We present a strategy to rationally prepare CF3– transfer reagents at ambient temperature from HCF3. We demonstrate that a highly reactive CF3– adduct can be synthesized from alkali metal hydride, HCF3, and borazine Lewis acids in quantitative yield at room temperature. These nucleophilic reagents transfer CF3– to substrates without additional chemical activation, and after CF3 transfer, the free borazine is quantitatively regenerated. These features enable syntheses of popular nucleophilic, radical, and electrophilic trifluoromethylation reagents with complete recycling of the borazine Lewis acid.

We present a systematic investigation of the structural and electronic changes that occur in an Fe(0)–N2 unit (Fe(depe)2(N2); depe = 1,2-bis(diethylphosphino)ethane) upon the addition of exogenous Lewis acids. Addition of neutral boranes, alkali metal cations, and an Fe2+ complex increases the N–N bond activation (Δ νNN up to 172 cm–1), decreases the Fe(0)–N2 redox potential, polarizes the N–N bond, and enables –N protonation at uncommonly anodic potentials. These effects were rationalized using combined experimental and theoretical studies.

Modification of the classic terpyridine pincer ligand with pendent NHR (R = mesityl) groups provides enhanced activity and stability in Ru-catalyzed dehydrogenation catalysis. These second sphere modifications furnish highly active catalysts for the oxidant-free dehydrogenative oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxylates and facilitate catalyst recycling.

A new series of bifunctional Ru complexes with pendent Lewis acidic boranes were prepared by late-stage modification of an active hydrogen-transfer catalyst. The appended boranes modulate the reactivity of a metal hydride as well as catalytic hydrogenations. After installing acidic auxiliary groups, the complexes become multifunctional and catalyze the cis-selective hydrogenation of alkynes with higher rates, conversions, and selectivities compared with the unmodified catalyst.

We present the direct and stereoretentive deuteration of primary amines using Ru-bMepi (bMepi = 1,3-(6′-methyl-2′-pyridylimino)isoindolate) complexes and D2O. High deuterium incorporation occurs at the α-carbon (70–99%). For α-chiral amines, complete retention of stereochemistry is achieved when using an electron-deficient Ru catalyst. The retention of enantiomeric purity is attributed to a high binding affinity of an imine intermediate with ruthenium, as well as to a fast H/D exchange relative to ligand dissociation.

Remarkable differences in selectivity and activity for ruthenium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation are described that are imparted by pendent OH groups. Kinetic experiments, as well as the study of control complexes devoid of OH groups, reveal that the pendent OH groups serve to orient the ketone substrate through ion pairing with an alkali metal under basic conditions. The deprotonation of the OH groups was found to modulate the electronics at the metal center, providing a more electron rich ruthenium center. The effects of the ion pairing between alkali metals and the pendent alkoxide groups were highlighted by demonstrating chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of ketones in the presence of olefins. The results illustrate that a simple ligand modification (installation of OH groups) imparts dramatic changes to catalysis. Pendent OH groups turn on catalysis through electronic perturbations at the metal site under basic conditions and can also change the mechanism of catalysis, the latter of which can be used to promote chemoselective reductions.Keywords: alkali metals; ion pairing; ruthenium; secondary coordination sphere; transfer hydrogenation

A detailed mechanistic analysis of the acceptorless double dehydrogenation of primary amines to form nitriles by HRu(bMepi)(PPh3)2 (1, bMepi = 1,3-bis(6′-methyl-2′-pyridylimino)isoindolate) is presented. The presence of the ortho-CH3 substituents on bMepi is critical for amine dehydrogenation, and no catalysis was observed with HRu(bpi)(PPh3)2 (1-bpi, bpi = 1,3-bis(2′-pyridylimino)isoindolate). Outer-sphere, inner-sphere, and hemilabile pathways were evaluated through ligand substitution and kinetic studies, catalyst modifications, and computational analysis. We propose an inner-sphere mechanism in which a Ru–hydride is protonated by coordinated amine followed by H2 release, which forms a Ru–amido intermediate. The stability of Ru–amido species was evaluated through NBO, AIM, and NCI analyses, revealing steric pressure as well as weak noncovalent interactions between the coordinated amido nitrogen atom and the ortho-alkyl substituents, and these interactions impact the overall thermodynamic profile for amine dehydrogenation by 1. Finally, the preference for double dehydrogenation over the transamination reaction is attributed to a high binding constant of the imine intermediate and fast kinetics of a second dehydrogenation.Keywords: dehydrogenation; nitriles; pincer ligand; primary amines; reaction mechanism; ruthenium

An amide-derived N,N,N-Ru(II) complex catalyzes the conversion of EtOH to 1-BuOH with high activity. Conversion to alcohol upgraded products exceeds 250 turnovers per hour (>50% conversion) with 0.1 mol% catalyst loading. In addition to high activity for ethanol upgrading, catalytic reactions can be set up under ambient conditions with no loss in activity.

A new bifunctional pincer ligand framework bearing pendent proton-responsive hydroxyl groups was prepared and metalated with Ru(II) and subsequently isolated in four discrete protonation states. Stoichiometric reactions with H2 and HBPin showed facile E–H (E = H or BPin) activation across a Ru(II)–O bond, providing access to unusual Ru–H species with strong interactions with neighboring proton and boron atoms. These complexes were found to promote the catalytic hydroboration of ketones and nitriles under mild conditions, and the activity was highly dependent on the ligand’s protonation state. Mechanistic experiments revealed a crucial role of the pendent hydroxyl groups for catalytic activity.

An amide-derived N,N,N-Fe(II) complex catalyzes the hydroboration of alkenes at room temperature. Alkylation of a remote site on the ligand backbone was used as a late-stage modification to provide a more electrophilic complex as determined by electrochemical studies. The alkylated variant, compared to the parent complex, catalyzes olefin hydroboration with an increased reaction rate and exhibits distinct regioselectivity for internal alkene hydroboration.Keywords: alkylboronates; homogeneous catalysis; hydroboration; iron; ligand effects

The reversible transformations between ketones and alcohols via sequential hydrogenation–dehydrogenation reactions are efficiently achieved using a single precatalyst HRu(bMepi)(PPh3)2 (bMepi = 1,3-bis(6′-methyl-2′-pyridylimino)isoindolate). The catalytic mechanism of HRu(bMepi)(PPh3)2 mediated acceptorless alcohol dehydrogenation (AAD) has been investigated by a series of kinetic and isotopic labeling studies, isolation of intermediates, and evaluation of Ru(b4Rpi)(PPh3)2Cl (R = H, Me, Cl, OMe, OH) complexes. Two limiting dehydrogenation scenarios are interrogated: inner-sphere β-H elimination and outer-sphere bifunctional double hydrogen transfer. Isotopic labeling experiments demonstrated that the proton and hydride transfer in a stepwise manner. Catalyst modifications suggest that the imine group on the bMepi pincer scaffold is not necessary for catalytic alcohol dehydrogenation. Evaluation of the kinetic experiments and catalyst modifications suggests a pathway whereby HRu(bMepi)(PPh3)2 operates via the inner-sphere β-H elimination mechanism. Following a single PPh3 dissociation, an alcohol substrate can bind and undergo proton transfer followed by a turnover-limiting β-H elimination step. Analysis of the Eyring plot established activation parameters for the β-H elimination reaction as ΔH⧧ = 15(1) kcal/mol and ΔS⧧ = −41(3) eu. AAD reactions using a series of Ru(b4Rpi)(PPh3)2Cl complexes indicated that the ortho-substituted methyl groups of bMepi slightly impede catalytic activity, and electronic modifications of the pincer scaffold have a minimal effect on the reaction rate.Keywords: acceptorless alcohol dehydrogenation; inner-sphere mechanism; ligand effects; metal−ligand cooperativity; outer-sphere mechanism; ruthenium

Nitrite reduction by a copper complex featuring a proton-responsive tripodal ligand is demonstrated. Gaseous nitric oxide was confirmed as the sole NOX by-product in quantitative yield. DFT calculations predict that nitrite reduction occurs via a proton and electron transfer process mediated by the ligand. The reported mechanism parallels nitrite reduction by copper nitrite reductase.

This manuscript describes a combination of DFT calculations and experiments to assess the reduction of borazines (B–N heterocycles) by η6-coordination to Cr(CO)3 or [Mn(CO)3]+ fragments. The energy requirements for borazine reduction are established as well as the extent to which coordination of borazine to a transition metal influences hydride affinity, basicity, and subsequent reduction steps at the coordinated borazine molecule. Borazine binding to M(CO)3 fragments decreases the thermodynamic hydricity by >30 kcal mol−1, allowing it to easily accept a hydride. These hydricity criteria were used to guide the selection of appropriate reagents for borazine dearomatization. Reduction was achieved with an H2-derived hydride source, and importantly, a pathway which proceeds through a single electron reduction and H-atom transfer reaction, mediated by anthraquinone was uncovered. The latter transformation was also carried out electrochemically, at relatively positive potentials by comparison to all prior reports, thus establishing an important proof of concept for any future electrochemical BN bond reduction.

Chemical reduction of a tripodal Cu(II)–F complex containing pendent hydroxyl groups results in the partial dissociation of a F− ligand from Cu. The resulting Cu(I) complex is characterized as containing an outer sphere F− anion ‘captured’ by hydrogen bonds. The pendent hydroxyl groups were found to be crucial for reductive stability.

A tripodal ligand based on 2-hydroxypyridine is presented. Cu–Cl adducts of H3thpa with CuI and CuII provide complexes featuring highly directed, intramolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions. An upper limit for the hydrogen-bonding free energy to CuI–Cl was estimated at ∼18 kcal/mol.

A Mn(CO)3+ fragment coordinates a borazine unit as a π complex, [(η6-Me6B3N3)Mn(CO)3]BAr′. Coordination facilitates the delivery of alkyl and hydride nucleophiles, the latter of which can also be installed by successive reduction/protonation reactions. This system represents an alternative strategy to consider for the reduction of hydrogen depleted B–N molecules, which are relevant to the regeneration of spent B–N hydrogen storage systems.

An amide-derived NNN-Ru(II) hydride complex catalyzes oxidant-free, acceptorless, and chemoselective dehydrogenation of primary and secondary amines to the corresponding nitriles and imines with liberation of dihydrogen. The catalyst system tolerates oxidizable functionality and is selective for the dehydrogenation of primary amines (−CH2NH2) in the presence of amines without α-CH hydrogens.

A frustrated Lewis pair accessory functionality is positioned in the secondary coordination sphere of a terpyridine ligand (TpyBN = 6-morpholino-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine-6″-boronic acid pinacol ester) to promote directed Lewis acid/base interactions. Following metalation with VCl3, the utility of the metal Lewis acid/base triad (LABT) is highlighted with N2H4 as a cooperatively coordinated substrate, affording the first η2-[N2H3]− vanadium complex.

The ligand 6,6′-dihydroxy terpyridine (dhtp) is presented as a bifunctional ligand capable of directing proton transfer events with metal-coordinated substrates. Solid-state analysis of a Ru(II)-dhtp complex reveals directed hydrogen-bonding interactions of the hydroxyl groups of dhtp with a Ru-bound chloride ligand. The utility of dhtp was demonstrated by chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of ketones.

The bmpi (1,3-bis(6′-methyl-2′-pyridylimino)isoindoline) pincer Ru(II) hydride complex catalyzes base-free, acceptorless, and chemoselective dehydrogenation of alcohols with liberation of dihydrogen under moderate (<120 °C) conditions. Primary alcohols and diols are converted to ester and lactone products with high conversion efficiencies. The catalyst system is remarkably selective for the oxidation of secondary alcohols in the presence of primary alcohols.

A new quinolyl-based ligand presents three amide functionalities to act as hydrogen-bond accepting groups to a metal-bound substrate at a well-defined distance. As a confirmation of the design strategy, CH3CN coordinated to copper(II) participates in CH–O interactions in the solid state and in solution.

Modification of the classic terpyridine pincer ligand with pendent NHR (R = mesityl) groups provides enhanced activity and stability in Ru-catalyzed dehydrogenation catalysis. These second sphere modifications furnish highly active catalysts for the oxidant-free dehydrogenative oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxylates and facilitate catalyst recycling.

An amide-derived N,N,N-Ru(II) complex catalyzes the conversion of EtOH to 1-BuOH with high activity. Conversion to alcohol upgraded products exceeds 250 turnovers per hour (>50% conversion) with 0.1 mol% catalyst loading. In addition to high activity for ethanol upgrading, catalytic reactions can be set up under ambient conditions with no loss in activity.

Chemical reduction of a tripodal Cu(II)–F complex containing pendent hydroxyl groups results in the partial dissociation of a F− ligand from Cu. The resulting Cu(I) complex is characterized as containing an outer sphere F− anion ‘captured’ by hydrogen bonds. The pendent hydroxyl groups were found to be crucial for reductive stability.

The ligand 6,6′-dihydroxy terpyridine (dhtp) is presented as a bifunctional ligand capable of directing proton transfer events with metal-coordinated substrates. Solid-state analysis of a Ru(II)-dhtp complex reveals directed hydrogen-bonding interactions of the hydroxyl groups of dhtp with a Ru-bound chloride ligand. The utility of dhtp was demonstrated by chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of ketones.

Nitrite reduction by a copper complex featuring a proton-responsive tripodal ligand is demonstrated. Gaseous nitric oxide was confirmed as the sole NOX by-product in quantitative yield. DFT calculations predict that nitrite reduction occurs via a proton and electron transfer process mediated by the ligand. The reported mechanism parallels nitrite reduction by copper nitrite reductase.

This manuscript describes a combination of DFT calculations and experiments to assess the reduction of borazines (B–N heterocycles) by η6-coordination to Cr(CO)3 or [Mn(CO)3]+ fragments. The energy requirements for borazine reduction are established as well as the extent to which coordination of borazine to a transition metal influences hydride affinity, basicity, and subsequent reduction steps at the coordinated borazine molecule. Borazine binding to M(CO)3 fragments decreases the thermodynamic hydricity by >30 kcal mol−1, allowing it to easily accept a hydride. These hydricity criteria were used to guide the selection of appropriate reagents for borazine dearomatization. Reduction was achieved with an H2-derived hydride source, and importantly, a pathway which proceeds through a single electron reduction and H-atom transfer reaction, mediated by anthraquinone was uncovered. The latter transformation was also carried out electrochemically, at relatively positive potentials by comparison to all prior reports, thus establishing an important proof of concept for any future electrochemical BN bond reduction.

A new quinolyl-based ligand presents three amide functionalities to act as hydrogen-bond accepting groups to a metal-bound substrate at a well-defined distance. As a confirmation of the design strategy, CH3CN coordinated to copper(II) participates in CH–O interactions in the solid state and in solution.