Strategies for the Preparation of Phosphorus Janus Dendrimers and Their Properties.

Dendrimers, being highly branched monodispersed macromolecules, predominantly exhibit identical terminal functionalities within their structural framework. Nonetheless, there are instances where the presence of two distinct surface functionalities becomes advantageous for the fulfilment of specific properties. To achieve this objective, one approach involves implementing Janus dendrimers, consisting of two dendrimeric wedges terminated by dissimilar functionalities. The prevalent method for creating these structures involves the synthesis of dendrons that possess a core functionality that complements that of a second dendron, facilitating their coupling to generate the desired dendrimers. In this comprehensive review, various techniques employed in the fabrication of phosphorus-based Janus dendrimers are elucidated, displaying the different coupling methodologies employed between the two units. The advantages of phosphorus dendrimers over classic dendrimers will be shown, as the presence of at least one phosphorus atom in each generation allows for the easy monitoring of reactions and the confirmation of purity through a simple technique such as 31P NMR, as these structures typically exhibit easily interpretable patterns.

Ruthenium Olefin Metathesis Catalysts Bearing a Macrocyclic N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligand: Improved Stability and Activity.

Formation of sterically hindered C-C double bonds via catalytic olefin metathesis is considered a very challenging task for Ru catalysts. This limitation led to the development of specialised catalysts bearing sterically reduced N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands that are very active in such transformations, yet significantly less stable as compared to general purpose catalysts. To decrease the small-size NHC catalysts susceptibility to decomposition, a new NHC ligand was designed, in which two sterically reduced aryl arms were tied together by a C-8 alkyl chain. The installation of this macrocyclic ligand on the ruthenium centre led to the formation of an olefin metathesis catalyst (trans-Ru6). Interestingly, this complex undergoes transformation into an isomer bearing two Cl ligands in the cis-arrangement (cis-Ru6). These two isomeric complexes exhibit similarly high thermodynamic stability, yet different application profiles in catalysis.

Heterobimetallic Coinage Metal-Ruthenium Complexes Supported by Anionic N-Heterocyclic Carbenes.

The lithium complexes [(WCA-NHC)Li(toluene)] of anionic N-heterocyclic carbenes with a weakly coordinating borate moiety (WCA-NHC, WCA=B(C6 F5 )3 , NHC=IDipp=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene) were used for the preparation of silver(I) or copper(I) WCA-NHC complexes. While the reactions in THF with AgCl or CuCl afforded anionic mono- and dicarbene complexes with solvated lithium counterions [Li(THF)n ]+ (n=3, 4), the reactions in toluene proceeded with elimination of LiCl and formation of the neutral phosphine and arene complexes [(WCA-NHC)M(PPh3 )] and [(WCA-NHC)M(η2 -toluene)] (M=Ag, Cu). The latter were used for the preparation of chlorido- and iodido-bridged heterobimetallic Ag/Ru and Cu/Ru complexes [(WCA-NHC)M(µ-X)2 Ru(PPh3 )(η6 -p-cymene)] (M=Ag, Cu, X=Cl; M=Ag, X=I). Surprisingly, these complexes resisted the elimination of CuCl, AgCl, or AgI, precluding WCA-NHC transmetalation.

Ruthenium Complexes Featuring Unsymmetrical N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands-Useful Olefin Metathesis Catalysts for Special Tasks.

This review describes a distinct class of ruthenium olefin metathesis catalysts featuring unsymmetrical N-heterocyclic carbene (uNHC) ligands, from its historical beginning to the present state of the art. Thanks to advantageous traits, such as pronounced thermodynamic stability, chemical latency, outstanding selectivity, and compatibility with green solvents, these catalysts led to good results in a number of specialized metathesis transformations. Therefore, while being a niche, the uNHC complexes can potentially be implemented in a number of industrial processes, such as valorization of Fischer-Tropsch olefin fractions, ethenolysis of renewable products, and modern pharmaceutical production.

Ruthenium Olefin Metathesis Catalysts Featuring N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands Tagged with Isonicotinic and 4-(Dimethylamino)benzoic Acid Rests: Evaluation of a Modular Synthetic Strategy.

A modular and flexible strategy towards the synthesis of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands bearing Brønsted base tags has been proposed and then adopted in the preparation of two tagged NHC ligands bearing rests of isonicotinic and 4-(dimethylamino)benzoic acids. Such tagged NHC ligands represent an attractive starting point for the synthesis of olefin metathesis ruthenium catalysts tagged in non-dissociating ligands. The influence of the Brønsted basic tags on the activity of such obtained olefin metathesis catalysts has been studied.

Nitro and Other Electron Withdrawing Group Activated Ruthenium Catalysts for Olefin Metathesis Reactions.

Advanced applications of the Nobel Prize winning olefin metathesis reaction require user-friendly and highly universal catalysts. From many successful metathesis catalysts, which belong to the two distinct classes of Schrock and Grubbs-type catalysts, the subclass of chelating-benzylidene ruthenium complexes (so-called Hoveyda-Grubbs catalysts) additionally activated by electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs) provides a highly tunable platform. In the Review, the origin of the EWG-activation concept and selected applications of the resulting catalysts in target-oriented synthesis, medicinal chemistry, as well as in the preparation of fine-chemicals and in materials chemistry is discussed. Based on the examples, some suggestions for end-users regarding minimization of catalyst loading, selectivity control, and general optimization of the olefin metathesis reaction are provided.

In a Quest for Selectivity Paired with Activity: A Ruthenium Olefin Metathesis Catalyst Bearing an Unsymmetrical Phenanthrene-Based N-Heterocyclic Carbene.

Robust, selective, and stable in the presence of ethylene, ruthenium olefin metathesis pre-catalyst, {[3-benzyl-1-(10-phenyl-9-phenanthryl)]-2-imidazolidinylidene}dichloro(o-isopropoxyphenylmethylene)ruthenium(II), Ru-3, bearing an unsymetrical N-heterocyclic carbene (uNHC) ligand, has been synthesized. The initiation rate of Ru-3 was examined by ring-closing metathesis and cross-metathesis reactions with a broad spectrum of olefins, showing an unprecendented selectivity. It was also tested in industrially relevant ethenolysis reactions of olefinic substrates from renewable feedstock with very good yields and selectivities.

Large-Scale Synthesis of a Niche Olefin Metathesis Catalyst Bearing an Unsymmetrical N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Ligand and its Application in a Green Pharmaceutical Context.

A large-scale synthesis of known Ru olefin metathesis catalyst VII featuring an unsymmetrical N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand with one 2,5-diisopropylphenyl (DIPP) and one thiophenylmethylene N-substituent is reported. The optimised procedure does not require column chromatography in any step and allows for preparation of up to 0.5 kg batches of the catalyst from simple precursors. The application profile of the obtained catalyst was studied in environmentally friendly dimethyl carbonate (DMC). Although VII exhibited low efficiency in cross-metathesis (CM) with electron-deficient partners, good to excellent results were noted for substrates featuring easy to isomerise C-C double bonds. This includes polyfunctional substrates of medicinal chemistry interest, such as analogues of psychoactive 5F-PB-22 and NM-2201 and two PDE5 inhibitors-Sildenafil and Vardenafil. Finally, a larger scale ring-closing metathesis (RCM) of a Vardenafil derivative was conducted in DMC, allowing for straightforward isolation of the expected product (23 g) in high yield and with low Ru contamination level (7.7 ppm).

The Influence of Various N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands on Activity of Nitro-Activated Olefin Metathesis Catalysts.

A set of nitro-activated ruthenium-based Hoveyda-Grubbs type olefin metathesis catalysts bearing sterically modified N-hetero-cyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been obtained, characterised and studied in a set of model metathesis reactions. It was found that catalysts bearing standard SIMes and SIPr ligands (4a and 4b) gave the best results in metathesis of substrates with more accessible C-C double bonds. At the same time, catalysts bearing engineered naphthyl-substituted NHC ligands (4d-e) exhibited high activity towards formation of tetrasubstituted C-C double bonds, the reaction which was traditionally Achilles' heel of the nitro-activated Hoveyda-Grubbs catalyst.

At Long Last: Olefin Metathesis Macrocyclization at High Concentration.

Macrocyclic lactones, ketones, and ethers can be obtained in the High-Concentration Ring-Closing Metathesis (HC-RCM) reaction in high yield and selectivity at concentrations 40 to 380 times higher than those typically used by organic chemists for similar macrocyclizations. The new method consists of using tailored ruthenium catalysts together with applying vacuum to distill off the macrocyclic product as it is formed by the metathetical backbiting of oligomers. Unlike classical RCM, no large quantities of organic solvents are used, but rather inexpensive nonvolatile diluents, such as natural or synthetic paraffin oils. Moreover, use of a protecting atmosphere or a glovebox is not needed, as the new catalysts are perfectly moisture and air stable. In addition, some other cyclic compounds previously reported as unobtainable by RCM in neat conditions, or in high dilutions even, can be formed with the help of the HC-RCM method.

Sequential Alkene Isomerization and Ring-Closing Metathesis in Production of Macrocyclic Musks from Biomass.

We report successful utilization of sequential alkene isomerization and ring-closing metathesis of dec-9-enoic acid based dienes in synthesis of macrocyclic lactones that possess a strong scent of musk. This catalytic sequence was essential to trim the chain length of starting dienes to yield macrocycles of the right size. Dec-9-enoic acid is conveniently obtainable from oleic esters by Ru-catalysed ethenolysis.

Well-Defined Chiral Copper NHC Complex in the Asymmetric Conjugated ß-Borylation and One-Pot Metathesis-Asymmetric ß-Borylation Reactions.

Highly stereoselective conjugate ß-borylation, using a new chiral NHC-based copper catalyst, has been achieved. The chiral NHC copper complex was prepared in gram scale and showed high enantioselectivity and activity (up to 10 000 turnovers at 100 ppm of catalyst loading). This method was employed in the synthesis of a chiral ß-borylated ester from simple unconjugated alkenes though an unprecedented one-pot cross metathesis-asymmetric borylation sequence.

Ruthenium Complexes Bearing Thiophene-Based Unsymmetrical N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands as Selective Catalysts for Olefin Metathesis in Toluene and Environmentally Friendly 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran.

Three mono-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ruthenium 2-isopropoxybenzylidene (10 a-c) and one bis(NHC) indenylidene complex (8) bearing an unsymmetrical N-heterocyclic carbene ligand were synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The catalytic activity of the newly obtained complexes were evaluated in ring-closing metathesis (RCM) and ene-yne (RCEYM) reactions in toluene and environmentally friendly 2-MeTHF under air. The results confirmed that although all tested reactions can be successfully mediated by catalysts 10 a-c, their general reactivity is lower than the benchmark all-purpose Ru catalysts with symmetrical NHC ligands. However, the latter cannot compete with specialized ruthenium complex 10 a in industrially relevant self-CM of terminal olefins in neat conditions.

Azoliniums, Adducts, NHCs and Azomethine Ylides: Divergence in Wanzlick Equilibrium and Olefin Metathesis Catalyst Formation.

The dimerization of a saturated N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) to tricyclic piperazine in preference to the commonly observed Wanzlick dimerization is presented. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the N-fluorene substituent of the heterocycle is implicated in both ring opening of corresponding carbene dimer and tautomerization of NHC to an azomethine ylide. This has consequences for the fate of the NHC when generated from either an azolinium salt or a pentafluorophenyl adduct. The insights gained permitted the synthesis of a new indenylidene metathesis precatalyst, which exhibits exceptional selectivity and high TONS in self-metathesis of 1-octene.

Helicenes as Chirality-Inducing Groups in Transition-Metal Catalysis: The First Helically Chiral Olefin Metathesis Catalyst.

Helical chirality is a novel enantioselectivity-inducing property in transition-metal-catalyzed transformations. The principle is illustrated herein for the example of asymmetric olefin metathesis. This work reports the synthesis of the first helically chiral Ru-NHC alkylidene complex from an aminohelicene-derived imidazolium salt, which was ligated to the first generation Hoveyda-Grubbs catalyst. Kinetic data were acquired for benchmark test reactions and compared to an achiral catalyst. The helically chiral Ru-catalyst was evaluated in asymmetric ring-closing metathesis (RCM) and ring-opening metathesis-cross-metathesis (ROM/CM) reactions, which proceeded with promising levels of enantioselectivity. Extensive NMR-spectroscopic investigations and a DFT geometry optimization were performed. These results led to a topographic steric map and calculation of percent-buried-volume values for each quadrant around the metal center.

A Selective and Functional Group-Tolerant Ruthenium-Catalyzed Olefin Metathesis/Transfer Hydrogenation Tandem Sequence Using Formic Acid as Hydrogen Source.

A ruthenium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of olefins utilizing formic acid as a hydrogen donor is described. The application of commercially available alkylidene ruthenium complexes opens access to attractive C(sp3)-C(sp3) bond formation in an olefin metathesis/transfer hydrogenation sequence under tandem catalysis conditions. High chemoselectivity of the developed methodology provides a remarkable synthetic tool for the reduction of various functionalized alkenes under mild reaction conditions. The developed methodology is applied for the formal synthesis of the drugs pentoxyverine and bencyclane.

Modification of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS) Molecules by Ruthenium Catalyzed Cross Metathesis.

The scope of ruthenium (Ru)-catalyzed cross metathesis (CM) of allyl-decorated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) was explored. A variety of different commercial and non-commercial ruthenium complexes were tested to determine that the nitro-activated Ru catalyst is optimal for this transformation. The reported transformation was used to prepare selected hybrid steroid-POSS compounds.

Ruthenium Catalysts Supported by Amino-Substituted N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands for Olefin Metathesis of Challenging Substrates.

N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands IMesNMe2 and IMes(NMe2)2 derived from the well-known IMes ligand by substituting the carbenic heterocycle with one and two dimethylamino groups, respectively, were employed for the synthesis of second-generation Grubbs- and Grubbs-Hoveyda-type ruthenium metathesis precatalysts. Whereas the stability of the complexes was found to depend on the degree of dimethylamino-substitution and on the type of complex, the backbone-substitution was shown to have a positive impact on their catalytic activity in ring-closing metathesis, with a more pronounced effect in the second-generation Grubbs-type series. The new complexes were successfully implemented in a number of challenging olefin metathesis reactions leading to the formation of tetra-substituted C=C double bonds and/or functionalized compounds.

Synthesis of Selectively Substituted or Deuterated Indenes via Sequential Pd and Ru Catalysis.

A strategy for the synthesis of functionalized indenes is presented. The readily available substituted phenols are used as starting materials in the reaction sequence composed of Pd-catalyzed Suzuki coupling and Ru-catalyzed ring-closing metathesis, thus representing a practical method for the controlled construction of functionalized indene derivatives. The methodology has been successfully applied to a broad range of substrates, producing substituted indenes in excellent yields. This approach is also utilized for the synthesis of substituted indenes selectively deuterated in position 3, which are rare in literature.

Tandem Catalysis Utilizing Olefin Metathesis Reactions.

Since olefin metathesis transformation has become a favored synthetic tool in organic synthesis, more and more distinct non-metathetical reactions of alkylidene ruthenium complexes have been developed. Depending on the conditions applied, the same olefin metathesis catalysts can efficiently promote isomerization reactions, hydrogenation of C=C double bonds, oxidation reactions, and many others. Importantly, these transformations can be carried out in tandem with olefin metathesis reactions. Through addition of one portion of a catalyst, a tandem process provides structurally advanced products from relatively simple substrates without the need for isolation of the intermediates. These aspects not only make tandem catalysis very attractive from a practical point of view, but also open new avenues in (retro)synthetic planning. However, in the literature, the term "tandem process" is sometimes used improperly to describe other types of multi-reaction sequences. In this Concept, a number of examples of tandem catalysis involving olefin metathesis are discussed with an emphasis on their synthetic value.