CO2-Driven N-Formylation/N-Methylation of Amines Using C-Scorpionate Metal Complexes.

C-scorpionate metal complexes, specifically, [NiCl2(tpm)]·3H2O, [CoCl2(tpm)]·3H2O and [PdCl2(tpm)] [tpm = hydrotris(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methane], were effective in the N-formylation and N-methylation of amines using carbon dioxide, as carbon source, in the presence of sodium borohydride. Various parameters were studied, including reaction time, temperature, solvent volume, presence of additives, and catalyst amount. These parameters were found to have a significant impact on the selectivity of the product. [NiCl2(tpm)]·3H2O exhibited good conversion at 80 °C, but its selectivity towards formamide decreased with prolonged reaction time. Increasing the amount of [NiCl2(tpm)]·3H2O, the selectivity changed. [PdCl2(tpm)] showed different selectivity compared to [NiCl2(tpm)]·3H2O, while [CoCl2(tpm)]·3H2O presented poor results. Monitoring the reaction course by 1H NMR revealed the presence of an intermediate species that influenced product formation. These results highlight the versatility and catalytic potential of C-scorpionate metal complexes in the N-formylation/N-methylation of amines in the catalytic system (NaBH4/MeCN/CO2).

Borohydride Ionic Liquids as Reductants of CO2 in the Selective N-formylation of Amines.

Borohydride imidazolium ionic liquids, [IL]BH4, used for the first time as reductants in the N-formylation of various amines with CO2, provided an excellent yield of formamides. Under the same conditions, 5 bar CO2 and 80 °C, NaBH4 produced a mixture of N-formylated and N-methylated products in a ratio of 1 : 2. An alternative approach, based on the addition of halide imidazolium salts ([IL]Cl or [IL]Br) to the reactions of amine with NaBH4 and CO2, resulted in a significant increase of selectivity to formamide. However, no effect was noted for [IL]BF4 and [IL]PF6. Monitoring the reaction course in time using 1H NMR brought about new insight into the role of BH3 in the reduction of CO2 and the functionalization of amines. The formation of N-methylaniline - borane intermediate was evidenced.

New Palladium - ZrO2 Nano-Architectures from Thermal Transformation of UiO-66-NH2 for Carbonylative Suzuki and Hydrogenation Reactions.

The new nanocomposites, Pd/C/ZrO2 , PdO/ZrO2, and Pd/PdO/ZrO2 , were prepared by thermal conversion of Pd@UiO-66-Zr-NH2 (MOF) in nitrogen or air atmosphere. The presence of Pd nanoparticles, uniformly distributed on the ZrO2 or C/ZrO2 matrix, was evidenced by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) methods. All pyrolysed composites retained the shape of the MOF template. They catalyze carbonylative Suzuki coupling under 1 atm CO with an efficiency significantly higher than the original Pd@UiO-66-Zr-NH2 . The most active PdO/ZrO2 composite, formed benzophenone with TOF up to 1600 h-1 , while by using Pd@UiO-66-Zr-NH2 , much lower TOF values, 51-95 h-1 , were achieved. After the reaction, PdO/ZrO2 was recovered with the same composition and catalytic activity. Very good results were also obtained in the transfer hydrogenation of benzophenones to alcohols with Pd/C/ZrO2 and PdO/ZrO2 catalysts under microwave irradiation.

Immobilization of Rh(I) precursor in a porphyrin metal-organic framework - turning on the catalytic activity.

Two model porphyrin metal-organic frameworks were used for the incorporation of Rh(i) species by a post-synthetic metallation under mild conditions. As a result, new rhodium MOFs (Rh/MOFs), Rh/PCN-222 and Rh/NU-1102, were synthesized and structurally characterized. To illustrate the potential of this catalytic platform, we use Rh/MOFs as phosphine-free heterogeneous catalysts in the hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons under mild reaction conditions (30 °C and 1 atm H2). We found that for our Rh/MOFs an activation step is required during the first run of the catalytic process. The presence of Rh-CO moieties allowed us to monitor the activation pathway of the catalyst under a H2 atmosphere, by in situ Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS). After activation, the catalyst remains highly active during the subsequent catalytic cycles. This simple post-synthetic modification approach presents new possibilities for the utilization of Rh-based catalytic systems with robust porphyrin-based MOFs as supports.

Photoactive Liposomal Formulation of PVP-Conjugated Chlorin e6 for Photodynamic Reduction of Atherosclerotic Plaque.

BACKGROUND: Liposomes serve as delivery systems for biologically active compounds. Existing technologies inefficiently encapsulate large hydrophilic macromolecules, such as PVP-conjugated chlorin e6 (Photolon). This photoactive drug has been widely tested for therapeutic applications, including photodynamic reduction of atherosclerotic plaque. METHODS: A novel formulation of Photolon was produced using "gel hydration technology". Its pharmacokinetics was tested in Sus scrofa f. domestica. Its cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and ability to induce a phototoxic reaction were demonstrated in J774A.1, RAW264.7 macrophages, and vascular smooth muscle (T/G HA-VSMC) as well as in vascular endothelial (HUVEC) cells. RESULTS: Developed liposomes had an average diameter of 124.7 ± 0.6 nm (polydispersity index (PDI) = 0.055) and contained >80% of Photolon). The half-life of formulation in S. scrofa was 20 min with area under the curve (AUC) equal to 14.7. The formulation was noncytotoxic in vitro and was rapidly (10 min) and efficiently accumulated by macrophages, but not T/G HA-VSMC or HUVEC. The accumulated quantity of photosensitizer was sufficient for induction of phototoxicity in J774A.1, but not in T/G HA-VSMC. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the excellent physical and pharmacokinetic properties and selectivity for macrophages, the novel liposomal formulation of Photolon is a promising therapeutic candidate for use in arteriosclerosis treatment when targeting macrophages but not accompanying vascular tissue is critical for effective and safe therapy.

Heck Transformations of Biological Compounds Catalyzed by Phosphine-Free Palladium.

The development and optimization of synthetic methods leading to functionalized biologically active compounds is described. Two alternative pathways based on Heck-type reactions, employing iodobenzene or phenylboronic acid, were elaborated for the arylation of eugenol and estragole. Cinnamyl alcohol was efficiently transformed to saturated arylated aldehydes in reaction with iodobenzene using the tandem arylation/isomerization sequential process. The arylation of cinnamyl alcohol with phenylboronic acid mainly gave unsaturated alcohol, while the yield of saturated aldehyde was much lower. Catalytic reactions were carried out using simple, phosphine-free palladium precursors and water as a cosolvent, following green chemistry rules as much as possible.

Palladium catalyzed heck arylation of 2,3-dihydrofuran-effect of the palladium precursor.

Heck arylation of 2,3-dihydrofuran with iodobenzene was carried out in systems consisting of different palladium precursors (Pd2(dba)3, Pd(acac)2, PdCl2(cod), [PdCl(allyl)]2, PdCl2(PhCN)2, PdCl2(PPh3)2) and ionic liquids (CILs) with L-prolinate or L-lactate anions. All the tested CILs caused remarkable increases of the conversion values and in all of the reactions 2-phenyl-2,3-dihydrofuran (3) was obtained as the main product with a yield of up to 59.2%. The highest conversions of iodobenzene were achieved for the [PdCl(allyl)]2 precursor. Formation of Pd(0) nanoparticles, representing the resting state of the catalyst, was evidenced by TEM.

Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric Heck arylation of 2,3-dihydrofuran--effect of prolinate salts.

Chiral ionic liquids (CILs) containing L-prolinate and L-lactate anions and non-chiral quaternary ammonium cations were employed in the palladium catalyzed enantioselective Heck arylation of 2,3-dihydrofuran with aryl iodides (iodobenzene, 4-iodotoluene, 2-iodoanisole, 4-iodoanisole, 4-iodoacetophenone). In all the reactions 2-aryl-2,3-dihydrofuran (3) was obtained as the main product with the yield up to 52% at the total conversion reaching 83%. Product 3, 2-phenyl-2,3-dihydrofuran, was obtained with excellent enantioselectivity (>99% ee) in a 6 h reaction with tetrabutylammonium L-prolinate. In the proposed homogeneous reaction Pd(0) nanoparticles are considered as a resting state of the catalyst and a source of soluble palladium species catalyzing the Heck reaction. The yield and stereoselectivity of the Heck reaction are strongly influenced by the kind of non-chiral cations present in CILs.

PEPPSI-type palladium complexes containing basic 1,2,3-triazolylidene ligands and their role in Suzuki-Miyaura catalysis.

A series of PEPPSI-type palladium(II) complexes was synthesized that contain 3-chloropyridine as an easily removable ligand and a triazolylidene as a strongly donating mesoionic spectator ligand. Catalytic tests in Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions revealed the activity of these complexes towards aryl bromides and aryl chlorides at moderate temperatures (50 °C). However, the impact of steric shielding was the inverse of that observed with related normal Nheterocyclic carbenes (imidazol-2-ylidenes) and sterically congested mesityl substituents induced lower activity than small alkyl groups. Mechanistic investigations, including mercury poisoning experiments, TEM analyses, and ESI mass spectrometry, provide evidence for ligand dissociation and the formation of nanoparticles as a catalyst resting state. These heterogeneous particles provide a reservoir for soluble palladium atoms or clusters as operationally homogeneous catalysts for the arylation of aryl halides. Clearly, the substitution of a normal N-heterocyclic carbene for a more basic triazolylidene ligand in the precatalyst has a profound impact on the mode of action of the catalytic system.

cis-Dichloridobis[tris-(2-methyl-phen-oxy)phosphane-κP]palladium(II).

In the title compound, [PdCl(2)(C(21)H(21)O(3)P)(2)], the Pd atom adopts a slightly distorted square-planar coordination geometry, with pairs of the equivalent ligands in cis positions. Adjacent mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure is additionally stabilized by π-π stacking inter-actions between the aromatic rings [shortest centroid-centroid distance = 3.758 (4) Å].

Chlorido(1,2-dimethyl-1H-imidazole-κN){2-[(diphen-oxy-phosphan-yl)-oxy]phenyl-κC,P}palladium(II).

The Pd atom in the title compound, [Pd(C(18)H(14)O(3)P)Cl(C(5)H(8)N(2))], adopts a slightly distorted square-planar coordination geometry, with the metallated carbon positioned trans to the Cl atom. The crystal structure is stabilized by several weak C-H⋯O and C-H⋯Cl hydrogen-bond inter-actions. One of the phenyl rings is disordered over two almost equally occupied sites.

trans-Dichloridobis(3,5-dimethyl-pyridine-κN)(ethano-lato-κO)oxido-rhenium(V).

The title compound, [Re(C(2)H(5)O)Cl(2)O(C(7)H(9)N)(2)], was crystallized from ethanol. The crystal structure of this complex contains a Re(V) atom in a slightly distorted octahedral coordination geometry with pairs of equivalent ligands in trans positions. Adjacent complex mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure is additionally stabilized by π-π stacking inter-actions between the aromatic rings with centroid-centroid distances of 3.546 (4) Å.

4,4,5,5-Tetra-methyl-1,3,2λ-dioxa-phospho-lan-2-one.

The five-membered ring in the title compound, C(6)H(13)O(3)P, exists in an envelope conformation with one of the ring C atoms at the flap position. The coordination geometry around the P atom is a distorted tetra-hedron. The crystal structure is stabilized by several weak C-H⋯O and P-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.

Palladium(0) deposited on PAMAM dendrimers as a catalyst for C-C cross coupling reactions.

PAMAM dendrimers of generations G2-G3 as well as a partially substituted derivative of generation G4 and a low-molecular-weight tricyclic ligand 4 were used to bind Pd(0) nanoparticles. The obtained adducts were tested as catalysts for C-C cross-coupling reactions, such as the Suzuki-Miyaura, Hiyama, Heck and Sonogashira reaction. The highest yields of the coupling product, diphenylacetylene, were obtained with all the catalysts studied in the Sonogashira coupling performed in ethanol with K2CO3 as base. Very good results, 85-100%, were also found in the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling, while the efficiency of the Hiyama coupling appeared lower, with 38-52% of 2-methylbiphenyl formed. In all reactions, the G2-Pd(0) catalyst, containing an unmodified dendrimer, afforded the highest yields of the cross-coupling products.

Selective Heck arylation of cyclohexene with homogeneous and heterogeneous palladium catalysts.

Palladium catalysts containing Pd(II) supported on Al2O3 and alumina-based mixed oxides, Al2O3-ZrO2, Al2O3-CeO2, and Al2O3-Fe2O3, are very effective in the Heck coupling of iodobenzene with cyclohexene in DMF solution. The best results, up to 81% of monoarylated products with a selectivity to 4-phenylcyclohexene (3) close to 90% were obtained with KOH as a base. The catalytic activity of palladium supported on alumina-based oxides was compared with that of homogeneous precursors, such as Pd(OAc)2 and PdCl2(PhCN)2, used in [Bu4N]Br as the reaction medium. Under such conditions homogeneous systems were more selective and produced up to 60% of monoarylated products with a selectivity to 3 close to 60%.

A chloro-bridged dinuclear phosphinitopalladium complex, di-mu-chloro-bis[(diphenoxyphosphinite-kappaP)(diphenoxyphosphinito-kappaP)palladium(II)].

The title compound, [Pd2(C12H10O3P)2Cl2(C12H11O3P)2], consists of a dinuclear mu-chloro-bridged palladium unit with two diphenoxyphosphinite groups per Pd atom, linked together by a hydrogen bond. The asymmetric unit contains one half of the molecule, with the other half generated by an inversion centre. The geometry around the P atoms may be described as distorted tetrahedral. Adjacent molecules of the complex are linked by weak C-H...O and C-H...Cl hydrogen bonds. The structure is additionally stabilized by pi-pi stacking interactions between the aryl rings. These interactions form a herring-bone pattern in the crystal structure.

Chemistry of palladium phosphinite (PPh(2)(OR)) and phosphonite (P(OPh)(2)(OH)) complexes: catalytic activity in methoxycarbonylation and Heck coupling reactions.

The new phosphinite and phosphonite complexes (1-8) are very efficient catalysts for the methoxycarbonylation of iodobenzene and Heck cross-coupling of bromobenzene with butyl acrylate. High catalytic activity of these complexes can be explained by their in situ transformations during the reaction, stimulated by the presence of water, acid (HCl) or base (NEt(3)). Hydrolysis of phosphinite palladium complexes of the form trans-PdCl(2)[PPh(2)(OR)](2) (R = C(6)F(5), 2, (t)Bu 3, or O-menthyl 4) results in the formation of the dimeric complex [mu-ClPd(PPh(2)OH)(PPh(2)O)](2) 5, which is deprotonated by NEt(3), producing a polymeric complex of formula [Pd(P(O)PPh(2))(2)](n) 8. The reverse reaction, protonolysis of 8 with HCl, leads back to 5 and the monomeric complex 5a. The phosphinite complex PdCl(2)[PPh(2)(OBu)](2)1 with a more lipophilic ligand, PPh(2)(OBu), does not undergo hydrolysis under the same conditions. In the reaction of PdCl(2)(cod) with P(OPh)(2)(OH), the new dimer [mu-ClPd(P(OPh)(2)OH)(P(OPh)(2)O)](2) 6 was obtained, whereas reaction of Pd(OAc)(2) with P(OPh)(2)(OH) leads to the polymeric complex [Pd[P(O)(OPh)(2)](2)](n) 7. Protonolysis of 7 with HCl results in the formation of 6.