyranoside was condensed with borane-protected (4-diphenylphosphanyl)benzoic acid by HATU/DIPEA under MW heating, to afford the amide 3∙BH3. Zemplén deacylation with MeONa/MeOH gave the deprotected d-glucopyranoside derivative 4∙BH3. The glycoconjugated phosphane complexes Ru3 and Ru4 were obtained by reaction of the phosphane-boranes 3∙BH3 and 4∙BH3 with [Ru(C2O4)(η6-p-cymene)(H2O)]. The employed synthetic strategies were devised to circumvent unwanted phosphine oxidation. The compounds were purified by silica chromatography, isolated in high yield and purity and characterized by analytical and spectroscopic (IR and multinuclear NMR) techniques. The behaviour of the six glycoconjugated Ru complexes in aqueous solutions was assessed by NMR and MS measurements. All compounds were screened for their in vitro cytotoxicity against A2780/A2780R human ovarian and MCF7 breast cancer cell lines, revealing a significant cytotoxicity for complexes containing the 2,3-unsaturated glycosyl unit (Ru1ß, Ru1α). Additional studies on five other human cancer cells, as well as time-dependent toxicity and cell-uptake analyses on ovarian cancer cells, confirmed the prominent activity of these two compounds - higher than cisplatin - and the better performance of the ß anomer. However, Ru1ß, Ru1α did not show preferential activity against cancer cells with respect to fetal lung fibroblast and human embryonic kidney cells as models of normal cells. The effects of the two ruthenium glycoconjugated compounds in A2780 ovarian cancer cells were further investigated by cell cycle analysis, induction of apoptosis, intracellular ROS production, activation of caspases 3/7 and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. The latter is a relevant factor in the mechanism of action of the highly cytotoxic Ru1ß, inducing cell death by apoptosis.

P-Ru-Complexes with a Chelate-Bridge-Switch: A Comparison of 2-Picolyl and 2-Pyridyloxy Moieties as Bridging Ligands.

Starting from [Ru(pyO)2(nbd)] 1 and a N,P,N-tridentate ligand (2a: PhP(pic)2, 2b: PhP(pyO)2) (nbd = 2,5-norbornadiene, pic = 2-picolyl = 2-pyridylmethyl, pyO = 2-pyridyloxy = pyridine-2-olate), the compounds [PhP(µ-pic)2(µ-pyO)Ru(κ2-pyO)] (3a) and [PhP(µ-pyO)3Ru(κ2-pyO)] (3b), respectively, were prepared. Reaction of compounds 3 with CO and CNtBu afforded the opening of the Ru(κ2-pyO) chelate motif with the formation of compounds [PhP(µ-pic)2(µ-pyO)Ru(κ-O-pyO)(CO)] (4a), [PhP(µ-pic)2(µ-pyO)2Ru(CNtBu)] (5a), [PhP(µ-pyO)4Ru(CO)] (4b) and [PhP(µ-pyO)4Ru(CNtBu)] (5b). In dichloromethane solution, 4a underwent a reaction with the solvent, i.e., substitution of the dangling pyO ligand by chloride with the formation of [PhP(µ-pic)2(µ-pyO)Ru(Cl)(CO)] (6a). The new complexes 3a, 4a, 5a, 5b and 6a were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and multi-nuclear (1H, 13C, 31P) NMR spectroscopy. The different coordination behaviors of related pairs of molecules (i.e., pairs of 3, 4 and 5), which depend on the nature of the P-Ru-bridging ligand moieties (µ-pic vs. µ-pyO), were also studied via computational analyses using QTAIM (quantum theory of atoms in molecules) and NBO (natural bond orbital) approaches, as well as the NCI (non-covalent interactions descriptor) for weak intramolecular interactions.

Synthesis and Coordination Behavior of a New Hybrid Bidentate Ligand with Phosphine and Silylene Donors.

This work describes the synthesis and coordination behavior of a new mixed-donor ligand PhC(NtBu)2 SiC6 H4 PPh2 (1) containing both silylene and phosphine donor sites. Ligand 1 was synthesized from a reaction of ortho-lithiated diphenylphosphinobenzene (LiC6 H4 PPh2 ) with chlorosilylene (PhC(NtBu)2 SiCl). Treatment of 1 with Se and GeCl2 resulted in SiIV compounds 2 and 3 by selective oxidation of the silylene donor. This strong σ-donor ligand induces dissociation of CuCl and PhBCl2 leading to formation of ionic complexes 4 and 5 respectively. The reaction of 1 with ZnCl2 and AlCl3 resulted in the formation of chelate complexes 5 and 7, respectively, while treatment with EtAlCl2 and GaCl3 forms monodentate complexes 8 and 9. X-ray analysis of 4 showed that the copper is in the spiro center of the two five-membered rings. Moreover, the copper(I)chloride has not been oxidized but dissociates to Cu+ and [CuCl2 ]- . All the compounds are well characterized by mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.

A Benzodiphosphaborolediide.

The first example of a diphosphaborolediide, the benzo-fused [C6 H4 P2 BPh]2- (12- ), is prepared from ortho-bis(phosphino)benzene (C6 H4 {PH2 }) and dichlorophenylborane, via a sequential lithiation approach. The dilithio-salt can be obtained as an oligomeric THF solvate or discrete TMEDA adduct, both of which are fully characterized, including by X-ray diffraction. Alongside NICS calculations, data strongly suggest some aromaticity within 12- , which is further supported by preliminary coordination studies that demonstrate η5 -coordination to a zerovalent molybdenum center, as observed crystallographically for the oligomeric [{Mo(CO)3 (η5 -1)}{µ-η1 -Mo(CO)3 (TMEDA)}2 ] ⋅ [µ-Li(THF)][µ-Li(TMEDA)].

A Stable Primary Phosphane Oxide and Its Heavier Congeners.

(Ferrocenylmethyl)phosphane (1) oxidation with hydrogen peroxide, elemental sulfur and grey selenium produced (ferrocenylmethyl)phosphane oxide 1O, sulfide 1S and selenide 1Se, respectively, as the first isolable primary phosphane chalcogenides lacking steric protection. At elevated temperatures, compound 1O disproportionated into 1 and (ferrocenylmethyl)phosphinic acid. In reactions with [(η6 -mes)RuCl2 ]2 , 1O underwent tautomerization into a phosphane complex [(η6 -mes)RuCl2 {FcCH2 PH(OH)-κP}], whereas 1S and 1Se lost their P-bound chalcogen atoms, giving rise to the phosphane complex [(η6 -mes)RuCl2 (FcCH2 PH2 -κP)] (Fc=ferrocenyl, mes=mesitylene). No tautomerization was observed in the reaction of 1O with B(C6 F5 )3 , which instead produced a Lewis pair FcCH2 P(O)H2 -B(C6 F5 )3 . Phosphane oxide 1O added to C=O bonds of aldehydes and ketones and even to cumulenes PhNCE (E=O and S). However, both PH hydrogens were only employed in the reactions with aldehydes and cyanates.

Hydrogenation of Secondary Amides using Phosphane Oxide and Frustrated Lewis Pair Catalysis.

The metal-free catalytic hydrogenation of secondary carboxylic acid amides is developed. The reduction is realized by two new catalytic reactions. First, the amide is converted into the imidoyl chloride by triphosgene (CO(OCCl3 )2 ) using novel phosphorus(V) catalysts. Second, the in situ generated imidoyl chlorides are hydrogenated in high yields by an FLP-catalyst. Mechanistic and quantum mechanical calculations support an autoinduced catalytic cycle for the hydrogenation with chloride acting as unusual Lewis base for FLP-mediated H2 -activation.

Synthesis of Hydrophilic Phosphorus Ligands and Their Application in Aqueous-Phase Metal-Catalyzed Reactions.

Transition metal-catalyzed reactions in aqueous media are experiencing a constant increase in interest. In homogenous catalysis the use of water as a solvent offers advantages in cost, safety, the possibility of two-phase catalysis and simplified separation strategies. In the life sciences, transition metal catalysis in aqueous systems enables the ligation or modification of biopolymers in buffer systems or even in their cellular environment. In biocatalysis, aqueous systems allow the simultaneous use of enzymes and transition metal catalysts in cascade reactions. The use of water-soluble phosphine ligands still represents the most reliable and popular strategy for transferring metal catalysts into the aqueous phase. This review summarizes the recent advancements in this field since 2009 and describes current synthetic strategies for the preparation of hydrophilic phosphines and phosphites. In addition, recent applications of transition metal catalysis in aqueous solvents using these hydrophilic ligands are presented.

Synthesis and Reactivity of Multinuclear Gold Complexes with (Diphenylphosphanyl)ferrocene and Oxygen Ligands.

AuI complexes combining hard oxygen and soft (diphenylphosphanyl)ferrocene (L) ligands in their molecules were synthesized, viz. the gold hydroxides [Au(OH)(L-κP)] (5) and [{Au(L-κP)}2 (µ-OH)][BF4 ] (4), and the oxonium cluster [{Au(L-κP)}3 (µ3 -O)][BF4 ] (1). In-situ auration of 1 produced [{Au(L-κP)}4 (µ4 -O)][BF4 ]2 (2), which spontaneously converted into a dimeric tetragold complex featuring bridging phosphanylferrocenyl groups geminally diaurated in position 2 of the ferrocene scaffold. The same complex and its isomer incorporating ferrocene-1,1'-diyl bridges resulted similarly from 4. Upon crystallization, compound 5 underwent a redox reaction, producing a structurally unique, crown-like, mixed-valent Au0 /AuI cluster, [Au7 (L-κP)6 ]OH. Compounds 1 and 5 were used to prepare the analogous, N-bridged complexes, [{Au(L-κP)}3 (µ3 -NFc)][BF4 ] (Fc=ferrocenyl) and [{Au(L-κP)}4 (µ4 -N)][BF4 ]. The compounds were structurally characterized and further studied by DFT calculations.

Selective N-Arylation of p-Aminophenylalanine in Unprotected Peptides with Organometallic Palladium Reagents.

The selective N-arylation of p-aminophenylalanine in polypeptides with pre-formed palladium oxidative addition complexes is described. The depressed pKa of the aniline NH2 group enables chemoselective C-N bond formation on peptides containing multiple other aliphatic amino groups at lysines or the N-terminus via Curtin-Hammett control under mild conditions. Using palladium complexes derived from electron-poor aryl halides, p-aminophenylalanine is fully arylated in aqueous buffer in as little as one hour at micromolar concentrations. A complementary protocol using the non-nucleophilic, organic base 1,5-diazabicyclo(4.3.0)non-5-ene (DBN), expands the substrate scope to tolerate electron-rich functional groups provides up to 97 % conversion. These procedures enable the chemoselective conjugation of functionally diverse small molecule pharmaceuticals to p-aminophenylalanine containing derivatives of cell-penetrating peptides.

Beyond Classical Coordination Chemistry: The First Case of a Triply Bridging Phosphine Ligand.

The first example of a triply bridging (µ3 -P) phosphine ligand has been discovered in the crown-shaped [Cu3 (µ2 -Hal)3 L] (Hal=Cl, Br, or I) complexes supported by tris[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]phosphine (L). Theoretical analysis completely confirms the observed µ3 -P-bridging pattern, revealing the interaction of the same lone pair of phosphorus with three valence 4s-orbitals of Cu atoms. The presented complexes exhibit outstanding blue phosphorescence (λem =442-465 nm) with the quantum efficiency reaching 100 %. The complex [Cu3 (µ2 -I)3 L] also exhibits remarkable thermo- and mechanochromic luminescence resulting in a sharp change in the emission colour upon external stimuli. These findings essentially contribute to coordination chemistry of the pnictine ligands.

Versatile Visible-Light-Driven Synthesis of Asymmetrical Phosphines and Phosphonium Salts.

Asymmetrically substituted tertiary phosphines and quaternary phosphonium salts are used extensively in applications throughout industry and academia. Despite their significance, classical methods to synthesize such compounds often demand either harsh reaction conditions, prefunctionalization of starting materials, highly sensitive organometallic reagents, or expensive transition-metal catalysts. Mild, practical methods thus remain elusive, despite being of great current interest. Herein, we describe a visible-light-driven method to form these products from secondary and primary phosphines. Using an inexpensive organic photocatalyst and blue-light irradiation, arylphosphines can be both alkylated and arylated using commercially available organohalides. In addition, the same organocatalyst can be used to transform white phosphorus (P4 ) directly into symmetrical aryl phosphines and phosphonium salts in a single reaction step, which has previously only been possible using precious metal catalysis.

Scope and Limitations of the s-Block Metal-Mediated Pudovik Reaction.

The hydrophosphorylation of phenylacetylene with di(aryl)phosphane oxides Ar2 P(O)H (Pudovik reaction) yields E/Z-isomer mixtures of phenylethenyl-di(aryl)phosphane oxides (1). Alkali and alkaline-earth metal di(aryl)phosphinites have been studied as catalysts for this reaction with increasing activity for the heavier s-block metals. The Pudovik reaction can only be mediated for di(aryl)phosphane oxides whereas P-bound alkyl and alcoholate substituents impede the P-H addition across alkynes. The demanding mesityl group favors the single-hydrophosphorylated products 1-Ar whereas smaller aryl substituents lead to the double-hydrophosphorylated products 2-Ar. Polar solvents are beneficial for an effective addition. Increasing concentration of the reactants and the catalyst accelerates the Pudovik reaction. Whereas Mes2 P(O)H does not form the bis-phosphorylated product 2-Mes, activation of an ortho-methyl group and cyclization occurs yielding 2-benzyl-1-mesityl-5,7-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrophosphindole 1-oxide (3).