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. 2020 Oct 23;142(44):18746–18752. doi: 10.1021/jacs.0c08582

Ruthenium-Catalyzed trans-Hydroalkynylation and trans-Chloroalkynylation of Internal Alkynes

Nagaraju Barsu 1, Markus Leutzsch 1, Alois Fürstner 1,*
PMCID: PMC7660751  PMID: 33095568

Abstract

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[Cp*RuCl]4 catalyzes the addition of iPr3SiC≡CX (X = H, Cl) across internal alkynes with formation of 1,3-enyne or 1-chloro-1,3-enyne derivatives, respectively; the reaction follows an unorthodox trans-addition mode. The well-balanced affinities of the different reaction partners to the ruthenium catalyst ensure that crossed addition prevails over homodimerization of the individual components, as can be deduced from spectroscopic and crystallographic data of various intermediates; this includes a dinuclear complex in which an internal alkyne bridges two [Cp*RuCl] fragments.

The addition of a terminal alkyne across an internal triple bond is a conceptually appealing yet highly challenging approach to 1,3-enynes (Scheme 1).1,2 For such a hydroalkynylation reaction to become useful, competing homodimerization, oligomerization, and/or cyclotrimerization of either partner must be suppressed and regiocontrol be imposed when working with unsymmetrical substrates (R1 ≠ R2). The stereochemical course of the reaction is usually less of an issue in that cis-hydroalkynylation is observed,1,2 except for special cases: a notable exception employs biased N-sulfonyl ynamides, which resulted in net trans-hydroalkynylation.3,4 Even more demanding are related halo-alkynylations.5 The fact that the C–X bond of the resulting haloenyne product might react with the catalyst used for its preparation poses an additional challenge; unsurprisingly, perhaps, the few known examples uniformly follow a cis-addition mode.6

Scheme 1. Challenge of Crossed Hydro(chloro)alkynylation.

Scheme 1

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Outlined below are an efficient trans-hydroalkynylation of unbiased internal alkynes and the first trans-chloroalkynylation reactions ever. Since 1,3-enynes in general serve as valuable building blocks,1,2 the new entry is enabling. This is particularly true for chloroenynes of type A (X = Cl), as they comprise adjacent electrophilic and nucleophilic sites amenable to orthogonal activation. Their dual reactivity can be harnessed in small-molecule synthesis and material science alike: the benzannulation strategy leading to polysubstituted arenes by cycloisomerization/cross-coupling (see below)7,8 and the preparation of π-conjugated oligomers with valuable optoelectronic properties,9 are deemed representative.

Following up on our investigations into ruthenium-catalyzed trans-hydrogenation10,11 and trans-hydrometalation12−19 catalyzed by {Cp*RuCl]4 or related complexes, we reasoned that the reactivity pattern manifested in these unorthodox transformations might be further extended.20 For their activated C–H bonds, terminal alkynes were deemed promising candidates; the desirable “crossed” addition mode seemed possible because [Cp*RuCl] readily forms heteroleptic complexes comprising two different π-ligands.21,22

To test this hypothesis, various terminal alkynes were screened (see the SI), but only triisopropylsilylacetylene (1a) gave good results (Scheme 2).23 In the presence of catalytic [Cp*RuCl]4, 1a reacts with internal dialkylalkynes to form the corresponding trans-addition products; the Z:E ratios are generally excellent. The stereochemistry was assigned by NMR and confirmed for product 9 by X-ray diffraction (see the SI). As expected, the functional group tolerance is high, in that ketones, esters, unprotected alcohols, acetals, aryl and alkyl halides, as well as cyclopropyl rings, remain intact. Aromatic substrates, however, react less well, likely because [Cp*Ru] tends to form kinetically stable η6-arene adducts that may sequester the catalyst (cf. 6; for further examples, see the SI); this limitation has precedent in the trans-hydroelementation reactions cited above.10−20

Scheme 2. trans-Hydroalkynylation.

Scheme 2

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5 mol% of catalyst.

NMR yield.

Unsymmetrical substrates usually afford mixtures of regioisomers (see the SI), but propargyl alcohols of type 10 provide a handle to control the outcome (Table 1): [Cp*RuCl]4 favors “proximal delivery” to give the α-trans addition product, whereas cationic [Cp*Ru(MeCN)3]SbF6 leads to the regio-complementary outcome, although the overall selectivity is lower. As previously shown for analogous trans-hydrometalations, proximal delivery is caused by interligand hydrogen bonding between the [Ru-Cl] group and the propargylic −OH substituent.18,19 The selectivity can be further improved by using the bulkier complex 12 in combination with nBu4NCl,24 even though the reaction proceeds more slowly. This result holds the promise that more systematic ligand tuning will allow for further optimization.

Table 1. Catalyst-Dependent Regioselectivity.

graphic file with name ja0c08582_0013.jpg

graphic file with name ja0c08582_0014.jpg

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a

In the presence of nBu4NCl (10 mol%).

b

The remainder is the α-cis isomer.

At this point, however, the search for yet other substrates amenable to trans-addition was given priority. Gratifyingly, (chloroethynyl)triisopropylsilane (1b) also reacts well, resulting in trans-chloroalkynylation of internal alkyne partners (Scheme 3);25,26 to the best of our knowledge, this transformation is unprecedented and the selectivity remarkably high. The stereochemical outcome was ascertained by NMR (see the SI). The structure of 21 in the solid state confirmed the assignment (Figure 1).27

Scheme 3. trans-Chloroalkynylation of Symmetrical Alkynes.

Scheme 3

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2.5 mol% catalyst, unless stated otherwise.

5 mol% catalyst.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Structure of compound 21 in the solid state. Thermal ellipsoids at the 50% probability level.27

The scope is significantly broader than that of the trans-hydroalkynylation in that good results were obtained in many cases even for aromatic and/or unsymmetrical substrates (Scheme 4). This is particularly true for propynylated arenes, which gave excellent yields and notably high E/Z-ratios, independent of whether electron-withdrawing or -donating substituents were placed on the aromatic ring. Likewise, propynylated pyridine or thiophene reacted well despite the heteroatom donor sites. Tolane, in contrast, was the only alkyne investigated so far in which cis-chloroalkynylation was truly competitive (23, E:Z = 45:55). Collectively, these examples illustrate the scope and notable functional group compatibility of the reaction, which matches the experiences previously made with various other ruthenium-catalyzed trans-addition processes.20

Scheme 4. trans-Chloroalkynylation of Unsymmetrical Alkynes.

Scheme 4

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Only the major product isomer is shown (isomer ratio).

5 mol% catalyst.

NMR yield.

The trans-chloroalkynylation of 3-hexyne was also carried out on 12.2 mmol scale with a reduced catalyst loading of 1.25 mol%. While the yield of 13 remained unchanged (92%),28 the E/Z-ratio was slightly improved (≥95:5 versus 93:7 at 2.5 mol% [Cp*RuCl]4); this observation is consistent with the mechanistic insights outlined below. Likewise, chloroenyne 24 was formed on gram scale; after recrystallization, the material was almost isomerically pure.

The chloroalkenes thus formed are relevant in that they bring stereodefined tetrasubstituted alkenes into reach, as illustrated by the iron-catalyzed formation of the polyfunctionalized product 30 (Scheme 5).29 The π-acid-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 31 derived from 25c showcases a very different application: Catalytic PtCl2 affords the corresponding naphthalene derivative 32, retaining a chloride substituent for further manipulation;30,31 its iron-catalyzed borylation with formation of 33 represents just one such possibility.32 The many other ways of engaging a halide into all sorts of cross-coupling bring innumerous arene derivatives into reach with substitution patterns that are difficult to make otherwise.33,34 Equally important is the fact that the concept underlying this new benzannulation is also applicable to the heterocyclic series, as illustrated by the formation of chlorobenzothiophene 37. Further flexibility is gained by the possibility of interchanging the order of cycloisomerization/cross-coupling, as demonstrated by the two sequences leading to 35. These enabling virtues are subject to further study.

Scheme 5. Downstream Functionalization.

Scheme 5

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The fact that the “crossed” addition prevails over homodimerization (oligomerization) of either reaction partner speaks for a well-orchestrated coordination chemistry, especially since neither substrate has to be used in large excess. To gain insights, we first studied the interaction of the individual components with the catalyst (Scheme 6). Addition of [Cp*RuCl]4 (0.25 equiv) to 1a in CD2Cl2 at −50 °C leads to a cherry-red solution containing some unbound 1a and a single new species. Based on the diagnostic deshielding of the alkyne C-atoms (135.7/137.5 ppm; compare: 85.9/94.8 ppm in 1a) and the “olefinic” character of the alkyne proton (δH = 8.64 ppm; compare 2.43 ppm in 1a), this species can be safely assigned as the corresponding π-complex 38.18,19 Its structure in the solid state (Figure 2) shows the substantial elongation of the C1–C2 (1.265(3) Å)35 bond, together with the notable bending of the alkyne away from linearity (H1–C1–C2 144.5(4)°; C1–C2–Si1 153.0(2)°) as the result of substantial electron back-donation from the filled metal d-orbitals into the π*-orbitals of the bound alkyne.19 The silyl group is oriented toward the chlorine ligand, which is favorable on steric as well as electronic grounds:36 attractive interligand interactions between a polarized [Ru-Cl] unit and a silyl substituent have previously been invoked to explain the outcome of various mechanistically different transformations.18,19,37 The fact that only a single molecule of 1a is coordinated to the 14-electron fragment [Cp*RuCl] is of particular relevance, as it leaves a vacant site for uptake of the reaction partner as necessary for crossed addition.38 It is here that the size of the TIPS group is thought to come into play: slim Me3SiC≡CH in lieu of 1a is rapidly consumed by homocyclodimerization39 and is therefore no suitable substrate for trans-hydroalkynylation. Although 1a will eventually also homodimerize upon warming, the reaction is slow enough to leave the desired crossed addition time to proceed.

Scheme 6. Reactive Intermediates.

Scheme 6

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Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Structure of 38 in the solid state; thermal ellipsoids at the 50% probability level. The dotted green line indicates an attractive interligand interaction between the [Ru-Cl] unit and the silyl group.36

Chloroalkyne 1b shows a similar coordination behavior, as indicated by the massive downfield shifts of the alkyne C-atoms (141.1/150.6 ppm; compare: 70.9/79.5 ppm in 1b). Complex 39 also comprises only one alkyne ligand (Figure 3), featuring the typical signs of partial rehybridization.19,40 When a solution of this complex in CD2Cl2 is warmed from −50 °C to room temperature, slow decomposition with formation of the corresponding conjugated diyne and paramagnetic [Cp*RuCl2]241 is observed.

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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Structure of 39 in the solid state; thermal ellipsoids at the 50% probability level. The dotted line indicates an attractive interligand interaction.40 Selected bond lengths (Å) and angles (deg): C1–C2 1.279(2), C1–Cl2 1.70(1), Cl2–C1–C2 141.4(5), C1–C2–Si1 152.7(1).

In contrast, 3-hexyne as prototypical reaction partner for 1a,b leads to two new signal sets when reacted with [Cp*RuCl]4 (0.25 equiv) at low temperature (Scheme 6). While one of them certainly corresponds to the corresponding monoalkyne complex 40, the second species is a [2:1]-adduct in which two metal fragments ligate the same triple bond.42 Single crystals of putative 41 could not be grown, but replacement of 3-hexyne by 1-bromo-4-(prop-1-yn-1-yl)benzene was met with success. In the resulting dinuclear complex 43, one massively elongated alkyne (C2–C3 1.332(5) Å) and the two chlorine atoms bridge the two Ru centers (Figure 4).43,44

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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Structure of complex 43 in the solid state; thermal ellipsoids at the 50% probability level. Selected bond lengths (Å) and angles (deg): C2–C3 1.332(5), C1–C2–C3 147.2(4), C2–C3–C4 142.3(4).

With all individual complexes identified, a 1:1:1 mixture of [Cp*RuCl]4, chloroalkyne 1b, and 3-hexyne was investigated with the hope of identifying the heteroleptic bis-alkyne complex resulting in crossed chloroalkynylation. When mixed at −50 °C in CD2Cl2, the hexyne-derived complexes 40 and 41 were the major species, whereas the chloroalkyne adduct 39 was minor. Upon gradual warming to room temperature, the speciation changes in that 40 and 41 disappear and 39 is the only complex left (product formation commences). Signs of a mixed complex have not be detected at any point. Re-cooling of the equilibrated sample to −50 °C does not restore the original product distribution. Therefore, we conclude that binding of 3-hexyne is kinetically favored, but the chloroalkyne complex 39 is thermodynamically more stable.

The finding that an ordinary alkyne can bind two catalyst fragments simultaneously raised the question as to whether complex 40 or the [2:1] adduct 41 accounts for product formation. Variable time normalization analysis45 proved that the formation of the trans-chloroalkynylation product (E)-13 is first-order in [Ru] (Figure 5, top), whereas the formation of the minor cis-isomer shows a second-order dependence (see SI Figure S28).46 The unexpected finding that the trans- and the cis-addition follow different rate laws readily explains why the E/Z-ratio depends on the catalyst concentration (Figure 6). In this context we reiterate the observation made during scale-up that lowering of the catalyst loading improved the selectivity to ≥95:5; for comparison, the stoichiometric control experiment furnished 13 with a poor E/Z-ratio of 64:36.

Figure 5.

Figure 5

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Variable time normalization analysis of NMR data. Formation of (E)-13 shows first-order dependence in [Ru] (top) as well as in the chloroalkyne adduct 39 (bottom); in contrast, formation of (Z)-13 shows second-order dependence in [Ru] (cf. Figure S28).

Figure 6.

Figure 6

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E/Z-ratio of 13 as a function of catalyst loading.

Furthermore, the consumption of 3-hexyne and the formation of the trans-addition product 13 show first-order dependence on the concentration of complex 39. Hence, 39 likely represents the resting state of the catalytic process before the turnover-limiting step (Figure 5, bottom).

Since a “loaded” complex carrying two different alkynes has not been observed experimentally, we are currently not in the position to rigorously exclude an outer-sphere process, in which only the chloroalkyne is activated by coordination to ruthenium and is then attacked by 3-hexyne. Although indirect evidence speaks for an inner-sphere mechanism,47 the final answer must await further study.

In summary, we demonstrate herein that ruthenium-catalyzed alkyne trans-addition chemistry can be expanded beyond trans-hydrogenation and trans-hydrometalations. The ease with which iPr3SiC≡CX (X = H, Cl) add across internal alkynes in a highly selective trans-mode is remarkable and suggests that further extensions of this unorthodox reactivity paradigm might be possible.48 This aspect is subject to ongoing studies in this laboratory.

Acknowledgments

Generous financial support by the MPG is gratefully acknowledged. We thank the analytical departments of our Institute for excellent support, especially J. Rust and Prof. C. W. Lehmann for solving the X-ray structures, and J. Lingnau, P. Philipps, M. Kochius, and Dr. C. Farès for help with the configurational assignment of numerous samples by NMR.

Supporting Information Available

The Supporting Information is available free of charge at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.0c08582.

  • Experimental section including characterization data, NMR spectra of new compounds, and supporting X-ray crystallographic data (PDF)

  • X-ray crystallographic data for 9 (CIF)

  • X-ray crystallographic data for 21 (CIF)

  • X-ray crystallographic data for 38 (CIF)

  • X-ray crystallographic data for 39 (CIF)

  • X-ray crystallographic data for 43 (CIF)

The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Supplementary Material

ja0c08582_si_001.pdf (14.7MB, pdf)
ja0c08582_si_002.cif (976KB, cif)
ja0c08582_si_003.cif (1.2MB, cif)
ja0c08582_si_004.cif (1.5MB, cif)
ja0c08582_si_005.cif (1.7MB, cif)
ja0c08582_si_006.cif (1,011.6KB, cif)

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Supplementary Materials

ja0c08582_si_001.pdf (14.7MB, pdf)
ja0c08582_si_002.cif (976KB, cif)
ja0c08582_si_003.cif (1.2MB, cif)
ja0c08582_si_004.cif (1.5MB, cif)
ja0c08582_si_005.cif (1.7MB, cif)
ja0c08582_si_006.cif (1,011.6KB, cif)

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