Medium and Large N-Heterocycle Formation via Allene Hydroamination with a Bimetallic Rh(II) Catalyst

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Jan 12;144(1):63-68. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c10534. Epub 2021 Dec 29.

Abstract

We report the synthesis of a 2-phosphinoimidazole-derived bimetallic Rh(II) complex that enables intramolecular allene hydroamination to form 7- to 10-member rings in high yield. Monometallic Rh complexes, in contrast, fail to achieve any product formation. We demonstrate a broad substrate scope for formation of various N-heterocycles. Macrocyclizations that form 11- to 15-member N-heterocycles are also demonstrated. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds via reversible allene insertion with a Rh-hydride followed by C-N bond-forming reductive elimination. We hypothesize that the reactivity observed with our catalyst vs monometallic Rh complexes is derived from the bimetallic nature of our complex.

Publication types

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