ABSTRACT
A series of complexes of the general formula [(η6-arene)RuCp][PF6] (where arene = aryl halides or nitroarenes) were synthesised and the arene ring was found to be reactive towards an intermolecular nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reaction with a series of cyclic 1,3-diones. Competition experiments indicated that leaving group ability of the aryl halides and nitroarenes went in the order of F ⫠NO2 > Cl > Br. Following SNAr, the arene rings were liberated quantitatively via a rapid photolysis reaction (<15 min).
Subject(s)
Ruthenium , Carboxylic Acids , Nitrogen DioxideABSTRACT
π-Coordination of aromatic molecules to metals dramatically alters their reactivity. For example, coordinated carbons become more electrophilic and C-H bonds of coordinated rings become more acidic. For many years, this change in reactivity has been used to trigger reactions that would not take place for uncoordinated arenes, however, there has been a recent resurgence in use of this technique, in part due to the development of catalytic reactions in which π-coordination is transient. In this Minireview, we describe the key reaction chemistry of arenes coordinated to a range of transition metals, including stereoselective reactions and industrially relevant syntheses. We also summarise outstanding examples of catalytic processes. Finally, we give perspectives on the future direction of the field, with respect to both reactions that are stoichiometric in activating metals and those employing catalytic metal.
ABSTRACT
We report the C4-selective C-H alkylation of carbazole derivatives furnished with a pyrimidine directing group at N9. This was realized using ruthenium catalyzed σ-activation methodology, whereby C-H activation at C1 enables the interaction of this ruthenacycle, at the para position to the metal center, with tertiary alkyl radicals.
ABSTRACT
The para-selective C-H alkylation of aniline derivatives furnished with a pyrimidine auxiliary is herein reported. This reaction is proposed to take place via an N-H-activated cyclometalate formed in situ. Experimental and DFT mechanistic studies elucidate a dual role of the ruthenium catalyst. Here the ruthenium catalyst can undergo cyclometalation by N-H metalation (as opposed to C-H metalation in meta-selective processes) and form a redox active ruthenium species, to enable site-selective radical addition at the para position.
ABSTRACT
Ruthenium(II)-catalyzed C-H functionalization of N-arylhydantoins is herein described. The biologically relevant hydantoin (imidazolidinedione) heterocycle functions as a weakly coordinating directing group in a C-H alkenylation reaction. The reaction gave a wide scope of 23 examples with yields up to 94% in the green solvent 2-MeTHF. Functionalization of API nilutamide (antiandrogen) is also reported. The use of the succinimide heterocycle as a directing group is also demonstrated in modest yields.
ABSTRACT
7-Azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid 11 was prepared in enantiopure form, and its catalytic potential in the direct aldol reaction between acetone and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde was assessed. The bicyclic system was found to be more selective than its monocyclic analogue beta-proline 5b. A comparative density functional theory study of proline 1, beta-proline 5b, and 11 in the latter reaction revealed the origin of the improved enantioselectivity of 11 over 5b. The geometry of the carboxylic acid group in the transition states, which depended critically on pyrrolidine ring conformation, was found to play a key role.
Subject(s)
Aldehydes/chemistry , Proline/analogs & derivatives , Catalysis , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Molecular Structure , Proline/chemistry , StereoisomerismABSTRACT
The syntheses of (+/-)-epibatidine and (+/-)-epiboxidine have been accomplished from commercial 2-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran. A recently developed aza-Prins-pinacol rearrangement was employed for the construction of the key 7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane skeleton of these targets.
