A New Ligand Design Based on London Dispersion Empowers Chiral Bismuth-Rhodium Paddlewheel Catalysts

J Am Chem Soc. 2021 Apr 21;143(15):5666-5673. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c01972. Epub 2021 Apr 8.

Abstract

Heterobimetallic bismuth-rhodium paddlewheel complexes with phenylglycine ligands carrying TIPS-groups at the meta-positions of the aromatic ring exhibit outstanding levels of selectivity in reactions of donor/acceptor and donor/donor carbenes; at the same time, the reaction rates are much faster and the substrate scope is considerably wider than those of previous generations of chiral [BiRh] catalysts. As shown by a combined experimental, crystallographic, and computational study, the new catalysts draw their excellent application profile largely from the stabilization of the chiral ligand sphere by London dispersion (LD) interactions of the peripheral silyl substituents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bismuth / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Coordination Complexes / chemistry
  • Cycloaddition Reaction
  • Cyclopropanes / chemical synthesis
  • Cyclopropanes / chemistry
  • Ligands*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Rhodium / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Coordination Complexes
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Ligands
  • cyclopropane
  • Rhodium
  • Bismuth