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We present protocols for the isolation of stable heterocyclic carbenes. The synthesis of a cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene (CAAC) and an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) is demonstrated using filter cannulas and Schlenk technique. We furthermore present the synthesis of the related oxygen-sensitive, electron-rich mixed “Wanzlick dimer” and the reduced stable organic radical.
Protocols for the isolation of the commonly employed cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene (CAAC) and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) are reported. Furthermore, the synthesis of their mixed CAAC–NHC “Wanzlick” dimer and the synthesis of the related stable organic “olefin” radical are presented. The main goal of this manuscript is to give a detailed and general protocol for the synthetic chemist of any skill level on how to prepare free heterocyclic carbenes by deprotonation using filter cannulas. Due to the air-sensitivity of the synthesized compounds, all experiments are performed under inert atmosphere using either Schlenk technique or a dinitrogen filled glovebox. Controlling Wanzlick’s equilibrium (i.e., the dimerization of free carbenes), is a crucial requirement for the application of free carbenes in coordination chemistry or organic synthesis. Thus, we elaborate on the specific electronic and steric requirements favoring the formation of dimers, heterodimers, or monomers. We will show how proton catalysis allows for the formation of dimers, and how the electronic structure of carbenes and their dimers affects the reactivity with either moisture or air. The structural identity of the reported compounds is discussed based on their NMR spectra.
More than half a century ago, Wanzlick reported arguably the first attempts to synthesize N-heterocyclic carbenes1,2,3. However, instead of isolating the free carbenes, he succeeded only in characterizing their dimers. This observation prompted him to suggest an equilibrium between the olefin dimer and the respective free carbenes, which is now commonly referred to as “Wanzlick’s equilibrium” (Figure 1, I.)4,5,6. Later on, it w....
CAUTION: Carry out all syntheses in a well-ventilated fume hood. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including a lab coat and safety goggles.
NOTE: The starting materials were synthesized according to the literature: 1-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-1-ium tetrafluoroborate (1prot) (For the synthesis of CAACs, see:18,30,.......
Free carbenes react typically readily with water66. Hence, carefully dried glassware and solvents are required67. In the procedure described above, we used cannulas fitted with a glass micro fiber filter in order to separate air sensitive solutions from a precipitate under inert conditions. We used this technique for both the extraction of solids (i.e., the desired product is dissolved) as well as the washing of solid compounds (i.e., the de.......
Herein, we present a general and adaptable protocol for the synthesis of stable carbenes (NHC, CAAC) and their electron rich dimer. All steps can readily be upscaled to at least a 25 g scale. Crucial for a successful synthesis are the strict exclusions of moisture (air, respectively) for the synthesis of the carbenes, and of oxygen (air, respectively) for the electron rich olefin. The herein applied filtration cannula technique in combination with a Schlenk line is a very convenient method to separate solutions from.......
The authors thank the Fonds der Chemischen Industrie for a Liebig fellowship and the Hertha and Helmut Schmauser foundation for financial support. Support by K. Meyer is gratefully acknowledged.
....Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
Equipment | |||
Glass micro fiber filter, 691, 24 mm. Particle retention 1.6 mm | VWR | 516-0859 | |
magnetic stir bar | FengTecEx | various | |
PTFE tape | Sigma-Aldrich | Z148814-1PAK | PTFE tape used in this manuscript was obtained from a local supplier. Tape from Sigma Aldrich should show comparable performance. |
rubber septum | FengTecEx | RS112440 | Joint size: 24/29 |
rubber septum | FengTecEx | RS111420 | Joint size: 14/23 |
rubber septum | FengTecEx | RS111922 | Joint size: 19/26 |
schlenk flasks | FengTecEx | various | 100 mL |
steel cannula | FengtecEx | C702024 | Attachment of a steel joint by a machine shop not required, but facilitates preparation of filter cannula |
syringe cannula | FengtecEx | S380221 | |
Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
Reactants | |||
1-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-1-ium tetrafluoroborate | Synthesized according to: Jazzar, R., Dewhurst, R. D., Bourg, J. B., Donnadieu, B., Canac, Y., Bertrand, G. Intramolecular “Hydroiminiumation” of alkenes: Application to the synthesis of conjugate acids of cyclic alkyl amino carbenes (CAACs). Angewandte Chemie International Edition 46 (16), 2899-2902, (2007). | ||
1,3-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium iodide | Synthesized according to: Benac, B. L., Burgess, E. M., Arduengo, A. J. 1,3-Dimethylimidazole-2-Thione. Organic Synthesis 64, 92, (1986). | ||
potassium hexamethyldisilazide | Sigma-Aldrich | 324671-100G | CAS 40949-94-8 |
silver trifluoromethanesulfonate | Sigma-Aldrich | 85325-25G | CAS 2923-28-6 |
Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
Solvents | |||
acetonitrile-D3 | Deutero | 00202-10m | distilled from CaH2, stored over activated molecular sieves |
benzene-D6 | Deutero | 00303-100ml | dried over activated molecular sieves, stored over potassium |
diethylether | - | - | dried by two-column, solid-state purification system and degassed by three freeze-pump-thaw cycles, stored over activated molecular sieves |
hexanes | - | - | dried by two-column, solid-state purification system and degassed by three freeze-pump-thaw cycles, stored over activated molecular sieves |
tetrahydrofuran | - | - | dried by two-column, solid-state purification system and degassed by three freeze-pump-thaw cycles, stored over activated molecular sieves |
toluene | - | - | dried by two-column, solid-state purification system and degassed by three freeze-pump-thaw cycles, stored over activated molecular sieves |
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