Enantioenrichment of a tungsten dearomatization agent utilizing chiral acids.

A method is described for the resolution of the versatile dearomatization reagent TpW(NO)(PMe3)(η(2)-benzene), in which the 1,3-dimethoxybenzene (DMB) analogue of this complex is synthesized. In turn, the coordinated arene of TpW(NO)(PMe3)(DMB) is protonated with either D or L dibenzoyl tartaric acid (DBTH2) in a butanone/water or 2-pentanone/water solution. Sustained stirring of this mixture results in the selective precipitation of a single form of the diastereomeric salt [TpW(NO)(PMe3)(DMBH)](DBTH). After isolation, the salt can be redissolved, and the DMB ligand can be deprotonated and exchanged for benzene to produce the desired product TpW(NO)(PMe3)(η(2)-benzene) in either its R or S form. The absolute configuration of the tungsten stereocenter in TpW(NO)(PMe3)(η(2)-benzene) can be determined in either case by substituting the naturally occurring terpene (S)-ß-pinene for benzene and evaluating the 2D NMR spectrum of the corresponding ß-pinene complex.

C-H activation of pyrazolyl ligands by Ru(II).

Previously, hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate (Tp) Ru(II) alkyl and aryl complexes of the type TpRu(L)(NCMe)R (R = methyl or aryl; L = charge-neutral two-electron donating ligand) were demonstrated to activate aromatic C-H bonds. To determine the impact of replacing the anionic Tp ligand with charge-neutral poly(pyrazolyl)alkane ligands, [(C(pz)4)Ru(P(OCH2)3CEt)(NCMe)Me][BAr'4] (pz = pyrazolyl, BAr'4 = tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate) was prepared. Heating a C6D6 solution of [(C(pz)4)Ru(P(OCH2)3CEt)(NCMe)Me][BAr'4] with 1 equiv of NCMe resulted in C-H activation of the 5-position of a pyrazolyl ring to yield [(κ(3)-(N,C(5),N)C(pz)4)Ru(P(OCH2)3CEt)(NCMe)2][BAr'4] and CH4. Intramolecular C-H activation of the 5-position of a pyrazolyl ring also occurred when (η(6)-p-cymene)Ru(P(OCH2)3CEt)(Br)Ph was heated in the presence of C(pz)4 to yield [(κ(3)-N,C(5),N)C(pz)4]Ru(P(OCH2)3CEt)(NCMe)Br and C6H6. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the different reactivities of TpRu(P(OCH2)3CEt)(NCMe)R and [(C(pz)4)Ru(P(OCH2)3CEt)(NCMe)Me][BAr'4] result from the stronger binding of the Tp pyrazolyl rings to Ru(II) compared to that of C(pz)4.

1,2-Addition of dihydrogen across rhodium(III)-OMe bonds.

The Rh(III) complexes [((t)bpy)2Rh(OMe)(L)][X]n ((t)bpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridyl; L = MeOH, n = 2, X = OTf (OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate), TFA (TFA = trifluoroacetate); L = TFA, n = 1, X = OTf) have been shown to activate dihydrogen via net 1,2-addition of the H-H bond across the Rh(III)-OMe bond. The bis(methoxide) complex [((t)bpy)2Rh(OMe)2][OTf] was synthesized by addition of CsOH·H2O in methanol to [((t)bpy)2Rh(OTf)2][OTf] in CH3CN. The addition of HTFA to [((t)bpy)2Rh(OMe)2][OTf] leads to the formation of [((t)bpy)2Rh(OMe)(MeOH)][OTf][TFA], which exists in equilibrium with [((t)bpy)2Rh(OMe)(TFA)][OTf]. The mixture of [((t)bpy)2Rh(OMe)(MeOH)][OTf][TFA] and [((t)bpy)2Rh(OMe)(TFA)][OTf] activates dihydrogen at 68 °C to give methanol and [((t)bpy)2Rh(H)(TFA)][OTf]. Studies indicate that the activation of dihydrogen has a first-order dependence on the Rh(III) methoxide complex and a dependence on hydrogen that is between zero and first order. Combined experimental and computational studies have led to a proposed mechanism for hydrogen activation by [((t)bpy)2Rh(OMe)(MeOH)][OTf][TFA] that involves dissociation of MeOH, coordination of hydrogen, and 1,2-addition of hydrogen across the Rh-OMe bond. DFT calculations indicate that there is a substantial energy penalty for MeOH dissociation and a relatively flat energy surface for subsequent hydrogen coordination and activation.

2,2,2-Tris(pyrazolyl)ethoxide (Ep(OX)) ruthenium(II) complexes, (Ep(OX))RuCl(L)(L'): synthesis, structure, and reactivity.

Treatment of RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(3) with sodium 2,2,2-tris(pyrazolyl)ethoxide [NaOCH(2)C(pz)(3); pz = pyrazolyl] affords the asymmetric heteroscorpionate complex cis-(Ep(OX))RuCl(PPh(3))(2) (1), (Ep(OX) = κ(3)-N,N,O-OCH(2)C(pz)(3)), which can be converted to Ru(II) compounds (2-6), (Ep(OX))RuCl(L)(L') [(2) L = PPh(3), L' = P(OCH(2))(3)CEt; (3) L = L' = P(OCH(2))(3)CEt; (5) L, L' = PPh(3), CO; (6) L = L' = CO]. Compounds 1 and 3 react with CHCl(3) at 60 and 100 °C, respectively, to yield cationic tris(pyrazolyl)methane Ru(II) complexes, [(κ(3)-N,N,N-Mp)RuCl(L)(2)]Cl [Mp = HC(pz)(3); (7) L = PPh(3); (8) L = P(OCH(2))(3)CEt]. The complexes have been characterized by (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, high resolution mass spectrometry, and cyclic voltammetry. Complexes 1 and 3 have also been characterized by single crystal X-ray analysis.

Coordination chemistry of 4-methyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo[2,2,1]heptane: preparation and characterization of Ru(II) complexes.

The complexes TpRu[P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)](PPh(3))Cl (2) [Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate; P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) (1) = (4-methyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo[2,2,1]heptane] and TpRu(L)(PPh(3))Cl [L = P(OCH(2))(3)CEt (3), PMe(3) (4) or P(OMe)(3) (5)], (η(6)-C(6)H(6))Ru(L)Cl(2) [L = PPh(3) (6), P(OMe)(3) (7), PMe(3) (8), P(OCH(2))(3)CEt (9), CO (10) or P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) (11)] and (η(6)-p-cymene)Ru(L)Cl(2) [L = P(OCH(2))(3)CEt (12), P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3))P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) (13), P(OMe)(3) (14) or PPh(3) (15)] have been synthesized, isolated, and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, mass spectrometry, and, for some complexes, single crystal X-ray diffraction. Data from cyclic voltammetry and solid-state structures have been used to compare the properties of (1) with other phosphorus-based ligands as well as carbon monoxide. Data from the solid-state structures of Ru(II) complexes show that P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) has a cone angle of 104°. Cyclic voltammetry data reveal that the Ru(II) complexes bearing P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3)) have more positive Ru(III/II) redox potentials than analogous complexes with the other phosphorus ligands; however, the Ru(III/II) potential for (η(6)-C(6)H(6))Ru[P(OCH(2))(2)(OCCH(3))]Cl(2) is more negative compared to the Ru(III/II) potential for the CO complex (η(6)-C(6)H(6))Ru(CO)Cl(2). For the Ru(II) complexes studied herein, these data are consistent with the overall donor ability of 1 being less than other common phosphines (e.g., PMe(3) or PPh(3)) or phosphites [e.g., P(OCH(2))(3)CEt or P(OMe)(3)] but greater than carbon monoxide.

[4 + 2] Cyclocondensation reactions of tungsten-dihydropyridine complexes and the generation of tri- and tetrasubstituted piperidines.

A new method for the preparation of functionalized piperidines is described in which various dihydropyridine (DHP) complexes of {TpW(NO)(PMe(3))} that are derived from pyridine-borane undergo [4 + 2] cyclocondensation with enones, enals, nitrosobenzene, and several isocyanates to form [2.2.2] bicyclic species. In several cases the diazabicyclooctene products derived from DHP complexes and isocyanates can be further elaborated into novel syn-2,5-disubstituted and 2,3,6-trisubstituted piperidinamides.

Polarization of the pyridine ring: highly functionalized piperidines from tungsten-pyridine complex.

The N-acetylpyridinium complex of {TpW(NO)(PMe3)} undergoes regio- and stereoselective reactions with a broad range of common organic nucleophiles, providing a family of 1,2-dihydropyridine (DHP) complexes of the form TpW(NO)(PMe3)(3,4-η(2)-DHP). The present study explores the elaboration of these systems into novel piperidines. The addition of an acid to the DHP complexes generates highly asymmetric π-allyl complexes that in turn react with a second nucleophile at either C3 or C5. The subsequent oxidative decomplexation of these materials yields several piperidinamides with unconventional substitution patterns.

Synthesis of a lactone diastereomer of the cembranolide uprolide D.

A convergent stereoselective synthesis of a C1/C14 bis-epimer of uprolide D is described in which an intramolecular Barbier-type reaction was employed for macrocyclization with concomitant introduction of the C1 and C14 stereocenters of a fused α-methylene lactone ring through an anti-Felkin-Anh transition state. Unlike previous examples of allyl chromium additions, none of the Felkin-Anh derived adduct could be detected.

Exploring the original proposed biosynthesis of (+)-symbioimine: remote exocyclic stereocontrol in a type I IMDA reaction.

The originally proposed biosynthesis of (+)-symbioimine was explored, resulting in the successful intramolecular Diels-Alder (IMDA) cyclization of an appropriate (E,E,E)-1,7,9-decatrien-3-one. In contrast to the originally proposed biosynthesis, the IMDA reaction appears to proceed via an endo transition state. Remarkably, a single exocyclic stereogenic center effectively controls the pi-facial selectivity affording a highly diastereoselective cycloaddition.

Efficient synthesis of an eta2-pyridine complex and a preliminary investigation of the bound heterocycle's reactivity.

Pyridine borane is combined with TpW(NO)(PMe(3))(eta(2)-benzene) to form a complex of the heterocycle, which upon treatment with acetone and acid yields the pyridinium complex [TpW(NO)(PMe(3))(eta(2)-pyH(+))]OTf. Deprotonation in the presence of acetic anhydride delivers the N-acetylpyridinium complex as a 10:1 mixture of coordination diastereomers. This acylpyridinium resists reaction with water or oxygen but readily reacts with acetone, pyrrole, indole, or acrolein and a weak base to stereoselectively form 1,2-dihydropyridine complexes. Treatment of the indole-derived analogue with CuBr(2) results in liberation of 3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-indole.

Synthesis of 1-oxadecalins from anisole promoted by tungsten.

The complex TpW(NO)(PMe3)(eta(2)-anisole) is combined with acrolein or methyl vinyl ketone and various nucleophiles to generate novel chromen complexes. These complexes may be further elaborated by protonation and nucleophilic addition to generate chroman analogues with increased saturation and stereocenters. Treatment with various oxidants effects the decomplexation of the chromen.

Stereoselective umpolung tandem addition of heteroatoms to phenol.

Upon coordination to {TpW(PMe3)(NO)}, phenol tautomerizes to a cyclohexadienone (a 2H-phenol). The uncoordinated, nonaromatic double bond of this ligand undergoes stepwise addition of electrophiles followed by nucleophiles to produce 4,5-disubstituted cyclohexenone complexes. The metal stabilizes the intermediate cationic ligand and sterically blocks one face of the ligand, resulting in a high degree of stereo- and regiocontrol. These substituted cyclohexenones are readily liberated from the metal by oxidative decomplexation.

Isomerization dynamics and control of the eta2/N equilibrium for pyridine complexes.

A series of pyridine complexes are prepared of the general form TpW(NO)(PMe3)(pyr) where pyr is either pyridine or a substituted pyridine. Depending on substitution pattern, the pyridine can be either N- or eta2-coordinated, and the role of the pyridine substituents and metal oxidation state in determining this equilibrium is explored. For eta2-pyridine complexes, the substituent pattern and solubility characteristics also determine the ratio of coordination diastereomers. Rates of both intra- and interfacial linkage isomerizations are explored along with the pyridine rotational barrier. This study is supported by DFT calculations and X-ray data and includes characterization of both eta2-pyridine and eta2-pyridinium complexes.

Facile Diels-Alder reactions with pyridines promoted by tungsten.

The isoquinuclidine (2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) core is found in numerous molecules of biological and medicinal importance, including the widely investigated Iboga alkaloids and their related bisindole Cantharanthus alkaloids (Sundberg, R. J.; Smith, S. Q. Alkaloids (San Diego, CA, United States) 2002, 59, 281-386). A diverse range of synthetic methods for the stereoselective construction of this architecture is required for the efficient development of related pharmaceuticals. Here, we report a fundamentally new methodology that constructs the isoquinuclidine core directly from pyridines, using a pi-basic tungsten complex to disrupt the aromatic stabilization of these otherwise inert heterocycles. By this approach, common pyridines are found to undergo stereoselective Diels-Alder reactions with electron-deficient alkenes under mild reaction conditions, thus providing access to a broad range of functionalized isoquinuclidines. Further, by using the common terpene alpha-pinene, a single enantiomer of the tungsten fragment can be isolated and used to provide access to enantio-enriched isoquinuclidines from pyridines.