Stabilization of Luminescent Mononuclear Three-Coordinate CuI Complexes by Two Distinct Cavity-Shaped Diphosphanes Obtained from a Single α-Cyclodextrin Precursor.

Slightly different reaction conditions afforded two distinct cavity-shaped cis-chelating diphosphanes from the same starting materials, namely diphenyl(2-phosphanylphenyl)phosphane and an α-cyclodextrin-derived dimesylate. Thanks to their metal-confining properties, the two diphosphanes form only mononuclear [CuX(PP)] complexes (X=Cl, Br, or I) with the tricoordinated metal ion located just above the center of the cavity. The two series of CuI complexes display markedly different luminescence properties that are both influenced by the electronic properties of the ligand and the unique steric environment provided by the cyclodextrin (CD) cavity. The excited state lifetimes of all complexes are significantly longer than those of the cavity-free analogues suggesting peculiar electronic effects that affect radiative deactivation constants. The overall picture stemming from absorption and emission data suggests close-lying charge-transfer (MLCT, XLCT) and triplet ligand-centered (LC) excited states.

A novel ratiometric fluorescence probe based on calix[4]arene functionalized polymer dots for bisphenol A detection in real water samples.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of key raw materials used in the production of epoxy resins and plastics, which has toxicological effects on humans by disrupting cell functions through a variety of cell signaling pathways. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop a simple, rapid, and accurate BPA detection method in real water samples. In this study, a ratiometric fluorescence method based on yellow-emitting surface-functionalized polymer dots (PFBT@L Pdots) and blue-emitting carbon dots (Cdots) was described for the detection of BPA. Pdots as the detecting part were synthesized by using highly fluorescent hydrophobic Poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-co-(1,4-benzo-(2,1',3)-thiadiazole)] (PFBT) polymer and (R)-5,11,17,23-Tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis[(diphenylphosphinoyl)methoxy]-26-(3-oxabutyloxy)-28-[(1-phenylethyl)- carbamoylmethoxy]calix [4]arene (L) functionalizing ligand, and Cdots as internal reference were prepared by hydrothermal treatment of citric acid and urea. In the presence of BPA, chemical binding of the phosphorus atoms of nearby PFBT@L Pdots with BPA hydroxyl functional groups led to the aggregation of the PFBT@L Pdots aggregation and quenching their yellow emission, but the blue emission of Cdots, on the other hand, remained stable. The proposed PFBT@L Pdots probe was successfully applied for the detection of BPA in real water samples, and the results were in good agreement with those obtained by HPLC-FLD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that the calixarene has been utilized to modify Pdots.

Structural and conformational analysis of a biaryl phosphine integrating a calix[4]arene cavity. Can the phosphorus atom behave as an introverted donor?

The conformational preference of a cavity-based biaryl phosphine, namely 5-(2-diphenylphosphinyl-phenyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene (L) has been investigated by density functional theory calculations. The analysis showed that the barrier to rotation about the C-C axle of the biaryl unit is only 10.7 kcal mol-1, this rendering possible access to conformers of two types, those in which the P lone pair sits at the cavity entrance and points to the calixarene interior, others with a more open structure where the P atom is located outside the cavity. As revealed by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study, the biaryl phosphine appears virtually as an atropisomer in the solid state in which the phosphorus atom lies totally out of the cavity defined by the four phenoxy rings.

A cavity-shaped cis-chelating P,N ligand for highly selective nickel-catalysed ethylene dimerisation.

The presence of a permethylated α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) cavity in a chelating P,N ligand promotes exclusive formation of 1 : 1 ligand/metal complexes. In MX2 complexes, one of the two halido ligands is forced to reside inside the CD hollow while the second one is pointing outside. Unlike its cavity-free analogue, a Ni(II) complex of the CD ligand is a highly selective precatalyst for ethylene dimerisation (96% C4 selectivity with up to 95% of 1-butene within the C4 fraction).

Palladium complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes displaying an unsymmetrical N-alkylfluorenyl/N'-aryl substitution pattern and their behaviour in Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling.

A series of new Pd-PEPPSI complexes containing imidazolylidene ligands with a mixed 9-alkyl-9-fluorenyl/aryl N,N'-substitution pattern have been synthesised. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were carried out for four complexes, which revealed that the N-heterocyclic carbene ligands display a semi-open, unsymmetrical space occupancy about the metal. Despite their particular unsymmetrical shape, the new complexes were found to perform as well in Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling (dioxane, 80 °C) as previously reported, highly active analogues bearing two sterically protecting 9-alkylfluorenyl substituents. They were further found to be considerably more active than the standard Pd-PEPPSI complexes [PdCl2IMes(pyridine)] and [PdCl2IPr(pyridine)]. Surprisingly, unlike the latter, the unsymmetrical complexes of this study were practically inactive in isopropanol at 80 °C. Under these conditions the complexes appear to decompose with formation of non-stabilised nanoparticles.

Benzimidazolium- and Benzimidazolilydene-Capped Cyclodextrins: New Perspectives in Anion Encapsulation and Gold-Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of 1,6-Enynes.

A new way of introducing a N-heterocyclic carbene cap onto cyclodextrins has been devised. The benzimidazolium intermediates were found to behave as receptors towards cavity matching anions. The corresponding C1 - and C2 -symmetrical regioisomeric carbene gold(I) complexes have been tested in a benchmark asymmetric cycloisomerization of 1,6-enynes. Up to 50 % ee was achieved for the enantioselective cycloisomerization of N-allyl-4-methyl-N-(3-phenylprop-2-yn-1-yl)benzenesulfonamide.

Calix[4]arene-fused phospholes.

An upper rim, o-(diphenylphosphinyl)phenyl-substituted calix[4]arene has been prepared and its coordinative properties investigated. When heated in the presence of palladium, the new biarylphosphine undergoes conversion into two diastereomeric, calixarene-fused phospholes. In both, the P lone pair adopts a fixed orientation with respect to the calixarene core. The more hindered phosphole (8), i.e. the one with the endo-oriented lone pair (cone angle 150°-175°), forms complexes having their metal centre positioned very near the calixarene unit but outside the cavity, thus inducing an unusual chemical shift of one of the methylenic ArCH2Ar protons owing to interactions with the metal centre. As expected for dibenzophospholes, the complex [Rh(acac)(CO)·8], when combined with one equivalent of free 8, efficiently catalyses the hydroformylation of styrene, the catalytic system displaying high regioselectivity in favour of the branched aldehyde (b/l ratio up to 30). The optical and redox properties of the derivatives have also been investigated.

Metal Confinement through N-(9-Alkyl)fluorenyl-Substituted N-Heterocyclic Carbenes and Its Consequences in Gold-Catalysed Reactions Involving Enynes.

A series of gold(I) and gold(III) complexes containing bulky bis-N,N'-(9-alkylfluorenyl) heterocyclic carbene (R F-NHC) ligands have been prepared in high yields from appropriate imidazolinium, imidazolium and benzimidazolium salts. In all complexes, the carbene ligand provides high steric protection of the Au-X bond trans to the carbenic C atom. Irrespective of the metal oxidation state, the complexes showed high efficiency in a tandem 3,3-rearrangement/Nazarov reaction of an enynyl acetate. One of the AuIII complexes, [AuCl3 (R F-NHC)], was further found to be suitable for the efficient cyclisation of a propargylcarboxamide. Furthermore, unlike related NHC-gold(I) complexes based on conventional bulky N-heterocyclic carbenes (notably, 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IPr), 1,3-bis-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IMes) and 1,3-(bis-tert-butyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (ItBu)), the studied [AuI Cl(R F-NHC)] complexes catalysed the conversion of a 1,6-enyne in the presence of indole into a single product; this arises from the embracing character of the ligand, which prevents indole addition on one of the catalytic intermediates. A structure/selectivity relationship was established for all carbenes tested that took into account percent buried volumes and topographic steric maps. The results illustrate the high potential of confining NHCs in organic synthesis.

Synthesis of Optically Active Polystyrene Catalyzed by Monophosphine Pd Complexes.

Cationic Pd(II) monophosphine complexes derived from α- and ß-cyclodextrins (CDs) promote the homopolymerization of styrene under carbon monoxide pressure. Although reversible CO coordination takes place under catalytic conditions according to (13) C NMR studies with (13) C-enriched CO, both complexes catalyze the formation of CO-free styrene polymers. These macromolecules display optical activity as a result of the presence of stereoregular sequences within the overall atactic polymer.

"Hummingbird" behaviour of N-heterocyclic carbenes stabilises out-of-plane bonding of AuCl and CuCl units.

An N-heterocyclic carbene substituted by two expanded 9-ethyl-9-fluorenyl groups was shown to bind an AuCl unit in an unusual manner, namely with the AuX rod sitting out of the plane defined by the heterocyclic carbene unit. As shown by X-ray studies and DFT calculations, the observed large pitch angle (21°) arises from an easy displacement of the gold(I) atom away from the carbene lone-pair axis, combined with the stabilisation provided by weak CH⋅⋅⋅Au interactions involving aliphatic and aromatic H atoms of the NHC wingtips. Weak, intermolecular Cl⋅⋅⋅H bonds are likely to cooperate with the H⋅⋅⋅Au interactions to stabilise the out-of-plane conformation. A general belief until now was that tilt angles in NHC complexes arise mainly from steric effects within the first coordination sphere.

Alkylfluorenyl substituted N-heterocyclic carbenes in copper(I) catalysed hydrosilylation of aldehydes and ketones.

Copper(i) complexes featuring N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) in which the nitrogen atoms are substituted by a 9-ethyl-9-fluorenyl group (EF) have been synthesised and tested in the hydrosylilation of functionalized and/or sterically demanding ketones and aldehydes. These reactions, carried out with triethylsilane as hydride source, were best achieved with the imidazolylidene copper complex in which the EF substituents can freely rotate about the corresponding N-CEF bonds. The remarkable stability of the active species, which surpasses that of previously reported Cu-NHC catalysts is likely to rely on the ability of the NHC side arms to protect the copper centre during the catalytic cycle by forming sandwich-like intermediates, but also on its steric flexibility facilitating approach of encumbered substrates. TONs up to 1000 were reached.

Cyclodextrin and phosphorus(III): a versatile combination for coordination chemistry and catalysis.

With the advent of efficient methods for functionalising cyclodextrins, the synthesis of a variety of cyclodextrin-based P(iii) ligands has been made possible. Capable of acting both as first and second coordination sphere ligands towards various transition metals, these compounds have found many applications in homogeneous catalysis. This perspective article describes the different approaches that have been used to covalently associate the ubiquitous P(iii) donor atom with a cyclodextrin cavity. In addition, special emphasis is placed on the influence the cyclodextrin receptor has on the coordination and catalytic properties of these cavity-shaped ligands.

N-Alkylfluorenyl-substituted N-heterocyclic carbenes as bimodal pincers.

Two N-heterocyclic carbene precursors having their nitrogen atoms substituted by the expanded 9-ethyl-9-fluorenyl group, namely imidazolinium chloride 6 and imidazolium chloride 7, have been synthesized in high yields from fluorenone (1). The key intermediate of their syntheses is the new primary amine 9-ethyl-9-fluorenylamine (3), which was prepared in 75% yield. Both salts were readily converted into the corresponding PEPPSI-type palladium complexes, 8 and 9 (PEPPSI: pyridine-enhanced precatalyst preparation stabilisation and initiation). Despite rotational freedom of the ethylfluorenyl moieties about the N­C(fluorenyl) bond in their cationic precursors, the carbene ligands of the Pd(II)-complexes 8 and 9 both behave as bimodal pincers in solution and in the solid state, the resulting confinement being essentially due to (weak) attractive anagostic interactions between the CH2(fluorenyl) groups and the metal centre. Unlike in 8 and 9, there was no indication for similar anagostic interactions in the imidazolylidene chlorosilver complex 11, which could be obtained from 7. In the solid state, however, 11 adopts a remarkable "open sandwich" structure, with the two alkylfluorenilidene planes η2-bonded to the silver, this constituting a further bimodal pincer-type bonding mode of this ligand class. Complexes 8 and 9 were assessed in Suzuki­Miyaura cross-coupling reactions. The imidazolylidene complex 9 displayed high activity towards unencumbered aryl chlorides. Its activity is comparable to that of the previously reported, highly efficient benzimidazolylidene analogue 10.

Cracking cavitands: metal-directed scission of phosphinyl-substituted resorcinarenes.

Resorcinarene-derived tetramethylene cavitands bearing a diphenylphosphino group grafted to their wider rim undergo facile, directed C-O bond breaking upon reaction with transition-metal ions in the presence of nucleophiles. One possible reaction mechanism involves formation of a P,O-chelate complex, which weakens the adjacent O-CH2 bond, leading to the formation of an oxacarbenium intermediate.

Phosphinocyclodextrins as confining units for catalytic metal centres. Applications to carbon-carbon bond forming reactions.

The capacity of two cavity-shaped ligands, HUGPHOS-1 and HUGPHOS-2, to generate exclusively singly phosphorus-ligated complexes, in which the cyclodextrin cavity tightly wraps around the metal centre, was explored with a number of late transition metal cations. Both cyclodextrin-derived ligands were assessed in palladium-catalysed Mizoroki-Heck coupling reactions between aryl bromides and styrene on one hand, and the rhodium-catalysed asymmetric hydroformylation of styrene on the other hand. The inability of both chiral ligands to form standard bis(phosphine) complexes under catalytic conditions was established by high-pressure NMR studies and shown to have a deep impact on the two carbon-carbon bond forming reactions both in terms of activity and selectivity. For example, when used as ligands in the rhodium-catalysed hydroformylation of styrene, they lead to both high isoselectivity and high enantioselectivity. In the study dealing with the Mizoroki-Heck reactions, comparative tests were carried out with WIDEPHOS, a diphosphine analogue of HUGPHOS-2.

Directional properties of fluorenylidene moieties in unsymmetrically substituted N-heterocyclic carbenes. Unexpected CH activation of a methylfluorenyl group with palladium. Use in palladium catalysed Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling of aryl chlorides.

Benzimidazolium salts having their two nitrogen atoms substituted by different 9-alkylfluorenyl groups ( and , alkyl(1)/alkyl(2) = Me/Et, Me/Pr, Me/n-Bu, Me/i-Pr, Me/Bn, Me/CH2SMe have been synthesised in high yields in two or three steps from N,N'-bis(9H-fluoren-9-ylidene)benzene-1,2-diamine (). The imidazolium salts were converted readily into the corresponding PEPPSI-type palladium complexes (PEPPSI = pyridine-enhanced precatalyst preparation stabilisation and initiation), while reaction of the methylthioether-substituted salt with PdCl2/K2CO3/pyridine afforded the palladacycle resulting from metallation of the methyl group attached to the fluorenylidene moiety. NMR and X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the carbene ligands in behave as clamp-like ligands, the resulting metal confinement arising from a combination of the orientational properties of the fluorenylidene moieties that push the alkyl groups towards the metal centre and attractive anagostic interactions involving CH2(fluorenyl) groups. Complexes were assessed in Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions. Like their symmetrical analogues they displayed high activity in the coupling of phenyl boronic acid with p-tolylchloride but their performance remained slightly inferior to that of the related, symmetrical Et/Et complex .

Confining phosphanes derived from cyclodextrins for efficient regio- and enantioselective hydroformylation.

Two confining phosphane ligands derived from either α- or ß-cyclodextrin produce singly P(III) -ligated metal complexes with unusual coordination spheres. High-pressure NMR studies have revealed that rhodium hydride complexes of the same type are also formed under hydroformylation conditions. This unique feature strongly favors the formation of the branched aldehyde at the expense of the linear one with high enantioselectivity in the rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of styrene.

Capping methodology in cyclodextrin chemistry: use of a symmetrical diketone reagent for regiospecific installation of unsymmetrical imine-enamine and imidazole caps.

Methylated α- and ß-cyclodextrin skeletons were both equipped with an unsymmetrical N-(2-N-alkylaminoacenaphthenyl)alkylimine rigid handle. The capping reaction, which consists of condensing a diaminocyclodextrin with highly symmetrical acenaphthenequinone, was found to be regiospecific when starting from cyclodextrin-diamines without any symmetry element. All modified cyclooligosaccharides have intra-annular nitrogen donor atoms. They undergo further cyclization on oxidation, whether chemically with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone or electrochemically, to give highly strained cyclodextrins capped with an unsymmetrical 1,2-disubstituted 1H-imidazole unit.

Regioselective di- and tetra-functionalisation of γ-cyclodextrin using capping methodology.

Alkylation of γ-cyclodextrin with 3 equiv. of 1,3-bis[bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)chloromethyl]benzene, followed by permethylation afforded selectively a singly capped (A,B), as well as two doubly capped (A,B:D,E and A,B:E,F) methylated γ-CDs. Deprotection with HBF4 gave quantitatively the corresponding diols and tetrols, which constitute valuable starting compounds for further functionalisation.

Flow-injection potentiometry by poly(vinyl chloride)-membrane electrodes with diphosphoryl-dicarboxylicacid-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene ionophore for the determination of Th(IV) ions.

A new coated ion-selective electrode for the determination of trace thorium ions by flow-injection potentiometry (FIP) has been developed. A poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)-based membrane was coated on a graphite electrode. The optimum membrane contained 5 wt% diphosphoryl-dicarboxylicacid-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (L) as the ionophore, 59 wt% dioctyl phthalate (DOP), 33 wt% PVC and 3 wt% additive sodium tetraphenylborate. The response was linear from 2.0 × 10(-7) to 1.0 × 10(-2) M with a slope of 13.9 mV decade(-1) and a limit of detection of 9.0 × 10(-8) M. The pH-independent region ranged from 3.15 to 6.5, and the lifetime was longer than 8 weeks when used in the flow injection analysis (FIA) system. Selectivity coefficients for several ions were obtained by the separate solutions method. Results showed that, for all cations used, the selectivity coefficients were in the order of 10(-3), or smaller. The flow cell is simple to construct and free from memory effect problems over long periods of use. The proposed sensor was successfully applied to the direct determination of thorium in both real and synthetic samples.