Base-Free Cross-Couplings of Aryl Diazonium Salts in Methanol: PdII -Alkoxy as Reactivity-Controlling Intermediate.

Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of aryl diazonium salts are generally assumed to proceed via cationic PdII intermediates which in turn would be highly reactive in the subsequent transmetalation step. Contrary to this belief, we herein report our observation and rationalization of opposing reactivities of ArN2+ in Suzuki (=effective) and Stille (=ineffective) cross-couplings in MeOH. Our systematic experimental and computational studies on the roles of transmetalating agent, solvent, base and the likely involvement of in situ formed diazoether derivatives challenge the currently accepted mechanism. Our data suggest that the observed solvent dichotomy is primarily due to PdII -methoxy intermediates being formed, which are unreactive with arylstannanes, but highly reactive with arylboronic acids, complementing the Suzuki "Pd-oxy" mechanism with the direct demonstration of transmetalation of a PdII -alkoxy complex. Lewis acids were found to circumvent this reactivity divergence, promoting efficient couplings regardless of the employed conditions or coupling partners.

Divergent Reactivity of Stannane and Silane in the Trifluoromethylation of PdII : Cyclic Transition State versus Difluorocarbene Release.

The transmetalation is a key elementary step in cross-coupling reactions. Yet, the precise nature of its mechanism and transition state geometry are frequently elusive. This report discloses our study of the transmetalation of [PdII ]-F complexes with the silane- and stannane-based trifluoromethylation agents, R3 SiCF3 and R3 SnCF3 . A divergent reactivity was uncovered, with the stannane showing selective R-group transfer, and the silane selective CF3 -group transfer. Using a combined experimental and computational approach, we uncovered a hitherto unrecognized transmetalation mechanism with the widely employed R3 SiCF3 reagent, explaining its unique activity in metal-catalyzed trifluoromethylations. While the stannane reacts via a cyclic, 4-membered transition state, the silane undergoes a fundamentally different pathway and releases a difluorocarbene in the transmetalation event. Molecular dynamics studies clearly reinforced the liberation of a free CF2 carbene, which reacts with [PdII ]-F to ultimately generate [PdII ]-CF3.

Computation and Experiment: A Powerful Combination to Understand and Predict Reactivities.

Computational chemistry has become an established tool for the study of the origins of chemical phenomena and examination of molecular properties. Because of major advances in theory, hardware and software, calculations of molecular processes can nowadays be done with reasonable accuracy on a time-scale that is competitive or even faster than experiments. This overview will highlight broad applications of computational chemistry in the study of organic and organometallic reactivities, including catalytic (NHC-, Cu-, Pd-, Ni-catalyzed) and noncatalytic examples of relevance to organic synthesis. The selected examples showcase the ability of computational chemistry to rationalize and also predict reactivities of broad significance. A particular emphasis is placed on the synergistic interplay of computations and experiments. It is discussed how this approach allows one to (i) gain greater insight than the isolated techniques, (ii) inspire novel chemistry avenues, and (iii) assist in reaction development. Examples of successful rationalizations of reactivities are discussed, including the elucidation of mechanistic features (radical versus polar) and origins of stereoselectivity in NHC-catalyzed reactions as well as the rationalization of ligand effects on ligation states and selectivity in Pd- and Ni-catalyzed transformations. Beyond explaining, the synergistic interplay of computation and experiments is then discussed, showcasing the identification of the likely catalytically active species as a function of ligand, additive, and solvent in Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. These may vary between mono- or bisphosphine-bound or even anionic Pd complexes in polar media in the presence of coordinating additives. These fundamental studies also inspired avenues in catalysis via dinuclear Pd(I) cycles. Detailed mechanistic studies supporting the direct reactivity of Pd(I)-Pd(I) with aryl halides as well as applications of air-stable dinuclear Pd(I) catalysts are discussed. Additional combined experimental and computational studies are described for alternative metals, these include the discussion of the factors that control C-H versus C-C activation in the aerobic Cu-catalyzed oxidation of ketones, and ligand and additive effects on the nature and favored oxidation state of the active catalyst in Ni-catalyzed trifluoromethylthiolations of aryl chlorides. Examples of successful computational reactivity predictions along with experimental verifications are then presented. This includes the design of a fluorinated ligand [(CF3)2P(CH2)2P(CF3)2] for the challenging reductive elimination of ArCF3 from Pd(II) as well as the guidance of substrate scope (functional group tolerance and suitable leaving group) in the Ni-catalyzed trifluoromethylthiolation of C(sp(2))-O bonds. In summary, this account aims to convey the benefits of integrating computational studies in experimental research to increase understanding of observed phenomena and guide future experiments.

Pentafluorosulfanyl-containing flufenamic acid analogs: Syntheses, properties and biological activities.

Pentafluorosulfanyl-containing analogs of flufenamic acid have been synthesized in high yields. Computationally, pKa, LogP and LogD values have been determined. Initial bioactivity studies reveal effects as ion channel modulators and inhibitory activities on aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) as well as COX-1 and COX-2.

Strain-accelerated formation of chiral, optically active buta-1,3-dienes.

The formal [2+2] cycloaddition-retroelectrocyclization (CA-RE) reactions between tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and strained, electron-rich dibenzo-fused cyclooctynes were studied. The effect of ring strain on the reaction kinetics was quantified, revealing that the rates of cycloaddition using strained, cyclic alkynes are up to 5500 times greater at 298 K than those of reactions using unstrained alkynes. Cyclobutene reaction intermediates, as well as buta-1,3-diene products, were isolated and their structures were studied crystallographically. Isolation of a rare example of a chiral buta-1,3-diene that is optically active and configurationally stable at room temperature is reported. Computational studies on the enantiomerization pathway of the buta-1,3-diene products showed that the eight-membered ring inverts via a boat conformer in a ring-flip mechanism. In agreement with computed values, experimentally measured activation barriers of racemization in these compounds were found to be up to 26 kcal mol(-1) .

Combining experimental and computational studies to understand and predict reactivities of relevance to homogeneous catalysis.

This article showcases three major uses of computational chemistry in reactivity studies: the application after, in combination with, and before experiment. Following a brief introduction of suitable computational tools, challenges and opportunities in the implementation of computational chemistry in reactivity studies are discussed, exemplified with selected case studies from our and other laboratories.

Trifluoromethylation of ketones and aldehydes with Bu3SnCF3.

The (trifluoromethyl)stannane reagent, Bu3SnCF3, was found to react under CsF activation with ketones and aldehydes to the corresponding trifluoromethylated stannane ether intermediates at room temperature in high yield. Only a mildly acidic extraction (aqueous NH4Cl) is required to release the corresponding trifluoromethyl alcohol products. The protocol is compatible with acid-sensitive functional groups.

Tandem nucleophilic addition/oxy-2-azonia-Cope rearrangement for the formation of homoallylic amides and lactams: total synthesis and structural verification of motuporamine G.

In the presence of a Lewis acid, ß,γ-unsaturated ketones and oximes or imines undergo nucleophilic addition to produce zwitterion intermediates, and subsequent oxy-2-azonia-Cope rearrangements give homoallylic amides. In the case of 2-vinylcycloalkanones, the process results in ring enlargement, providing a novel route to 9- to 16-membered lactams. The preparative significance of this protocol was evidenced by a short synthesis of macrocyclic alkaloid motuporamine G. The stereochemistry-defining step of this oxy-azonia-Cope rearrangement was further studied computationally. Despite a high-energy preequilibrium in the formation of zwitterionic intermediates, the [3,3]-sigmatropic step is the rate- and product-determining step. Chairlike transition states are generally preferred over boatlike ones.