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Herein we present a detailed experimental charge-density study for the low-temperature polymorph of antithyroid drug methimazole crystallized with two crystallographically independent molecules lacking conformational freedom. Quantum-topological analysis of experimental electron density allowed us to detect the distinctive differences in the electron distribution within their thiourea groups, arising primarily from crystal packing effects. Sulfur atom S(1a) features two separate regions of positive deformation density, whilst the other atom S(1b) is found to be more diffuse with positive density taking a toroidal form. In contrast to S(1a), the couple of the lone pairs of S(1b) derived by non-bonding charge concentrations takes a more significant turn relative to the molecular plane and proves to be distorted. We also report an ambiguous electronic structure of the heteroatoms, i.e. appearance of “false” Laplacian CPs (3, +3) or splitting of true ones, which is caused by neglecting or excessive use of Gra...

2,2,2-Trichloro-4-methoxy-1,3,2-benzodioxaphosphole reacts with arylacetylenes or 3-chloropropyne to give 2,7-dichloro-5-methoxy-4-aryl(haloalkyl)-1,2-benzoxaphosphinine 2-oxides. Hydrolysis of the latter leads to the opening of the oxaphosphinine ring and formation of (E)-2-(4-chloro-2- methoxy-6 hydroxyphenyl)ethenylphosphonic acid.

We report the synthesis and reactivity of RuII complexes with a new naphthyridinone-substituted phosphine ligand, 7-(diisopropylphosphinomethyl)-1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one (L-H), which contains two reactive sites that can potentially be deprotonated by a strong base: an NH proton of naphthyridinone and a methylene arm attached to the phosphine. In the absence of a base, the stable bis-ligated complex Ru(L-H)2Cl2 (1) containing two NH groups in the secondary coordination sphere is formed. Upon further reaction with a base, a doubly deprotonated, dimeric complex is obtained, [Ru2(L*-H)2(L)2] (2), in which two of the four ligands undergo deprotonation at the NH (L), while the other two ligands are deprotonated at the methylene groups (L*-H) as confirmed by an X-ray diffraction study; intramolecular hydrogen bonding is present between the NH group of one ligand and an O-atom of another ligand in the dimeric structure, which stabilizes the observed geometry of the complex. Complex 2 reacts with protic solvents such as water or methanol generating aqua Ru(L)2(OH2)2 (3) or methanol complexes Ru(L)2(MeOH)2 (4), respectively, both exhibiting intramolecular H-bonded patterns with surrounding ligands at least in the solid state. These complexes react with benzyl alcohols to give aldehydes via base-free acceptorless dehydrogenation.

Triboluminescent compounds that generate emission of light in response to mechanical stimulus are promising targets in the development of “smart materials” and damage sensors. Among triboluminescent metal complexes, rare-earth europium and terbium complexes are most widely used, while there is no systematic data on more readily available and inexpensive Cu complexes. We report a new family of photoluminescent Cu–NHC complexes that show bright triboluminescence (TL) in the crystal state visible in ambient indoor light under air. Moreover, when these complexes are blended into amorphous polymer films even at small concentrations, TL is easily observed. Observation of TL in polymer films overcomes the limitation of using crystals and opens up possibilities for the development of mechanoresponsive coatings and materials based on inexpensive metals such as Cu. Our results may also have implications for the understanding of the TL effect's origin in polymer films.

Intricate behavior of one-electron potentials from the Euler equation for electron density and corresponding gradient force fields in crystals was studied. Bosonic and fermionic quantum potentials were utilized in bonding analysis as descriptors of the localization of electrons and electron pairs. Channels of locally enhanced kinetic potential and the corresponding saddle Lagrange points were found between chemically bonded atoms linked by the bond paths. Superposition of electrostatic φ_es (r) and kinetic φ_k (r) potentials and electron density ρ(r) allowed partitioning any molecules and crystals into atomic ρ- and potential-based φ-basins; the φ_k-basins explicitly account for electron exchange effect, which is missed for φ_es-ones. Phenomena of interatomic charge transfer and related electron exchange were explained in terms of space gaps between ρ- and φ-zero-flux surfaces. The gap between φ_es- and ρ-basins represents the charge transfer, while the gap between φ_k- and ρ-basins is proposed to be a real-space manifestation of sharing the transferred electrons. The position of φ_k-boundary between φ_es- and ρ-ones within an electron occupier atom determines the extent of electron sharing. The stronger an H‧‧‧O hydrogen bond is, the deeper hydrogen atom’s φ_k-basin penetrates oxygen atom’s ρ-basin. For covalent bonds, a φ_k-boundary closely approaches a φ_es-one indicating almost complete sharing the transferred electrons, while for ionic bonds, the same region corresponds to electron pairing within the ρ-basin of an electron occupier atom.

We synthesized two 4Me-PNP ligands which block metal-ligand cooperation (MLC) with the Ru center and compared their Ru complex chemistry to their two traditional analogues used in acceptorless alcohol dehydrogenation catalysis. The corresponding 4Me-PNP complexes, which do not undergo dearomatization upon addition of base, allowed us to obtain rare, albeit unstable, 16 electron mono CO Ru(0) complexes. Reactivity with CO and H2 allows for stabilization and extensive characterization of bis CO Ru(0) 18 electron and Ru(II) cis and trans dihydride species that were also shown to be capable of C(sp2)-H activation. Reactivity and catalysis are contrasted to non-methylated Ru(II) species, showing that an MLC pathway is not necessary, with dramatic differences in outcomes during catalysis between iPr and tBu PNP complexes within each of the 4Me and non-methylated backbone PNP series being observed. Unusual intermediates are characterized in one of the new and one of the traditional complexes, and a common catalysis deactivation pathway was identified.

Triboluminescent compounds that generate emission of light in response to mechanical stimulus are promising targets in the development of “smart materials” and damage sensors. Among triboluminescent metal complexes, rare-earth europium and terbium complexes are most widely used, while there is no systematic data on more readily available and inexpensive Cu complexes. We report a new family of photoluminescent Cu–NHC complexes that show bright triboluminescence (TL) in the crystal state visible in ambient indoor light under air. Moreover, when these complexes are blended into amorphous polymer films even at small concentrations, TL is easily observed. Observation of TL in polymer films overcomes the limitation of using crystals and opens up possibilities for the development of mechanoresponsive coatings and materials based on inexpensive metals such as Cu. Our results may also have implications for the understanding of the TL effect's origin in polymer films., Triboluminescent compounds that generate emission of light in response to mechanical stimulus are promising targets in the development of “smart materials” and damage sensors.

The reaction of the R-pulegone with P–H-phosphonium salts gives the corresponding 8-phosphonio-p-menthan-3-one salts with high regio- and stereoselectivity. The structure of salts was determined by NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis.

The title complexes were prepared, and their redox and catalytic properties in hydrogen evolution reaction were examined. The catalytic current increases in the presence of a proton source near the potential of the nickel(I/0) couple for a mixture of nickel(II) complexes with different ligands. Moreover, the catalytic activity of mixed-ligand complexes in the hydrogen evolution reaction was higher than that of a bis-chelated diphosphine nickel(II) complex.

We report the reactivity and characterization of hydride, methyl, and bromo Ni-II complexes with a new class of electron-rich and sterically hindered PNP pincer ligands, Me₄PNPR (R = Pr-i, Bu-t), in which a classical metal-ligand cooperative mode of reactivity via CH2 arm deprotonation is blocked by methylation. This enables new, uncommon modes of PNP ligand dearomatization that involve reactivity in the para position of the pyridine ring. In particular, the reduction of [(Me₄PNPiPr) (NiMe)-Me-II]B(Ar-F)(4) with KC₈ leads to the formation of a new C-C bond via dimerization of two complexes through the para position. This reactivity stands in sharp contrast to the previously reported bromo or chloro complexes, where stable Ni-I halogen moieties are formed. Computational analysis showed a greater propensity for ligand-centered radical formation for the presumed intermediate one-electron-reduced species. UV-induced homolysis of the Ni-II-Me bond in [(Me₄PNPiPr) (NiMe)-Me-II]B(Ar-F)(4) leads to the formation of a Me radical detected by radical traps and Ni(I )intermediates that can be trapped in the presence of halide ions to give previously characterized, stable Ni-I halogen complexes. In addition, treatment of the bromo complexes [(Me₄PNPR)(NiBr)-Br-II]BPh₄ with a powerful hydride source, LiBEt₃H, leads to the reduction of the pyridine ring and the formation of Ni-II complexes with an anionic amide donor reduced pincer ligand, although aromatic Ni-II hydride complexes could also be obtained with a weaker hydride source. We have observed that steric bulk at the phosphine donors controls the reactivity of the resulting Ni(II)H( )complexes. While t-Bu-substituted [(Me₄PNPtBu) (NiH)-H-II]Y(Y=BPh₄, B(Ar-F)(4)) does not react with O-2, the less sterically hindered Pr-i-substituted [(Me₄PNPiPr)(NiH)-H-II]Y reacts instantaneously to give an unstable superoxide adduct that can be observed by EPR.

C–X bond reductive elimination and oxidative addition are key steps in many catalytic cycles for C–H functionalization catalyzed by precious metals; however, engaging first row transition metals in these overall 2e– processes remains a challenge. Although high-valent Mn aryl species have been implicated in Mn-catalyzed C–H functionalization, the nature and reactivity of such species remain unelucidated. In this work, we report rare examples of stable, cyclometalated monoaryl MnIII complexes obtained through clean oxidative addition of Ar–Br to MnI(CO)5Br. These isolated MnIII–Ar complexes undergo unprecedented 2e– reductive elimination of the Ar–X (X = Br, I, and CN) bond and MnII induced by 1e– oxidation, presumably via transient reactive MnIV species. Mechanistic studies suggest a nonradical pathway.

Copper or silver-catalyzed direct C(sp2)–H/N–H electrochemical cross-coupling of phthalimide and heterocyclic arenes (2-phenylpyridine, benzo[h]quinoline, benzoxazole, and benzothiazole, etc.) for ...

A series of novel charged disilver(I) complexes with pyridyl-containing phospholanes was synthesized. These complexes were characterized using a range of spectroscopic techniques and single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. The complexes demonstrate solid-state near-infrared (NIR) luminescence (765-902 nm) that is unique for dinuclear AgI complexes. Combined spectroscopic/quantum chemical analysis suggests that the NIR luminescence of complexes 4-6 in the solid state is mainly due to crystal packing effects.

The applicability of [2-(2-nitrophenyl)oxiran-1-yl](aryl(methyl))ketones in the synthesis of 3-hydroxyquinolin-4-ones and 2-arylquinolines was studied.

Tertiary phosphines (n-Bu3P, Ph3P) efficiently catalyze the vicinal bis-addition of dialkyl phosphites and diaryl phosphine oxides to alkynoates though the tandem α-umpolung/β-Michael addition. This reaction offers a simple metal-free method for gram-scale preparation of practically useful bisphosphonates and bisphosphine oxides under mild conditions with high atom economy and selectivity.

Utilization of hydroxy‐substituted bipyridine ligands in transition metal catalysis mimicking [Fe]‐hydrogenase has been shown to be a promising approach in developing new catalysts for hydrogenation. For example, MnI complexes with 6,6′‐dihydroxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine ligand have been previously shown to be active catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation. In this work, simple bipyridine‐based Mn catalysts were developed that act as active catalysts for transfer hydrogenation of ketones, aldehydes and imines. For the first time, Mn‐catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of N ‐heterocycles was reported. The highest catalytic activity among complexes with variously substituted ligands was observed for the complex bearing two OH groups in bipyridine. Deuterium labeling experiments suggest a monohydride pathway.

The electronic and steric properties of a new class of electron-rich and sterically hindered tertamethylated PNP pincer ligands (Me4PNPR = 2,6-bisRdialkylphosphino)propylipyridine with R = Pr-i, Bu-t) are discussed. Introducing the methyl groups on the pincer arm prevents dearomatization of the pincer framework and increases the bulkiness and electron-donating capacity of the ligand. Highly reactive Ni-I species are thus prevented from dimerizing and can be analyzed by a wide variety of spectroscopic methods. X-ray diffraction study shows that steric bulk has an important influence on the resulting geometric and spectroscopic properties of the Ni-I complexes. Complexes S and 6, which contain Pr-i groups on the phosphorus atoms, show a very rare seesaw geometry around the metal center, while Bu-t complexes 7 and 8 show a distorted square-planar geometry. Computational analysis reveals that the SOMO for all complexes has a d(x)(-y)(2)(2) character with the spin density mostly residing on the nickel.

Single and double dearomatization of pyridine rings was observed in Mn(I) complexes with an N2S2 pyridinophane ligand via deprotonation of one or two CH2 arms, respectively. In contrast to other N,S-donor pincer-like systems, the dearomatized (N2S2)Mn species were found to be stable, with the dearomatization being reversible.

In this study, we report a counterintuitive carbonyl–carbonyl interaction explored for crystalline (2RS,3RS)-1-aryl-2-bromo-3-hydroxy-3-(2-nitrophenyl)-propan-1-ones. The mentioned β-hydroxyketones display an ability to form dimensionally different crystal formative motifs ranging from 1D to 3D. Despite the structural differences, primarily in intermolecular interactions, all the studied compounds are arranged by the same bicyclic hydrogen-bonded twelve-membered supramolecular synthon R22(12), with the essential feature being an attractive interaction between two oxygen atoms of the head-to-head-arranged carbonyl groups CO⋯OC. This unusual interaction along with all the other interactions that are present in the crystal structures, for instance, H-bonds and hydrogen–hydrogen and carbonyl–halogen contacts, were investigated by means of quantum-topological analysis of the calculated electron density.

Due to the chiral uniformity of proteins and carbohydrates, the basic building blocks of living matter, the mirror symmetry characteristics of drugs are of exceptional importance for medicinal chemistry. In this work, we present a new synthesis of the mono-enantiomeric chiral drug prenalterol 1 based on the symmetry-breaking phenomenon, namely, the spontaneous resolution of 4-hydroxyphenyl glycerol ether 2. The single crystal X-ray diffraction method was used to investigate both rac- and (S)-1 as well as (R)-2. A feature of the main crystal-forming supramolecular motif (SMM) for diol 2 is the participation of three different molecules representing different types of hydroxyl groups in the formation of its repeating unit. The type of prenalterol SMM, as in the case of the related drugs propranolol 3 and pindolol 4, appears to be a chirality driven property, and is dictated by the enantiomeric composition of the crystals. In single-enantiomeric forms, infinite one-dimensional chains are realized, organized around helical axes, while in racemates, zero-dimensional cycles are realized, organized around inversion symmetry elements. The results obtained again demonstrate the influence of the chiral polarization of a substance not only on the general (selection of a space group), but also on particular characteristics of matter crystal organization, namely selection of a specific SMM.

The row of metallocyclic dinuclear gold(I) complexes with cyclic diphosphines, namely, P-pyridylethyl-substituted 1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctanes, has been obtained. Further interaction of the dinuclear gold(I) complexes with copper(I) iodide gave the first examples of hexanuclear Au

A detailed analysis of a complete set of the local potentials that appear in the Euler equation for electron density is carried out for noncovalent interactions in the uracil derivative using experimental X-ray charge density. The interplay between the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and crystals and the local potentials and corresponding inner-crystal electronic forces of electrostatic and kinetic origin is explored. Novel physically grounded bonding descriptors derived within the orbital-free quantum crystallography provided the detailed examination of pi-stacking and intricate C=O...pi interactions and nonclassical hydrogen bonds. The donor-acceptor character of these interactions is revealed by analysis of Pauli and von Weizsäcker potentials together with more well-known functions. Partitioning of crystal space into atomic-like potential basins led us to the definite description of the charge transfer. In this way, our analysis throws light on aspects of these closed-shell interactions hitherto hidden from the description.

A detailed analysis of a complete set of the local potentials that appear in the Euler equation for electron density is carried out for noncovalent interactions in the uracil derivative using experimental X-ray charge density. The interplay between the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and crystals and the local potentials and corresponding inner-crystal electronic forces of electrostatic and kinetic origin is explored. Novel physically grounded bonding descriptors derived within the orbital-free quantum crystallography provided the detailed examination of pi-stacking and intricate C=O...pi interactions and nonclassical hydrogen bonds. The donor-acceptor character of these interactions is revealed by analysis of Pauli and von Weizsäcker potentials together with more well-known functions. Partitioning of crystal space into atomic-like potential basins led us to the definite description of the charge transfer. In this way, our analysis throws light on aspects of these closed-shell interactions hitherto hidden from the description.

We report the synthesis and reactivity of RuII complexes with a new naphthyridinone-substituted phosphine ligand, 7-(diisopropylphosphinomethyl)-1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one (L-H), which contains two reactive sites that can potentially be deprotonated by a strong base: an NH proton of naphthyridinone and a methylene arm attached to the phosphine. In the absence of a base, the stable bis-ligated complex Ru(L-H)2Cl2 (1) containing two NH groups in the secondary coordination sphere is formed. Upon further reaction with a base, a doubly deprotonated, dimeric complex is obtained, [Ru2(L*-H)2(L)2] (2), in which two of the four ligands undergo deprotonation at the NH (L), while the other two ligands are deprotonated at the methylene groups (L*-H) as confirmed by an X-ray diffraction study; intramolecular hydrogen bonding is present between the NH group of one ligand and an O-atom of another ligand in the dimeric structure, which stabilizes the observed geometry of the complex. Complex 2 reacts with protic solvents such as water or methanol generating aqua Ru(L)2(OH2)2 (3) or methanol complexes Ru(L)2(MeOH)2 (4), respectively, both exhibiting intramolecular H-bonded patterns with surrounding ligands at least in the solid state. These complexes react with benzyl alcohols to give aldehydes via base-free acceptorless dehydrogenation.

Triboluminescent compounds that generate emission of light in response to mechanical stimulus are promising targets in the development of “smart materials” and damage sensors. Among triboluminescent metal complexes, rare-earth europium and terbium complexes are most widely used, while there is no systematic data on more readily available and inexpensive Cu complexes. We report a new family of photoluminescent Cu-NHC complexes that show bright triboluminescence (TL) in the crystal state visible in ambient indoor light under air. Moreover, when these complexes are blended into amorphous polymer films even at small concentrations, TL is easily observed. Observation of TL in polymer films overcomes the limitation of using crystals and opens up possibilities for the development of mechanoresponsive coatings and materials based on inexpensive metals such as Cu. Our results may also have implications for the understanding of the TL effect’s origin in polymer films.

Cooperation between two different metals plays a crucial role in many synergistic catalytic reactions, such as the Sonogashira C-C cross-coupling reaction, where an interaction between the Pd and Cu centers is proposed in the transmetalation step. Although several heterobimetallic Pd/Cu complexes were proposed as structural models of the active species in Sonogashira coupling, the detailed understanding of the metal-metal cooperation in transmetalation is still lacking in current systems. In this work, we report a stepwise and systematic approach to building heteromultimetallic Pd/Cu assemblies as a tool to study metal-metal cooperativity. We obtained fully characterized Pd/Cu multimetallic assemblies that show reactivity in alkyne activation, formation of catalytically relevant aryl/acetylide species, and C-C elimination, serving as functional models for Sonogashira reaction intermediates. The combined experimental and DFT studies highlight the importance of ligand-controlled coordination geometry, metal-metal distances and dynamics of the multimetallic assembly for transmetalation step.

2,2,2-Tribromo-4,6-di-tert-butylbenzo-1,3,2λ5-dioxaphospholedioxaphosphole reacted with a terminal alkyne, pent-1-yne, to give a mixture of two isomeric 1,2-benzoxaphosphinine derivatives, 6,8- and 5,7-di-tert-butyl-2-bromo-4-propylbenzo-1,2λ5-oxaphosphinin-2-oxides, at a ratio of 5.9: 1. The regioselectivity of substitution of oxygen in the dioxaphosphole fragment by carbon differs from that observed previously in the reaction with 4,6-di-tert-butyl-2,2,2-trichlorobenzo-1,3,2λ5-dioxaphosphole: the minor isomer was formed as a result of substitution of the oxygen atom in the ortho position with respect to one tert-butyl group of the initial phosphole.

This paper elucidates the redox properties and reactivity of a number of cyclometalated nickel(II) complexes in oxidation processes. Original and robust procedures for the synthesis of nickelacycles with two cyclometalated moieties and halogenated nickelacycles were developed. The complexes were studied by means of electrochemical, ESR, DFT, and single-crystal XRD methods. Notable features of the nickelacycles are unusually low oxidation potentials. Upon electrochemical oxidation the complexes produce carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom coupled products, the ratio of which can be tuned by the conditions applied.

Cooperation between two different metals plays a crucial role in many synergistic catalytic reactions such as the Sonogashira C-C cross-coupling reaction, where an interaction between the organometallic Pd and Cu centers is proposed in the transmetalation step. Although several heterobimetallic Pd/Cu complexes were proposed as structural models of the active species in Sonogashira coupling, the detailed understanding of the metal-metal cooperation in both transmetalation and C-C elimination steps is still lacking in current systems. In this work, we report a stepwise and systematic approach to building heteromultimetallic Pd/Cu assemblies as a tool to study metal-metal cooperativity in catalysis. We obtained fully characterized Pd/Cu multimetallic assemblies that show reactivity in alkyne activation, formation of catalytically relevant aryl/acetylide species, and C-C elimination, serving as functional models for Sonogashira reaction intermediates. The combined experimental and DFT studies highlight the importance of ligand-controlled coordination geometry, metal-metal distances and dynamics of the multimetallic assembly for transmetalation step. The phosphine ligand was shown to promote facile C-C elimination explained through NMR and DFT studies.

We report a one-step, Ru(II)-catalyzed cyclopropanation reaction that is conceptually different from the previously reported protocols that include Corey–Chaykovsky, Simmons–Smith, and metal-catalyzed carbene attack on olefins. Under the current protocol, various alcohols and esters are transformed into sulfone substituted cyclopropanes with excellent isolated yields and diastereoselectivities. This new reaction forms highly congested cyclopropane products with three new C–C bonds, three or two new chiral centers and one new quaternary carbon center. Twenty-two examples of isolated substrates are given. Previously reported synthetic routes for similar substrates are all multistep, linear routes that proceed with overall low yields and poor control of stereochemistry. Commercially available Ru(II) dehydrogenation catalysts, that were recently developed for the dehydrogenative synthesis of esters and amides from alcohol and amine substrates, were used in the reaction, with the best catalyst showing excellen...

A series of new N,O-hybrid ligands was synthesized by oxidation of pyridyl-substituted phospholanes. These ligands were employed in the first synthesis of water-soluble mononuclear nickel(II) complexes [NiL2(H2O)2](BF4)2 and [NiL2(MeCN)2](BF4)2. Physicochemical properties and crystalline structures of the synthesized compounds were thoroughly studied.

When studying the crystallization in a monotonously varying series of chiral glycerol ethers para-Alk-C6H4-OCH2CH(OH)CH2OH [Alk = Me (1), Et (2), n-Pr (3), and n-Bu (4)] it was established that all except one member form stable crystalline homo- or heterochiral α-phase, depending on the enantiomeric composition (racemic or close to enantiopure) of the feed medium. Propyl derivative 3 falls out of the series and invariably forms stable homochiral crystals. Regardless of the enantiomeric composition, the last two members of the set can form a stable (4) or metastable (3) liquid-crystalline β-phase. For the entire set, regardless of enantiomeric composition, the formation of metastable γ-phase was registered in supercooled melts; according to a number of evidence, the phase is close to an ideal solid solution of enantiomers. It is shown by X-ray diffraction analysis that in crystals of 1–4 samples with high enantiomeric purity, as well as in racemic 3 and 4 samples, a common homochiral guaifenesin-like supra...

The titled compound 7 demonstrates unusual “doubly enantiophobic” behavior during crystallization. Namely, the mentioned substance forms two polymorphic modifications 7a and 7b that appear to be racemic conglomerates in the space groups P21 and P65 (or P61), respectively. Both 7a and 7b are thermodynamically stable at certain temperature ranges. Hence, γ-lactam 7 is prone to spontaneous resolution of the racemate into the enantiomers in two different ways, which is an exceptional phenomenon. Phase behavior and structure of the crystalline modifications of 7 were investigated by means of single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, temperature-resolved vibration spectroscopy, and hot-stage microscopy.

The reaction of 2-(1-phenylvinyloxy)benzo-1,3,2-dioxaphosphole with hexafluoroacetone, ethyltrifluoropyruvate and chloral leads to the formation of cage phosphoranes possessing the 1-phospha-2,6,8-trioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane framework whose structure was established by the XRD method and NMR spectroscopy. The process involves dihetero-Diels–Alder and Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions and is accompanied by the simultaneous formation of the P–C and C–C bonds. Despite the generation of three chiral carbon atoms, the stereoselectivity of the process exceeds 96%. Hydrolysis leads to the formation of functionalized aldols and phosphonates.

Catalytic (ZnCl2, Et3N) phosphorylation of tert-butylacetylacetone with 2-chloro-1,3,2-benzodioxaphosphole unexpectedly occurs with elimination of proton from the methyl group and leads to vinyloxyphosphole derivative, viz., 4-(1,3,2-benzodioxaphosphol-2-yloxy)-3-tert-butylpent-4-en-2-one. Its reaction with hexafluoroacetone gives a cage phosphorane as a result of subsequent chemoselective [4 + 2]- and [3 + 2]-cycloadditions with stereoselectivity above 95%.

A mild approach to the synthesis of the title cage aminophosphonate has been developed based on the intramolecular cyclization of 2-(2-benzylideneaminoethoxy)-1-phenylbenzo[e]-1,3,2-azaoxaphosphorin-4-one obtained from 1-phenyl-2-chlorobenzo[e]-1,3,2-azaoxaphosphorin-4-one and (2-benzylideneaminoethoxy)trimethylsilane. The structure of isolated diastereomers of the product was determined by NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

Developing new, efficient catalysts that contain Earth-abundant metals and simple, robust ligands for CO2 hydrogenation is important to create cost-effective processes of CO2 utilization. Inspired by nature, which utilizes an ortho-OH-substituted pyridine motif in Fe-containing hydrogenases, we developed a Mn complex with a simple N-donor ligand, 6,6′-dihydroxy-2,2′-bipyridine, that acts as an efficient catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation. Turnover numbers of 6250 for hydrogenation of CO2 to formate in the presence of DBU were achieved. Moreover, hydrogenation of CO2 to formamide was achieved in the presence of a secondary amine.