A R T I C L E S
Jones et al.
Table 5. Calculated Free Valencies for Potential Intermediates in a Catalytic Cycle
LNiMe
L
)
ligand 23
Compound 29
Compound 30
population analysis
Ni
N2
N1
Ni
N2
N1
Ni
N2
N1
Lowdin free valencies
Mulliken free valencies
natural spin densities
from NBO Analysis
1.145
1.148
1.244
0.059
0.061
0.003
0.059
0.061
0.003
0.833
0.847
0.938
0.090
0.090
0.143
0.023
0.024
0.019
1.022
1.034
1.131
0.076
0.076
0.015
0.039
0.036
0.008
published procedures. Complexes 2a and 2b1a,b were synthesized
according to previously published procedures. The alkyl-alkyl cross-
coupling reactions in Table 4 were performed by previously published
procedures.1b
UV-Visible Measurements. Solutions of 2a, 2b, and Na(tpy)2 in
THF were prepared in a nitrogen glovebox and placed in quartz cuvettes
(1 cm path length) capped with a Teflon stopper and wrapped tightly
with Parafilm. The UV-visible spectra were collected using a HP
8452A diode array spectrophotometer using a spectral window of 190-
820 nm wavelengths.
Electronic Structure Calculations. Quantum calculations were
performed with the PQS 3.2 software.38 Initial geometries were
constructed using PCModel 8.539 and preoptimized via the MMX force
field. Both constrained and unconstrained geometry optimizations were
performed using the B3LYP exchange-correlation functional40 and the
m6-31G* basis set.41 Note that the most consistent definition of the
SOMO of a doublet state is the charge natural orbital whose occupation
number is close to 1, and this was used in this work. The occupation
number in the case of 2a was exactly 1.
EPR Measurements. Solutions of 2a in THF (10-2-10-3 M) were
prepared under nitrogen in a drybox, placed in quartz EPR tube (o.d.
) 4 mm, WILMAD), degassed before use by three freeze-pump-
thaw cycles, and the tube was sealed. EPR spectra were measured at
X-band (9 GHz) using a Bruker ESP 300 spectrometer equipped with
a Bruker ER035M gaussmeter and a HP 5352B microwave frequency
counter for g value determination.
new concept in cross-coupling chemistry and may provide some
insight into how stereo-convergence might be possible for the
asymmetric versions of this reaction using chiral ligands. We
speculate that alkyl halide reduction by the ligand leaves an
alkyl radical in close proximity to the metal center, where an
oxidative radical addition ensues to afford the nickel(III)-dialkyl
species 29. If L is therefore chiral, enantioselective addition of
the radical to nickel may take place. Fast reductive elimination
of cross-coupled alkane then occurs to release electrons from
the antibonding orbital of 29 leaving 30 as the final nickel-
containing product of a catalytic cycle. We have already shown
that indeed (tpy′)NiI is a viable catalyst for alkyl-alkyl Negishi
reactions.1b Detailed kinetic studies will be necessary to further
support this mechanism, and such studies are being initiated in
our labs. Elements of Scheme 3 may also fit a chain-like
mechanism, similar to what had been proposed by Kochi.27 With
regard to the electronic structures of the proposed intermediates,
we can say that spin-unrestricted DFT analyses of 29 and 30
predict that these compounds should be formulated as Ni(III)
and Ni(I) complexes, respectively (Table 5). The oxidation states
may also be dictated by the nature of the diimine ligand, as we
found that bidentate ligands, such as bathophenanthroline, have
much different electronic characteristics than the terpyridyl-
based counterparts (Table 5).
Synthesis of Na(tpy)2. In a nitrogen-filled glovebox, sodium metal
(32 mg, 1.41 mmol), which had been pressed, was stirred in 6 mL of
THF. A separate solution of tpy (655 mg, 2.81 mmol) in 14 mL of
THF was then added slowly via pipet. Within 10 min, the yellow
solution became dark green in color. After 1 h of stirring, the THF
was removed via high vacuum manifold. The solid was collected and
dried for an additional 2 h, yielding 492 mg (71%) of material. The
solid was used without further purification.
Synthesis of (TMEDA)Ni(CD3)2 (4): (TMEDA)Mg(CD3)2 was
prepared analogously to (TMEDA)Mg(CH3)242 with the substitution of
CD3I for CH3I. Compound 4 was then synthesized in 61% yield from
(TMEDA)Mg(CD3)2 and (TMEDA)Ni(acac)2 as previously reported for
the synthesis of (TMEDA)Ni(CH3)2.43 1H NMR (THF-d8, -40 °C): δ
2.28 (s, 12H), 2.13 (s, 4H). 2H NMR (THF-d8, -40 °C): δ -1.43 (s).
13C NMR (THF-d8, -40 °C): δ 59.3 (s), 46.6 (s), -12.7 (septet, 1JC-D
) 18.5 Hz).
Experimental Section
General Considerations. All manipulations were performed using
standard Schlenk techniques or in a nitrogen-filled drybox, unless
otherwise noted. Solvents were distilled from appropriate drying
reagents, such as Na/benzophenone or CaH2. All reagents were used
as received from commercial vendors. Pentylzinc bromide was pur-
chased from Rieke Metals, Inc. and used without further purification.
Elemental analyses were performed by Desert Analytics. 1H NMR
spectra were recorded at ambient temperature (unless otherwise noted)
on a Bruker Avance 300 MHz (75 MHz for 13C nuclei) spectrometer
and referenced to residual proton or carbon solvent peaks. A Rigaku
MSC Mercury/AFC8 diffractometer was used for X-ray structural
determinations. Ligands 7,28 9,29 10,30 11,28 12,31 13,32 14,32 15,21 16,33
19,36 20,34 21,33 22,35 and 2437 were synthesized according to previously
Isotopic Labeling Study for Scheme 2: To a vial cooled to -30
°C were added (TMEDA)Ni(CH3)2 (11 mg, 0.054 mmol) and (TMED-
A)Ni(CD3)2 (11 mg, 0.054 mmol) in THF-d8 (0.5 mL). This solution
was added to a precooled J. Young type NMR tube. To the NMR tube
was added a solution of tpy′ (43 mg, 0.11 mmol) in THF-d8 (0.5 mL),
and the Teflon cap to the NMR tube was immediately closed. The NMR
tube was shaken vigorously and allowed to warm to room temperature.
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13182 J. AM. CHEM. SOC. VOL. 128, NO. 40, 2006