| Popis: |
Transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions and related processes are among the most important transformations for the construction of organic compounds. While a number of advances have been made in terms of the scope of accessible products, significant challenges remain with regards to the sustainability of these processes, especially in palladium catalysis. This work proposes the design, synthesis and application of benzimidazolyl-metal complexes as a novel template in bifunctional catalysis, where a Lewis basic and nucleophilic N-functionality in the ligand assists the attached metal center during the transformations. For cross-coupling reactions, this Lewis basic N-functionality serves to accelerate (trans)metalation steps in the mechanism, leading to particularly high activity (30 ppm catalyst loading) and enabling the development of highly sustainable versions of these valuable transformations. Our preliminary data supports the viability of such an approach and demonstrates its utility in the field of reaction development and catalysis. Considering the structural simplicity and modular character of the proposed (benz)imidazolyl-metal template, it is our expectation that this work will (1) significantly contribute to the advancement of knowledge in bifunctional catalysis in general and (2) be amenable to educate the community and future generations of chemists via online platforms and short-term internships. |
