Cyclopentadienone Iron Complex-Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Ketones

An Operando Spectrometric Study Using PressurizedSample-Infusion Electrospray-Ionization Mass-Spectrometry


Loading...

Date

2022-08-22

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

Altmetric

Data

Abstract

The sulfonate charge-tagged cyclopentadienone iron complexes [FeR(MeCN)(CO)2-SO3]Na (R = TMS, tBu) were prepared and used for mechanistic investigations using Pressurized-Sample-Infusion Electrospray-Ionization Mass Spectrometry (PSI-ESI-MS) in the hydrogenation of acetophenone. Reactions were conducted in mixed aqueous/alcoholic solvent. Based on kinetic and mass spectrometric experiments, information about the operating reaction mechanism was obtained. Furthermore, analysis of the kinetic profiles and mass spectra indicated catalyst decomposition. By analysis of the mass spectrometric results, the decomposition cascade was found to start by solvolysis of the TMS groups flanking the carbonyl group in the cyclopentadienone ligand of the catalyst. Subsequent dimerization, comproportionation to form Fe(I) radical species and formation of catalytically inactive iron tricarbonyl species was observed, limiting the catalyst life time. Replacement of the TMS groups by non-hydrolysable tert-butyl groups leads to a significant increase in observed turnover frequency (TOF) and catalyst longevity. The turnover number (TON), determined to be approximately 65 under standardized reaction conditions, could be increased to > 1000 by the mechanism-guided structural change in the catalyst. No compounds corresponding to Fe(I) species or dimerization products could be identified in this case. The present study suggests that for hydrogenations with cyclopentadienone iron complexes, the use of alkyl groups flanking the C=O double bond in the ligand is beneficial over the use of silyl groups when conducted in aqueous media.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

41 (16)

Pages / Article No.

2349 - 2364

Publisher

American Chemical Society

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

Catalysts; Crystal structure; Hydrogenation; IRON COMPLEXES (COMPLEX CHEMISTRY); SOLVENTS (CHEMISTRY)

Organisational unit

03425 - Chen, Peter (emeritus) / Chen, Peter (emeritus) check_circle

Notes

Funding

180544 - NCCR Catalysis (phase I) (SNF)

Related publications and datasets