Allenes for Versatile Iron-Catalyzed C-H Activation by Weak O-Coordination: Mechanistic Insights by Kinetics, Intermediate Isolation, and Computation

J Am Chem Soc. 2020 Jul 29;142(30):13102-13111. doi: 10.1021/jacs.0c04837. Epub 2020 Jul 16.

Abstract

The iron-catalyzed hydroarylation of allenes was accomplished by weak phenone assistance. The C-H activation proceeded with excellent efficacy and high ortho-regioselectivity in proximity to the weakly coordinating carbonyl group for a range of substituted phenones and allenes. Detailed mechanistic studies, including the isolation of key intermediates, the structural characterization of an iron-metallacycle, and kinetic analysis, allowed the sound elucidation of a plausible catalytic working mode. This mechanistic rationale is supported by detailed computational density functional theory studies, which fully address multi-spin-state reactivity. Furthermore, in operando nuclear magnetic resonance monitoring of the catalytic reaction provided detailed insights into the mode of action of the iron-catalyzed C-H alkylation with allenes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't