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Jordi Benet-Buchholz

Publications and source records attributed to Jordi Benet-Buchholz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Stereoselective preparation of six diastereomeric quatercyclopropanes from bicyclopropylidene and some derivatives.

Diastereomeric meso- and d,l-bis(bicyclopropylidenyl) (5) were obtained upon oxidation with oxygen of a higher-order cuprate generated from lithiobicyclopropylidene (4) in 50 and 31 % yield, respectively. Their perdeuterated analogues meso-[D(14)]- and d,l-[D(14)]-5 were obtained along the same route from perdeuterated bicyclopropylidene [D(8)]-3 (synthesized in six steps in 7.4 % overall yield from [D(8)]-THF) in 20.5 % yield each. Dehalogenative coupling of 1,1-dibromo-2-cyclopropylcyclopropane (6) gave a mixture of all possible stereoisomers of 1,5-dicyclopropylbicyclopropylidene 16 in 69 % yield, from which (Z)-cis-16 was separated by preparative gas chromatography (26 % yield). The crystal structure of meso-5 looks like a superposition of the crystal structures of two outer bicyclopropylidene units (3) and one inner s-trans-bicyclopropyl unit, whereas the two outer cyclopropyl moieties adopt a gauche orientation with respect to the cyclopropane rings at the inner bicyclopropylidene units in (Z)-cis-16. Birch reduction with lithium in liquid ammonia of meso-5 and d,l-5 gave two pairs of diastereomeric quatercyclopropanes trans,trans-(R*,S*,R*, S*)-17/cis,trans-(R*,S*,R*,R*)-18 and trans,trans-(R*,S*,S*,R*)-19/cis,trans-(R*,S*,S*,S*)-20 in 97 and 76 % yield, respectively, in a ratio 9:1 for every pair. The latter diastereomer was also obtained as the sole product by Birch reduction of (Z)-cis-16 in 96 % yield. Under the same conditions, tetradecadeuterio analogues trans,trans-[D(14)]-(R*,S*,R*,S*)-17/cis,trans-[D(14)]-(R*, S*,R*,R*)-18 (8:1) and trans,trans-[D(14)]-(R*,S*,S*,R*)-19/cis,trans-[D(14)]-(R*,S*,S*,S*)-20 (12:1) were prepared from meso-[D(14)]-5 and d,l-[D(14)]-5 in 37 and 63 % yield, respectively. Reduction of meso-5 with diimine gave the cis,cis-quatercyclopropane (S*,S*,R*,R*)-21 as the main product (58 % yield) along with the cis,trans-diastereomer (S*,S*,R*,S*)-18 (29 % yield). Thus, five of the six possible diastereomeric quatercyclopropanes were obtained from meso-5, d,l-5, and (Z)-cis-16. The X-ray crystal structure analyses of trans,trans-(R*,S*,R*,S*)-17 and cis,cis-(S*,S*,R*,R*)-21 revealed for the both an unusual conformation in which the central bicyclopropyl unit adopts an s-trans-(antiperiplanar) orientation with phi=180.0 degrees , and the two terminal bicyclopropyl moieties adopt a synclinal conformation with phi=49.8 and 72.0 degrees , respectively. In solution the vicinal coupling constants (3)J(H,H) in trans,trans-(R*,S*,R*,S*)-[D(14)]-17, trans,trans-(R*,S*,S*,R*)-[D(14)]-19, trans,cis-(R*,S*,R*,R*)-[D(14)]-18 and trans,cis-(R*,S*,S*,S*)-[D(14)]-20 were found to be 4.1, 4.7, 5.9 and 5.9 Hz, respectively. This indicates a predominance of the all-gauche conformer in (R*,S*,R*,S*)-17 and a decreasing fraction of it in this sequence of the other diastereomers.

Computer Simulation↗

New Ru complexes containing the N-tridentate bpea and phosphine ligands: consequences of meridional vs facial geometry.

The synthesis and isolation of the complex cis,fac-[RuIICl2(bpea)(PPh3)][3; bpea = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylamine] and three geometrical isomers of the complex [RuIICl(bpea)(dppe)](BF4) [4; dppe = (1,2-diphenylphosphino)ethane], trans,fac (4a), cis,fac (4b), and mer(down) (4c), have been described (see Chart 1 for a drawing of their structures). These complexes have been characterized through analytical, spectroscopic (IR, UV/vis, and 1D and 2D NMR), and electrochemical (cyclic voltammetry) techniques. In addition, complexes 3, 4a, and 4b have been further characterized in the solid state through monocrystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The molecular and electronic structures of isomers 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d (the mer(up) isomer) have also been studied by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Furthermore, their low-energy electronic transitions have been simulated using time-dependent DFT approaches, which have allowed unraveling of their metal-to-ligand charge-transfer nature. Complexes 3 and 4a-c are capable of catalyzing H-transfer types of reactions between alcohols and aromatic ketones such as acetophenone and 2,2-dimethylpropiophenone (DP). A strong influence of the facial versus meridional geometry in the bpea ligand coordination mode is observed for these catalytic reactions, with the meridional isomer being much more active than the facial one. The meridional isomer is even capable of carrying out the H-transfer reaction of bulky substrates such as DP at room temperature.

Journal Article↗

New synthetic routes toward enantiopure nitrogen donor ligands.

New polypyridylic chiral ligands, having either C3 or lower symmetry, have been prepared via a de novo construction of the pyridine nucleus by means of Kröhnke methodology in the key step. The chiral moieties of these ligands originate from the monoterpen chiral pool, namely (-)-alpha-pinene ((-)-14, (-)-15) and (-)-myrtenal ((-)-9, (-)-10). Extension of the above-mentioned asymmetric synthesis procedure to the preparation of enantiopure derivatives of some commonly used polypyridylic ligands has been achieved through a new aldehyde building block ((-)-16). As an example, the synthesis of a chiral derivative of N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylamine (bpea) ligand, (-)-19, has been performed to illustrate the viability of the method. The coordinative ability of the ligands has been tested through the synthesis and characterization of complexes [Mn((-)-19)Br2], (-)-20, and [RuCl((-)-10)(bpy)](BF4), (-)-21. Some preliminary results related to the enantioselective catalytic epoxidation of styrene with the ruthenium complex are also presented.

Journal Article↗

Redox-controlled molecular flipper based on a chiral Cu complex.

A molecular bipaddled flipper based on a tetradentate chiral Cu complex has been designed. The paddling motion of this unprecedented molecular-scale machine can be controlled by reversible oxidation of the metal center. Kinetic and computational (density functional theory) analyses provide a detailed picture of the flipper motion at the molecular scale, rationalize the switching role of the metal-ion oxidation state, and pose the basis for the fine-tuning of the dynamic motion of this new class of molecular-scale devices.

Journal Article↗

Stereodivergent syntheses of conduramines and aminocyclitols.

[reaction: see text] The diastereomers of 6-amino-cyclohex-3-ene-1,2-diols 1 (4-deoxy-3-conduramines), key building blocks for the syntheses of a large range of natural products, have been enantioselectively prepared. Diastereoselective dihydroxylation of the compounds provided a new family of aminocyclitols 2 (deoxyinosamines). The key reactions of our syntheses are Sharpless catalytic asymmetric epoxidation, diastereoselective addition of vinylmetal reagents to the aldehydes, and ring-closing metathesis (RCM).

Cyclohexanols↗

Synthesis and anthelmintic activity of substituted (R)-phenyllactic acid containing cyclohexadepsipeptides.

The substituted (R)-phenyllactic acid containing cyclohexadepsipeptides (CHDPs) represent novel enniatin derivatives with strong in vivo activities against the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus Rudolphi in sheep. 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis revealed for the substituted (R)-phenyllactic acid containing CHDPs one major conformer with an unsymmetrically folded conformation lacking a cis-amide bond. A correlation between the substitution pattern and its anthelmintic activity was found. Here we report on a simple total synthetic pathway of the precursor for this particular type of CHDPs and an efficient modification of the benzylic side chain (R-PhLac(2)).

Animals↗

Experimental and theoretical investigations of new dinuclear palladium complexes as precatalysts for the amination of aryl chlorides.

A series of new palladium dinuclear species with general formula [Pd2X(mu-X)[mu-P(t)Bu2(Bph-R)]] (X = Cl, Br; Bph = biphenyl; R = H, Me, NMe2) have been prepared. The two palladium centers in these species are bridged by one of the aromatic rings of the biphenyl group present in the corresponding phosphine. The X-ray crystal structure of one of these complexes has been obtained, providing a clear picture of the bonding pattern. The stability of these dimers in solution is shown to be highly dependent on the nature of the phosphine R group and also on the bridging halide. When R = NMe2, the dimers dissociate, yielding the palladium(II) compounds PdX2[P(t)Bu2(BPh-NMe2)] (X = Cl, Br), and the X-ray crystal structure of one of them (X = Br) has shown that the biphenyl group from the phosphine interacts directly with the metal center. This interaction seems to play an important role in stabilizing the otherwise coordinatively unsaturated palladium(II) complex. In contrast, when R = H or Me, the analogous monomeric palladium(II) complexes are unstable and undergo cyclometalation to generate a palladium(II) dinuclear species in which each of the two phosphines cyclometalates with the palladium centers forming a strained four-membered ring. In addition to their unusual structures, these aryl-bridged dimers have also proven to be excellent precatalysts for the amination of aryl chlorides. To rationalize some of the experimental results, a detailed DFT computational study has been carried out and is presented herein.

Journal Article↗

Copper(II) hexaaza macrocyclic binuclear complexes obtained from the reaction of their copper(I) derivates and molecular dioxygen.

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out for a series of Cu(I) complexes bearing N-hexadentate macrocyclic dinucleating ligands and for their corresponding peroxo species (1c-8c) generated by their interaction with molecular O2. For complexes 1c-7c, it has been found that the side-on peroxodicopper(II) is the favored structure with regard to the bis(mu-oxo)dicopper(III). For those complexes, the singlet state has also been shown to be more stable than the triplet state. In the case of 8c, the most favored structure is the trans-1,2-peroxodicopper(II) because of the para substitution and the steric encumbrance produced by the methylation of the N atoms. Cu(II) complexes 4e, 5e, and 8e have been obtained by O2 oxidation of their corresponding Cu(I) complexes and structurally and magnetically characterized. X-ray single-crystal structures for those complexes have been solved, and they show three completely different types of Cu(II)2 structures: (a) For 4e, the Cu(II) centers are bridged by a phenolate group and an external hydroxide ligand. The phenolate group is generated from the evolution of 4c via intramolecular arene hydroxylation. (b) For 5e, the two Cu(II) centers are bridged by two hydroxide ligands. (c) For the 8e case, the Cu(II) centers are ligated to terminally bound hydroxide ligands, rare because of its tendency to bridge. The evolution of complexes 1c-8c toward their oxidized species has also been rationalized by DFT calculations based mainly on their structure and electrophilicity. The structural diversity of the oxidized species is also responsible for a variety of magnetic behavior: (a) strong antiferromagnetic (AF) coupling with J = -482.0 cm(-1) (g = 2.30; rho = 0.032; R = 5.6 x 10(-3)) for 4e; (b) AF coupling with J = -286.3 cm(-1) (g = 2.07; rho = 0.064; R = 2.6 x 10(-3)) for 5e; (c) an uncoupled Cu(II)2 complex for 8e.

Journal Article↗

Can the disproportion of oxidation state III be favored in RuII-OH2/RuIV=O systems?

Three new Ru-aqua complexes containing a mixed carbene and pyridylic ligands with general formulas [Ru(CNC)(bpy)(H2O)](PF6)2 (1) (CNC is 2,6-bis(butylimidazol-2-ylidene)pyridine; bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine) and cis-/trans-[Ru(CNC)(nBu-CN)(H2O)](PF6)2 (cis-2 and trans-2) (nBu-CN is 2-(butylimidazol-2-ylidene)pyridine) have been prepared and structurally characterized both in the solid state (monocrystal X-ray diffraction analysis for 1 and for the related complex trans-[Ru(Br)(CNC)(nBu-CN)](PF6)) and in solution (for all of them) through NMR. The electrochemical properties of these three Ru-aqua complexes have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and Coulombimetric techniques. It is found that, for complex 1 at pH 7, the difference between the IV/III and the III/II redox couples (DeltaE1/2) is 50 mV, which is the smallest ever reported for this type of complex. On the other hand, for complexes cis-2 and trans-2, the oxidation state III is unstable with respect to disproportionation to II and IV. The reactivity of their Ru=O species has been tested toward cis-beta-methylstyrene oxidation, and it has been compared to [Ru(O)(trpy)(bpy)]2+. An inverse correlation between the degree of cis/trans-epoxide isomerization and DeltaE1/2 is found. In particular, for complexes cis-2 and trans-2, which have a DeltaE1/2 < 0, the epoxidation is highly stereoselective, yielding only cis-epoxide.

Journal Article↗

Atropisomeric discrimination in new Ru(II) complexes containing the C(2)-symmetric didentate chiral phenyl-1,2-bisoxazolinic ligand.

A new family of Ru(II) complexes containing the tridentate meridional 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (trpy) ligand, a C(2)-symmetric didentate chiral oxazolinic ligand 1,2-bis[4'-alkyl-4',5'-dihydro-2'-oxazolyl]benzene (Phbox-R, R = Et or iPr), and a monodentate ligand, of general formula [Ru(Y)(trpy)(Phbox-R)](n+) (Y = Cl, H(2)O, py, MeCN, or 2-OH-py (2-hydroxypyridine)) have been prepared and thoroughly characterized. In the solid state the complexes have been characterized by IR spectroscopy and by X-ray diffraction analysis in two cases. In solution, UV/Vis, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR spectroscopy techniques have been used. We have also performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations with these complexes to interpret and complement experimental results. The oxazolinic ligand Phbox-R exhibits free rotation along the phenyloxazoline axes. Upon coordination this rotation is restricted by an energy barrier of 26.0 kcal mol(-1) for the case of [Ru(trpy)(Phbox-iPr)(MeCN)](2+) thus preventing its potential interconversion. Furthermore due to steric effects the two atropisomers differ in energy by 5.7 kcal mol(-1) and as a consequence only one of them is obtained in the synthesis. Subtle but important structural effects occur upon changing the monodentate ligands that are detected by NMR spectroscopy in solution and interpreted by using their calculated DFT structures.

Journal Article↗

Catalytic ability of a cationic Ru(II) monochloro complex for the asymmetric hydrogenation of dimethyl itaconate and enamides.

The synthesis of two Ru chloro complexes, Ru(III)Cl(3)(bpea), 1, and cis-fac-Delta-[Ru(II)Cl{(R)-(bpea)}{(S)-(BINAP)}](BF(4)), cis-fac-Delta-(R)-(S)-2, (bpea = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylamine; (S)-BINAP = 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl), is described. Complex 2 is characterized in solution through UV-vis, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that in the solid state it possesses the same structure as in solution, as expected for a low-spin d(6) Ru(II)-type complex. The molecular structure of cis-fac-Delta-(R)-(S)-2, consists of a nonsymmetric complex, where the Ru metal center has a significantly distorted octahedral-type coordination because of the bulkiness of the (S)-BINAP ligand. cis-fac-Delta-(R)-(S)-2 has a remarkable catalytic performance at P = 6.8 atm of H2 and T = 70 degrees C toward the hydrogenation of prochiral double bonds both from efficiency and from stereoselectivity viewpoints. As an example, prochiral olefins of technological interest such as dimethyl itaconate, methyl 2-acetamidoacrylate or methyl 2-acetamidocinnamate are catalytically hydrogenated by cis-fac-Delta-(R)-(S)-2, with conversions higher than 99.9% and ee > 99. Furthermore, cis-fac-Delta-(R)-(S)-2, also catalyzes the selective hydrogenation of beta-keto esters, although the reaction rates are lower than those found with the former substrates.

Amides↗

Isomeric molecular rectangles resulting from self-assembly of dicopper complexes of macrocyclic ligands.

Dinuclear copper complexes containing hexaazacyclophane macrocyclic ligands react with the disodium salt of terephthalic acid resulting in the self-assembly of rectangular molecules with the general formula [(Cu2L)2(p-(O2CC6H4CO2)2)]X4, where X = CF3SO3 and ClO4 (3X4, L = Me2p and 4X4, L = Me2m). Tetranuclear complexes 3(CF3SO3)4 (as polymorphs 3a and 3b) and 4(ClO4)4 have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis providing definitive proof of their structure as well as their metrical parameters. 3a contains, in its unit cell, two isomeric cationic units (3asyn and 3aanti) that differ in the relative position of the two O carboxylate atoms which bind to the Cu atoms of the different macrocyclic complexes, leading to boxes with different metrical parameters. ESI-MS analyses of solutions of the tetranuclear complexes 3(CF3SO3)4 and 4(CF3SO3)4 exhibit cluster ions which match the solid state formulation, thus demonstrating that the cages are retained in solution.

Copper↗

Anion influence on the structures of a series of copper(II) metal-organic frameworks.

The main aim of the work herein presented is to investigate the influence of different anions on the overall structure of a series of metal-organic frameworks. The reactions between CuCl2, Cu(OAc)2, and CuSO4 and the two bipyridylurea ligands L1 and L2 [L1 = 1,3-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)urea; L2 = 1,3-bis(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)urea; see Scheme 1 in paper] have been carried out and the crystal structure of five of the resulting metal-organic assemblies determined. These crystal structures have shown that the geometry and size of the corresponding anions together with their coordinating and hydrogen-bonding properties are essential in determining the final structures of the assemblies. Particularly interesting, because of their potential as nanoporous materials, are the assemblies obtained from the reaction between each of the two ligands (L1 and L2) and CuCl2, which yield noninterpenetrating 2D metal-organic layers made of squares of ca. 15 x 15 Angstroms. These layers stack on top of each other, producing infinite 3D channels filled with solvent molecules. The thermal stabilities of the five metal-organic frameworks prepared have been studied by means of thermogravimetric analysis. Preliminary X-ray powder diffraction studies of one of these metal-organic frameworks indicate that upon heating the assembly changes to a different crystalline structure. Interestingly, the original structure reforms upon exposure of this sample to traces of water.

Journal Article↗

Boron trifluoride-induced, new stereospecific rearrangements of chiral epoxy ethers. Ready access to enantiopure 4-(diarylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolanes and 4,5-disubstituted tetrahydrobenzo[c]oxepin-4-ols.

Upon treatment with BF3.Et2O at low temperature, enantiopure benzyl-type ethers of arylglycidols with electron withdrawing substituents at the skeletal aryl group and electron donating substituents at the benzyl group undergo stereospecific rearrangements of Friedel-Crafts type, leading to enantiopure 4-diarylmethyl-1,3-dioxolanes (2) or to enantiopure trans-4,5 disubstituted tetrahydrobenzo[c]oxepin-4-ols (5). The course of the reactions is controlled by the substitution pattern at the benzyl ether: While benzylic systems activated toward ipso substitution afford diarylmethanes 2 through a Friedel-Crafts reaction followed by fragmentation, benzylic systems activated toward ortho attack lead to enantiopure oxepinols 5 through a 7-endo-tet ring closure of Friedel-Crafts type.

Benzene Derivatives↗