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Molybdenum complexes with the general formula Mo(NR)(CHR′)(OR″)(Cl)(MeCN) (R = t-Bu or 1-adamantyl; OR″ = a 2,6-terphenoxide) recently have been found to be highly active catalysts for cross-metathesis reactions between Z-internal olefins and Z-1,2-dichloroethylene or Z-(CF3)CH═CH(CF3). In this paper we report methods of synthesizing new potential catalysts with the general formula M(NR)(CHR′)(OR″)(Cl)(L) in which M = Mo or W, NR = N-2,6-diisopropylphenyl or NC6F5, and L is a phosphine, a pyridine, or a nitrile. We also test and compare all catalysts in the cross-metathesis of Z-1,2-dichloroethylene and cyclooctene. Our investigations indicate that tungsten complexes are inactive in the test reaction either because the donor is bound too strongly or because acetonitrile inserts into a W═C bond. The acetonitrile or pivalonitrile Mo(NR)(CHR′)(OR″)(Cl)(L) complexes are found to be especially reactive because the 14e Mo(NR)(CHR′)(OR″)Cl core is accessible through dissociation of the nitrile to a significant e...

Unusual observations in the ring-rearrangement metathesis (RRM) of Himbert arene/allene cycloadducts to form fused polycylic lactams led to a more in-depth experimental study that yielded conflicting results. Differences in reactivity within related systems and unexpected changes in diastereoselectivity among other similar substrates were not readily explained on the basis of the experimental results. Computational investigations demonstrated substrate-dependent changes in reaction pathways (ring-opening metathesis/ring-closing metathesis [ROM/RCM] cascade vs. ring-closing metathesis/ring-opening metathesis [RCM/ROM] cascade). Furthermore, some reactions were judged to be under thermodynamic control, and others under kinetic control. The greater understanding of the most likely reaction pathways and their energetics provided a reasonable explanation for the previously irreconcilable results.

The unusual intramolecular arene/allene cycloaddition described thirty years ago by Himbert permits rapid access to strained polycyclic compounds that offer great potential for the synthesis of complex scaffolds. To more fully understand the mechanism of this cycloaddition reaction, and to guide efforts to extend its scope to new substrates, quantum mechanical computational methods were employed in concert with laboratory experiments. These studies indicated that the cycloadditions likely proceed via concerted processes; a stepwise biradical mechanism was shown to be higher in energy in the cases studied. The original Himbert cycloaddition chemistry is also extended from heterocyclic to carbocyclic systems, with computational guidance used to predict thermodynamically favorable cases. Complex polycyclic scaffolds result from the combination of the cycloaddition and subsequent ring-rearrangement metathesis reactions.

A Pd(II)-catalyzed reaction protocol for the carboxylation of ortho-C-H bonds in anilides to form N-acyl anthranilic acids has been developed. This reaction procedure provides a novel and efficient strategy for the rapid assembly of biologically and pharmaceutically significant molecules, such as benzoxazinones and quinazolinones, from simple anilides without installing and removing an external directing group. The reaction conditions are also amenable to the carboxylation of N-phenyl pyrrolidinones. A monomeric palladacycle containing p-toluenesulfonate as an anionic ligand has been characterized by X-ray crystallography, and the crucial role of p-toluenesulfonic acid in the activation of C-H bonds in the presence of carbon monoxide is discussed. Identification of two key intermediates, a mixed anhydride and benzoxazinone formed by reductive elimination from organometallic Ar(CO)Pd(II)-OTs species, provides mechanistic evidence for a dual-reaction pathway.

Pd(II)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H olefination of diphenylacetic acid substrates has been achieved through the use of monoprotected chiral amino acid ligands. The absolute configuration of the resulting olefinated products is consistent with that of a proposed C-H insertion intermediate.