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A series of air‐stable Mn complexes bearing NNS pincer ligands have been synthesized and fully characterized. The activity of the complexes as (transfer) hydrogenation catalysts was investigated in detail, and a variety of ketones (>20 examples) were converted to the corresponding secondary alcohols at room temperature. The synthetic applicability of this class of catalysts is demonstrated by the tolerance of several functional groups including halides, primary amines, nitriles, esters, and nitro‐groups. Moreover, the optimal catalytic system 5c displayed a high chemoselectivity in the presence of other reducible groups such as nitriles, esters, and alkynes. Competitive catalytic experiments with the analogous bidentate NN complex 8 indicated decoordination of the hemilabile thioether‐moiety during formation of the catalytically active hydrido species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for the generation of benzyl radicals from terminal aromatic alkynes has been developed, which allows the direct cross coupling with acrylate derivatives. Our additive-free protocol employs air-stable diamino Mo3S4 cubane-type cluster catalysts in the presence of hydrogen. A sulfur-centered cluster catalysis mechanism for benzyl radical formation is proposed based on catalytic and stoichiometric experiments. The process starts with the cluster hydrogen activation to form a bis(hydrosulfido) [Mo3(μ3-S)(μ-S)(μ-SH)2Cl3(dmen)3]+ intermediate. The reaction of various aromatic terminal alkynes containing different functionalities with a series of acrylates affords the corresponding Giese-type radical addition products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of methods for selective cleavage reactions of thermodynamically stable C−C/C=C bonds in a green manner is a challenging research field which is largely unexplored. Herein, we present a heterogeneous Fe−N−C catalyst with highly dispersed iron centers that allows for the oxidative C−C/C=C bond cleavage of amines, secondary alcohols, ketones, and olefins in the presence of air (O2) and water (H2O). Mechanistic studies reveal the presence of water to be essential for the performance of the Fe−N−C system, boosting the product yield from <1 % to >90 %. Combined spectroscopic characterizations and control experiments suggest the singlet 1O2 and hydroxide species generated from O2 and H2O, respectively, take selectively part in the C−C bond cleavage. The broad applicability (>40 examples) even for complex drugs as well as high activity, selectivity, and durability under comparably mild conditions highlight this unique catalytic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of methods for selective cleavage reactions of thermodynamically stable C−C/C=C bonds in a green manner is a challenging research field which is largely unexplored. Herein, we present a heterogeneous Fe−N−C catalyst with highly dispersed iron centers that allows for the oxidative C−C/C=C bond cleavage of amines, secondary alcohols, ketones, and olefins in the presence of air (O2) and water (H2O). Mechanistic studies reveal the presence of water to be essential for the performance of the Fe−N−C system, boosting the product yield from <1 % to >90 %. Combined spectroscopic characterizations and control experiments suggest the singlet 1O2 and hydroxide species generated from O2 and H2O, respectively, take selectively part in the C−C bond cleavage. The broad applicability (>40 examples) even for complex drugs as well as high activity, selectivity, and durability under comparably mild conditions highlight this unique catalytic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable production of value-added N-heterocycles from available biomass allows to reduce the reliance on fossil resources and creates possibilities for economically and ecologically improved synthesis of fine and bulk chemicals. Herein, we present a unique Ru1CoNP/HAP surface single-atom alloy (SSAA) catalyst, which enables a new type of transformation from the bio-based platform chemical furfural to give N-heterocyclic piperidine. In the presence of NH3 and H2, the desired product is formed under mild conditions with a yield up to 93%. Kinetic studies show that the formation of piperidine proceeds via a series of reaction steps. Initially, in this cascade process, furfural amination to furfurylamine takes place, followed by hydrogenation to tetrahydrofurfurylamine (THFAM) and then ring rearrangement to piperidine. DFT calculations suggest that the Ru1CoNP SSAA structure facilitates the direct ring opening of THFAM resulting in 5-amino-1-pentanol which is quickly converted to piperidine. The value of the presented catalytic strategy is highlighted by the synthesis of an actual drug, alkylated piperidines, and pyridine. The synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles from biomass is scarcely known. Here, the authors report a strategy for the N-heterocyclic piperidines synthesis by one-pot amination of the bio-based furfural utilizing a Ru1CoNP/HAP surface single-atom alloy catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel synthetic protocol for the direct oxidation of alkanes, including cyclic and linear ones, to give ketones and alcohols using hydrogen peroxide as terminal oxidant under ambient conditions is presented. The active catalyst for this challenging transformation is conveniently generated by combination of simple Fe salts with N‐methyl bis(picolylamine) (Me‐bpa). Utilizing picolinic acid as additive leads to improved yields of ketones and alcohols (32‐57 %). The reaction can be conveniently scaled up to multi‐g scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of bis(NHC) manganese(I) complexes 3 as catalysts for the hydrogenation of esters was investigated. For that purpose, a series of complexes has been synthesized via an improved two step procedure utilizing bis(NHC)‐BEt3 adducts. By applying complexes 3 with KHBEt3 as additive, various aromatic and aliphatic esters were hydrogenated successfully at mild temperatures and low catalyst loadings, highlighting the efficiency of the novel catalytic system. The versatility of the developed catalytic system was further demonstrated by the hydrogenation of other substrate classes like ketones, nitriles, N‐heteroarenes and alkenes. Mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations indicate an inner sphere mechanism with the loss of one CO ligand and reveal the role of BEt3 as cocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of bis(NHC) manganese(I) complexes 3 as catalysts for the hydrogenation of esters was investigated. For that purpose, a series of complexes has been synthesized via an improved two step procedure utilizing bis(NHC)‐BEt3 adducts. By applying complexes 3 with KHBEt3 as additive, various aromatic and aliphatic esters were hydrogenated successfully at mild temperatures and low catalyst loadings, highlighting the efficiency of the novel catalytic system. The versatility of the developed catalytic system was further demonstrated by the hydrogenation of other substrate classes like ketones, nitriles, N‐heteroarenes and alkenes. Mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations indicate an inner sphere mechanism with the loss of one CO ligand and reveal the role of BEt3 as cocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deuterated organic molecules are of interest for many applications ranging from mechanistic investigations in basic organic and physical chemistry to the development of new pharmaceuticals. Thus, methodologies for isotope-labelling reactions continue to be important. Here, a convenient methodology for hydrogen/deuterium exchange reactions in electron-rich arenes is reported using simple iron salts and deuterium oxide as isotope source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese‐catalyzed hydrogenation reactions have aroused widespread interest in recent years. Among the catalytic systems described, especially PNP‐ and NNP–Mn pincer catalysts have been reported for the hydrogenation of aldehydes, ketones, nitriles, aldimines and esters. Furthermore, NNP−Mn pincer compounds are efficient catalysts for the hydrogenolysis of less reactive amides, ureas, carbonates, and carbamates. Herein, the synthesis and application of specific imidazolylaminophosphine ligands and the corresponding Mn pincer complexes are described. These new catalysts have been characterized and studied by a combination of experimental and theoretical investigations, and their catalytic activities have been tested in several hydrogenation reactions with good to excellent performance. Especially, the reduction of N‐heterocycles can be performed under very mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of vitamin precursors via alkyne semi-hydrogenation has been achieved with a lead- and palladium-free catalyst. Cobalt nanoparticles modified by nitrogen doped carbon and supported on silica allow the production of a range of fine chemicals and vitamin precursors. The optimal catalyst could be conveniently recycled and used for at least five runs with consistent activity. Interestingly, this material selectively hydrogenates alkynes in the presence of easily reducible, cyano-, keto-, aldehyde-, and even nitro groups, which shows it to be a versatile catalyst for synthetic organic chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A convenient and practical diastereoselective cis-hydrogenation of multi-substituted pyridines and arenes is reported. Applying a novel heterogeneous ruthenium catalyst, the corresponding piperidines and cyclohexanes are obtained in high yields (typically >80%) with a good functional group tolerance under mild conditions. The robust ruthenium supported catalyst is smoothly prepared and can be reused multiple times without activity loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a constant need for deuterium‐labelled products for multiple applications in life sciences and beyond. Here, a new class of heterogeneous catalysts is reported for practical deuterium incorporation in anilines, phenols, and heterocyclic substrates. The optimal material can be conveniently synthesised and allows for high deuterium incorporation using deuterium oxide as isotope source. This new catalyst has been fully characterised and successfully applied to the labelling of natural products as well as marketed drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a constant need for deuterium‐labelled products for multiple applications in life sciences and beyond. Here, a new class of heterogeneous catalysts is reported for practical deuterium incorporation in anilines, phenols, and heterocyclic substrates. The optimal material can be conveniently synthesised and allows for high deuterium incorporation using deuterium oxide as isotope source. This new catalyst has been fully characterised and successfully applied to the labelling of natural products as well as marketed drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air- Stable Manganese NNS Pincer Complexes EnableKetone Reduction at Room Temperature [ a] N. F. Both, Dr. J. Fessler, A. Vicenzi, K. Andres, Dr. A. Spannenberg, Dr. K. Junge, Prof. Dr. M. Beller Leibniz- Institut für Katalyse e. V. Albert- Einstein- Straße 29a, 18059 Rostock ( Germany) E- mail: kathrin. junge@ catalysis. de matthias. beller@ catalysis. de [Extracted from the article]

Herein, we report a heterogeneous intermetallic nickel silicide catalyst prepared by the impregnation of nickel acetate/1,10-phenanthroline on fumed silica and subsequent pyrolysis. The optimal catalyst exhibits good activity and selectivity for the hydrogenation of N-heterocycles including pyridines and quinolines under comparably mild conditions using water as the solvent. To our knowledge, it is the first reported efficient nickel-based heterogeneous catalyst for catalytic pyridine hydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrodehalogenation is an effective strategy for transforming persistent and potentially toxic organohalides into their more benign congeners. Common methods utilize Pd/C or Raney‐nickel as catalysts, which are either expensive or have safety concerns. In this study, a nickel‐based catalyst supported on titania (Ni‐phen@TiO2‐800) is used as a safe alternative to pyrophoric Raney‐nickel. The catalyst is prepared in a straightforward fashion by deposition of nickel(II)/1,10‐phenanthroline on titania, followed by pyrolysis. The catalytic material, which was characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, and XPS, consists of nickel nanoparticles covered with N‐doped carbon layers. By using design of experiments (DoE), this nanostructured catalyst is found to be proficient for the facile and selective hydrodehalogenation of a diverse range of substrates bearing C−I, C−Br, or C−Cl bonds (>30 examples). The practicality of this catalyst system is demonstrated by the dehalogenation of environmentally hazardous and polyhalogenated substrates atrazine, tetrabromobisphenol A, tetrachlorobenzene, and a polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phosphine‐oxide‐promoted, cobalt‐catalysed reductive etherification using syngas as a reductant is reported. This novel methodology was successfully used to prepare a broad range of unsymmetrical ethers from various aldehydes and alcohols containing diverse functional groups, and was scaled‐up to multigram scale under comparably mild conditions. Mechanistic experiments support an acetalization–hydrogenation sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of Fe(OTf)2 with N‐methyl bis(picolylamine) (Me‐bpa) L7 enables epoxidation of linear olefins including terminal, internal, and cyclic ones, using hydrogen peroxide as terminal oxidant under mild conditions. In the presence of picolinic acid as additive improved yields of epoxides up to 75 % have been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several manganese‐PNP pincer catalysts for the formal hydroamination of allylic alcohols are presented. The resulting γ‐amino alcohols are selectively obtained in high yields applying Mn‐1 in a tandem process under mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrosilylation reactions, which allow the addition of Si−H to C=C/C≡C bonds, are typically catalyzed by homogeneous noble metal catalysts (Pt, Rh, Ir, and Ru). Although excellent activity and selectivity can be obtained, the price, purification, and metal residues of these precious catalysts are problems in the silicone industry. Thus, a strong interest in more sustainable catalysts and for more economic processes exists. In this respect, recently disclosed hydrosilylations using catalysts based on earth‐abundant transition metals, for example, Fe, Co, Ni, and Mn, and heterogeneous catalysts (supported nanoparticles and single‐atom sites) are noteworthy. This minireview describes the recent advances in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrosilylation reactions, which allow the addition of Si−H to C=C/C≡C bonds, are typically catalyzed by homogeneous noble metal catalysts (Pt, Rh, Ir, and Ru). Although excellent activity and selectivity can be obtained, the price, purification, and metal residues of these precious catalysts are problems in the silicone industry. Thus, a strong interest in more sustainable catalysts and for more economic processes exists. In this respect, recently disclosed hydrosilylations using catalysts based on earth‐abundant transition metals, for example, Fe, Co, Ni, and Mn, and heterogeneous catalysts (supported nanoparticles and single‐atom sites) are noteworthy. This minireview describes the recent advances in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt‐doped hybrid materials consisting of metal oxides and carbon derived from chitin were prepared, characterized and tested for industrially relevant nitrile hydrogenations. The optimal catalyst supported onto MgO showed, after pyrolysis at 700 °C, magnesium oxide nanocubes decorated with carbon‐enveloped Co nanoparticles. This special structure allows for the selective hydrogenation of diverse and demanding nitriles to the corresponding primary amines under mild conditions (e.g. 70 °C, 20 bar H2). The advantage of this novel catalytic material is showcased for industrially important substrates, including adipodinitrile, picolinonitrile, and fatty acid nitriles. Notably, the developed system outperformed all other tested commercial catalysts, for example, Raney Nickel and even noble‐metal‐based systems in these transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bifunctional 3d‐metal catalyst for the cascade synthesis of diverse pyrroles from nitroarenes is presented. The optimal catalytic system Co/NGr‐C@SiO2‐L is obtained by pyrolysis of a cobalt‐impregnated composite followed by subsequent selective leaching. In the presence of this material, (transfer) hydrogenation of easily available nitroarenes and subsequent Paal–Knorr/Clauson‐Kass condensation provides >40 pyrroles in good to high yields using dihydrogen, formic acid, or a CO/H2O mixture (WGSR conditions) as reductant. In addition to the favorable step economy, this straightforward domino process does not require any solvents or external co‐catalysts. The general synthetic utility of this methodology was demonstrated on a variety of functionalized substrates including the preparation of biologically active and pharmaceutically relevant compounds, for example, (+)‐Isamoltane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bifunctional 3d‐metal catalyst for the cascade synthesis of diverse pyrroles from nitroarenes is presented. The optimal catalytic system Co/NGr‐C@SiO2‐L is obtained by pyrolysis of a cobalt‐impregnated composite followed by subsequent selective leaching. In the presence of this material, (transfer) hydrogenation of easily available nitroarenes and subsequent Paal–Knorr/Clauson‐Kass condensation provides >40 pyrroles in good to high yields using dihydrogen, formic acid, or a CO/H2O mixture (WGSR conditions) as reductant. In addition to the favorable step economy, this straightforward domino process does not require any solvents or external co‐catalysts. The general synthetic utility of this methodology was demonstrated on a variety of functionalized substrates including the preparation of biologically active and pharmaceutically relevant compounds, for example, (+)‐Isamoltane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of molybdenum(0), (I) and (II) complexes ligated by different PNP and NNN pincer ligands were synthesized and structurally characterized. Along with previously described Mo−PNP complexes Mo‐1 and Mo‐2, all prepared compounds were tested in the catalytic hydrogenation of aromatic nitriles to primary amines. Among the applied catalysts, Mo‐1 is particularly well suited for the hydrogenation of electron‐rich benzonitriles. Additionally, two aliphatic nitriles were transformed into the desired products in 80 and 86 %, respectively. Moreover, catalytic intermediate Mo‐1a was isolated and its role in the catalytic cycle was subsequently demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A straightforward methodology for the synthesis of anti‐Markovnikov‐type alcohols is presented. By using a specific cobalt triphos complex in the presence of Zn(OTf)2 as an additive, the hydrogenation of epoxides proceeds with high yields and selectivities. The described protocol shows a broad substrate scope, including multi‐substituted internal and terminal epoxides, as well as a good functional‐group tolerance. Various natural‐product derivatives, including steroids, terpenoids, and sesquiterpenoids, gave access to the corresponding alcohols in moderate‐to‐excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A straightforward methodology for the synthesis of anti‐Markovnikov‐type alcohols is presented. By using a specific cobalt triphos complex in the presence of Zn(OTf)2 as an additive, the hydrogenation of epoxides proceeds with high yields and selectivities. The described protocol shows a broad substrate scope, including multi‐substituted internal and terminal epoxides, as well as a good functional‐group tolerance. Various natural‐product derivatives, including steroids, terpenoids, and sesquiterpenoids, gave access to the corresponding alcohols in moderate‐to‐excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core–shell nanocatalysts are attractive due to their versatility and stability. Here, we describe cobalt nanoparticles encapsulated within graphitic shells prepared via the pyrolysis of a cationic poly‐ionic liquid (PIL) with a cobalt(II) chloride anion. The resulting material has a core–shell structure that displays excellent activity and selectivity in the self‐dehydrogenation and hetero‐dehydrogenation of primary amines to their corresponding imines. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibits excellent activity in the synthesis of secondary imines from substrates with various reducible functional groups (C=C, C≡C and C≡N) and amino acid derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core–shell nanocatalysts are attractive due to their versatility and stability. Here, we describe cobalt nanoparticles encapsulated within graphitic shells prepared via the pyrolysis of a cationic poly‐ionic liquid (PIL) with a cobalt(II) chloride anion. The resulting material has a core–shell structure that displays excellent activity and selectivity in the self‐dehydrogenation and hetero‐dehydrogenation of primary amines to their corresponding imines. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibits excellent activity in the synthesis of secondary imines from substrates with various reducible functional groups (C=C, C≡C and C≡N) and amino acid derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel catalytic systems based on pentacarbonylmanganese bromide and stable NNN-pincer ligands are presented for the transfer-dehydrogenation of secondary alcohols to give the corresponding ketones in good to excellent isolated yields. Best results are obtained using di-picolylamine derivatives as ligands and acetone as an inexpensive hydrogen acceptor. Besides high activity for benzylic substrates, aliphatic alcohols, as well as steroid derivatives, are readily oxidized in the presence of the optimal phosphorus-free catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selective cleavage of thermodynamically stable C(sp3)−C(sp3) single bonds is rare compared to their ubiquitous formation. Herein, we describe a general methodology for such transformations using homogeneous copper‐based catalysts in the presence of air. The utility of this novel methodology is demonstrated for Cα−Cβ bond scission in >70 amines with excellent functional group tolerance. This transformation establishes tertiary amines as a general synthon for amides and provides valuable possibilities for their scalable functionalization in, for example, natural products and bioactive molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selective cleavage of thermodynamically stable C(sp3)−C(sp3) single bonds is rare compared to their ubiquitous formation. Herein, we describe a general methodology for such transformations using homogeneous copper‐based catalysts in the presence of air. The utility of this novel methodology is demonstrated for Cα−Cβ bond scission in >70 amines with excellent functional group tolerance. This transformation establishes tertiary amines as a general synthon for amides and provides valuable possibilities for their scalable functionalization in, for example, natural products and bioactive molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The well‐defined iron PNP pincer complex catalyst [Fe(H)(BH4)(CO)(HN{CH2CH2P(iPr)2}2] was used for the catalytic dehydrogenation of secondary alcohols to give the corresponding ketones. Using acetone as inexpensive hydrogen acceptor enables the oxidation with good to excellent yields. DFT computations indicate an outer‐sphere mechanism and support the importance of an acceptor to achieve this transformation under milder conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the known liquid organic hydrogen carriers, formic acid attracts increasing interest in the context of safe and reversible storage of hydrogen. Here, the first molecularly defined cobalt pincer complex is disclosed for the dehydrogenation of formic acid in aqueous medium under mild conditions. Crucial for catalytic activity is the use of the specific complex 3. Compared to related ruthenium and manganese complexes 7 and 8, this optimal cobalt complex showed improved performance. DFT computations support an innocent non‐classical bifunctional outer‐sphere mechanism on the triplet state potential energy surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]