Wide-Bite-Angle Diphosphine Ligands in Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Copper(I) Complexes: Impact on the Performance of Electroluminescence Applications.

We report a series of seven cationic heteroleptic copper(I) complexes of the form [Cu(P^P)(dmphen)]BF4, where dmphen is 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline and P^P is a diphosphine chelate, in which the effect of the bite angle of the diphosphine ligand on the photophysical properties of the complexes was studied. Several of the complexes exhibit moderately high photoluminescence quantum yields in the solid state, with ΦPL of up to 35%, and in solution, with ΦPL of up to 98%. We were able to correlate the powder photoluminescence quantum yields with the % Vbur of the P^P ligand. The most emissive complexes were used to fabricate both organic light-emitting diodes and light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs), both of which showed moderate performance. Compared to the benchmark copper(I)-based LECs, [Cu(dnbp)(DPEPhos)]+ (maximum external quantum efficiency, EQEmax = 16%), complex 3 (EQEmax = 1.85%) showed a much longer device lifetime (t1/2 = 1.25 h and >16.5 h for [Cu(dnbp)(DPEPhos)]+ and complex 3, respectively). The electrochemiluminescence (ECL) properties of several complexes were also studied, which, to the best of our knowledge, constitutes the first ECL study for heteroleptic copper(I) complexes. Notably, complexes exhibiting more reversible electrochemistry were associated with higher annihilation ECL as well as better performance in a LEC.

Depolymerization of biorefinery lignin by improved laccases of the white-rot fungus Obba rivulosa.

Fungal laccases are attracting enzymes for sustainable valorization of biorefinery lignins. To improve the lignin oxidation capacity of two previously characterized laccase isoenzymes from the white-rot fungus Obba rivulosa, we mutated their substrate-binding site at T1. As a result, the pH optimum of the recombinantly produced laccase variant rOrLcc2-D206N shifted by three units towards neutral pH. O. rivulosa laccase variants with redox mediators oxidized both the dimeric lignin model compound and biorefinery poplar lignin. Significant structural changes, such as selective benzylic α-oxidation, were detected by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, although no polymerization of lignin was observed by gel permeation chromatography. This suggests that especially rOrLcc2-D206N is a promising candidate for lignin-related applications.

Multi-nuclear, high-pressure, operando FlowNMR spectroscopic study of Rh/PPh3 - catalysed hydroformylation of 1-hexene.

The hydroformylation of 1-hexene with 12 bar of 1 : 1 H2/CO in the presence of the catalytic system [Rh(acac)(CO)2]/PPh3 was successfully studied by real-time multinuclear high-resolution FlowNMR spectroscopy at 50 °C. Quantitative reaction progress curves that yield rates as well as chemo- and regioselectivities have been obtained with varying P/Rh loadings. Dissolved H2 can be monitored in solution to ensure true operando conditions without gas limitation. 31P{1H} and selective excitation 1H pulse sequences have been periodically interleaved with 1H FlowNMR measurements to detect Rh-phosphine intermediates during the catalysis. Stopped-flow experiments in combination with diffusion measurements and 2D heteronuclear correlation experiments showed the known tris-phosphine complex [RhH(CO)(PPh3)3] to generate rapidly exchanging isomers of the bis-phosphine complex [Rh(CO)2(PPh3)2] under CO pressure that directly enter the catalytic cycle. A new mono-phosphine acyl complex has been identified as an in-cycle reaction intermediate.

Copper-Catalyzed Carbonylative Hydroamidation of Styrenes to Branched Amides.

Amides are one of the most ubiquitous functional groups in synthetic and medicinal chemistry. Novel and rapid synthesis of amides remains in high demand. In this communication, a general and efficient procedure for branch-selective hydroamidation of vinylarenes with hydroxyamine derivatives enabled by copper catalysis has been developed for the first time. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions and tolerates a broad range of functional groups. Applying a chiral phosphine ligand, an enantioselective variant of this transformation was achieved, affording a variety of chiral α-amides with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee) and high yields.

P-Chirogenic Diphosphazanes with Axially Chiral Substituents and Their Use in Rh-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation.

A convenient synthesis of enantiopure P-chirogenic diphosphazanes incorporating bulky bisphenol and 1,1'-bi-2-naphthol-derived substituents via the functionalization of a readily accessible enantiopure lithium phosphinoamide with chlorophosphoridites was developed. Since the product requires no subsequent deprotection, the protocol provides an easy, convenient synthesis of P-chirogenic ligands on the gram scale. The ligands were applied in the Rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of benchmark substrates furnishing enantiomeric excess values up to 96%.

Catalytic reductive aminations using molecular hydrogen for synthesis of different kinds of amines.

Reductive aminations constitute an important class of reactions widely applied in research laboratories and industries for the synthesis of amines as well as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and biomolecules. In particular, catalytic reductive aminations using molecular hydrogen are highly valued and essential for the cost-effective and sustainable production of different kinds of amines and their functionalization. These reactions couple easily accessible carbonyl compounds (aldehydes or ketones) with ammonia, amines or nitro compounds in the presence of suitable catalysts and hydrogen that enable the preparation of linear and branched primary, secondary and tertiary amines including N-methylamines and molecules used in life science applications. In general, amines represent valuable fine and bulk chemicals, which serve as key precursors and central intermediates for the synthesis of advanced chemicals, life science molecules, dyes and polymers. Noteworthily, amine functionalities are present in a large number of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and biomolecules, and play vital roles in the function of these active compounds. In general, reductive aminations are challenging processes, especially for the syntheses of primary amines, which often are non-selective and suffer from over-alkylation and reduction of carbonyl compounds to the corresponding alcohols. Hence, the development of suitable catalysts to perform these reactions in a highly efficient and selective manner is crucial and continues to be important and attracts scientific interest. In this regard, both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts have successfully been developed for these reactions to access various amines. There is a need for a comprehensive review on catalytic reductive aminations to discuss the potential catalysts used and applicability of this methodology in the preparation of different kinds of amines, which are of commercial, industrial and medicinal importance. Consequently, in this review we discuss catalytic reductive aminations using molecular hydrogen and their applications in the synthesis of functionalized and structurally diverse benzylic, heterocyclic and aliphatic primary, secondary and tertiary amines as well as N-methylamines and more complex drug targets. In addition, mechanisms of reductive aminations including selective formation of desired amine products as well as possible side reactions are emphasized. This review aims at the scientific communities working in the fields of organic synthesis, catalysis, and medicinal and biological chemistry.

An Introduction to Model Compounds of Lignin Linking Motifs; Synthesis and Selection Considerations for Reactivity Studies.

The development of fundamentally new valorization strategies for lignin plays a vital role in unlocking the true potential of lignocellulosic biomass as sustainable and economically compatible renewable carbon feedstock. In particular, new catalytic modification and depolymerization strategies are required. Progress in this field, past and future, relies for a large part on the application of synthetic model compounds that reduce the complexity of working with the lignin biopolymer. This aids the development of catalytic methodologies and in-depth mechanistic studies and guides structural characterization studies in the lignin field. However, due to the volume of literature and the piecemeal publication of methodology, the choice of suitable lignin model compounds is far from straight forward, especially for those outside the field and lacking a background in organic synthesis. For example, in catalytic depolymerization studies, a balance between synthetic effort and fidelity compared to the actual lignin of interest needs to be found. In this Review, we provide a broad overview of the model compounds available to study the chemistry of the main native linking motifs typically found in lignins from woody biomass, the synthetic routes and effort required to access them, and discuss to what extent these represent actual lignin structures. This overview can aid researchers in their selection of the most suitable lignin model systems for the development of emerging lignin modification and depolymerization technologies, maximizing their chances of successfully developing novel lignin valorization strategies.

Copper-Catalyzed Regioselective Borocarbonylative Coupling of Unactivated Alkenes with Alkyl Halides: Synthesis of ß-Boryl Ketones.

The borocarbonylative coupling of unactivated alkenes with alkyl halides remains a challenge. In this communication, a Cu-catalyzed borocarbonylative coupling of unactivated alkenes with alkyl halides for the synthesis of ß-boryl ketones has been developed. A broad range of ß-boryl ketone derivatives was prepared in moderate to excellent yields with complete regioselectivity.

Ultra-small cobalt nanoparticles from molecularly-defined Co-salen complexes for catalytic synthesis of amines.

We report the synthesis of in situ generated cobalt nanoparticles from molecularly defined complexes as efficient and selective catalysts for reductive amination reactions. In the presence of ammonia and hydrogen, cobalt-salen complexes such as cobalt(ii)-N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-phenylenediamine produce ultra-small (2-4 nm) cobalt-nanoparticles embedded in a carbon-nitrogen framework. The resulting materials constitute stable, reusable and magnetically separable catalysts, which enable the synthesis of linear and branched benzylic, heterocyclic and aliphatic primary amines from carbonyl compounds and ammonia. The isolated nanoparticles also represent excellent catalysts for the synthesis of primary, secondary as well as tertiary amines including biologically relevant N-methyl amines.

Facile synthesis of supported Ru-Triphos catalysts for continuous flow application in selective nitrile reduction.

The selective catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles represents an important but challenging transformation for many homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. Herein, we report the efficient and modular solid-phase synthesis of immobilized Triphos-type ligands in very high yields, involving only minimal work-up procedures. The corresponding supported ruthenium-Triphos catalysts are tested in the hydrogenation of various nitriles. Under mild conditions and without the requirement of additives, the tunable supported catalyst library provides selective access to both primary amines and secondary imines. Moreover, the first application of a Triphos-type catalyst in a continuous flow process is presented demonstrating high catalyst life-time over at least 195 hours without significant activity loss.

Preparation of a Series of Supported Nonsymmetrical PNP-Pincer Ligands and the Application in Ester Hydrogenation.

In contrast to their symmetrical analogues, nonsymmetrical PNP-type ligand motifs have been less investigated despite the modular pincer structure. However, the introduction of mixed phosphorus donor moieties provides access to a larger variety of PNP ligands. Herein, a facile solid-phase synthesis approach towards a diverse PNP-pincer ligand library of 14 members is reported. Contrary to often challenging workup procedures in solution-phase, only simple workup steps are required. The corresponding supported ruthenium-PNP catalysts are screened in ester hydrogenation. Usually, industrially applied heterogeneous catalysts require harsh conditions in this reaction (250-350 °C at 100-200 bar) often leading to reduced selectivities. Heterogenized reusable Ru-PNP catalysts are capable of reducing esters and lactones selectively under mild conditions.

Nylon Intermediates from Bio-Based Levulinic Acid.

Use of ZrO2 /SiO2 as a solid acid catalyst in the ring-opening of biobased γ-valerolactone with methanol in the gas phase leads to mixtures of methyl 2-, 3-, and 4-pentenoate (MP) in over 95 % selectivity, containing a surprising 81 % of M4P. This process allows the application of a selective hydroformylation to this mixture to convert M4P into methyl 5-formyl-valerate (M5FV) with 90 % selectivity. The other isomers remain unreacted. Reductive amination of M5FV and ring-closure to ϵ-caprolactam in excellent yield had been reported before. The remaining mixture of 2- and 3-MP was subjected to an isomerising methoxycarbonylation to dimethyl adipate in 91 % yield.

Simple ruthenium-catalyzed reductive amination enables the synthesis of a broad range of primary amines.

The production of primary benzylic and aliphatic amines, which represent essential feedstocks and key intermediates for valuable chemicals, life science molecules and materials, is of central importance. Here, we report the synthesis of this class of amines starting from carbonyl compounds and ammonia by Ru-catalyzed reductive amination using H2. Key to success for this synthesis is the use of a simple RuCl2(PPh3)3 catalyst that empowers the synthesis of >90 various linear and branched benzylic, heterocyclic, and aliphatic amines under industrially viable and scalable conditions. Applying this catalyst, -NH2 moiety has been introduced in functionalized and structurally diverse compounds, steroid derivatives and pharmaceuticals. Noteworthy, the synthetic utility of this Ru-catalyzed amination protocol has been demonstrated by upscaling the reactions up to 10 gram-scale syntheses. Furthermore, in situ NMR studies were performed for the identification of active catalytic species. Based on these studies a mechanism for Ru-catalyzed reductive amination is proposed.

Reversible C-H Activation, Facile C-B/B-H Metathesis and Apparent Hydroboration Catalysis by a Dimethylxanthene-Based Frustrated Lewis Pair.

A dimethylxanthene-based phosphine/borane frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) is shown to effect reversible C-H activation, cleaving phenylacetylene, PhCCH, to give an equilibrium mixture of the free FLP and phosphonium acetylide in CD2 Cl2 solution at room temperature. This system also reacts with B-H bonds although in a different fashion: reactions with HBpin and HBcat proceed via C-B/B-H metathesis, leading to replacement of the -B(C6 F5 )2 Lewis acid component by -Bpin/-Bcat, and transfer of HB(C6 F5 )2 to the phosphine Lewis base. This transformation underpins the ability of the FLP to catalyze the hydroboration of alkynes by HBpin: the active species is derived from the HB(C6 F5 )2 fragment generated in this exchange process.

Revealing the fate of the phenylcoumaran linkage during lignin oxidation reactions.

The fate of most lignin linkages, other than the ß-O-4, under selective oxidation conditions is largely unknown. In this work we use advanced ß-5 lignin model compounds to identify the fate of phenylcoumaran units in a softwood lignin during oxidation with DDQ. By using model compounds combined with detailed characterisation of the oxidised lignin polymer using HSQC and HMBC NMR we show that phenylcoumarones are a major product, and therefore constitute a novel non-native ß-5 linkage in oxidised lignins. Additionally, the reactivity of these units in lignin led us to further investigate their connectivity in lignin, showing that they are found as both phenolic and etherified units. The findings and approach developed here will help improve the efficiency of selective oxidative lignin depolymerisation processes, particularly those aimed at the upgrading of softwood lignin in which phenylcoumarans are a major linkage.

A new route to N-aromatic heterocycles from the hydrogenation of diesters in the presence of anilines.

The hydrogenation of dicarboxylic acids and their esters in the presence of anilines provides a new synthesis of heterocycles. [Ru(acac)3] and 1,1,1-tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane (triphos) gave good to excellent yields of the cyclic amines at 220 °C. When aqueous ammonia was used with dimethyl 1,6-hexadienoic acid, ε-caprolactam was obtained in good yield. A side reaction involving alkylation of the amine by methanol was suppressed by using diesters derived from longer chain and branched alcohols. Hydrogenation of optically pure diesters (dimethyl (R)-2-methylbutanedioate and dimethyl (S)-2-methylbutanedioate) with aniline afforded racemic 3-methyl-1-phenylpyrrolidine in 78% yield.

Enzyme Activity by Design: An Artificial Rhodium Hydroformylase for Linear Aldehydes.

Artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) are hybrid catalysts that offer a unique opportunity to combine the superior performance of natural protein structures with the unnatural reactivity of transition-metal catalytic centers. Therefore, they provide the prospect of highly selective and active catalytic chemical conversions for which natural enzymes are unavailable. Herein, we show how by rationally combining robust site-specific phosphine bioconjugation methods and a lipid-binding protein (SCP-2L), an artificial rhodium hydroformylase was developed that displays remarkable activities and selectivities for the biphasic production of long-chain linear aldehydes under benign aqueous conditions. Overall, this study demonstrates that judiciously chosen protein-binding scaffolds can be adapted to obtain metalloenzymes that provide the reactivity of the introduced metal center combined with specifically intended product selectivity.

Organocatalytic Chemoselective Primary Alcohol Oxidation and Subsequent Cleavage of Lignin Model Compounds and Lignin.

A one-pot two-step degradation of lignin ß-O-4 model compounds initiated by preferred oxidation of the primary over the secondary hydroxyl groups with a TEMPO/DAIB system has been developed [TEMPO=2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl, DAIB=(diacetoxy)iodobenzene]. The oxidised products are then cleaved by proline-catalysed retro-aldol reactions. This degradation methodology produces simple aromatics in good yields from lignin model compounds at room temperature with an extension to organosolv beech-wood lignin (L1) resulting in known cleavage products.

Metal Triflates for the Production of Aromatics from Lignin.

The depolymerization of lignin into valuable aromatic chemicals is one of the key goals towards establishing economically viable biorefineries. In this contribution we present a simple approach for converting lignin to aromatic monomers in high yields under mild reaction conditions. The methodology relies on the use of catalytic amounts of easy-to-handle metal triflates (M(OTf)x ). Initially, we evaluated the reactivity of a broad range of metal triflates using simple lignin model compounds. More advanced lignin model compounds were also used to study the reactivity of different lignin linkages. The product aromatic monomers were either phenolic C2-acetals obtained by stabilization of the aldehyde cleavage products by reaction with ethylene glycol or methyl aromatics obtained by catalytic decarbonylation. Notably, when the method was ultimately tested on lignin, especially Fe(OTf)3 proved very effective and the phenolic C2-acetal products were obtained in an excellent, 19.3±3.2 wt % yield.

Advanced Model Compounds for Understanding Acid-Catalyzed Lignin Depolymerization: Identification of Renewable Aromatics and a Lignin-Derived Solvent.

The development of fundamentally new approaches for lignin depolymerization is challenged by the complexity of this aromatic biopolymer. While overly simplified model compounds often lack relevance to the chemistry of lignin, the direct use of lignin streams poses significant analytical challenges to methodology development. Ideally, new methods should be tested on model compounds that are complex enough to mirror the structural diversity in lignin but still of sufficiently low molecular weight to enable facile analysis. In this contribution, we present a new class of advanced (ß-O-4)-(ß-5) dilinkage models that are highly realistic representations of a lignin fragment. Together with selected ß-O-4, ß-5, and ß-ß structures, these compounds provide a detailed understanding of the reactivity of various types of lignin linkages in acid catalysis in conjunction with stabilization of reactive intermediates using ethylene glycol. The use of these new models has allowed for identification of novel reaction pathways and intermediates and led to the characterization of new dimeric products in subsequent lignin depolymerization studies. The excellent correlation between model and lignin experiments highlights the relevance of this new class of model compounds for broader use in catalysis studies. Only by understanding the reactivity of the linkages in lignin at this level of detail can fully optimized lignin depolymerization strategies be developed.