Work

Selective Arene Cleavage by Direct Insertion of Iridium into the Aromatic Ring

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: We report an unprecedented selective cleavage of aromatic C-C bonds through the insertion of well-defined iridium complexes into the aromatic ring of simple alkylarenes. The insertion occurs at 50-100 °C without the activation of weaker C-H and C-C bonds and gives unique metallacycles in high yields. Key to the success of this approach is metal-induced deformation of the arene ring, which creates temporary ring strain and promotes direct and selective insertion of the metal into the otherwise inert arene ring C-C bonds.

Source: Angewandte Chemie International Edition

DOI: 10.1002/anie.201611409

Authors: Martin Jakoobi, Nathan Halcovitch, George F. S. Whitehead, Alexey G. Sergeev

Institutions: University of Liverpool, Lancaster University

Language: English

Topic: Organometallic Complex Synthesis and Catalysis

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Royal Society, University of Liverpool, Swansea University, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Award: Core Capability for Chemistry Research at the University of Liverpool