Highly Ambiphilic Room Temperature Stable Six-Membered Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbenes

J Am Chem Soc. 2018 Jul 25;140(29):9255-9260. doi: 10.1021/jacs.8b05518. Epub 2018 Jul 13.

Abstract

Cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes with a six-membered backbone were prepared. Compared to their five-membered analogues, they feature increased % Vbur and enhanced donor and acceptor properties, as evidenced by the observed n → π* transition trailing into the visible region. The high ambiphilic character even allows for the intramolecular insertion of the carbene into an unactivated C(sp3)-H bond. When used as ligands, they outcompete the five-membered analogues in the palladium-mediated α-arylation of ketones with aryl chlorides.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.