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Cover Feature: Breslow Intermediates (Amino Enols) and Their Keto Tautomers: First Gas-Phase Characterization by IR Ion Spectroscopy (Chem. Eur. J. 8/2021) Keywords: Breslow intermediate; density functional calculations; IR spectroscopy; mass spectrometry; umpolung EN Breslow intermediate density functional calculations IR spectroscopy mass spectrometry umpolung 2552 2552 1 02/08/21 20210205 NES 210205 B Breslow Intermediates b are of pivotal importance for chemical and biological Umpolung reactions catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). The enol-ketone tautomerism of a number of NHC-aldehyde combinations, crucial for their chemical reactivity, have been determined in the gas-phase and interpreted by DFT calculations. [Extracted from the article]

The digital revolution sets a milestone in the progressive miniaturization of working devices and in the underlying advent of molecular machines. Foldamers involving mechanically entangled components with modular secondary structures are among the most promising designs for molecular switch‐based applications. Characterizing the nature and dynamics of their intramolecular network following the application of a stimulus is the key to their performance. Here, we use non‐dissociative electron transfer as a reductive stimulus in the gas phase and probe the consecutive co‐conformational transitions of a donor‐acceptor oligorotaxane foldamer using electrospray mass spectrometry interfaced with ion mobility and infrared ion spectroscopy. A comparison of collision cross section distributions for analogous closed‐shell and radical molecular ions sheds light on their respective formation energetics, while variations in their respective infrared absorption bands evidence changes in intramolecular organization as the foldamer becomes more compact. These differences are compatible with the advent of radical‐pairing interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital revolution sets a milestone in the progressive miniaturization of working devices and in the underlying advent of molecular machines. Foldamers involving mechanically entangled components with modular secondary structures are among the most promising designs for molecular switch‐based applications. Characterizing the nature and dynamics of their intramolecular network following the application of a stimulus is the key to their performance. Here, we use non‐dissociative electron transfer as a reductive stimulus in the gas phase and probe the consecutive co‐conformational transitions of a donor‐acceptor oligorotaxane foldamer using electrospray mass spectrometry interfaced with ion mobility and infrared ion spectroscopy. A comparison of collision cross section distributions for analogous closed‐shell and radical molecular ions sheds light on their respective formation energetics, while variations in their respective infrared absorption bands evidence changes in intramolecular organization as the foldamer becomes more compact. These differences are compatible with the advent of radical‐pairing interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breslow intermediates (BIs) are the crucial nucleophilic amino enol intermediates formed from electrophilic aldehydes in the course of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed umpolung reactions. Both in organocatalytic and enzymatic umpolung, the question whether the Breslow intermediate exists as the nucleophilic enol or in the form of its electrophilic keto tautomer is of utmost importance for its reactivity and function. Herein, the preparation of charge‐tagged Breslow intermediates/keto tautomers derived from three different types of NHCs (imidazolidin‐2‐ylidenes, 1,2,4‐triazolin‐5‐ylidenes, thiazolin‐2‐ylidenes) and aldehydes is reported. An ammonium charge tag is introduced through the aldehyde unit or the NHC. ESI‐MS IR ion spectroscopy allowed the unambiguous conclusion that in the gas phase, the imidazolidin‐2‐ylidene‐derived BI indeed exists as a diamino enol, while both 1,2,4‐triazolin‐5‐ylidenes and thiazolin‐2‐ylidenes give the keto tautomer. This result coincides with the tautomeric states observed for the BIs in solution (NMR) and in the crystalline state (XRD), and is in line with our earlier calculations on the energetics of BI keto–enol equilibria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Methods for isomer discrimination by mass spectroscopy are of increasing interest. Here we describe the development of a three‐dimensional ion trap for infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy that enables the acquisition of the infrared spectrum of selected ions in the gas phase. This system is suitable for the study of a myriad of chemical systems, including isomer mixtures. Methods: A modified three‐dimensional ion trap was coupled to a CO2 laser and an optical parametric oscillator/optical parametric amplifier (OPO/OPA) system operating in the range 2300 to 4000 cm−1. Density functional theory vibrational frequency calculations were carried out to support spectral assignments. Results: Detailed descriptions of the interface between the laser and the mass spectrometer, the hardware to control the laser systems, the automated system for IRMPD spectrum acquisition and data management are presented. The optimization of the crystal position of the OPO/OPA system to maximize the spectroscopic response under low‐power laser radiation is also discussed. Conclusions: OPO/OPA and CO2 laser‐assisted dissociation of gas‐phase ions was successfully achieved. The system was validated by acquiring the IRMPD spectra of model species and comparing with literature data. Two isomeric alkaloids of high economic importance were characterized to demonstrate the potential of this technique, which is now available as an open IRMPD spectroscopy facility in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Understanding dynamic interplay b between the molecular and ionic forms of metal/N-heterocyclic carbene (M/NHC) complexes is the key to develop efficient catalysts with N-heterocyclic carbene ligands. B Understanding dynamic interplay b between the molecular and ionic forms of metal/N-heterocyclic carbene (M/NHC) complexes is the key to develop efficient catalysts with N-heterocyclic carbene ligands. Carbene ligands, dynamic catalysis, electrospray ionization, mass spectrometry, Mizoroki-Heck reaction. [Extracted from the article]

N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands are ubiquitously utilized in catalysis. A common catalyst design model assumes strong M–NHC binding in this metal–ligand framework. In contrast to this common assumption, we demonstrate here that lability and controlled cleavage of the M−NHC bond (rather than its stabilization) could be more important for high‐performance catalysis at low catalyst concentrations. The present study reveals a dynamic stabilization mechanism with labile metal–NHC binding and [PdX3]−[NHC‐R]+ ion pair formation. Access to reactive anionic palladium intermediates formed by dissociation of the NHC ligands and plausible stabilization of the molecular catalyst in solution by interaction with the [NHC‐R]+ azolium ion is of particular importance for an efficient and recyclable catalyst. These ionic Pd/NHC complexes allowed for the first time the recycling of the complex in a well‐defined form with isolation at each cycle. Computational investigation of the reaction mechanism confirms a facile formation of NHC‐free anionic Pd in polar media through either Ph–NHC coupling or reversible H–NHC coupling. The present study formulates novel ideas for M/NHC catalyst design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]