Homotropic Cooperativity in Iron-Catalyzed Alkyne Cyclotrimerizations.

Enhancing catalytic activity through synergic effects is a current challenge in homogeneous catalysis. In addition to the well-established metal-metal and metal-ligand cooperation, we showcase here an example of self-activation by the substrate in controlling the catalytic activity of the two-coordinate iron complex [Fe(2,6-Xyl2C6H3)2] (1, Xyl = 2,6-Me2C6H3). This behavior was observed for aryl acetylenes in their regioselective cyclotrimerization to 1,2,4-(aryl)-benzenes. Two kinetically distinct regimes are observed dependent upon the substrate-to-catalyst ratio ([RC≡CH]0/[1]0), referred to as the low ([RC≡CH]0/[1]0 < 40) and high ([RC≡CH]0/[1]0 > 40) regimes. Both showed sigmoidal kinetic response, with positive Hill indices of 1.85 and 3.62, respectively, and nonlinear Lineweaver-Burk replots with an upward curvature, which supports positive substrate cooperativity. Moreover, two alkyne molecules participate in the low regime, whereas up to four are involved in the high regime. The second-order rate dependence on 1 indicates that binuclear complexes are the catalytically competent species in both regimes, with that in the high one being 6 times faster than that involved in the low one. Moreover, Eyring plot analyses revealed two different catalytic cycles, with a rate-determining step more endergonic in the low regime than in the high one, but with a more ordered transition state in the high regime than in the low one.

The anticancer and EGFR-TK/CDK-9 dual inhibitory potentials of new synthetic pyranopyrazole and pyrazolone derivatives: X-ray crystallography, in vitro, and in silico mechanistic investigations.

Treatment options for the management of breast cancer are still inadequate. This inadequacy is attributed to the lack of effective targeted medications, often resulting in the recurrence of metastatic disorders. Cumulative evidence suggests that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR-TK) and cyclin-dependent kinases-9 (CDK-9) overexpression correlates with worse overall survival in breast cancer patients. Pyranopyrazole and pyrazolone are privileged options for the development of anticancer agents. Inspired by this proven scientific fact, we report here the synthesis of two new series of suggested anticancer molecules incorporating both heterocycles together with their characterization by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 13C NMR-DEPT, and X-ray diffraction methods. An attempt to get the pyranopyrazole-gold complexes was conducted but unexpectedly yielded benzylidene-2,4-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one instead. This unexpected result was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. All newly synthesized compounds were assessed for their anti-proliferative activity against two different human breast cancer cells, and the obtained results were compared with the reference drug Staurosporine. The target compounds revealed variable cytotoxicity with IC50 at a low micromolar range with superior selectivity indices. Target enzyme EGFR-TK and CDK-9 assays showed that compounds 22 and 23 effectively inhibited both biological targets with IC50 values of 0.143 and 0.121 µM, respectively. Molecular docking experiments and molecular dynamics simulation were also conducted to further rationalize the in vitro obtained results.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Slow magnetic relaxation in Fe(II) m-terphenyl complexes.

Two-coordinate transition metal complexes are exciting candidates for single-molecule magnets (SMMs) because their highly axial coordination environments lead to sizeable magnetic anisotropy. We report a series of five structurally related two-coordinate Fe(II) m-terphenyl complexes (4-R-2,6-Xyl2C6H2)2Fe [R = tBu (1), SiMe3 (2), H (3), Cl (4), CF3 (5)] where, by changing the functionalisation of the para-substituent (R), we alter their magnetic function. All five complexes are field-induced single-molecule magnets, with relaxation rates that are well-described by a combination of direct and Raman mechanisms. By using more electron donating R groups we were able to slow the rate of magnetic relaxation. Our ab initio calculations predict a large crystal field splitting (>850 cm-1) and sizeable zero-field splitting parameters (ca. -60 cm-1, |E| < 0.2 cm-1) for 1-5. These favourable magnetic properties suggest that m-terphenyl ligands have untapped potential as chemically versatile ligands able to impose highly axial crystal fields.

Structural and Electronic Studies of Substituted m-Terphenyl Group 12 Complexes.

The effects of para-substitution on the structural and electronic properties of four series of two-coordinate m-terphenyl Group 12 complexes (R-Ar#)2M (M = Zn, Cd, Hg; R = t-Bu 1-3, SiMe3 4-6, Cl 7-9, CF3 10-12, where R-Ar# = 2,6-{2,6-Xyl}2-4-R-C6H2 and 2,6-Xyl = 2,6-Me2C6H3) have been investigated. X-ray crystallography shows little structural variation across the series, with no significant change in the C-M-C bond distances and angles. However, considerable electronic differences are revealed by heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy; a linear correlation is observed between the 113Cd, 199Hg, and 1H (2,6-Xyl methyl protons) NMR chemical shifts of the para-substituted complexes and the Hammett constants for the R-substituents. Specifically, an upfield shift in the NMR signal is observed with increasingly electron-withdrawing R-substituents. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are employed to attempt to rationalize these trends.

Group 11 m-Terphenyl Complexes Featuring Metallophilic Interactions.

A series of group 11 m-terphenyl complexes have been synthesized via a metathesis reaction from the iron(II) complexes (2,6-Mes2C6H3)2Fe and (2,6-Xyl2C6H3)2Fe (Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2; Xyl = 2,6-Me2C6H3). [2,6-Mes2C6H3M]2 (1, M = Cu; 2, M = Ag; 6, M = Au) and [2,6-Xyl2C6H3M]2 (3, M = Cu; 4, M = Ag) are dimeric in the solid state, although different geometries are observed depending on the ligand. These complexes feature short metal-metal distances in the expected range for metallophilic interactions. While 1-4 are readily isolated using this metathetical route, the gold complex 6 is unstable in solution at ambient temperatures and has only been obtained in low yield from the decomposition of (2,6-Mes2C6H3)Au·SMe2 (5). NMR spectroscopic measurements, including diffusion-ordered spectroscopy, suggest that 1-4 remain dimeric in a benzene-d6 solution. The metal-metal interactions have been examined computationally using the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules and by an energy decomposition analysis employing natural orbitals for chemical valence.

Structural and electronic studies of substituted m-terphenyl lithium complexes.

The effect of para-substitution upon the structural and electronic properties of a series of m-terphenyl lithium complexes [R-Ar#-Li]2 (R = t-Bu 1, SiMe32, H 3, Cl 4, CF35; where R-Ar# = 2,6-{2,6-Xyl}2-4-R-C6H2 and 2,6-Xyl = 2,6-Me2C6H3) has been investigated. X-ray crystallography reveals the complexes to be structurally similar, with little variation in C-M-C bond lengths and angles across the series. However, in-depth NMR spectroscopic studies reveal notable electronic differences, showing a linear correlation between the 7Li{1H} NMR chemical shifts of the para-substituted complexes and their Hammett constants. The flanking methyl protons exhibit a similar electronic shift in the 1H NMR spectra, which has been rationalised by the presence of through-space LiH interactions, as evidenced by two-dimensional 7Li-1H heteronuclear Overhauser spectroscopy (HOESY). In both cases, electron-withdrawing substituents are found to cause an upfield peak shift. A computational analysis is employed to account for these trends.

A transition metal-gallium cluster formed via insertion of "GaI".

The reaction between a two-coordinate Co(ii) diaryl complex and "GaI" affords 2,6-Pmp2C6H3CoGa3I5, in a new geometry for a heavier group 13-transition metal cluster. Experimental and computational investigations show that this compound is best described as a nido metalla-group 13 cluster.

Influence of molecular design on radical spin multiplicity: characterisation of BODIPY dyad and triad radical anions.

A strategy to create organic molecules with high degrees of radical spin multiplicity is reported in which molecular design is correlated with the behaviour of radical anions in a series of BODIPY dyads. Upon reduction of each BODIPY moiety radical anions are formed which are shown to have different spin multiplicities by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and distinct profiles in their cyclic voltammograms and UV-visible spectra. The relationship between structure and multiplicity is demonstrated showing that the balance between singlet, biradical or triplet states in the dyads depends on relative orientation and connectivity of the BODIPY groups. The strategy is applied to the synthesis of a BODIPY triad which adopts an unusual quartet state upon reduction to its radical trianion.

Low-coordinate first-row transition metal complexes in catalysis and small molecule activation.

Enforcing unusually low coordination numbers on transition metals with sterically demanding ligands has long been an area of interest for chemists. Historically, the synthesis of these challenging molecules has helped to elucidate fundamental principles of bonding and reactivity. More recently, there has been a move towards exploiting these highly reactive complexes to achieve a range of transformations using cheap, earth-abundant metals. In this Perspective, we will highlight selected examples of transition metal complexes with low coordination numbers that have been used in catalysis and the activation of small molecules featuring strong bonds (N2, CO2, and CO).

A Highly Active Bidentate Magnesium Catalyst for Amine-Borane Dehydrocoupling: Kinetic and Mechanistic Studies.

A magnesium complex (1) featuring a bidentate aminopyridinato ligand is a remarkably selective catalyst for the dehydrocoupling of amine-boranes. This reaction proceeds to completion with low catalyst loadings (1 mol %) under mild conditions (60 °C), exceeding previously reported s-block systems in terms of selectivity, rate, and turnover number (TON). Mechanistic studies by in situ NMR analysis reveals the reaction to be first order in both catalyst and substrate. A reaction mechanism is proposed to account for these findings, with the high TON of the catalyst attributed to the bidentate nature of the ligand, which allows for reversible deprotonation of the substrate and regeneration of 1 as a stable resting state.

Selective reduction and homologation of carbon monoxide by organometallic iron complexes.

Carbon monoxide is a key C1 feedstock for the industrial production of hydrocarbons, where it is used to make millions of tonnes of chemicals, fuels, and solvents per annum. Many transition metal complexes can coordinate CO, but the formation of new C-C bonds in well-defined compounds from the scission and subsequent coupling of two or more CO moieties at a transition metal centre remains a challenge. Herein, we report the use of low-coordinate iron(II) complexes for the selective scission and homologation of CO affording unusual squaraines and iron carboxylates at ambient temperature and pressure. A modification of the ligand framework allows for the isolation and structural characterisation of a proposed metallacyclic Fe(II) carbene intermediate. These results indicate that, with the appropriate choice of supporting ligands, it is possible to cleave and homologate carbon monoxide under mild conditions using an abundant and environmentally benign low-coordinate, first row transition metal.

Dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane mediated by Group 1 pincer complexes.

Group 1 salts containing carbazolido NNN pincer ligands are precatalysts for the dehydrogenation of Me2NH·BH3. NMR monitoring and DOSY studies show a heavy dependence on the metal and solvent, allowing in some cases selective formation of dehydrogenation products consistent with hydrogen liberation.

Iron(II)-Catalyzed Hydrophosphination of Isocyanates.

The first transition metal catalyzed hydrophosphination of isocyanates is presented. The use of low-coordinate iron(II) precatalysts leads to an unprecedented catalytic double insertion of isocyanates into the P-H bond of diphenylphosphine to yield phosphinodicarboxamides [Ph2 PC(=O)N(R)C(=O)N(H)R], a new family of derivatized organophosphorus compounds. This remarkable result can be attributed to the low-coordinate nature of the iron(II) centers whose inherent electron deficiency enables a Lewis-acid mechanism in which a combination of the steric pocket of the metal center and substrate size determines the reaction products and regioselectivity.

1,8-Bis(silylamido)naphthalene complexes of magnesium and zinc synthesised through alkane elimination reactions.

The reactions between magnesium or zinc alkyls and 1,8-bis(triorganosilyl)diaminonaphthalenes afford the 1,8-bis(triorganosilyl)diamidonaphthalene complexes with elimination of alkanes. The reaction between 1,8-C10H6(NSiMePh2H)2 and one or two equivalents of MgnBu2 affords two complexes with differing coordination environments for the magnesium; the reaction between 1,8-C10H6(NSiMePh2H)2 and MgnBu2 in a 1 : 1 ratio affords 1,8-C10H6(NSiMePh2)2{Mg(THF)2} (1), which features a single magnesium centre bridging both ligand nitrogen donors, whilst treatment of 1,8-C10H6(NSiR3H)2 (R3 = MePh2, iPr3) with two equivalents of MgnBu2 affords the bimetallic complexes 1,8-C10H6(NSiR3)2{nBuMg(THF)}2 (R3 = MePh22, R3 = iPr33), which feature four-membered Mg2N2 rings. Similarly, 1,8-C10H6(NSiiPr3)2{MeMg(THF)}2 (4) and 1,8-C10H6(NSiMePh2)2{ZnMe}2 (5) are formed through reactions with the proligands and two equivalents of MMe2 (M = Mg, Zn). The reaction between 1,8-C10H6(NSiMePh2H)2 and two equivalents of MeMgX affords the bimetallic complexes 1,8-C10H6(NSiMePh2)2(XMgOEt2)2 (X = Br 6; X = I 7). Very small amounts of [1,8-C10H6(NSiMePh2)2{IMg(OEt2)}]2 (8), formed through the coupling of two diamidonaphthalene ligands at the 4-position with concomitant dearomatisation of one of the naphthyl arene rings, were also isolated from a solution of 7.

Cyclotrimerisation of isocyanates catalysed by low-coordinate Mn(ii) and Fe(ii) m-terphenyl complexes.

Two- and three-coordinate m-terphenyl complexes of manganese and iron are efficient catalysts for the selective cyclotrimerisation of primary aliphatic isocyanates affording isocyanurates in short reaction times and under mild conditions.

Extremely bulky amide ligands in main group chemistry.

The search for extremely sterically demanding monodentate amide ligands to access main group complexes in low-coordination numbers and highly reactive bonding modes is an area of intense research interest. The recent development of three classes of sterically demanding, monodentate amide ligands - the m-terphenyl anilides [N(R){C6H3Ar2-2,6}](-) (Ar = aryl, R = H, methyl, silyl), substituted carbazol-9-yl and the extremely bulky amides [N(R)(Ar')](-) (Ar' = 2,6-{C(H)Ph2}-4-R'-C6H2, R = silyl, aryl, silyloxy, R' = alkyl) is facilitating the isolation of stable species with new coordination modes for the main group elements. These compounds are of fundamental importance not only from the investigation of their structure and bonding, but also the investigation of their reactivity highlights the potential for small molecule activation chemistry under mild conditions and applications in catalysis. This review reports on the recent developments for these compounds with emphasis on their synthesis, structure and reactivity.

Tuning coordination in s-block carbazol-9-yl complexes.

1,3,6,8-Tetra-tert-butylcarbazol-9-yl and 1,8-diaryl-3,6-di(tert-butyl)carbazol-9-yl ligands have been utilized in the synthesis of potassium and magnesium complexes. The potassium complexes (1,3,6,8-tBu4carb)K(THF)4 (1; carb = C12H4N), [(1,8-Xyl2-3,6-tBu2carb)K(THF)]2 (2; Xyl = 3,5-Me2C6H3) and (1,8-Mes2-3,6-tBu2carb)K(THF)2 (3; Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2) were reacted with MgI2 to give the Hauser bases 1,3,6,8-tBu4carbMgI(THF)2 (4) and 1,8-Ar2-3,6-tBu2carbMgI(THF) (Ar = Xyl 5, Ar = Mes 6). Structural investigations of the potassium and magnesium derivatives highlight significant differences in the coordination motifs, which depend on the nature of the 1- and 8-substituents: 1,8-di(tert-butyl)-substituted ligands gave π-type compounds (1 and 4), in which the carbazolyl ligand acts as a multi-hapto donor, with the metal cations positioned below the coordination plane in a half-sandwich conformation, whereas the use of 1,8-diaryl substituted ligands gave σ-type complexes (2 and 6). Space-filling diagrams and percent buried volume calculations indicated that aryl-substituted carbazolyl ligands offer a steric cleft better suited to stabilization of low-coordinate magnesium complexes.

Ligand influences on homoleptic Group 12 m-terphenyl complexes.

Three m-terphenyl ligands 2,6-Ar2C6H3(-) [Ar = 2,6-Me2C6H3 (2,6-Xyl); 3,5-Me2C6H3 (3,5-Xyl); 2,3,4,5,6-Me5C6 (Pmp)] have been used to stabilise three series of two-coordinate Group 12 diaryl complexes; (2,6-Ar2C6H3)2M [M = Zn, Cd, Hg, Ar = 2,6-Xyl 1-3, 3,5-Xyl 4-6, Pmp 7-9], where differing steric demands on the metal centres are imparted. These are the first homoleptic d-block complexes featuring any of these ligands. Complexes 1-9 have been characterised in solution and the solid state; the analysis of structural changes produced by differences in ligand properties is reported. In particular, complexes 4-6 show smaller C-M-C bond angles and contain secondary ligand interactions that are not seen in the analogous complexes 1-3 and 7-9.

Synthesis and characterisation of magnesium complexes containing sterically demanding N,N'-bis(aryl)amidinate ligands.

Condensation reactions of carboxylic acids and anilines in the presence of polyphosphoric acid trimethylsilyl ester (PPSE) afforded a range of sterically demanding N,N'-bis(aryl)amidines, RN{C(R')}N(H)R [R = Mes (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl), R' = Cy (Cy = cyclohexyl) L¹H; R = Dipp (Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl), R' = Cy L²H; R = Mes, R' = Ph L³H; R = Dipp, R' = Ph L4H; R = Mes, R' = Dmp (Dmp = 3,5-dimethylphenyl) L5H; R = Dipp, R' = Dmp L6H; R = Dmp, R' = Cy L7H]. Amidines L¹H-L7H have been characterised spectroscopically, and for L5H and L6H, by X-ray crystallography. Treatment of the amidines with di-n-butylmagnesium in THF solution afforded the monomeric magnesium bis(amidinates) [Mg(L¹)2(THF)] 1, [Mg(L²)2] 2, [Mg(L³)2(THF)] 3, [Mg(L5)2(THF)] 5, [Mg(L6)2] 6, [Mg(L7)2] 7, and the magnesium mono(amidinate) complex [Mg(L4)((n)Bu)] 4. These complexes have been characterised spectroscopically, with 1-3, 5 and 6 also being structurally authenticated. Comparison of the magnesium bis(amidinate) complexes reveals that the steric bulk of the amidinate ligand influences both the solid state structure and solution behaviour of these complexes.