The significant role that nitric oxide plays in human physiology is linked to the ability of NO to bind to iron forming mono-nitrosyl iron complexes. Protein-bound and low-molecular-weight dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) are known to form in excess NO. Studies of such biological DNICs have relied on their paramagnetism and characteristic EPR signal of g value of 2.03. It has been suggested that DNICs act in vivo as NO storage (when protein-bound) and transfer agents (when released by, for example, free cysteine). Biological DNICs, mainly resulting from iron-sulfur cluster degradation, are difficult to extract and isolate, thereby preventing their full characterization. Thus, development of synthetic DNICs is a promising approach to model and better understand the formation and function of biological DNICs, the scope of donor ligands that might coexist with Fe(NO)2 units, the redox levels of bio-DNICs, and establish other spectroscopic techniques appropriate for characterization. A series of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and imidazole (Imid) complexes has been characterized as mimics of histidine-containing DNICs. The pseudo-tetrahedral L2Fe(NO)2 complexes have NO stretching frequencies and redox potentials that suggest the NHCs are slightly better donors than Imids, however the two types of ligands have similar steric properties. Both the EPR-active, {Fe(NO)2}9 and the EPR-silent, {Fe(NO)2}10 states can be accessed and stabilized by the NHC. Nitric oxide transfer studies have shown that only the {Fe(NO)2}9 complexes are capable of transferring NO to a suitable NO trapping agent. Deprotonation of the distal nitrogen functionality in the imidazolate ligands of [(Imidazole)2Fe(NO)2]- leads to aggregation forming molecular squares of {Fe(NO)2}9 units bridged by the imidazolates. These interesting tetrameric complexes are examined by X-ray diffraction, EPR, and Mössbauer studies. The paramagnetic tetrameric complexes have multiple redox events observed by cyclic voltammetry. Mössbauer spectral data of the tetrameric complexes are compared with Mössbauer data obtained for a series of NHC-containing DNICs. Iron and cobalt-containing mononitrosyl N2S2 model complexes of the nitrile hydratase enzyme active site demonstrate sulfur-based reactivity resulting in the formation of polymetallic complexes. In all cases, shifts in the nitrosyl stretching frequencies demonstrate substantial transfer of electron density from the (NO)M(N2S2) moiety to the metal-acceptor site.

La préparation efficace d’une nouvelle famille de sels de 1,3-bis(aryl)-4,5-dihydroimidazolium non symétriques comprenant un groupement encombrant hexafluoroisopropylmethoxy en position para- ou ortho- sur l’un des substituants N-aryle a été développée. De nouveaux sels d’imidazolium contenant un substituant fluoroalkyle en position ortho d’un des substituant aryle ont aussi été synthétisés. Ces sels sont d’excellents précurseurs de carbènes N-hétérocycliques qui ont permis l’accès efficace à une série de nouveaux complexes carbéniques du ruthénium à ligands NHC non symétriques. La méthode repose sur la génération in situ du carbène par traitement des sels d’imidazolium avec le potassium hexamethyldisilazide suivie d’un échange du ligand tricyclohexylphosphine à partir des complexes de Grubbs et Hoveyda de première génération. L’activité de ces nouveaux complexes a été étudiée sur des réactions modèles intra- et intermoléculaires de métathèse des oléfines. Il a été montré que la plupart des complexes synthétisés ont de bonnes activités catalytiques en fermeture de cycle à partir du diallylmalonate d’éthyle et en métathèse croisée de l’allylbenzène avec le 1,3-diacetoxybut-2-ene. Leurs performances sont comparables à celles des catalyseurs de Grubbs et Hoveyda de seconde génération, avec toutefois quelques différences dans les étapes d’initiation. Les effets structuraux et électroniques des ligands NHC non symétriques sur la réactivité des nouveaux complexes du ruthénium ont été étudiés. En particulier, il a été montré que les catalyseurs de type Hoveyda porteurs de ligands monosubstitués par un groupement fluoroalkyle en position ortho d’un des substituant N-aryle présentent une initiation très rapide dans les réactions de métathèse croisée. Au contraire, les complexes porteurs d’un groupement donneur alkyle ont montré une activité catalytique très faible, comme par exemple le complexe porteur d’un ligand (tert-butyl)NHC qui s’est révélé inerte à la fois en fermeture de cycle et métathèse croisée. Les complexes porteurs d’un ligand NHC symétrique avec deux groupes hexafluoroisopropylmethoxy ont des activités catalytiques nettement inférieures à leurs homologues non symétriques, révélant ainsi la forte influence de l’absence de symétrie du ligand carbène NHC dans l’activité catalytique des complexes. / An efficient approach to a new family of unsymmetrical 1,3-bis(aryl)-4,5-dihydroimidazolium salts comprising bulky hexafluoroisopropylmethoxy group in para- or ortho-position in one of the N-aryl substituents has been developed. New imidazolinium salts with fluoroalkyl-containing mono-ortho-aryl substituent at one of the nitrogen atom have also been synthesized. It was found that these imidazolinium salts are effective NHC precursors and provided an efficient access to a series of new ruthenium carbene complexes with unsymmetrical fluorinated NHC ligands. The method involves in situ generation of the carbene via treatment of the starting salts with potassium hexamethyldisilazide and subsequent ligand exchange reaction with PCy3-containing first generation Grubbs and Hoveyda complexes. The catalytic activity of the new complexes has been investigated on model reactions of intra- and intermolecular olefin metathesis. It was found that most of the synthesized complexes exhibited high activity in cyclization of diethyl diallylmalonate and in cross metathesis of allyl benzene with 1,3-diacetoxybut-2-ene. Their performance has proved to be comparable with commonly used second generation Grubbs and Hoveyda catalysts, with sometimes some differences in the initiation step. Structural and electronic impact of fluorinated unsymmetrical NHC on reactivity of new ruthenium complexes has been studied. In particular, it was revealed that Hoveyda type catalysts with mono-ortho-aryl substituted NHC ligands have demonstrated very high initiation rate in CM reactions. On the contrary, catalysts with more donating N-alkyl NHCs have displayed low activity; for instance, the N-tert-butyl substituted complex has proved to be absolutely inert both in RCM and CM reactions. Symmetrical ruthenium carbene complexes bearing NHC ligands with two hexafluoroisopropylmethoxy group in para-positions of N-aryl moieties are significantly inferior in reactivity with respect to their asymmetric counterparts showing the strong influence of the desymmetrization factor on catalytic activity.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(理学) / 甲第18093号 / 理博第3971号 / 新制||理||1572(附属図書館) / 30951 / 京都大学大学院理学研究科化学専攻 / (主査)教授 大須賀 篤弘, 教授 丸岡 啓二, 教授 時任 宣博 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Science / Kyoto University / DGAM

Methodologies for expanding the architectural diversity of -N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) pincer ligand precursors and transition metal complexes have been developed for the production of more efficient catalyst, which will be employed in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. An efficient route for the synthesis and isolation of bis-1,3-(3'-aryl-N-heterocycl-1'-yl)arenes has been established, and preliminary data for metalation and transmetalation of a N, N'-diaryl imidazolium salt has been acquired. Additionally, a proficient methodology for the synthesis of mixed, unsymmetrical -NHC pincer ligand precursors has been discovered, and preliminary data for mixed, unsymmetrical transition metal complexes is also included. These methodological expansions will lead to more efficient catalyst that decrease the expenditure of energy required for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, thus making their synthesis more favorable for the environment and their price more affordable for consumers.

2-Phosphanyl-substituted imidazolium salts 2-PR2(4,5-Cl-Im)[OTf] (9a,b[OTf]) (4,5-Cl-Im = 4,5-dichloro-1,3-bis(2,6-di-isopropylphenyl)-imidazolium) (a: R = Cy, b: R = Ph) are prepared from the reaction of R2PCl (R = Cy, Ph) with NHC 8 (4,5-dichloro-1,3-bis(2,6-di-isopropylphenyl)-imidazolin-2-ylidene) in the presence of Me3SiOTf. 5-Phospanyl-substituted imidazolium salts 5-PR2(2,4-Cl-Im)[OTf] (10a,b[OTf]) are obtained in quantitative yield when a slight excess of the NHC 8 is used. 5-Phosphonio-substituted imidazolium salts 5-PR2Me(2,4-Cl-Im)[OTf]2 (14a,b[OTf]2) and 5-PR2F(2,4-Cl-Im)[OTf]2 (16a,b[OTf]2) result from methylation reaction or oxidation of 10a,b[OTf] with XeF2 and subsequent fluoride abstraction. According to our quantum chemical studies the Cl1 atom at the 2-position at the imidazolium ring of dication 14b2+ carries a slightly positive charge and is therefore accessible for nucleophilic attack. Accordingly, the reaction of 14a,b[OTf]2 and 16a,b[OTf]2 with R3P (R = Cy, Ph) affords cationic 5-phosphonio-substituted NHCs 5-PR2Me(4-Cl-NHC)[OTf] (17a,b[OTf]) and 5-PR2F(4-Cl-NHC)[OTf] (18a,b[OTf]) via a SN2(Cl)-type reaction. A series of transition metal complexes such as [AuCl(5-PPh2Me(4-Cl-NHC))][OTf] (19[OTf]), [CuBr(5-PPh2Me(4-Cl-NHC))][OTf] (20[OTf]), [AuCl(5-PPh2F(4-Cl-NHC))[OTf] (21[OTf]) and [RhCl(cod)(5-PPh2Me(4-Cl-NHC))][OTf] (23[OTf]) are prepared to prove the coordination abilities of carbenes 17b[OTf] and 18b[OTf]. The isolation of a rare example of a tricationic bis-carbene silver complex [Ag(5-PPh2Me(4-Cl-NHC))2][OTf]3 (22[OTf]3) is achieved by reacting 14b[OTf] with Cy3P in the presence of AgOTf. NHC 17b[OTf] represents a very effective dehydrocoupling reagent for secondary (R2PH, R = Ph, Cy, iBu) and primary (RPH2, R = Ph, Cy) phosphanes to give diphosphanes of type R4P2 (R = Ph, Cy, iBu) and oligophosphanes R4P4, R5P5 (R = Ph, Cy), respectively. Methylation of 17b+ and subsequent deprotonation reaction with LDA affords the cationic NHO (N-heterocyclic olefin) 35+ of which the gold complex 36+ is readily accessible via the reaction with AuCl(tht).

Thesis advisor: Amir H. Hoveyda / Chapter 1. Through the use of quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) the similarities and differences between transition metal complexes ligated by phosphines and N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) were elucidated. Among the key findings, the phosphines were identified as stronger charge donors than NHCs; however, the latter class of ligands exhibits a weaker p-accepting character than the former. Furthermore, Tolman electronic parameter (TEP) was determined to be an inadequate gauge for the total electron donating ability of phosphines and NHCs; rather TEP can serve as a measurement of population of dp set of orbitals of a metal center in question. Computational and experimental studies of the mechanism of NHC-catalyzed boron and silicon addition to a,ß-unsaturated carbonyls reactions were carried out. Through the use of radical traps the mechanisms involving homolytic cleavage of B-B or B-Si bonds were ruled out. Computational (DFT) studies of the mechanism identified two pathways: (1) direct activation of diboron or borosilyl reagents through coordination of NHC to the B atom, (2) net oxidative addition of the diboron or borosilyl reagents to the carbon (II) of the NHC. The insights gained from the aforementioned studies were employed to rationalize the observed lack of reactivity of NHC-activated diboron complexes in the presence of aldehydes. Chapter 2. New C(1)-symmetric chiral monodentate N-heterocyclic carbenes were prepared, and corresponding chiral Ru-carbene complexes were synthesized. These complexes were employed to gain empirical understanding of factors that govern stereoselectivity in Ru-catalyzed enantioselective olefin ring-closing metathesis. The data thus obtained was employed to infer that syn-to-NHC reaction pathways are competitive and non-selective. One plausible mechanism, through which syn-to-NHC pathways can be accessed, involves Berry pseudorotations. Through the use of stereogenic-at-Ru complexes diastereomeric Ru-carbenes were isolated (silica gel chromatography) and spectroscopically characterized in solution phase. The diastereomeric Ru-carbenes were found to undergo non-metathesis stereomutations at Ru center, thereby providing additional support for the above hypothesis regarding accessibility of syn-to-NHC olefin metathesis pathways. Non-metathesis stereomutation at Ru was found to be accelerated in the presence of protic additives, suggesting the plausibility of hydrogen bonding between the acidic proton and the X-type ligands on Ru. Occurrence of hydrogen bonding was corroborated through the use of chiral allylic alcohols in Ru-catalyzed diastereoselective ring-opening/cross metathesis, which was developed into a versatile method for highly diastereoselective functionalization of terminal olefins. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2011. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

This thesis describes the synthesis and isolation of silver, mercury, ruthenium and palladium complexes of bidentate N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), derived from imidazolium-linked cyclophanes and related bis-imidazolium salts. The cyclophane structures contain two imidazolyl links between ortho- and meta- substituted aromatic rings and the related structures are ortho-, meta- and para-xylyl linked bis-imidazolium salts. The complexes have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The synthesis of five new silver complexes has been achieved via a simple complexation reaction of the cyclophane and bis-imidazolium salts with the basic metal source Ag2O. The new silver carbene systems are thermally stable. Three of the complexes are dinuclear, cationic complexes, while two are mononuclear complexes, one cationic and one neutral. A number of mono- and di-nuclear mercury(II)-NHC complexes have been synthesised from the ortho- and meta-linked cyclophanes and the related meta-linked bis-imidazolium salts. The mercury complexes were prepared by direct mercuration method using mercury(II) acetate. The syntheses were perfomed in air and the complexes are stable to air and moisture. Mercury complexes I and II represent the first example of mononuclear metal complexes derived from meta-substituted imidazolium-linked cyclophanes. NHC-ligand transfer reactions from NHC-silver complexes and NHC-mercury complexes are described. An ortho-cyclophane ligand was successfully transfered from a silver complex to its palladium counterpart. Furthermore, palladium complex III, bearing a para-xylyl linked bis-NHC ligand, was made by transmetallation from both a silver and mercury complex. This is the first reported NHC-palladium complex of a para-xylyl linked bis-NHC ligand. A new redox transmetallation method for NHC ligand transfer, using a mercury complex, is presented. A palladium complex was made via redox transmetallation using a mercury complex of an ortho-NHC-cyclophane. A ruthenium(II)-NHC complex, IV containing an ortho-cyclophane ligand has been prepared via silver transmetallation and in situ complexation methods. In the transmetallation route, a silver complex of an ortho-cyclophane was treated with RuCl2(PPh3)3 to form IV. This complex represents the first example of a ruthenium complex bearing an NHC-cyclophane ligand, v and is also the first example of a metal complex derived from an imidazolium-linked cyclophane where the arene unit of the cyclophane is also involved in bonding to the metal centre.

No description available.

L’objectif de cette thèse portait sur la synthèse de complexes portant un ligand NHC associé à une fonction oxygénée et à leur application en catalyse d’oligomérisation de l’éthylène. Dans le but de synthétiser des complexes avec des ligands NHCalcool, les complexes d’argent correspondants ont été synthétisés et utilisés en transmétallation. Aucun résultat concluant n’a pu être obtenu avec le nickel à cause de l’acidité du proton alcoolique. Mais un ligand NHC-alcoolate a pu être obtenu par déprotonation directe du pro-ligand avec une base forte. Il fut alors possible d’accéder à des complexes de nickel polynucléaires, certains incorporant dans leur structure des cations lithium provenant de la base utilisée. Par comparaison, des complexes de palladium ont été synthétisés avec des NHCs-alcool ou -alcoolate par réaction des pro-ligands avec Pd(acac)2 suivie de réactions acido-basiques. Etant donné la difficulté d’obtention des complexes de nickel avec des ligands NHC-alcool, la fonction éther a été étudiée. Les complexes résultants ont été testés en oligomérisation de l’éthylène. / The purpose of this work was the synthesis of complexes bearing O-functionalized NHC ligands in order to test their catalytic properties in ethylene oligomerization. In order to have access to alcohol-functionalized complexes, the corresponding silver complexes were synthesized for transmetallation purpose. Whereas no concluding results were obtained with the alcohol function in association with nickel, it was possible to access an alcoholate-functionalized NHC ligand by deprotonation of the corresponding pro-ligand. Thus, polynuclear nickel complexes were prepared, some of them included in their structure a lithium cation originating from the base. For comparison, alcohol- and alcoholate-functionalized NHC palladium complexes were synthesized by direct reaction of the pro-ligand with Pd(acac)2 followed by acidobasic reactions. Because of the complexity of the chemistry of NHC-alcohol ligands associated with nickel, the ether functionality was explored. A library of nickel complexes was synthesized and tested in the catalytic ethylene oligomerization.

The work described herein focuses on the synthesis and characterisation of copper(I) complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands, their use in catalysis as well as organometallic synthesis and related reaction mechanisms. Two classes of complexes were considered: neutral NHC-Cu(I) species and their cationic analogues. Concerning the former, initial efforts were focused on the development of a general and straightforward synthetic methodology towards complexes of the type [Cu(X)(NHC)] (X = Cl, Br, I). More than 10 NHC-Cu(I) species were synthesised in high yields under mild conditions, in air and using technical grade solvents. These complexes exhibited interesting activity in the catalytic dehydrogenation of formic acid/amine adducts proving in three times more efficiency than the copper salts previously employed in such a reaction. Hydroxide- and tert-butoxide analogues showed to be efficient catalysts in the N-methylation of amines with CO₂ as carbon source, and in the dehydrogenative coupling of silanes and carboxylic acids. Experimental and computational work were carried out in order to elucidate the mechanism of these transformations. Regarding the use of these species in organometallic synthesis, homo- and heteroleptic bis-NHC-Cu(I) complexes were employed as carbene transfer reagents to other transition metals. Aside from well-known cationic gold(I) species, two novel palladium(II) analogues were isolated and fully characterised.